What Edwardsville, IL Business Owners Need To Know About The Video Verification Process On Google Business Profile

For small business owners in Edwardsville, IL, standing out in local search results can make all the difference. Whether you’re running a café near Main Street, a roofing company, or a boutique, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first impression customers get when they search for your services. But before your profile can fully go live, Google may require you to complete a video verification process. This step can feel intimidating at first, but it’s designed to protect both businesses and customers by ensuring that only legitimate companies are listed. Understanding how this process works will help you prepare, avoid delays, and start reaping the benefits of being verified on Google Maps and Search.

Why Google Requires Video Verification

Google’s goal is to keep search results trustworthy. Fake business listings are unfortunately common, and they can harm both consumers and real businesses. Through video verification, Google can make sure that:

• Your business is physically located where you claim.
• You have access to the premises.
• Your business operations are real and not misleading.

For Edwardsville business owners, this is particularly important because local competition is strong, and having a verified profile means your business is more likely to show up in searches like “restaurants near me” or “best fence installers Edwardsville IL.”

What You’ll Need Before Starting

To complete the video verification successfully, you’ll need a few things ready:

1. A smartphone or device with a camera: This is required since you’ll be recording and uploading directly to Google.
2. Access to your business location: You’ll need to be physically present at the storefront, office, or job site associated with your listing.
3. Evidence of signage or branding: This might include your outdoor sign, logo on the door, or branded materials.
4. Proof of business operations: For example, showing the inside of your workspace, equipment, or inventory.

Preparation is key. Edwardsville business owners who gather these elements beforehand often complete the process without hiccups.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Process

Here’s what typically happens during the Google Business Profile video verification:

1. Receive the Request from Google: When you set up or claim your profile, Google will prompt you for verification. Sometimes you’ll have options like postcard or phone verification, but many new businesses are asked for video verification.

2. Follow the Prompts: Google will walk you through the process inside the Business Profile dashboard. You’ll be asked to use your camera to record a continuous video that proves you operate where you say you do.

3. Record Your Video: The video should include:

• The exterior of your business, showing signage, street views, or landmarks nearby.
• The interior of your business, highlighting your setup, equipment, or inventory.
• Any official documents or tools of the trade that reinforce your legitimacy.

4. Submit for Review: Once recorded, the video is submitted to Google. Their team will review it—usually within a few days. If approved, your business profile becomes verified, and you’ll gain full access to manage reviews, post updates, and appear in Maps searches.

Common Challenges Edwardsville Business Owners Face

While the process sounds straightforward, some business owners run into issues:

• No storefront: Service-based businesses like contractors, landscapers, or mobile services may not have a traditional storefront. In these cases, Google recommends filming your work vehicle with branding, tools, or supplies stored inside.
• Unclear signage: If your outdoor sign is hard to read or missing, the verification may be delayed. Even a temporary sign or logo sticker can help.
• Low-quality video: If the recording is blurry or shaky, Google may reject it. Use proper lighting and keep your phone steady for the best results.

For Edwardsville’s many service-based businesses—like HVAC companies or lawn care services—showing the inside of your work truck, your equipment, and paperwork tied to your business can be enough.

Why This Matters for Edwardsville Businesses

Verification is more than a formality—it’s a step that builds trust and boosts your visibility. Once approved, your Google Business Profile helps you:

• Show up in local searches when customers look for services ‘near me.’
• Display reviews that build credibility in the Edwardsville community.
• Post updates and offers that engage new customers.
• Access valuable insights on how customers are discovering your business online.

For a city like Edwardsville, where residents often look for businesses online before making a decision, showing up verified can directly impact your bottom line.

Tips for a Smooth Video Verification

If you’re preparing to go through the process, keep these tips in mind:

• Plan your route before recording: Decide what you’ll show in order: exterior, signage, interior, documents, equipment.
• Keep it continuous: Don’t stop recording midway. Google requires one unedited video.
• Double-check your surroundings: Make sure your signage and space are clean and clearly show your business identity.
• Be patient: It can take several days for Google to complete the review process. Avoid resubmitting unless Google specifically requests it.
• Don’t get discouraged if it takes more than one try: Sometimes Google may ask for another video to clarify details. Treat it as part of the process, not a setback.

If you are looking for a company who can help verify and manage your Edwardsville, IL business’ Google Business Profile listing, call Hometown Marketing Group today!