How do I resolve Google My Business video verification issues

How do I resolve Google My Business video verification issues
How do I resolve Google My Business video verification issues

How do I resolve Google My Business video verification issues

How do I resolve Google My Business video verification issues, In today’s digital world, Google My Business (GMB) is a crucial tool to help businesses manage their online presence. On the contrary, business owners often seek help with video verification. If you have asked yourself, “What are Google My Business video verification problems, and how do I solve them?” I am here for you too. I have created this detailed article to guide you step by step in overcoming these obstacles.

Here you will find solutions to most of the challenges, such as technical ones, refusals, and vague guides that will help you understand the steps to seeking a verification of your business, and even the more creative solutions that may work for you too.

Understanding Google My Business Video Verification

What is GMB Video Verification?

Let us start with an overview of GMB video verification. Google My Business enables users to confirm their registered businesses by giving them the option of video verification, which requires users to take and upload a video of certain details within the business premises as well as other activities associated.

  • The interior and exterior parts of the business.
  • Display signage showing the business name.
  • Business-related activities capturing employees in action, or tools in use.

This method is incapable of use without first-hand experience of a business, and thus it is useful for any new business, or ones that belong to sensitive industries, or have unverified locations.

Why Does Google Use Video Verification?

Using video verification, Google can:

  • Verify businesses as people are far from them,
  • Limit false listings, and,
  • Validate business details that other people have used around search results.

Why Do GMB Video Verification Issues Occur?

Why Do GMB Video Verification Issues Occur?

Common Reasons for Verification Failure

Poor Video Quality

One of the most common issues leading towards GMB video verification failures is lack of quality in the video. If videos are unclear, shaken, or out of focus, then Google has difficulty analyzing these as essential information won’t be viewable.

This often takes place when the recording device is low quality or the person holding the camera moves it into different positions too fast, which leads to oscillation blur.

Another scenario is incorrect light exposure; videos shot in dark places which can hide crucial features like company signs, interior design, or product showcases are quite hard for Google to rely on for business verification.

Non-Compliance with Guidelines

A more unique problem is that videos might be produced inappropriately because the Google Business Profile guidelines were not followed properly.

Google marketplace requires the perimeter and interior of the business as well as activities like employees working or equipment in use to be recorded. Omitting any of these crucial components could result in having their submission turned down.

For example, if there are no visible signs with the business name, or neglecting to the workspace alongside operations, could cause Google to determine that the video does not have enough proof for the existence of the business.

Not mentioning the complete details of the business video could lead to problems on verification and conflict the information of the GMB profile.

Technical Errors

Technical problems arise as another major cause of which GMB videos do not get verified. Such problems occur while submitting the video. For instance, if the video file is of a very big size then it may not get submitted due to Google restrictions on upload size.

Uploading video in formats or resolutions unsupported by Google, could lead to the video not being accepted.Generally videos could not be accepted due to bad or weak internet connections which may result in partial uploads and damaged files.

These technical problems could be aggravating and expensive because it makes enterprises record and submit again.

Preparing for GMB Video Verification

Steps to Prepare

Understand Google’s Requirements

To begin, you will need to do some research on what are the specific requirements Google has in regards to submitting video content. Thus, through the submission of videos, Google wants to see certain aspects relative to your business so that they can be certain that it is really genuine.

Such as the inside and outside of the business, people performing relevant functions, and other business-specific features like the branding and logos

For the inside of the business, you need to adequately capture the room, including all tools, products, or pieces of equipment used in the operations.

This shows that the enterprise is active and operational. The outer side of the building should above all show the store or the building of your business. The sign painted in the building should be the one that is displayed in the GMB account. If the enterprise uses some branding such as a logo or other special decorations, it should be clearly shown in the video.

These relevant details are what makes it possible for Google to validate the business and its location.

Use the Right Equipment

When it comes to meeting Google’s standards, the quality of your video matters. If your video is poorly taken, it may get rejected. Because of this, it is best to invest in quality equipment for recording. A smartphone or a camera that is HD compatible and a minimum resolution of 1080p is recommended.

This enables you to easily capture the necessary details on information that Google wants from you.

Equally important is stabilizing the footage. Google will have issues analyzing your content if video is shaky or uneven. If you want the recording to be stable throughout the session, a tripod or a stabilizer is a good option. Also, your recording area should have proper lighting.

Make sure that the video is recorded during the day or using bright lights so that details such as products, signs, or employees are visible.

Checklist for Recording

To ensure that an important item is not missed when recording, it helps to take a checklist for reference. You present to use this for all the necessary parts of the video and the best practices set by Google:

Clear Business Signage Visible Outside the Building

You should start the video with a footages from the outside of the building which is capturing your business signage in a way that is easily identifiable. The sign should correspond to the name on your GMB account as well as the area around it so that Google can recognize it.

In case your business doesn’t use permanent signage, then you can consider using Tempory signage or other aids as long as they are reasonable clear.

Functional Tools, Machines, or Employees in Action

These are the cuts which can serve as proof that your business exists. For example, customer being served, employees on their desks, tools and machines in motion etc.

This will demonstrate that the business is indeed functioning. For instance, a restaurant may want to showcase their chefs in the kitchen while a workshop may want to show the tools in action in the workroom.

Organized Interior and Exterior Views

Every aspect of your business should be clean, tidy, and operational when it comes to the inside of your business. Start with an overview of the workspace which includes the areas where consumers are served and products are displayed, as well as the operational floors.

This allows Google to understand how your business works in detail. Do not forget to inform clients about the fact that the premises must also be tidy, because this will be checked during the verification stage.

Recording and Submitting Your Verification Video

Recording and Submitting Your Verification Video

Recording Tips

Frame Properly:

Business signs should be clear in the footage.

Images from all areas that are described by Google need to be shown.

Keep it Steady:

A tripod can help in stabilizing shaky camera footage.

For better exposure, move the camera slowly.

Ensure High Quality:

Proper lighting or recording during the day can help.

Aim for a minimum of 1080p.

Submitting the Video

  • Head to your GMB account.
  • Share the video using the verification pop-up.
  • Make sure to verify the video file size and format (MP4 and MOV are the recommended formats).
  • Check your verification progress after clicking Submit.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

What to Do If Your Video is Rejected

Review Google’s Feedback

Each rejection email or notice often states specific problems.

Re-Record as Necessary

Re-record the video and make sure the problem areas highlighted by Google are properly addressed.

Contact Google Support

Consider posting through GMB support or their support forum.

Comparison Table of Verification Methods

Method Eligibility Pros Cons
Video Verification New or flagged businesses Fast and visual proof May face technical issues
Postcard Verification Most businesses Simple and reliable Takes 5-7 business days
Phone/Email Established businesses Instant Not available for all accounts

Best Practices to Prevent Verification Issues

Maintain Accurate Business Information

Your business name, address, or business category must be current at the time of verification.

Use Reliable Equipment

Invest in a decent camera or smartphone to record videos in better quality.

Follow Google’s Guidelines

Read Google’s documentation to remain free from mistakes.

Plan Ahead

Prepare a script or shot list to increase your chances of capturing all the necessary footage.

My Opinion

While it can be tough to face video verification issues on Google for My Business, I feel that by understanding the challenges, planning in advance, and adhering to Google’s set of policies can help you avoid a majority of problems. If that fails, you can always reach out to Google for support or try other methods to ensure your business gets the verification it needs.

Keep pushing through. Initial challenges should not stop you from creating an online presence through Google My Business.