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At Advice Local, we are all about providing our agency partners with the best tools to manage their clients’ Google Business Profile (GBP), and our enhanced Google Business Profile Tool is one of them. Once a client’s GBP is verified, you can utilize our solution to monitor it. For instance, our GBP tool keeps a client’s data synced to maintain NAP integrity over time, keeps out bad data with auto reject public edits and more.
Access to these incredible tools from one user-friendly dashboard is another reason to complete the Google Business Profile verification as quickly as possible. But first, let’s dive into the process.
Methods for Verifying a Local Business on Google Business Profile
If you have already created a Google Business Profile for the business, let’s dig into verification methods. If the business is not yet on Google, add it now. And if it hasn’t been claimed yet, take the time to do it. Claiming a business on Google is essential to manage the data and have favorable local search results.
1. Google Business Profile Video Verification
Video verification is the most common verification method Google requires. While the response is speedy, this method often demands that business owners record multiple items to prove their legitimacy. Businesses with a physical storefront, businesses that are service-based (or are what Google calls “hybrid”) can use this method.
What You Need to Know About GBP Video Verification
- As an agency, unless you physically go to a client’s location, you will not be able to complete the verification for the business.
- The video must be recorded from within the Google Business profile on a mobile device and be a continuous shot, as no editing is allowed.
- The person recording will want to have all the documentation prepared in advance and have a plan for the shoot.
- Address it like making a storyboard. Having all the proper information and required shots pre-planned will lead to faster verification.
- Remember, this may need to be done twice, so keep track of what’s being done.
Verification requirements are based on the type of business but always cover three main categories.
- Proof of Location
- Existence
- Management
Ways to show proof include recording storefront and street signage, the street address on the building’s exterior, nearby businesses or landmarks and entry areas. Additional proof can come from a showroom or dining area, work areas with desks or workstations, business cards displayed and so on. You can also provide proof through a business name on permanent fixtures such as tools or a work truck, a service location, access to official business documentation like permits, and management access to a point-of-sale system. For more details and to learn about Google’s categories, review their video verification help page.
After the video is recorded and submitted, Google typically responds within five days with a message indicating “successful” or “unsuccessful.” If the verification is not successful, the message will state why, and offer another chance to get it right.
2. Verify a Business’ GBP by Phone, Text or Email
Verification on Google Business Profile by phone, text or email remains a simple way to get the job done. From within the profile, a manager chooses to receive a PIN via phone call or text message. Once received, it’s just a matter of inputting the number.
Email is just as simple. From the profile, select email verification and follow the instructions provided within the response. Within a short time (up to five days) it’s complete and done!
What You Need to Know About This GBP Verification Process
- This option is not available for all businesses.
- If verifying by phone, Google will call the number listed within the GBP.
- If verifying by text, Google will send the message to the number listed with the GBP.
- If verifying by email, the email address needs to be a branded domain that matches the website URL listed on the GBP.
3. Get a GBP Verified With a Live Video Call to Google
Similar to video verification, managers will want to prepare before initiating the live video call. They’ll need to show proof of location, the business or equipment, and management.
- From the profile, access the verification menu from a phone with a camera. Follow the listed steps to connect to an associate.
- During the call they’ll ask for video proof that could include the area around the location (like other businesses and the street name), marketing materials, tools or equipment, and access to employee-only areas or information.
- After the call, a waiting period of up to five days begins. At the end of that time, Google will notify the manager whether the verification was successful or not.
4. Google Business Profile Verification by Mail
If two weeks isn’t too long to wait, local business verification by mail is still available (and at times required).
- From the Google Business Profile, request a postcard for GBP verification.
- Make sure the mailing address is correct and request the code. Avoid making any address changes while waiting for a response, as processing time could be extended.
- When the postcard arrives, simply input the code into the proper section on the correct profile.
Again, Google will respond within five days with a message indicating success or failure.
After Verification, Monitor Local Maps Rankings With Our Help
Once the business’ Google Business Profile has been verified you’ll want to continue monitoring it, and this includes tracking map rankings in Google Maps and the local finder. Advice Local’s Google Maps Local Rank Tracker tool can assist with this task.
Help Clients Navigate the Google Business Profile Verification Process
Now that you know how to speed up the Google Business Profile verification process, it’s time to see more about how Advice Local can help you better service your local business clients. Call us at (214) 310-1356 or request a demo now.