Remember when Google My Business (GMB) verification was simple? Yeah, me neither. After six long weeks of dealing with the new video verification process (yep, you read that right), I can confirm it’s no walk in the park. But if you’re facing the same challenge, I’ve got your back! Here’s a step-by-step guide based on my (admittedly frustrating) experience.
Verifying your Google Business Profile is a crucial step. It not only enhances your online presence but also shows potential customers that your business is authentic and that the information provided is trustworthy. Despite the hassle, it’s definitely worth the effort.
Video verification is one of the newer methods Google offers to verify your business. It’s designed to make the process quicker, more secure, and (in theory) easier. To get verified, you’ll need to shoot a short video showing key details like your business signage and the surrounding area.
This helps Google visually verify your location and match it with the information you’ve provided.
It’s important to stick closely to Google’s guidelines to ensure your video meets their criteria. Once you submit your video, Google’s team will review it to confirm everything aligns with your business profile. If all goes well, your Google Business Profile will be verified, boosting your visibility across Google services.
While it can feel a bit tedious and frustrating at times, it’s ultimately a clear and effective way to establish trust and connect more deeply with your audience.
What is a Google My Business Page?
Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool designed by Google to assist businesses and organisations manage their online presence across the search engine and its growing portfolio of utilities, such as Google Maps.
A GMB enables business owners to create, verify, and edit listing information to ensure accuracy and improve visibility in local search results.
Managing a GMB page allows us to present and update important information like your business hours, location, and services, vital for potential customers in making informed choices.
You also have the ability to share updates, respond to customer reviews, and post photos or offers directly on the page, showcasing what sets your business apart.
A GMB provides us with insights into how customers are interacting with your business on Google. This information can be used to adjust and optimise your online marketing strategy.
This tool not only helps customers to find us with ease but also facilitates direct engagement with them.
Regular maintenance and updates to your GMB listing can positively influence your local rankings. This means your business is more likely to be found by users when they search for related products or services.
Considering the majority of consumers utilise online searches to find local business information, maintaining a comprehensive and accurate GMB page is an essential aspect of your digital presence.
How to verify your Google My Business Page
Verifying your Google Business Profile is a vital step in managing your online presence. By completing this process, you ensure that your business information is accurate and that you are the rightful owner of the business listing.
Video Verification
To verify via video, you will be tasked with recording a video that showcases the physical location, signage, and other important details that prove the legitimacy of your business. Google will provide specific instructions on what to include in your video. Once submitted, the video will be reviewed and if all criteria are met, your business will be verified.

Instant Verification
If you have already verified your business with Google Search Console, instant verification may be available. In this case, log in to Google My Business with the same account you used for Google Search Console, and you may be instantly verified without the need for further steps.
Phone Call Verification
Some businesses are eligible to verify over the phone. Google will call the number listed for your business with a verification code. Enter this code into your Google My Business account to complete the verification process.
Email Verification
For email verification, Google sends a verification code to the email address associated with your business listing. You must check your inbox for the code, and then enter it into your Google Business Profile to complete verification. Keep an eye on your spam or junk folder, as the email may be redirected there.
How long does the verification process take?
When you opt for video verification for your Google Business Profile, the typical timeframe from submission to approval can vary.
Usually, it may take up to five working days for Google to review the video and confirm the legitimacy of your business’s physical location.
Key Points:
- Video submissions are manually reviewed by Google.
- Standard processing time is up to five working days.
- The timeframe can be influenced by the quality and clarity of the submitted video.
It is essential you ensure that your video meets all of Google’s guidelines to avoid any delays. If your video is not clear or does not show all the necessary details, Google may request a re-submission, which will extend the processing time.
In cases of re-submission:
- Expect an additional processing period of up to five working days after the new video is sent.
- You will receive email communication regarding the status of your verification.
It’s advisable for us to monitor your email for any correspondence from Google regarding the status of your verification. If you’ve waited longer than the standard period and haven’t heard anything, you can contact Google directly to check on the status of your application.
Reminder:
- Check emails regularly for updates or additional requests.
- Contact Google if the process exceeds the expected time frame.
Verification Best Practices
When preparing to verify your Google Business Profile with a video, you must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful verification process. Here are some best practices to follow:
Preparation Stage:
- Gather Necessary Items: Before recording, you need to ensure that you have a valid government-issued ID, the business signage, and the physical location ready.
- Check Lighting and Clarity: A well-lit environment is crucial. Make sure the business details and surroundings are clearly visible in the video.
Recording Stage:
- Cover All Angles: It’s imperative to include the entrance, a 360-degree view of the interior, and any business operation that can authenticate your claim.
- Keep It Steady: Use a smartphone or a camera with good video stabilisation. Avoid shaky footage as this could make verification difficult.
Submission Stage:
- Follow Google’s Instructions: Google will provide specific instructions and prompts when submitting the video. Keep the video unedited and in the format requested by Google.
- Be Prompt: Submit the video as soon as possible after recording to ensure that the verification process is not delayed.
Post-Verification:
- Check for Confirmation: Google will send a confirmation email or message once the verification process is complete. Keep an eye on your inbox.
- Update Profile Information: If any details have changed since the submission, it’s your responsibility to update your business information promptly.
Adhering to these best practices will help us achieve a successful verification for your Google Business Profile and maintain the accuracy and trustworthiness of your listing on the platform.
What to Do After Verification
Once you’ve successfully verifiedy your Google Business Profile with video, it’s essential you take immediate actions to optimise your profile.
Your first step is to ensure that all business information is accurate and comprehensive. This includes:
- Business hours
- Address
- Phone number
- Website
- Services offered

Next, you must encourage customers to leave reviews by providing excellent service and gently inviting feedback. Positive reviews enhance your profile’s visibility and credibility.
Adding high-quality photos and posts regularly keeps your profile active and engaging. Images of products, services, and behind-the-scenes activities are particularly effective at capturing interest.
You should leverage the ‘Questions and Answers’ feature by responding promptly to queries. This interaction displays your attentiveness to customer concerns, which improves trust and reputation.
It’s beneficial for us to use Google My Business Insights to track how customers interact with your profile. Insights provide valuable data on:
Metric | Description |
---|---|
Queries used | Search terms customers used |
Customer actions | Calls, directions requests, website visits |
Views | How and where customers view your profile |
Photo views and quantity | Comparison with other profiles |
Lastly, you may consider utilising Google Ads to increase your visibility for relevant local searches. A well-managed Google advertisement can greatly increase your business’s online exposure.
Maintaining a Google My Business Profile
Keeping your Google Business Profile up to date requires regular attention.
To ensure accuracy and relevancy, you must perform periodic updates to your business information. This includes verifying opening hours, contact details, and the address.
Customers trust current data, and it boostsyour profile’s visibility on Google.
Regular Posts: Update the community with posts about promotions, events, and news. This keeps your audience engaged and informed.
Responding to Reviews: You need to acknowledge both positive and negative feedback promptly. This demonstrates commitment to customer service and can improve your business’s reputation.
Monitoring Insights: Google provides valuable data on how customers interact with your profile.
You look at the number of views, clicks, and other engagement metrics to understand your audience better.
Adding Photos and Videos: Visual content enhances your profile’s appeal.
You can upload new images and videos to showcase your products, services, and business environment.
Utilising Google’s Features: Google occasionally introduces new features, like booking buttons or Q&A sections.
Its important to keep up to date with these updates and integrate them into your profile as appropriate.
- Accuracy: Overseeing the profile to ensure that all information presented is correct and updated.
- Engagement: Interacting with customers through reviews, messages, and posts to maintain a connection.
- Analysis: Studying the insights provided by Google to make data-driven decisions for your business.
- Optimisation: Using the right keywords in your profile description and posts for better search engine visibility.

Conclusion
Following the Google Business Profile video verification process, though challenging, is a vital step towards enhancing your business’s online presence and credibility.
By following these guidelines and best practices, businesses can ensure a smoother verification experience.
Successful verification not only authenticates your business’s legitimacy to potential customers but also significantly boosts your visibility on Google’s services.