If you want your business to show up in local Google searches, a verified Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential.
According to the 2023 Local Search Ranking Factors study by Whitespark, a verified Google Business Profile is the 9th ranking factor for local businesses.
A verified Google Business Profile has a significant impact on your local SEO strategy.
Not only is it the top-ranking factor (32%) in Local Pack Results, here are other ways it also benefits your business:
Verified profiles are more likely to appear higher in local search results. Google favors verified businesses in order to provide accurate, trusted information to users, which can help your business stand out among competitors.
Verification allows your business to appear in Google Maps, making it easier for local customers to find you. Map visibility is crucial for businesses that rely on local foot traffic or provide services in a specific area.
Verified profiles show potential customers that your business has been authenticated by Google, building trust. When customers trust that your business is legitimate and active, they’re more likely to engage and visit your location.
A verified GBP unlocks features such as responding to reviews, posting updates, and adding photos, which are valuable for engaging with your audience and keeping your profile current.
Google's algorithm significantly emphasizes customer feedback, especially for local businesses. Positive reviews contribute to local SEO, ensuring higher visibility for brands and services.
In fact, 76% of consumers “regularly” read online reviews when browsing for local businesses.
For certain businesses, video verification is required to confirm the business's authenticity. This process involves creating a short video that meets Google’s guidelines. Below, we’ll walk you through the steps, including how to access and use the QR code required for verification.
In one continuous video, you’ll need to showcase three key elements to verify your business location and authenticity:
Show the outside of your business, including street signage or recognizable nearby landmarks. This confirms that your business is at the specified Google Maps location.
Film elements unique to your business, such as branded materials, equipment, products, or anything that represents your operations. This helps prove that your business is operational.
Demonstrate that you’re authorized to represent the business by showing access to employee-only areas or items like a cash register, storage areas, or non-sensitive documents. If applicable, you can also include footage of you unlocking your business premises.
By following a few straightforward steps, you’ll be able to guide Google through your location, processes, and other important details required for verification. Below, you’ll find clear instructions to help you complete this process, ensuring your profile is set up for success!
Go to https://www.google.com/business/ and sign in with the email associated with your Google Business Profile.
Alternatively, log into your Google account, and click on the hamburger menu (the nine dots that form a square) in the upper-right corner of your profile.
If you have multiple profiles, select the account you want to verify.
You can start your video verification process by clicking “Get verified” in the left column:
Alternatively, you can click on the name of the location.
Then, in the Google Business Profile dashboard, you’ll see the features for your profile, followed by a box indicating that your profile is not verified. Click the “Get verified” button.
Google will prompt you to start your video verification. Ensure the option for “Business video” is ticked, then click “Next.”
Google will now remind you of the elements required for verification.
Since you’ll need to capture all elements in one continuous recording, it’s great to take one or two practice videos.
If your video is too long, Google may not accept it, so practice moving through your space with efficiency.
Most successful videos are 1 - 2 minutes long.
Once you’re ready, click “start recording.”
After selecting Video Verification, a unique QR code will appear on your screen.
Before scanning the QR code from your phone or tablet, make sure that your device is logged into your Google Business Profile.
Once you are logged in, open the camera app on your mobile device and point it at the QR code on your computer screen.
A notification will appear; tap it to open the verification page on your mobile device.
Once you’ve signed into your mobile device, you’ll then see instructions for starting the video recording process.
Begin recording, walking through each element required for verification.
When done, tap Stop recording and submit the video for verification.
After submitting the video, Google will review it.
This process typically takes up to five business days. If successful, you’ll receive a notification confirming that your profile is verified.
If the video verification doesn’t meet the requirements, the “Get verified” button will reappear, allowing you to retry the verification.
Submitting a video to verify your Google Business Profile is essential for local SEO, yet common pitfalls can delay approval. To help you get verified without setbacks, here are the most common issues and how to troubleshoot them effectively.
If you’re feeling stuck, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding Google Business Profile verification.
Not all businesses require video verification. If your profile doesn’t show the video option, you may be eligible for postcard, phone, or email verification instead.
Postcard verification used to be the default method for confirming a business’s legitimacy, but it came with problems. The process was slow—sometimes taking over two weeks—and more importantly, it became a target for abuse. Scammers found ways to intercept postcards or create fake listings, manipulating local search results or even hijacking real businesses' profiles.
To combat this, Google rolled out video verification as a more secure and reliable method. Video helps Google visually confirm that a business is real, operating at its stated location, and managed by an authorized person. It reduces the risk of fraud and helps ensure that only legitimate businesses appear in Google Search and Maps results.
To receive your verification code, make sure you're available to answer your business phone or receive text messages. Google’s system can’t deliver codes to numbers with Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems (i.e., touch-tone menus). If your business number routes to an automated answering system, you won’t be able to complete verification by phone.
After submitting your video, Google typically takes up to five business days to review it and confirm verification.
If Google rejects your video, you will likely be able to re-submit. Make sure your video includes each required element clearly to improve your chances of approval.
Yes, you can delete your video from your Google Business Profile at any time. Go to Advanced settings in your profile, then Video uploads, and choose Delete videos.
Ensure good lighting, film each required element without pausing, and avoid background noise. Include clear, recognizable signage or nearby businesses to help show your location.
While Google requires a single, continuous video for verification, practicing beforehand to familiarize yourself with the required elements can help you feel more confident.
No, you can use any mobile device with a camera. Google recommends using a smartphone or tablet to make scanning QR codes easier.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to verify your Google Business Profile, helping customers find and trust your business.
Local SEO is more than a technical checklist: It’s a strategic foundation for building trust, visibility, and growth in your community.
With support from CommonMind, you don’t have to manage it alone. Whether it’s verifying your Google Business Profile or building out a complete local SEO strategy, expert execution is handled for you, so you can focus on growing your business and doing the work you love.