wiki/knowledge/local-seo/overhead-door-gbp-verification.md · 569 words · 2026-04-05

Overhead Door — GBP Verification Strategy

Overview

Overhead Door Madison's Google Business Profile (GBP) is currently unverified, which is blocking new images and posts from going live on the profile. A previous video verification attempt was denied. This article documents the requirements for a successful submission and the steps taken to unblock the account.

The verification blocker may also be contributing to limitations in the linked Google Ads account, making resolution a priority.

Related client: ^[1]
Related meeting: ^[2]

Why Verification Matters

Until the GBP is verified:

Newly uploaded images remain stuck in "processing" and will not appear publicly
Drafted posts (service highlights, seasonal tips, promotions) cannot be published
Google Ads account limitations may persist if tied to the unverified profile

Video Verification Requirements

Google requires a short video that proves physical presence and management access. Based on Google's guidelines and the prior failed attempt, the following requirements apply:

Requirement	Detail
Length	1–2 minutes
Format	Single continuous recording — no cuts or edits
Starting point	Outside the building
Surroundings	Capture street signs and neighboring businesses to confirm address
Building signage	Show the Overhead Door sign on the exterior
Staff-only areas	Walk through interior areas: trucks, office, shop floor
Upload method	Upload via the GBP app or console while on Wi-Fi (poor cell reception caused issues in the prior attempt)

Why the Previous Attempt May Have Failed

Jeff's prior submission was denied. Likely contributing factors:
- Upload may have been incomplete due to poor cell reception at the location
- It was unclear whether the video transmitted successfully before submission

Mitigation: Upload on Wi-Fi and confirm the upload completes before closing the app.

Access & Ownership

Jeff Ryan and John Gradel have been added as Owners on the GBP profile. This allows them to initiate and submit the verification video directly without routing through the agency.

To access the verification flow:
1. Log into the business Gmail account on a mobile device
2. Search the company name on Google, or navigate to the GBP console
3. Tap Get Verified and follow the prompts to record and submit

Action Items

[ ] Jeff — Record a 1–2 min continuous verification video (exterior → surroundings → sign → interior/trucks/office); upload via GBP app on Wi-Fi
[ ] Jeff — Email Sebastian after uploading so verification status can be monitored
[ ] Sebastian — Monitor GBP for verification approval; publish queued images and posts once verified

What Unlocks After Verification

Once verified, the following items are queued and ready to publish:

Images — Photos provided by the client, already uploaded and pending approval
GBP Posts — Drafted content including service highlights, emergency repair callouts, seasonal tips, completed project features, and commercial service spotlights (cadence: approximately every two weeks)

General Guidance (Applicable to Other Clients)

Pattern: GBP verification via video is increasingly required for service-area businesses. Key failure modes are upload connectivity issues and incomplete walkthroughs. Always advise clients to record on a clear day, use Wi-Fi for upload, and confirm submission before closing the app. Adding the client as an Owner (not just Manager) ensures they can submit directly.