Google’s New Experiment: Is “Google Verified” the Future of Local Service Ads?
In an exciting twist for digital advertisers, Google is currently testing the replacement of the “Google Screened” label with a new designation: “Google Verified.” This change has sparked conversations within the advertising community, as many are noticing these updates appearing not just with the new label but, in some instances, with no identifying labels at all—aside from the standard “Sponsored” tag.
The Shift in Labels: What’s Behind the Change?
This label transition was first highlighted by digital marketing expert Anthony Higman on X (formerly Twitter), where he shared compelling screenshots illustrating the newly minted “Google Verified” badge:
Check out Anthony’s original post here.
Take a look at this visual representation of the new “Google Verified” label:
A Glimpse into the Past: The Old “Google Screened” Label
For reference, here’s what the previous label looked like:
What Consumers and Advertisers Can Expect
Skepticism about this transition is common, particularly as some users have reported seeing results that lack any labels entirely. This might mean consumers and businesses could face confusion about the authenticity and credibility of the ads they encounter.
Here’s a snapshot illustrating this lack of labeling:
A Broader Strategy? Consolidating Ads
According to Higman, the change might be part of a larger strategy to consolidate all Local Service Ads (LSA) labels into a unified brand representation. This could pave the way for a more streamlined approach to advertising across various categories.
Correction, seems to be for ALL LSA categories. They may be trying to consolidate them all to the same thing? pic.twitter.com/FPwogLIU7E
— Anthony Higman (@AnthonyHigman) June 2, 2025
Engaging in the Discussion
What does this mean for you, the advertiser or consumer? Are you excited about the potential for the “Google Verified” label to enhance trust, or do you have reservations? Join the conversation on X and share your thoughts.
As the digital advertising landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential to stay informed and agile. The future may be bright for Google’s Local Service Ads, but only time will tell how these changes impact their effectiveness and credibility in a competitive marketplace.
