Quick answer
Badge comparison at a glance
Compare Google Screened and Google Guaranteed by industry fit, verification path, trust impact, and customer-facing differences.
What this covers
- Google ScreenedUsually tied to eligible professional service categories such as legal, real estate, and financial planning.
- Google GuaranteedUsually tied to eligible home services and may include a customer reimbursement path in supported cases.
- Badge fitThe right badge depends on category, location, and Google's current eligibility rules.
Updated: Nov 22, 2024
Quick Summary:
Google Screened : A badge for professional services, ensuring that businesses have passed a detailed background check. It doesn’t offer financial guarantees.
Google Guaranteed : A badge for home services that includes both background checks and a financial guarantee of up to $2,000 for unsatisfied customers.
Both badges enhance trust and visibility in local service ads, but which one is right for your business?
What Are Google Screened and Google Guaranteed?
Google Screened and Google Guaranteed are badges provided by Google to build trust and credibility for businesses in local service ads (LSAs).
These badges help customers easily identify businesses that have been thoroughly vetted by Google.
Google Screened : Typically used by professional services like lawyers , financial planners, and real estate agents. It signifies that the business has passed a background check but does not offer any financial guarantees to customers.
Google Guaranteed : Commonly used by home service providers such as plumbers , roofers , electricians, movers , and HVAC specialists. This badge not only indicates that the business has passed background checks but also offers a financial guarantee to customers, providing compensation of up to $2,000 if they are not satisfied with the service.
Why Should Your Business Care About These Badges?
Having a Google Screened or Google Guaranteed badge can significantly boost your business’s visibility and trustworthiness.
When customers see these badges, they are more likely to choose your business over competitors without them. This can lead to more clicks on your ads, more leads , and ultimately, more business.
Detailed Comparison: Google Screened vs. Google Guaranteed
| Feature | Google Screened | Google Guaranteed |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Focus | Professional Services | Home Services |
| Financial Guarantee | None | Up to $2,000 in select countries |
| Business Location Verification | Not Always Required | Required |
| License & Background Checks | Required | Required |
| Appears in Google Assistant | No | Yes |
| Additional Guidelines | No | Yes |
Which Badge Is Right for Your Business?
The choice between Google Screened and Google Guaranteed usually depends on your industry. Google determines eligibility based on the type of services your business offers:
Google Screened : Best for professional service providers like lawyers, financial planners, real estate agents, etc.
Google Guaranteed : Ideal for home service providers like plumbers, electricians, and other contractors.
Industries Eligible for Google Screened and Google Guaranteed
| Google Screened | Google Guaranteed |
|---|---|
| Acupuncture | Appliance Repair |
| Animal Rescue | Carpentry |
| Auto Glass | Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning |
| Beauty School | Countertop Services |
| Child Care Services | Electrical |
| Dance Instruction | Fencing |
| Driving Instruction | Flooring |
| Financial Planning | Foundations |
| First Aid Training | Garage Door |
| Funeral Services | General Contracting |
| Language Instruction | Handyman |
| Lawyer | Home Inspection |
| Massage School | Home Security |
| Personal Trainer | Home Theater |
| Pet Adoption | House Cleaning |
| Pet Boarding | HVAC |
| Pet Grooming | Junk Removal |
| Pet Training | Landscaping |
| Preschool | Lawn Care |
| Real Estate | Locksmith |
| Tax Specialist | Moving |
| Tutoring | Pest Control |
| Veterinarian | Plumbing |
| Weight Loss | Pool Cleaning |
| Yoga Studio | Pool Contractor |
| Roofing | Sewage System Services |
| Siding | Snow Removal |
| Tree Services | Water Damage |
| Window Cleaning | Window Repair |
How Do Google Screened and Google Guaranteed Work?
Application Process :
Eligibility : Ensure your business meets Google's criteria for either program.
Background Checks : Both badges require thorough background checks for business owners and sometimes employees.
Verification : For Google Guaranteed, you must also verify your business location.
Approval and Display :
Once approved, the badges appear on your Local Service Ads, making your business more appealing to potential customers.
Benefits of Being Google Screened or Google Guaranteed
Increased Visibility : Businesses with these badges often appear at the top of search results, increasing the likelihood of customer engagement.
Enhanced Trust : The badges signal to potential customers that your business is reputable and has passed Google’s vetting process.
Financial Protection (Google Guaranteed) : Provides customers with up to $2,000 in compensation if they are not satisfied with the service, which can be a significant selling point.
Is It Worth the Effort?
For many SMBs, the effort to obtain a Google Screened or Google Guaranteed badge is worth it . These badges can differentiate your business from competitors, improve your online reputation, and lead to more business opportunities.
Editorial note
Written by Edward C and last updated November 22, 2024. PrimeLSA keeps public guidance practical, Google Local Services Ads-specific, and connected to real account review.