Google Guaranteed & Google Screened Badge Boost Website Rank

Building trust with potential customers begins on the search results page. Google Guaranteed and Google Screened badges are essential for optimizing local and off-page SEO, enhancing brand trust, and attracting more customers. With research showing that moving up one place on the SERPs increases CTR by 32.3%, and considering how these certifications directly influence rank in search results and Local Map Pack, it’s evident that investing in these badges can profoundly impact your business’s success.

What Are Google Guaranteed & Google Screened Badges?

Google Guaranteed and Google Screened badges, or certifications, are awarded to businesses that meet Google’s strict quality, trustworthiness, and professionalism criteria. These acknowledgments appear in search results, signaling users that Google has vetted and verified your business. It gives your business a literal Google stamp of approval that searchers can see.

These badges serve as powerful trust signals, reassuring users that your business is reputable and reliable. Research shows that trust is a decisive factor for 81% of consumers making purchase decisions.

Difference Between Google Guaranteed and Google Screened

It is important to note the differences between Google Guaranteed and Google Screened. While both signal trust and quality, Google Guaranteed is primarily for service-based businesses, while Google Screened is geared towards professional service providers like lawyers and financial planners.

In addition to the business types they cater to, both badges require a background check, but the scrutiny level may vary depending on the badge type. Additionally, Google Screened must provide proof of licenses and certifications and pass background checks.

Worth noting is that only businesses with Google Guaranteed badges offer a money-back guarantee for their services, while Google Screened does not.

How to Get Google Guaranteed or Google Screened

The process starts the same for both Google Guaranteed and Google Screened, with the differences coming in when submitting proof of insurance and the cost. Overall, it is a reasonably straightforward process, as outlined below:

• Determine Eligibility: Before starting the process, you must check that you meet the eligibility criteria set by Google. This usually involves having a legitimate business that offers services within the specific categories covered by Google Guaranteed or Google Screened. Each service area may have its own set of requirements, so review them carefully.
• Identity Verification: Google requires identity verification to confirm that you are indeed the owner or representative of the business seeking certification. Standard processes involve providing personal information and documentation to verify your identity.
• Complete Background Check: To maintain the trust and safety of its users, Google conducts background checks on businesses applying for certification. This process makes sure businesses meet specific standards and do not have a history of fraudulent activity or criminal behavior that could jeopardize the trust of potential customers.
• Provide Proof of Insurance: Providing proof of insurance for Google Guaranteed demonstrates that your business is adequately insured, which is essential for protecting your customers and your business in case of accidents or damages.
• Pay the Fees: Once you’ve completed the identity verification, background check, and provided proof of insurance, you’ll need to pay the certification fee to become Google Guaranteed or Google Screened. The cost may vary depending on various factors such as location and industry.

What Does Google Guaranteed Cost?

As noted in the previous section, the cost of Google Guaranteed and Google Screened certification varies based on industry, location, business size, and regional factors. However, Google Screened has separate costs and considerations—and is less out of pocket than Google Guaranteed.

The cost of screening for both Google Guaranteed and Google Screened are the same, as they require background checks and processing through a rigorous verification process. The fee structure for Google Screened is different, and Google Guaranteed may offer other payment options for different businesses.

Overall, businesses should consider the cost implications while weighing the benefits of each certification program to confirm which option is best for their needs.

Google Badges and Local SEO

Google badges are a beacon of trust for potential customers, but beyond the badges is Google’s SERP placement of businesses that have gone through their certification processes. This alone is vital in boosting a business’s visibility and influencing its position in search results and Google Maps’ Local Pack.

Businesses with Google badges are more likely to appear at the top of search results and local listings, making them more visible to potential customers searching for relevant services or products. In contrast, businesses without Google badges may be disadvantaged in visibility and click-through rates, particularly when competing against badge-holding competitors.

Even businesses running ads or appearing as “sponsored” listings rank lower than badge-holding competitors, highlighting the significant impact of Google badges on local SEO and online visibility. Therefore, obtaining a Google badge is a strategic investment for businesses to improve their online presence and attract more customers through organic search and local listings.

Power of Voice Search with Google Badges

Voice search is becoming dominant in how users interact with search engines. As voice assistants like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa grow, users increasingly rely on voice commands to find information, make inquiries, and discover local businesses. In fact, 58% of users use voice search for local queries.

So, what does this mean for businesses with Google badges? It means that having a Google Guaranteed or Google Screened badge can significantly enhance your visibility and credibility in the world of voice search. Consumers who use voice assistants like Google Assistant or Siri to find local services or businesses will be alerted to Google Guaranteed or Google Screened companies. This provides users an additional layer of trust and reassurance, as they know that these businesses have been vetted and verified by Google.

Get Your Badge of Trust & Boost Rank

There is no denying that local SEO and off-page SEO are necessary elements of any successful strategy for local, national, or international websites. They are non-negotiable. But what do those strategies look like? Are you incorporating every opportunity and aware of all the options available?

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We’ve shown you how Google Guaranteed and Google Screened put your website ahead of the competition, build trust with users, and boost your website visibility. We have the tools, knowledge, and experience you need to take your SEO to the next level. When you’re ready to upgrade your strategy, Plan Left is here to help.