How to Verify Your Business Location on Google (Even If You Work from Home)

Getting your business verified on Google is one of the most important steps in being found online. It allows your business to appear on Google Maps and in local search results, showing customers where you’re based and how to contact you.

However, if you work from home or don’t have a shopfront, you might run into problems when Google asks for video verification. This guide explains how the process works, what Google is looking for, and how you can successfully complete it.

Why Google Asks for Verification

Google uses verification to confirm that your business:

• Actually exists at the address you’ve provided

• Is operated by you (the person managing the listing)

• Matches the type of business you’ve claimed

In recent years, Google has moved towards video verification as a way of reducing fraud. It’s particularly common for service-based or home-based businesses that don’t have a physical shop or office open to the public.

Understanding Video Verification

During the video verification process, you’ll use your smartphone camera to record and submit a short video showing:

1. Your workspace – the area where you operate your business from

2. Business-related items such as branded paperwork, tools, uniforms, business cards, or a computer screen showing your website or emails

3. Proof of location such as something that connects your business to your home address, for example a house number on the door, street sign, or piece of mail with your address visible

4. Proof of ownership you may also be asked to show yourself interacting with these items to confirm authenticity

You don’t need a shop sign or an office. Google just wants to see legitimate evidence that you run your business from where you say you do.

Step-by-Step: Completing Video Verification

1. Log into Google Business Profile
   Go to business.google.com and sign in using the account linked to your listing.

2. Start the Verification Process
   If video verification is required, you’ll see this option when you click “Verify now”.

3. Prepare Your Proof
   Make sure your phone has a good internet connection.
   Have your business tools, documents, or branding ready to show.
   If you work from home, you can show your home office setup or storage area.

4. Record the Video
   Follow the on-screen prompts and capture a continuous video that includes:

   • Your face (to confirm identity)

   • Your workspace or home office area

   • Anything that links your business to your address or brand

5. Submit the Video
   The video is uploaded securely to Google for review. It usually takes a few days for Google to confirm the verification.

Tips for Home-Based and Service Businesses

If you don’t want your home address to be visible online:

• You can still verify it privately with Google.

• Once verified, edit your profile to show “Service Area Business” instead of displaying your exact address.

• Add your service areas (for example Lincoln, Newark, Grantham) so customers still see where you operate.

Do not use a virtual office, PO box, or rented mailbox address as Google will usually reject these because they don’t prove a genuine business location.

Common Reasons Verification Fails

• You didn’t show enough proof of your location or connection to the business

• The video was too short or skipped key parts (for example signage or workspace)

• The address provided doesn’t match official records or your documents

• You tried to verify a shared building or coworking space without proof of dedicated space

If your verification is rejected, you can usually retry the process or contact Google Business Profile support for help.

What to Do If You’re Stuck

If you’ve tried video verification a few times without success:

1. Visit Google Business Profile Help

2. Click “Contact Us” or “Get Help” to speak with support via chat or email

3. Explain that you operate a home-based service business and can provide additional evidence

Be patient. Support teams can manually review your case and may approve your business after confirming details.

Final Thoughts

Google’s video verification can feel frustrating, especially when you work from home and don’t have visible signage. But remember, it’s there to keep listings accurate and trustworthy.

As long as you can clearly show that your business is real, registered, and operated from your stated address, you should be able to complete the process successfully.

Once verified, your profile will appear across Google Search and Maps, helping local customers find and contact you with ease.