Google Business profile and how important this free tool is for your business visibility - I don't think I need to explain. If you're not on the Google map, you don't exist. 🙂
Google recently changed the way to verify opening a new account and also modified some rules. It would be good to pay attention to what is allowed and what is not.
Google location could previously be verified by Google sending you an identification number by mail, but that's no longer the case. Google introduced video location identification - it's not complicated, the video serves for identification purposes and is not published anywhere.
Google Business Profile Verification
Google Business profile verification is very simple if you follow all the guidelines. Processing after recording the video can take up to 5 days, but I also have an example where verification passed within 30 minutes of recording the video.
After you've opened your profile and filled it according to guidelines, it needs to be verified. On your Business Profile Management Dashboard workspace, your new profile will be listed and will have a Verify button. Click the Verify button and follow the video recording guidelines:
It's extremely important to prepare for video recording so that everything you'll show in the video is within reach, because the video is recorded in one piece without interruption. The phone you'll use to record the video needs to be connected to your Google account on which you opened the business profile to access this remote type of identification.
Video Verification Recording Guidelines
Start recording the video from the street, outside your business premises. Show external signs such as street name, nearby businesses, or the area around your business. Then, while filming details, move towards your business premises. Show your company sign containing the name, logo, branch number, and other details, show the house number. Take a key and film entering the business premises showing the unlocking of the door. Film the interior of the business premises, tools, equipment, workstations. Prepare documents showing that your business premises is registered at the address you're showing (e.g., Business License). Show in the video an issued invoice or electricity, water bill that is in your company's name and addressed to the correct address. You can additionally film your official vehicle if it's branded. Pay attention to video length. The video should last 2 to 3 minutes, videos longer than 5 minutes will not be considered.
Key Guidelines for Google Business Profile Optimization:
If you want your business to be visible and successful in the digital environment, it's crucial to properly optimize and manage your Google Business profile according to Google's rules. Following these guidelines, you can build an attractive, reliable, and compliant profile that will attract more potential clients and improve your ranking in search results.
- Complete and Accurate Information Ensure all data on your profile is complete, accurate, and up-to-date, including company name, address, working hours, contact information, and business category. Incomplete or inaccurate data violates Google's rules and can undermine user trust and negatively affect your visibility.
- Regular Profile Updates Regularly update your profile with new information, photos, and posts to maintain freshness and attract more user attention. Google recommends updating at least once a week. Active profile management shows commitment to providing quality user experience.
- Using Keywords Include relevant keywords in your business description and other parts of the profile, but avoid excessive keyword use that Google considers unacceptable. Keywords help improve visibility, but excessive use can be counterproductive.
- Adding Multimedia Content Enrich your profile by adding photos, videos, and virtual tours that are relevant and quality. Multimedia content attracts more attention and helps users better understand your business, but avoid inappropriate or offensive content that violates Google's rules.
- Managing Reviews Respond to all reviews, positive or negative, in a professional and polite manner according to Google's guidelines. Thank users for feedback and try to resolve problems. Managing reviews shows commitment to user experience. More about guidelines for representing your company on Google.
What Does Google Explicitly Prohibit?
According to Google's rules, strictly prohibited are inauthentic content, fake reviews, data manipulation, and inappropriate content such as profanity, sexual innuendo, offensive expressions related to race, ethnicity, religion, disability, etc., threats of violence, or words associated with illegal activities.
Google also recommends using a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters in profile content, avoiding exclusively CAPITAL LETTERS which can appear aggressive or unprofessional.
By adhering to these guidelines and Google's rules, you can optimize your Google Business profile, increase your business visibility online, and avoid rule violations that can result in profile removal or suspension. Regular monitoring, updating, and maintaining quality content is crucial for long-term success.
