If you haven’t heard about the Google Guaranteed or the Google Screened program, you might be missing out on an opportunity to add even more credibility to your business directly in the search results. The program is simply a process by which Google conducts a screening and qualification process to help searches find reputable and trusted providers locally.

The expansion of the program comes after a successful trial run of the Local Services Ads program. Local Services Ads started for the home services space to help them get involved in the Google Ads space with ease. The success of the program has led the company to broaden out the offering to more industries and to the entire country.

Here is what the badges look like in the search result:

Google Guaranteed

Google Screened

In order to be eligible for the program, your business must have a minimum review score of 3 stars or greater. Both the “guaranteed” and “screened” programs require license and background checks. The Google Guaranteed program actually offers money back to consumers if they aren’t satisfied with the provider’s work, however that is done at Google’s discretion. This guarantee does not extend to those listed as screened.

It is important to note two key distinctions between these programs.

1. Google Guaranteed is now being offered as a $50/month subscription services, subject to all the same eligibility rules as the original program.
2. Google Screened is only available for those advertising via the Local Services Ads program.

In addition, there is some overlap where industries can be eligible for both programs. Either way, the sign up process is the same and can be found here. And now, without further ado, here is the complete list of industries eligible for these programs (as of 10.21.2020):

1. Architect
2. Appliance repair
3. Auto glass
4. Bankruptcy lawyer
5. Business lawyer
6. Car repair
7. Carpenters
8. Carpet & Upholstery cleaning
9. Contract lawyer
10. Countertop services
11. Criminal lawyer
12. Disability lawyer
13. DUI lawyer
14. Electrician
15. Estate lawyer
16. Event planners
17. Family lawyer
18. Fencing services
19. Financial planners
20. Flooring services
21. Foundations services
22. Garage door
23. House cleaning
24. HVAC
25. Immigration law
26. Interior designer
27. IP lawyer
28. Junk removal
29. Labor lawyer
30. Landscaping services
31. Lawn care
32. Litigation lawyer
33. Locksmith
34. Malpractice lawyer
35. Moving
36. Personal injury lawyer
37. Pest control
38. Pet boarding
39. Pet grooming
40. Photographers
41. Plumber
42. Real estate agents
43. Real estate lawyer
44. Roofing
45. Siding services
46. Tax specialist
47. Traffic lawyer
48. Tree service
49. Videographer
50. Water damage services
51. Window cleaning
52. Window repair

The Takeaway

Clearly anything that gives your business credibility in the search results is going to be good for you. From reviews to these guaranteed and screened badges, take advantage of these programs. In addition, there is a symbiotic relationship between your Google My Business profile and Local Services Ads. While you do not need to have a GMB to participate in these programs, your GMB reviews can be found in the ads. Also, GMB is the single greatest factor that will impact your SEO. If you need help connecting the dots with these various programs, feel free to contact us today.