{"id":12523,"date":"2016-02-23T04:00:14","date_gmt":"2016-02-23T10:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.adviceinteractivegroup.com\/?p=12523"},"modified":"2016-02-23T04:00:14","modified_gmt":"2016-02-23T10:00:14","slug":"google-my-business-trusted-verifier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.advicelocal.com\/blog\/google-my-business-trusted-verifier\/","title":{"rendered":"Got Trust? Google Ups the Ante with the Google Business Profile Trusted Verifier Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

Google is changing the local search game<\/a>, again, this time by providing a faster, more convenient way for small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to be listed in their vast index, through Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). The recently launched Trusted Verifier (T.V.) program brings trusted business partners into the verification process, reducing the need for time-consuming Google Business Profile (GBP) postcard verifications.<\/p>\n

Typical Google Verification Methods<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Google is always growing, changing and providing ways to access information more efficiently and effectively. They have demonstrated this with the recent changes to the Google Business Profile Dashboard, plus their Get Your Business Online and Let\u2019s Put Our Cities on the Map initiatives. All of which have shaped and enhanced local search. Even with these various options, many local businesses and brand managers responsible for tracking location information, continually run into issues associated with these Google Business Profile verification methods.<\/p>\n

As we all know, there are currently four main ways to verify a business, via postcard; or for select businesses, a phone call or instant verify; and the special bulk verification for businesses with 10 or more locations. Phone verification is simple enough and is a quick process. Instant and bulk verification are targeted. The postcard process continues to present issues with the wait to receive a pin number in the mail; it can take as few as three days, but can also be three months, if it is delivered at all.<\/p>\n

New Google Trusted Verifier Program<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Now with the currently invitation-only Trusted Verifier<\/a> program, Google has put the power to verify in the hands of select partners, expanding the ways in which businesses, including multi-site locations can be quickly verified. This is great news for Google, for SMBs, and for the digital marketers who support them.<\/p>\n

Justin Liles, Senior Vice President of Local Search from my company Advice Interactive Group, and Google Business Profile super user, just received the status of Trusted Verifier.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis eliminates the guessing game,\u201d<\/em> Justin said, referring to the wait and watch associated with the postcard verification model. \u201cNow that we are an official, trusted partner with Google, we don\u2019t have to worry about sending out a postcard. We can take care of this process quickly.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

For agencies to get accepted in the Trusted Verified program they have to go through a training process, created by Google, and pass two tests, one covering specifics about Google Business Profile, and the other, Trusted Verifier.<\/p>\n

How Trusted Verifier Works<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"GoogleWhen you receive the designation of Trusted Verifier, you obtain access to download the T.V. app. Through this Android-only (currently) app a trusted partner is able to verify a business, in person, from the business location, after reviewing the proper documentation.<\/p>\n

In addition to on-site verification, a trusted partner may meet with multiple SMBs or their representatives in an event setting and verify up to 10 locations of a business at one time, also dependent upon proper documentation. The accepted forms of paperwork must display the business name, address, and category, if possible, and include (according to the Google Business Profile Help page):<\/p>\n