G2’s Badge Refresh: Important Updates Bringing Greater Exclusivity to Software Vendors

At G2, our mission is to help businesses reach their peak potential by powering decisions and strategies with trusted insights from real software users. A key way we do this is by recognizing the achievements of top-performing vendors through our badges, which highlight their leadership and customer satisfaction based on verified peer reviews.

In our most recent annual Best Software Awards and Spring Reports, we debuted redesigned badges for greater impact and visibility as customers promote, celebrate, and recognize their G2 achievements! Not only did we change the look, but our new badges are also now available in Spanish, German, French, and Portuguese to ensure top-performing vendors can more easily reach their audiences around the globe.

To better maintain the value and exclusivity of G2’s badges, we're implementing an important update to accessibility criteria.

What's changing?

Beginning with the Summer 2025 Report release on June 24, vendors with upgraded G2 Profiles will have exclusive rights to publicly promote G2’s quarterly Market Report badges and annual Best Software Award badges.

Vendors with free G2 Profiles will still be eligible to earn placements in G2 Reports and Awards — and will continue to earn badges — but they will not be able to publicly display or use badges from the Summer 2025 Reports and beyond. Those with free G2 profiles will retain access to previously earned badges and future 'Users/Clients Love Us' badge.

Why this update?

This adjustment allows us to further invest in the features and benefits available to our subscribed sellers, ensuring they receive maximum impact from their G2 presence. Our goal at G2 is to create the most valuable and insightful platform for software buyers and sellers alike, driven by our commitment to:

• Optimize the Buyer Journey: Our research shows that buyers visiting free profiles do not always find the in-depth information needed for effective software research. By aligning badges with upgraded profiles, we ensure that when a buyer clicks on a badge, they are directed to a profile containing comprehensive information designed to answer their questions and guide their decision-making process, ultimately increasing engagement and conversion potential.
• Recognize and Empower Invested Vendors: Vendors that actively invest in their G2 presence through upgraded profiles are committed to providing a best-in-class experience for buyers and should be celebrated accordingly. Making visual badges a key feature of these profiles ensures their achievements are highlighted on pages equipped with the tools buyers need, such as detailed content and direct lead capture forms. This also reflects the commitment to leverage G2 as an ongoing source of verified peer reviews to showcase their competitive edge. 

When does this take effect?

These changes take effect on June 24, 2025, with G2’s Summer Report release. At this time:

• Free Profiles will:
  • Continue to earn placement on the Grid® and quarterly Market Reports
  • Continue to reference report placements like  “Leader in G2 Winter 2025 Report" with backlinking to the applicable Category page(s)
  • Maintain access to previously earned badges in accordance with our Content Guidelines
  • Access to use and promote the ‘Users Love Us’ badge (if awarded)
• Upgraded Profiles will: 
  • Receive all of the above and access to Summer 2025 badges and beyond
  • Continue to use G2 Badges in public promotion, in accordance our Content Guidelines
  • Display Badge on G2 Profile

FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions and answers you may have about these changes.

Do these changes impact the G2 Scoring or Algorithm? 

No! Profiles of free or upgraded plans are scored the same and will remain eligible and included in Quarterly Market Reports and annual Best Software Awards.  

Can I still mention my G2 recognition if we have a free profile?

Yes! Even with a free profile, you can still highlight your achievements by stating your placement in G2 Reports textually. For example, you can say, “We are recognized as a Leader in a G2 Winter 2025 Report” and include a backlink to the relevant category page on G2. Click here for templates to utilize in blog posts and press releases. 

What is the 'Users Love Us' badge and how should I use it?

The ‘Users Love Us’ badge is earned after collecting 20 reviews with an average rating of 4.0 stars. We are keeping this badge accessible to all vendors (free and paid) to showcase positive customer feedback and inclusion on the G2 marketplace. We recommend highlighting this badge in your sales decks, website, and marketing collateral.

Will previously earned badges be removed from access if we have a free account?

Nope! Previously earned badges and the ‘Users Love Us’ badge will remain available for you to use in your sales and marketing. However, access to utilize and share badges related to Summer 2025 Reports or annual Award placements will be exclusive to upgraded profiles moving forward. 

How can I see what badges I would have access to?

By logging into the backend of your G2 Profile in my.G2 > Badges, you can see your earned badges. Note: you still have earned these badges, but the license to share is now included in our upgraded offerings. 

Can I pay for badges separately?

Not at this time. Badges can be unlocked with additional functionality to build your brand and capture buyer demand with various paid plans based on your company’s goals and needs. 

How can I get access to badges for Summer 2025 Reports and beyond?

We are here to help. Please contact your G2 account representative or schedule time with us to walk through any pending changes to your badge accessibility.

Connecting with G2

While this update refines the availability of badges, your presence on G2 remains a powerful way to connect with active software buyers and build credibility through reviews. As a user of a free profile, you will continue to be included in G2 Reports, have the ability to collect reviews on your profile, and access minor profile changes in my.G2. 

To explore the benefits of upgrading your G2 Profile and regaining access to visual badges, we encourage you to connect with your G2 account representative or schedule time with us here.