May 2, 2025 - Google recently changed its rules on how many ads a business can show on a single search results page — and if you want to stay competitive, it’s important for you to understand what’s changed.
On April 14, Google updated its Unfair Advantage Policy to allow multiple ads from the same business to appear on the same search engine results page (SERP), so long as they are shown in different locations on the page.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what this means for your business.
What This Means for Your Business
Previously, Google restricted advertisers to one ad per business per search page, no matter where the ad was placed.
Now, this rule only applies within a single ad location.
Essentially, you can now have multiple ads for the same business appear on the same search results page, as long as they show in different locations on the page — like one at the top, another in the middle and a third toward the bottom.
Greater Visibility on Google
With the ability to appear in multiple spots, businesses could have their ads seen more often, even up to three times on the same search page. More appearances naturally increase the chances of getting clicks and driving traffic by reaching users at different stages of their browsing journey.
A More Competitive Environment
Google now runs separate auctions for each ad location. This gives advertisers new opportunities to secure placements across the page, not just compete for one position.
Suspension Policy Remains the Same
If there’s an issue with how ads are being served under the new rules, Google will provide a warning and a grace period before taking action such as account suspension.
What to Keep in Mind
While this policy change can help businesses gain exposure, it also means competition on the search results page may heat up. Larger advertisers with a bigger budget might be able to dominate more spots, which could increase advertising costs over time, especially for competitive industries like insurance.
As for Melon Local, we have been ahead of this change and are constantly monitoring how it affects your campaigns’ visibility and performance.
Need a digital marketing partner to keep you ahead of your competition? Schedule a demo with Melon Local to discover a fresher approach to paid search!