What is Google Guaranteed? (And Does Your Business Need it…)

What do you think a badge assuring the quality of your work from one of the largest, most recognizable companies in the world would do for your business? With Google Guarantee, qualifying companies can have their business names posted right at the top of Google search results — even above Pay-Per-Click ads. Let’s understand it in detail today.

What is Google Guaranteed?

Imagine a green and white badge of trust for your local business, affirming your credibility and giving customers peace of mind. That’s exactly what Google Guaranteed is. It’s a verification service offered by Google to keep customers safe from scams and to endorse quality local businesses.

Companies endorsed by Google Guarantee will own the top section of Google search engine results with their name, location, a photo, ratings, a call button that connects to their business, and the enviable green checkmark that allows potential customers to know that Google guarantees the quality of their work.

Here’s an example of how results may look like:

How the New Google Local Service Ads Works

• Be Found at the TOP of Google
• Build Trust by earning the Google Guaranteed Badge
• You only pay for real qualified phone leads NOT fake clicks
• When a potential client searches for your service in your geographic market, your business appears at the top of their browser with:
  • The name of your business
  • A photo
  • A “Google Guaranteed” badge
  • Your hours of operation
  • And a call button so the potential client can phone your business

How Do You Get this Google Guaranteed Badge?

Your first step towards becoming Google Guaranteed is signing up for Google Local Services Ads (LSA). This allows Google to display key information about your business, like your address, contact details, operating hours, and reviews.

Registering with LSA is just the beginning. To actually earn your Google Guaranteed badge, your business needs to pass Google’s comprehensive screening procedures, including background checks, business license verification, and proof of liability insurance.

After successfully passing this scrutiny, your business gets the celebrated green checkmark badge. But remember, maintaining your badge requires consistent license and insurance updates, positive Google My Business interactions, and regular reviews and updates from Google.

Can Your Business Become Google Guaranteed?

Google Guaranteed extends to numerous industries in the US, from appliance repair, financial planning, and event planning to pet grooming, photography, and water damage restoration. Let’s look if you’re eligible for Google Guaranteed in the next section.

Requirements by Category for Industries

Appliance Repair

An appliance repair professional is a service provider that works on the maintenance, repair, and installation of appliances, among other services.

• Background check requirements:
  • Business check
  • Owner check
• Insurance requirements:
  • General liability insurance
• License requirements:
  • Business license on state level*
  • Owner license on state level*

Locksmith

A locksmith is a service professional that works with locks, keys, and security systems among other services. 

Note: The locksmith category is considered an urgent / duress category because consumers will often call a locksmith for time-sensitive, urgent need (locked out of home, car, or office).

For this reason, locksmiths undergo an additional level of guarantee, including service professional background checks, and Google’s Advanced Verification guarantee process.

• Background check requirements:
  • Business check
  • Owner check
  • Service professional check
• Insurance requirements:
  • General liability insurance
• License requirements:
  • Business license on state level*
  • Owner license on state level*

Auto Glass

An auto glass professional is a service provider that repairs cracked car windows, among other services.

• Background check requirements:
  • Business check
  • Owner check
• Insurance requirements:
  • General liability insurance
• License requirements:
  • Business license on state level*
  • Owner license on state level*

Car Repair

A car repair professional is a service provider that works on the maintenance and repair of car engines and auto bodies, among other services. 

• Background check requirements:
  • Business check
  • Owner check
• Insurance requirements:
  • General liability insurance
• License requirements:
  • Business license on state level*
  • Owner license on state level*

Electrician

An electrician is a service professional that works on the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems, among other services.

Note: The electrician category is considered an urgent category because consumers will often call an electrician for time-sensitive, urgent need (exposed wiring, critical electronic failure, etc.). 

For this reason, electricians undergo an additional level of guarantee, including service professional background checks.

• Background check requirements:
  • Business check
  • Owner check
  • Service professional check
• Insurance requirements:
  • General liability insurance
• License requirements:
  • Business license on state level*
  • Owner license on state level*

Moving

Moving professionals pack, move, store, and unpack belongings among other services.

• Background check requirements:
  • Business check
  • Owner check
• Insurance requirements:
  • General liability insurance
• License requirements:
  • Business license on state level*
  • Owner license on state level*

Plumbing

Plumbers are service professionals who deal with pipes, drains, sewers and the appliances in your home that connect to these systems. Sometimes they may also service gas or other services. 

Note: The plumbing category is considered an urgent category because consumers will often call a plumber for time-sensitive, urgent need (such as hot water outage).

For this reason, plumbing professionals undergo an additional level of guarantee, including service professional background checks.

• Background check requirements:
  • Business check
  • Owner check
  • Service professional check
• Insurance requirements:
  • General liability insurance
• License requirements:
  • Business license on state level*
  • Owner license on state level*

Pest Control

Pest control professionals inspect and remove various types of pests including bugs, rodents, and wildlife among other services.

• Background check requirements:
  • Business check
  • Owner check
• Insurance requirements:
  • General liability insurance
• License requirements:
  • Business license on state level*
  • Owner license on state level*

Pet Grooming

Pet grooming professionals clean and groom pets among other services. 

• Background check requirements:
  • Business check
  • Owner check
• Insurance requirements:
  • General liability insurance
• License requirements:
  • Business license on state level*
  • Owner license on state level*

Considering Google Guaranteed? Check the eligibility to determine whether it’s applicable to your business.

Breaking Down Google Guaranteed Cost

Unlike traditional advertising, Google Guaranteed doesn’t charge per view or click. Instead, you pay per lead generated through Local Service Ads. This cost is variable and depends on factors like your business’s location, industry, service, and the type of lead generated. The good news is, you can set your budget based on the number of leads you’re aiming for each month.

Plus, even small businesses not enrolled in LSA can now enjoy the benefits of a Google Guaranteed badge for a monthly fee of $50. This helps them stand out from local competitors through organic search.

Business Perks with Google Guaranteed

In addition to nurturing trust among customers, a Google Guaranteed badge can yield significant business benefits, including lead generation and enhanced search engine rankings. Being one of the first listings on Google search results coupled with a verified checkmark boosts your chances of earning more leads and conversions. Also, you only pay when a user contacts you directly through the ad – that’s money spent on proven results.

What Does The Google Guaranteed Program Mean for Consumers?

The Google Guarantee program is a two-way street; it benefits businesses and consumers alike. It combats fake reviews and ratings, ensuring users receive the best local business listings.

Even small businesses can compete on a level playing field with bigger companies, providing they offer genuine services. The badge signifies to users that Google backs the business. Users tend to trust brands endorsed by Google, which is not just a globally recognized search engine, but also offers a money-back guarantee if customers are not satisfied with services procured via Google, up to a value of $2,000.

To be eligible for this, users must claim the refund within 30 days of the service completion date and provide service receipts. Once a claim is submitted, Google liaises with the business to resolve the issue, allowing businesses the chance to make amends and improve future services.

However, it’s important to remember that the Google Guarantee badge only covers services booked through Google Local Services, and there are limitations to the coverage, including issues related to price, responsiveness, or courteousness.

Need more help navigating your digital marketing, including SEO, Google ads, and website design — or managing your Google Screened? Contact us and we can discuss your requirements.