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Why should I become a Google Business Referral Representative?
Joining the Google Local Business Referrals (LBR) program is a great way to earn some money while connecting people to the businesses in your neighborhood. The information you collect could be seen by millions of people who use Google every day. And you'll be helping the businesses you refer attract new customers while also making it easier for people in your community to find the products and services they're searching for.
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What will I be doing as a representative?
As a Google Business Referral Representative, you'll visit local businesses to collect information (such as hours of operation, types of payment accepted, etc.) for Google Maps, and tell them about Google Maps and Google AdWords. You'll also take a few digital photos of the business that will appear on the Google Maps listing along with the business information. After the visit, you submit the business' info and photo(s) to Google through your Local Business Referrals Center, and we'll pay you up to $10 for each listing that is approved by Google and verified by the business.
All you need to be a successful Business Referral Representative is a passion for helping local businesses succeed, a love for the Internet (some knowledge of Google is great, too), and access to a computer and a digital camera.
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How much will I be paid? How will I be paid?
You can earn up to $10 for each approved, verified referral you submit. This includes $2 when a business referral is approved by Google; and $8 when an approved business verifies that the information you submitted is accurate. Referrals are approved by Google based on the completeness and quality of data supplied by representatives. Businesses verify their information either by sending us a response postcard or verifying their information online.
As long as your earnings total at least $25 a month, you'll receive a monthly check.
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Why is Google doing this?
In keeping with our mission to organize the world's information, we're always looking for new ways to make that information more universally accessible and useful. With the Google Local Business Referrals (LBR) program, we're focusing our efforts on small businesses across the United States, helping connect them with potential customers in their communities.
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Will I be a Google employee?
No. Google Business Referral Representatives are independent contractors to Google, not employees. As a contractor, you'll be paid according to the terms of the program, but won't receive employment benefits such as health insurance or paid vacation. Your payments will be mailed to you by check and can be tracked on your personal Local Business Referrals Center.
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How much can I earn?
It all depends on how many businesses you refer. For each referral you make, you have the potential to earn up to $10 ($2 for the approval and $8 for the verification). The more time you spend making hiqh-quality referrals, the more you're likely to earn.
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How many hours do I need to work? At what time of day?
There's no set schedule, so you can work whenever you'd like, for as long as you want. However, you'll need to visit businesses during their hours of operation. But you can submit your referrals online at any time of day, and spend as little or as much time as you want referring businesses. Just remember: The more time you spend developing business referrals, the more money you're likely to make.
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What are the terms? Do I have to sign something?
Before you can begin working as an active representative, you must agree to the program Terms & Conditions, which explain the requirements, restrictions and expectations for those serving as Google Business Referral Representatives. As part of these terms, you'll be free to discontinue your participation at any time. Likewise, Google may end your involvement with the program at any time.
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Will Google cover my expenses (gas, computer, digital camera, etc.)?
No. You'll be responsible for any expenses associated with your participation in this program; you'll be paid only for approved and verified business referrals, according to the program terms. However, Google will pay for printing the handouts you'll be giving to businesses during your visits. You'll learn more about how to request handouts for business visits when you join the program.
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What are the eligibility requirements for the program?
To be eligible for consideration as a Google Business Referral Representative, you must be authorized to work as a contractor in the U.S., be at least 18 years of age, and be able to complete an IRS Form W-9. You must also have access to a computer and a digital camera.
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How do I sign-up to join the program?
First, make sure that you understand what the program entails (read this whole FAQ for the big picture), including the eligibility requirements listed above. Then, sign in to your Google Account (or create a new Google Account if you don't have one) at this page.
To apply, you'll be asked to answer some basic questions about your interest in this position, your experience with Google products, and to tell us in detail about why you want to become a representative. If you're approved, you'll receive an email from us telling you how to sign into your Local Business Referrals Center, view the training materials, and start making referrals.
