Mobile Full Width Tablet Small Desktop
  • Home
  • About
  • Product Reviews
  • Tech Talk Blog
  • Events
  • Our Team
  • Contact
  • My Account
  • About
  • Contact
  • Sign In
  • Home
  • Product Library
  • Tech Talk Blog
  • Our Team
  • Events

Conquering Your Google Verification

Technology

Conquering Your Google Verification

February 16, 2024

So, you’re gearing up to make some changes to your real estate business – maybe a rebrand, a relocation, or just a little sprucing up. That’s fantastic! But before you dive into the deep end of renovations, there’s a crucial step you need to nail down: Google verification.

That little blue checkmark on your Google Business Profile (GBP) is like the key to online success. It tells potential clients that you’re legit, trustworthy, and ready to help them find their dream home. But here’s the catch: messing with your business name or address without giving Google a heads-up can sometimes throw a wrench in the works.

Why? Because Google takes its verification process seriously. If you start tinkering with your business info name and location at the same time, you might find yourself in a bit of a pickle. Your GBP could get suspended, or Google might decide it needs to re-verify your business from scratch. Neither scenario is particularly fun, trust me.

But fear not! I’ve got your back with some insider tips on how to navigate this process like a seasoned pro.

Step 1: Update Your Business Info Across the Board

When you first created your GBP did your business name also contain the brokerage name?  If so, stop it!  Create a GBP with a business name that will travel with you no matter what brokerage you are with.  Something like “First Last REALTOR” or “First Last Realty Services”.  Business name changes will undoubtedly get you suspended, so create one that will never change.

Before you even think about touching your GBP, make sure all your other online profiles are up to date. That means Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Realtor.com, Zillow, your website – cover all your bases. Google’s gonna do some serious sleuthing to make sure the info you’re putting on your GBP matches what’s out there in cyberspace. So, get everything squared away first.

Step 2: Proceed with Caution

Once your online presence is shipshape, then – and only then – should you make changes to your GBP. Go ahead and update your business name or address, but proceed with caution. Double-check everything for accuracy and consistency. You want to make sure Google’s bots don’t get confused and accidentally flag your profile.

Step 3: Brace Yourself for Video Verification

Now, here’s where things get a little more interesting. If Google decides it needs to re-verify your business after your changes (and it often does), it might ask for video verification. Yep, you heard me right – video. They’ll typically send you an email with instructions on how to proceed. You will need to complete this process using the Google Maps App on your phone, so have that downloaded and installed. Just follow their lead, and you’ll be golden.

If both the address and Business name changes need to be made, if possible, change the business name FIRST and wait for approval. Did I say WAIT?  Yes, wait for their approval. Then change the address.  You will most likely need to re-verify.

Step 4: Appeal, Baby, Appeal

If heaven forbid, your GBP does end up getting suspended, all hope is not lost. You can always appeal the decision. .  But here’s the kicker: Google wants documents uploaded as part of the appeal process. BEFORE you start the appeals process get everything ready to complete the process. Make sure you have not violated any Google Business Profile policies  So, what should you have ready to upload? Well, here’s a pro tip: gather up some official documents that show your business address matches your mailing address. Think about your DRE license info.  Go to the CA DRE website and change your mailing address to your business office address, download a copy of your updated license, and save it for submission.  Change your cell phone bill to be mailed to your business address, and have anything official from an escrow company, title company, or lender mailed to your business address. Make sure all the documentation matches the business name and address on your GBP.

And there you have it, folks! A crash course in navigating the wild world of Google verification for real estate pros. Remember, changing your GBP should be the last thing you do, not the first. Take your time, cover all your bases, and you’ll be well on your way to online success.

Happy selling!  

  • Newest
  • Hottest
  • Most votes
  • Most views

No questions found.

Please log in to post questions.

CJ Brogan

Marketing Technology Director, San Diego, CA

Comments

    Lisa Suazo

    This article was AMAZINGLY helpful. I will be sharing this with so many agents to help them with this confusing and frustrating process. Thank you, CJ!

    Posted on: April 17, 2024

Add Your Review

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Can we help you find something?

Product Reviews

Trackxi

If you’re a Real Estate agent, transaction coordinator, or brokerage...

Photo Perfect

Photo Perfect is an easy to use app that takes...

Video Perfect

Video Perfect is an easy to use, Virtual Open House...

WESTprotect 411

Fraud attempts have increased significantly and the risks have never...

Spacio

Open House Lead Generation System Spacio’s intuitive mobile-first platform provides...

Tech Talk Blog

Q&A disappears for Google Business Profiles

Wait… Where Did the Q&A Go on My Google Business Profile?!

You’re sipping your coffee, checking your Google Business Profile (as...

Google Confirms Issue with Local Reviews on Business Profiles – Here’s What Real Estate Agents Need to Know

At MyHome, we’ve recently received reports from our real estate...

Grow your reach on Instagram through carousel posts.

Boost Your Reach with This Powerful Instagram Strategy 🚀

Are you looking to get more eyes on your Instagram...

Turn your effort into real estate leads image

Turn Your Effort into Leads: Share the Stories Behind Your Success

Ever thought about the power of your story? In this...

Articulating the Value of a Real Estate Agent

How do you articulate your value? The answer to this...

MDA University

No posts found.

RSS Inman News Top Stories

Featured Products

Trackxi

Photo Perfect

Video Perfect

WESTprotect 411

Spacio

Linktr.ee

Latest Courses

No posts found.

Latest Guides

Wait… Where Did the Q&A Go on My Google Business Profile?!

Google Confirms Issue with Local Reviews on Business Profiles – Here’s What Real Estate Agents Need to Know

Boost Your Reach with This Powerful Instagram Strategy 🚀

Turn Your Effort into Leads: Share the Stories Behind Your Success

Articulating the Value of a Real Estate Agent

Pinterest Part 2: How to Pin Your Way to Organic Website Traffic 

© 2025 Copyright My Real Estate Nerds.
MyHome, a Williston Financial Group Company™