How to Become Google Guaranteed
What Does Google Guaranteed Mean?
You may have heard of the Google Guarantee, or seen the green and white Google Guaranteed badge appear next to the names of service providers in local searches. But what is the Google Guarantee, and what can it do for your business?
Google Guaranteed is a program created by Google to boost the credibility of local businesses while also safeguarding the interests of consumers. Essentially, consumers who use the services of local businesses backed by the Google Guarantee are able to receive a reimbursement from Google if that business fails to meet their expectations. This reimbursement covers the amount paid for the service, up to a lifetime limit of $2,000 in the United States.
How Do You Get Google Guaranteed?
To sign up for Google Guaranteed, you must first have a Google Local Services ads account. Local Services ads offer local business owners the opportunity to list their services online and have their information appear at the top of Google search results. This also provides a convenient way for consumers to find local businesses and compare prices. Businesses with the Google Guarantee will have a green and white badge featured next to their name.
After creating your Google Local Services profile, you’ll have to pass Google’s background check and screening process to get verified. Google may conduct background checks on business owners, employees, and the company itself. This process is free, but the exact process differs by business category or location.
After you pass the Google Guaranteed background check, you’ll be eligible to show the Google Guaranteed badge on your Local Services listing. From this point on, consumers will be eligible to receive a reimbursement from Google from any unsatisfactory services they’ve booked through your Local Services ads.
Eligibility for This Program
However, not all businesses will be eligible to participate in this program. Google Guaranteed requirements vary by country, but in the United States eligible business categories include, but are not limited to:
- Appliance Repair
- Carpentry
- Carpet Cleaning
- Electrical
- Flooring
- General Contractors
- Home Inspections
- House Cleaning
- Locksmithing
- Moving
- Plumbing
- Pest Control
- Pool Cleaning
- Roofing
- Tree Removal
- Window Cleaning
These are just some of the industries that are eligible to participate in this program. It’s also important to check and confirm that Google offers the program in your area. If you’re not sure if your business is eligible, check your eligibility online or contact Google directly to ask.
Google Screened vs Google Guaranteed
Google Local Services also offers another verification program similar to Google Guaranteed called Google Screened. This program mainly focuses on professional services in industries such as real estate, financial planning, law, and child care.
Businesses in these categories have to undergo more extensive background and licensing checks from Google, as well as state or regulatory agencies. Just like the Google Guaranteed program, these background checks are free, and aim to improve businesses’ credibility in consumers’ eyes. Once a listing is verified, the green Google Screened check mark will display next to that business’s name in search results. Consumers of that business will then be eligible for reimbursement should anything go awry.
Is Google Guaranteed Worth It?
If you’re a business owner, this program may be worth your consideration. It offers a number of benefits, including the Google Guaranteed badge on your listing, which can give customers extra confidence and trust in your services.
Perhaps even more importantly however, this program allows your business information to be displayed at the top of search results – even above regular Google Search ads. This feature combined with the Google Guarantee makes your business even more desirable to consumers, and should help to generate qualified leads.
Google Guaranteed Cost
Despite its many benefits to both business owners and consumers, there are still some costs associated with this program. Instead of pay-per-click (PPC), Google Local Services ads bill by pay-per-lead. This means that you’ll pay when a customer submits a form, calls you, or takes another action on your website. Average costs per lead vary by industry and location, but the program base fee is $50 a month regardless of your business category.
However, a monthly fee is a small price to pay for the premium ad placement and credibility that comes with being backed by Google. If you’re looking for a way to build trust with consumers and grow your business, consider becoming a Google Guaranteed business.
How Bytes.co Can Help
As Google Partners, our team of digital marketers are Google Ads and pay-per-click advertising experts. We’re happy to assist you in the process of getting your business Google Guaranteed, and answer any questions you may have throughout the verification process. To learn more about our Google Ads management services, contact us and schedule a free consultation.
