In today’s competitive market, gaining trust and visibility is very important for local businesses. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through Google Screened, a certification program designed to establish credibility and improve local search rankings. But what exactly is Google Screened, and how can it boost your business? As a leading digital marketing agency in Atlanta, Searched Marketing specializes in helping businesses optimize their online presence, utilizing services like SEO, Google Ad Management, and other digital strategies to drive real measurable results.
Understanding Google Screened
Google Screened is a verification program that helps companies stand out in Google search results. It is part of Google’s Local Services Ads (LSA) and is specifically designed for industries such as law, financial planning, real estate, and service companies of all types. To earn the Google Screened badge, businesses must pass a rigorous background check, including license and insurance verification. Once approved, the badge is displayed on your Local Services Ads, signaling trust and credibility to potential customers.
Unlike standard Google Ads, Google Screened focuses on pay-per-lead rather than pay-per-click (PPC). This means businesses only pay for legitimate inquiries rather than just website visits, making it a cost-effective advertising option. This program presents an incredible opportunity for businesses to enhance their local marketing efforts for a few reasons:
- Your ad is at the top of the page above text ads and Google Business locations.
- The program is built to allow trust with the background check and credibility with your business reviews.
- Google guarantees the transactions with up to $2,000 in coverage for unsatisfactory services, providing potential customers with additional confidence in choosing your business.
The Benefits of Google Screened
1. Builds Trust & Credibility
The Google Screened badge serves as a mark of reliability and professionalism. Since businesses must go through extensive screening processes, potential clients feel more confident in choosing a service provider with this certification. If you’re a law firm, financial advisor, real estate agent, or service company this badge can set you apart from competitors.
2. Higher Visibility In Search Results
Google prioritizes businesses with the Google Screened badge by placing them at the top of search results, even above traditional PPC ads. This increased visibility can significantly boost your online presence in the search results. Searched Marketing can help optimize your profile to ensure maximum exposure and lead generation.
3. Increased Lead Quality
With Google Screened, businesses only pay for leads that have been vetted and verified as genuine. Unlike other digital marketing tactics that may result in unqualified traffic, Local Services Ads ensure that businesses connect with potential clients actively searching for their services.
4. Cost-Effective Marketing
Since Google Screened operates on a pay-per-lead model rather than pay-per-click, businesses can get more visibility and impressions in search and also benefit from any leads captured. With Pay Per Lead, every dollar spent contributes to real customer engagement rather than just website traffic. At Searched Marketing, we specialize in Google Ad Management to help businesses make the most of their advertising spend while maximizing conversions.
5. Enhanced Reputation Management
Reviews and ratings play a critical role in consumer decision-making. Google Screened businesses must maintain a high rating to keep their badge, encouraging excellent customer service and positive client interactions. This added layer of accountability not only improves your reputation but also helps attract new customers who value top-rated service providers.
How to Get Google Screened for Your Business
If you’re interested in leveraging Google Screened to elevate your local business, here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Google Screened is available for specific professional services, including:
- Law firms and attorneys
- Financial planners and accountants
- Real estate agencies and brokers
- Service companies
Check Google’s eligibility criteria to determine whether your business qualifies for this program.
Step 2: Submit Business Information
Businesses must provide details such as licensing, insurance, and background information. Google conducts an in-depth screening process to ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.
Step 3: Background Checks
Owners and key employees must undergo background checks, verifying their credentials, professional history, and customer reviews. This rigorous vetting process helps maintain trust in the program.
Step 4: Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
A well-optimized Google My Business (GMB) profile increases your chances of success with Google Screened. This includes:
- Updating business information (name, address, phone number, hours of operation)
- Uploading high-quality images and videos
- Optimizing the page for categories and keywords
- Collecting and responding to customer reviews
As an SEO company, Searched Marketing specializes in optimizing GMB profiles to ensure maximum visibility and engagement. Let us help your business grow and bring in quality leads.
Step 5: Launch & Manage Local Services Ads
Once approved, businesses can run Local Services Ads to effectively target potential customers. Google-screened ads appear at the top of search results, offering a competitive advantage in local markets. With our expertise in Google Ad Management, Searched Marketing can create and optimize your ad campaigns for the best possible results.
Why Partner with Searched Marketing?
Navigating the complexities of Google Screened and digital marketing can be challenging without expert guidance. At Searched Marketing, we provide tailored strategies to help businesses:
- Improve SEO rankings: Our team implements SEO techniques to boost organic search visibility.
- Content Marketing: We create and distribute valuable, relevant, and consistent content to your well-defined target audience.
- Maximize Google Ad Performance: We manage and optimize Google Ads to ensure high ROI and lead conversion.
- Enhance Local Listings: Our local SEO team will optimize GMB profiles to increase engagement and customer trust.
- Cost Per Lead Reporting: We can truly help you identify the cost per lead for multichannel marketing for effective growth of your digital marketing efforts.
By partnering with a digital marketing agency like Searched Marketing, you gain access to industry-leading expertise and strategies that drive business growth.
Call Us Today!
Google Screened is a game-changer for local businesses seeking to establish credibility, increase visibility, and attract high-quality leads. By obtaining this badge, service providers can differentiate themselves from competitors and build a stronger reputation in their industry.
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, contact Searched Marketing today. Our team will guide you through the process of becoming Google Screened and implementing powerful SEO and Google Ad Management strategies to drive success. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow your business—partner with us and start seeing results today!