Google Verified Badge To Replace Other Local Service Ads Badges

08/21/25
Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Google’s New Unified Local Services Ads Verified Badge

Starting October 20, 2025, Google will replace all existing Local Services Ads badges — including Google Guaranteed, Google Screened, and License Verified — with a single unified Google Verified badge. This update aims to simplify ad badging and improve consistency across advertisers. Additionally, the Money Back Guarantee linked to the Google Guarantee badge will be discontinued as part of this change.

Optimixed’s Overview: Simplifying Local Services Ads with Google’s Unified Verified Badge

What Google’s Badge Update Means for Advertisers

Google is streamlining its Local Services Ads (LSA) verification system by consolidating multiple badges into one cohesive identity. Effective from October 20, 2025, the following changes will take effect:

  • All existing badges – Google Guaranteed, Google Screened, and License Verified – will be phased out.
  • A new, single Google Verified badge will represent all advertisers across Local Services Ads.
  • The Money Back Guarantee previously tied to the Google Guarantee badge will no longer be available.

Background and Implications

Google has been testing various badge designs over recent years, including different colors and styles such as green checkmarks, blue, and gold badges. This move aims to reduce confusion and provide a clearer, more unified trust signal to consumers browsing local service providers.

Advertisers impacted by this update have been notified in advance to prepare for the transition. This consolidation is expected to improve user experience by simplifying the verification visuals seen in Local Services Ads, potentially impacting how businesses build trust online.