Creating and verifying a Google Business Profile (GBP) is crucial to making your business discoverable across Google Search and Google Maps. A verified GBP allows you to grow your Local SEO and be a credible business, allowing potential customers to find your business. Most businesses can have their GBP verified as long as they meet the criteria to be eligible. Eligible businesses typically need a physical location or a defined service area where they interact with customers in person. If you want to take control of your GBP and provide Google with accurate information about your business, continue reading about the five verification methods or contact Boston Web Marketing for professional assistance.
Google Business Profile Verification Methods
If you have recently set up a Google Business Profile, claimed an existing business listing, or want to recover access to your GBP, you must complete the verification process. The verification process ensures that only authentic businesses can create and manage listings. There are five different Google Business Profile verification methods, including:
- Video verification: You may be asked to submit a video showing your business location and signage.
- Instant verification
- Postcard verification: Google will send a postcard with a verification code to your business address. Enter the code on your Google My Business account to complete the process.
- Phone call or Text verification: Google will send a verification code via phone call or SMS.
- Email verification: Google will send a verification code to your business email address.
Once you have claimed and set up your GBP listing, Google will present you with one of these verification methods, depending on various factors, including the age of your profile and recent changes you may have made to the business address. It is important to note that you can’t change the verification method Google assigns to your business. If you require professional assistance verifying and managing your Google Business Profile, contact Boston Web Marketing. As a Premier Google Partner, our digital marketing agency has all the resources needed to verify and optimize your profile!
Troubleshooting Your Google Business Profile Video Verification
One of the most common verification methods requested by Google is via postcard and submitting a video of your business. While the most challenging aspect of a postcard verification is waiting for the postcard with the code to arrive in the mail, many business owners struggle when submitting their video verification, so here are a few tips from Boston Web Marketing to get your GBP video verification accepted.
Start by ensuring you have access to a stable internet connection and have granted camera and microphone permissions. As requested by Google, they will be looking for the video to show your location, signs of equipment or products, and proof of management. When taking your video, start outside of your location and record any visible building signage or surrounding businesses. As for equipment, this can be as simple as walking inside your office and recording office furniture, desks, and any internal business signage. Lastly, proof of management does not mean physically standing behind the camera but having a business license or point of sales (POS) system present. After following these troubleshooting steps for a Google Business Profile video verification, it may take several days for Google’s team to verify.
Need Professional Assistance Verifying a Google Business Profile?
At Boston Web Marketing, we are a full-service digital marketing agency with extensive experience helping businesses in every industry verify their Google Business Profile. Allow our team to help your business’s local search grow with a fully optimized Google Business Profile! Contact our team at Boston Web Marketing today to get a free website audit & find out how we can help you grow your business with a verified Google Business Profile!