Free shot-list builder · Google help pages checked 6 November 2026

Pass Google Business Profile video verification first time

Google now asks many businesses to verify by recording a video. A rejected video can leave your profile unverified for weeks. Answer three questions to get a shot list for your type of business, then check it against the reasons Google gives for rejecting videos.

How do customers reach you?They visit my shop, office or clinicI go to them (plumber, cleaner, tutor, delivery)

Is there permanent signage with your business name, matching your profile?YesOnly a temporary banner or paper signNo signage

What can you show to prove you run it?Open the till or use the card machine / point-of-saleUnlock the premises or a staff-only areaA business permit, invoice or utility bill in the business nameBranded vehicle or work toolsNothing yet

Google's rules for the video

• "An unedited, unique, and complete recording with no breaks", "at least 30 seconds long."
• Recorded live and uploaded from a phone: "pre-recorded videos aren't allowed."
• Don't show bank, tax or ID numbers, other private information, or other people's faces.
• Storefront: street signs or nearby landmarks, permanent signage with the same name as your profile, and proof you manage the business.
• Service-area: landmarks at your address, your tools or branded vehicle, and proof of management such as a permit, invoice or utility bill in the business name.
• Review takes up to 5 business days. Google picks which verification methods you're offered, and you can't change them.

Why videos get rejected

Google's own examples of review feedback: "Business name not visible on storefront", "No nearby area shown", and "Missing proof of authorization to operate the business." In practice, the fixes are:

• Start outside, film the street name or a landmark, then walk to your sign without stopping.
• Hold the sign in frame for a few seconds; make sure it reads exactly like your profile name.
• Show something only the owner or staff can do: unlock the door, open the till, use the card machine.
• Record in daylight with a steady hand. Don't cut, speed up or add music.

Why profiles get suspended

• A PO box or a virtual office as the address: Google suspends profiles with a PO box.
• Google decides the business doesn't exist at the address you gave.
• The business type isn't eligible, such as online-only businesses and lead generators.
• Problems with the owner's Google account, or with the merchant account the profile belongs to. A restricted account suspends every profile in it.

To appeal, use Google's own help pages "Fix suspended profiles" and "Fix disabled profiles" in Google Business Profile Help. Send real evidence: signage photos, a business licence, a utility bill in the business name. Never pay anyone who promises guaranteed reinstatement.

Selling online too? Run the free Google Merchant Center check.

Sources: Google Business Profile Help, "Verify your business on Google" (answer 7107242), "Verify your business with video" (answer 14271705) and "Business Profile restrictions" (answer 13762416), read 6 November 2026.