If you’ve already created your GBP and are trying to verify it, this article will help with that too. Let’s start with the different types of Google Business Profiles.
Types of Google Business Profiles
When setting up your Google Business Profile, you will choose one of these business types:
Local Store
For businesses with a physical location where customers can visit you.
Your address will be shown on Google Maps.
Ideal for retail stores, restaurants, salons, or professional offices.
Service Business
For businesses that travel to customers to deliver goods or services at their location.
You can define a service area and keep your address private if you wish.
Suitable for trades, home services, or any business that visits customers.
Tip: If you sell products online and want to attract local customers but have no public storefront, you can choose “Service Business” and define a service area to appear in local results.
Online Retail
For businesses that sell products online and interact with customers locally (for example, local delivery or in-store pickup).
You must have an e-commerce website with a shopping cart.
If you only sell online with no local deliveries, no pickup options, and no service area, you likely aren’t eligible for a Google Business Profile. Consider Google Merchant Center instead.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile
Step 1: Go to the Google Business Profile Manager
Visit: https://www.google.com/business/ or search “Google Business Profile”
Click on “Manage Now” and sign in using your Google Account.
Step 2: A new window will open to create your GBP profile.
Enter your business name and select the appropriate business category.
After typing your business name, check if the business name already exists on Google Maps. If Google recognizes your business name or address during setup, it may suggest an existing listing. If that’s your business, you can follow the steps to claim it. If none of the suggested options are yours, you can continue creating a new listing by clicking “Create a business with this name.”
Step 3: Do you have a location customers can visit?
Select “Yes” if you have a physical store or office. Businesses with a public address tend to rank higher in local search results, as Google prioritizes location-based visibility. If you don't have an address, how does Google know where to rank you?
If you work remotely or don’t want to display your address, you can choose “No” and set a service area instead, but keep in mind this may impact how prominently your business appears on Google Maps.
Workarounds include basing your business from a coworking space in the nearest city or town.
Step 4: Add Your Business Address:
Enter your full business address, including the street, city, postal/zip code, and state.
If you offer deliveries or home/office visits, select “Yes” to specify your service areas.
How to Verify Your Google Business Profile
In this step, you’ll need to select a verification method to confirm that your business is operating at the listed address. The most common method is receiving a postcard by mail at the business location, but in some cases, you may also have the option to verify through a video, phone call or email.
Video Verification:
Video verification is currently one of the most common methods for verifying a Google Business Profile, especially for new businesses. It’s available to businesses with a storefront, service area, or hybrid operations (both physical and on-location service).
To verify, you must record and upload a short, unedited video directly through the Google Maps app or your Business Profile dashboard. The video must:
Be at least 30 seconds long
Be recorded in one continuous take (no cuts or edits)
Be submitted immediately after recording. You can’t upload a pre-recorded file.
Be filmed on a mobile device
What to Show in the Video
Depending on your business type, the video should include the following:
For Storefront or Hybrid Businesses:
Exterior location with visible street signs, address numbers, or landmarks
Your shopfront or signage with the business name matching your profile
Proof of management, such as unlocking the shop, using a POS system, or entering employee-only areas
For Service Area Businesses:
Landmarks or signage in your service area (not generic or unmarked land)
Branded tools, equipment, or vehicles
Proof of ownership, such as showing business documents or wearing branded uniforms
Postcard Verification:
This method is available to most businesses. Google will mail a postcard to the address you entered during setup. It usually arrives within five days and includes a verification code. Once it arrives, log into your GBP dashboard and enter the code to complete verification. If you don’t receive the postcard, you can request a replacement.
Phone Verification:
Some businesses will see the option to receive a code via phone. If available, this method sends an automated call to the phone number listed in your GBP. You’ll hear a code during the call, which you can enter to verify your account. This option is not available to all businesses.
Email Verification:
Similar to the phone, this option is only available for select accounts. If eligible, you’ll see an option to send a code to the email address connected to your GBP. Once you receive it, enter the code to complete the process.
Video Verification Methods:
Step 1: Log in to Google Business Profile
Go to Google Business Profile.
Sign in with the account associated with your business, select the business -> Click Get Verified.
Step 2: After clicking the “Get Verified” profile you will see Google asking you “Is this your business?” The reason is:
Google detected businesses with names or addresses similar to the ones you're trying to register with. It is asking to verify whether one of the pre-listed profiles is your business. Google often does this to prevent duplicate listings and maintain accuracy in search results.
You can confirm by selecting "None of these" if none match your business details.
Step 3: After clicking the "None of these" button, you see that Google is asking you for a video verification.
The video helps Google confirm that you represent the business. Video verification is for businesses with a physical storefront, service providers without a physical location, or hybrid businesses.
Video Verification Process:
Record and Upload Your Video
Plan your video – make sure it meets Google's requirements.
Open your Business Profile on your mobile device.
Tap Get verified, then tap Capture Video.
Tap Start recording and follow the on-screen prompts (allow access to your camera/microphone if needed).
Record your video, then tap Stop Recording.
Tap Upload video to submit.
Wait for Review
Google will review your video in up to 5 business days.
If verified, you’ll get a notification.
If the video doesn't work, try re-recording or select a different verification option if available.
Choose a business video to verify your GBP profile:
Follow the guidelines to record the video by clicking on “Start Recording.”
Your verification video must include the following:
Location Verification
Capture a street sign or address that matches your business profile address.
Business Exterior and Interior:
Show the exterior and interior of your business to verify the business name.
Proof of Business Authorisation:
Record yourself unlocking the store entrance to prove you’re authorized to represent the business.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Recording outside the app or uploading a pre-recorded video (not allowed)
Failing to show signage or business name
Missing key context (e.g. surrounding area, proof of access)
Including faces, private data, or sensitive information (like tax IDs)
After submission, Google typically reviews your video within five business days. If it's rejected, you’ll receive specific feedback so you can re-record and re-submit a corrected version.
Tip: Plan your video before you start. Once you tap “Start Recording,” the process must be completed in one go, and within the same session.
A Troubleshooting Guide: Video Rejected or No Verification Option Available
If your video didn’t pass, it’s likely because something was unclear, like signage, or proof of ownership, or the video didn’t match your address.
You can re-record the video following Google’s exact instructions. Ensure everything is clearly visible, filmed in one take (no edits), and directly related to your profile.
If video isn’t possible, try checking later, sometimes other options (like postcard or email) appear after multiple attempts. If you’re still stuck, you can reach out to Google support.
Still Need Help?
If you’ve followed this guide and still can’t get your GBP verified or connected to SEOSpace, feel free to contact our support team. We’re happy to take a closer look and get you moving forward.