If you’ve spotted square-shaped pins on Google Maps, you’re looking at ads specifically, Promoted Pins.
Unlike the standard round pins for regular business listings, square pins are part of paid Google Ads campaigns.
These are shown to users who are nearby or searching for related products or services.
Advertisers can enable these through:
– Local campaigns (now part of Performance Max),
– Or location extensions in Search and Display campaigns.
These pins help businesses:
– Stand out visually on Maps,
– Drive more foot traffic,
– And improve in-store conversions.
So next time you see a square pin, you’re seeing Google Ads in action.
