Google allows users to call advertisers for free

Google has announced the launch of a new online advertising product called 'Click-to-call' in India. 'Click-to-call' ads will allow users to speak directly to an advertiser they find on a Google search results page over the phone for free.

The new 'click-to-call' ads are identified by a green telephone handset located next to the ad text. Clicking on the title of the ad will result in the ad expanding to show a field to enter a telephone number. Once the phone number is entered and the user clicks 'Connect For Free,' a call will be placed to the number provided and the user's phone will ring. On answering, the user will be connected directly to the advertiser.

Besides offering speed and convenience, Google click-to-call ads will protect user privacy by blocking the users' phone number from the advertiser.

Google India hopes this new service will valuable for merchants or advertisers who may not have a web site, or as a supplementary channel for those who currently use local directories to reach potential customers.