In this day and age, it’s imperative to have a verified business profile—your Google Business Profile (GBP).
When your business is verified, your current and potential customers can interact with your business online, which improves your Google rating and allows your business to place higher in the local Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs).
If you haven’t already verified your business on Google, and you’re ready to start the process—fabulous! WebPunch is in the ring to help make the journey to online verification as smooth as possible.
Video submissions are Google’s preferred method for completing the verification process. This can be super fast—if you are ready for it! Just follow the steps below.
Video Verification Process
It’s important to note that you must be a manager of the Google Business Profile listing in order to complete the verification process.
Google is looking for one continuous video showcasing specific elements of your business that you will upload during the verification process. Before you start recording, make sure to have everything below available:
- Your Google Maps Location: Make sure the video showcases your street name, nearby businesses, and/or the area around your business. It would also be prudent to show your visible signage and address if that can be seen on the storefront. This must be the address associated with your business.
- If you don’t have visible signage (i.e. you’re running a business from your home, and it’s a hidden address), that’s okay! Just make sure you’re physically at the business’s address associated with the listing and showcase this on camera.
- Your Operations: Google wants more proof that you are who you say you are. Make sure your video captures any branded equipment, company vehicles, marketing materials, and tools you might use to help your customers or clients.
- Proof of Management: Show off your employee-only access spots! This includes things like a cash register, kitchen, storage area, any non-sensitive business documents, or even using your keys to open the storefront.
- You will 100% need to show your business license or DBA statement that includes the full name of the business and the address that is on the listing.
To start the verification process:
- Log into your Google Business Profile.
- See the “Get Verified” button? Click that!
- Enter the address of the business exactly as it appears on your business license or DBA statement (if the location is hidden).
- Select “None of these” if other businesses show, and then click “Confirm”.
- Press “Start Recording”, and record your video—include everything listed above.
6. Click “Stop Recording” and then “Upload Video.”
7. Google will take up to five business days to review your video.
a. If you’re verified, you’ll receive a notification. Congratulations!
b. If the video wasn’t accepted, the “Get Verified” button will show up again, and you can try another verification option.
Tips For Success!
The video verification can be submitted from any browser. If you’re having difficulties uploading your video, we recommend that you try another one. For instance, if you’re using Safari and having an issue with your upload, try Chrome instead!
If possible, use the email address associated with your business, especially if your corporate team is asking this of you. This is another great way to associate yourself with the business in question.
Google can be tricky, and while they make it seem as though you must use a Gmail address to complete this process, that just isn’t so! At the end of the day, any email address you check frequently is fine.
You Got This!
WebPunch is ready to lace up our gloves to help with your online reputation management. You can always drop us a line at hello@webpunch.com!
Beth Nintzel
Beth Nintzel is a dedicated member of the WebPunch Review Response Team. She’s also an actor in Los Angeles, CA where she lives with her chonky cat, Ophelia. A cat woman at heart, she enjoys spreading out in the sunshine, fitness, and binge-watching great TV shows.
