How to be Google Guaranteed

As a local service business owner, phone calls are a critical piece to your lead generation activities.

If you've seen the "guaranteed" ads at the top of any local search, you're seeing Google's local services ads. This is Google newest network designed specifically for local services.

The Google guaranteed program is being given the most valuable real estate on the Google network, and is dedicated to generating more phone calls for your company.

Here we'll discuss how to be part of the Google guaranteed program. What exactly it means, and how get the most calls from the program at the best cost. 

What Is Google Guaranteed? 

Google Guaranteed is a local services ad program that's created to generate calls to your business.

It's a completely different network than Google Ads and Search, so it allows businesses to compete with much larger more established brands without the SEO time, or PPC budget required to generate results.

Google Guarantee provides verification service designed to support your local company and to provide some defense against fraudulent services for customers.

This provides extremely high levels of trust to potential customers calling, and results in a very high conversion rate.

The Google Guaranteed badge is given to businesses who pass Google's screening and qualification process.

A Google Guarantee badge means that Google has verified your business and decided it meets high standards for background, liability and insurance checks.

The badge can show up for both paid and organic results. Google trusts its screening process so much that it will actually refund customers if quality standards are not met.

After you pass the Google-Guaranteed review and get your badge, you can now setup and bid for your ads. Because you're only charged with the call exceeds 30 seconds, it's an effective use of your ad spend and highly profitable.

The ad format allows you to show your business name, city, phone number, hours of operation, and customer rating.

Who is eligible for Google Guaranteed?

In order to be eligible for the Google guaranteed program, you have to be providing services in the local community.

You must have a Google Business Profile (also called Google My Business), have a minimum number of reviews, and the score must be above 3.0.

Both the “guaranteed” and “screened” programs require license and background checks.

To become Google Guaranteed, businesses must:

• Pass Google Screening Process: All qualifying and eligible businesses must pass a business level screening process which includes business license and insurance check. Every company also undergoes a background check in order to qualify for Google screened badge.
• License, Insurance check and verification: For certain categories, not only will your business undergo a background check, but each professional in the business must pass license check as well.

All business owners must pass the background check, plus all employees who will be entering customers’ homes.

Once you’ve successfully been verified, you’ll pay a $50 fee each month to keep that green checkmark next to your business name showing the Google guaranteed badge.

This is incredible valuable, as PPC for certain keywords can exceed $100. With Google guaranteed, we're seeing quality calls for $25-30. Of course, this depends on your market.

If you’re a small business owner looking for the moment to break out amongst your competitors, the Google Guarantee program is a fantastic place to start. 

Combining this program with SEO and PPC will make sure you’re at the forefront of your market and get you new, potentially recurring, customers.

Google Guarantee badge

What is the process for getting the Google Guaranteed badge?

To setup Local Services Ads (LSA), you must have a Google My Business (GMB) account to begin.

When you apply for an LSA account, Google will begin the process of verifying your business for a Google Guarantee badge. If you meet the badge requirements, the badge is placed when your ad goes live.

The process is fairly simple: 

• Create Your Listing on Google My Business
• Navigate to “Local Service Ads” of Google
• Enter in your NAP (Name, Address, Phone)
• Select and Set your Hours
• Select and Set your Cities
• Select and Set your Services
• Enter License Number
• Request reviews from clients
• Background Check
• Also background checks for all employees who enter customers home
• Upload insurance/bond/etc.
• Enter Billing
• Publish your local service ad

 

Google guarantee cost

What does Google Guarantee Cost Business Owners?

Google Guarantee costs $50 a month to verified business owners; this only applies once you're a Google Guaranteed business.

Running Local Service Ads vary by location, and you'll be charged when you receive a call that exceed 30 seconds.

The Google guaranteed certification positions your business in an upgraded profile within the Google listings. This guarantee insures buyers up to $2,000 (lifetime cap) if they are unhappy and want a refund.

This can cover damages to property, complaints about the service provider’s pricing, responsiveness, or cancellations.

How to apply for Google guarantee

Preparing To Apply For Google Guarantee

To get through the verification process, there are a number of things you can do to prepare your company and to make sure you are in compliance with Google’s requirements. You can always hire a marketing agency like Agile Adz to help get you through this process quicker and easier.

1. Collect all your documentation. There is some required paperwork you'll need to submit. Also, make sure employee files are updated and current.
2. Verify your licensing and insurance documents are current. If there's a near term expiration, renew early so you don't create an additional delay or risk getting your verification rejected.
3. Quality employees is a must. Google Guarantee is very dependent on high-quality customer service. They are putting their money up if you don't perform, so a capable team that delivers is critical.
4. Go above and beyond. Your customer reviews impact much more than you think at Google. So providing an excellent service, with a friendly and helpful attitude can help you stand out in a competitive market.
5. Make reviews a priority. Build in processes from the first call, to the tech visit, and the follow-up after deliver. By repeatedly asking, you're telling the customer that this is important at every level of your company. Online reviews is a key ranking factor for organic, local map packs, and your Google guaranteed ads.

Free Strategy Session

Talk About Solutions With An Expert

Have a discussion and get the right strategy for your business.   

On our call, we'll focus on:

• How Google Ads can deliver results for your website and business.
• What is the "right" strategy based on your site, content, & competition.
• The best package for your goals, and your budget.

Book A Call

Is Google guaranteed worth it

How to Use Local Service Ads

Before we jump into the specifics of this service, it’s important to note that it’s only available for certain small businesses. Specifically, it’s only available for service providers, as they’re going to be the businesses that customers need both locally and quickly.

Companies eligible for this ad program include:

• Locksmiths
• Plumbers
• HVAC (heating or air conditioning) services
• Real estate services
• Lawn care experts
• Electricians
• Appliance repair
• Pest control
• Window cleaners
• Water damage services
• Junk removal
• Financial planners
• Carpet cleaners

Now that you know whether or not your business can utilize the local services ads program, let’s take a closer look at what it really means to not only use Local Services Ads, but to win the auction and get the best results. 

Google guarantee ranking

Start with a Strong Google My Business Profile

For local businesses to be noticed and recommended in a Google search, it all starts with their Google My Business (GMB) profile.  Creating a GMB profile for your business is free and, unlike Google Guaranteed, is open to all businesses—not just service providers.

GMB lets you connect with potential new customers directly via their ability to call or message you directly from your GMB profile. It also allows customers to leave online reviews directly on your Google profile, rather than relying on an external site like Yelp.

A good GMB profile will position your company so that you can rank in the map pack, where 70% of local calls begin from. 

Google My Business will also provide you with a clean, easy-to-use website builder that will allow you to showcase your business with photos, specials, and other unique aspects of your business, but also create an easy-to-navigate mobile-friendly webpage.

This provides backup and reinforcement to your website, and helps improve your rankings because it's on a Google platform.

Agile helps companies optimize every aspects of their digital marketing, including your GMB page, your ads are focused on an audience proven to get more calls, and getting reviews from customers happy with your service. 

Google Local Services

Once you’ve set up a GMB, you're in the game. You'll need that to apply to the Google Guaranteed program, as well as some reviews from previous clients.

There are also additional requirements, such as you will also need to show proof of license, bond or insurance. They are "guaranteeing" your work, so it's only logical they want to ensure you're a legitimate service provider.

While Local Services Ads are a form of paid advertising, you're only charged when you receive a call that lasts 30 seconds are more.

Plus, this new system is separate from both SEO and Google Ads, so it allows you to compete with more established companies and generate a positive ROI faster.

Budgeting isn simple, so you'll be able to control your spend on a weekly basis.

In the HVAC (and Plumbing) space, we're seeing calls for between 25-30 dollars...

...vs. much more than that just for a "click" in Google Ads.

How Much Does It Cost

With Local Services Ads, you only pay per leads related to your business or the services you offer. Here's how it works:

• You set an average WEEKLY budget based on the average number of leads you want to receive in any given week.
• You may sometimes spend more on the leads than your average weekly budget in a given week, but you'll never spend more than monthly max, which is your average weekly budget multiplied by the average number of weeks in a month.
• You Can immediately dispute leads that you believe aren't valid. Successfully disputed leads are later credited back to you. (US & Canada only)
• You're only charged when calls exceed 30 seconds. 

How you’re charged

You're charged for each valid lead you receive through your Local Services ad.

Lead prices may vary depending on your location, the job type, the type of lead, or your bidding mode, but each lead received will count towards your budget.

Once you’ve reached your monthly max, your ad won't appear for the remainder of the month (unless you adjust your budget).

You can view how much you've been charged for your leads by going to the "Billing" menu in your leads inbox.

Billing for Local Services Ads is managed by Google Ads. Any suspension in your Google Ads account will also suspend your Local Services Ads.

You also have the power to pick and choose what leads you follow and which ones you don’t. Plus, Google will provide price estimates for different services, although these are only estimations and the true price will depend on your own service and local area.

Your Local Services Ad will give customers the information that’s crucial for them to choose your business: the services you offer, the area you service, your hours, and your business’s reviews. How your ad is displayed will depend on if you’ve been Google Screened or Google Guaranteed.

Google Screened

If you do not provide financial planning, real estate, or law services, you don’t need to worry about being Google Screened. In fact, you won’t even be eligible for Google Screening because you don’t provide these services.

However, law firms, real estate, or financial planning businesses need to be aware of the verification process for Google Screening. The screening process involves a background check and license check to ensure that the business is reputable and can be trusted by potential customers and Google.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the green tick on Google search?

If you've recently searched Google for a local hvac, plumber, or another local service company, you may have noticed one of these little green checkmarks during your query.

This green checkmark is the Google Guaranteed Badge. It's a significant sign to your community that you're a reputable company that can be trusted.

For company's that want to continue using Google's local services ads, Google guaranteed is one of the most cost effective ways to generate quality calls and leads. 

What is an LSA Google?
How to create a LSA:

Here's the simple process to get started:

1. Check Your Eligibility. They aren't available for everyone just yet, so the first step is checking your eligibility. ...
2. Create an Ad Profile. ...
3. Submit Relevant Paperwork. ...
4. Complete the Background Check. ...
5. Manage Your Budget. ...
6. Review Ad Leads.

Is Google local services free?
Local Advertisers will only be charged for valid leads and depending on the job and the market, only cost $6 – 30 per lead.

Plus, if you receive a lead that is either fraudulent, spam, or was a poor match, you can even dispute the charge for credit.

How do I advertise locally on Google?

Show local search ads on Google Maps

1. Enable location extensions for your Google Ads account. Learn more.
2. Set up or update your Business Profile listing. If you don't have a listing yet, set up your Business Profile listing. ...
3. Use location targeting and bid by location. ...
4. Optimize your keywords.

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Who Needs Local SEO

More and more people are using their mobile devices to search for local businesses, which is making local search engine optimization much more important. If you're not doing SEO for your local business, you're missing out on a huge opportunity to reach new customers.

Local SEO allows you to design important information about your business for search engines. This could include info such as your services, offers, specials and of course the address and phone number of your business. This improves your local search visibility, helps increase your business exposure on the web, and makes your business more visible to residents in the area. 

You gain more visibility online with a local seo strategy that focused on local rankings ensuring your business gets found by the right people who are interested in your product and at the right time. When your business is more visible, this means more profits, sales, and even relevance.

With the rise of mobile searches, local search has become an important component of small scale and medium-sized business success. Local SEO aims to build digital properties for local businesses so that people can find them quickly and easily, bringing them one step closer to completing a transaction.

Here we'll break down Who Needs Local SEO and why it's important for your business, and why the local pack positions your business for local consumers. 

What Is Local SEO?

Local SEO is a search engine optimization strategy that helps your business be more visible in local search results on Google.

Any business that has a physical location or serves a geographic area can benefit from local SEO. If you search Google for any important keywords related to your business and a map with 3 listings appears underneath it (also known as a map pack), then potential customers can find your business quickly.

This includes improving your website's visibility on Google, Bing, and other local search engines, as well as increasing your online reputation and prominence.

There are a number of factors that go into local SEO, including your website's title tags and meta descriptions, the way you name your business and files, the keywords you target, your online reviews and valuable content.

In order to rank higher in local searches, it's important to optimize all of these elements for your specific location for your specific local markets.

Why Local SEO is Important 

Small businesses often struggle to compete with larger businesses online. This is especially true when it comes to local search, where bigger businesses typically have an advantage.

Even though Google search dominates, strong local seo efforts impact results in other search engines as well. Local business directories, online business directories, and specialized local seo services can help level the playing field by helping small businesses rank higher in local search engine results.

Local SEO benefits small businesses because it allows them to reach new customers who are searching for their products or services online. This hyper local strategy allows locations to rank for relevant keywords, and geographically related searches leverages established local citations.

By ranking higher in local search results, small businesses attract more visitors to their website, positioning your website url, and increasing the chances of converting them into customers.

Additionally, local SEO can help improve the visibility and reputation of small businesses, which can lead to more website visitors and better business outcomes.

Local SEO can convert online searches into offline purchases. With local SEO, you can ensure that your brand appears in front of the eyes of almost every customer who searches for local products specific to your business-niche, converting online searches into offline purchases.

How local SEO work

Local SEO is a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy that helps your business be more visible in local search results on Google. Any business that has a physical location or serves a geographic area can benefit from local SEO.

Local SEO works by optimizing your website and online presence for local search. This includes improving your website's visibility on Google, Bing, and other local search engines, as well as increasing your online reputation and prominence. Typical local SEO campaigns cost between $300 and $2,000 per month depending on your businesses needs, your competition, and your geographic location.

Types Of Local SEO

There are two main types of local SEO: on-page and off-page.

On-page SEO is the process of optimizing your website's content, structure, and metadata for better visibility in local search results. This includes adding your business' location to your website's title tags and meta descriptions, naming your files correctly, targeting the right keywords, and getting positive online reviews.

Off-page SEO is the process of optimizing your website's external factors for better visibility in local search results. This includes building links from other websites to your site, promoting your business on social media, and creating citations (links) of your business across the web.

Both types of SEO are important for achieving better visibility in local search rankings.

The graphic area can also benefit from local search engine optimization. If your local customers search Google for any important keywords related to your business and a map with three listings appears underneath it (also known as a map pack), then local SEO can help you grow your business.

There are some more types of SEO in the digital marketing world. They are as follows:

• White-Hat SEO
• Grey-Hat SEO
• Negative SEO
• Technical SEO

Good local seo services leverage white hat techniques to ensure they do not risk your website rankings. 

Local SEO Checklist

If you're interested in doing local SEO for your business, here is a checklist of tasks to get started:

- Add your business' location to your website's title tags and meta descriptions

- Name your files correctly

- Target the right keywords

- Get positive online reviews

- Promote your business on social media

- Create citations of your business across the web

- Optimize your website for mobile devices

- Monitor your local search rankings and website traffic

-Create your business listings

By following this checklist, you can improve your chances of ranking higher in local search engine results. 

Free Strategy Session

Talk About Solutions With An Expert

Have a discussion and get the right strategy for your business.   

On our call, we'll focus on:

• How Google Ads can deliver results for your website and business.
• What is the "right" strategy based on your site, content, & competition.
• The best package for your goals, and your budget.

Book A Call

How to Improve Local SEO

There are a number of ways to improve your local SEO. While it requires time and effort to manage your business information in online directories, you can typically set up local business listings across the web for free with tools like Google My Business and Facebook.

Helps Local Customers Find You 72% of consumers who search for a local business visit a store within five miles. So if you're being found in local search results or in Google Maps, there's an increased chance of capturing new leads for your small business.

In order to rank higher in local search engine results, it's important to optimize all of the following elements:

-Your website's title tags and meta descriptions

-The way you name your business and files

-The keywords you target

-Your online reviews

In addition, you can improve your local SEO by:

-Claiming and optimizing your Google My Business listing

-Optimizing your website for mobile devices

-Creating local content, such as blog posts and articles

-Participating in local directories and online communities

Next Steps

Using a reputable local SEO service includes a process for improving search rankings.

The rise of mobile users, local keyword searches, and broad keyword searches all provide opportunities to engage with local customers when the are looking for products and services near them.

Position your company for mobile search, and reach more potential customers online.

This process is critical for sustained business success, as more and more customers rely on Google searches to navigate today's digital landscape.

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Things To Do In Loudoun County VA

Loudoun County Virginia provides a great escape for visitors looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. With plenty of things to do, including hiking, fishing, and camping, Loudoun County is a nature lover's paradise.

History buffs will also enjoy exploring the county's many historical sites. So if you're looking for a great place to explore, be sure to check out Loudoun County Virginia!

With a fantastic climate wineries and vineyards thrive in Loudoun County. Plus, Loudoun county is also home to many breweries. With so many adult opportunities available, it's no wonder that Loudoun County is quickly becoming a craft wine and beer lover's paradise.

If you're looking for a great place to visit, be sure to check out all local options that Loudoun County has to offer. You won't be disappointed.

Fun Things to do in Northern Virginia

Loudoun county provides a great escape if you're looking for a flexible community that's close to Washington DC.

Often called "horse country", Northern Virginia has plenty of things to do, including hiking, fishing, and camping, NOVA is a nature lover's paradise.

Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, there's plenty to see and do that is sure to satisfy every type of traveler.

Visitors can enjoy everything from hiking at Cunningham Falls State Park, taking in the views at Sky Meadows State Park, or touring Civil War historic sites like Manassas National Battlefield Park.

Located in Northern Virginia just 25 miles outside Washington D.C., Loudoun County has attractions for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, beer and wine aficionados and history buffs alike.

There's plenty of regular events to do in Northern Virginia, no matter what your interests are. History buffs can explore the many museums and landmarks in the area, while nature lovers can enjoy hiking and camping at Shenandoah National Park or Great Falls Park.

If you're looking for some excitement, check out one of the theme parks or go shopping at Tysons Corner Center. No matter what you choose to do, you're sure to have a great time in Northern Virginia.

You can also experience the best of North Virginia by visiting Fairfax Country, VA! which is an ideal gateway spot in Northern Virginia because of all the great activities to choose from, such as trendy bars, shopping, and culture. 

What is Loudoun County VA known for?

Loudoun County VA is known for its beautiful scenery, excellent wine country, and historic locations. On the eastern side of the Blue Ridge mountains and close to Washington DC, you'll get to experience a variety of food, games, and more places to chose to visit.

Today, Loudoun County is a growing, dynamic county of over 400,000 people. Loudoun is known for its beautiful scenery, rich history, healthy diversity of expanding business opportunities, comfortable neighborhoods, and high quality public services.

If you're looking to experience all that Loudoun County tours has to offer, be sure to check out some of the following attractions: 

• Cascades Falls Park
• Morven Park
• Sky Meadows State Park
• The Loudoun Museum
• The Old Dominion Railway Museum
• Waterford Vineyards

and many more! 

Free things to do in Ashburn, va

There's plenty of amazing things to do in Ashburn, VA for the families. It's no wonder it's a popular community.

Whether you're interested in exploring the local sights or having a go at more adventurous activities, you'll never experience a dull moment here.

From historic house, outdoor activities, day tour and hiking , you're sure to have a great time on your visit.

Summer around Ashburn means festivals, markets and cool treats to beat the heat. Live music – from country, to pop rock and a 90s tribute band – brings summer evenings to life at the Brambleton Town Center. 

What is Loudoun County close to?

Loudoun County is close to Washington D.C. which makes it the perfect place for locals and visitors alike who want to experience all that the area has to offer. Loudoun County is also home to Dulles International Airport, so it's easy to get in and out of the county quickly and easily.
If you're looking for a great place to stay while you're in Loudoun, be sure to check out one of the many excellent hotels and resorts that are located in the area.
There's plenty to do in Loudoun County, VA for visitors of all ages and interests. With so much to see and experience, you'll never run out of things to do during your stay in this beautiful region.
Visitors can enjoy everything from hiking at Cunningham Falls State Park, taking in the views at Sky Meadows State Park, or touring Civil War sites like Manassas National Battlefield Park.

What is Ashburn Va known for?

Ashburn, a city in Virginia's Loudoun County about 34 miles from Washington D.C., is widely known as the Data Center Capital of the World.... almost 90% of the traffic for the Internet goes through Ashburn.

Ashburn, VA is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and abundance of best things to do. Whether you're looking for a day full of adventure or just some downtime with the kids, Ashburn won't disappoint.

Some of the most popular attractions in the area include: 

• The Children's Museum of Loudoun County
• Dulles Town Center
• Herndon Centennial Golf Course
• Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole. 
• One Loudoun

Free Strategy Session

Talk About Solutions With An Expert

Have a discussion and get the right strategy for your business.   

On our call, we'll focus on:

• How Google Ads can deliver results for your website and business.
• What is the "right" strategy based on your site, content, & competition.
• The best package for your goals, and your budget.

Book A Call

Free Things to do in Loudoun County VA

There's plenty of fun things to do in Loudoun County VA for the families. From museums and hiking trails to parks, you're sure to have a great time on your visit.

If you'd like some suggestions about what there is to see and do during your stay, be sure to check out our list below:

• The Children's Museum of Loudoun County
• Dulles Town Center
• Herndon Centennial Golf Course. 

What is there to do in NOVA? 

NOVA or Northern Virginia as the locals say, is an expansive area that spans Loudoun, Fairfax and Arlington counties. It's home to a number of major attractions, including Washington Dulles International Airport, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and Mount Vernon.

NOVA is also where you'll find some of the most popular tourist destinations in Virginia, including The Pentagon, The National Mall, and Arlington Cemetery.

If you're looking for a little bit of everything, NOVA is the place to be. With so much to see and do, you'll never run out of things to do during your visit.

There's plenty of fun things to do in Loudoun County VA for the whole family. From museums and hiking trails to parks, you're sure to have a great time on your visit.

Antique shops dot the countryside, local wineries offer tours and tasting opportunities. The Leesburg Outlets provide brand name experience, and great deals for everyone. 

What is there to do in Leesburg this weekend?

Leesburg, VA is the beautiful country seat in Loudoun County. It is at the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains and lies adjacent to the Potomac River.

Leesburg has been home to many of the country's famous families and has it is named after an ancestor of Robert E. Lee, who was a general in the Confederate Army.

There are some places to visit during the weekend in Leesburg:

• White's Ferry
• Morven Park
• Oatlands Historic House and Gardens
• Marshall House
• Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park
• Thomas Balch Library
• The Museum of Hounds and Hunting, North America
• The Wine Kitchen.

The Movern Park is actually a Leesburg estate that consists of the Westmoreland Davis Mansion, the Winmill Carriage Museum, and the Museum of Hounds and Hunting.

The latter is known for its amazing displays of art, artifacts, and memorabilia about the sport of fox hunting.

Northern Virginia has a deep history that can be explored, experienced, and enjoyed by all.

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Loudoun County, VA, USA

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