GOOGLE SCREENED
Both Google Screened and Google Guarantee are badges displayed on local service businesses' profiles to build trust with potential customers. However, they differ in the level of verification and the guarantee offered:
Google Screened:
Focus: Establishes basic trust and qualifications.
Verification Process: Lighter verification involving background checks (business and sometimes owner), license checks (where applicable), and minimum review requirements.
Guarantee: No financial guarantee from Google.
Benefits for Businesses: Shows potential customers they've passed Google's basic checks and may be eligible for the Google Guarantee program.
Benefits for Customers: Provides a baseline level of trust that the business is legitimate and meets some qualification standards.
Availability: Wider range of service categories and locations compared to Google Guarantee (may vary).
Google Guarantee:
Focus: High level of trust and quality assurance.
Verification Process: More thorough verification including background checks, license checks, insurance verification, and review history analysis.
Guarantee: Google may reimburse customers up to a set limit (varies by country) if they're unsatisfied with the service provided by a Google Guaranteed business booked through Local Services Ads.
Benefits for Businesses: Stands out from competitors with a badge signifying higher trust and quality. May attract more customers seeking reassurance.
Benefits for Customers: Provides significant peace of mind with the financial guarantee if the service falls short of expectations.
Availability: Limited to specific service categories and locations chosen by Google (may vary).
Here's an analogy:
Think of Google Screened as a "reference check." It shows a basic level of trustworthiness.
Think of Google Guarantee as a "money-back guarantee." It offers a higher level of trust with financial backing from Google.
Choosing between them depends on your business:
If you're a new business or one in a currently ineligible Google Guarantee category, Google Screened can be a good starting point.
If you're confident in your service quality and want to attract customers seeking a financial safety net, Google Guarantee might be a better choice (assuming you meet the eligibility criteria).