Verifying your GBP is a critical step to ensure your business is visible on Google Search and Maps. Without verification, your profile may not show up properly, and any updates you make might not be published. Google offers several verification methods, with video verification becoming more and more common as a fast and secure way to prove your business exists and that you are authorized to manage it.
Verifying your business confirms to Google that your business is real and that you have the right to manage its profile. Verified businesses experience better visibility in local search results. They also gain the ability to update key business information, like hours, photos, and services. Finally, verified profiles gain access to customer insights and key messaging features, which help increase trust from potential customers. Without verification, your profile remains limited and much less discoverable.
Google offers several ways to verify your business, though it depends on your business type, location, and category. Here are the most common ones.
Video verification is becoming Google’s preferred method because it’s quicker and reduces the potential for fraud.
Check out Google’s video verification guide to learn more.
You’ll use your smartphone or tablet to record a continuous video that includes:
Important note for service-area businesses (SABs): If you’re a service-area business (SAB) without a storefront, your video should still include evidence of your service area, such as street signs or landmarks, branded vehicles, tools, uniforms, and proof of management, like business documents or invoices. Check out this video on verifying a service-area business.
Even if you do everything right, you might run into some problems.
Once verified, your Google Business Profile will finally start to show up in Google Search and Maps with all the details you’ve entered. In addition, you’ll be able to update information like hours, photos, and services. You'll also unlock features like messaging and customer reviews.
Keep in mind that if you make major changes later (like moving locations or significantly changing your business category), Google might ask you to verify again. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to use Google’s support resources or the Google Business Profile Community, where experts and fellow business owners share advice. Once your business is verified, you're all set to add more information.