Lately, paying for dollar-based digital services like Google Ads has been incredibly difficult for businesses and ad agencies. This is largely due to the restrictions placed on the use of Naira debit cards for USD transactions by Nigerian banks.
Several virtual dollar card providers in Nigeria closed their services due to an update from their card partner, Union54. AdPay by Mercurie is a new solution that makes it possible for businesses and agencies to operate a Naira-based Google Ads account and pay for their Google Ads campaigns in Naira. This is possible without the need for debit, credit or virtual cards.
“We kept hearing from customers of our proprietary product – Seller, how impossible it was to run Ads on Google and other platforms due to payment problems. Basically, unless you are a large advertiser with Google, you’ll have to pay for your Google ads in dollars and we all know the challenges with paying for dollar services using naira debit cards,” Damola Bamgboye, Mercurie’s Managing Director said. “Digital agencies are also impacted as they bill their clients in Naira but have to pay Google in dollars. Their margins are largely wiped out by the exchange rate differentials. This is why we launched AdPay – to make Naira-based Google ads accessible by everyone.”
Businesses using Adpay will now be able to find new customers through Google’s vast network without any disruptions due to payments. Google currently reaches over 80 million people in Nigeria across Google Search, Display Network, Youtube and Apps. While Adpay only provides the solution to run and pay for Google Ads in Naira, customers can also access expert advice on maximizing their Google Ads campaign.
Mercurie is a marketing technology company recognised by Google and has supported brands such as Kuda Bank, Edukoya, The Place, Karen Ubani Apparel etc. Adpay has also been used by several Ad agencies in Nigeria to quickly and efficiently launch a Naira-based Google Ads campaign for their clients.
