If you have tried to verify a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) in the last six months, you know the drill.
Gone are the days when Google would simply mail a postcard to any address you listed. Today, Google’s anti-spam filters are on high alert. If you are a remote business, a consultant, or a service provider using a “cheap” virtual address, you are walking into a trap.
The new standard is Video Verification—and it is failing thousands of legitimate businesses who don’t know the rules.
Here is the truth about using virtual offices for Google Maps in 2025, and how to actually get verified without getting suspended.
The Problem: Google Hates “Ghost” Businesses
Google’s #1 goal is to protect its users from fake listings (lead gen spam, fake locksmiths, etc.). To do this, they have declared war on:
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PO Boxes: Strictly prohibited.
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UPS Stores: Strictly prohibited.
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“Mail Drop” Virtual Addresses: If 500 other businesses are listed at the same suite number and nobody is physically there, Google knows.
If you try to verify a profile at one of these locations, you will likely trigger a Video Verification request. And this is where most remote business owners fail.
What is the “Video Verification” Test?
Google doesn’t just want to see a piece of paper. They want proof of operations. When you click “Verify,” you may be asked to open your camera and record a continuous video showing three things:
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Your Location: You must film the street sign and the building number.
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Access: You must film yourself unlocking the door with a key or keycard. (This is the “killer” for mail-drop services).
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Proof of Management: You must film your workspace, tools of the trade, or branded marketing materials inside the office.
If your “office” is just a mailbox behind a receptionist who doesn’t know you, you cannot pass this test.
So, Is It Impossible for Remote Businesses?
No. But you have to stop buying “mailboxes” and start renting “workspaces.”
Google’s guidelines explicitly state that Service Area Businesses (SABs) and hybrid businesses can use a co-working space or virtual office IF (and only if):
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You have physical access to the space during stated business hours.
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Your business has clear signage (even a digital directory in the lobby counts).
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The space is staffed (i.e., you or your team are actually there).
The Solution: The “Premium” Virtual Office
To rank on Google Maps without renting an expensive private office, you need a Premium Virtual Office package that includes Co-Working Access.
Here is why this difference matters for SEO:
| “Mail Drop” Address | “Premium” Virtual Office |
| Verification: Fails Video Test | Verification: Passes Video Test |
| Access: No physical entry | Access: Keycard/App entry |
| Signage: None | Signage: Lobby Directory |
| Risk: High Suspension Risk | Risk: Compliant with Google |
How to Pass Video Verification (Step-by-Step)
If you rent a premium virtual office with us, here is how you pass the Google test:
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Book a Room: Reserve a meeting room or co-working desk for an hour at your virtual address.
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Bring Your Props: Bring your laptop, business cards, and a branded banner or folder.
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Get the Key: Ensure you have the door code or keycard ready.
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Record the Video:
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Start outside. Show the street sign.
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Walk into the lobby. Zoom in on your company name on the building directory.
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Walk to the office door. Unlock it on camera.
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Walk to your desk. Show your laptop and business cards on the table.
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Submit: Upload the video to the Google Business Profile dashboard.
In the world of Local SEO, your address is the foundation of your ranking. A $9/month mailbox might save you money today, but it costs you thousands in lost revenue when Google suspends your listing tomorrow.
If you want to rank on Maps, you need to prove you exist.
Ready to get verified?
Book a tour of CapeSpace and discover where your next big idea will come from.