For property management companies, enhancing your web presence is crucial. One simple and critical way to accomplish this is with a Google Business Profile. This widely-used platform allows businesses to manage their online information as it appears in Google Search and Maps.
What is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile is a feature that provides information about your company or organization to local searchers, including your services and operating hours. It also shows contact details and reviews from customers who have used your services. It’s an important marketing component for any business that has a physical location or a defined service area.
Why is it important to verify your property management business’s profile on Google?
In order to use your business profile, you need to verify it.
Google Business Profile verification is an important step for businesses to be visible online and increase credibility with potential customers. Once your profile is verified, you’ll be able to update the information in your profile (including operating hours, contact information, and location), respond to reviews, and post updates about your business.
Verifying your business profile on Google will also help customers find your business when they search for related terms. Many potential customers will use the business profile as a way of doing due diligence before reaching out to your company. Having an up-to-date, verified profile will ensure that your business is presented in the best light possible.
How do you verify a property management business’s Google Business Profile?
Verifying your business on Google is easy and free. To begin the process, you’ll need to create a Google Business Profile through a Gmail account. Enter your company’s information, including the address and phone number.
Previously, you were able to verify with just a code sent to your phone or email. Now, Google often requires a video to verify your profile. For many of our property management clients, this process has been confusing. That’s why we’re here to break it down for you, making it quick and easy to verify your Google Business Profile.
Video Verification Process
There are two different video verification methods: video recording and live video calls.
However, some clients report only having access to one or the other. At the moment, we’re not sure why certain options aren’t available to everyone. Both types of video verification should be done directly in profile by authorized personnel at the business location and show three things:
1. Proof of location that matches the profile information, such as a street sign or nearby businesses.
2. Proof of business and operations, commonly shown through a business card or other marketing materials.
3. Proof of management, demonstrated by using keys to access the facility or providing business documents with your name on them.
Live Video Call
If this option is available to you, we’d highly recommend choosing it, especially if there’s anything about your business or your business location that needs a little extra explanation (like you share office space with another business, or you work out of your home and meet clients at their rental properties).
You’ll need two things to get started: a laptop or mobile device with video capability and an internet connection. Google will require you to answer some questions about your business as well as show them the proof of location, operations, and management that we listed earlier.
Video Recording
If you don’t have access to a live video call, you can always record a video instead. The video needs to be continuous and must follow the same guidelines as the live video call. We recommend practicing what you’ll show beforehand so you don’t have to re-film your video too many times. However, Google does allow you to delete the video and restart.
Once you’ve recorded your video, simply upload it directly to your business profile. It will then be reviewed by Google for verification purposes. After they review the video, you’ll receive an email letting you know if your business has been verified or not.
For more information, check out Google’s Verify Your Business Profile FAQ page. And if you need any additional help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Fourandhalf.
