Google Business Profile Video Verification Checklist

1.1Ensure your business is eligible to have a Google Business Profile

Google's guidelines say a business must make in-person contact with customers during its stated hours.

1.2Ensure your Profile isn't breaking any of the guidelines

Before submitting your verification video, make sure your Profile complies with Google’s guidelines. Be extra careful about common violations in items 1.2a–1.2i below. Getting these wrong will likely get your request denied.

1.2aBusiness name

Do not have any extra keywords in your business name. Make sure the business name on your Profile matches your business cards, signage, and how you answer the phone.

1.2bBusiness name (DBA)

If your official business name differs considerably from your "doing business as" name, have documents showing you’ve officially registered the DBA (called DBA, fictitious name, assumed name, or trading name depending on location).

You don’t need to worry about "irrelevant legal terms" like LLC, INC, LTD, GmbH, etc. Those are fine on documentation, just not on your Profile.

1.2cAddress: Visibility (a common reason verifications get denied)

1.2dAddress: Acceptability

Ensure your address is acceptable, even if hidden on your Profile. PO Boxes or virtual offices are not eligible.

1.2eAddress: Consistency

Ensure the address on your Profile (or the hidden address you're verifying with) matches your official documentation: business registration, tax documents, licenses, utility bills, leasing agreements, etc.

1.2fService areas

If you define service areas, ensure the boundaries don't extend farther than about 2 hours' driving time from your verification address. Don't set multiple states/countries or a huge service area, or your request will likely get denied.

1.2gPhone numbers

Ensure your primary Profile phone number matches your website and prominent online listings. If using call tracking numbers, turn them off during verification (turn back on once verified). Don't leave unexpected extra phone numbers on the Profile.

1.2hHours

Ensure your hours are added, accurate, and match your website, prominent online listings, and any signage showing hours.

1.2iBusiness description

Ensure your description has no promotions or phone numbers in it.

2.1Website consistency

Ensure your business name, address, phone, and hours on your website are correct and consistent with your Google Business Profile. Double-check your homepage, contact page, and footer.

2.2Prominent online listings

Ensure your business is listed on prominent online business listings in your country and industry, with consistent name, address, phone, and hours. This helps validate the existence, legitimacy, and accuracy of your business.

Examples of prominent data sources for US businesses: DataAxle, BBB, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yelp, Yellowpages.

The relevant site list differs by country and industry. Try Googling your business name and address, and check the sites appearing in the first 20 results.

3.1Plan your proof of location

The first thing to show in your video is your location. Start filming from outside, then go into the business. This applies even for service area businesses that don't show their address. Google still needs proof of the address you're verifying with.

3.2Plan your proof of management

Show that you are authorized to verify the profile on behalf of the business. Unlocking the front door is a key element Google looks for. Add additional evidence if you can.

3.3Plan your proof of business operations

3.4Plan your proof of business existence (optional but helpful)

Especially useful for service area businesses, as documents provide additional evidence of both location and operations.

Video planning template

A suggested sequence of events for structuring your video. Edit it to make sense for your business.

1. 1.I will start the recording standing ______ (pick a spot far enough back to see the building/house from across the street)
2. 2.Then I will walk up to the location and show the signage (if applicable)
3. 3.Then I will show the address on the building/door
4. 4.Then I will show that the front door is locked
5. 5.Then I will show me unlocking the front door and walking in
6. 6.Then I will show additional proof of management via ______, ______, and ______
7. 7.Then I will show proof of business operations via ______, ______, and ______
8. 8.(optional) Then I will show proof of business existence with these documents: ______ and ______

4.1Ensure location services are turned ON on your mobile device

4.2Allow your app to use location

In whichever browser/app you’re triggering verification from (Chrome, Safari, Google Maps, etc.), make sure Location isn’t set to "deny" or "never." For example, on Safari/iPhone: Settings > Safari > Location > set to "ask" or "allow."

4.3Reduce video recording quality in your phone camera settings

There’s believed to be a 75MB filesize limit for uploads. Anything larger fails with "Your video can’t be uploaded — Try again." Recording in 4K or 1080p significantly increases filesize.

4.4Delete any previously uploaded verification videos

If you’ve tried and failed video verification before, older recordings might be "stuck." Go to your Google Business Profile in search > 3 dots (upper right) > Business Profile settings/Advanced settings/Video Uploads > delete previous videos.

5.1Rehearse before recording your final verification video

By this point you should have everything prepared, but don’t record your final video yet.

Once you feel ready, proceed with video verification in your Google Business Profile.

6.1Log into Google

On your mobile phone, in the Google Maps app or your mobile browser, ensure you're logged into the Google account that is an owner of the Business Profile.

Tip: While not required, using an email address under the same domain as your website ([email protected]) rather than a gmail/hotmail/yahoo address can help demonstrate your connection to the business.

6.2Start the verification process

6.3Enter your business address

Enter it as it appears on your official documents, website, and citations. Click Next.

6.4Choose "Business video" and click Next

6.5Read the notes and click Next

6.6Read the tips and click "Start recording"

6.7Click Next and allow camera/microphone access when prompted

6.8Record your video

You'll now be in the recording app. Take a deep breath, remember your rehearsal video, then hit that record button.