For example, showing a generic software application on your computer screen will not convince Google that you’re a legitimate business.
Image by author, August 2022
If your company uses specific software to operate your business, then showing that software on your computer screen and your audio/video setup in the video would help prove to Google that you are legit. For example:
You’re an accountant and you use professional accounting software.
You’re a veterinarian and you use software specifically developed for vets’ offices.
You’re a digital marketer or design firm that creates videos or podcasts for clients using a specialized tool.
If you’re a Service Area Business, showing your work van with equipment in the back of the truck in the video is very helpful for the Google operator as they review your video to determine the legitimacy of your company.
Affiliation: Is The Merchant Real?
For this part of the video, you need to prove that the company is real and that the merchant is actually affiliated with the company and has the authority to represent the business.
That’s why it’s so important that the person in the video is either the owner or manager.
If you have a storefront business, in the video, you need to show that you have access to employee-only locations or sections of the business.
For instance, show you opening the store/business using a key, operating the cash register, using the POS system, going into an area of the business where customers or the general public aren’t allowed, etc.
This part of the video aims to show that the person is either the owner or an authorized person who has authority over the location.
Showing the person unlocking the business door is a very important item to show in the video.
Image by author, August 2022
You also want to go to places in your business where the general public is not allowed.
For instance, if you own a restaurant, customers are not allowed to be behind the counter near the cash register or take out food. Showing this in the video is a great proof of management.
If you have a business license, liquor license, or any other official/legal document hanging on the wall, zoom in on it. This is especially important if the document shows your business name and address as shown on your Google Business Profile. (Ideally, everything should match!)
If you operate a Service Area Business, you will need to show access to any industry-specific software, open up your branded vehicle and show the equipment or tools you use to perform the jobs you do.
Image by author, August 2022
You can also show close-ups of any business licenses, Secretary of State documents, LLC or incorporation docs, or any other official documents that prove your company’s name and address.
Just zoom in on the documents so Google can see them. Again, the business name and address must match what’s on your Google Business Profile.
Note: If you get the video verification option and are not ready to do the video at that moment, no worries! You can complete the verification step when you’re able to – like in a day or so after you’ve had time to plan out what you’ll show in the video.
Completing The Video Verification Process
When you’re taking the video, it’s okay to put these items in whichever order makes sense for your particular situation – just make sure you cover all of the necessary requirements.
Remember, the video must be one continuous video. It cannot be recorded somewhere else and then uploaded.
The video must be created using the Google Business Profile video verification process.
If you started creating your Google Business Profile on a desktop computer, when you get to the video verification step, you will see a QR code that you can scan with your mobile device.
This allows you to continue the video verification process on your mobile device. Just make sure you’re signed in with your Google Business Profile email address on your mobile device.
Screenshot from Google Business Profile, July 2022
When you’re ready to start recording your video, tap Start Recording.
Screenshot from Google Business Profile, July 2022
And then, follow the steps to record your video.
After you have recorded the video, tap Stop Recording. The merchant can then choose to finish onboarding on a desktop or your mobile device. (Finishing on your mobile device is probably the simplest choice.)
Click the “Upload Video” button.
Since the video is all created in the app, you don’t have to worry about how large the video file size is. (Whew!)
Then click Done.
After you submit your video, it can take up to five days for the Google Business Profile support team to review your video. Do not delete the video until it’s been reviewed and you’ve received the notification that your Business Profile has been verified.
If, for some reason, the video verification method didn’t work, you will see the “Get Verified” button in your Google Business Profile. You will then need to re-do your video. Try to provide more proof in your video.
Once you’re done with your video, you can delete the video if you want to.
To delete the video, follow these steps:
On Google Search, go to your Business Profile. Learn how to find your profile.
At the top right, click More (the three dots) Advanced settings > Video uploads > Delete videos.
Then you’re done! You’re now able to continue optimizing your Google Business Profile and engage with your potential customers!
Help Videos
Google has created some help videos that walk you through the video verification process. These videos are meant to assist you in learning what’s needed in video verification.
It’s worth watching these videos before you start your video verification:
How To Get Video Verification Support
What do you do if you’re still having problems with video verification? If you need help with your video verification you need to go through the verification status tool. Here’s the process for getting Google Business Profile Support using the verification status tool.
You will be asked to verify that the email address you’re using is the correct one. Make sure you’re logged into the correct email address that is attached to the Google Business Profile you’re trying to verify.
Next, select the Business Profile that you’re having issues with.
Screenshot by author, June 2024
Depending on your status, you may be sent back to the Google Business Profile dashboard, but if you go back to the Verification Status tool you will see the option to contact support. Choose Yes and click Continue.
Screenshot by author, June 2024
Then click on the “Get in touch with our support team” link.
Screenshot by author, June 2024
In the “What is your issue?” section, choose “My business profile is not verified.”
Make sure you select “Yes” next to the radio button that asks if you have tried uploading a verification video. (Note: choosing “Yes” is very important!)
Screenshot by author, June 2024
Then, continue to fill out the rest of the form completely. You’ll be asked to upload proof that you have a legitimate business. Be sure to upload this information.
It’s very important that you provide Google with all the necessary information about your business when you complete this form.
Video Verification: A Better Way
Even though video verification may seem more cumbersome, it’s a much better way for Google to see whether or not a business is real – or not.
This will hopefully cut down on the spam profiles we see on Google.
What are your thoughts on Google Business Profile Video Verification?
More resources:
Featured Image: BestForBest/Shutterstock