The Power of Video Verification

Video verification is a powerful tool for Service Area Businesses (SABs) and Home-Based Businesses to verify their Google Business Profiles (GBP) quickly and effectively. This method is tailored for businesses without a traditional storefront, allowing you to showcase your business operations in a way that enhances your credibility and presence online.

In this guide, we’ll walk through why video verification matters, the step-by-step process, and what to prepare for a successful verification.

Why Is Video Verification Important?

For service-based or home-based businesses, establishing online credibility is key. A verified Google Business Profile unlocks essential features and increases your visibility in Google Search and Maps. Here’s what a verified GBP can do for you:

  • Enhanced Visibility: Show up in local Google search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
  • Access to Advanced Profile Features: Once verified, you can post updates, accept appointments, and optimize your profile with detailed business information, increasing customer confidence in your business.

How to Video Verify Your Google Business Profile

To complete video verification, you’ll need to meet a few specific requirements. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Receive the Verification Request

When Google or your digital marketing partner (like Local Splash) initiates video verification for your profile, you’ll receive a notification to begin the process. Here’s what to expect:

  1. Accept the Profile Invite: You may receive an invitation to become a manager of your Google Business Profile (GBP). Accepting this invite is necessary to gain verification access.
  2. Access Your Unverified Profile: After accepting, navigate to https://business.google.com/locations (from within the same google account), or open the Google Maps app to view your profile.
    Google business profile account login
  3. Tap the Get Verified button next to the business name that you want to verify.Get verified
  4. If prompted, enter your address then select submit. (If address is not prompted, skip this step.
  5. Under Verification video, click Start
    Verification button
  6. Under Submit a video verification, click start recording.
    Google verification video start recording

You are now on the video recording screen. When you have read this email and are prepared, please click on “Video Recording (red button)”.

Step 2: Prepare for Recording

Before recording, gather everything needed to meet Google’s video verification requirements.

Requirements for Successful Video Verification

Your video should include the following in one continuous reading:

1. Show Your Current Location

  • Start outside or near your business location or service area.
  • Show your Google Maps location if possible, capturing any nearby street signs or identifiable landmarks to confirm your service area.
  • Avoid generic, nondescript landscapes; your video should clearly confirm that your business operates in a specific, identifiable location.

2. Display Documents and Equipment

  • Show essential documents, such as your business registration, license, utility bill, or invoice to establish legitimacy.
  • Make sure to show tools, branded vehicles (including license plates if visible), and any branded items like uniforms or work vehicles with logos to further prove business operations.
  • For those using a branded service vehicle, record yourself accessing it to show ownership and operational use.

3. Highlight Business Affiliation and Workspace (If Applicable)

  • If you work from a dedicated workspace, show your desk, relevant signage, or any branding that supports your affiliation with the business. 
  • Signage does not need to be a large wall banner; it just needs to show the company logo and brand. 
  • Home-based or remote service providers should capture tools, branded materials, or documents relevant to business activities.

Video Recording Sample: Click to Watch

Tips for a Quality Video Submission

  • Length: Aim for a video length of around 1-2 minutes. If it’s too short or too long, you may encounter upload issues.
  • Clarity and Focus: Keep the video clear, well-lit, and steady.
  • Lighting and Stability: Use good lighting and avoid shaky footage to ensure Google’s review team can clearly see the necessary details.
  • Privacy: Remember, the video is submitted privately to Google’s review team and is not visible to the public. It’s strictly used to confirm your business location and operations. Nevertheless, avoid capturing faces or sensitive documents in your recording.
  • Lowering your phone’s camera quality from 1080p to 720p increases the chances of the video being accepted.
  • Further help articles:
    How to video record via Android
    How to video record via iPhone

After Submitting the Video: What to Expect

Once you upload the video, Google will review your verification status, which may take up to five days. If it’s approved, you’ll receive confirmation that your profile is verified. If more information is needed, you may resubmit your video with additional details.

What to Do if Your Video Verification Fails

If you have submitted a video a few times and failed verification, consider reviewing your steps and adding more identifying elements. Google often provides limited feedback, so it’s essential to include as much clear, specific information as possible to verify your business.

Here are some additional actions you can take to strengthen your video:

  • Show yourself walking up to your location or workspace and clearly identifying it.
  • Unlock the entry with a key to demonstrate ownership.
  • Include more shots of relevant documents, branded tools, or vehicles.

Adding these elements can help confirm your legitimacy, especially when verification feedback is minimal.

Is Video Verification the Same as Posting Videos on Your Business Profile?

No, video verification is different from posting videos as marketing content on your Google Business Profile. Video verification is a one-time process that Google uses to confirm your business’s legitimacy, location, and service area, allowing you to verify your profile and increase visibility. 

Get Verified and Build Credibility with Potential Customers

Video verification is an opportunity for Service Area Businesses and Home-Based Businesses to stand out in local search results, boost their credibility, and engage new customers. By following these steps and best practices, you can ensure a smooth and successful verification process, helping potential customers feel confident that your business is trustworthy and accessible.