Essential Tips to Get Your Google My Business Profile Approved with Video Verification!

Google My Business (GMB) is an essential tool for any small business looking to enhance its online presence and attract local customers. Having a GMB profile ensures that your business appears in local searches and Google Maps, making it easier for potential customers to find you. However, getting your profile approved, especially with Google’s newer video verification process, can sometimes be a bit tricky. This blog will guide you through the steps and provide essential tips to ensure your GMB profile gets approved smoothly.

Why Google My Business is Important

Before diving into the specifics of video verification, it’s important to understand why having a GMB profile is vital for your business:

1. Increased Visibility: GMB listings appear in Google’s Local Pack, Local Finder, Google Maps, Google Images, and organic search rankings. This means your business gets seen by more potential customers.
2. Customer Engagement: Through GMB, customers can call your business, visit your website, or find your physical location with just one click.
3. Trust and Credibility: A verified GMB listing adds legitimacy to your business, which can increase customer trust.

What is Video Verification?

As part of its ongoing efforts to maintain the accuracy and credibility of business listings, Google has introduced video verification as an option for certain businesses. They have also recently been cracking down on businesses that operation online only or from home! Video verification requires you to provide a short video that demonstrates your business’s location, services, or products. This method helps Google confirm that your business is legitimate and physically located where you say it is.

Steps to Get Your GMB Profile Approved with Video Verification

1. Set Up Your Google My Business Profile

Before you can verify your business, you need to create a GMB profile. Follow these steps:

• Sign in to Google My Business: Visit Google My Business and sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have a Google account, you’ll need to create one.
• Enter Your Business Information: Provide accurate information, including your business name, address, and contact details. Make sure your business name matches what’s on your signage, website, and other business materials.
• Choose the Correct Business Category: Select the category that best represents your business. This will help Google place your business in the right context when potential customers search for related services.

2. Choose Video Verification

After filling in your business details, you will be prompted to choose a verification method. If video verification is available, here’s what you need to do:

• Select Video Verification: If you are prompted, select the option to verify your business by video. Not all businesses will see this option; it’s typically offered based on Google’s assessment of your business and location.
• Prepare Your Video: Google will ask you to create a short video that meets specific criteria.

3. Create a High-Quality Verification Video

The video you create is crucial to your GMB approval. Follow these tips to ensure your video meets Google’s standards:

• Show Your Business Location: Begin by showing the exterior of your business, including the signage (you can print off a sign and laminate it to the door). Make sure the address matches the one you entered in your GMB profile. You must be able to see the property number or property name and ideally the street name too.
• Highlight the Interior: Walk inside your business and show the workspace (home office/study), meeting area (lounge), refreshments area (kitchen with kettle,, mugs, etc), products if relevant, and any key features that demonstrate your business operations. Any branded items will really help with this, for example a branded mug, noticeboard, etc.
• Capture the Business Signage: Ensure that your business name is clearly visible in the video (you can print off a sign and laminate it to the door). This helps Google confirm the legitimacy of your business.
• Avoid Editing the Video: The video should be a continuous shot with no cuts or edits. This ensures that Google can verify your location in real-time. They will not verify it if they think it has been edited.
• Preparation is Key: A little advance preparation can make all the difference between your video being approved or not!

4. Upload Your Video for Verification

Once your video is ready, upload it as per Google’s instructions. Make sure your internet connection is stable to avoid any issues during the upload process. After uploading, Google will review your video.

5. Be Patient and Responsive

After submitting your video, the verification process can take a few days. During this time:

• Monitor Your Email: Google might contact you for additional information or clarification. Respond promptly to any requests to avoid delays.
• Prepare for Possible Rejection: If your video does not meet the criteria, Google may ask you to submit a new one. Don’t get discouraged; carefully review their feedback and make the necessary improvements. It can take a couple of goes and in some cases you can fight to speak to someone on a video call and do it live which is what we did for Escape the Village.
• Remember if you move: you will also have to reverify for your new address!

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

1. Video Quality Issues

• Tip: Use a good-quality camera, and ensure adequate lighting to clearly show your business details.

2. Location Mismatch

• Tip: Double-check that your video accurately reflects the address and exterior of your business as listed on GMB.

3. Unclear Signage

• Tip: Ensure your business name is prominently displayed and clearly visible in the video.

4. Limited Access to the Business Premises

• Tip: If your business is in a shared space or you operate from home, make sure to clearly distinguish your business area in the video.

Post-Verification: Optimize Your GMB Profile

Once your business is verified, it’s time to optimize your GMB profile to maximize its impact:

• Update Your Business Hours: Ensure your operating hours are accurate and keep them updated for holidays and special events.
• Add Photos: Upload high-quality images of your business, products, and services. This helps attract more customers and gives them a feel for your business before they visit.
• Respond to Reviews: Engage with customers by responding to their reviews, both positive and negative. This shows you care about customer feedback and are active in managing your business.
• Use GMB Posts: Regularly update your GMB profile with posts about promotions, events, or news. This keeps your profile fresh and informative.
• Updates: Schedule regular updates, posts, photos and general content!

Final Thoughts

Getting your Google My Business profile approved with video verification might seem daunting, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, it can be a straightforward process. Remember, the goal is to provide Google with clear, unambiguous evidence that your business is legitimate and operating at the specified location. By following the tips outlined in this blog, you can ensure your video verification goes smoothly, leading to an approved GMB profile that will help your business thrive in the local search landscape.

As a small business owner, investing the time and effort to get your GMB profile verified is well worth it. Not only does it improve your visibility, but it also adds a layer of credibility that can significantly boost your local customer base. So, get started today, and watch your business grow! If you have questions about how we can potentially support you and your business reach out today and speak to us about our marketing audits, strategic action plans and marketing management services. plus of course how we can help you plan ahead for your future!