Introduction

This article is for 

• Multi-location businesses who are either starting their journey with verification and have yet to bulk verify
• Small businesses that need some guidance on getting set up properly.

For a multi-location business, the best recommendation is to get your account status set for bulk verification capability so that you don't have issues with verifications taking up your time - read more here. However, this article provides a foundational overview to help you better grasp Google's myriad requirements for representing your businesses most effectively.

Verification Tips

1. Guidelines 

• Review Google guidelines and make sure you are compliant. Reading through and verifying all aspects of your profile is essential before you try and file for verification.

2. Socials 

• Make sure your business name, address, opening hours,  and URL match all your social links. Many people make the mistake of updating their Google profiles before updating their website, FB and other social platforms. 
• Having consistent data across all your social and website is one way Google can verify your business. An accurate name, address, and phone number (NAPs) are critical to your business.

3. Website 

• If you have a Google Map on your website, ensure it is updated. 
• Ensure your website has been updated with the proper schema representing your business. To learn more about adding accurate local Schema, please follow this page.
• If you have multiple locations, create a dedicated website page for each branch. 
• When adding a website URL to your Google listing, ensure it goes directly to the dedicated Local Page you’ve set up.

4. Profile Photos 

• Add as many photos as possible to your profile, starting with an exterior image that includes your signage (this helps verify the name and helps Google and your customers understand where to enter your business). Window signage is also good, but the key is to add as much as possible. 
• If you serve your customers inside your business, you should photograph as many areas as possible that your customers will see. This also helps Google understand your business in further detail.
• If you serve your customers at their locations, add a photo of your company vehicle if you have branding present. It is not required but can help greatly. 

5. Service Area Businesses 

• You must hide your business address from customers. For example, if you are a plumber and run your business from your residential address, clear the address from your Business Profile. To learn more about Service Area businesses on Google, visit here. 
• Make sure your Service Areas are no farther than a 2-hour drive from where you dispatch to meet customers face-to-face.
• Use your residential address or corporate office location (but keep it hidden) if that is where you dispatch from to meet customers face to face and match your address on your business documents. 

If you’re looking to verify, it depends on the region and the type of verification. Postcard verification can sometimes take up to two weeks. You may also be asked to verify again after verifying once; this is normal in some regions. Especially after major location data changes (address, phone number, etc.).

Suspended or Disabled? Reinstatement Tips

1. Foundations

•  If you’re starting at this stage, follow the steps above and make sure everything is in check first before proceeding. Please review everything thoroughly as Google expects changes to the profile or documentation prior to receiving a reinstatement appeal if the profile does meet guidelines and Google simply is unable to verify the business exists. 

2. Guidelines 

• Review Google guidelines and make sure you are compliant. Reading through and verifying all aspects of your profile is essential before you try and file for verification or reinstatement.

3. Verifying Legitimacy 

• If you want to verify or get reinstated after a suspension, get your business licence and a utility bill. It's always helpful to provide Google with as much information as possible to verify you are a legitimate business. You will not need to share these documents on your profile, but you should have them ready if Google asks via email.

After reviewing all aspects of your profile and ensuring that all updates above are accurate, you can file for reinstatement with Google. Visit Fix Suspended Business profiles. 

Most profiles are reinstated within three business days if you're looking for reinstatement. However, it could take up to two weeks. 

Also, when multiple businesses under one account get suspended, it could be triggered by activity from the user managing or owning the accounts, as opposed to an issue with the company or listing in question.

Things to avoid

1. Do not apply for verification or reinstatement multiple times before hearing back from Google - this will delay the process further.
2. Do not change the location details after you have filed for verification or reinstatement, as it will most likely prompt you to restart the application.
3. For postcard verification when creating a new listing, do not:
   • Use a PO Box or mailbox
   • Use a virtual office location
   • Use a location you do not own/lease