Early today at Linda’s forum and in the Local U forum it was reported that Google had rolled out a new Google Trusted Verifier Program that allowed folks in the field to verify a business instantly. However it now appears that the help files were released prematurely and they were all removed from Google. Or are only being made available to beta testers.
The program apparently is an Android app based program that allows those chambers and business groups working with, supporting and offering up the Let’s Put Our Cities on the Map program to instantly verify the listings of participants and to visit businesses and verify while on site. It does NOT appear to be a generalized program for consultants and agencies although there is mention of trusted verifiers outside of the above program that need to be invited into the program by a Googler. It is conceivable that the app could be rolled out to large Adwords partners with feet on the street although that does not appear to be its initial intent.
These are the Help pages that have been now removed:
Trusted Verifier
Mary Bowling captured most of the documentation and posted it to the Local U Forum. Here are some relevant excerpts about the program:
Welcome to Trusted Verifier
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.
Supported devices and browsers
The Trusted Verifier app is only supported on Android devices. If the business owner you’re verifying signs in on your device, only the Chrome browser is supported. If you and business owner use separate devices, the business owner can use any mobile browser.
Access the app
The Trusted Verifier app is available for Android devices at g.co/TrustedVerifierApp. The app is only visible to, and available for, members of our Trusted Verifier Google Group: gmb-trusted-verifiers@googlegroups.com. If you aren’t a member of the group, you’ll see a message stating that the app isn’t available.
Once we’ve received the Google Account that you’ll be using for verifications, we’ll send an invitation to join “GMB Trusted Verifiers”.
Verification policy
If a business owner wants to verify more than 10 locations of one business, they should follow our bulk verification process instead of using Trusted Verifier. Learn more about bulk verification
For verifications on site, you must only verify the business where you are physically present.
For verifications at events, you can verify up to 10 listings per owner/person, provided that they bring the required documents for each one of those listings.
A business owner should bring one or more of the following documents to an event to be eligible for verification with Trusted Verifier. The documents must show the business name, address, and category (if possible).
- Utility bill(s)
- Tax letter(s)
- Business registration certificate(s)
It’s the responsibility of the Trusted Verifier to become familiar with the types of documents he/she will verify.Copies of documents aren’t acceptable; all documents must be original.
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You can see the complete set on screen shots, procedures and policies in our forum.
