Google My Business Introduces Video Verification

What is Google My Business?

Google My Business (GMB) is an essential tool for businesses aiming to enhance their online presence and connect with local customers. With the introduction of a new video verification method, Google has added another layer to the Google Business Profile (GBP) verification process.

Verification is crucial for ensuring your business’s visibility and legitimacy online. A verified business profile not only appears more credible but also ranks better in local search results. This new method allows businesses to showcase their authenticity through a video, simulating an in-person visit and providing tangible proof of their existence and operations. This was done as a great alternative to the ever failing postcard verification system that they had in place up until recently.

Understanding Google Business Profile Verification Methods

Verifying your Google Business Profile (GBP) is crucial for establishing your business’s credibility and visibility online. Various verification methods are available:

Postcard Verification (Didnt work everywhere, will no longer be an option): A traditional method where Google sends a postcard with a unique code to your business address. Once received, you enter the code into your GBP to verify your location.
Phone Verification: This method involves receiving a call or text message from Google with a verification code, which you then enter into your profile. The problem with this method is that it is not functional in all countries.
Email Verification: Similar to phone verification, this method sends a unique code or link to your business email address for confirmation. Once again, this method is not really ideal and doesn’t work all the time.
Video Call Verification: A video recording showing your business location and other key details. It also acts as a way to verify that you represent the business in question.

Comparing Traditional and New Methods

Traditional methods like postcard, phone, and email verification have been reliable but can be time-consuming or prone to delivery issues. The new video verification method offers several advantages:

Almost Real-time Confirmation: Pre-recorded videos eliminate the waiting period associated with postcards and external services that take time to deliver information.
Enhanced Legitimacy: Video verification provides a more comprehensive view of your business, and if it is done right, simulating an in-person visit.

Choosing the right method depends on factors like convenience, speed, and the ability to visually showcase your business.

The New Video Verification Method: What You Need to Know

Video recording verification is a groundbreaking method introduced by Google My Business for authenticating your business profile. This process involves creating a continuous video that captures various aspects of your business’s physical location and operations.

How It Works

Capture Exterior and Interior Shots: Start by filming the exterior of your business, including permanent signage and nearby landmarks. Proceed to record the interior, showcasing key areas such as the showroom/display centre, reception, and workspaces.
Show Unique Identifiers: Include items that prove the authenticity of your business, such as branded vehicles, professional tools, and official documents like business licenses.
Submit for Review: Upload the recorded video through the Google Business Profile interface. Google then reviews the footage to verify your business’s existence and legitimacy.

Benefits Over Traditional Methods

Authenticity and Detail: Unlike postcards or phone calls, video verification provides rich visual evidence of your business’s operations and location.
Simulates In-Person Visit: This method closely mimics an in-person visit from a Google representative, offering a higher degree of trustworthiness.
Reduced Processing Time: Video submissions can be reviewed more quickly than waiting for postcard delivery or coordinating phone calls.

By leveraging video verification, businesses can significantly enhance their credibility on Google’s platforms.

Requirements for Successful Video Verification

Creating a compelling verification video is crucial for ensuring your business’s legitimacy and improving its visibility on Google. Here’s how to plan and execute an effective video:

Key Elements to Showcase:

1. Exterior Shots:

Capture the front of the building you are in / premises, including any permanent signage with your business name on it.
Highlight nearby street signs or landmarks that can help verify your location.

2. Interior Shots:

Show the reception area or entryway with visible branding elements.
Include shots of office fixtures, furniture, and displays that are unique to your business.

3. Operational Environment:

Display professional tools and equipment that are essential to your operations.
Capture employees at work, demonstrating the daily activities within your business.

4. Business License and Documentation:

Ensure you show official documents, if possible, such as business licenses that match the information on your Google Business Profile (GBP).
Incorporate any certificates or awards that lend credibility to your business.

5. NAP Information:

Clearly display your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) in the video to reinforce consistency across platforms.

Pro Tips for a Successful Video:

Continuous Shot: Make sure the video is one continuous shot without edits. This helps simulate an in-person visit more authentically.
Lighting and Sound: Use good lighting to ensure all details are visible. Avoid background noise to keep the audio clear.
Steady Camera Work: Use a tripod or a stabilizer to avoid shaky footage.
Narration: Consider narrating key points as you move through different areas of your business to provide context and clarity.

Suggestions for Service Area Businesses (SABs):

Show branded vehicles with equipment if possible.
Include footage of team members performing their job at a customer site. Please make sure you get permission from your customer before doing so.
For home-based businesses, capture the building exterior, street signs, and entryway.

By meticulously planning your verification video with these elements in mind, you align closely with Google’s requirements while effectively showcasing the authenticity and operational integrity of your business. It will prevent delays in getting your profile approved the first time and probably many hours of frustration.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Video Verification on Google Business Profile

Video verification requirements include showcasing your business location, branding, and essential documents such as your business license. Proper planning is key to ensuring a smooth verification process.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

Log into Your Google Business Profile
Select Video Verification Option
Prepare for Recording
Start the Recording Process
Capture Comprehensive Footage
Submit the Video

Following these steps ensures you meet all essential requirements for successful video verification, enhancing your credibility and visibility on Google Search.

Post-Verification Actions: Optimizing Your Google Listing for Success After Video Verification

Achieving successful video verification is just the beginning. To maximize the benefits and enhance your business’s visibility in search results, consider taking the following actions:

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile:

Categorise your business accurately: Ensure you select relevant categories that best describe your services or products.
Enhance your listing copy: Craft a concise and compelling business description that highlights your unique selling points and services.
Upload high-quality images: Showcase professional photos and videos that reflect your brand image and offerings. These high quality images can often be taken on a newer phone without issue. Avoid the cheaper new phones as their image quality may not be so great. Ideally if your phone has say a 6-10MP camera on it, you should be fine. If you have a leading branded phone like Apple iPhone (ideally newer than iPhone 10) or a Samsung Galaxy S phone, getting high resolution images will not be an issue.

2. Encourage Customer Reviews:

Positive reviews significantly improve your online reputation and click-through rate. Encourage satisfied customers to leave feedback. Not getting a perfect 5/5 everytime is not necessarily a bad thing, in fact, it can be rewarding in Google’s eyes as it shows you didnt pay or beg for a 5 star review everytime and that you are getting legitimate reviews.
Engage with all reviews, thanking customers for positive feedback and directing negative reviews to customer support channels for resolution.

Taking these steps helps ensure your verified Google Business Profile stands out, attracting more potential customers and improving your local search rankings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues During the Video Verification Process

Encountering issues during the Google My Business verification process can be frustrating. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Video Not Uploading: Ensure a stable internet connection and try uploading again. Clear your browser cache if issues persist.
Inadequate Footage: If the video doesn’t clearly show business details like signage or interior, re-record with better focus and lighting.
Verification Rejected: Review Google’s guidelines for required content. Missing elements such as business licenses or branded equipment can lead to rejection.

Resources Available Through the GBP Support Team

When facing persistent issues, leverage these resources:

Google My Business Help Center: Offers articles and step-by-step guides for troubleshooting.
Community Forums: Engage with other business owners who might have faced similar issues.
Contact Support: Reach out directly to Google’s support team for personalized assistance.

Effective troubleshooting ensures a smoother verification process, helping your business gain online visibility swiftly.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Google My Business Verification with Video Verification Method

Verifying your business on Google is critical for enhancing local search visibility and establishing credibility among potential customers. A verified Google My Business profile not only boosts your presence in search results but also reassures users of your legitimacy.

The new video verification method is a game-changer in online reputation management and local SEO strategy. By simulating an in-person visit, it provides compelling evidence of your business’s existence and authenticity. This innovative approach helps create a more trustworthy online profile that can significantly impact customer perceptions.

Take the necessary steps to verify your profile using the new video verification method. It’s an investment in your business’s digital footprint that can lead to increased traffic, improved customer trust, and better overall performance in local search results.

Encourage action—verify your Google Business Profile today and unlock its full potential.