Google Business Profile Verification: Methods and Common Problems

Opening a Google Business Profile takes a few minutes; the real wait is at the verification stage. Verification is proving to Google that whoever manages the profile really is the owner or an authorized representative of that business. Changes you make on an unverified profile aren't published, and you can't fully manage the profile. In this guide we explain the verification methods, what to film for video verification, which is requested most often, and what to do if verification fails.

What verification methods are there?

Google decides for itself which methods to offer you by looking at your business's type, category and details. The methods you may see:

• Video recording: You film and upload one continuous video that shows your business, your location and that you manage the business.
• Live video call: You show the same things live by video call with a Google employee.
• Phone or text message: A code comes to the number on the profile.
• Email: The code comes to an email address that belongs to the business.
• Postcard: The code is mailed to your business address.

Some businesses whose websites are already verified in Google Search Console can be verified instantly. If more than one method is offered, choose the fastest for you; if a method doesn't appear at all, Google isn't using that method for your business.

Verifying by video: what should you film?

The aim of video verification is to show three things in a single take: where the business is, that the business really operates and that you are authorized.

The location: Start from the outside. Show the street sign, neighboring buildings or a known landmark, then your business's sign and entrance. Google compares the video with the address on the profile.

That the business operates: Walk in through the door and show the area where you work: product shelves, the kitchen, the exam room, equipment or stock.

Your authority: Do something only the owner or an employee of the business could do: unlock the door with a key, open the register or the payment terminal, enter an employees-only area, show documents that belong to the business.

For businesses that go to the customer (plumber, moving, cleaning): show the vehicle with the business name or your logo on it, the tools you use on the job and documents that belong to the business.

While filming, pay attention to these:

• Film the video in one go without cutting; don't use editing or filters.
• Film in daylight, holding the phone steady and moving slowly.
• Don't film customers' or employees' faces up close.
• Watch the video before uploading: can the sign be read, is the location clear?

Verifying by postcard

If the postcard option comes up, make sure your address is written completely and in a form suitable for mail delivery. The card can take days, sometimes weeks, to arrive. While you wait, don't change the business name, address or category; a change may require you to request a new card. When the card arrives, you enter the code on it in your profile.

How long does the review take?

Verification with phone, text message and email codes is usually completed right away. For video and video calls, Google reviews the recording; this usually takes a few business days and can take longer in busy periods. While the review is in progress, don't change the core details on the profile.

If verification failed

1. Compare the details. Are the name, address and category on the profile exactly the same as on your sign, your documents and your website?
2. Look at the marker on the map. Is the location marker really in front of your door?
3. Film the video again. If the sign can't be read or the location isn't clear, prepare a clearer video.
4. Check the address type. A virtual office, a mailbox or an address where the business doesn't really operate won't be verified. If you go to the customer, hide the address and define a service area.
5. Ask Google for support. If the problem continues, use the support form in the Google Business Profile Help Center.

After verification

Verification is done once, but in some cases Google may ask again: when you change the business name, address or primary category, or when it notices unusual activity on the profile. So don't change the core details unless necessary; if you need to change them, make the changes in one go and correctly.

Once your profile is verified, you can take a look at our guide to ranking higher on Google Maps for the next steps. If your profile has been suspended, our suspension and appeal guide will guide you.

Regular management with BadePlus

When you connect your verified profile to BadePlus, your reviews, posts and ranking come together in one dashboard. BadePlus doesn't make changes that carry a risk of suspension on its own: it doesn't touch your category and, in industries Google monitors closely, it doesn't change profile details on its own. Start your 3-day free trial.