Local Services Ads (LSAs) are Google’s pay-per-lead advertising product for service businesses like electricians. If you’ve searched “electrician near me” and seen listings above Google Maps with photos, reviews, and a badge, those are Local Services Ads for electricians.
What changed recently — and where many explanations are now wrong — is how trust and verification work inside LSAs.
As of November, Google Guaranteed was discontinued and replaced with Google Verified. LSAs still exist. The badge system changed.
This guide explains:
- What LSAs are for electricians
- What Google Verified actually means
- How LSAs are ranked
- Typical costs for electricians
- When LSAs make sense compared to SEO
- When electricians should use LSAs along with a broader electrician digital marketing service
This resource supports a broader local SEO for electricians strategy and builds on the visibility concepts covered in how electricians can rank on Google Maps by adding in Local Services Ads for electricians.
What Are Local Services Ads for Electricians?
Local Services Ads are paid listings that appear at the very top of Google search results for service-based queries.
Electricians using LSAs:
- Pay per lead, not per click
- Appear above Google Maps
- Receive phone calls and messages directly from the ad
- Can dispute invalid leads
LSAs are designed for high-intent searches, especially emergency electrical services.
What Is Google Verified (and What Replaced Google Guaranteed)?
Google Verified is not an ad.
It is a trust badge that appears inside a Local Services Ad.
Previously:
- Google Guaranteed applied to some home services
- It included a reimbursement promise for consumers
As of November:
- Google Guaranteed was discontinued
- Google Verified replaced it
- There is no reimbursement guarantee
- The badge now confirms legitimacy, not a promise
Google Verified indicates that:
- Your business passed Google’s verification process
- Licensing and insurance were checked where required
- Background checks were completed where applicable
In short:
- LSAs = the ads
- Google Verified = the trust badge shown on the LSA
They work together, but they are not the same thing.
How Electricians Get Google Verified for LSAs
Verification is required to run Local Service Ads for electricians.
Step 1: Business and License Verification
Electricians must submit:
- Business details
- Electrical licenses (state-specific)
- Insurance documentation
Step 2: Background Checks
Depending on your market:
- Owner background checks may be required
- Technician checks may also apply
Step 3: Approval and Badge Display
Once approved:
- Your LSA becomes eligible to show
- The Google Verified badge appears in your ad
This process can take 2–6 weeks, depending on location and documentation.
The information on your Local Service Ads for electricians should match your website, Google Business Profile, and local citations for electricians to avoid delays or trust issues.
How Local Services Ads for Electricians Are Ranked
LSA placement is not purely budget-based.
Google considers:
- Review volume and rating
- Responsiveness to calls and messages
- Proximity to the searcher
- Business hours and availability
- Dispute history
- Job completion signals
Reviews are especially important, which is why LSAs perform best when paired with a strong review system like the one outlined in electrician reviews and reputation management.
How Much Local Service Ads for Electricians Cost
Costs vary widely by market.
Typical ranges:
- Smaller markets: $25–$75 per lead
- Competitive metros: $75–$150+ per lead
Important cost factors:
- Emergency vs non-emergency services
- Call handling speed
- Lead quality and disputes
- Close rate
LSAs reward electricians who answer quickly and convert calls efficiently.
LSAs vs SEO for Electricians: When to Use Each
This is not an either-or decision.
When LSAs Make Sense
LSAs are a good fit when:
- You need leads quickly
- You offer emergency electrical services
- You’re entering a new market
- You can handle calls consistently
LSAs can generate leads shortly after approval.
When SEO Makes Sense
SEO is great when:
- You want long-term visibility
- You want lower cost per lead over time
- You want consistent Maps and organic presence
- You don’t want to rely entirely on paid leads
SEO supports both Google Maps and organic results, as explained in how electrician SEO helps you get more customers online.
The Best Approach for Most Electricians
Most electricians perform best when they use a mixture of both SEO and LSAs:
- LSAs capture immediate demand
- SEO builds long-term authority
- Both target the same services and service areas
This avoids dependence on a single channel, LSAs or a broader SEO marketing strategy.
Common LSA and Verification Mistakes Electricians Make
Avoid these issues:
- Running LSAs without strong call handling
- Ignoring missed calls
- Failing to dispute bad leads
- Letting reviews stagnate
- Mismatched business info across platforms
LSAs amplify whatever system you already have — good or bad.
Want Help Managing LSAs and SEO Together?
Running Local Services Ads while managing a larger SEO strategy, including Maps, reviews, and service-area targeting takes time.
Our electrician-focused SEO process helps contractors:
- Align LSAs with Google Business Profile and website content
- Improve review velocity and responsiveness
- Support Maps rankings alongside paid leads
- Reduce wasted ad spend over time
Learn more about our electrician SEO services
How LSAs Fit Into a Bigger Local Marketing Strategy
Local Services Ads work best when paired with:
- Google Business Profile optimization
- Reviews and reputation management
- Service-area and city pages
- Consistent business information
Together, these elements help electricians capture demand at every stage of local search.
Supercharge Your Leads by Adding LSAs to Your SEO Strategy
Local Services Ads for electricians and Google Verified are powerful tools, but they are not replacements for SEO.
LSAs provide rented visibility.
SEO builds owned visibility.
Electricians who understand how LSAs, Google Verified, and SEO work together tend to generate more consistent calls without overspending.
The goal isn’t choosing one channel. It’s building a system that supports growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are LSAs and Google Verified the same thing?
No. LSAs are the ads. Google Verified is the trust badge that appears within an LSA after your business is verified.
Is Google Guaranteed still available?
No. Google Guaranteed was discontinued in November 2025 and replaced by Google Verified.
Does Google Verified guarantee work quality?
No. Google Verified confirms legitimacy and verification, not service quality or reimbursement.
Can I run Local Service Ads for electricians without SEO?
Yes, but relying only on LSAs requires ongoing ad spend and does not build long-term visibility.
Can electricians pause LSAs at any time?
Yes. Budgets, availability, and lead preferences can be adjusted or paused at any time.