How to Verify Your Google Business Profile at a Shared Address (UK Guide 2025–2026)

Verifying your Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential for appearing in Google Search and Google Maps, but things get significantly more complicated when you operate from a shared address such as an office block, business centre, coworking hub, or multi-unit commercial property. This problem affects thousands of UK businesses every year. Learn more with this Google Business Verification guide to understand how to successfully verify your profile even when you do not have a dedicated storefront.

In multi-tenant buildings, Google struggles to confirm whether your business genuinely occupies the address you are claiming. As a result, businesses at shared addresses often face:

• Forced video verification
• Repeated postcard failures
• Verification loops
• Suspensions
• Requests for extra documentation
• Lower trust scores
• Failed profile reinstatements

This long-form UK-focused guide explains exactly how Google handles shared-address listings, why verification becomes more difficult, and the step-by-step method to pass verification successfully — even when your address is identical to dozens of other companies.

Why Shared Addresses Are Hard to Verify

Shared addresses create friction because Google’s verification system is built to confirm exclusive occupancy of a physical location. When multiple unrelated businesses use the same building or suite number, Google’s anti-spam systems raise red flags.

This happens in three common scenarios:

1. Multi-Unit Office Buildings

Example: “123 High Street, Suite 2B”

Tenants regularly change, signage varies, and Street View rarely shows interior details.

2. Business Centres / Serviced Offices

Example: Regus, WeWork, BE Offices, Spaces, etc.

Google has flagged many of these centres as high-risk because:

• Businesses move in and out frequently
• Many tenants don’t actually work onsite
• Mail handling services blur occupancy information
• Meeting rooms are shared and not proof of real presence

3. Shared Units in Industrial Estates

Multiple businesses often share:

• Units
• Warehouses
• Workspaces
• Workshops

Google has limited visibility into how these spaces are partitioned.

Why Google Flags Shared Addresses as Suspicious

Google fights millions of fake map listings each year. Shared addresses are a known target for:

• Lead-gen/spam businesses
• Fake local service listings
• Virtual companies with no physical presence
• Competitors creating bogus listings
• SEO agencies creating “rank-and-rent” GBPs

Because of this, Google has strict verification checks whenever multiple businesses show:

• Identical unit numbers
• No signage
• No building listing directory
• No proof of physical occupation
• No unique phone number
• No distinct online footprint

This is why getting verified at a shared address requires stronger evidence and often additional steps.

How Google Determines Verification Method at a Shared Address

When Google detects a shared address, it modifies your verification options.

You are more likely to receive:

• Video verification (most common)
• Postcard verification (but with high failure rates)
• Document request
• Manual review
• Suspension followed by reinstatement verification

Google rarely offers:

• Phone verification
• Email verification
• Instant verification

Why? Because these methods do not prove you physically occupy the location.

Video becomes the default because it requires:

• Showing the building from outside
• Showing the signage/directory
• Showing the office where you work
• Showing the tools/equipment/documents
• Showing access inside the building

How to Successfully Verify a GBP at a Shared Address (Step-by-Step)

Below is the most effective process used by agencies that specialise in GBP verification for UK businesses.

Step 1: Format Your Address EXACTLY as Royal Mail Requires

Google checks your address format against Royal Mail’s database.

Incorrect formats (for example “Unit 2b” vs “Suite 2B”) reduce trust and automatically trigger stricter verification.

Use the official format from: 📌 https://www.royalmail.com/find-a-postcode

Correct formatting includes:

• Building name (if applicable)
• Unit/floor/suite number
• Street address
• Town
• Postcode in full capitals

Example:

Suite 2B 123 High Street Manchester M1 2AB

This is the first step toward unlocking smoother verification.

Step 2: Add Unique, Permanent Signage (Even Temporary Works)

Signage is the single most important factor for passing video verification or reinstatement at a shared address.

Google wants to see clear, permanent, physical business identification, such as:

• Door sign
• Wall plaque
• Window decal
• Foamex board
• Printed logo sign
• Branded A4 sheet taped at eye level (acceptable for small businesses)

Without signage, rejection is extremely likely.

If you’re in a building with multiple suites, signage should include:

• Your business name
• Suite number
• Logo (optional but helpful)

Step 3: Ensure You Appear on the Building Directory

Many multi-office buildings have:

• Lobby directories
• Digital screens
• Paper tenant lists
• Receptionist-managed lists

Ask the building operator to add your business onto the tenant directory.

This is one of the strongest trust factors available.

Step 4: Gather Official Documentation Showing Your Occupancy

Google requires address-matching documents when verifying at shared premises.

Acceptable documents include:

• Lease agreement
• Licence agreement
• Utility bill (rare in shared spaces, but valid)
• Business insurance documents
• HMRC correspondence
• Companies House filing (with address)
• Business rates letter
• Landlord confirmation letter

The document MUST show:

• Business name
• Exact shared address
• Date

Screenshots or partial documents will be rejected.

Step 5: Prepare for Video Verification

Even if postcard verification is offered, video verification is preferred because it bypasses postal issues.

During video verification, show:

A) Exterior building

• Full building front
• Street name
• Building number

B) Interior navigation

• Walkthrough from entrance → lifts → corridors → your suite

This proves legitimate access.

C) Signage & directories

• Your name on the directory
• Your door signage
• Any branding you added

D) Proof of occupancy

Record inside your suite:

• Desk setup
• Equipment
• Tools of your trade
• Product stock
• Branded materials
• Appointment logs
• Computers or workstations

Google reviewers must see real business activity.

Step 6: Avoid Common Verification Mistakes at Shared Addresses

These mistakes almost guarantee rejection:

❌ Filming in a shared meeting room

Google doesn’t accept shared spaces as proof of occupancy.

❌ Filming outside only

Not enough proof.

❌ Filming without signage

Almost always rejected.

❌ Using a virtual office that you don’t physically occupy

Google will reject and may suspend.

❌ Showing unclear, blurry or incomplete documents

Google requires visibility of your address AND business name.

❌ Using inconsistent NAP data across directories

This drops your trust score.

Step 7: Fix Your Online Presence Before Attempting Verification

Google uses external sources to verify occupancy at shared addresses.

Align your NAP with:

• Facebook Business Page
• LinkedIn Company Page
• Bing Places
• Yell / Yelp
• Apple Maps
• Companies House
• HMRC
• Trustpilot

Consistency significantly increases trust.

Step 8: Use Internal Photos to Strengthen Trust

Upload interior photos to your GBP:

• Reception
• Hallway
• Your suite/room
• Branding
• Equipment
• Workspace setup

Google’s algorithm cross-checks these images with Maps + video verification.

Step 9: If Postcard Fails, Trigger a Support Review

After one failed postcard attempt, do NOT order multiple postcards.

Instead:

1. Go to GBP Support
2. Select Postcard didn’t arrive
3. Request alternative verification
4. Upload documents + photos
5. Wait for manual review

This often switches you to video verification or document-based verification.

Step 10: If Suspended, Use the Reinstatement Form

Shared-address GBPs are frequently suspended.

During reinstatement, you can verify without a postcard, using:

• A video walkthrough
• Photos
• Documentation

This is often the fastest path to verification.

Shared Address Verification Scenarios (UK Examples)

Here are examples of what works — and what fails.

Scenario 1: Serviced Office with Reception (Regus)

Works if:

• Your name is on the tenant directory
• You have your own signage on your office door
• You can access your office freely
• You film a walkthrough showing access

Fails if:

• You film in shared meeting rooms
• No signage
• No documents tying you to the address

Scenario 2: Multi-Unit Business Centre

Works if:

• Unit number is clearly shown
• Your business has signage
• You can show equipment/tools
• Address matches Royal Mail formatting

Fails if:

• Units are unlabeled
• No office access
• Postcards go to reception (high failure rate)

Scenario 3: Shared Industrial Unit

Works if:

• You have a dedicated space or workshop
• You show tools, products, or machinery
• You show official documentation

Fails if:

• You try verifying from a storage area only
• No signage
• No identifiable workspace

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you verify a Google Business Profile at a shared address?

Yes — but you must provide stronger proof such as signage, documents, and video walkthrough.

Will Google accept a shared office address?

Yes, if you physically occupy the location and can prove it.

What is the best verification method for shared addresses?

Video verification is the most reliable for shared buildings.

Can you verify a GBP using a Regus or WeWork address?

Only if you have a private office and can provide video proof.

Can you avoid postcard verification?

Yes — video, document reviews, and reinstatement can bypass postcards.

Final Thoughts

Verifying your Google Business Profile at a shared address is harder — but absolutely possible with the right preparation. The key is to demonstrate real, physical occupancy using signage, documentation, video evidence, and consistent online signals.

If you follow the steps in this guide, you will significantly increase the likelihood of passing verification on the first attempt and avoid suspensions or repeated postcard failures.