How to Verify Your Google Business Profile by Profile Launch
The complete video verification checklist trusted by home service contractors. Follow these steps to get your Google Business Profile verified and start appearing in local search results.
Helpful Video Walkthrough
This is the best video walkthrough we've found for Google Business Profile verification. It's from an independent creator who does an excellent job explaining the process step-by-step.
Video credit: Independent creator (not affiliated with Profile Launch)
Step 1: Get Your Google Business Profile in Order
Business name — Do not have any extra keywords in your business name. Make sure the business name on your Profile is the same name on your business cards, signage, and how you answer the phone.
Business name (DBA) — If your business name on official documents is different from your "doing business as" name (DBA), ensure you have documents showing official DBA registration. Note: You don't need to worry about "irrelevant legal terms" such as LLC, INC, LTD, GmbH etc.
Address — IMPORTANT! Set your address visibility correctly. This is a common reason verifications get denied. SHOW ADDRESS: If you have a staffed physical location customers can walk into during opening hours, turn ON "Show business address to customers." HIDE ADDRESS: If customers can't walk in during opening hours, turn OFF "Show business address to customers."
Service Areas — If you define service areas, ensure the boundaries don't extend farther than about 2 hours driving time from your verification address. Don't set multiple states/countries or huge service areas — your verification will likely get denied.
Phone numbers — Ensure your primary phone number matches your website and prominent online listings. Turn off call tracking numbers during verification (you can turn them back on after). Check for unexpected additional phone numbers.
Hours — Ensure hours are added, accurate, and match your website, online listings, and any physical signage.
Business Description — Ensure your description does not have any promotions or phone numbers in it.
Step 2: Get Your Website and Citations in Order
Ensure your business name, address, phone, and hours on your website are correct and consistent with your Google Business Profile. Double-check your homepage, contact page, and footer.
Ensure your business is listed on prominent online directories (DataAxle, BBB, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yelp, Yellowpages, etc.) with consistent NAP information. Google your business name and address to find sites in the first 20 results.
Step 3: Plan and Prepare Your Evidence
Plan your PROOF OF LOCATION — Start filming from outside, then go into the business. Show nearby businesses, signage, your address on the door/building, and street signs if possible. Service area businesses: show street sign, house/unit number.
Plan your PROOF OF MANAGEMENT — Show you're authorized to verify the profile. Physical location: unlock business entrance, log into POS system, operate payment tools/equipment. SAB: unlock door, unlock branded vehicle, show official documents with your name.
Plan your PROOF OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS — Show business equipment, stock for sale, tools, marketing materials (business cards, flyers, branded products). SABs: show branded vehicle, equipment, products you sell.
Plan your PROOF OF BUSINESS EXISTENCE (optional but helpful) — Articles of incorporation, business license, utility bills, tax documents, invoices, or other official documents showing your business name and address.
Video Planning Template
Use this sequence to structure your verification video:
- 1Start recording from across the street (far enough to see the building)
- 2Walk up to the location and show signage (if applicable)
- 3Show the address on the building/door
- 4Show that the front door is locked
- 5Unlock the door and walk in
- 6Show additional proof of management
- 7Show proof of business operations
- 8(Optional) Show documents proving business existence
Step 4: Get Your Settings Right
Enable location services on your mobile device. iOS: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services (toggle ON). Android: Settings > Location (turn on device location).
Allow your app (Chrome, Safari, Google Maps) to use location — make sure it's not set to "deny" or "never." Example for Safari on iPhone: Settings > Safari > Location > set to "ask" or "allow".
Reduce video recording quality — There's a ~75MB file size limit. At lowest settings, 1 minute ≈ 40MB, so keep your video under 1:50. iOS: Settings > Camera > Record Video > select lowest quality, turn HDR Video OFF. Android: Camera app > Video mode > gear icon > choose lowest resolution.
Delete previously uploaded verification videos — Go to your Google Business Profile > 3 dots > Business Profile settings > Advanced settings > Video Uploads > delete previous videos.
Step 5: Rehearse
Rehearse your video! Your verification video must be one continuous recording under 2 minutes (ideally under 1:30). Practice to ensure you have everything set up, know the order of presentation, can narrate as you go, and stay under the time limit.
Step 6: Record Your Verification Video
Log into Google on your mobile phone (Google Maps app or mobile browser) under the account that owns the Google Business Profile. Tip: Use an email under your company domain (name@yourwebsite.com) if possible.
Start verification — Google Maps App: Search your business, scroll down, click "Get verified". Mobile browser: Search your business name/address, tap "Get verified".
Enter your business address exactly as it appears on official documents, website, and citations. Click Next.
Choose the "Business video" option and click Next.
Read the notes and click Next.
Read the tips and click "Start recording".
Click next to allow camera and microphone access.
Take a deep breath, remember your rehearsal, and hit that record button!
Important Notes
Use your phone: We suggest going through the verification process on your mobile phone, not your computer. Google will show you a QR code to move the process to your phone anyway.
Upload issues: Many people report the upload stalls or fails at 99%. If this happens, take deep breaths, stay calm, and try again. Google is aware of this bug.
File size limit: Keep your video under 75MB (approximately 1:50 at lowest quality settings) to avoid upload failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help With Your Google Business Profile?
Profile Launch specializes in Google Business Profile optimization for home service contractors. We handle verification, optimization, and ongoing management so you can focus on your business.
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