How to Verify your Google Business Profile
By Dipa Gandhi
Since the beginning of this year, Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly known as Google My Business (GMB), has undergone several changes. A new video verification process was tested earlier this year to verify Google Business Profiles, specifically for service area businesses to avoid spam listings. Just last month, it appears Google officially rolled out this video verification method. This is now the more prevalent method of verification. We’ve outlined the steps to help businesses complete the video verification process.
The New Video Verification Process
When a new Google Business Profile is created, follow the standard steps, for a new client’s business. Once the final step in creating the profile is complete, you will likely be prompted to enter a business address. Rather than being given the option to send the postcard, a video verification option is prompted, which looked like this:
When you’re prompted to complete a video call, you are asked to capture all of the following in one video recording:
Once you have prepared and gathered the required supporting items or documents and you are at your business location, you will be prompted to complete the video verification from your mobile device.
Steps to complete GBP video verification
- On your mobile device, make sure you are signed in to your Google account at business.google.com. Note: You might need to have Google Chrome installed and sign in from there in order for this to work.
2. Once you select your business, you will see this screen:
3. Click on “Verify Now”
Then this screen:
4. Here you want to enter your verifiable business address, then click “Next”.
The next screen is:
5. Click “Start”
Then the next screen is:
6. Click “Start Recording” here. Then you will see this screen:
7. Here go ahead and click “Next”, then follow the remaining steps as instructed.
If you would prefer to watch a step-by-step video on what the video verification process looks like on your mobile device click here: https://youtu.be/bYTuTTZpBX0.
Though this process of getting your Google Business Profile seems a bit more cumbersome than the simple PIN code verification, it may actually have greater benefits. It may prevent more spammy Google Business Profiles in the search results and on maps, and you don’t have to wait 2-3 weeks to get your postcard and then complete the verification.
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