We all know that having an online presence is essential for any business. But what happens when you need to ensure the information you're putting out there, and the people associated with it, meet specific quality standards? That’s where Google Screened comes in.
In this blog from The Mad Caddy, we’ll discuss what Google Screened is, why it matters to your business, and how to get started!
Table of Contents:
What is Google Screened?
How Does It Work?
Why Does Google Screened Matter for My Business?
Who is Google Screened For?
Understanding the Google Screened Verification Process
Getting Google Screened
Setting Up Google Screened
Google Screened Vs. Google Guaranteed: What’s The Difference?
Google Screening: Is it Really Worth It?
Conclusion
People Also Ask:
What does it mean to be Google Screened?
Businesses and service providers that have been given this badge by Google have passed all required licensing checks. This means that Google verified the trustworthiness and relevance of these establishments.
Is Google Screened worth it?
Yes! Obtaining the Google Screened badge is worth it for any service-based business. Companies that are screened by Google are verified as trustworthy businesses, and this certification provides entrepreneurs with more qualified leads.
Is Google Screened pay per click?
Google Screened is a pay per click service model. This means that businesses only pay when potential customers click on their websites, and actually content them online or on the phone.
What is Google Screened?
Google Screened is a process offered by Google to verify local service providers, businesses, and their representatives. This process aims to prove these establishments as “trusted partners” on Google.
This verification means local businesses can display a Google badge of authenticity on their social media pages or websites to show they're Google verified. The purpose of this process is to ensure that the business’s licenses, insurance, and reputation are notable and valid.
This process includes an extensive background check with Google’s Local Service Ads and the Google Partner Program. The state and other third parties are also involved with the background check.
The program is designed to pre-screen business applicants before they’re given the Google Badge of Trust with the iconic green Google checkmark.
That Google badge shows anyone looking at a business’s social media page or website that that specific local business has passed Google screening requirements. These local service providers and their establishments are known as authenticated service providers trusted by Google.
How Does It Work?
The process for becoming "Google Screened" varies based on your business type. If you are a local service provider, you must pass a background check before being approved by Google to become "Google Screened."
On the other hand, if you're selling products online, no background check is necessary. Instead, you must meet specific criteria set forth by Google to get the badge on your website.
These criteria include having the following listed on your business website:
A listed and valid contact email address
A refunds and return policy
Accepted payment methods
Shipping time and costs
Once these criteria have been met, you can apply to become "Google Screened." Once approved, the badge will be prominently displayed on your website for potential customers to see!
Why Does Google Screened Matter for My Business?
Having the Google Screened badge gives customers peace of mind when considering your business as an option. Showing you have been verified by Google builds with potential customers who may be apprehensive about working with new companies.
Additionally, displaying this badge can help your business stand out from competitors who lack this certification, giving you an edge over your competition.
With a Google Screened badge, your business obtains greater:
Trust: Having that Google badge displayed on your website means you've earned a high level of trust with the world's largest search engine, Google. It means a worthy platform has guaranteed you that you'll surely deliver on your promises of dependable services. In other words, that badge authenticates your trustworthy reputation, creating a good impression with potential customers right off the bat.
Visibility: The Google Screened badge helps increase your rankings on SERPs (Search Engine Result Pages). When people search for services you offer, you're more likely to show up on the first page of Google because of your authentication.
Lead Volume: With the Google Screened badge, it's pretty much guaranteed that your business will appear at the top of Google. Since placing a direct call is easy, being verified by Google often leads to more calls from potential customers.
Who is Google Screened For?
With Google Screened, this authentication is best for businesses operating in a vertical market. Vertical market businesses provide services designed to solve specific customer needs (tax specialists, realtors, etc.)
Because the Google Screened program solely focuses on local businesses, it’s only available for local vertical markets.
Here are the business types that qualify to receive a Google Screen authentication:
Real estate agencies
Child care and preschool services
Financial and tax planning services
Local law firms and attorneys
Beauty schools and academies
Massage therapist schools
Acupuncture
Funeral services
Animal rescues
Pet grooming, adoption, boarding, and training
Veterinarians
Tutoring
Yoga Studios
Weight loss and personal training
First aid training
Auto glass repair
Understanding the Google Screened Verification Process
Although the Google Screened verification process is relatively straightforward, that doesn’t mean it’s quick. Typically, this authentication process takes two to three days, with the background checks taking longer.
As trusted and local service providers, our team at The Mad Caddy understands that you might not have time to undergo this process yourself. Why not let us do it for you?
Our team will apply for this essential authentication on your behalf to get you started. All you have to do is provide us with the proper means of identification. This often includes documents such as a valid driver’s license, copies of state and federal business licenses, and proof of insurance.
If you have a large company, your employees may also be subjected to some Google Screening. Afterward, Google performs a complete business and owner background check to validate your establishment.
Your business must have a three-star customer review rating or higher on your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business).
A high average review rating is a surefire way to attract new customers, as most individuals look at a business’s reviews before contacting them.
Getting Google Screened
Let's say you're the owner of a real estate agency and need a Google Screened badge to set you apart from the local competition. First, you'll need to create a local service ad with Google. Once complete, you must send all relevant information for the background and licensing check.
The badge is earned once your agency's founder and business have gone through some questions and reviews. If you're the founder of your business, you'll be subjected to these questions.
To continue, you must ensure your establishment has an average Google Business Profile rating of three stars or higher!
Setting Up Google Screened
To jump-start this process, you’ll need to log into your Google Account, which also serves as your Google Business Profile (GBP).
Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to follow these steps below:
Submit all relevant and required documents (including business name, phone number, owner’s name, year founded, credit card, SSN, company employer identification numbers, etc.)
Utilize the Local Service Ads Signup form
Provide all necessary information and documentation for the Google screening process
Sit back and wait for your approval (remember, some information takes longer to analyze than others!)
Google Screened Vs. Google Guaranteed: What’s The Difference?
While Google Screened is about authenticating a business’s reputation and trustworthiness. The purpose of Google Guaranteed is to provide customer reimbursement for some of the services rendered. Google Guaranteed is handy when a customer isn’t fully satisfied with a service or its delivery.
There’s still an extensive background check conducted with Google Guaranteed, and businesses still receive a check mark of trust, but this checkmark is entirely white inside a green circle.
Google Screening: Is it Really Worth It?
In simple terms: Yes! Receiving that Google Screened badge is worth it. Local businesses and service providers with this authentication are viewed as more trustworthy by their target audience, and this verification helps drive more leads.
The iconic Google green check mark proves that a company has gone through the rigorous screening process performed by Google, and pretty much ensures that businesses will be at the top of the SERPs.
Not only does the check mark help boost your brand awareness and engagement, but your business is also more likely to be given priority in search results over companies that do not.
Conclusion
As more and more businesses move online, having some form of verification from a trusted source like Google is essential for gaining customer trust and standing out from competitors.
Not only does this verification increase trustworthiness among potential customers, but it also boosts visibility in search results from competitors who may not have taken similar steps toward gaining credibility.
So what are you waiting for? Contact our Mad Caddy team to get started today!