Google Business Profiles are essential for attracting local customers, and video verification is an important step in the verification process.
In the previous blog, we have already discussed the different ways to verify your business profile. However, like any digital process, it's not without its challenges.
In this blog, we'll address common issues and provide answers to frequently asked questions about Google Business Profiles' video verification process as released through the Google Business Profiles Help Forums.
Understanding Video Verification
Video verification is Google's way of ensuring the legitimacy of your business. Instead of other methods like postcard verification, you may also opt to submit a short video tour of your business. This shall include:
📍 Your current location - In order to display your current location on Google Maps, you should capture outside signs, including your street name, nearby businesses, or the surrounding vicinity of your establishment.
🏪 Business or equipment - Take a video showcasing your daily operations. This may involve items like available stock for sale, branded equipment, marketing materials, and the tools you use to serve your customers.
⚙️ Proof of management. Provide video footage showcasing your access to employee-only items and areas. This may include a cash register, the kitchen, storage rooms, non-sensitive business documents, or even the use of your keys to access your premises.
Why Choose This Method?
🔒 Enhanced Security: Videos are harder to fake compared to other forms of documentation, reducing the risk of fraudulent listings.
🔍 Comprehensive Proof: A video can provide a comprehensive view of your business location, operations, and physical presence, offering more proof than a static image or document.
⚡ Faster Process: In many cases, video verification can be faster than waiting for a postcard or other traditional methods.
✨ Immediate Correction: If there are issues with the video, they can often be addressed more quickly than errors with other verification methods.
How to Record a Verification Video: A Step-by-Step Guide
🌟 Before You Start
Plan your video content
✅ Location: Show the exterior of your business, including street signs, nearby businesses, and the business signage to confirm the correct Google Maps location.
✅ Interior: Showcase the interior of your business, including products, equipment, or tools.
✅ Proof of Management: Demonstrate access to employee-only areas, such as unlocking the front door, cash register, or accessing a point-of-sale system.
✅ Avoid Sensitive Information: Do not include bank account numbers, tax IDs, or show other people's faces.
🌟 Recording The Video
1. Access your Google Business Profile.
✅ On your mobile device, go to your Business Profile. If you started verification on a computer, scan the QR code to continue on your mobile device.
2. Start the recording process.
✅ Tap Get verified ✔️ and then Capture video.
✅ Tap Start recording 🔴. You may need to allow access to your camera and microphone.
3. Record the video.
✅ Ensure the video is a single, continuous recording without any edits or breaks.
✅ Follow your planned route to cover all required elements:
▪️ Exterior: Show the business location, street signs, and nearby landmarks.
▪️ Interior: Walk through the business, showing products, equipment, and operational areas.
✅ Proof of Management: Demonstrate access to restricted areas or systems.
4. Upload the video.
✅ Tap Stop recording 🔴 once you have covered all necessary elements.
✅ Tap Upload video ⬆️ to submit your recording for verification.
Best Practices for Creating a High-Quality Verification Video
⚡Video Length: Aim for a video length of 1-2 minutes. Ensure it is long enough to cover all necessary details but concise enough to maintain attention.
⚡Stability: Keep the camera steady. Use a tripod if necessary, or hold the device with both hands.
⚡Lighting: Ensure the location is well-lit. Natural light is preferable, but indoor lighting should be sufficient to avoid dark or grainy footage.
⚡Sound: Minimise background noise. If narration is necessary, ensure it's clear and audible.
⚡Focus: Keep the focus sharp. Avoid blurry or shaky footage.
Troubleshooting Common Video Verification Issues
⛔ Issue: Video Rejected
💡Solution: Review the specific reasons for rejection provided by Google. Common issues include poor video quality, missing required elements, or the video being too short or too long. Address these issues and re-record the video.
Do a few trial runs to get the timing right. Edit the video only if minor adjustments are needed, avoiding extensive edits that could affect authenticity.
⛔ Issue: Poor Video Quality
⛔ Issue: Missing Elements
💡Solution: Make sure to include all required elements such as exterior signage, interior layout, and business operations. Plan your video carefully before recording.
⛔ Issue: Background Noise
💡Solution: Choose a quiet time to record or use a microphone to improve audio quality.
⛔ Issue: Inaccurate Representation
💡Solution: Ensure the video is a true and accurate representation of your business. Avoid over-editing or staging elements that do not reflect the actual state of the business. Pay attention to details such as business signage, operational activities, and staff presence to present an accurate picture.
⛔ Issue: File Format or Size
💡Solution: Ensure the video is in a commonly accepted format such as MP4. Keep the video file size within Google’s limits. Compress the video if necessary, but ensure quality is not compromised.