In today’s competitive world, standing out is a must. Whether you’re self-employed or have a business, showing who you are and ensuring you’re trustworthy is crucial for potential customers.
Furthermore, standing out locally is another crucial factor for companies. Signing up for Google My Business, running ads, improving your star ratings, and more can help you gain recognition within your local business scene.
Google offers businesses the chance to verify their services. A Google-screened badge can make a difference for your company or services. But what exactly is Google Screened? How can you get the badge? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Google Screened?
Google Screened is a badge provided by the world’s most famous search engine. When searching for a business or a professional, and their profiles show up with a green checkmark, it means they have gone through the screening process.
This feature is part of Google’s Local Search Ads (LSAs) since its main goal is to provide users with verified search results around their area.
Google does a background check on the business or professional that wishes to get a Google-screened badge. The verification process requires you to have access to specific documents to prove the business is in good standing. From insurance information to licenses and professional headshots, the platform will ask you to provide records to see the legitimacy of your company or professional service.
Here’s How You Can Become Google Screened
To begin the Google screened process, you must be logged into the Google account you manage your Google My Business profile with. Next, follow these steps:
- Have all relevant documents at hand. Basic information about the business such as year of founding, legal name, and the owner’s full name. In the case of self-employed service providers like attorneys or realtors, you’ll need a professional headshot, bar numbers, licenses, etc.
- Register on Google Local Service Ads. Your business profile will need to have at least five reviews, and this feedback must be favorable.
- Google will request specific information. Provide everything they need to do the background check.
- It’s time to wait for their approval.
Google review processes usually take around two to three days or even less. However, since this process requires license checks in some cases and throughout research, it can take a few days to hear back from them.
Which Businesses Can Use Google Screened
Before we learn which businesses and professional service providers can use Google screened, we must understand the difference between horizontal and vertical companies.
Horizontal businesses are those that are widely known and cover different areas across the country. Vertical companies are the ones whose roots remain local.
As seen above, the badge’s goal is to help users who conduct Google searches find real, legitimate businesses and services around them, which means that this Google feature is best for vertical companies.
Law Firms/Local Attorneys
Local attorneys and law firms can work on earning the Google screened badge. The application process is different for each service business and in this case, the platform won’t do a full background check, as attorneys go through specific processes within their states to be able to work within their field.
Childcare Workers
When it comes to childcare providers like daycare and preschool establishments, Google takes the verification step of license checking, but it does not run background checks, given the laws each state has to allow people to provide this service.
Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents might need to go through a license and background check to get Google screened. But if the realtor went through this process to get their license, Google might skip this step.
There are other vertical businesses and professional service providers that can apply to get Google screened. Tax specialists, accountants, and other financial planning services can opt to get a screened badge, for example.
Google Screened and Google Guaranteed
You’ve probably heard of Google Guaranteed, too. You might be wondering if there are any differences between Google guaranteed and Google screened, and there are!
Businesses and professionals need to go through a similar background search to get a Google-guaranteed badge, but while Google screened works to ensure users are coming across legitimate services, Google guaranteed works to allow users to get reimbursements if needed.
It’s important to note that Google Guaranteed only works if the people hire the services by using Google Local Ads services. The reimbursement amount depends on the country, and it has a limited window of time.
Another difference between these two Google features is their appearance. Google-screened badges are white with a green checkmark. Google-guaranteed badges are all green with a white checkmark.
The Importance of Google Screened
Google Screened can be a game-changer for businesses. It can help you see a boost in the customer influx, all with the help of Google Local Search Ads, for example. Other benefits this badge provides are:
- Trustworthiness: When businesses and professionals have this badge, it provides a sense of trust for potential customers. While many do not know the process behind the badge, it helps you make a good impression on these customers. To them, Google vetted you as a legit, trustworthy business or professional.
- Visibility: The Google screened badge helps you gain visibility within their SERPs. When a potential customer searches for a business or professional within your field, chances are you will be within the first results.
- Boost leads: When you show up on SERPs and have crucial information within it, like your phone number, you are more likely to get more calls or more booked appointments.
Overall, having a Google-screened badge can help you see an increase in your revenue through a crucial factor for all businesses: a sense of trust. Letting customers know Google sees you as a secure business within your field will increase your numbers.
Google Local Service Ads and Your Marketing Campaigns
When creating digital marketing campaigns, consider using Google Local Service Ads. Whether through Google screened or Google guaranteed, including these marketing efforts in your strategy will help you see a difference in your online presence and overall brand.
Boosting your profitability is a must to have a successful business, and becoming Google screened or guaranteed can help your business or professional profile look polished and trustworthy which results in a revenue increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Screened Free?
The Google screened process is free, but it must be paired with Google Local Services Ads, which are paid. The cost varies per service, and you can adapt it to your marketing campaign and overall goals. According to Google Ads:
You set your budget based on the number of new leads you want each week. Only pay when customers contact you from your ad.
Is Google Screened Worth the Process?
Yes, it is. While the process might take some time and require you to provide documents like photos, licenses, and others, the results are worth the process. Giving an automatic sense of trust to potential customers helps them make decisions and ultimately hire your services.
Is It Difficult to Get a Google Screened Badge?
No, it isn’t. The process is straightforward, even if it takes time to get approved. You go through four basic steps, one of which might have a few substeps within it (providing documents). Besides this, all it takes is patience while the platform conducts background checks if needed.
Can I Start Google Ads With No Money?
No, you cannot start Google Ads for free. The platform requires you to add your billing information right as you create the campaign since it works as a Pay-Per-Click platform. The budget for campaigns will vary depending on how much you wish to add to your budget. To set up a Google Ads account, follow these steps:
- Start with a Google account. If you don’t have one, you must create it.
- Go to Google Ads’ site and log in with your account.
- The platform will immediately take you to start a new campaign. If you wish to create a campaign from scratch, click on Switch to Expert Mode. If not, you can use the platform’s Smart Campaign feature.
What Happens if You Never Pay Google Ads?
If you forget your Google Ads payment, Google will suspend your account. Furthermore, your credit card and account information will be flagged. You won’t be able to access any paid Google feature or Google Ads until you complete the payment.
Conclusion
Google screened is an excellent tool for businesses who want to make a good first impression without extensive effort. For example, Google Screened for lawyers can help them stand out from their local colleagues, or childcare providers will give a sense of trust to parents, which is one of the biggest challenges when working in this field.
Digital marketing requires you to pay attention to every aspect possible. From Google My Business listings to screened badges, making sure your profiles are as polished and optimized as possible will be a groundbreaking feature for your company.
Accelerate Marketing can help your business get the Google Screened badge so that you can stand out from others in your field. Contact us now if you’d like to get more information about our services!
