Gain Credibility (and Leads!) with the New Google Screened Badge Program
Google’s Newest Advertising Tool is a Game-Changer for Real Estate Professionals
The first place most people are going to search for real estate services is Google, the largest and most popular search-engine in the world. Since its inception, Google has been experimenting with different ways to advertise to consumers. Google’s newest program, the Screened Badge program, is an effective way for real estate professionals to build trust with new clients and earn high-quality leads.
What is the Google Screened Badge?
Google’s Screened Badge program is a new way for real estate professionals to advertise their services and connect with relevant clientele. The Badge is an addition to Google’s Local Service Ads (LSA) program, which uses location to connect searchers with businesses that are in their area. LSA ads are highly effective since location is one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing a real estate agent.
A Google Screened Badge strengthens the power of LSA ads. Though it appears to be a simple green check mark, the Screened Badge involves an extensive application, including multiple background checks and screenings (we’ll go through the process in depth later). Once you finish, though, your business will pop up at the top of the search results when someone is looking for real estate services in your unique location. If a user clicks on your business, they’ll automatically call and be connected. Google Screened Badge ads also appear at the top of the search page, which is the most valuable advertising spot.
Are Google Screened Badges Worth the Hassle?
The short answer: yes.
Google Screened Badges assist with one of the most difficult parts of gaining new clients: developing trust. Google is one of the most trusted companies that people share their data with. If Google gives your business a green check mark and verifies you, consumers are more likely to trust you and seek out your business. These ads have been proven to be highly effective: 1 in 2 calls made through Google Screened Badge is a qualified lead.
Screened Badge Ads also appear at the top of the search page, a spot that can no longer be purchased. This is the most valuable place to have your ads appear. Google has essentially created a merit-based system of advertising, rewarding the businesses with the highest reviews and the most credibility.
Remember that this program is new and only set to grow in popularity as time passes. If you want to reap the most benefits of the Google Screened Badge, get started on the application process today!
Get a Google Screened Badge in 6 Simple Steps
Earning that green check mark isn’t all that difficult. It just takes a decent amount of time and patience, so the earlier you can get started, the sooner you’ll reap the benefits of a Google Screened Badge.
1. Have a Google-Approved Headshot
For real estate Google Screened Badge advertisements, you’ll need a headshot to display. Google requires that the photo have a greater resolution than 640 px and be no larger than 10MB. The average real estate headshot already fits this requirement.
2. Pass License and Insurance Verification
You’ll need to provide your real estate license for the specific area you live in (this varies depending on state). Google will tell you which licenses you’ll need and will let you know automatically if there’s additional documentation you must upload. Insurance requirements also vary depending on which state you work out of. Certain states require a specific amount of insurance and Google complies with these parameters. This is by far the most tedious part of the process.
3. Provide Legal Documents to Verify Your Business
You’ll have to verify the affiliation between the brokerage and the business name that’ll be used on your LSA profile. You can do this two different ways: either by providing a legal document with the affiliation between the two, or with a URL to a website that proves the connection.
4. Pass a Background Check
Google screens every candidate using Pinkerton before they give out Screened Badges. This is to ensure that Google is only sharing the most credible and trustworthy of businesses. Background checks ensure the legitimacy of every business shared with them.
5. Have at Least One Review
Google requires candidates to have at least one review before they allow candidates to have Screened Badge advertisements. If you don’t have a review on Google yet, reach out to a former client to see if they can provide you one.
6. Set Up Budget, Bidding, & Billing
Similar to other advertising platforms, advertisements for Google Screened Badge program are based on a bidding system. You can adjust your budget in this final step and also determine where your ads will be charged to. Once billing is established, your Screened Badge Ads are up and running!
Overwhelmed by digital marketing and looking for some help? Listing3D has got you covered. With our exclusive marketing packages, we use the most up-to-date technology to advertise your work to the biggest and best audience. Our packages include immersive virtual tours (created using 3D cameras), teaser videos of the property, 3D Flyers with scannable QR codes, and a landing webpage with all your contact information, helping future clients easily contact you. With your talent and our technology, we’ll advertise your listings far and wide to help you sell your properties faster and more efficiently.
Additional Services
Take Your Marketing Even Further
Additional Features at no cost
Part of any package
Press
