Google Ads & Facebook Ads:

Everything you need to know about COVID-19 related ad credits

*This blog post was updated on June 18th, 2020. We will continue to update as pertinent information is released.

Google Pledges $340M in Ad Credit to SMBs

With COVID-19 taking its toll globally, Google has pledged to give $340 million in ad credits to small and medium-sized businesses in an effort to alleviate some of the costs for businesses to stay in touch with their customers. Here’s the information we have about how your business can utilize these credits.

What You Need To Know

• As of June 18th, one of our local clients has received its Google Ads credit. Google is rolling out the credits in the United States this week.
• How do you know if you are eligible to receive ad credit? 
  • Small and medium-sized businesses globally, who have spent with a Google Ads account in 10 out of 12 months in 2019, and in January and/or February of this year.
  • Your account adheres to all Google Ads terms and conditions.
• The ad credit amount will vary by customer based on past Google Ads spend.
• The Google Ads credit can be used at any time until the end of 2020. It is for future ad spend. It will not be applied to billed / invoiced past or current ad spend. 
• The ad credit can be used across all campaign types – Search, Display, and YouTube. 
• Why is Google doing this?
  • “Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our communities. They represent about 90 percent of all businesses and more than half of employment worldwide, according to the World Bank. COVID-19 has posed a particular challenge to these businesses, who may be facing closures and declining revenue even as they find ways to support and protect their employees. Through ad credits, we hope to alleviate some of the cost to stay in touch with their customers.” – Google

Facebook Offers $100M in Cash Grants & Ad Credits to Small Businesses

*The deadline has passed for the Facebook Small Business Grant Program.*

Facebook’s Small Business Grants Program exists to keep workforces employed, help with rent costs, facilitate business connections with more customers, and help cover operational costs.

Who Is Eligible?

Up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in more than 30 countries will be able to receive the grant. Facebook will give $40M in the U.S., which will provide grants to 10,000 businesses. To be eligible to apply, you must:

• Be a for-profit company
• Have between 2 and 50 employees
• Have been in business for over a year
• Have experienced challenges from COVID-19
• Be in or near a location where Facebook operates 
  • U.S. Location List:
    • Altoona, IA / Polk County
    • Ashburn, VA / Loudoun County
    • Atlanta, GA / Fulton County
    • Austin, TX / Travis County
    • Boston, MA / Suffolk County
    • Chicago, IL / Cook County
    • Dallas, TX / Dallas County
    • Denver, CO
    • Detroit, MI / Wayne County
    • Eagle Mountain, UT / Utah County
    • Forest City, NC / Rutherford County
    • Fort Worth, TX / Tarrant County
    • Huntsville, AL / Madison County
    • Los Angeles Metro Area
    • Los Lunas, NM / Valencia County
    • Miami, FL / Miami-Dade County
    • New York Metro Area
    • Newton County Area, GA
    • Northridge, CA
    • Papillion, NE / Sarpy County
    • Pittsburgh, PA / Allegheny County
    • Prineville, OR / Crook County
    • Redmond, WA
    • Richmond Area, VA / Henrico County
    • San Francisco Bay Area
    • Seattle, WA / King County
    • Washington D.C.

How Do I Apply?

If you meet the eligibility requirements above, you can apply as soon as applications become available in your area. You can apply for the Facebook Small Business Grant Program here. 

For more information about what to expect when you apply, view next steps here. 

Other temporary options:

Gift Cards: Facebook is making it easier for people to support their favorite local businesses with digital gift cards on the platform, which have just started rolling out in the US. People will see the option to support local businesses with digital gift cards in their News Feed. Businesses interested in promoting their gift cards can learn how to sign up with one of their partners. They are also working on offering gift cards on Instagram.  

Fundraising: Business owners can create a personal fundraiser on Facebook for their business and ask customers for support during this critical time.

Temporary Service Changes: To help businesses inform their customers about temporary changes, like different operating hours or delivery options during this time, Facebook is making it possible for businesses to announce temporary service changes on their page and in searches.

Keep your Ears to the Ground

We are going to do our best to stay on top of this situation as it undoubtedly evolves. Remember you can always contact us at TOMIS if you have additional questions or would like clarification about anything you read here. If you’re looking for tips on how to make sure your digital marketing is in the best place possible coming out of COVID-19, check out our Marketing Plan for Tour Operators during Coronavirus post.