Google is rolling out a paid verification service for local businesses that promises to refund unhappy customers. The Google Guarantee is an existing programme that aims to increase confidence by adding verification badges to local listings and offering refunds of up to $2,000 for customers who receive sub-par services.
Now, eligible businesses can pay $50 per month to get a Google Guaranteed badge on their local listings and to encourage more people in their area to hire them with confidence. As things stand, Local Services is only available in the US and Canada but early success could see the programme expand to other countries – so is this good news or bad news for marketers?
