Why Did Google Reject Your Business Verification Video and What Can You Do About It? Comments Off on Why Did Google Reject Your Business Verification Video and What Can You Do About It?

It seems like more and more new small businesses here in North Scottsdale, particularly in Scottsdale Air Park, the Promenade and Kierland area, are concerned about showing up on Google Maps.

To show up on Google Maps, you first need to create a Google Business Profile. Seems like a no-brainer, but that process requires you to take a video on your phone to prove you are a real business. So, what’s the problem? As many have found, you can film your business, send it in, and then have Google reject it without explaining why. How frustrating to say the least.

Why Does Google Reject Verification Videos?

Google uses automated computer programs and real people to check these videos. They look for very specific details to stop scammers from creating fake listings. If your video misses even one small detail, they will reject it.

Here is a simple guide that explains why your video failed and exactly how to film it correctly the next time.

Three Things Google Needs to See in Your Video

To pass the verification test, your video must show three simple things:

1. Your business location: You must prove your business is at the exact address you typed into Google.
2. That you are a real business: You must show your work area, your tools, or the items you sell.
3. That you are the business owner: You must prove that you actually run the place, not just someone walking by.

If your video misses any of these three things, Google will reject it.

Common Reasons Your Video Was Rejected

The Name Doesn’t Match

Google looks closely at your signage. If your business profile on Google says “Apex Plumbing LLC” but your door sign or van just says “Apex Plumbing,” Google might reject it. Also, temporary signs like a piece of paper taped to a door or a cheap plastic banner do not count. Google wants to see permanent signs.

You Started Inside the Office

Many business owners start filming while standing inside their office or shop. If you do this, Google has no idea where that room actually is. You have to connect the inside of your office to the outside world. If you do not show the street or the outside of the building, the video will fail.

You Paused or Edited the Video

Your video must be one single, continuous recording. You cannot record the street, pause the camera to walk up the stairs, and then start recording again. If the video cuts or jumps, Google will reject it immediately. Moving the camera too fast or filming in the dark will also cause it to fail.

Showing People’s Faces

Google has strict privacy rules. If your video captures the faces of your employees, customers, or even your own face, their automated computers might reject it. They also do not want to see private data, like full credit card numbers on a screen.

No Proof of Ownership

Just walking around a room does not prove you own it. If you do not show yourself unlocking a door or logging into a work computer, Google will think you are just a visitor.

Tips on How to Shoot your New Video

Do not try to upload the same video that was previously rejected. You need to record a brand-new one from start to finish without pausing.

If Customers Visit Your Storefront (Like at The Promenade)

1. Start at the corner: Stand outside on the nearest street corner. Start recording and get the street sign in the frame. Look around slowly to show the other buildings nearby.
2. Walk to the door: Walk continuously toward your building. Hold the camera steady on your building’s physical address number for a few seconds. Then, film your permanent business sign. Make sure the name matches Google exactly.
3. Unlock the door: Hold your keys up to the camera. Film your hand physically unlocking the front door and walking inside.
4. Show your workspace: Walk around your shop. Show the tools you use every day. If you run a salon at Kierland Commons, show the chairs. If you run a bakery, show the ovens.
5. Prove you run the place: Walk behind the counter. Film yourself logging into your business computer or opening the cash register. Hold the camera steady over a printed business license or a utility bill with your business name on it so it is easy to read.

If You Work From Home (Service-Area Businesses)

If you are a plumber, electrician, or cleaner who works from home and hides your home address on Google, you still need to follow these steps:

1. Start on the street: Stand outside your house. Capture your house number and the street sign.
2. Show your work vehicle: Walk up to your work van or truck. Film the license plate, then film the permanent logo or magnets on the side. Use your keys to unlock the vehicle and open the doors to show your tools and equipment inside.
3. Show your home office: If you do not have a branded van, walk straight from your mailbox through your front door and into your home office. Film your desk.
4. Show your tools and paperwork: Film your computer screen showing your business email or invoicing software. Lay out your business cards, flyers, and official tax documents on the desk. Hold the camera still so the text is sharp and readable.

If you would like to learn more about why Google rejected your business verification video and what can you do about it, contact our Scottsdale web design and SEO team today.