Why Local Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore Google Screened?

You cannot deny the fact that running a local business is all about building trust among your customers and standing out from the competition.  But in a world where customers have endless options, how do you make sure they choose you? That’s where Google Screened comes in. It’s like a seal of approval that tells potential clients, ‘YOU CAN TRUST US!’

For law firms, this can be especially powerful when paired with local SEO for lawyers or local service ads for lawyers. Ignoring it isn’t just risky—it could mean losing out to competitors who are already using tools like law firm advertising or law firm SEO services to capture more business. 

So, let’s talk about why this little badge makes a big difference in lawyer advertising and can be a turning point for your firm.

What is Google Screened? 

Google Screened is more than just a badge—it’s your ticket to earning customer trust and standing out in local search results. This program verifies businesses in professional service industries, such as law, real estate, and financial planning, to ensure they meet the highest standards. For local businesses, it’s a game-changer. It puts you front and center on Google, giving you premium visibility in your community and helping you connect with high-intent customers who value trust and credibility. From background checks to license verifications, being Google Screened shows you’re not just another option—you’re the trusted choice in your local market.

Know About Google Local Service Ads

Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) are designed to connect local businesses with customers who are actively searching for services near them. These ads appear at the top of Google search results, making it easy for potential clients to find you when they need you most. LSAs help you stand out in your local area by showcasing your business with essential details like your contact information, ratings, and reviews.

Unlike traditional pay-per-click ads that lead users to a website, Google Local Advertising connects prospects directly to local service providers. This means customers can reach you instantly, whether through a phone call or message, making it easier for them to book your services right away.

What makes LSAs different is that they’re not just regular ads—they’re backed by Google’s trusted verification process. Being featured in these ads means you’ve passed Google’s screening checks, ensuring customers know they’re dealing with a reliable and qualified business. Advertising with Google Ads is a powerful way to build trust, increase visibility, and drive more local leads straight to your door. 

How to Get Google Screened?

Getting Google Screened is a great way to show potential clients that you’re the real deal, and it’s easier than you might think. Here’s a quick guide to getting that trusted Google badge:

Check if You’re Eligible

First up, make sure your business qualifies for Google Screened. It’s typically for service-based businesses like law firms, real estate agents, financial planners, and others.  

Update Your Google Business Profile

If you haven’t already, make sure your Google Business Profile is set up. This is where people will find your contact details, hours, and services—think of it as your digital storefront!  

Submit Your Docs

Google will need to verify your credentials, so be ready to upload things like your business license and insurance. This is just Google making sure you meet their high standards.  

Background Check

You’ll also need to pass a background check for you and your team members. It’s a quick process that helps build trust with your customers.  

Get Approved

Once you’ve submitted everything and passed the checks, you’ll get the Google Screened badge! It’ll appear on your profile and in Google Local Service Ads, helping you stand out as a trusted business.  

Keep Your Status

Congrats, you’re now Google Screened! Just make sure to keep your info updated and stay on top of Google’s requirements to keep your badge.  

Google Screened vs. Google Guaranteed: What’s the Difference?

If you’re a local service business, you’ve probably seen both Google Screened and Google Guaranteed badges popping up in search results. But what’s the difference, and which one should you go for? Let’s break it down:

Google Screened

Google Screened is all about trust. This badge is given to businesses that have gone through a detailed screening process, verifying their licenses, background, and other credentials. It's typically available for professional service industries like law, real estate, and financial services.  

• Who it’s for: Professional service businesses (e.g., lawyers, financial planners, real estate agents)
• What it does: It proves your business meets Google's high standards for reliability and trustworthiness.
• How to get it: You’ll need to submit documents like your business license, and insurance, and undergo a background check for business owners and employees.

Google Guaranteed

Google Guaranteed is a step further—it’s a promise from Google that your business is not only trustworthy but also protected. This badge comes with a guarantee: if a customer isn’t satisfied with your work, Google may offer a refund (up to a certain amount). It’s available for local service businesses in a variety of industries.  

• Who it’s for: Local service providers like plumbers, electricians, cleaners, and more
• What it does: It gives customers the added peace of mind that if something goes wrong, Google will step in to help.
• How to get it: Similar to Google Screened, you’ll need to submit documents for verification, but you’ll also need to pass additional checks. And once approved, you’ll be covered by Google’s refund policy.

For enhanced clarity, a tabular representation of the differences is presented.

Feature	Google Screened	Google Guaranteed
For	Professional services like law, real estate, and financial planning	Local service providers like plumbers, electricians, and landscapers
Verification	Verifies business licenses, insurance, and background checks	Same as Google Screened, but also requires proof of insurance and covers more services
Customer Protection	No customer guarantee	Google offers a refund to customers if they’re not satisfied with the service
Badge	Appears on your Google Business Profile and LSAs	Appears on Google search results and Local Service Ads
Example	A law firm gets Google Screened to show they’re a trustworthy and licensed legal expert.	A plumbing company gets Google Guaranteed to offer added protection and peace of mind to customers.

 

How Do Google Reviews Affect the Google Screening Process?

Google reviews are more than just customer feedback—they’re an important part of your business’s reputation and play a role in the Google Screened process. While they don’t directly determine whether your business qualifies for the badge, they do affect how both Google and potential clients view your business. Let’s explore how.  

Building Trust with Google Reviews

Think about the last time you chose a service. Did you check out the reviews first? Most of us do! Positive reviews help build trust with potential clients. For example, if a lawyer or real estate agent has glowing reviews, it gives you confidence that they’re reliable and provide quality service. Google takes these reviews into account when assessing your business. A strong set of reviews signals that you’re not just a legitimate business, but one that’s consistently trusted by your clients.

Quick Tip: If you’re a professional service provider, ask satisfied clients to leave a review. The more positive feedback, the better!  

Enhancing Your Credibility with Social Proof

Social proof is powerful. When customers see that others have had great experiences with your business, they’re more likely to trust you. Google also considers this when determining whether your business is credible enough to earn the Google Screened badge. Positive reviews provide a visible track record that shows your business meets high standards and offers reliable services. 

Interactive Idea: Take a moment to check your review count and ratings. How does your feedback compare to competitors? Are there areas you could improve?  

Boosting Your Local SEO with Reviews

Google reviews also play a significant role in your local SEO. Google uses reviews to rank businesses in local search results. The more reviews you have, the better your chances of appearing at the top of search results when customers look for services in your area. If you’re a plumber or a lawyer, for example, having a solid number of positive reviews will boost your visibility and attract more clients.

Fun Fact: Businesses with higher ratings and more reviews tend to show up first in local searches. Aim for 4.0 stars or higher to improve your visibility!

Handling Negative Reviews Like a Pro

Negative reviews happen, but how you handle them can make all the difference. Google takes note of how you respond to complaints. Responding professionally and showing that you care about resolving issues can help mitigate the effects of a negative review and demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Pro Tip: Acknowledge the problem, apologize where needed, and offer a solution. This shows customers and Google that you’re focused on improving.

Summing Up

Google Screened is groundbreaking for local businesses, especially in competitive industries like law. It’s a simple and effective way to build trust with potential clients, showcasing your professionalism and reliability. When combined with a strong law firm advertising strategy and the right law firm SEO services, you can stand out in local search results and attract more high-quality clients.
Ready to take your law firm’s online presence to the next level? Contact our Law Digital Solution experts today to help optimize your marketing and leverage the power of Google Screened!