So, You Wanna Get Verified on Google? Here’s What You Actually Need to Know
Trying to get your business verified on Google Business Profile (GBP) is like signing up for a marathon and realizing halfway through it’s a triathlon—with paperwork. But good news: Google knows it’s a pain. Lisa Lansman from their Global Partnerships team sat down with Shrina, a Product Manager on the GBP side, to spill the beans on what’s broken, what’s getting better, and what you need to do to actually get verified without losing your mind.
Let’s break it down—minus the corporate jargon.
What Google Actually Cares About
Google doesn’t care how awesome your business is if it doesn’t meet these three basic criteria:
- You physically exist at the location you say you do. Not virtually, not hypothetically, not “operating from anywhere.”
- You’re a real human, not a bot, scammer, or that guy trying to list the same business 12 times with different phone numbers.
- You’re authorized to manage the listing. If you’re not the owner or manager, step away from the profile.
The Balancing Act: Make It Easy, But Not Too Easy
Google’s trying to walk a tightrope. They want real businesses to have a smooth experience, but they also need to keep fraudsters from turning GBP into Craigslist 2008.
So here’s the constant game of digital whack-a-mole they’re playing:
- Make verification easier = scammers get in.
- Lock it down tighter = legit businesses get stuck in red tape.
They’re trying to fix both at once. We’ll see how that goes.
Video Verification Got an Upgrade (Yes, Finally)
This one’s big. Google’s video verification process was basically a guessing game. Now? It’s more like a guided walkthrough—with fewer landmines.
Here’s what’s new:
- Clear rejection feedback. No more “Sorry, not approved” with zero explanation.
- Preview before submitting. Check your footage before sending it into the void.
- Better tutorials. Animated walkthroughs in the Help Center show you exactly what to do.
- Multi-location support. Chains and franchises now get a smoother, less chaotic process.
Still not perfect, but at least you’re not flying blind anymore.
Suspensions & Re-Verification: The “Why Me?” Moment
Sometimes your business gets suspended and you’re left staring at your screen wondering what you did wrong. Truth is, you might not have done anything.
Google’s aware they’ve been hitting the wrong businesses with suspensions. They’re now working to:
- Reduce false positives (a.k.a. not punishing real businesses).
- Improve the appeal process so you’re not stuck in limbo.
- Keep the platform secure without being a buzzkill.
So yes, if you’ve been randomly suspended, you’re not alone—and Google might finally care.
What’s Coming in 2025 (The Optimistic Section)
Looking ahead, here’s what Google says they’re focusing on:
- Making verification easier for actual businesses (cue applause).
- Strengthening fraud detection without making everyone suffer.
- Improving customer support, so maybe you’ll get more than an auto-reply.
Big promises. Let’s hope they deliver.
How to Nail Video Verification Without Winging It
Whether you’ve got a storefront or a service-area business, here’s how to get it right:
For Storefronts:
- Show your business name on exterior signage. Not a Post-it note.
- Walk through the interior—actual kitchen, workspace, front desk, etc.
- Prove you have access: unlock a door, ring up a sale, do something.
- Capture surroundings like nearby landmarks or street signs.
For Service Area Businesses:
- Film your branded vehicles, uniforms, tools—whatever shows you’re legit.
- Record yourself actually doing work on-site, not just chilling in the van.
- Show something that ties the location to the area you serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Filming generic roads or parking lots with zero context.
- Submitting footage shot by someone who’s not even connected to your business.
- Uploading blurry, shaky video that makes Google think you’re hiding something.
Final Word
Google’s verification process is slowly evolving from “mystery maze” to “mildly functional.” They’re trying to strike the right balance between keeping scammers out and helping real businesses show up online without jumping through 12 flaming hoops.
If you’re tired of guessing what Google wants or getting rejected without a clue, follow the updated steps, shoot your video right, and don’t try to game the system.
And if you want help making sure your video doesn’t look like you filmed it during a family barbecue, we’ve got you. Let’s make it something Google can’t say no to.
Need help getting your business verified without the headache? We’ll guide you through it—no guesswork, no nonsense.
