How Can I Verify My Google My Business Account If I Don’t Have an Office?

Short Answer: If you don’t have a physical office, you can set up a service area business on Google My Business and verify your account through instant video verification or a live video call with Google support. You’ll need to show your service van, equipment, business card, and proof of your service area address to complete the verification process.

Full Explanation

Google My Business allows businesses without a physical office to create a service area profile. This means you can verify your account even if you operate at customer locations or remotely. Since Google has removed postcard verification as an option, verification now primarily relies on video verification methods.

By showcasing elements like your service van, magnetic signage or any painting related to your business, along with your equipment and a business card, you provide proof of your legitimate operations. These visual proofs help Google confirm the authenticity of your business.

Additionally, the verification includes proving your service location. You’ll need to display an address marker or street sign to assure Google that your claimed service area is accurate. This process helps to maintain Google My Business’s reliability and ensures customers find credible service providers nearby.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Set up a Service Area Business: When creating your profile, select the option to specify your service area instead of a physical office location.
Prepare Verification Materials: Gather evidence such as a photo or video of your service van, any magnetic signs or branded paintings on it, your equipment, business cards, and address markers.
Attempt Instant Video Verification: Use Google’s instant video verification feature to show these materials live to Google’s verification system.
If Instant Verification Fails: Contact Google support to request a live video call verification.
Live Video Call Verification: During the call, a support member will ask for your address. You need to show an address marker to prove your location live, then display the street sign and your service card to finalize verification.

Real Examples

For instance, a mobile repair technician without a business office can verify their presence by showing the branded van they use for house calls along with their tools and service cards during the video verification. Displaying the street sign where they currently are also confirms their operational area.

Similarly, a plumbing service using magnetic signage on their truck can successfully pass verification by presenting these items and their business cards in the live video verification call, proving they service clients without having a fixed office location.

Common Mistakes

Not showing all required verification items such as the service van, signage, or business cards during verification.
Failing to demonstrate proof of the service area by neglecting to show an address marker or street sign.
Attempting to verify using the removed postcard option, which Google no longer supports.
Being unprepared for a live video call and not having visual proof ready, resulting in failed verification attempts.

FAQs

Is a physical office necessary to verify Google My Business?: No, you can verify a service area business without a physical office by using video verification methods.
What should I show during Google My Business verification if I don’t have an office?: You should show your service van with branding, your equipment, business cards, and proof of your address such as an address marker or street sign.
What happens if instant video verification doesn’t work?: You can contact Google support to schedule a live video call where a support member will verify your business location and credentials live.
Can I still verify my business by postcard?: No, Google has removed the postcard verification option for businesses without office locations.

Key Takeaways

Service area businesses without a physical office can still verify their Google My Business account.
Verification relies on video methods where you showcase your vehicle, signage, equipment, and service address proof.
Live video calls with Google support provide an alternative if instant video verification fails.
Ensure you are prepared with proper visual evidence to complete verification smoothly.