Is Google Guaranteed Worth It?

As a home services business owner, you’re likely familiar with the challenges of standing out in a competitive market and earning the trust of potential customers. This is where the new Google Guaranteed program comes into play.

When customers are searching for products and services like yours in their local area, they often do lots of research to ensure they are making the best possible choice.

This can be anything from reading online reviews, seeking personal recommendations, or looking deeper into your business through your Google Business Profile and website to gather more information.

Google now provides an opportunity for businesses in select home and personal service industries to establish consumer trust by becoming a Google Screened or Google Guaranteed provider.

Businesses can apply to the program through Local Services Ads, which offers extra reassurance to customers.

What Exactly is Google Guaranteed?

Imagine a badge that instantly instills trust and confidence in potential customers when they search for home service providers on Google. That’s what the Google Guarantee program aims to achieve.

Launched as a means to bridge the gap between customers and service providers, Google Guarantee is a verification and certification initiative designed to ease the minds of those seeking reliable home services.

At its core, the Google Guarantee badge is a symbol of credibility. It signifies that a particular home service provider has undergone Google’s stringent screening process and has met the program’s eligibility criteria.

The program’s ultimate goal is to eliminate doubts and hesitations that customers often experience when choosing a service provider, particularly one they might be inviting into their homes.

Instilling Confidence and Trust

Moreover, the Google Guarantee badge is not just a static emblem—it comes with a promise. Should a customer be dissatisfied with the quality of service provided, Google offers a monetary guarantee .

For instance, if a customer pays for a service through the Google Guarantee program and is unhappy with the results, they have the option to request a refund through Google of up to a certain amount. This coverage adds an extra layer of assurance, underscoring Google’s commitment to the quality of services offered by badge-holding businesses.

In essence, the Google Guarantee program serves as a win-win solution. Customers gain peace of mind knowing that their investment is protected, while businesses benefit from enhanced credibility and a potential boost in customer inquiries and conversions.

How to Set up Google Guaranteed Ads

Requirements for Businesses to Participate

Before getting endorsed as a Google Guaranteed business, there are things Google will want to verify with you and your business.

This happens to ensure that only trustworthy and reputable service providers are granted into the program.

While specific criteria may vary depending on your location and industry, the general requirements typically include:

• A valid business license in your service area (usually by state).
• Appropriate insurance coverage, which might include general liability insurance.
• Passing of background checks for all forward-facing employees who  services.
• A minimum customer rating, ensuring your business maintains a satisfactory level of customer satisfaction.

Background Checks, Licensing, and Insurance Validation

Google’s commitment to customer trust is evident with their thorough verification process.

Background checks are conducted to confirm clean records and commitment to delivering quality service. It’s important to note that Google itself does not receive any results from your background check. Like an employment background check, Google has a partner who specializes in secure background checks and simply tells Google if you adhere to their requirements; not your personal information.

Additionally, Google verifies your business’s licensing information to ensure that you are legally permitted to operate in your service area.

Insurance validation is a critical aspect of the verification process. This step ensures that your business has the necessary insurance coverage, which not only safeguards your interests but also protects your customers. General liability insurance is often required, as it covers potential damages or accidents that might occur during service delivery.

Is Google Guaranteed Free?

The Google Guarantee program does not have any charges for views or clicks. Instead, businesses pay for each direct sales lead obtained through local service ads. The cost per lead is determined by various factors such as the company’s location, industry, service, and type of lead.

If you pay for a lead that isn’t qualified, you as a business owner can actually apply for a refund of the cost of the lead.

How to Apply for the Program

Applying for the Google Guaranteed program involves several steps, including submitting necessary information, verifying documents, and completing the screening process.

To begin your application, visit the Google Guaranteed page and provide the essential details requested about your business. These initial details will include your company’s name, service area, and the types of services you offer. You’ll also need to specify the number of employees within the company.

After you’ve submitted your basic business information, Google will guide you through the process of verifying your licensing and insurance documentation. This often involves uploading digital copies of relevant documents for review. Once these steps are completed and your background checks have been cleared, you’re on your way to earning the Google Guarantee badge.

Importance of Accurate Business Information and a Well-Optimized Google Business Profile

Throughout the application and verification process, accuracy is needed. Ensure that the information you provide is up-to-date, consistent, and matches the details on your licensing and insurance documents. Any discrepancies can lead to delays or rejection of your application.

Moreover, having a well-optimized Google Business Profile (GBP) plays a crucial role in the success of your Google Guarantee application. Your GBP profile serves as a digital storefront for your business, providing potential customers with essential information like your contact details, operating hours, and customer reviews.

Consistently update and maintain your GMB profile to reflect accurate information and showcase your commitment to transparency and professionalism.

Pros & Cons of Pursuing Google Guaranteed

The benefits of obtaining a Google Guaranteed badge can greatly outweigh the drawbacks when it comes to attracting new customers.

Pros

Improved Credibility and Trust

One of the most significant advantages of obtaining the Google Guaranteed badge is the immediate boost in credibility and customer trust compared to competitors.

When potential customers see the Google Guaranteed badge displayed next to your business name in search results, it sends a powerful message. It communicates that your business is reliable, reputable, and has been endorsed by a trusted authority like Google.

Consumer Decision-Making Impact

Studies and surveys consistently reveal the high impact  trust badges have on consumer decision-making. Research has shown that customers are more likely to choose businesses with visible trust badges, as they provide a sense of security and assurance.

The Google Guaranteed badge, with its associated money-back guarantee, plays a vital role in soothing any hesitations customers might have when selecting a home service provider.

Enhanced Online Visibility

The Google Guarantee badge is not just a symbol of trust; it also has a positive effect on your online visibility.

When customers search for home services on Google, businesses with the Google Guarantee badge are often displayed at the top of the search results.

This prime placement can significantly increase your business’s visibility and exposure to potential customers.

Cons

Time-Consuming Verification Process

Becoming Google Guaranteed involves a lingering verification process. Google reviews the background, insurance, and licensure of both your business and employees. As a result, the duration of this process can vary, particularly depending on the size of your business.

This can translate to a long waiting period before you can display the Google Guarantee badge.

Limited Availability and Monthly Fee

Not all Google Business Profile (GBP) account holders currently have access to the Google Guarantee program. While Google is gradually introducing the Google Guarantee badge as an option through the GBP dashboard, it’s not universally available for all GBP accounts.

Unlike Local Services Ads (LSA) accounts, which are automatically Google Guaranteed, GBP account holders may need to pay a recurring monthly fee to retain their badge.

Ongoing Maintenance Requirements

Earning the Google Guaranteed badge is not the end of the journey; it marks the beginning of an ongoing commitment. Customers have the ability to file disputes, and as a Google Guaranteed business, you’re obligated to address these disputes promptly and professionally. In order to optimize your LSAs, you’ll also want to constantly note what leads were high quality and which ones weren’t.

Staying Google Guaranteed needs consistent engagement and resolution to maintain the badge’s trustworthiness and credibility.

So, Is Google Guaranteed Worth It?

As a home services business owner, navigating the digital landscape is an important aspect of staying competitive and earning the trust of potential customers.

Google Guaranteed has the potential to serve as a highly effective lead generation tool for businesses seeking growth. It can assist small and medium-sized companies in attracting greater organic traffic and competing in the market without having to rely heavily on traditional paid search platforms.

Want help getting your business Google Guaranteed?

At 828 Marketing and Web Design, we specialize in helping businesses like yours secure the Google Guarantee badge. Our team of experts are well-versed in every step of the application and verification process, ensuring that you’re able to showcase this badge of trust without the headache.

We handle the time-consuming tasks, so you can focus on what you do best – serving your customers. Get in touch with us today!