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Verifying your local business on Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly known as “Google My Business,” is essential for building trust with customers and improving your online visibility. It unlocks the ability to update key details about your business and build local engagement with your customers. We’ll be the first to admit that the process can be complex. In fact, it’s not uncommon for verification to require multiple attempts, especially for businesses in shared spaces or without exterior signage. Here, our team will share our tips and expertise to help streamline the process based on our own internal best practices and experience.

In the past, verifying your business on Google was different and involved mailing a postcard to yourself. While still possible today, Google has for the most part transitioned away from using this method because it was susceptible to fraud and manipulation. It’s vastly more likely you’ll be looking at submitting a video for GBP verification instead. 

Understanding the Video Verification Process

For many businesses, Google requires a video verification to confirm the legitimacy and location of the business. The video must meet specific guidelines:

• Length and Format: The recording should be one continuous shot, unedited, and last between 30 seconds to 5 minutes.
• Recording Method: Use a mobile device (your cell phone) to record and upload the video directly through the Google Business Profile app.
• Privacy Compliance: Avoid capturing sensitive information, private details, or faces of others in the video.

What to Include in Your Verification Video

Your video must clearly demonstrate three critical elements:

1. The Business Location: Show nearby landmarks, street signs, and the building’s address to confirm your business’s location on Google Maps.
2. Business Identity: Highlight permanent signage with your business name that matches the name on your GBP. This could be a storefront sign, branded windows, or interior signage. In most cases, it is not enough to just have interior signage without including the exterior signs as well.
3. Proof of Management: Record yourself accessing restricted areas such as staff-only spaces or using tools like a point-of-sale system. This proves you have authorized control over the business operations.

Tips for Businesses Without Exterior Signage

Maybe your business is in a shared building with stricter policies on having a sign outside, or maybe you just haven’t invested in exterior signage yet. As we have seen with some of our clients, without permanent exterior signage, verification can become more challenging. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible! Here’s how to overcome this hurdle:

Planning for a Successful Verification Video

Preparation is key to creating an effective verification video. Remember, it needs to be one continuous shot, without editing, which will likely require careful planning and practice. 

• Outline Your Video: Put on your movie director hat here, because you’ll need to plan out the recording sequence to ensure all required elements are included.
• Practice Runs: Test your recording setup to refine the flow and timing. Now is not the time to accidentally flip your camera around mid-recording — familiarize yourself with starting, stopping, keeping a steady hand, etc. 
• Keep a Log: Track what you include in each attempt for better organization and future retries if needed. Try not to be discouraged if it takes a few tries, it’s a lot to fit in!

Submitting Your Video to Google

Once your video is ready, upload it through the Google Business Profile app on your mobile device by tapping “Get Verified” and following the on-screen prompts.

What if Google Rejects Your Verification Video?

Google’s review process can take up to five business days. If your video is rejected, check for missing elements or mistakes and re-record. It is possible to receive assistance from Google Support, but it’s rare. Having a submission attempt on file can help increase the likelihood that you’ll get a response or feedback. 

Google Business Profile verification may require persistence. Try to go into the process knowing it might involve some trial and error.  It’s a critical step for improving your local search visibility, and well worth the time invested. By following these guidelines, and closely reading additional resources from Google, you’ll be well on your way to verification.

Need help with Google Business Profile video verification? Or ready to take your Google Business Profile to the next level and explore additional local listing optimization? Get in touch with Lewis Media’s SEO team today for additional hands-on assistance in strengthening your brand’s local presence.