Ever felt so frustrated that you just want to throw your laptop out the window? I have. So I understand this guy I saw trying to get his legitimate plumbing business verified on Google for the fourth time. His video kept getting rejected, and Google’s feedback was about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine. “Insufficient information.” Cool story, Google.
Dealing with Google Business Profile verification is like trying to talk sense with a bouncer at an exclusive club who won’t tell you the dress code. You show up in what you think works, get rejected, come back in something different, get rejected again. Meanwhile, the guy in flip-flops and a tank top somehow walks right in. Makes total sense.
I’ve helped more local businesses get verified than I can count, and I’m tired of watching legitimate owners jump through hoops while fake locksmiths somehow sail through. So here’s exactly what Google wants to see in your video, why they reject most of them, and how to get it right the first time. No corporate speak. No SEO nonsense. Just the stuff that works.
Why Google Forces You to Make These Stupid Videos
Google started requiring video verification because fake businesses were everywhere. Remember when you’d search for an emergency locksmith and half the results were just call centers in India pretending to be local? Yeah, that’s why we can’t have nice things.
The video requirement is Google’s way of proving you’re not some scammer operating out of a basement in another country. They want visual proof that your business exists where you claim it does. Makes sense in theory. In practice, it’s like proving to your mom you cleaned your room by sending her a video tour.
For your business, though, getting verified is worth the hassle. Verified listings show up better in search results. People trust them more. You get access to features like posts and messaging. It’s basically the difference between having a real storefront and standing on the corner with a cardboard sign.
What Google’s Looking for in Your Video
Google wants proof you run a real business at a real location. Sounds simple. It’s not.
Your Building and Access: Start outside. Show the street, any address numbers, the building itself. Then here’s the key part: unlock the door. I’m serious. That simple act of using a key proves more than any business card ever could. Walk in like you own the place. Because you do.
Business Name Somewhere, Anywhere: Google needs to see your business name physically displayed. Doesn’t need to be a massive neon sign. I’ve gotten businesses verified with a printed paper taped to a door. Vehicle magnets work. Even a business card on a desk can do it if everything else is solid.
Your Actual Workspace: This is where people mess up. Google doesn’t want to see your pretty reception area. They want to see where work happens. Plumbers, show your van full of pipes. Dentists, show the chair where you drill teeth. Accountants, show the desk where you cry over tax forms. The messier and more realistic, the better.
Documents That Prove You Belong: Have a business license visible. Or a utility bill. Or a lease. Something that connects your name to that address. Don’t zoom in close enough to read bank account numbers, but make it clear these are real documents.
Proof You’re Not Just Some Random Person: Anyone can walk into a business and film. You need to prove you belong there. Open the cash register. Access the back office. Use the computer system. Show yourself doing something only an owner or employee could do.
Service businesses without storefronts? Your van is your office. Show it loaded with equipment. Open the doors, show your tools, maybe toss in a shot of an invoice book with your business name. Home-based businesses, show your dedicated workspace, not your kitchen table.
Recording Your Video Without Looking Like a Doofus
Getting Started
Log in to business.google.com and find your listing. If you don’t have one yet, create it. When Google asks how you want to verify, pick video. Revolutionary stuff here.
Before You Hit Record
Your phone camera is fine. You’re not making a Marvel movie. Just make sure:
- You can see what you’re filming (novel concept)
- You have your keys, documents, and whatever else ready
- Your workspace doesn’t look like a crime scene
- You know your path through the building
Test your camera first. I once watched someone submit 3 minutes of their thumb because they held the phone wrong.
The Actual Recording
Start outside. Show the building, any street signs, address numbers. Walk to your door, pull out your keys, unlock it. This isn’t complicated, but people manage to complicate it.
Once inside, give a quick tour. “Here’s where we work on cars.” “This is where we meet with clients.” Keep moving, keep it under 3 minutes. You’re proving you work there, not auditioning for HGTV.
Show different areas to give context. If you’re a restaurant, hit the kitchen, dining room, maybe the office. Law firm? Reception, conference room, your actual office. The goal is to prove this is a real, functioning business.
Things that get videos rejected faster than you can say “insufficient information”:
- Shaky footage that looks like Blair Witch Project
- Videos so dark Google thinks you’re running a speakeasy
- 10-minute tours of every square inch
- Showing customers’ faces or personal info
- Recording yourself explaining why Google should verify you (they don’t care)
Uploading Your Masterpiece
Follow Google’s upload prompts. If the file’s too big, compress it or record at lower quality. 720p is plenty. This isn’t getting shown at Sundance.
Google usually responds in 2-5 days. Sometimes faster, sometimes slower. Depends if Mercury is in retrograde or whatever determines their review speed.
When Google Rejects Your Video
First rejection? Join the club. We have jackets.
Google’s rejection reasons are helpfully vague. “Insufficient information” could mean anything from “we couldn’t see your business name” to “the reviewer was having a bad day.” Here’s what usually fixes it:
Make Your Signage More Obvious: Even if it means taping a printed sign to your door for the video. I’m not kidding. I’ve done this for three different businesses.
Show More Access Points: Unlock multiple doors. Open filing cabinets. Access your point-of-sale system. Basically prove you’re not just someone who wandered in off the street.
Add More Documents: Wave around every official paper you have. Business license, tax documents, utility bills, lease agreements. Make it rain paperwork.
Improve Your Lighting: If your first video looked like it was shot in a cave, try again during daylight. Or turn on every light you own.
Be More Thorough: Show more rooms, more equipment, more proof you actually work there. Sometimes Google just wants to see more.
You can resubmit immediately. No waiting period. No three-strikes rule. Keep trying until they cave.
Service Area and Home Business Verification
No storefront? No problem. Your vehicle is your mobile office.
Film your branded van or truck. Open the back, show your equipment. Prove you’re not just some guy with a magnetic sign who bought a toolbox at Home Depot. Show work orders, invoice books, anything with your business name.
Home-based businesses, show your office or workspace. Not your bed. Not your kitchen. The actual place where business happens. Even if it’s just a desk in the corner with a computer and some files. Add some business cards, a yard sign, whatever proves you run a real business from that address.
This Isn’t Your Marketing Video
Let me be crystal clear: nobody sees this video except Google’s review team. This isn’t going on your profile. Customers won’t watch it. You’re not trying to sell anything.
I’ve seen people submit highly produced verification videos with music and graphics. That’s like bringing a resume to a driver’s license renewal. Wrong venue, buddy.
Why This Hassle Is Worth It
Once you’re verified, doors open. You can post updates, respond to reviews, add photos, see how customers find you. Verified businesses show up better in searches. Customers trust them more. It’s like the difference between having a real ID and a piece of paper that says “I am 21” in crayon.
Plus, you can finally stop dealing with Google’s verification process and move on to actually running your business. Novel concept.
Stop Overthinking This
Video verification isn’t rocket science. Google just wants proof you’re real. Show them:
- You can access the building
- Your business name exists somewhere
- You actually work there
- You have official documents
- You’re authorized to be there
Film it, submit it, wait. If they reject it, add more proof and try again. Eventually, they’ll verify you, if only to stop you from submitting more videos.
The whole process is annoying, but it beats waiting three weeks for a postcard that may never arrive. At least with video, you know quickly if you need to try again.
Now stop reading guides and go shoot your video. Your business needs to be findable, and you can’t get there until Google believes you exist.