How to Choose a Verifiable Address for Google Business Success
Choosing the right address for your Google Business Profile is essential for successful business verification with Google. It's not just about selecting a business location that puts you on the map, but also about making sure it meets Google's standards for authenticity and aligns with their current verification process.
In this post, we'll explore how to choose a verifiable address for Google Business Profile, discuss the challenges you may face, and provide practical guidance to help secure a legitimate business address for your business account.
By focusing on a verifiable address, you can avoid potential obstacles in the verification process and manage your business on Google confidently across its platforms like Google Maps, Google Search, and the Google Maps app.
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Understanding Google's Verification Process
Google's verification process has evolved significantly over the years. Gone are the days when simply having a PO box was enough to get your business verified on Google Business.
Now, Google is much more stringent, aiming to prevent misuse by ensuring each Google listing represents a legitimate business location. This increased scrutiny means that traditional methods may no longer be effective, leading to headaches for many business owners trying to verify your Google Business profile.
In recent years, Google has moved towards video call and live video call verification, making the process even more complex compared to the earlier Google My Business days. It's essential to understand these changes, especially if you're using a mobile device or desktop computer, so you can avoid complications with your current methods.
Could your current approach be causing more harm than good? Make sure you're following on screen instructions during the process, especially when prompted by a support representative, and avoid relying on outdated methods like postal service-only addresses.
If your submitted footage doesn’t meet verification criteria, Google may delete videos and require you to restart the process, especially if your current location raises red flags.
Why PO Boxes and Shared Spaces Don't Cut It
Using PO boxes, storage units, or shared coworking spaces might seem like convenient solutions, but they often fail in the verification process, especially when the space isn’t designed to serve customers directly.
These options increase the likelihood of having your listing rejected during postcard verification or other verification options if Google flags the address field blank or shared with too many nearby businesses.
For instance, one business attempted to verify your Google Business using a coworking address only to have it flagged and removed later. Here's why these options are problematic:
- Lack of a unique business address, storage room misuse, or non-dedicated business’s physical location
- High risk of being flagged or removed from Google Maps and Google Search
- Potential impact on business credibility and being verified on Google
What Makes an Address Verifiable?
To verify your business is successfully, it's crucial to understand what constitutes a verifiable address in Google's eyes.
A verifiable business address must be unique and standalone, clearly distinguishing your business from others in the same location. This means having a dedicated space with distinct signage and a lease—key requirements when trying to get a verified Google business profile.
Having a verifiable address offers numerous advantages. It increases your visibility on Google Maps and Google Search, enhances your Google Business Profile, and ensures customers find your business easily during relevant search queries.
Essential Features of a Verifiable Address
When looking for a verifiable address, keep these key features in mind:
Unique Address: Ensure your business address is not shared with other businesses at the same location. This reduces confusion for Google services and increases your chances of getting verified on Google.
Business Signage: Display clear signage with your business name and logo. This helps during live video call or video recording verification steps and improves trust with customers who find you on Google Maps.
Directory Presence: Be listed in any building directories to reinforce legitimacy. This is often checked by support representatives during the verification process, especially when businesses share a physical address or operate in office parks.
Examples of acceptable locations include office spaces with distinct suites or standalone buildings. These spaces offer the unique presence needed for successful business verification and reduce conflicts with nearby businesses or those using the same business name.
Additionally, Google requires photographing branded items like a cash register, employee only items, or branded equipment, especially if prompted with on screen instructions.
These details help confirm that your business is a legitimate, service area business or storefront eligible for verification. This legitimacy is critical for long-term success, especially when managing business information across multiple locations or tracking performance through Google Search Console.
How to Secure the Right Address for a Google Business Profile
Finding a suitable business location for your business doesn't have to be daunting. Follow these steps to ensure success:
Research Options: Explore commercial leases and dedicated office spaces that provide unique business addresses and signage opportunities. Avoid outdated tactics and consider whether the space qualifies your business category for instant verification through Google Business Profile.
Avoid Pitfalls: Stay away from shared spaces like coworking environments that may lead to verification code failures or disapprovals from support representatives. Using the same process as other businesses at the location may create conflicts during business verification.
Invest Wisely: Consider the long-term benefits of securing a legitimate address. A strong Google listing improves your ability to manage business profile details through the business profile manager, making it easier to update your business phone number, add marketing materials, and enhance visibility in relevant search queries.
Remember, investing in a proper Google Maps location can significantly impact your visibility and credibility, helping local businesses stand out. A verified address also makes it easier to requesting verification for multiple locations or qualify for bulk verification in the future.
Considerations for Long-Term Success
Securing a legitimate business address is more than just a short-term solution—it’s a strategic investment. Beyond the immediate need for Google Business verification, a proper business’s physical location can boost your brand's credibility and open doors to new opportunities.
Imagine the potential returns, from increased foot traffic and better search results to enhanced trust in Google reviews, all contributing to your business's growth. By thinking long-term, you're setting your business up for sustained success in the competitive digital landscape.
Verified businesses often outperform competitors in local rankings and receive more engagement from potential customers. Taking this step now allows you to scale into service area coverage, experiment with email verification or video call options, and control your online presence through tools like Google Search Console and advanced settings.
Whether you’re setting up your first location or scaling across businesses eligible for bulk verification, your address becomes the anchor for all other data like business name, hours, reviews, and non-sensitive business documents.
Are You Set Up for Google Business Success?
Choosing the right address for Google Business Profile verification is essential for any small business owner or entrepreneur looking to establish a strong online presence. By understanding Google's verification process and securing a legitimate business location, you can significantly enhance your Google listing visibility and verification status.
Once you've secured a legitimate address, you can proceed to gather the necessary non sensitive business documents, boosting your business's visibility and credibility.
If you're ready to take action and secure a legitimate business’s physical location, we’re here to help. Contact us through our website or call us at (505) 365-1545. Your future success starts with the right address and we’ll help you every step of the way.