TL;DR
Google pledged $340 million in advertising credits for small and medium-sized businesses as part of its $800 million COVID-19 relief package. If you’ve had an active Google Ads account since January 1, 2019, you’ll automatically receive ad credits to use through the end of the year. These credits can help you stay connected with customers, test new campaigns, and keep your business visible during an uncertain time.
What Google Is Offering
Google is allocating $340 million in digital advertising credits to small and mid-sized businesses around the world, a segment that makes up 90% of all businesses and over half of global employment, according to the World Bank.
Here’s how Google put it:
“Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our communities… Through ad credits, we hope to alleviate some of the cost to stay in touch with their customers.”
This initiative is part of an $800 million global relief package designed to help businesses navigate the financial impact of COVID-19.
Who Qualifies for Google Ads Credits, and When
Businesses that:
- Have had an active Google Ads account since January 1, 2019, and
Have complied with Google Ads’ terms and conditions
…will automatically receive a notification once the credits are applied. Google hasn’t shared an exact date, but credits will appear “in the coming months” and remain valid through December 31, 2020.
How the Credits Can Be Used
Your credits can be applied to any Google Ads platform or campaign type, including:
- Search Ads: Text-based ads that appear in search results when users look for your products or services, perfect for reaching ready-to-buy customers.
- Display Ads: Visual banners across Google’s network of 2+ million websites, videos, and apps. These can help you retarget visitors who didn’t convert the first time.
YouTube Ads: Video campaigns that run before or during videos on YouTube, ideal for boosting brand awareness and engagement.
Why This Matters
During the COVID-19 crisis, many small businesses faced closures, reduced revenue, and uncertainty. Physical interactions were limited, but digital connections weren’t.
That’s why investing in online visibility mattered more than ever. Google’s ad credits gave business owners a low-risk way to stay visible, test digital strategies, and reach customers where they were spending most of their time: online.
Even beyond the pandemic, this mindset still applies. Businesses that adapt, test, and stay visible thrive, even when the market shifts.
How to Get Started
If your account qualifies, this is your chance to make those ad credits count. A well-planned strategy can turn free credits into real leads, website traffic, and brand growth.
At Plum Direct Marketing, our digital advertising team can help you:
- Identify where your credits will have the greatest impact
- Choose the right campaign types for your goals
Build ad creative that actually converts
You don’t have to guess your way through it, we can guide you step by step.
Contact us to start planning your campaigns. Let’s Talk
Now’s the time to rethink, adapt, and move forward with confidence — and we’re here to help you do it.
