How to Prepare for Google’s Advanced Verification Process
If your business relies on Google to show up in local searches—especially for services like locksmiths, garage door repair, HVAC, plumbing, or other high-trust industries—you may have encountered something called Google’s Advanced Verification Process. And let’s be real—it can be confusing, annoying, and slightly terrifying. Why is Google asking for business documents, video verifications, or even background checks? Is this a scam? Is your Google Business Profile at risk? You’re not alone in wondering. At EVpro Marketing, we’ve helped many local service providers through this very process. In this guide, we’ll break it all down into plain-English steps, so you can know exactly what to expect and how to get it done right the first time. Let’s dig in. What Is Google’s Advanced Verification? Advanced Verification is Google’s way of checking that certain local businesses are real, legitimate, and operating within legal and ethical standards. It primarily applies to industries that have historically been vulnerable to fraud or abuse. If your business falls within these categories, Google may flag it for a deeper verification before letting you run ads or update your profile. Industries Commonly Affected If you’re in a service industry where trust is everything, chances are your business may be flagged for Advanced Verification. Google pays special attention to industries that have seen higher rates of fraud or misrepresentation in the past. That’s why certain types of businesses—especially those that enter people’s homes—are more likely to be required to complete this process. Locksmiths Garage door repair HVAC services Plumbing Electricians Other “home services” in select areas, especially high-population metro zones like Austin, Los Angeles, or Phoenix Important: This is not the same as the standard Google Business Profile verification (like a postcard or phone call). This is a stricter process, especially if you want to run Google Local Service Ads or certain Google Ads campaigns. Why Does Google Use Advanced Verification? Google wants to protect users from scams and ensure that businesses listed on its platform are who they say they are. This protects Google’s credibility—and more importantly, it protects your potential customers from being misled by fake or shady businesses that buy fake reviews or misrepresent their services. How Do You Know If You’re Required to Complete Advanced Verification? Google will typically notify you directly if you need to go through the process. This can happen when: You try to set up a Local Services Ads account. You attempt to advertise with Google Ads in a restricted category. You update or create a Google Business Profile in a high-risk industry or location. If you’re not sure, you can always try to set up ads, and Google will alert you if you’re required to start the advanced verification. Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Google’s Advanced Verification Let’s walk through the major components so you’ll be ready (and confident) to pass the first time. 1. Understand What Google Will Ask For The process can vary slightly based on your industry and location, but in general, here’s what you’ll need: Legal Information Business license, registrations, or permits (if applicable) Proof of physical address (utility bill, lease, etc.) Personal IDs of business owners or managers Video Verification A live or pre-recorded walkthrough of your business location, vehicles, tools/equipment, and signage Background Checks (for some service industries) Authorized representatives may need to undergo a background check through Google’s verification partner, typically Pinkerton or Evident Website and Online Presence Review Google may cross-check addresses, phone numbers, and branding across your website and external platforms 2. Gather Your Documentation Before Starting Trying to scramble for this mid-process is stressful. Instead, here’s what to have on hand: Item Description Business License Make sure the name matches your Business Profile Utility Bill or Lease Shows your name and business address Driver’s License or Government ID For you and other owners if requested Photos of Workspace/Signage Indoor and outdoor shots are helpful Service Van/Truck Photos Especially important for mobile businesses 3. Schedule Time to Film the Video Walkthrough Google takes the video part seriously. If required, you’ll either: Join a real-time video call with a reviewer, or Be asked to submit a pre-recorded video showing your place of business Tips for a Successful Video Walkthrough: The video walkthrough is your chance to prove your business is real, professional, and operating as advertised. Google uses it to validate everything from your signage to your tools and workspace. Treat it like a quick virtual audit—make sure you’re showing the kind of environment that builds trust with both Google and your customers. Clean and organize your workspace beforehand Make sure signage is visible and clearly matches your business name Show your address or suite number if applicable Walk through tools, uniforms, marketing materials, and any branded items If you work from home, designate a professional-looking workspace 4. Prepare Your Team for Background Checks In some industries—especially locksmiths and garage door repair—Google may request background checks for business owners and field employees. This step can be a headache if you’re not ready. Make sure: You notify your team in advance Everyone has updated identification You’re being transparent about the process Note: Not every business will need background checks, but if Google asks for them—don’t ignore it. It’s mandatory to proceed. 5. Double-Check Online Consistency Google will often compare your submitted information with what’s publicly visible online. Run through this quick checklist: Does your website match your Google Business Profile (name, address, phone)? Are your social media profiles up to date? Do your photos and branding look legitimate? Are there suspicious duplicate listings of your business online? If anything looks off, clean it up before submitting. Common Pitfalls to Avoid Many businesses fail Advanced Verification the first time due to very fixable mistakes. Don’t be one of them. Here’s what to watch out for: Many businesses stumble on simple, avoidable issues during Advanced Verification. Before you submit anything, take a moment to double-check the most common red flags. These missteps can delay your approval or even get your profile suspended—so it’s worth addressing
What to Do if Your Business Isn’t Showing Up on Google Maps
If you’re a local business owner and your company isn’t appearing on Google Maps, it can feel like you’re invisible to potential customers. Not showing up means missed foot traffic, fewer website clicks, and lost phone calls. The good news? You’re not stuck. At EVpro Marketing, we help local businesses just like yours show up and stand out where it matters most—online and on the map. In this post, we’ll walk you through the common reasons your business isn’t showing up on Google Maps and what you can do about it. Why Google Maps Visibility Matters Think about the last time you searched for a local service—like “electrician near me” or “coffee shop in Austin.” Chances are, you relied on Google Maps results to make your pick. If your business isn’t there, you’re out of the running. Google Maps is the digital directory for local discovery. Increased visibility means more local customers. Trust-building stars and reviews come from your Maps listing. Direction requests and mobile searches often start with Maps. If your business isn’t showing up, you’re missing the chance to be discovered—plain and simple. Common Reasons Your Business Isn’t Showing Up on Google Maps Let’s start with the root of the issue. Here are the most common problems that keep listings off the map and how to diagnose them. 1. You Haven’t Claimed Your Google Business Profile Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the foundation of your Maps presence. How to check: Search your business name on Google. If you see a listing with the option to “Claim this business,” it hasn’t been claimed. Fix: Visit google.com/business and follow the prompts to claim or set up your business profile. 2. Your Listing Isn’t Verified Claiming is the first step, but Google won’t show your business widely until it’s verified. You might be waiting on: A postcard verification A phone or email confirmation Tip: Without verification, your profile’s visibility will be extremely limited. 3. Your Location or Service Area Isn’t Set Properly Google needs to know where you serve customers—especially if they visit you in person. Things to double-check: Physical address: Should be accurate and consistent with your website and other platforms. Service area: If you’re mobile or work on-location (like a plumber or landscaping company), set this clearly. 4. You’ve Violated Google’s Guidelines Google has strict rules for business listings. If you violate them, your listing could get suspended or hidden. Common violations include: Keyword stuffing your business name (e.g., “Joe’s Plumbing Best Austin Plumbers 24/7”) Using a P.O. Box or virtual address Having multiple listings for the same business Refer to Google’s business guidelines to stay compliant. 5. You’re Competing in a Densely Populated Area If you’re in a big city like Austin, competition is tough. Your business might technically “exist” on the map, but show up low in the rankings—or only if someone zooms way in. This is where SEO for Maps comes in, and we’ll dig into that below. How to Get Your Business to Show Up on Google Maps Now that you know the roadblocks, here’s how to fix them. 1.Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile If you haven’t done this yet, this is the single most important step. To claim your profile: Go to Google Business Profile Manager. Search for your business name. Claim the listing or create a new one. Follow verification instructions (often via mail or phone). 2. Ensure Your NAP Information Is Accurate and Consistent NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone Number. Inconsistencies across platforms (your website, Yelp, Facebook, etc.) confuse Google and hurt your chances of ranking. Checklist: Same business name spelling everywhere Identical address formatting Same phone number Tip: Use a tool like Moz Local to audit and fix your NAP listings. 3. Optimize Your Google Business Profile Once your profile exists and is verified, optimize it like a pro. Things to optimize: Business category: Make sure you’ve chosen the most accurate primary category. Photos: Add high-quality images of your business, products, or services. Business hours: Keep them accurate—update seasonal or holiday hours. Services & description: Fill out every field you can. Be detailed but natural. Website link: Connect your profile to your actual business site. 4. Add Real Reviews—and Respond to Them Google loves businesses that people talk about. How to build reviews: Follow up with happy clients. Ask via email or text (with a link). Make the process quick and easy. Always respond—whether the review is good or bad. 5. Publish Regular Posts on Google Business Yes, Google lets you post updates, promotions, news, and more—right on your profile. Why this matters: Shows Google you’re active Gives customers more reasons to engage Keeps your profile fresh You can post: Promotions Event announcements Service updates Helpful tips Post weekly or biweekly for best results. Going Beyond the Basics: Local SEO Strategies Once your business is on the map, how do you get it to rank higher? The truth is, showing up on Maps is just the beginning. Ranking well takes strategy. 1. Build Local Citations Local citations are mentions of your business across the web—on directories, social platforms, and review sites. Top sites for citations: Directory Notes Yelp Great for reviews YellowPages Legacy directory Bing Places Good for Microsoft users Facebook Social proof + discovery Nextdoor Community-based recommendations Make sure your name, address, and phone number are consistent across all platforms. 2. Embed a Google Map on Your Website Add a map to your site’s contact or about page. This helps Google associate your site with that location. Also, make sure your location appears in your schema markup (ask your web person if you’re not sure). 3. Build Backlinks from Local Sources Backlinks from local news sites, bloggers, or partner businesses can boost your credibility in Google’s eyes. Ideas: Sponsor a local event Join your chamber of commerce Collaborate with other businesses for content or cross-promotion 4. Use Local Keywords on Your Website If you serve Austin, your site should say it—organically.
GBP Optimization Services That Actually Improve Your Local Rankings
Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most important tools for local visibility. When someone searches for your service in their area, your GBP is often the first thing they see. If it’s not optimized correctly, you miss out on calls, website clicks, and new leads. Local rankings depend on more than just having a listing. To show up in the map pack, you need consistent activity, complete details, and location authority. That’s where professional GBP optimization services come in. Why GBP Optimization Matters Google uses several signals to rank businesses in local search. These include: Relevance to the search Distance from the user Prominence of the business online A fully optimized GBP helps Google understand who you are, what you do, and where you serve customers. Without it, you risk falling below competitors—even if your services are better. What Effective GBP Optimization Services Include 1. Complete Business Information Every detail on your profile should be accurate and complete: Business name (matches your website) Correct address and service areas Phone number (local area code preferred) Business hours (including holidays) Website URL Service categories Using inconsistent or incomplete data hurts your chances of ranking. 2. Strategic Service Areas If you’re a service-based business that travels to clients, you don’t need to show a physical address. Instead, list the cities and zip codes you serve. GBP optimization services ensure these areas align with your site’s location pages, boosting your local authority. 3. Category Optimization Your primary category should match your core service (e.g., “Plumber,” “HVAC Contractor”). Secondary categories help expand your visibility. Choosing the wrong categories limits your exposure. 4. Service Listings and Descriptions You can list individual services under your GBP and add short descriptions for each. This helps customers and supports your relevance in search. Each description should include keywords and reflect your actual offerings. 5. High-Quality Images and Geo-Tagging Images help your listing stand out. Google favors listings with fresh, relevant photos. Professional services include: Uploading team and worksite photos Optimizing file names and alt text Geo-tagging images with your service area These small steps build location relevance and trust. 6. Regular GBP Posts Google Posts keep your profile active and show that your business is engaged. These posts can highlight: Promotions New services Seasonal tips Reviews or project updates Consistent posting helps rankings and gives users a reason to contact you. 7. Review Generation and Response Google prioritizes businesses with frequent, high-quality reviews. A GBP optimization service should help: Create a review request process Monitor new reviews Respond professionally to each one Timely responses build trust and show you care about customer service. 8. Product and Service Highlights For businesses that sell products or offer multiple services, the GBP product and service sections can be used to showcase offers with links and prices. Optimizing these helps attract clicks and adds another layer of detail to your profile. 9. Consistent NAP Citations Your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) should be the same across your website and every online listing. Discrepancies confuse Google and lower trust. GBP services should include citation cleanup and directory listing audits. 10. GBP Insights Tracking Measuring what works is key to long-term success. Your optimization provider should give reports showing: How many calls you receive How often your profile shows in search Which photos get views What actions users take This data informs future strategy. Local Businesses That Benefit the Most GBP optimization is critical for: Plumbers Roofers HVAC technicians Electricians Remodelers Legal and medical service providers If your business serves a specific city or region, GBP performance directly affects your lead volume. Get Real Results With a Proven Partner Not all GBP services improve rankings. Some focus only on setup. Others don’t keep listings active. You need a partner who understands how to use GBP to generate local traffic and leads. EVpro Marketing is a marketing agency based in Austin, Texas. We specialize in GBP optimization for service-based businesses. From category setup to review strategy, we handle every part of your profile to help you rank—and get more calls. Visit our website to learn more about our local SEO services.
How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile for Maximum Visibility
In today’s digital landscape, a well-optimized Google Business Profile is essential for enhancing local search visibility and attracting potential customers. At EVpro Marketing, we understand the nuances of local SEO and are here to guide you through the process of maximizing your GBP’s effectiveness. 1. Claim and Verify Your Business Profile Begin by claiming your business on Google Business Profile. Verification is crucial, as it confirms your business’s legitimacy to Google and unlocks the ability to manage and update your profile. Without verification, your business may not appear in local search results or on Google Maps. 2. Ensure Complete and Accurate Information Provide comprehensive details about your business, including: Business Name: Use your official business name consistently across all platforms. Address: Ensure your physical address is accurate and matches other listings. Phone Number: Use a local phone number to establish trust and relevance. Website: Link to your official website. Business Hours: Keep your operating hours up to date, including special hours for holidays or events. Accurate information not only helps customers find you but also signals to Google that your business is trustworthy and relevant. Google Help 3. Select Appropriate Business Categories Choose a primary category that best represents your business, and add secondary categories if applicable. This helps Google understand your services and match your profile to relevant searches. 4. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos Visual content significantly enhances your profile’s appeal. Include: Exterior and Interior Photos: Showcase your business’s location and ambiance. Product or Service Images: Highlight what you offer. Team Photos: Introduce your staff to personalize your business. Regularly updating photos keeps your profile fresh and engaging. Encourage and Respond to Customer Reviews Positive reviews build credibility and influence potential customers. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews and take the time to respond to them, addressing any concerns and thanking customers for their feedback. 6. Utilize Google Posts Keep your audience informed by posting updates, offers, events, and news directly to your GBP. These posts appear in your profile and can drive engagement. 7. Add Products and Services Detail your offerings by listing products and services with descriptions and prices. This information helps customers understand what you provide and can improve your profile’s relevance in searches. 8. Enable Messaging Allow customers to contact you directly through your GBP by enabling messaging. Responding promptly to inquiries can enhance customer satisfaction and increase conversions. 9. Monitor Insights and Performance Regularly review the analytics provided by Google to understand how customers interact with your profile. Insights include information on how customers found your business, actions they took, and other valuable data to inform your marketing strategies. 10. Maintain Consistency Across Online Platforms Ensure that your business information is consistent across all online directories and platforms. Inconsistencies can confuse customers and negatively impact your local search rankings. Optimizing your Google Business Profile is a dynamic process that requires regular updates and engagement. By following these steps, you can enhance your local SEO efforts and attract more customers. At EVpro Marketing, we specialize in helping businesses like yours maximize their online presence. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in optimizing your Google Business Profile for greater visibility and success.