In the digital era, Google has created tools like Google Screened and Google Guaranteed to help local service providers stand out as companies look to gain the trust of potential clients. What are these programs, though, and how are they different? Knowing Google Screened vs Google Guaranteed differences could make it easier for you to make better judgments if you’re a business owner or someone searching for local services.
What Is Google Screened?
Through a rigorous background check procedure, Google Screened is intended to assist companies in particular industries in gaining the trust of their clients. Professionals in industries like legal services, real estate, financial planning, and home renovation are the main target audience for this program. Companies that complete the Google Screened procedure are awarded a badge that shows up on Google Maps and Search next to their advertisements and business listings.
A company must fulfill specific qualifying requirements to get Google Screened, which frequently include:
- Background Checks: The company needs to go through background checks, which include confirming its licenses and credentials.
- Verified Staff: Professionals employed by the company, such as attorneys and financial advisors, are required to pass individual background checks in several industries.
- Insurance and Bonding: Companies in some service sectors are required to show that they are dependable and professional by having sufficient insurance and bonding.
The Google Screened badge’s main advantage is that it lets prospective clients know that the company has completed a stringent screening procedure. The symbol demonstrates the company’s commitment to industry standards and helps boost client confidence.
What Is Google Guaranteed?
Google Guaranteed is a more accessible program that covers a wider range of local service providers, including plumbing, HVAC, locksmiths, and other household services. Unlike Google Screened, which needs background checks and industry-specific certifications, Google Guaranteed is intended for organizations that provide services where trust and pleasure are key.
To become Google Guaranteed, businesses must:
- Business and Licensing Verification: Similar to Google Screened, Google Guaranteed companies have their insurance and licenses checked, although they frequently place more emphasis on operational guidelines than credentials unique to their sector.
- Commitment to Customer Satisfaction: Google Guaranteed companies are required to uphold criteria for customer satisfaction and can also be required to provide proof of a track record of satisfied clients.
- Google’s Financial Support: Google provides consumers with financial protection through the Google Guaranteed program, which is one of its most notable aspects. Customers searching for a safe option can feel even more reassured knowing that Google may provide a refund if they are unhappy with the service.
The Google Guaranteed symbol adds an extra layer of trust by indicating that the company has been vetted by Google and provides clients with financial security. Customers looking for reputable local service providers may be enticed by the potential of receiving a refund if the service is inadequate.
Key Differences Between Google Screened and Google Guaranteed
While both programs are aimed at establishing trust with customers, there are some clear distinctions:
Industry Focus:
- Google Screened is limited to certain industries such as legal, financial, and real estate services.
- Google Guaranteed is broader and targets local service providers, including home services, contractors, and repair services.
Background Check Process:
- Google Screened requires in-depth background checks for both the business and its employees.
- Google Guaranteed focuses on the business’s credentials, licensing, and customer satisfaction, but doesn’t necessarily require individual background checks.
Financial Protection:
- Google Screened does not include any form of financial backing for customers.
- Google Guaranteed offers a money-back guarantee if the customer is dissatisfied with the service, making it a unique selling point.
Badge and Visibility:
- Both programs offer a badge that appears next to your business in Google Search and Maps results. However, the Google Guaranteed badge might stand out more for local service-based businesses due to its association with customer satisfaction guarantees.
Availability and Eligibility:
- Google Screened is available only to select industries that require high levels of professionalism and specific qualifications.
- Google Guaranteed has a wider application, catering to local service industries that benefit from customer confidence and satisfaction.
Why Choose Google Screened or Google Guaranteed?
For service providers, both programs have significant advantages. If you work in an area that values qualifications and trustworthiness (such as law or real estate), the Google Screened badge can help you obtain high-quality leads by demonstrating to potential clients that your company has been professionally examined.
On the other hand, if you work in a hands-on, service-oriented industry like plumbing or HVAC, the Google Guaranteed program may be more appropriate. Google’s financial protection can be a determining factor for clients who seek further assurance that they will not be left hanging if something goes wrong.
Sum Up
While Google Screened and Google Guaranteed are both trust-building solutions for businesses, they target distinct categories of service providers. Google Screened is great for professionals who need to show their qualifications, whilst Google Guaranteed adds a degree of client assurance by offering a money-back guarantee.
Customers may choose a service provider based on their understanding of the difference. Being a part of either program can help businesses gain credibility, expand visibility, and create more confident and satisfied customers. Finally, whichever option you choose, both programs provide essential opportunities to stand out in an increasingly competitive online economy.
