Key Takeaways

    • Verifying your Google Business Profile is essential for improving local search visibility and establishing business credibility on Google Search and Maps.
    • Google offers several verification methods, including phone, email, postcard, video call and video recording verification.
    • Google increasingly relies on video verification methods to confirm that businesses are legitimate and operating at their claimed locations.
    • Video verification typically requires proof of business location, operational equipment and evidence that the applicant manages the business.
    • Video recordings must be continuous and clearly demonstrate ownership, business activity and physical presence.
    • A verified Google Business Profile can help businesses improve trust, manage reviews, update information and strengthen local SEO performance.

A Google Business Profile is critical if you’re looking to expand your local online presence and enhance the credibility and visibility of your business by allowing your business to appear in Google Maps, local search results and the Local Pack. It’s also critical for Local SEO.

But in order to get your Google Business Profile operating and visible, you’ll need to verify your business with Google Business Profile.

Verified businesses receive a blue checkmark badge, indicating that Google has confirmed the authenticity of your business. This means you can manage and update contact information, hours of operation, and other essential details, ensuring potential customers get accurate information. You may also then be able to respond to reviews, interact with customers, and post updates, fostering better engagement and trust in your brand.

So, what are the different verification methods for Google Business Profile? Google has various methods to verify a business, such as:

  • Phone call
  • Text message
  • Postcard
  • Email
  • Video Call
  • Video recording

Instant verification may also be an option for some businesses that already have their website verified through Google Search Console.

However, not all of these verification methods are always available, and Google seems to now prefer video calls, and video recording as the primary verification methods.

These video verification methods have strict guidelines in order for a Google representative to deem your business legitimate and approve verification, so it’s important to capture all relevant and required information.

This includes:

  • Your current location: Show outside signs. Examples include your street’s name, nearby businesses, or the area around your business.
  • Business or equipment: Capture your operations. Examples include stock for sale, branded equipment, marketing materials, or tools you use to serve your customers.
  • Proof of management: Show your access to employee-only items or areas. Examples include a cash register, kitchen, storage room, or non-sensitive business documents. You can also use your keys to open your facility.

So how do you verify your business through video? Here’s how!

Video Call Verification Process:

Step 1: Get ready for the call
  • Make sure your mobile device can join a live video call.
  • Confirm that you’re at your business. 
  • Make sure you can demonstrate your location and ownership on the video call.
Step 2: Start a text chat with support on any device
  1. Go to your Business Profile. Learn how to find your profile.
  2. Click Get verified, then Video call, and then Next.
  3. Select your language.
  4. To start a text chat with the next available support representative, click Start call.
Step 3: Show your business via video call via a mobile device
  1. When you’re ready, a representative helps you join a video call.
  2. To show your business location and ownership, use the camera on your device.

Video Recording Verification Process:

Step 1: Upload your video
  1. On your mobile device, go to your Business Profile. Learn how to find your profile.
  2. Tap Get verified and then Capture video.
  3. Tap Start recording.
  4. Record your video.
  5. Tap Stop recording and then Upload video.

Note that the video must be a CONTINUOUS RECORDING. Which means no breaks or edits are permitted.

Step 2: Wait for review

After you upload your video, Google will review it. Reviews can take up to 5 business days. If it gets verified, you get a notification. If the video method doesn’t work, the “Get verified” button will appear in your profile again. You can then try a different verification option.

Step 3: Delete your video

Go to your Business Profile. At the top right, tap More menu and then Advanced settings and then Video uploads and then Delete videos.

It’s important to understand that we cannot verify your business; only the business owner can do this. If you need further assistance, visit Google Business Profile Help or give us a call, and we can walk you through the process over the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to verify my Google Business Profile?

Verification confirms that your business is legitimate and authorised to manage the profile. It also helps improve visibility on Google Search and Google Maps while increasing customer trust.

Video verification is a process where Google requires a business owner to submit a video recording or participate in a live video call to prove business ownership, location and operational legitimacy.

Verification videos typically need to show your business location, signage, equipment, work areas and evidence that you have authorised access to the business, such as keys, restricted areas or business-related documentation.

Verification times vary, but video submissions are generally reviewed within a few business days. Google will notify the business owner once the review process is complete.

If verification is unsuccessful, Google may offer another verification method or request additional information. Business owners can review Google’s requirements and submit a new verification request if needed.

Yes. Verification is an important step for local SEO because it allows businesses to appear in Google Maps, local search results and the Local Pack while providing customers with trusted business information.

Colm MacGowan is a multi-award-winning digital marketer, growth strategist, and Founder of 80/20 Digital. Specialising in lead generation for service-based businesses, Colm helps brands scale through brand-led, data-driven SEO, AI SEO (AIO/GEO), Google Ads, social media, conversion strategy, and commercially focused digital marketing systems. Over the past three decades, his strategies have generated more than $100 million in revenue for clients across Australia, the UK, Ireland, Canada, and the US.