Why you can’t just pick the easiest method
Google assigns the verification method itself: it depends on your business category, country, profile history and whether customers visit you at your address. Two similar businesses may be offered different options, and you can’t influence that directly. So rather than hunting for an “easy” route, it’s better to be ready for any of them.
The methods
- Video recording. You film a short, continuous video on your phone and upload it to the profile. It’s now one of the most common options, and Google recommends it when available.
- Live video call. A video call with a Google specialist during your business hours. You must be at your business address during the call. Not available to everyone.
- Phone or SMS. A code is sent to the business phone number. An answering machine can’t receive it.
- Email. A message with a code to an address Google shows you.
- Postcard. A paper postcard with a code sent to your business address. It usually arrives within 14 days, and the code is valid for 30 days.
A special case: if your business website is already verified in Google Search Console, the profile is sometimes verified instantly. I explained how to add a site to Search Console in a separate guide.
Step 1. Check your details before verifying
Rejections are more often about the listing details than the video. Before you start, make sure that:
- the name matches your signage and documents, without added keywords like “Shoe Repair Białystok Cheap”;
- the address is accurate and the business can actually be found there; if you travel to customers and don’t receive them on site, hide the address and set a service area instead;
- the primary category describes your main line of business, not everything at once;
- the phone number and website work and belong to the business.
If the code is coming by postcard, don’t change the name, address or category before entering it: after such edits, the code may stop working.
Step 2. Start verification
- Open business.google.com and sign in to the account the profile belongs to. Ideally a company account, not an employee’s personal one.
- Select the profile and click the verification button.
- See which methods Google offers and choose the one that suits you.
Step 3. How to film the verification video
The video must be one continuous recording, with no editing or cuts. It’s easiest to film on a phone in daylight. A short clip is enough; what matters is showing three things in order:
- Where you are. Start outside: the street name sign, building number, neighbouring shopfronts, the entrance. The video should make it clear that this is the same address as in the profile.
- What the business is. Signage, shopfront, products, equipment, tools of the trade, branded vehicles, marketing materials.
- That you manage it. Unlock the door with your key, enter a staff-only area, switch on the card terminal, show documents if they aren’t confidential.
If you work without an office and travel to customers, film what proves the business: a branded vehicle, tools, documents — and the place you work from.
A common mistake is filming only the interior or only a close-up of the sign. From a video like that, nobody can tell where the business is, and verification fails.
How long it takes
Once you’ve completed all the steps, the review usually takes up to five business days. While it’s in progress, it’s best not to change anything in the profile: unnecessary edits can drag the review out.
If Google rejects it
- Read the reason in the notification and fix exactly that: the listing details, the address or the video content.
- Compare the name, address and phone number on your website and in the profile — mismatches raise suspicion.
- Go through verification again when Google offers a method.
- If repeated attempts don’t help, contact Business Profile support through the Google Help Centre.
Common mistakes
- The profile is registered to an employee’s or contractor’s personal account, and once they leave, there’s no access. The business should be the owner; add everyone else as profile users.
- Two profiles at one address. A duplicate gets in the way of verification — deal with the old profile first.
- A virtual office or coworking address without a permanent presence. Google doesn’t accept such addresses.
- Keywords in the name. The name should be the same as in real life.
In short
- Google chooses the verification method — be ready for any of them.
- Before verifying, tidy up the name, address, category and phone number.
- For video: one continuous recording — the location, the business and proof that you run it.
- The review takes up to five business days; leave the profile alone meanwhile.
- If rejected, fix the stated reason and verify again.
If your profile won’t pass verification or you’ve lost access to it, we can create and set up your Google Business Profile for you: restore access, get it verified and fill in the listing. And so customers can find your office on your website too, see how to add a Google map to your website.
