Verifying your Google Business Profile by video
Google sometimes asks a new business to prove it is real by recording a short video on a phone. Only you can record it, so here is what Google asks for. If you bought a kit, we send you a shot list for your business and walk you through it.
What the video must be
- One live take, at least 30 seconds long, with no edits, pauses or cuts. Footage recorded earlier, or offline for upload later, is not accepted.
- Recorded and sent on your phone, from inside your Business Profile.
- No financial, tax or ID numbers, no other private information, and no other people's faces.
What to show
- A shop or office customers visit: street signs, the building number or nearby landmarks; your business name on permanent signage, matching the name on the profile; and that you have access, for example opening the till or walking into a staff-only area.
- A business that goes to its customers: street signs or landmarks you can identify near your operating address, not an unmarked or empty spot; your tools, equipment, products or workspace; and proof that you run the business, such as doing a job, unlocking a branded vehicle, or a permit, invoice or utility bill in the profile's name.
- A business run from home: neighborhood signs or landmarks near you, plus your equipment and proof that you run it, as above. If customers do not come to your address, do not put it on the profile.
How to record and send it
- Plan the video first, so it covers the place, the business and your proof of running it.
- On your phone, open your Business Profile and choose Get verified. Enter your phone number if asked, then choose Business video and Next.
- Read the requirements, and allow location, camera and microphone access if asked.
- Tap Next, then Start recording. Tap stop when you are done.
- Watch it back. Choose Try again if something is missing; otherwise tap Upload video.
After you send it
Google says its review can take up to 5 business days. If it is turned down, open Review issues, fix what is missing and record a new video. Google's own page is here.
Time spent waiting for Google does not count against your kit's dates (Terms, clause 6). Questions: support@theconsultline.com.