Why was my location verification rejected?

A location verification is usually rejected because Google could not confirm that your business really operates at the address in the profile, or because the profile breaks the guidelines for representing a business. Typical reasons are a virtual office or P.O. box, missing signage, a business name with extra keywords, details changed during verification, or video material that does not show location and ownership clearly.

Google decides which verification methods you get, based on business type, public information, region and opening hours. You cannot choose the method yourself. After you complete the steps, Google reviews the information, which according to Google takes up to five business days, in rare cases longer.

What are the most common reasons for a rejection?

• Address not eligible. P.O. boxes, mailboxes at remote locations and virtual offices are not acceptable. An office in a co-working space only counts if it has clear signage, receives customers and is staffed by your own team during business hours.
• No permanent signage. Businesses that show their address should have permanent, fixed signage with the business name at that address. Without it, a video often cannot prove the location.
• Name does not match reality. The name in the profile should match the name on your sign, website and stationery. Added keywords, locations or slogans break the guidelines.
• Wrong business type. If you visit customers instead of receiving them, you are a service-area business and should hide your address. Showing a home address as a storefront often leads to problems.
• Details changed during verification. If you edit the name, address or category while a postcard code is on its way, the code no longer works.
• Video not accepted. If you verified by video and see a “Review issues” notice, the recording did not show enough. Google expects outside signs or a street sign, your products or equipment, and proof that you manage the business, such as access to staff-only areas.
• Duplicate profile. If another profile already exists for the same business, the new one can conflict with it.

How do I fix the problem and verify again?

1. Check eligibility first. Compare your location with the guidelines for representing your business. If the address is a virtual office, no new attempt will help.
2. Align the details. Make name, address and phone number identical in the profile, on your website and on your signage. Use the address format that Google Maps shows for your location.
3. Set the right business type. As a service-area business, hide the address and set a service area instead.
4. Search for duplicates. Search Google and Maps for your name and address. If you find an existing profile, request ownership instead of creating a second one.
5. Prepare the video carefully. Record at the location without cuts: outside sign and street, then the inside with products or tools, then proof of management, for example unlocking the door.
6. Verify again. When “Get verified” appears on your profile again, start a new attempt and try the other methods offered. Do not change core details while it is running.

When should I contact support?

If your location clearly meets the guidelines, the details are consistent and repeated attempts still fail, contact Google Business Profile support through the help center. It helps to have photos of your signage and documents such as a business registration or a lease for the address at hand. Google also verifies some profiles instantly, for example when the website is verified in Search Console.

Do not just try again. First make sure the location is eligible, the details match everywhere and the video proves location and ownership. Only then start a new verification.

Sources

• Google Business Profile Help: Verify your business on Google
• Google Business Profile Help: Guidelines for representing your business
• Google Business Profile Help: Add or claim your Business Profile

Is your verification stuck and you do not know why? We check your location against the guidelines, align your business data and prepare the next attempt with you. Book a free intro call or read more about our search engine optimisation.