01 · Current terminology
Google Verified for Local Services Ads
Learn what the current badge means, who earns it, and why it is not an agency credential.
Hiring and terminology guides
Google Local Services Ads (LSA) agency guides
Get direct answers about agency selection, Google Verified, the former Google Guaranteed and Google Screened badges, pricing, account control, and software.
Start with your question
Choose a guide
Google-controlled claims use current official sources. Agency comparison guidance links back to the published evidence and ranking rules.
Read guide
02 · Legacy terminology
Google Guaranteed vs Google Screened
See how the former badges differed and how Google moved eligible advertisers to Google Verified.
03 · Start here
How to evaluate an LSA agency
Use one set of rules for services, fit, pricing, account control, proof, and buyer questions.
04 · Pricing and contracts
What LSA management fees should include
Compare setup work, ongoing scope, minimums, contract terms, cancellation, and ad-budget separation.
05 · Account control
Who should own the LSA account and data?
Prepare a handoff checklist for access, billing, calls, leads, reporting, and cancellation.
06 · Operating model
Agency, software, or both?
Assign strategy, execution, lead response, reporting, and portfolio work to the right team or product.
Badge terminology
Google Verified is the current advertiser badge
Google Guaranteed and Google Screened still matter because businesses search those terms, but the guide pages identify them as former labels and explain the current badge.
Read the Google Verified guide →Agency credentials
Provider verification and agency credentials are separate
Google Verified applies to an eligible Local Services advertiser. Google Partner status applies to a qualifying company. Google Ads certifications apply to individuals.
Compare the badge terms →Your next step
Apply the guides to real agency profiles
Compare public evidence, pricing, contract terms, account control, outcome proof, and operating fit before you build a shortlist.