Phone and account prep

• Sign into the Google account that manages the listing. Filming for someone else? Be added as a manager first, or use their phone.
• Update Google Maps. Allow it location and camera access.
• Charge the phone.
• Clean the camera lens.
• Hold the phone landscape (horizontal).
• Shoot in daylight if possible.
• Be on WiFi at the location if you have it. The clip uploads the moment you stop.
• One continuous take. No cuts, pauses or editing. 60 to 90 seconds.
• Hold every sign and document steady for 3 to 5 seconds.

Prep the set

• Lock the door you will unlock on camera.
• Check the street sign and building number are visible from your starting point.
• Clean the exterior signage. The name must match Google exactly.
• Put licences, certificates and permits where they can be filmed.
• Tidy the main business or service areas.
• Put out recognisable equipment and materials.
• Set out branded material: cards, uniforms, invoices, packaging.
• Clear customers and staff from the route. No faces on camera.
• Walk the entire route once before recording.

Start outside

1. Street sign HOLD 5sBoth street names clearly readable.
2. BuildingExterior of the building. Show the street or building number.
3. Business signage HOLD 5sMain sign or window signage. Business name must be readable.
4. Exterior decals and certificatesAny window decals, certifications or business identifiers.
5. Unlock the front doorClearly show the key or code being used. Show the door physically opening.

Move inside without stopping

1. Entrance and receptionSlowly establish the interior.
2. Licences and certificates HOLD 3-5sClose enough that the business name can be read.
3. Main business areasSlow walk through the customer or service areas. Show whatever makes it obvious what this business does.
4. Business equipmentTools, supplies, work areas or other business-specific items.
5. Owner or manager accessSomething the public could not normally reach: office, locked storage, business computer or POS, staff area, cabinet.
6. Branded materialsFinish on business cards, uniforms, printed material or other clear business-name evidence. Stop recording.

Start outside

1. House or building numberStart outside your home or base of operations. Show the number clearly.
2. Street sign HOLD 5sWalk to the nearest intersection. Both street names readable.
3. Branded vehicle, exteriorWalk slowly around it. Business name and logo on the door or panel, then the licence plate.
4. Unlock the vehicleUse the key or fob visibly on camera. Open the door.

Then prove the business

1. Inside the vehiclePan slowly across the tools and equipment of your trade. Linger on anything that identifies the industry.
2. Business document HOLD 3-5sLicence, registration, incorporation, WCB, insurance, utility bill or customer invoice. Name must match Google exactly. Cover account numbers with a finger.
3. Unlock your home or office doorKey in lock, turn, door opens.
4. WorkspaceDesk, computer, industry software on screen, any trade equipment stored here. Stop recording.

• Tap Stop. Watch the playback. "Try again" re-records.
• Street and location are readable.
• Business name is readable and matches Google exactly.
• Door or vehicle unlock is clearly shown.
• Business activity and interior are obvious.
• Licences and certificates are readable.

• No customer or staff faces anywhere in the clip.
• If anything is unclear, record again from shot 1. There is no editing.
• Tap Upload. The app sends it straight to Google. No file to attach.
• Stay in the app, on WiFi, phone unlocked, until the upload finishes.
• Status should change to Verification pending. Then you are done.