What Google is actually checking
Google wants proof of three things: the business exists, it operates where you said it does, and you're the person who manages it. Every second of the video should be showing one of those three.
- Location. Street signs, the street number, a recognisable landmark, the outside of your building if you have one.
- The business is real. Branded vehicles, signage, equipment, tools, stock, uniforms with your logo.
- You manage it. Unlocking a door, a gate or a vehicle, opening the till or the work van, showing paperwork with the business name on it.
How to record it
- Plan the route before you hit record. Write down the three or four things you'll show and in what order.
- Record in one continuous take. Don't stop and start, and don't edit it afterwards.
- Start outside with something that pins the location: the street sign, then your building or the spot your van is parked.
- Move to proof the business is real: your branded vehicle, your tools, your signage.
- Finish with proof you're in charge: unlock the van, the shed or the door.
- Keep it short. A minute or two is plenty.
If you work from home or a ute
Service-area businesses with no shopfront still get verified this way. Show the street you're based on, then your branded vehicle and tools, then unlock the vehicle. The address stays hidden on your public profile even though Google has seen it.
Common reasons it gets rejected
- The business name in the video doesn't match the name on the profile.
- Nothing in the video shows where you are.
- Nothing proves you can access or manage the business.
- The video was cut, edited or recorded outside the app.
- The profile was edited while verification was pending, which can restart the process.
If it keeps failing
Don't keep changing your name, address or category between attempts. Every edit looks like a new business. Fix whatever the video was missing, wait for Google to offer the option again, and if it stops offering methods altogether, contact Business Profile support and ask about other verification options.
Rather not do this yourself? Our Google Business Profile management handles the profile, the posts and the reviews every week, for one monthly fee.