Does Your Google Ads Account Need to Be Verified? We Can Help.

Advertiser Verification

Think of this as a basic ID check for Google Ads or how social media platforms verify users with a blue checkmark by their names. For this, you’ll provide essential information about yourself and your business, including:

• Your name, contact details, and business location: Establish your identity and physical presence.
• Your industry: Categorizes your business for Google’s verification process.
• Government-issued photo ID: (For individuals or unregistered businesses) Verifies your identity.
• Business registration documentation: (For organizations) Confirms your business legitimacy.

When is it required?

Everyone will eventually need this verification. However, you might be prompted sooner if:

• You target brand-related queries or industries susceptible to scams (travel, finance, etc.).
• Your ad content appears unclear or potentially misleading.
• You’ve violated Google Ads policies and need to appeal an account suspension.

Want to know more? Check out our video on Advertiser Verification

Business Operations Verification

This is a type of additional verification that Google requires from some advertisers. This delves deeper into your business practices, verifying aspects like:

• Your business model: Are you a reseller, affiliate, or direct provider
• Product/service offerings: What exactly do you offer?
• Business practices and compliance: Do you operate legally and ethically?
• Relationships with advertised brands or third parties: Who’s involved in your business activities?

When is it required?

Everyone will eventually need this verification. However, you might be prompted sooner if:

• Industry or Product Type: Businesses in high-risk industries like healthcare, financial services, or weight loss supplements are more likely to be flagged for verification
• Location: Businesses in regions prone to online fraud or regulatory scrutiny may be selected more frequently.
• Suspicious Activity: Unusual account behavior, like sudden ad spend changes, multiple logins, or a spike in ad disapprovals, can trigger verification.
• New or Unverified Accounts: New or unverified businesses may need to complete verification before running ads, especially in sensitive categories.

Advanced Verification

This is the most rigorous level of verification and is mandatory for specific industries like local services. It aims to prevent unauthorized businesses from advertising. Here is what advanced verification may require:

• Detailed documentation: Submit documents like business licenses, registrations, and operating procedures.
• Video call: Verify your business location and legitimacy through a real-time call.

When is it required?

This is mandatory for specific industries such as:

• Locksmiths and garage door services in the US and Canada.
• Local Services advertisers in particular categories.

StubGroup has successfully helped many clients through the Advanced Verification process. However, if you’ve previously failed verification, it may take longer to complete as their is a waiting period before you can reapply.

If you’re just exploring information about Advanced Verification and haven’t yet attempted it, we recommend working with a professional compliance team to guide you through the process and improve your chances of success the first time around!