In October 2025, Google Maps Ads underwent a significant transformation—one that’s already reshaping how businesses connect with local searchers. The latest update introduces scrollable, light blue sitelinks nestled directly beneath promoted pins, offering brands a sleek new way to capture attention and drive engagement—right where it matters most: inside the Maps interface itself.
This fresh ad format expands clickable real estate for advertisers without cluttering the user experience. Instead of a single destination, users can now scroll horizontally through multiple curated links—whether it’s to view a menu, book an appointment, check hours, or explore services—turning each promoted pin into a dynamic micro-landing page. Early adopters are reporting increased click-through rates and deeper user interactions, signaling a pivotal shift in local search advertising.
What's in it?
More Clickable Real Estate:
Google now displays light blue, scrollable sitelinks directly below promoted pins on Google Maps, giving advertisers multiple navigation options for users inside the Maps app—just like sitelinks in Search ads.
Direct Page Links:
Advertisers can link these sitelinks to specific website pages such as store info, menus, services, or promotions, driving deeper engagement and potentially boosting conversions.
Campaign Compatibility:
The scrollable sitelinks appear in Maps ads powered by both Search campaigns and Performance Max (PMax) campaigns. Advertisers must add at least two sitelinks for both desktop and mobile for the feature to appear.
Setup Flexibility:
Advertisers can configure sitelinks at the account, campaign, ad group, or asset group levels.
Local Search Boost:
Because users turn to Maps during high-intent local searches, the sitelinks help brands convert “near me” moments into meaningful actions—capturing leads and driving conversions without requiring users to leave the Maps interface.
Confirmed Rollout
Google has fully launched scrollable sitelinks for Google Maps ads, empowering advertisers to deliver more clickable options directly beneath promoted pins. This update, confirmed by Google Ads Liaison Ginny Marvin on X on October 17, 2025, enhances user engagement in high-intent local searches by featuring a light blue carousel of links—such as store details or menus—that scroll horizontally without exiting Maps. Advertisers can now implement these sitelinks via Search and Performance Max campaigns, provided they add at least two for both desktop and mobile. For setup guidance, Google published detailed instructions in the Google Ads Help Center shortly after the rollout.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Scrollable Sitelinks
Scrollable sitelinks enhance Google Maps ads by adding a horizontal carousel of clickable links (like “View Menu” or “Book Now”) beneath promoted pins. These links direct users to specific pages on your website without leaving Maps, boosting engagement in local searches. The feature works in Search and Performance Max (PMax) campaigns, but you need at least two sitelinks for desktop and two for mobile to enable it. You can add sitelinks at the account, campaign, asset group, or ad group level for flexibility..
Follow these steps in your Google Ads account (log in at ads.google.com). This process utilizes the web interface. For Google Ads Editor or API, refer to the official
Prerequisites
- Ensure your campaign targets locations and serves in Google Maps (e.g., via Search or PMax with location assets).
- Prepare 4–8 sitelinks: Each needs concise text (up to 25 characters), a URL, and optional descriptions (up to 35 characters each). Tailor them to local intent, like “Store Hours” or “Directions.”
- Verify your website pages are mobile-friendly and relevant.
Step 1: Navigate to Assets
- Click Ads & assets in the left sidebar.
- Select Assets to view all extensions (sitelinks are a type of asset).
Step 2: Create a New Sitelink Asset
- Click the blue + button and choose Sitelink from the dropdown.
- Fill in the details for each sitelink:
- Sitelink text: Enter short, action-oriented phrases (e.g., “Order Online”).
- URL: Paste the landing page link (e.g., yourwebsite.com/menu).
- Description line 1 & 2 (optional): Add supporting text for context (e.g., “Fast delivery available”).
- Repeat to create at least four sitelinks (two per device type).
Click Save to add them to your asset library. A preview on the right shows how they’ll appear.
Step 3: Attach Sitelinks to Your Campaign or Ad Group
- Still in Assets, find your new sitelinks in the list.
- Click Add to next to the sitelink set (or select multiple and click Edit > Add to).
- Choose the level:
- Account: Applies to all eligible campaigns (use for broad relevance).
- Campaign: Targets specific campaigns (recommended for Maps-focused ones).
- Asset group (for PMax): Fine-tune per group.
- Ad group: Most granular, for precise control.
- Select your Search or PMax campaign/ad group from the dropdown.
- Set device preferences if needed (e.g., mobile-only links), but ensure at least two per device.
Click Done to apply.
Step 4: Schedule or Set Final Options (Optional)
- In the asset details, use the Schedule tab to rotate sitelinks seasonally (e.g., “Holiday Specials” in December).
- Enable Device preference under advanced options to prioritize links for mobile (common in Maps searches).
Step 5: Review and Launch
- Go to Campaigns > Select your campaign > Ads & assets to preview how sitelinks integrate with your ads.
- Check the Extensions tab for status (should show “Eligible” once approved).
- Launch or pause/resume the campaign. Google reviews changes in 1–2 business days.
- Monitor performance in Insights > Auction insights or Metrics (track CTR and conversions from sitelinks).
Advantages
Higher Click-Through Rates (CTR)
Users now access key pages—like “Menu,” “Book Now,” or “Store Hours”—without leaving Google Maps. Early adopters report a 15–25% increase in CTR on local searches.
Stronger Local Intent Capture
Mobile users searching “near me” instantly see actionable links. Brands drive foot traffic, phone calls, or online orders directly from the promoted map pin.
More Real Estate in High-Intent Moments
The light-blue sitelink carousel stands out prominently below the pin, delivering 4–8 clickable touchpoints instead of just one ad headline.
Flexible Targeting and Scheduling
Advertisers attach sitelinks at the account, campaign, asset group, or ad group levels—and schedule seasonal links (e.g., “Holiday Menu”) or device-specific options as needed.
No Extra Cost Per Click
Google charges the same CPC for clicks on sitelinks as it does for headline clicks—advertisers pay no additional cost per click.
Seamless User Experience
Sitelinks open in-app overlays or mobile browsers, keeping users within the Google Maps flow and reducing bounce rates.
Disadvantages
Minimum Requirement Barrier
Google requires campaigns to include at least two sitelinks for desktop and two for mobile to activate the feature, posing a challenge for small businesses with limited landing pages.
Approval Delays
Google reviews every sitelink individually, which takes 1–2 business days. Policy violations—such as mismatched URLs or non-compliant content—delay when the links go live.
Limited Character Space
Google caps sitelink text at 25 characters and descriptions at 35 characters each, forcing brands to shorten complex offers or truncate compelling CTAs.
Higher Management Overhead
Advertisers must create, test, and maintain 4–8 sitelinks per campaign—demanding more creative assets, destination URLs, and ongoing optimization than traditional ad formats.
As Google Maps evolves with scrollable sitelinks, local businesses in India can now seize high-intent “near me” searches like never before—driving clicks, foot traffic, and conversions directly from the map. Partner with Medowa Global, your trusted digital marketing agency in India, to expertly set up and optimize these ads alongside proven PPC, SEO, and social strategies. Visit https://medowaglobal.com today to turn this update into your growth advantage.
