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Enhance Your Google Business Profile with Video Verification: A Comprehensive Guide
Key Takeaways
- Google Business Profile (GBP) video verification ensures business authenticity.
- The video verification process typically takes up to 5 days for approval.
- Businesses must show both exterior and interior shots in a continuous, unedited video.
- Proper branding and geographical location evidence are crucial for successful verification.
- Video verification reduces fake business profiles, improving GBP trustworthiness.
In today’s competitive market, ensuring your business is visible online is critical for success. Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the best ways for local businesses to gain exposure. However, before your profile becomes active, verification is essential. Google’s video verification process stands out as a method to authenticate your business, ensuring that it meets all the guidelines for representation on Google. This article outlines best practices for ensuring that your GBP is successfully verified using video, providing tips for showcasing your business's authenticity, geographic location, and legitimacy.
Key Data Statistics
| Statistic | Data |
|---|---|
| Verification Method | Video verification simulates a "digital in-person" check for authenticity. |
| Video Length | Videos should be approximately 2 minutes long. |
| Review Time | Google typically takes up to 5 days to review and verify the submitted video. |
| Continuous Shot Requirement | The video must be shot in one continuous take, showing both exterior and interior elements. |
| Required for Storefront Businesses | Permanent signage and branding are mandatory for storefront businesses. |
Why Video Verification Matters
Google’s video verification method acts as a virtual in-person check, offering the following advantages:
- Existence: Proving your business is real.
- Geographic Accuracy: Confirming your business’s location matches its profile.
- User Integrity: Ensuring the person submitting the video has the authority to represent the business.
- Affiliation Proof: Verifying that the person in the video is associated with the business.
Google uses this verification to weed out fake or spam businesses, improving the trustworthiness of Google Maps, the Local Pack, and the Local Finder.
Key Tips for Planning Your Video
When preparing for the video verification, planning ahead is crucial. Since Google requires a single continuous shot, here’s what you should include:
- Exterior Signage: Begin by showing the outside of your business, including street signs, nearby businesses, and permanent signage. Temporary banners are not acceptable.
- Interior Branding: Move inside the building, highlighting company logos, branded items, and any professional tools or materials used for your business.
- Service Vehicles: If your business uses service vehicles, ensure they are clearly branded with your company name and logo. A plain white van will not be sufficient.
- Industry-Specific Equipment: If applicable, show your tools of the trade. For example, solar installation companies can showcase their solar panels, equipment, and branded trucks.
Guidelines for Completing Video Verification
- Use the Google Business Profile mobile app to record the video. You’ll need to scan a QR code to start the video process on your mobile device.
- Ensure that all necessary details are covered in the video, such as showing access to employee-only areas or displaying business licenses that confirm your business’s legitimacy.
- Submit the video via the app. Google will manually review the submission within five days, ensuring all guidelines are met.
Proving User Integrity & Affiliation
To verify that you are an authorized representative, you’ll need to provide evidence that only someone with management access would have. This can include:
- Unlocking your business premises.
- Accessing employee-only areas.
- Operating systems like a POS or special equipment exclusive to your industry.
For service area businesses (SAB), Google will also want to see branded vehicles, tools, and documentation that support the legitimacy of the business.
Video Verification Support
If you encounter issues during video verification, use Google’s verification status tool. You’ll be guided through steps that allow you to contact Google Business Profile Support if needed. Ensure you’ve followed all video guidelines and submitted accurate documentation for a smooth verification process.
FAQs About Google Business Profile Video Verification
1. How long does it take to verify a Google Business Profile with video?
It usually takes up to 5 days for Google to review and verify your business profile video submission.
2. What happens if my video verification is rejected?
If your video is rejected, you can submit a new one with more evidence proving the legitimacy of your business.
3. Can I edit my video before submitting it?
No, the video must be shot in one continuous take without any editing or breaks.
4. Do I need special equipment to film the video?
No, you just need a mobile device with a camera. Follow the instructions provided during the verification process.
5. Is my verification video shared publicly?
No, your video is kept private and used only for verification purposes. It will not be shared or published.
For more information on optimizing your Google Business Profile, you can read this guide on how to get reinstated after suspension.