How To Verify A Google Business Profile GBP / GMB
If you already claimed your Google Business Profile (GBP) then these are the steps if you need to verify it. Otherwise go to How to Claim My GBP/GMB
If you have already verified it then optimizing your GBP is what you need to do now.
There are several different ways to verify your GBP. In today’s world of scammers and fraud you will likely have to do a video verification. Very rarely now can you do a phone verification or a postcard. There are some instances where after a video verification Google will still send out a postcard to finalize the process.
Here’s how to verify your Google Business Profile with a video recording:
Before you record:
- Plan your video: Google needs to see proof of your business location and ownership. Therefore, you need to capture the following in your video:
-
- Exterior: Show signage with your business name, the street address, or surrounding recognizable landmarks. Service businesses that operate out of your home a sign on the vehicle (magnet signs work well)
- Exterior: Show signage with your business name, the street address, or surrounding recognizable landmarks. Service businesses that operate out of your home a sign on the vehicle (magnet signs work well)
-
- Interior: Capture your business operations. This could include products for sale, branded equipment, or the workspace you use. Inside a building a sign on the door. Also on the inside even a cheap vinyl sign from Staples or other sign company to hang on the wall. Have your laptop open with your website displayed on it. Explain to Google what you are showing them.
- Interior: Capture your business operations. This could include products for sale, branded equipment, or the workspace you use. Inside a building a sign on the door. Also on the inside even a cheap vinyl sign from Staples or other sign company to hang on the wall. Have your laptop open with your website displayed on it. Explain to Google what you are showing them.
-
- Proof of ownership: Briefly show you have access to restricted areas or items, like a staff room, inventory storage, or your business key unlocking the entrance or vehicle.
- Proof of ownership: Briefly show you have access to restricted areas or items, like a staff room, inventory storage, or your business key unlocking the entrance or vehicle.
-
- Length of video: As short as possible. 1 to 2 minutes, if possible be near a WIFI as Google has issues with uploading the video. I have had clients have to make 4 and 5 attempts. *suggestions from Google if you are having problems uploading the video
-
Recording and uploading the video:
-
- Access your Business Profile: Go to www.google.com/business and sign in to your gmail account associated with your GBP.
- Locate the business: If you have multiple profile locations, choose the specific location you want to verify.
- Start verification: Click the “Get verified” button and select “Business video” as the verification method. If your GBP does not have an address filled out you will need fill in your business address. The address will not be shown in your profile it’s only for verification purposes for Google.
- Review requirements (optional): Google will provide a quick overview of what to show in the video. You can skip this step if you’re understand the steps above.
- Mobile recording: If you initiated verification on a computer, you’ll need to switch to your mobile device to record the video. A QR code will be displayed to transfer verification to your phone.
- Grant permissions: Allow your phone camera and microphone access when prompted.
- Record your video: Hit “Start recording” and narrate your video as you film the required locations mentioned earlier. Keep it concise and professional.
- Upload the video: Once satisfied, tap “Stop recording” and follow the prompts to upload the video.
- Access your Business Profile: Go to www.google.com/business and sign in to your gmail account associated with your GBP.
After uploading:
-
- Review wait time: Google typically reviews verification videos within 5 business days. You’ll receive notification once your profile is verified.
- Optional: Once verified, you can delete the video from your Business Profile settings if you wish.
Here’s a helpful resource from Google’s Business Profile support for more details: https://support.google.com/business/answer/14271705?hl=en
Call us if you need any help at 1-888-368-4476. We at Coastal Clicks want everyone to have a successful business and if there is any questions we can answer or any services that you need please don’t hesitate to contact us.
"There are a number of people reporting video uploads for verification stopping at 99%. Google is aware of it. They have stated that contacting customer support would be the solution. Here is the support form to contact GBP support to get help with the verification: https://support.google.com/business/gethelp It then may be a different verification method, so make sure you have your verification details available.
Some users have reported that some of these things can help;
change to a different browser Chrome sometimes fixes it.
The video is too long it can cause it.
Stay around 2 minutes or less.
Keep the file size small (shoot at a lower quality, not 4K) Try shooting at 720 or 1080.
Using an I phone may be an issue.
Use a fast wifi connection not mobil data if you can.
Thank You For Asking,"
Verification over the phone
- Open the Google My Business app
- Tap Call me now
- Answer the call and listen for the verification code
- Enter the code in the verification field on the GMB platform
- Go to your Business Profile
- Click Get verified
- Click Phone or SMS
- Open the text with the code
- Enter the code in your profile
Postcard method (rare now)
There are a couple of ways to verify your Google Business Profile. The most common method is by postcard:
- Sign in to your Google Business Profile https://www.google.com/business/.
- Choose the location you want to verify (if you have multiple locations).
- Click the “Verify now” button.
- Enter the mailing contact name.
- Double-check that the address is correct. This is important since Google will send a postcard with a verification code to this address.
- Click “Request code” to send the postcard.
Another option is email verification (if available for your business):
- Follow steps 1-3 above.
- When offered verification options, select “Email.”
- Enter the email address you can access.
- Google will send a verification code to that email address.
There are other verification methods available in limited situations, including phone verification, video recording, video call, and instant verification. You’ll see the available options when you go to verify your Business Profile.
Here’s a helpful resource from Google’s Business Profile support site that covers verification in more detail https://support.google.com/business/answer/7107242?hl=en.
