Linda Buquet
Member
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2012
- Messages
- 13,313
- Reaction score
- 4,148
Whoa just discovered something new and interesting. It's totally outlined in the GMB help docs, but I don't think anyone knows about it yet.
Started with this help thread at the GMB Community:
<a href="https://www.en.advertisercommunity.com/t5/Verification/Trusted-Google-Verifier/m-p/509491#M1189">Trusted Google Verifier?</a>
Freddie F asks how he can join and links to the official Google help docs here.
<a href="https://support.google.com/business/topic/6319777">Welcome to Trusted Verifier - Google My Business Help</a>
Trusted Verifier is a new verification method for Google My Business. Trusted partners can use the Trusted Verifier mobile app to verify local businesses. Other than the Trusted Verifier program, there are three ways to verify a business: by postcard, phone, or Google Search Console. Learn more about verification
The Trusted Verifier app records verifications made in-person by trusted partners and sends them to Google, along with the verifier’s location at the time of verification. If the verifier’s device isn’t online when it verifies a business, the recorded verification is saved on the device and uploaded when the device gets back online. Once the record reaches Google, the local business is verified, just as it would be if it used any of the other verification methods.
There are a bunch of links to more info and there is an FAQ.
In answer to Freddie's question - How do you become a Verifier?
Sounds like it's by invite only. The help docs FAQ says:
I know more partners interested in using the app. How can they get started?
Put them in touch with the Google contact who invited you to become a Trusted Verifier. Your Google contact will be able to assess the partner’s eligibility to join this program.
Obviously this would be really helpful for ethical agencies and consultants. The question is how will Google decide who qualifies? I know large agencies that are Google "Partners" who are far from ethical and would abuse this.
EDITED TO ADD:I missed the part about "made in-person" verifications. Was rushing to get the story out and should have read more carefully. That will help avoid abuse. BUT most of the ethical consultants here that would benefit from this, have clients all over the country and don't visit in person.
Treebles, a fellow Google TC just reached out to Google to see if we can get any additional info. I'll keep you posted if there are any public facing comments I can share.
What say ye???
<meta property="og:type" content="article"><meta property="og:title" content=""><meta property="og:description" content="An interesting new development">
<meta property="og:image" content="">