Do I Need a Walkthrough Video to Set Up a Google My Business (GMB) Profile?

Short Answer: You do not necessarily need to create a walkthrough video to set up your Google My Business profile. The requirement depends on whether you want to display your business address on your GMB or not. If you aim for a service area GMB without showing your address, no permanent signage or office visibility is needed. However, if you want your address visible on the profile, you must prove your location by showing an office with permanent signage.

Full Explanation

When setting up a Google My Business profile, the key factor dictating the need for a walkthrough or visual proof relates to whether your address will be publicly shown. For service-area businesses that choose not to list their physical address, there is no obligation to have any permanent signage or an office displayed. This means you can maintain privacy while optimizing your presence for your service area.

Conversely, if you decide to include your physical address on your GMB profile, Google requires that you demonstrate the existence of that location. This generally means having an office space with permanent signage that confirms your business’s physical presence. This step is crucial for Google to validate your business location and help potential customers find you reliably.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Determine if your business operates in a service area only and if you want to keep your address private.
If you do not want your address shown, you can set up your GMB profile without displaying any signage or physical office images.
If you want your address to appear on your GMB, ensure you have a visible office with permanent signage to prove your location.
Provide the necessary photos or evidence during your GMB setup or verification process to confirm your address.

Real Examples

A service area business such as a home cleaning service might set up their GMB profile without showing any physical address or signage, thus avoiding the need for a walkthrough video or office pictures.

On the other hand, a local retail store that wants to attract customers by displaying its store location would need to show an office location with permanent signage as proof, which may involve uploading images or walkthrough videos during verification.

Common Mistakes

Assuming a walkthrough video is always required for GMB setup, even when not displaying an address.
Not providing any proof of location when showing an address on the profile, which can delay or prevent verification.
Confusing service area businesses with storefront businesses, leading to unnecessary effort or documentation.

FAQs

Do I have to show my business address if I don’t want customers to visit in person?: No, you can set up a service area GMB profile without displaying your address, and you won’t need to show permanent signage or an office.
Can I use a walkthrough video to help prove my business location?: Yes, if you choose to display your address, a walkthrough video showing your office and signage can serve as proof of location but it is not mandatory if other verification methods are sufficient.
What happens if I display an address but don’t provide visible signage or office proof?: Your GMB profile may not be verified or could be suspended because Google requires proof that your business operates at the listed address.

Key Takeaways

A walkthrough video is not required to set up a GMB unless you need to prove a physical location.
Service area businesses can keep their address private without providing signage or office images.
If you want your address shown on GMB, be ready to prove your location with an office and permanent signage.
Proper location verification is important to maintain your GMB profile’s accuracy and Google’s trust.