Google Local Services, also well known with the tag “Google Guaranteed” in the search results, is one of the more recent service additions that Google has pushed to help promote local businesses online, primarily folks in the trade (e.g. handyman, garage door repair, etc). They’re currently in limited markets and are slowly running them out, so you may not be able to sign up yet. These listings usually appear at the very top of the search results above the Google ads.
How Does It Work?
Unlike Google AdWords, where you pay every time someone clicks on your ad, Google Local Services charges you for every legitimate lead that comes through to you through their Google Home Services portal. According to Google, if that incoming call is a solicitation or an existing customer, you can submit a request to receive a credit for that false positive lead.
As far setting aside advertising dollars for this program, Google asks you how much you are willing to spend per week and estimates how many potential leads you will get from that weekly budget.
In addition, the “Google Guarantee” is a guarantee from Google to the potential customer that they will cover any potential unresolved service issues, up to $2,000.
What Do You Need to Do to Get Started?
For this service, Google does require a bit more information from you and your company to make sure you’re legitimate. In a nutshell, these are the following action items you’ll need to knock out before getting approved for Google Local Services:
- Basic business information and services provided.
- Background check of the owner, as well as the technicians.
- Liability insurance.
- Business license (if applicable to industry).
- At least 1 Google review tied to the company.
Most of these items are quick to knock out, but the background check can take up to 2-3 weeks since it is verified through a 3rd party.
Once you’re setup and ready to go, the Local Services ads will start running and you’ll be able to start generating leads.
If you have any questions about Google Home Services and Google Guaranteed, feel free to reach out!
