Google has a new service called the Google Guarantee, which protects homeowners who use Google verified handymen, contractors, plumbers, locksmiths and more. The Google Guaranteed is noted by a green circle with a check mark. This assures the consumer that this business is licensed, insured and/or screened. The Google Guarantee is the first in their efforts to fight fraud and protect consumers in these industries.
The Google Guarantee is, literally, a guarantee. Google guarantees that the job will be done right or the consumer get their money back, to a point. If the consumer is not satisfied with the quality of the work, Google will cover the claims up to the job invoice amount, with a lifetime cap of $2,000. The consumer will need to file a claim with Google regarding this to activate their Google Guarantee.
To earn a green check mark next to your businesses name, there are a series of steps you must do with Google to verify your businesses credibility. A business must provide to Google documentation that their company is licensed, insured and/or screened. Failure to do so will result in your business being moved down on the list on the Local Services page in an area where no businesses are verified.
For example, if a consumer searches for a plumber, and you are verified, you will appear on the screen first. If you click to look for the full list, you will see all verified plumbers are first listed, and then if you are unverified your businesses’ Local Services listing will be much further down on the page.
There are just a few simple steps to get Google Guaranteed:
1. Create your listing on Google My Business
2. Go to the “Advanced Verification Section” in Google
3. Enter in your basic business information (Name, Address, Phone, Hours)
4. Select the cities you serve and the services your business offers
5. Enter your license/certification number
6. Complete third-party verification such as pinkerton.com
Once you have completed all of these steps, it will take up to two weeks for everything to be processed and verified to earn your verification with Google.
The next question on your mind is probably – Do I need I really need to get Google Guaranteed? The answer is yes. This is a Google service that is rolling out in these industries first, but if history tells us anything, this is likely a test market for Google. The Google Guarantee is likely to become a standard in other industries. Being Google Guaranteed makes your business appear higher on the Local Services search page, shows you are trusted since you passed verified, and speaks to the standards of your company. All of these factors will result in one thing – more business! We recommend taking the steps to become Google Guarantee and then reap the benefits!