Google Support: Verify your locations first to get bulk verified.

[bfrazier]

The client has 40 locations, all of which are listed on their website. They were all previously verified, then 8 became unverified. We don't know why, but did see a common factor that each of those locations had images added to the GBP noted as "pending."

We decided to apply for bulk verification. Google Support said that to be eligible for bulk verification, we need verify each location first. So, the client then reverified those locations (via video), and within 1 week, they either lost verification or became suspended.

Now we're in the process of submitting reinstatement requests, and verifying via video (with a live rep) those unverified/not suspended locations.

My questions:
What's the purpose of bulk verification if the client has to go out there and verify each location 1:1? I understand the benefit involves new locations possibly being auto-verified, but what else? Is the real benefit that you went through Google Support's checks and balances to achieve builk verification, so you've essentially "passed" their tests to get that bulk verification status? And... is it a thing for images to trigger a suspension or unverification? Other than that, we can't figure out what led to the suspension or unverifications AFTER verifying via video.

Thank you!

 

[klharris08]

They said you need to verify the locations, prior to getting bulk. That isn't right. On a separate note, the need to reverify still happens in bulk verified accounts. It's the new normal. Making changes to GBP these days is scary.

 

[bfrazier]

Right @klharris08? It's crazy. This GBP specifically is so volatile. I've never seen anything like it. Thank you for responding!

 

[anandhi]

Hi - We've faced a similar issue with customers we support - We had a large customer with 600+ locations - so bulk verification was the only option for us. However, Google first asked us to verify 10 locations manually and then add the rest of all the locations into 1 location group with the 10 verified locations.

After that, they did verify the remianing 590 locations!
However, any changes to NAP including secondary category updates for a subset of locations trigger reverification of all the locations. We have had to follow up back again with Google.

Hope this helps
Anandhi