If you’ve ever Googled your competitors and noticed a green checkmark next to their name, there’s a good reason for it.
That badge isn’t just decoration—it means the business is Google Screened, a program built to highlight licensed, trustworthy professionals in industries like law, finance, and real estate. It helps customers feel more confident when choosing someone to handle sensitive, often high-stakes matters—and it puts your business at the very top of search results when people are actively looking for help.
In this post, we’ll walk through what Google Screened is, how to get verified, and why skipping it could mean losing leads to your better-positioned competitors.
What Is Google Screened? (and Why It’s More Than a Checkmark)
Google Screened is a verification program for professional service providers who advertise through Local Services Ads. When you’re approved, a green checkmark badge appears next to your business name, signaling that you’ve passed Google’s license and background checks.
It’s designed for industries where clients are handing over sensitive information or making big life decisions—whether that’s preparing legal documents or organizing their finances. These aren’t quick or casual choices, and most people do their homework before reaching out.
Why Customers Love It
That’s what makes the badge so powerful. Instead of starting from scratch, clients see that Google has already done some of the research for them. They don’t have to dig through credentials or wonder if you’re legit. The green checkmark says a big part of the vetting is done.
And when a customer is comparing three nearly identical providers, that extra reassurance can be the deciding factor.
Who Is Google Screened For? (And Why It’s Tailored to Pros Like You)
Google Screened is made for non-home-based professional services—fields where expertise, licensing, and trust matter most. This includes:
- Lawyers
- Financial planners
- Real estate agents
- Tax advisors
- Educational or counseling professionals
- Hair and beauty professionals (like hairstylists, estheticians, and makeup artists — currently available in California and Florida)
- Wellness professionals (such as massage therapists, acupuncturists, and life coaches)
- Auto care providers (including services like detailing, windshield repair, and dent removal — currently limited to California and Florida in some cases)
If your business depends on your professional qualifications and you want to earn trust faster, this program was built with you in mind.
On the other hand, if your business involves entering a customer’s home—like HVAC, pest control, or plumbing—Google has a different program called Google Guaranteed, which is tailored to home service providers.
Read more about what Google Guaranteed is and if it’s right for you in our blog: Google Guaranteed: How to Get Verified and Jump Ahead of the Competition
Why It Matters: Visibility, Trust & Competitive Edge
It’s not just a badge—it’s prime real estate on Google.
Getting Google Screened doesn’t just build credibility—it puts your business visibly ahead of the competition.
When someone searches for a professional service in your area, Google Screened businesses appear at the very top of the results page, even before the map pack and organic listings. That kind of placement means your name—and your green checkmark—are the first things potential clients see.
We saw this firsthand with a real estate company we worked with in Northwest Florida. The coastal market is hot, but it’s also packed with agents. Between yard signs, online listings, and word-of-mouth referrals, customers are flooded with options. After getting Google Screened, this client’s ad started appearing above the rest—before anyone had a chance to scroll. That kind of visibility made a clear difference in both website traffic and direct inquiries.
In markets this competitive, just being good at what you do isn’t always enough. Showing up first—and looking verified when you do—is a powerful way to stand out.
Yes, it’s pay-to-play. But it works.
We get it—jumping through Google’s hoops isn’t fun. It can feel unfair that money talks. But the truth is, this is the game. And if your competitor is playing it and you’re not, they’re getting the fast pass to the customer while you’re stuck waiting in line.
How to Get Google Screened (Without the Headache)
Getting Google Screened takes a few steps—but knowing what’s ahead makes it much easier to manage.
Here’s what the process looks like:
- Sign up for Local Services Ads
- Submit your professional license and business details
- Complete a background check (usually for the business owner or practitioner)
- Wait for Google’s review and approval
The background checks are handled through Google’s platform in partnership with Evident, a third-party verification service. You won’t need to schedule anything or track down paperwork outside your usual business documents—just gather your license info and basic business details.
Once you’re approved, you’ll get that green checkmark badge next to your name—and show up at the top of Google.
Verification begins with setting up your profile in Google’s Local Service Ads dashboard.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Google Screened?
There’s no fee to go through the verification process—getting screened is free. Once you’re approved, your listing becomes part of Google’s Local Services Ads, which are paid ads.
The good news? You’re not charged for clicks or impressions. You’re only charged per lead, meaning someone has to actually call or message you through the ad before you pay.
You set a weekly budget, and if a lead isn’t relevant—say, it’s a wrong number or someone looking for a service you don’t offer—you can dispute it for credit.
It’s still an ad platform at its core, but with the added credibility of Google’s screening process working in your favor.
So… Is It Worth It? (Yes—If You Want to Compete)
In fields like law, finance, and real estate, everyone’s claiming to be the expert—and most customers aren’t sure how to tell the difference. The Google Screened badge gives you an immediate edge by doing part of that work for them.
It’s not just about trust—it’s about visibility, clarity, and showing up first. If your competitors are Screened and you’re not, you’re already behind—both in search results and in the minds of potential clients.
Bottom line? If you want to be taken seriously from the first impression, Google Screened is no longer optional. It’s how you compete where credibility counts most.
Ready to Get Google Screened? Let’s Make It Happen.
We get it—navigating the Google Screened process can feel like one more task on an already packed list. Between background checks, licensing documentation, and setting up your ad account, it’s easy to hit pause.
That’s where we come in. At Curiosity, we walk clients through each step so they don’t get stuck—or give up halfway through—because we know what’s waiting on the other side: stronger visibility, more qualified leads, and a badge that sets you apart.
If you’re ready to stop blending in and start standing out, let’s talk.
Reach out today—we’ll help you get verified and in front of the people already searching for what you do best.