Step‑by‑step fixes for postcards, video calls, and more. Struggling with Google Business Profile verification? Learn 5 common problems and trusted fixes from Google policy & experts.

The Plumber’s Endless Postcards

Ravi, a local plumber in Chicago, requested his Google Business Profile postcard three times. Each time? Nothing arrived. After months, his business was still invisible on Maps. He vented on a support forum: “Is this a joke? I can’t even get verified to show I exist.”

He’s not alone. In Google’s Business Profile Community, verification is the #1 reported pain point. Without it, your profile remains unpublished, and customers can’t find you.

Here’s the good news: whether it’s lost postcards, stuck video calls, or rejected documents… there are policy‑backed solutions. Let’s go through the five most common verification problems — and how to solve them properly.

Problem 1 — The Postcard That Never Arrives

Why it happens

• Postal delays or incorrect addresses.
• Using PO Boxes, coworking offices, or unstaffed properties (not allowed per Google’s Address Guidelines).

Solution

• Double‑check formatting: use a real street address (suite numbers if relevant).
• Ensure someone can physically receive the mail.
• If a card fails 2–3 times → use the “Contact Support” link within your profile dashboard.

💡 Expert Note (Joy Hawkins, SterlingSky): Don’t keep requesting postcards endlessly — escalate after 2 attempts, or it looks suspicious.

Problem 2 — Video Verification Denied

Why it happens

Since 2022, Google often requires video verification: a live walkthrough showing signage, location, and interior. Common denial reasons:

• No permanent signage.
• Filming inside a residence (against policy for storefront listings).
• Poor video quality (unclear, shaky, missing context).

Solution

Follow Google’s Video Verification Checklist:

• Show physical signage on the building.
• Record the outside + entrance + workspace.
• Include staff, vehicles, tools of trade (for plumbers, cleaners, etc.).

📊 In GBP Community threads, businesses with clear signage had 2–3x higher approval success.

Problem 3 — Business Denied as “Ineligible”

Why it happens

Per Google’s Business Eligibility Policy:

• Lead-gen companies (no real operation) = not eligible.
• Online-only shops without physical pickup or service territory = not eligible.
• Shared/coworking addresses often flagged.

Solution

• Ensure your category is accurate (e.g. “Consulting Office at WeWork” may be denied, but “Service-Area Business: Tech Consultant, Chicago area” is allowed).
• If you’re service‑based, hide your home address and set service areas instead.

Problem 4 — Phone/Email Option Not Showing

Why it happens

Phone and email verifications are rare (reserved for businesses Google already trusts). Most SMBs default to postcard or video.

Solution

• Strengthen your NAP consistency (listings on Yelp, BBB, Apple Maps). Google is more likely to allow non‑postcard verification if it sees a consistent digital footprint.
• Ask Google Support if your business is eligible for an alternative method.

Problem 5 — Endless “Pending” Status

Why it happens

Sometimes profiles sit stuck in “verification pending” for weeks.

Solution

• Check if you triggered additional reviews (suspicious activity like rapid edits).
• Use Google Business Profile Help to contact support after 14 days.
• Post in the Business Profile Support Community, referencing your case ID. Google Product Experts often escalate stuck cases.

📊 Case Study: A florist in r/googlebusinessprofile shared their profile was stuck 6 weeks. After posting in the community with ID + photos, a Product Expert escalated. Fixed within 3 days.

Avoiding Verification Headaches Next Time

• ✅ Make sure you meet Eligibility guidelines (real, staffed, physical presence—or correct service area).
• ✅ Always provide proof upfront: utility bill, signage photo, license.
• ✅ Keep business name clean (legal name only, no keywords).
• ✅ Don’t create duplicate listings to “try again” — it triggers suspension risk.

Relatable Story Wrap

Ravi finally solved his saga: instead of ordering a 4th postcard, he contacted Google Support through his profile dashboard, uploaded photos of his truck + signage, and was offered a video verification that passed.

Within 48 hours, his pizza shop was visible to locals again.

The 5 Verification Fixes

• 🚚 Postcard won’t arrive → escalate after 2 tries.
• 🎥 Video denied → include signage + workplace + tools.
• 🚫 Denied ineligible → check guidelines for service‑area setup.
• 📱 Phone/email not showing → improve NAP consistency.
• ⏳ Stuck pending → escalate via support/community after 14 days.

Conclusion & CTA

Verification problems are frustrating — but every path has a fix, if you follow Google’s official rules and supply the right evidence. Contact us for expert help.

👉 Your takeaway: Don’t panic, don’t spam card requests. Understand the eligibility rules, document your legitimacy, and work with Google’s official support paths. A verified profile is worth the patience.