In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK business landscape has evolved dramatically. Many small business owners have realised that physical offices, along with their hefty price tags, might not be as crucial to their success as once thought.
This has led to a surge in the adoption of virtual offices, offering not just significant cost savings but also new avenues for expansion.
However, a recent update to the Google My Business verification process has left some virtual office users confused and concerned. Fear not, as this guide is here to simplify the process and ensure your business is set up for success on Google.
1. Understanding Google’s policy for virtual offices
Google aims to “deliver the most relevant and reliable information available,” which means your Google My Business page must be set up in a way that aligns with this goal. The primary hurdle virtual office users encounter is during the verification process, but with careful attention, this can easily be navigated.
2. Can customers visit your virtual office?
One common mistake is listing your virtual office as a physical location customers can visit, like a shop or office. Google explicitly prohibits this practice for virtual office addresses. Instead, focus on indicating the areas you serve your customers. This allows you to highlight your local presence without requiring a physical address that your customers can visit, thus keeping in compliance with Google’s guidelines.
3. Understanding the verification process
Many believe that verifying a virtual office with Google is complex, but it’s simpler than it appears. Google’s intention isn’t to hinder your business but to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness in the information provided to users. Being transparent with your customers about your virtual office setup avoids potential misunderstandings and maintains trust.
4. Choosing your verification method
Google offers verification options, varying based on your business type and services. For virtual office subscribers, we recommend the video method to verify that your business operates in the location you specified in step 2.
Verification via video
Google allows business verification through a video clip. This method helps Google verify your business’s legitimacy by confirming that you provide the services listed on your Google My Business profile in the locations that you advertise. Remember, this video is for verification purposes only and won’t be public.
What to include in your verification video
- Outline your business’s nature clearly.
- Avoid personal information, identification numbers, or faces.
- Present unique, unedited content specifically for verification.
- Show your business equipment, registration, invoices, utility bills, or any documents with your branding.
- You can also include branded vehicles, uniforms, and marketing materials.
- Ensure your video clip is under 20mb.
- Avoid using UHD or high-resolution video settings on your mobile device.
See Google’s guidelines on how to verify your business with a video recording.
Creating and uploading your verification video
- Plan your video content in advance.
- Start the verification process via your Google My Business Profile on a mobile device.
- Follow the prompts to record and upload your video.
After uploading your video
- The verification process may take up to 5 business days.
- If accepted, you’ll be notified; otherwise, you may need to re-submit or choose another verification method.
5. Failed verification using a virtual office location?
If your Google My Business page doesn’t pass verification, it’s most likely due to non-compliance with Google’s guidelines. Ensuring your Google My Business Page is correctly set up is crucial for your SEO success and expanding your business reach. Check your location settings are set up correctly by selecting a service area, rather than a using physical address that customers can visit (see step 2).
6. Expanding your business with virtual offices
Embracing a virtual office is a strategic move for broadening your market presence. As you consider your next location, remember that a correctly set up Google My Business Page is key to unlocking your business’s full potential. Whether you’re eyeing our latest virtual office locations in Mayfair London or Newcastle upon Tyne, or struggling to get your Google My Business page verified, we’re here to support your journey to success.
Paul Sandquest ,Head of Marketing
Paul is Head of Marketing at Virtually There and has over a decade of experience supporting businesses across the globe.
