Google has introduced a new feature for AdWords campaigns targeting users of smartphones that should help brands to increase in-store traffic and sales.

Writing on the Inside AdWords blog, the search engine's mobile ads product manager Surojit Chatterjee said the updated location extensions feature displays a clickable banner within an ad that takes users to a map showing all the locations of a particular business.

He noted that users of pay per click services can include their company logo for these icons to build brand awareness and loyalty.

When someone clicks a specific location, they are taken to a page with ad text, an address and directions, a link to the company's website and a click-to-call phone number.

Once the search is complete, the icon and location are saved as a layer within Google Maps for Mobile and will be automatically displayed.

"Every day, consumers are using their high-end mobile devices to find directions to local businesses, making mobile an ideal way to reach this audience," Mr Chatterjee said.

In related news, Google launched a Mobile Ads Blog in July to provide brands with a single source of information on the latest developments in this fast-moving sphere of marketing.

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