When a local merchant wishes to get some solid online exposure, they work towards creating Google Business Profiles or GBP. Before a merchant’s GBP gets visibility online, they will be required to verify it by finding the Get Verified Link and clicking on it.
When a business organization puts together a Google Business Profile, they are offered a specific method by Google to get the profile verified. Google Business Profile optimization helps a business strengthen its credibility and put out a statement that it is serious about what it is doing.
Through this verification process, Google checks whether the business is genuine and has some kind of legitimacy. It takes a few steps to ensure the business organization fulfils the eligibility criteria for a GBP. It also has to check whether it adheres to the guidelines issued by Google for getting a business represented on Google.
Google Business Profile Video Verification: How It Has Emerged as an Important Modern-Day Practice
Ideally, one would expect Google to go to each location with a GBP to verify the business is genuine and follows all the guidelines. However, doing this is not always feasible or possible. In today’s digital world, one of the simplest ways for Google to verify the credentials of a business is to opt for video verification.
When visiting the premises of a business in person is not possible, video verification proves to be the most ideal thing to do. Because of this reason, it has been described as a ‘digital in-person’ verification done on a business. Through the video verification process, Google can have a good look at the different aspects of the company and extract all the details or information it needs.
The primary objective of the verification method employed by Google is to check and authenticate the legitimacy of businesses. It strives to identify and report spam and fake listings that could have an adverse effect on Google Maps, Local Pack and Local Finder and lead to consumers suffering from confusion.
Why Video Verification Is Important
By using methods like video verification, Google is making an attempt to make sure that the GBPs are legitimate companies adhering to the guidelines of Google. Through this method, Google makes an endeavour to get important information pertaining to different aspects of the business. Once a business is verified, its local SEO, too, witnesses a significant improvement.
One of the first things that Google tries to check through the video verification process is the company’s existence. It tries to find out whether the business exists only on paper or in reality as well. The business profile of a company would have its location or address. If you happen to run a storefront business, you could show the building’s exterior. If the exterior has permanent signage, you could show it as well.
Through video verification, Google will confirm its location. No matter how hard the company tries, it will not be able to give a false idea or information about its location on video. You can put the focus of the camera on street signs closer to your office. You can also some offices, hotels and other landmark buildings in the area that would further help Google validate the facts. If your office happens to be within the premises of your residence, you can show your mailbox.
User integrity is one of the most important things checked by Google through video verification. Apart from checking the authenticity of the company, Google checks whether the merchant is real. Video verification could also help Google find out if a business is engaged in some fraudulent activity.
The merchant’s affiliation with a business is also checked through the video verification carried out by Google. Google seeks to find out whether the merchant is actually associated with the business he claims to be affiliated with. It also figures out whether the merchant has been given the authority to represent the company.
Once the video evidence is submitted by the business, Google will work towards figuring out whether it is substantial enough to verify the location, nature of work and other details related to the company.
What You Need For The Video Verification Process
To carry out a video verification process, one would require a mobile device featuring a good camera. Before getting on with any video verification process, you should have some knowledge of the kind of things one needs to include in a process or method of this nature.
When the Google operator sees the video, they should feel the verification process was done correctly and in a fair manner. The video should be easy to decipher and not have any ambiguity. If the content of the video lacks clarity or authenticity, the entire purpose behind doing a video verification will be defeated.
Before you start the process of video verification, it is imperative to plan everything in detail. While recording the video, it would be a good idea to keep your eyes on the on-screen instructions and follow them properly. Planning is important as the video has to be recorded as a single shot. You have to be sure about the kind of information you need and all that you need to source it out.
What The Business Owner Needs To Know
If the business owner is aware of the responsibilities or duties they need to undertake during the video identification process, things will become much easier for all the parties involved. Google will expect the business owner to put together a video that is short and continuous in nature.
Through the video, the business owner has to give conclusive evidence of the fact the business they are running is legitimate. A business owner can seek the help of a digital marketing or SEO company to help it during this process.
When a business owner has to verify their business through a video verification process by Google, they might feel that it would be a long and arduous process. Contrary to what some business owners might believe, the process of video verification is short, simple and hassle-free. A video recorded for the purpose of verifying a business is mostly 2-minutes long.
It is important to remember that Google does not ask the business owner to share any sensitive information. Neither do you have to reveal your face nor do you have to share or upload any document containing confidential information. The video evidence you provide to Google will be used by the company privately and not uploaded on any public platform.
Conclusion
Some business owners, especially the ones who are not too familiar with technology, tend to have some issues with video verification. However, once they opt for it, they realize there is nothing complex or incomprehensible about it. Apart from helping businesses verify themselves easily, it also results in a sharp reduction in the number of spam profiles.