How to verify your Google Business Profile

Sign in to the Google account that manages your business, search for your business's name, and choose Get verified. Google then offers one or more ways to prove the business is yours: a video, a live video call, a code by phone, text or email, or a postcard. Google picks which ones you get. Most reviews finish within 5 business days.

Why verify

Until your profile is verified, you can't reply to reviews, your changes may not show, and Google says content from an unverified profile "might not appear across Google" (Google). Verifying is also what lets you add a booking link that customers can trust.

Find your profile and start

• Your business is already on Google: open Google Maps, search for your business's name and suburb, choose Claim this business, then Manage now, and pick a verification option. In the Maps app, it's under About.
• Your business isn't on Google yet: go to business.google.com/add and choose Add your business to Google.
• You've claimed it but not finished: search for your business's name while signed in, and choose Get verified on your profile.

(Google)

The ways to verify

"Verification methods are automatically determined by Google and can't be changed," Google says. What you're offered depends on your type of business, what's public about it, your region and your hours, and you may need more than one (Google).

If Google offers video, it recommends it.

Filming a video when you work from a van

Most tradies are what Google calls a service-area business: you go to the customer. Google uses a plumber and a locksmith as its examples, and says a video should show three things (Google):

1. Where you are. Street signs or landmarks near your business address. Working from home is fine: film your street.
2. That the business is real. The tools and equipment you work with.
3. That it's yours to manage. Unlocking your branded van, or you doing a job. A business invoice or utility bill in the business's name works too.

Film it in one go on your phone through the profile, with no edits. Don't show ID or bank numbers, or other people's faces.

If you travel to customers, hide your address

Google says a service-area business "should hide your business address from customers" (Google). Google still needs an address it can find to verify you. Customers just don't see it.

Under Edit profile, then Location, remove the address and add up to 20 service areas by suburb or postcode, within about two hours' drive of your base.

While you're waiting on a postcard, don't change your business's name, address or category, or the code won't work.

When it doesn't go through

• Get verified shows again. Google couldn't finish verifying you. Try again, or try another method if one appears.
• Your video is rejected. Open Review issues to see why. A common reason is missing proof you run the business: film yourself unlocking the van or show a business bill.
• No method works. Contact Google Business Profile support from the help centre.
• Your profile is suspended. Use Google's appeals tool: choose the profile, then Submit Appeal, and add documents like your ABN registration, licence or a utility bill whose name and address match the profile. Google says decisions can take up to 5 business days, and not to make a new profile or send more appeals while you wait (Google).

Once you're verified

Google emails you when it's done. Then:

1. Check your name, phone, hours and service areas.
2. Add a booking link, so customers can book from your profile. See How to add a booking link.
3. Start asking every customer for a review. See How to get more Google reviews.

TapBook works with Reserve with Google, so customers can tap Book online on your verified profile and book a time without calling. See how it works.