Verification Issues

Verification proves you own or represent the business. Problems with verification can delay your listing going live.

Understanding Verification

Why Verification Matters

• Proves business legitimacy
• Enables all GBP features
• Required to appear in search
• Protects against fraud

Verification Methods

• Postcard: Most common, mailed to address
• Phone: Automated call with code
• Email: For eligible businesses
• Video: Record/live video verification
• Instant: For some established businesses

Common Problems

Postcard Never Arrived

Possible causes:

• Wrong address entered
• Mail delivery issues
• Postcard lost or discarded
• Incorrect postal code

Solutions:

1. Verify address is exactly correct
2. Check with mail handlers
3. Look in spam/junk areas
4. Request new postcard
5. Wait full 14 days before re-requesting

Prevention:

• Double-check address before requesting
• Inform mail handlers to watch for Google mail
• Consider mail forwarding if applicable

Postcard Code Expired

Issue: Codes expire after 30 days

Solution:

1. Request a new postcard
2. Don't change address while waiting
3. Enter code as soon as received

Code Doesn't Work

Possible causes:

• Typo when entering code
• Code from old postcard
• Multiple postcards requested
• Address changed after request

Solutions:

1. Double-check code entry
2. Use most recent postcard
3. Request fresh postcard
4. Contact support if persistent

Phone Verification Not Available

Possible causes:

• Business type not eligible
• Phone number issues
• Google's verification options

Solutions:

1. Try again later
2. Ensure phone number is correct
3. Use landline if possible
4. Fall back to postcard method

Video Verification Issues

Requirements:

• Clear video of exterior/signage
• Interior showing business operation
• Business documents visible
• Location must be identifiable

Common failures:

• Video too short or unclear
• Signage not visible
• Can't verify location
• Documents not legible

Solutions:

1. Follow instructions exactly
2. Good lighting and steady camera
3. Show all required elements
4. Re-record if rejected

Service Area Business Verification

Challenges

• No physical storefront
• Address may be residential
• Limited verification options

Solutions

1. Use your home/office address (can be hidden)
2. Provide additional documentation
3. Be patient with process
4. Contact support if needed

Documentation Needed

• Business license
• Service vehicle photos
• Equipment or supplies
• Customer contracts/invoices

Multi-Location Verification

Bulk Verification

For 10+ locations:

• Request bulk verification
• Provide spreadsheet of locations
• Google reviews and verifies
• Faster than individual verification

Requirements

• Legitimate multi-location business
• All locations under one account
• Consistent business information
• May require additional documentation

Process

1. Add all locations to account
2. Request bulk verification
3. Provide required documentation
4. Wait for Google review
5. All locations verified together

Troubleshooting Specific Methods

Postcard Verification

Best Practices:

• Use exact legal address
• Include suite/unit if applicable
• Correct postal code
• Inform mail recipients

If multiple requests fail:

1. Try different verification method
2. Contact Google support
3. Verify address is serviceable
4. Check for address issues with postal service

Phone Verification

Requirements:

• Must be business phone (not personal)
• Answer within a few rings
• Automated system reads code
• Write down code immediately

Troubleshooting:

• Ensure phone is connected
• Disable voicemail temporarily
• Don't have calls forwarded
• Be ready to answer

Email Verification

Requirements:

• Business domain email
• Not Gmail/Yahoo/etc.
• Domain matches website
• Active email address

Troubleshooting:

• Check spam folder
• Ensure email is correct
• Try different email at same domain
• Wait and retry

Video Verification

Live Video:

• Google representative joins video call
• Show exterior, signage, interior
• Provide documentation
• Answer questions

Recorded Video:

• Upload recorded walkthrough
• Must meet all requirements
• Clear and stable footage
• All elements visible

When Verification Keeps Failing

Contact Support

1. Go to GBP help
2. Select verification issues
3. Describe your situation
4. Provide documentation
5. Request manual review

Documentation to Provide

• Business registration
• Utility bills at address
• Lease agreement
• Photos of location
• Previous correspondence

Escalation Path

1. Self-service options first
2. GBP support contact
3. Request escalation
4. Social media (last resort)

After Verification

Immediate Steps

1. Complete your profile
2. Add photos
3. Set accurate hours
4. Request reviews

Maintain Verification

• Don't change address unnecessarily
• Keep phone number active
• Respond to any Google notices
• Monitor for issues

Key Takeaways

1. Double-check all information before requesting verification
2. Be patient—some methods take time
3. Have documentation ready
4. Contact support if problems persist
5. Don't make changes while waiting for verification