As of October 20, 2025, Google Simplifies Local Services Ads Badges
What’s Changing
Starting October 20, 2025, Google will replace all existing LSA badges (like Google Guarantee or Google Screened) with a new badge called the Google Verified badge.
The Money Back Guarantee that used to come with the Google Guarantee badge will be discontinued.
You can read the full details on Google’s official announcement.
Why the Change
Google says the goal is to reduce confusion. Having one clear badge helps customers understand which businesses are verified and trustworthy.
For business owners, this means a simpler system and no extra steps to manage multiple badge types.
What You Need to Do
- Already running LSAs? No worries. Your current badge will automatically switch to the new Google Verified badge. You don’t have to do anything.
- New to LSAs? You’ll need to complete Google’s screening and verification process to earn the new badge.
- Ad ranking won’t change. Google confirmed that this update won’t affect your ad position.
- Refund requests: If you had any services covered by the old Money Back Guarantee, make sure to submit reimbursement claims before October 20, 2025, and within 30 days of service completion.
What This Means for You
The new Google Verified badge continues to serve as a strong trust signal for customers searching for your services. To make the most of it:
- Keep your profile and reviews up to date.
- If you mention “Google Guarantee” on your website or ads, update it to say “Google Verified.”
- Watch your ad performance to see how the change impacts clicks and calls.
Final Thoughts
This update is all about clarity. Fewer badges mean less confusion and a cleaner look for your business ads. Make sure your verification stays current, keep collecting good reviews, and use the new badge as proof that your business is trustworthy.
