New Google Business Profiles Submit A Business Photo For Verification

Google has started rolling out a new verification option within Google Business Profiles that prompts business owners to "Submit a business photo for verification."

The new flow appears to be an alternative to Google's often cumbersome live video verification process, offering local businesses a faster path to get verified on Google Search and Google Maps.

The feature was first highlighted on the Search Engine Roundtable, with local SEO practitioners noting a new prompt inside their Google Business Profile dashboard requesting photo proof.

When prompted for verification, Google now gives select business categories the option to upload photos rather than scheduling a video call or waiting for a postcard.

According to screenshots shared by local search consultants, Google requests specific photographic evidence:

• Exterior Storefront & Signage: Permanent signage visible from the street, showing the registered business name.
• Interior Workspaces: Photos showing the commercial interior, equipment, or staff uniforms matching the business brand.
• Street Address Markers: The street number or building directory confirming the physical suite.

Google notes on the verification screen:

"Submit clear photos of your business location to help us verify that your business exists at this address. Photos must show permanent signage and your physical location."

Local search marketers have long complained about fraudulent listings dominating high-intent categories like locksmiths, garage door repairs, plumbers, and personal injury lawyers.

In recent months, scammers found ways to spoof video verifications using temporary vinyl banners and rented virtual mailboxes. By requiring geo-tagged photos taken on-site with clear permanent signage, Google aims to raise the barrier to entry for lead-gen networks without creating an impossible obstacle for legitimate small businesses.

If you manage local clients or multi-location brands:

1. 1.Prepare On-Site Photography Packs: Ensure every location manager has high-resolution, unedited photos of the exterior storefront, permanent building signage, and branded vehicles ready for submission.
2. 2.Avoid Stock or Rendered Images: Google uses image metadata and computer vision to flag edited, filtered, or stock photography, which can trigger an immediate manual suspension.
3. 3.Verify Address Consistency: Ensure the suite numbers and street names in the photo match the exact address listed in the GBP dashboard and on your website's schema markup.

Discussion continues on the Local Search Forum and Search Engine Roundtable.