01 · How to pass Google Video Verification in Ireland on the first go
Why postcard verification is gone and what Google reviewers look for
Google has largely retired the old 5-day paper postcard in Ireland in favour of live video verification recorded inside the Google Maps app on your phone. Most rejections happen because the video stops or misses one of the three proof points Google requires in a single continuous take (60 to 120 seconds, no cuts):
| Proof Point | If you are a Mobile Trade (Van / Home Base) | If you have a Clinic, Shop or Office |
|---|
| 1. Location Proof (First 20s) | Start outside showing your street sign, estate entrance, or neighbouring house number, plus your signwritten van parked in the driveway. | Start outside on the public footpath showing the street sign, neighbouring premises, and your permanent exterior fascia sign. |
| 2. Equipment & Trade Proof (Middle 40s) | Unlock the van with your key on camera and show your racked tools, testing gear, or branded workwear. | Unlock the front door with a key on camera and walk through to reception, treatment rooms, or workshop equipment. |
| 3. Management Proof (Final 30s) | Show an ESB/utility bill, CRO certificate, RGI/Safe Electric card, or invoice book matching the business name and address (avoid showing personal bank digits). | Show your till, booking screen, CRO certificate, or utility bill addressed to the business at that Eircode. |
02 · The exact checklist for a 100% optimised Irish profile
Every field that moves your ranking — and the ones that convert clicks into calls
- Business Name: Match your real-world signage, van lettering, and website header.
- Primary Category: Pick the single most specific category for your highest-value service (for example,
Heating contractor, Roofing contractor, Dental clinic, Electrician, Kitchen remodeler).
- Additional Categories: Add every true secondary category (3 to 7 is the sweet spot).
- Service Areas: Name the specific towns and Dublin postcodes you cover (up to 20 entries). Avoid listing the entire island.
- Phone Number: Use a local Irish mobile (
087, 086, 085, 083) or local landline (01, 021, 091, 061) that is answered every time.
- Website URL: Link to your HTTPS homepage (or dedicated location page if you run multiple branches) using clean URLs.
- Services & Descriptions: Add every individual service under each category with a 250–300 character plain-English description naming the job and towns.
- 750-Character Business Description: Write who you are, what jobs you specialise in, which counties/towns you cover, and your registration (RGI, Safe Electric, SEAI, Dental Council, CIF) in the first two sentences.
- Q&A Seed Questions: You are allowed to post and answer the top 5 questions your customers always ask (call-out fees, areas covered, emergency hours, grant paperwork) right on your own profile.
03 · Best Google Business Profile categories for Irish trades & clinics
Don't leave half your searches on the table
| Trade / Sector | Best Primary Category | Essential Secondary Categories to Add |
|---|
| Heating & Plumbing | Plumber or Heating contractor | Gas engineer, Boiler supplier, Drainage service, Bathroom remodeler |
| Electrical & EV / Solar | Electrician or Solar energy contractor | Electrical installation service, Electric vehicle charging station contractor, Lighting contractor |
| Roofing & Exterior Cleaning | Roofing contractor or Pressure washing service | Gutter cleaning service, Siding contractor, Window cleaning service |
| Kitchens & Carpentry | Kitchen remodeler or Carpenter | Cabinet maker, Joiner, Fitted furniture supplier |
| Gates & Groundworks | Fence contractor or Concrete contractor | Gateutes / Metal fabricator, Paving contractor, Flooring contractor |
| Dental & Private Clinics | Dental clinic or Dentist | Cosmetic dentist, Endodontist, Emergency dental service, Dental implants periodontist |
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is a Google Business Profile free in Ireland?
Yes. Creating, verifying, and running a Google Business Profile is 100% free from Google. You never pay Google a monthly fee just to have your pin on Google Maps.
Can I have a Google Business Profile if I work from a van and don't have a shop?
Yes. During setup, choose that you deliver goods and services to your customers and toggle off 'Show business address to customers'. You still verify with your home or yard Eircode privately, and customers see your service-area towns on the map.
What if my Google Business Profile gets suspended?
Most Irish suspensions happen because the business name was edited to include a string of keywords, the address is a virtual office/PO Box, or two profiles were created at the same Eircode. Fix the guideline breach first, gather your CRO certificate, utility bill, and signage/van photos, and submit a single appeal through Google's Appeals tool.
How often should I update my Google Business Profile?
Add 2 to 4 new job photos and request customer reviews weekly, and review your Services list whenever you add a new high-margin service or expand into a neighbouring town.
Written by Bartek · Founder, RankHigher.ie