We live in a culture of research. We do our homework with almost any purchase—from which new sneakers are the most comfortable for pickleball to which SUV has the best crash-test ratings. It’s also true when it comes to the home service industry. Potential customers are hopping online to find a company they can rely on to fix the pipe that’s leaking, repair the A/C that isn’t conditioning, adjust the outlets that aren’t charging, or provide a deep clean.
Like never before, you need a strong online presence. You want customers to find you and like what they find, and one key is having a Google Business Profile. This guide will lay out why you need one, and help you claim and verify it.
Google Business Profile is a must for local success
- Benefits of verifying your Google Business Profile
- Google Business Profile verification requirements
- Which Google Business Profile verification is the fastest?
- How to tell if my Google Business Profile is verified
- Turn Google searches into sales with Housecall Pro
- With the combined power of a GBP and Housecall Pro, you’ll enjoy:
Benefits of verifying your Google Business Profile
It’s all about visibility. Check out these stats. Recent data suggests that 87% of customers used Google to decide on a business in 2022, a whopping 97% of users learn about local companies online, with the majority of those users learning about them through Google Business Profile panels, and 72% of local searchers visited a business within five miles of their home.
Plus, according to Google’s own research:
- Customers are 2.7 times more likely to consider a business reputable if they find a complete Business Profile on Google Search and Maps.
- Customers are 70% more likely to visit and 50% more likely to consider purchasing from businesses with a complete Business Profile.
Not to mention, verified businesses get over 21,600 views annually in Google searches.
What does that tell us? Customers use Google to quickly find the services they need—and the companies with a verified Google Business Profile are more likely to win those jobs.
Google Business Profile verification requirements
Choose the physical address or service area business (SAB).
This won’t come as a huge shock, but you’ll need a legitimate physical address to set up your Google Business Profile. Many Pros just starting out don’t have a storefront location. That’s okay. You can use your home address. (Some businesses can get around this with video verification. More on that in the FAQs.)
Prepare the following documents:
- GPS-enabled photos of business premises and equipment
- Current utility bills (water, electricity, or gas)
- Business license
- Secretary of State documentation
- Lease agreement or fire inspection report (if applicable)
Find your business.
Run a search and find your business on Google. You can also find it on Google Maps. In the Google Maps app, at the bottom right, tap “Business.” If you have more than one business, go to the top, tap the down arrow, and select the business you want to view.
Google’s various Business Profile verification methods.
According to Google, “You may need to verify your business using more than one method. The methods you need to use depend on factors like your business category, public info, region, or business hours.”
- Video: Record a short video showcasing your business location and operations. Google will prompt you on the specifics. More on this method in the next section.
- Phone or SMS: Click “Get Verified” and select the phone option. Receive a code by call or text, and enter the code to complete verification.
- Email: Select the email option. Make sure the displayed email is correct. Check your inbox and complete the instructions.
- Postcard: Request a postcard from Google with a unique code. You’ll receive it within 5–14 days. Enter the code in your Google Business Profile dashboard.
- Live video call: Google may require a live video call for additional verification. Make sure your internet connection is strong, and be prepared to show proof of ownership or management.
You can review Google’s official guidelines on profile verification here.
Which Google Business Profile verification is the fastest?
The video option is often the fastest way to get verified. Here’s a deeper dive on how to verify your Google Profile with video:
Step 1: Access your Google Business Profile.
- Sign in to your Google account.
- Go to Google Business Profile.
- Select your business, or add a new one if it’s not listed.
Step 2: Choose video as your verification method.
Record a short verification video that captures key details, such as your business location, vehicle, tools, and signage. Follow these best practices:
- Show your business vehicle: Include your company’s logo or branding, if applicable.
- Highlight your tools and workspace: Make sure the tools and office in the video match the type of service you provide.
- Focus on clarity: Keep the video clear and steady.
- Show business signage: Ensure your business name and location are visible.
You can review Google’s official guidelines on video submissions here.
Step 3: Wait for Google’s confirmation
Google typically processes verification within 5 business days. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your profile is verified. If verification takes longer, check for errors or request support.
How to tell if my Google Business Profile is verified
Alright, so you’ve followed the steps. How do you know it worked?
- Sign in to your Google Business Profile. If your profile is verified, you will see a blue checkmark or a “Verified” status in your dashboard.
- Try searching for your business on Google and Google Maps. Verified businesses appear in search results with full details.
- If your profile is still pending, follow up with Google or reattempt verification.
Turn Google searches into sales with Housecall Pro
A Google Business Profile is a great foundation for long-term business growth, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Pair your profile with field service software from Housecall Pro to help streamline appointment booking, get leads directly from Google, and automate your review management. More search results, more online bookings, more reviews.
With the combined power of a GBP and Housecall Pro, you’ll enjoy:
- Instant online booking – Customers can book your services directly from Google Search and Maps.
- Increased visibility – With a blue booking button, Housecall Pro helps you stand out in local search results.
- Seamless scheduling and automation – Housecall Pro syncs your calendar and sends automated appointment reminders.
- Higher ranking in local search – Reviews are a ranking factor in local SEO. Housecall Pro increases your online reputation by automating review requests on your Google Business Profile after every job.
