Google Ads is a powerful platform for generating leads; it’s also a massive source of revenue for Google, which made $237.9 billion in ad revenue in 2023.
Ads are only worth investing in if they generate revenue for your business, and users will only click on ads if they trust them. Google wants people to trust its ads; that’s why it has introduced Advertiser Verification, a program that helps verify the legitimacy of businesses that use the Google Ads platform.
How Does Advertiser Verification Work?
You can begin the Advertiser Verification process by logging into your Google Ads account, then going to Billing, and then going to Advertiser verification. Once there, click Start verification to begin.
To complete verification, Google will require you to complete a number of tasks. These tasks may include:
- Answering questions about your organization
- Answering questions about your business operations
- Answering questions about your payment history
- Confirming your payment method
- Making a payment if there are existing balances
- Answering questions about who pays for your ads
- Submitting documents
- Confirming your phone number
- Confirming your email
There are also tasks that are specifically designed to be completed by agencies; when your ads are managed by First Rank, we will work with you to complete these tasks.
Documents That May Be Required
Organizations may be required to provide two different types of documentation: A business registration document and a government-issued photo ID for a business representative. Acceptable documents include:
Registration documents:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Certificate of Good Standing/Status
- Certificate of Compliance
Government-issued ID:
- Passport
- Identification card
- Driving licence
- Permanent residence card
Timeline For Verification
When you start the verification process independently of Google, there is no timeline for verification; you can complete tasks and upload documents at your leisure (though we encourage you to verify as quickly as possible – more on that in the next section).
When Google notifies you that you must complete ad verification, you have 30 days to complete the process; if verification has not been completed within 30 days, all of your Ad campaigns will be paused.
Why You Should Complete Advertiser Verification ASAP
- You may not have time to complete it later. Google can request advertiser verification at any time; if you miss the notification or do not have time to complete it when Google requests it, your ad campaign will be paused. No leads will come in from your Google Ads, and your campaign may experience a temporary downturn in effectiveness when it is unpaused.
- Verification builds trust. The Advertiser Verification program allows verified advertisers to appear in the Google My Ad Center Disclosure, which appears when you click the 3-dot icon next to an ad. This builds trust both in your ad and your brand.
- Verification improves your ads. Notice that the ads displayed in the sponsored results above show both First Rank’s name and logo; those features can be automatically populated in Google Ads because we are verified.
Improve Your Google Ads Performance With First Rank
Our team can help you through the verification process, then deliver ad campaigns that drive leads directly to your business. Contact us today for Google Ads management!
Jacob Kettner is the owner and CEO of First Rank Inc., a digital marketing agency based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He currently sits on Manitoba Chamber of Commerce Small Business Advisor Council which assists people grow their small businesses in Manitoba.
