Why Google Ads Call Extensions Aren’t Enough in 2025?

Google Ads comes with useful call extensions. However, in 2025, relying on these extensions alone isn’t a wise choice. As per the platform’s announcement in 2024, in the upcoming time, it is expected to sunset call-only ads. Thus, while in the past, such Google Ads call extensions were effective, this year, the strategy needs to improve to retain its impact. It needs to accommodate better and more recent practices to understand, attract, and connect with relevant callers. These practices can include call tracking, online ad optimization through different approaches, and more.

Content Summary

• An Overview of Google Call-Only Ads

• Are Call-Only Ads by Google Changing?

• Are Google Ads Call Extensions Enough in 2025?

An Overview of Google Call-Only Ads

A call-only ad is a kind of Google ad campaign. It is focused on inviting the attention of users to directly call advertisers via a specific online advertisement. Note that such an ad differs from an advertisement that directs users to websites or landing pages. It displays a clickable contact number to start a call after it is clicked.

Are Call-Only Ads by Google Changing?

As per Google, call ads are expected to change. The platform expressed in 2024 its intention to sunset these in 2025. Though Google Ads call extensions will still be available, call-only advertisements are likely to be sunsetted. In place of these, advertisements will be made responsive for users’ convenience.

• Thus, one can assume that this platform may no longer be supportive of new call advertisements.

• However, as of now, there is no timeline announced for the same, considering the number of processes involved.

Responsive Search Ads to Replace Google Call Ads

Google Ads intends to auto-migrate call-only ads that are eligible for RSAs as soon as the sunset starts. Note that they are eligible for responsive search ads (RSAs) in case they comprise the URL of a landing page and the business name.

• The name of the business should be at the account or campaign level.

• Besides, the URL of the landing page should be clickable for leads to directly visit through the ad.

Also, keep in mind that advertisers can include both elements in their call-ads through manual effort.

Are Google Ads Call Extensions Enough in 2025?

Since Google plans to sunset call ads, it isn’t enough to depend on these in 2025 for effortless communication between businesses and users. Hence, one’s advertising strategy should include practices beyond Google Ads call extensions. 

Prefer Call Assets over Call Ads

As opposed to solely depending on Google call ads, a business should engage in using call assets. The inclusion of these in responsive search ads or RSAs can encourage more users to reach out. In the ad, such assets make business contact numbers visible and clickable as well. 

• However, it is important to know that these numbers may not always be visible in RSAs. 

• They are automatically displayed to reflect meaningful results. 

• Also, even if a number appears in the search ad, it may not be the only element that a user can click on. 

• Other clickable elements can comprise headlines, sitelink assets, etc, in order to create unique website URLs.

Optimize Ads on Google for Calls

It is only beneficial that advertisements are optimized when Google Ads call extensions are not enough in 2025. For their optimization, consider setting up conversion tracking for a Google Ads account. It will help improve campaigns to attract callers as well as track conversions through calls. 

• Additionally, turn on the feature for call reporting in Google Ads to route queries through Google forwarding numbers. 

• Opt for creating call assets for the account, particularly for performance max or search campaigns. 

• To optimize ads, call bid adjustments can be increased as well.

• Ensure to improve location-based targeting for optimizing the ad spend.

• Businesses can schedule call assets as per their opening hours to answer maximum queries. 

Consider Call Tracking Solutions

In place of using only Google Ads call extensions, call tracking can form an effective measure for ad optimization. Though these extensions come with features to optimize advertisements and campaigns, call tracking is a modern solution that can function beyond. 

With call tracking, a company can optimize its ads while obtaining a deeper understanding of the landscape.

• This modern solution features functionalities like transcriptions, call recordings, etc. 

• It assists in understanding in-depth consumer behaviour.

• Through insights into important aspects of a business, campaigns can be optimized.

• Solutions like Teldrip Connect provide granular insights, thereby resulting in the best ad optimization.

• Along with improving ads, businesses can make more sound decisions for better benefits. 

Endnote,

In 2025, Google Ads call extensions alone will not be enough. This is due to their sunsetting by the platform that is likely to introduce certain changes. To attract and connect with leads, irrespective of these changes, adopting practices beyond solely relying on these extensions is suggested. Through call tracking, ad optimization, and more, finding and connecting with new leads becomes possible.