Millions of small companies may be impacted by Google's changes to the way its Google Local Services advertisements operate.

One of the main ways small businesses advertise their products and services is through Google Local Services advertisements, which run locally. Google search results are topped with advertisements.

The advertising will only be available to companies with a verified Google Business Profile as of November 21.

According to a Google post, the move impacts companies in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa as well as a few companies in the US and Canada. A request for comment was not immediately answered by the business.

The modification is an attempt to combat fraud. However, if legitimate small enterprises are not informed of the shift, they may suffer consequences.

Advertising will be paused if a small business's name and address on their Google Business Profile do not match the information in the ad.

Although it takes time, becoming verified on Google isn't tough. Owners of businesses are required to add or claim their Google business address. Owners will then have to confirm the address via video, email, text, or phone.

Depending on the type of business and the area, the procedure may involve providing details on background checks, business registration, insurance, and license checks.

Verifications from Google may take up to seven business days. The owner of a business is informed once it has been validated.