Getting your Google Business Profile (GBP) verified as a chain unlocks powerful features like bulk location management and improved search visibility. However, the verification process can be daunting, especially for multi-location.
Eligibility Requirements
Before diving in, ensure your business meets Google's chain verification criteria:
- Minimum of 10 locations, all of which are eligible to be on Google Business Profile
- All locations must share consistent branding – the same name, logo, and brand identity.
- Have a branded company website
- Be a single brand or chain
- Only contain profiles that have a physical location that customers can visit
- Have no currently suspended profiles
- Additionally, you should have no Duplicate Profiles or open access requests
- The corporate domain email of an official representative of the business (example: name@company.com). Google will reach out to them to confirm our affiliation with the business
- Advise the client to prepare photos/documentation to support ownership: 🚨(This is only upon Google's request. In our previous requests for bulk verification, Google has not yet indicated a requirement for it.)
- Written consent to share your email address with the company representative so that they can confirm your affiliation. Please reply with “I agree to share my email with the company representative I provided.”
Read more here: Google Profile Business Help
Getting Started
Once you've confirmed your eligibility and considered the disclaimers and scenarios, here's how to get started with chain verification:
- Sign in to your Google Business Profile Manager account
- Google Business Profile Manager login page
- Click on "Verification" from the left-hand menu
- From the left menu bar, select "Verification", choose “Chain”, section and “Start”
- Provide all necessary information and documentation as requested by Google
- Wait for Google to review your application and verify your chain
The actual process to submit the form for bulk verification
Upon successful communication between Google and the campaign's Point of Contact (POC), we can expect to receive emails resembling this format.
This process is time-consuming and its duration is also influenced by the number of profiles to which we intend to transfer ownership to our account.
Upon successful completion of our request for chain verification, we can expect to receive an email resembling the one provided below.
We can now proceed with optimising the profiles that have been successfully transferred to our ownership.
Disclaimers and Scenarios
Disclaimers:
- The verification process can take several days or even weeks, depending on the chosen method and the number of locations.
- Ensure all location information you provide is accurate and consistent. Errors can delay or even prevent verification.
- Meeting the eligibility criteria doesn't guarantee successful verification. Google may request additional information or reject your application if it finds inconsistencies.
- The account to use for verification must contain the chain only.
- The account must be the primary owner of the business group.
Scenarios:
🚨 You don’t own the GBP Listing: Some locations within your chain might have existing GBP listings not owned by your business. In this case, chain verification won't be possible unless you gain ownership of those listings.
- Action: Google offers a process to request ownership of existing GBP listings. You can initiate this through the "Claim this business" option on the listing itself. Alternatively, you can contact Google Support for assistance with the ownership claim process.
- Important note: Claiming ownership involves verifying the location through the standard GBP verification methods (phone call, postcard, etc.). Be prepared to provide documentation demonstrating your legitimate claim to the listing, such as business licences or utility bills.
💡 Additional Tips
- Prepare your data in advance: Having all your location details organised and accurate will save time during the verification process.
- Seek support: If you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to contact Google Business Profile support for assistance.
- Stay updated: Google's verification policies and procedures may change over time. Keep yourself informed by checking the Google Business Profile Help Centre regularly.
✏️ By following these steps and understanding the potential challenges, you can successfully verify your Google Business Profile as a chain and unlock its powerful features for your multi-location business.
Resources
You may also refer to this related article: What is Chain Verification?