Stand-first: As of 30 October 2025, Google Ads message assets are now under enforced verification and policy compliance. Non-compliant message extensions are being paused, directly impacting UK service-business lead generation PPC performance. For technical SEO and ad structure support, see our Technical SEO services.
Google introduced a revised policy outlining stricter requirements for message assets in Google Ads. From that date, any unverified or non-compliant message assets have stopped serving. (Google Ads policy reference)
The update reinforces that message assets must clearly represent the advertiser and use a verified phone number or messaging profile.(Search Engine Roundtable summary)
“Advertisers relying on message assets must update and verify or risk losing this key lead channel,” said Anu Adegbola, Paid Media Editor at Search Engine Land. (Search Engine Land article)
UK service-based advertisers – particularly in trades, legal, and home-repair sectors – depend heavily on click-to-message extensions for rapid enquiries. With enforcement live, unverified assets are being paused, reducing lead flow and increasing cost per lead. This update underscores the need for tighter ad compliance and verified business data. For alignment across campaigns and landing pages, view our Google Ads management services.
Lead-generation advertisers using message extensions are already seeing disruption as assets fail verification. This results in fewer conversions, rising CPC, and declining ROI. Maintaining verified, compliant message assets is now essential for campaign stability. Marketers should audit all messaging extensions and ensure consistent business identity data across ads, websites, and GBP listings.
In Google Ads, navigate to Assets → Message and check the Status column. Treat any Disapproved, Limited, or Pending verification assets as urgent priorities for review.
Ensure all business and phone verification steps are complete. The phone number or messaging profile within the asset must match your verified business identity. (Search Engine Land coverage)
Confirm your business name, address, and service region are consistent across your ad, website, and message assets. Mismatches can trigger disapprovals or cause assets to stop serving.
Audit your campaigns regularly and ensure your Local SEO signals match your Google Ads business information. Consistency between ad assets, landing pages, and your Conversion Reality Check audit helps maintain performance and compliance. If you’ve experienced traffic or conversion loss post-enforcement, our audit framework can help identify issues affecting verification or campaign health.