Video verification is now one of the most common methods Google uses to confirm that your business is legitimate and located where you claim it is.
In the video, we walk through exactly how to start the Google Business Profile video verification process, what Google expects to see in your recording, and how to avoid common reasons for rejection.
In this article, our Local SEO experts from Uptick Marketing will expand on that walkthrough with clear steps and guidance, so you can confidently record a compliant verification video and get your profile approved.
Log in to Google Business Manager
Begin by ensuring you’re logged into your Google account on your computer or mobile device using your browser.
Then, open up another tab in the same browser window, and in your address bar, type or paste the URL google.business.com and press Enter; this will direct you to the Google Business Manager website.
Navigate to the Verification Platform
When the Google Business Manager website interface loads, the Businesses tab will already be selected from the navigation bar (located on the far left side of the screen, featuring five other tabs: Reviews, Verifications, Linked Accounts, Settings, and Support).
Stay on this Business tab, and navigate to the center pane of the page, where you’ll find a table with business listings you’re connected with. Each row contains:
- The business name.
- A verification status indicator: either a red clock symbol labeled ‘Verification required’ or a blue checkmark symbol labeled ‘Verified.’
- Three small gray icons resembling a pencil, a camera, and a notepad.
- And lastly, a button that displays the Google logo and either “Get Verified” (which appears only when verification is not complete) or “See your Profile” (which appears only when verification is complete).
Finally, click on the “Get Verified” button.
Choose “Business video” as Your Verification Method
After you click the “Get Verified” button, you’ll be directed to a new screen that says “Select a
Way to Get Verified” with the options: Phone code and Business video.
If you’re a new business, you’ll most likely need to verify with a Business video, so select that option.
Hit the “Next” button, and you’ll be directed to a page titled “Record your business details.”
Prepare to Record: Requirements, Instructions, and Tips
Requirements and Instructions
When viewing the “Record your business details” page on your mobile device, you’ll find instructions to capture footage of three required subjects within a single, continuous video. The three required subjects you should film in your video include:
- “Show surrounding area, such as street signs or neighboring businesses. Your location should match the address you entered.”
- “Show business name printed on permanent fixtures such as signboard. Your business name should match the name you entered.”
- “Access staff-only areas, unlock entrance, or operate cash register. You need to show you’re authorized to represent this business.”
Tips for Recording Approval-Worthy Videos
Google also provides some tips on the next page for a successful business verification video, including:
- “Plan ahead.” You must capture all three requirements in a single recording, meaning you should start and end the recording only once and keep rolling throughout—no transitions between clips, no separate recordings.
- “Take your time. Most successful [business verification] videos are 1-2 minutes [long].” If your recording is any longer or shorter than that, Google may reject the file upload, and you’ll have to appeal the decision with documentation to prove that you’re authorized.
- Start recording outside as you complete the first requirement (“capture your business surroundings”), then keep filming as you head inside and complete the final requirement.
- “Avoid capturing faces or sensitive documents.”
At the bottom of the list of tips, you’ll see a blue button that says “Start Recording.”
Record Your Video
When you’re prepared to go out and record with your mobile device, click the “Start Recording” button.
If you’re on a desktop, you’ll be directed to a page with a QR code, which you’ll scan with your mobile device’s camera.
Whether you started on mobile or are on mobile now after scanning the QR code on your desktop, you’ll be brought to the camera/lens interface, where you will record. Remember to follow the instructions, requirements, and tips provided earlier.
Upload and Await Verification
Then, you will be prompted to upload the video. If you are satisfied with what you recorded and are confident that it meets the video duration recommendation and the three main requirements, click ‘Submit’ and await verification.
Although the wait for the Google team to review and approve the video can range from five minutes to five weeks, it typically takes up to five business days.
Once someone from the Google team reviews your video, they will either approve or reject your verification request based on how well your video meets the requirements and clearly demonstrates proof that the business is owned by you and located where you claim it is. If you are rejected, you will have to submit an appeal to Google Support (if you don’t know how to do that, reach out to us and request a short consulting session; our Local SEO team can walk you through it!).
Need More Help Managing Your GBP? Our Local SEO Experts Have You Covered.
If you need more guidance or support to manage your business profile and presence on Google, our Local SEO specialists at Uptick Marketing are here to help. Whether your existing business profile could use some major updates or you don’t have a GBP for your listing and need end-to-end services for it (profile creation, verification, management, and posting), reach out to us today!
