San Francisco

The $1 billion grant is to help nonprofits that are tackling pressing issues like Covid-19 response and recovery, especially in developing economies, it said in a statement. Google also announced new updates to help small businesses. It has expanded ‘Smart’ campaigns to 150 countries and make it easier and faster to sign up for this using the Google Ads app. You can set up a Smart campaign and create your first ad in just 15 minutes while on the go.

“Starting today, you can use Smart campaigns to display a prominent, square-shaped Google Maps pin with your business category logo, highlighting specific services that you offer, like curbside pickup or delivery,” said Google, adding it is bringing ‘Promoted’ pins to ‘Smart’ campaigns advertisers for free through the end of September.

Google said it has seen searches for local services, like ‘carpet cleaning’ or ‘air conditioning repair’ increase by 50 percent in recent months.

“We’re now making it easier to book these services directly in Google Search on mobile through Local Services Ads in the US,” Google informed.