What Are Google-Guaranteed Ads? Is Google Guaranteed Worth It?

When clients use your name as a verb to describe something, like “Just Google it!” you know you’ve succeeded.

The way we obtain information is greatly influenced by Google, and its ubiquity does not appear to be diminishing. Due to the 8.5 billion queries it processes daily, Google has a significant impact on businesses both locally and internationally.

With the advent of Google+ Local in 2012 and Google My Business in 2014, Google began providing a platform for local companies to register with the search engine. These platforms have established Google as one of the best sources for local business lead generation and reviews in the area.

Starting in 2015, Google researched and tested local business advertisements in beta, solidifying the Google Guarantee process as it exists today.

Google-guaranteed Ads is a brand-new consumer protection tool that the company has launched. Companies that use Local Services Ads for advertising can qualify for this program, which provides consumers with an additional layer of security.

Google-guaranteed ads have the potential to be an effective lead-generating technique that will set you apart from the competition.

The initiative assists in showcasing pre-screened home services businesses or companies. These advertisements could catch buyers’ attention more than others because of their prominent green label with a check mark.

And it’s not just because of the striking green emblem; it’s also because they know they can select an organization or business that already holds the Google certification.

What information is necessary before applying? Let’s examine Google Guaranteed, who it helps, and why your company might want to consider it. Let’s understand it better.

Understanding the Green Checkmark—“Google Guaranteed”

A “Google Guaranteed” certification program was developed to boost consumer trust in local companies. Customers may search for the Google Guaranteed Badge, which protects if something goes wrong while screening companies online.

Several businesses are already using Google Local Services Ads to drive leads to their websites through sponsored search campaigns. Instead, companies that wish to attract more organic visitors may benefit from the Google Guarantee.

A lifetime cap, which varies by area, is automatically applied to services reserved through Local Services Ads. In the unlikely event that a client is unhappy with the service, they may feel secure in the knowledge that they can return the whole amount of the invoice.

If a customer schedules a task via a Google Local Service advertisement and is dissatisfied with the quality of work provided by a Google Guaranteed provider, Google may, at its sole discretion, pay up to US$1,000 toward the invoice. The reimbursement guidelines are available here.

To be certified as Google Guaranteed, your company must complete several Google screenings and verification procedures—including, but not limited to, background checks, insurance, licensing, and reviews on your Google My Business profile—through Google Local Service Ads. This procedure might take a while, and not all businesses are eligible.

How to Determine Whether a Company Has Been Google Guaranteed? Under the names of organizations that meet the program’s requirements, a green checkmark is added as a “badge.” There will be an auditory confirmation of this promise if a client searches using Google Assistant or Google Home’s voice feature rather than a screen.

What Does the Google Guaranteed Program Cover?

As the program grows, Google Guaranteed will pay consumers up to US$2000 in the US and Canada for the amount of the disputed invoice; other countries may have different caps.

The following are the lifetime restrictions in various regions:

• The United States:$2,000 US dollars
• Canada: 2,000 Canadian dollars
• Great Britain: 1,500 pounds
• Germany: 1,500 euros
• France: 1,500 euros
• Ireland: 1,500 euros
• Italy: 1,500 euros
• Spain: 1,500 euros
• Belgium: 1,500 euros
• Netherlands: 1,500 euros
• Austria: 1,500 euros
• Switzerland: 2,000 Swiss Francs

What Does Google Guaranteed Not Cover?

Customers and businesses alike should be aware of the coverage’s limits. For example, customers had to schedule the work directly through Local Services Ads and submit a refund claim within 30 (thirty) days of the service being delivered.

The claim must be made for the full cost of the original service, as shown on the invoice, up to a lifetime cap. It excludes any upcoming projects, additions, damages, cancellations, and refund requests based solely on a customer’s unhappiness with the purchase price.

How does Google Guaranteed Ads Work?

If your company utilizes Local Services Ads, you can register for and apply to the program. If the service is offered in your region and you are certified, a badge or logo will appear next to your advertisement.

When you apply, Google will assess your internet reviews, insurance, and business license. Additionally, they will do free background checks on all of their workers. The owners’ backgrounds are constantly investigated, and depending on your business, other backgrounds are examined as well. 

A badge indicating that Google has prequalified you will be given to your organization if it completes this test successfully.

Customers can file a claim with Google to get refunded the full amount of their invoice if they are dissatisfied with your service. After that, Google will contact you to find out more and can ask the user for further details.

You’ll get the chance to work things out with your client. If that fails, Google will use its discretion and facts to determine a just and fair resolution.

Also Read: How to do Google Ads Audit

How Can You Get This Google Guarantee Badge?

Getting a guarantee is a reasonably simple procedure, but it takes time to complete. You can apply by following these procedures if your service industry is offered in an area where the Google Guarantee is available:

• If you do not already have a Google My Business listing, get one now. This phase also requires postcard, video, or live video chat verification.
• Go to ads.google.com/local-services-ads and select the “Get Started” option located in the upper right corner.
• After choosing your employment category and entering your postal code, click “Check Eligibility.”
• After entering your email address, select “Next.“
• Please include the relevant company information so people can contact you. You need only a phone number to start, but we also advise adding your website.
• After that, choose the services you want to provide, set up your service locations, and add service hours. These procedures will create your profile.
• Finally, using the “Business Verification” button, provide further information and supporting documentation to be eligible for the Google Guarantee badge.

Signing up with LSA is only the first step. To truly receive your Google Guaranteed badge, your company must complete Google’s extensive screening processes, which include background checks, business license verification, and liability insurance confirmation.

Once your company passes this inspection, it is awarded the coveted green checkmark badge. But keep in mind that keeping your badge current calls for regular Google reviews and updates, good interactions on Google My Business, and constant updates from Google regarding your licensing and insurance.

But keep in mind that keeping your badge current calls for regular Google reviews and updates, good interactions on Google My Business, and constant updates from Google regarding your licensing and insurance.

Can Your Business Get Google Guaranteed?

Let’s see if your business is eligible for Google Guaranteed.

You could be lucky! Over the past several years, Google Guaranteed has expanded throughout many regions, concentrating on residential services. The industries that qualify for the program differ from place to place and can change as they grow.

The initiative may have a big influence on numerous small businesses that are finding it difficult to understand pay-per-click search marketing. It could enable you to focus more of your time on managing your business and less time on keyword research and bidding tactics.

Even though sponsored search may be an effective tool, many companies haven’t been able to commit the time or money required to earn a return on their investment. Though professional digital marketing Agencies‘ advice is always accessible, people who are just starting might want to try it first.

Verifying your eligibility to discover if you are eligible for the program is one of the first stages.

Which Industries in the US Qualify?

The following sectors in the USA are qualified for Google Guaranteed: The following services are offered: lawn care, junk removal, locksmith services, pet grooming, pest control, plumbing, tree services, roofing services, window cleaning, water damage restoration, appliance repair, window repair, auto repair, auto glass,  electrical, carpet and upholstery cleaning, financial planning, event planning, home cleaning, garage door installation, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) services.

Which Industries in Canada Qualify?

The program applies to HVAC, locksmith, and plumbing companies in Canada.

Does Every Professional Service Have Google Guaranteed Coverage?

Currently, the program is limited to home services. However, Google has a program called Google Screened that includes real estate, legal services, and financial planning, among other professional services.

How Do Google Guaranteed Local Service Ads Connect?

You may currently promote to local potential clients through sponsored search through the Local Services Ads program.

Google Guaranteed aims to give local companies more confidence. It allows businesses to possibly increase organic traffic without having to spend time and money on paid search engine marketing.

You may find it useful as a business owner since it is easier to use, focuses on organic traffic, and has a fixed fee that is easy to comprehend.

Requirements As Per Category for Industries

Industry-Specific Requirements for Appliance Repair

A service provider that handles maintenance, repairs, and installations of appliances is known as an appliance repair specialist.

Background check requirements

• Check for business
• Owner verification

Requirements for insurance

Liability coverage in general

License prerequisites

State-level business license* State-level owner license

Industry-Specific Requirements for Auto Glass

A specialist in vehicle glass offers a variety of services, including fixing broken windows in cars.

Background check requirements

• Check for business
• Owner verification

Requirements for insurance

• Liability coverage in general

License prerequisites

• State-level business license*
• State-level owner license

Industry-Specific Requirements for Auto Repair

An expert in vehicle repair is a service provider who, among other things, works on engine and body maintenance and repair.

Background check requirements

• Check for business
• Owner verification

Requirements for insurance

• Liability coverage in general

License prerequisites

• State-level business license*
• State-level owner license

Industry-Specific Requirements for Electricians

Among other things, an electrician is a service specialist who installs, maintains and repairs electrical systems.

Since customers frequently contact electricians for urgent, time-sensitive needs (exposed wire, essential electronic failure, etc.), the electrician category is regarded as an urgent category.

Because of this, electricians are subject to an extra degree of assurance, which includes background checks on service professionals.

Background check requirements

• Check for business
• Owner verification
• professional service inspection

Requirements for insurance

• Liability coverage in general

License prerequisites

• State-level business license*
• State-level owner license

Industry-Specific Requirements for Moving Businesses

Moving Companies offer various services, including packing, moving, storing, and unpacking goods.

Background check requirements

• Check for business
• Owner verification

Requirements for insurance

• Liability coverage in general

License prerequisites

• State-level business license*
• State-level owner license

Industry-Specific Requirements for Plumbing Companies

Plumbing technicians are experts in handling pipes, drains, sewers, and appliances connected to these systems in your house. They occasionally could additionally provide gas or other services.

Because people frequently call a plumber for an urgent, time-sensitive necessity (such as a hot-water outage), the plumbing category is regarded as an urgent category.

Because of this, plumbers are subject to an extra degree of assurance, which includes background checks on service workers.

Background check requirements

• Check for business
• Owner verification
• Professional service inspection

Requirements for insurance

• Liability coverage in general

License prerequisites

• State-level business license*
• State-level owner license

Industry-Specific Requirements for Pest Control Companies

Pest control experts assess and eliminate various pests, such as insects, rodents, and mammals, among other services.

Background Check Requirements

• Check for business
• Owner verification

Requirements for insurance

• Liability coverage in general

License prerequisites

• State-level business license*
• State-level owner license*

Industry-Specific Requirements for Pet Grooming Businesses

Among other things, pet groomers clean and style pet animals.

Background Check Requirements

• Check for business
• Owner verification

Requirements for insurance

• Liability coverage in general

License prerequisites

• State-level business license*
• State-level owner license*

If you want a Google Guaranteed, check your business eligibility to see whether it applies to your company.

Dissecting the Google Guaranteed Cost

Unlike traditional advertising, Google Guaranteed does not charge view or click fees. Instead, you pay for each lead generated by local service advertisements. This fee is based on several variables, including the location, services provided, industry, and kind of lead your company creates. The good news is that you may base your monthly budget on the quantity of leads you want to generate.

The program has a $50 monthly base price or a $600 yearly cost. Every lead, though, comes with a price.

Additionally, for a $50 monthly charge, small businesses who are not enrolled in LSA can now benefit from a Google Guaranteed badge. This gives them an advantage over nearby rivals in organic search results.

Pay-per-click is not the same as Google Guaranteed. Instead of being charged every time a potential client clicks on an advertisement, you will only be charged when a consumer connects or calls to use your services.

The cost per lead varies depending on your area and sector, but it appears to be around $25 on average. Companies might contest leads that aren’t valid, such as when a consumer appears in your advertisement but lives outside of your region or when the customer provides insufficient contact information, which prevents you from following up.

Other businesses have launched such initiatives, like Yelp‘s Verified License. Although Yelp’s certification and Google’s appear similar, Yelp does not give the same robust quality assurance that Google’s Guaranteed program does.

Is Google Guaranteed Really Worth It?

Businesses with Google Guarantees pay a price for certain advantages in the SERP. When a search query generates Google Local Services Ads, those advertisements appear at the top of the page, above featured snippets, the GBP panel, and search ads. Getting this valuable space in the SERP may dramatically increase leads.

Being at the top of the SERP is not free. The program Local Services Ads is pay-per-lead. After achieving Google Guaranteed status, you will set an advertising budget and only reimburse Google for leads generated by your ads. Local competition and the industry you are in will affect your cost per lead. The average cost per lead is around $23; however, it can range greatly from $6 to over $30. If the lead you obtain is false or just not a good fit, you may dispute the charge with Google and get reimbursed for it.

Getting Google Guaranteed and experimenting with Local Services Ads might be a wonderful answer if your Google Business Profile isn’t generating as many leads as you’d intended.

Final Thoughts

Google Guaranteed has the potential to be a powerful lead-generating tool for expanding your local business. It may make it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to compete and get more organic visitors without using sponsored search platforms.

The Google Guarantee program benefits both consumers and companies. It fights fraudulent reviews and ratings to ensure that customers get the finest local business listings.

If they provide real services, even small enterprises can compete with larger ones on an equal footing. Users may see by looking at the emblem that Google supports the company. Consumers are more likely to believe in businesses/ companies that are supported by Google, not only because it is a well-known search engine but also because it provides a money-back guarantee of up to US$2,000 in case consumers are dissatisfied with services they purchased via Google.

It’s crucial to understand that the Google Guarantee badge is only valid for services reserved through Google Local Services and that its coverage is subject to restrictions, such as those related to cost, promptness, or civility.

At Website Pandas, we genuinely want to see your company succeed. We are here to support you as you increase your local visibility. Let us help you implement a fresh plan if you want to refocus your company’s lead acquisition approach.

We would love to speak with you if you have any further inquiries regarding how Google Guarantee can impact your capacity to produce leads. We’re prepared to support your clients’ engagement and the growth of lead generation. Contact us today!