Google postpones Google Partner program changes

A few months ago, Google announced some fairly major changes to the requirements for agencies qualifying for the Google Partners badge. It’s fair to say, the change wasn’t welcomed by everyone, with the new spend threshold doubling, pricing many out of the picture. It also required more users to get certified (at least half, compared to just one user with admin access).

Those changes were due to take effect from June, however amid the upheaval caused by the global pandemic, Google has decided to postpone the new system until 2021 in what will be welcome news for many. With many agencies losing clients, lowering retainer fees and furloughing staff, it’s one less pressure.

Google claims it hopes “this change gives you and your customers the time you need to adjust to the ongoing developments.”

It means that agencies who currently have active Google Partner badges will be allowed to retain their Partner status until next year. For those who don’t already have a Google Partner badge, they will be able to earn one using the current requirements.

When the new requirements do come into play next year, alongside the new spend threshold and qualification requirements, Google will also be evaluating your optimisation score in your manager account, located in the Recommendations tab.