Google has implemented a new way to protect consumers called Google Guaranteed. Businesses that are advertising through local services ads can apply for this program, which provides customers with extra reassurance that they are working with a Google-certified business. This also will prevent consumers from engaging with scammers and can help your business “stand out” from your competitors.

So, what is Google Guaranteed? And why should you apply it for your business?

What is Google Guaranteed?

When consumers are searching for local services or products, they often search for validation that your business is 100% legitimate. This includes reviewing your website, social media, and your Google Business Profile.

Qualified businesses can go through Google Screening and the verification process through Local Services Ads. We will discuss the screening and verification process later in this blog. The best part about the Google Guaranteed program is that it does not charge for views or clicks. Instead, businesses pay for every direct contact from local service ads.

In a nutshell, the Google Guaranteed program can be considered a paid program, wherein businesses can set their own budget based on the number of leads they receive. A valid lead is determined when the business receives texts, emails, voicemails, phone calls, direct messages, or other types of communication from their customer. From a consumer’s point of view, the Google Guaranteed protects them via reimbursement if they are dissatisfied with the service or product. The following are the upper limits of lifetime limits per customer in each country:

United States: $2,000
Canada: CAD $2,000
United Kingdom: GBP £1,500
Ireland: EUR €1,500
Spain: EUR €1,500
France: EUR €1,500
Italy: EUR €1,500
Germany: EUR €1,500
Austria: EUR €1,500
Belgium: EUR €1,500
Switzerland: CHF ₣2,000

Once you receive a Google Guaranteed Badge, it’s important to take note that this is revocable, meaning as a business owner, you should always update your Google Business Profile.

Which Businesses are Eligible for the Google Guaranteed Badge?

As of today, the Google Guaranteed Badge program is available only for the following services:

Acupuncture, Animal rescue services, Appliance Repair, Carpentry, Carpet cleaning, Child care services, Countertop services, Dance instruction, Electrical, Fencing, Financial planning, First aid training, Flooring, Foundations, Funeral services, Garage door, General contracting, Handyman, Home inspection/security/theater services, House cleaning, HVAC, Junk Removal, Landscaping, Language instruction, Law, Lawn care, Locksmith, Massage school, Moving, Personal training, Pest Control, Pet grooming/adoption services/boarding/training, Plumbing, Pool cleaning /contractor, Preschool, Real estate, Roofing, Sewage system services, Siding, Snow removal services, Tax services, Tree services, Tutoring, Veterinary services, Water damage restoration services, Weight loss services, Window cleaning/services, and Yoga.

Benefits of Having a Google Guaranteed Badge?

1. Make your Service Ad Stand Out from your Competitors

Once your business is eligible for this program, your service ad will get the top spot of the search engine which will carry your star rating and the Google Guaranteed badge.

Image from Google

2. Make your Customers Trust your Business More

81% of consumers value TRUST as a deciding factor in purchase decisions (as discovered by The Moment for Trust). However, only 34% of the same audience trusted the brands that they use. Since all businesses that are under this program are screened by Google, this means that Google trusts that your business will provide quality service to potential customers.

Google Guaranteed badge would help you make your business more legitimate.

3. Creates More Quality Leads

Compared to other paid Ads, Google Guaranteed will only ask you to pay for phone calls, e-mails, and other forms of communication with your business. This will make your investment more worthwhile than traditional pay-per-click advertisements.

4. Google Audio Search will Confirm that your Business is Google Guaranteed

This is available in the U.S. only. When a customer uses voice search to look for a service, Google will confirm that a business is Google Guaranteed.