Google testing $50 upgrade to Google maps

Is it time to panic?

Probably not just yet, from what we know so far Google is testing a paid verified badge for Google My Business – or “That Google map thing” as our clients call it.

Search Engine Land reached out to a Google spokesperson, who said:

We’re always testing new ways to improve our experience for our advertisers, merchants, and users. This experiment will show the Google Guaranteed badge on the business profile. We don’t have anything additional to announce right now.

According to Google:

The Google Guarantee badge is available for businesses that pass a Google screening and qualification process through Google Local Services.

https://platform.twitter.com/embed/index.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1285933536378343424&lang=en-gb&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.brightlocal.com%2Fblog%2Fgoogle-tests-50-upgraded-gmb-with-google-guarantee%2F&theme=light&widgetsVersion=223fc1c4%3A1596143124634&width=550px

Speculation

– This could be a good thing, it might filter out more spam and fake map listings?

– It could be disastrous for small business with no budget to spend let alone pay for somethign that was free.

– Paid might mean we have Google support to call?

– Would the paid listings rank higher?

Here’s Who Runs The Show: Paul Wagstaff

A website developer and a business owner since 2004. Cultivate Digital is a boutique web design studio located in Melbourne, Australia and is now a top 5 rated web design agency in Google.

Paul has a lifelong passion for building things online and applies a high quality ethic to every project he takes on.

He is also an incredibly dedicated business partner who loves helping small businesses get online in record time with a minimum of fuss. He works with his clients personally and the reviews prove how much his clients appreciate his down to earth, honest and transparent approach.

When Paul isn’t working, you may find him exploring the moon through his 12 inch Telescope, reading a good book, or listening to Dr Karl and other science podcasts.