LAST UPDATED: 2.28.2024
If you haven’t heard about the Google Guaranteed categories 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 its offering to more industries and the entire country.
Here is what the badges look like in the search results:
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.
- Google Guaranteed is now being offered as a $50/month subscription service, subject to all the same eligibility rules as the original program.
- 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 2.28.2024).
Google Guaranteed Categories
- Acupuncture
- Allergist
- Animal rescue services
- Appliance repair
- Architecture
- Audiologist
- Auto body shop
- Auto repair shop
- Barber shop
- Beauty school
- Car washing and detailing
- Carpentry
- Carpet cleaning
- Cellphone and laptop repair
- Child care services
- Chiropractic services
- Countertop services
- Dance instruction
- Dentistry
- Dermatology
- Dietitian
- Drain expert
- Driving instruction
- Electrical
- Fencing
- Financial planning
- First aid training
- Flooring
- Foundations
- Funeral services
- Garage door
- General contracting
- Hair removal
- Hair salon
- Handyman
- Home inspection
- Home insulation
- Home security services
- Home theater services
- House cleaning
- Hvac
- Insurance agency
- Interior design
- Junk removal
- Landscaping
- Language instruction
- Law
- Lawn care
- Locksmith
- Massage school
- Massage therapist
- Moving
- Nail salon
- Occupational therapist
- Ophthalmology
- Optometrist
- Orthodontist
- Orthopedic surgeon
- Painting
- Personal training
- Pest control
- Pet adoption services
- Pet boarding
- Pet grooming
- Pet training
- Physical therapy
- Piercing studio
- Plastic surgeon
- Plumbing
- Podiatry
- Pool cleaning
- Pool contractor
- Preschool
- Primary care physician
- Real estate
- Roofing
- Sewage system services
- Siding
- Snow removal services
- Solar energy contractor
- Storage
- Tattoo studio
- Tax services
- Tire shop
- Towing
- Tree services
- Tutoring
- Veterinary services
- Water damage services
- Weight loss services
- Window cleaning
- Window services
- Yoga
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.