Is a Verified Google Business Profile Enough to Succeed Online Today?

Spoiler alert: The answer is "No." Creating and verifying your Google Business Profile is NOT enough to succeed online today, particularly for local businesses.

However...

Your Google Business Profile is still very important. And you should take the time to build one and complete the video verification process.

But a lot of local businesses don't realize that there's a lot that goes into getting found online. For example, you could NOT have a verified Google Business Profile and still have a website the lands near the top of search results when customers search for your services near them. Similarly, it's POSSIBLE for your Google Business Profile to rank pretty high in search results even without a website.

Regardless, you should have both - a website and a verified Google Business Profile. You should also be listed on all the major directories (we'll talk about that in a moment). This is what a full online presence looks like. Having one without the others makes it easy for your competitors to rank above you in a local search results.

Is it worth having a Google Business Profile?

You might be wondering if it's worth the effort to create and verify a Google Business Profile in the first place. The short answer is yes. Here’s why:

1. Visibility: When people search for services like yours on Google, a verified Google Business Profile makes your business more likely to appear in search results. This means more potential customers can find you. Your verified profile will show up in Google's local Map Pack, which is the map view on a search results page. 

2. Trust: Having a verified profile shows that your business is legitimate. Customers are more likely to trust a business that has a complete and verified Google profile.

3. Customer Interaction: Your Google Business Profile allows customers to leave reviews, ask questions, and see your business hours and contact information. This helps build a relationship with your customers.

4. Free Marketing: A Google Business Profile is free to create and maintain. It provides a simple way to market your business online without spending a lot of money.

However, the recent video verification requirement has made the process more challenging, and you can read more about that process here. Many business owners are finding it difficult to get their profiles verified, leading to delays and frustration. Despite these challenges, the benefits of having a Google Business Profile far outweigh the difficulties.

Which types of businesses need a verified GMB?

A verified Google Business Profile is most critical for local businesses. Once your profile is live and visible to the public, people searching for "X near me" are likely to find you.

First, local brick-and-mortar business need verified GMBs for obvious reasons. The number of people preferring Google Maps to other map apps is in the billions worldwide. Having a verified profile where you've properly added your description and categories ensures that people can find you and get directions to your location.

Second, local service businesses should have verified GMBs so that they can be visible in a service area. You will be able to show a list of services and establish your local service area in order to show up for local search results.

Among the most common local service business industries are...

• Home Cleaners
• Commercial Cleaners
• Auto Detailers
• Landscapers
• Plumbers
• Contractors
• Electricians
• HVAC Technicians
• Roofers
• Painters
• Handymen
• Carpenters
• Pest Control Services
• Pool Cleaning Services
• Carpet Cleaners
• Window Cleaners
• Movers
• Locksmiths
• Appliance Repair Technicians
• Garage Door Repair Services
• Pressure Washing Services
• Tree Services
• Lawn Care Services
• Snow Removal Services
• Gutter Cleaning Services
• Flooring Installers
• Fence Installers
• Security System Installers
• Septic Services
• General Maintenance Services
• Remodeling Services
• Solar Panel Installers
• Water Damage Restoration Services
• Junk Removal Services
• IT Support Services
• Home Organization Services
• Upholstery Cleaners
• Interior Designers
• Plasterers and Drywallers
• Tile and Grout Cleaning Services

Does it cost money to verify your business on Google?

No, your Google Business Profile is 100% free. Even if you have some difficulty with the video verification process, it's well worth your time to set up and verify your profile, because it costs you nothing.

If you're interested in boosting your profile further, you can invest in Google Ads or Local Service Ads. Just know that paying for ads is typically more expensive than building a full online presence that helps you show up naturally in local search results.

How many days does it take for Google to verify your business?

If you're using the video verification method (which is 90% of business owners today), Google might tell you that it needs a couple of days to process your request.

The real answer is that Google is backed up on verification requests. There are also reports of a lot of bugs in Google's verification process. So the real answer to this question is that it could take anywhere from a week to a few months before your profile is live, unless you contact Google Support.

Why is Google taking so long to verify my business?

Let's focus on this problem: Why is Google taking so long to verify my business?

You’ve created your Google Business Profile and submitted the required video for verification, but your profile is still not visible. Why is this happening?

Here are some common reasons why Google might be taking a long time to verify your business:

1. High Volume of Requests: Many business owners are trying to verify their profiles at the same time. This high demand can cause delays as Google processes each request. Submitting a support ticket and staying in contact with support until you're verified is key.

2. Technical Issues: Sometimes, there are technical problems on Google’s end that can slow down the verification process. These issues might be related to their servers or the way they handle video uploads. Again, you'll have to submit a Google Support ticket to resolve this.

3. Detailed Review Process: Google wants to ensure that each business profile is legitimate and accurate. The video verification process is more thorough and can take longer because Google reviewers need to watch each video and confirm the details.

4. Inaccurate or Incomplete Videos: If the video you submitted doesn’t clearly show your business location, signage, or other required details, Google may need to ask for more information or a new video. This back-and-forth can add to the delay.

5. Security Checks: To prevent fraud and fake listings, Google performs various security checks during the verification process. These checks are essential but can also contribute to longer wait times.

While these delays are frustrating, it’s important to be patient and make sure you’ve followed all of Google’s instructions carefully. Double-check your video submission to ensure it meets all the requirements. If you’ve been waiting for an extended period, you might want to contact Google Support for assistance.

Million-dollar tip: Email Google daily until you're verified.

When you submit a Google Support ticket to get help for your profile verification, you'll instantly get a bot email letting you know that they received your request.

What you can do is reply to that email, and you should. In fact, we recommend that you email Google on a daily basis. You can simply say, "Why is my profile not yet verified?" Being a "squeaky wheel" will escalate your issue.

Google Support will only work with you over email. So be patient and continue the daily email reply approach until you hear back from them. If they ask you to submit a copy of your business license or a photo of your wrapped vehicle, give it to them as soon as possible and then always sign off with, "When will my profile be verified?"

Keep this up, and mostly likely you will be verified in days. We're sad that it's come to this, but the end result is worth the effort. 

Is Google My Business more important than a website?

Many local service business owners wonder if having a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is more important than having a website. The truth is, both are important, but they serve different purposes. Here’s a breakdown of why each is valuable:

Google Business Profile:

1. Local Visibility: When people search for services like yours on Google, your business profile helps you show up in local search results and Google Maps. This makes it easy for local customers to find you.

2. Quick Information: Your Google Business Profile displays essential information like your business hours, contact details, and customer reviews right in the search results. This quick access can attract more customers.

3. Customer Interaction: Customers can leave reviews, ask questions, and see updates directly on your profile. This interaction helps build trust and engagement with your audience.

4. Cost-Effective: Setting up and maintaining a Google Business Profile is free. It’s a low-cost way to improve your online presence.

Website:

1. Control and Customization: With a website, you have full control over the content, design, and functionality. You can showcase your services, share detailed information, and create a unique brand experience.

2. Credibility: A professional website adds credibility to your business. It shows that you’re established and serious about your services.

3. Detailed Information: While your Google Business Profile provides basic information, a website allows you to go in-depth. You can include detailed descriptions of your services, blog posts, FAQs, and more.

4. Marketing and Sales: Your website can be a powerful marketing tool. You can use it for online advertising, lead generation, and even e-commerce if you sell products or services online.

The Bottom Line:

Both a Google Business Profile and a website are essential for your online success. Your Google Business Profile helps you get found in local searches and provides quick, essential information to potential customers. Your website, on the other hand, offers a deeper look into your business and helps establish your credibility. Together, they create a strong online presence that can attract and convert customers.

What does it mean to have a full online presence?

Having a full online presence means your business can be found and interacted with across various online platforms. This is crucial for attracting new customers and maintaining relationships with existing ones. Here’s what it involves:

1. Website:

   • Home Base: Acts as the central hub for your business online, providing detailed information about your services, pricing, and contact information.
   • Professional Image: Establishes credibility and professionalism.
   • Content: Offers valuable content like blog posts, FAQs, and detailed service descriptions to educate and inform customers.

2. Social Media:

   • Engagement: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow you to engage with customers, share updates, and promote your services.
   • Reach: Helps you reach a broader audience and attract new customers.
   • Brand Personality: Allows you to showcase your brand’s personality and values.

3. Online Directories:

   • Google Business Profile: The most important online directory for local businesses, ensuring visibility in local searches and providing essential information like business hours, contact details, and customer reviews.
   • Other Directories: There are 30-60 other important online directories, such as Yelp, Angie’s List, and Yellow Pages, where you should list your business. These directories help improve your online presence and make it easier for potential customers to find you.
   • Consistency: Make sure your business information is consistent across all directories to avoid confusion.

Putting It All Together:

A full online presence means being where your customers are and making it easy for them to find, learn about, and interact with your business. It’s about creating multiple touchpoints that work together to build your brand, attract new customers, and keep existing ones engaged. By combining a professional website, active social media accounts, and listings on important online directories (including Google Business Profile), you create a robust online presence that helps your business thrive.

Quick Recap: Having a verified Google Business Profile is important, but's just the beginning to getting found online.

Creating and verifying your Google Business Profile is a crucial first step for any local service business owner. It boosts your visibility in local searches, builds trust with customers, and provides essential information quickly and easily. However, it’s just the beginning.

To truly succeed online, you need to:

• Maintain a Professional Website: Your website acts as the central hub of your online presence, offering detailed information about your services and establishing your credibility.
• Engage on Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter help you connect with customers, share updates, and showcase your brand’s personality.
• List on Multiple Online Directories: Besides Google Business Profile, make sure your business is listed on other important directories like Yelp, Angie’s List, and Yellow Pages. Consistency across these platforms is key.

By combining these elements, you create a comprehensive online presence that makes it easy for customers to find, learn about, and interact with your business. This multi-faceted approach is essential for attracting new customers and maintaining relationships with existing ones.