Last week Google launched company specializations, a new way for marketing companies to be recognized for their skills in AdWords Search, Display, Mobile, Shopping, and Video advertising. Marketers earn specializations by earning AdWords certifications, demonstrating product expertise, client retention and a Google assessment of a company’s overall performance. Upon achieving a specialization, a company is awarded badges that represent the company’s specific strengths and AdWords specializations.

It’s been one week since the program began and Awlogy has already earned badges in Search, Mobile & Video advertising. More specialization certifications will be quick to follow. Businesses with badges, like Awlogy, will use company specializations to help win business and differentiate themselves in the market. Having undergone such rapid growth, digital marketing is an expansive and confusing landscape. Programs such as Google Partners are an easy and important way for brands and agencies to differentiate the marketing contenders from the pretenders.