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Verifying your Google Business, or as some may call it, “verify Google Business,” is essential for businesses aiming to be found and trusted online. This article breaks down the verification process into simple, actionable steps, ensuring you can confidently validate your business presence on Google.
Key Takeaways
- A verified Google Business Profile increases visibility on Google Maps and search results, boosts local search ranking, ensures information accuracy, and enhances customer trust and engagement, while providing valuable customer behavior insights.
- To verify a Google Business Profile, a business should have face-to-face customer interactions, a physical location for claiming, comply with Google’s eligibility criteria, and provide accurate information such as business name, address, website, and contact details.
- Google offers multiple verification methods including postcards, phone or SMS, email, video recording, live video calls, instant verification, and bulk verification for businesses that meet certain criteria, each with specified steps and requirements.
Importance of Verifying Your Google Business Profile
Picture this: A customer searches for a service you provide on Google. On the results page, they see a box on the right-hand side with a business profile. It’s your competitor’s profile, complete with their address, opening hours, and even some glowing reviews. Where’s your business profile? It could be hidden away because it’s not verified.
With a verified Google Business Profile, you can:
- Increase your visibility on Google Maps and search results, allowing local customers to find you more easily
- Boost your local search term rankings
- Safeguard the accuracy of your business information and have control over your listings
- Be perceived as more trustworthy by consumers with a verified profile
- Engage with customers through Google reviews and promotions to enhance their connection with your business.
In addition, the analytics tools that come with a verified profile provide vital insights into customer behavior, enabling you to tailor your marketing efforts, such as creating tailored ads based on these insights, and enhance your products or services. Additionally, learning about marketing conversion rate can help you get deeper understanding on this matter.
Google Business Profile Verification Essentials
Before you claim and verify your profile, you need to confirm that your business fulfills specific criteria. This will help streamline the process and ensure that your profile is properly authenticated and business verified.
To be eligible, your business should:
- Interact face-to-face with customers
- Not fall under ineligible types such as brands, organizations, online-only companies, or lead generation agents
- Have a physical location that you can claim (service area businesses can list a service area)
Here, the key factor is accuracy. You must provide accurate business info, including:
- Your business name
- Address
- Website
- Phone number
- Category
- Business hours
If you’re in a virtual office or co-working space, you’re eligible only if there’s clear signage and customers are received during your staffed hours. For claiming and verifying your profile, a standard Google Account is required, which can be created using any email address.
Step-by-Step Guide to Verify Your Google Business Profile
Verification can be achieved through several methods, and your choice will depend on your business’s context and preferences. Some common methods include:
- Postcards
- Phone
- Text
Regardless of the method, verification involves entering a verification code provided by Google in the Google My Business dashboard. Once verified, your business becomes eligible to appear on Google Search, Maps, and you gain the ability to edit your business information.
We will examine these verification methods in detail, beginning with the most popular one—postcard verification. We’ll then explore phone or SMS verification and email verification.
Postcard Verification
Postcard verification is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:
- Log into your account.
- Select the business location.
- Click ‘Verify now’.
- Ensure that the contact name for mailing is correct to ensure delivery.
- The verification postcard typically arrives within 5 days; however, businesses should allow up to 14 days due to varying postal service delivery times.
Once you receive the postcard, you’ll find a verification code. Enter this code in the Home section of the Google Business Profile Manager to complete the verification of your business. This process is particularly effective for businesses with a physical location, as it’s the simplest way to verify control over the premises.
Phone or SMS Verification
If you’re comfortable with receiving a verification code via a call or a text message, this method could be for you. Here’s how to do it:
- Sign into your Google Business Profile.
- Verify the phone number listed in the ‘Info’ section.
- Make sure you provide a valid and accessible phone number to receive the verification code.
After you’ve confirmed your phone number, follow these steps to verify your business:
- Request and receive the verification code by clicking ‘Call me now’ or ‘Text me’.
- Enter the code in the designated field.
- Submit the code to complete the verification process.
This method is an instantaneous way to verify your business, especially for some existing listings that haven’t been claimed yet.
Email Verification
For unclaimed listings, email verification could be the right fit. To get started, follow these steps:
- Add or claim your Google Business Profile.
- Select the email option for verification.
- Google will then send an email within a few minutes containing specific instructions, which may include a verification code or an activation link.
To wrap up the verification process, follow the instructions received in the email and enter the provided verification code or click the activation link. This method is a simple and quick way to verify your business, provided you have access to your business email.
Need Help? Discover the Agency’s Secret Weapon
Struggling with the verification process can be frustrating, but there’s a solution that many top white label agency services turn to. That! Company is your go-to for a full range of white label digital marketing services, including:
- Google Business Profile verification
- SEO optimization
- Social media management
- Content creation
- Website design and development
With a track record of servicing over 500 agencies across the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia, we at That! Company provide scalable solutions and expert execution. Our services are designed to deliver outstanding results.
By outsourcing to us, agencies gain several advantages:
- They can concentrate on their primary business functions while we expertly navigate the complexities of digital marketing.
- Our team of experts handles the specialized task of digital marketing, ensuring professional management and outcomes.
- This partnership often leads to enhanced client satisfaction due to the high-quality results we consistently deliver.
Advanced Verification Methods
For businesses with unique requirements or multiple locations, standard verification methods may not suffice. Some advanced methods include:
- Video recording
- Live video call
- Instant verification
- Bulk verification
Each of these methods has its own set of requirements and processes, and can be particularly beneficial for businesses with unique situations. Let’s explore these advanced verification methods further. There are more local SEO solutions for you to discover.
Video Recording Verification
For video recording verification, you’ll need to capture a continuous, unedited video that shows the following:
- The exterior and interior of your business, including signage
- Areas not typically accessible to customers
- Proof of management by demonstrating access to restricted areas, such as using keys to enter.
Once you’ve recorded the video, upload it through the Google Business Profile Manager using a mobile device. Google’s review of the video can take up to 5 business days, after which you’ll be notified about the verification status.
Thorough planning and preparation for the recording is recommended to ensure a successful verification.
Live Video Call Verification
Live video call verification involves a bit more interaction with Google. To initiate this process, first, request a live video call from Google. Google will then provide a scheduling link via email, allowing you to choose a convenient time for the live video call.
Before the call, make sure to:
- Prepare your business premises for a video walkthrough
- Have your government-issued ID and the business’s official documents ready
- Ensure you have a good internet connection to ensure the quality and stability of the live video call.
During the call, Google’s representative will guide you through the verification steps, including a tour of the location, checking signage, and verifying official documents.
Instant Verification
Instant verification is an option for businesses that have their website already verified with Google Search Console. This method enables you to bypass the typical ‘Get verified’ process.
Existing Search Console users can instantly verify their Google Business Profile if their matching website is verified before they add or claim their profile. New Search Console users should verify their matching website first and then select ‘Get verified’ to instantly verify their Google Business Profile.
Bulk Verification
If your business has 10 or more locations, bulk verification is a godsend. This method enables you to manage and verify multiple business profiles at once. To be eligible for this option, all locations must be in the bulk account without any duplicate listings. Service-area businesses, however, are excluded from this process.
The bulk verification process requires a detailed form submission, including business name, locations, contact information, and emails of the business and Google account managers, if any. After the form submission, you’ll need to create a location group and submit a spreadsheet with all location data. The review process can extend over several weeks before a decision is made. Once verified, new locations can be added and managed without individual postcard verification for each.
Post-Verification Actions
Acquiring verification is merely the beginning. Maintaining an up-to-date and engaging Google Business Profile is crucial. Here are some tips to help you do that:
- Regularly edit your business information, including name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation to ensure accuracy.
- Encourage customer reviews on your profile and respond to them promptly.
- Enable messaging to address inquiries quickly.
By following these tips, you can keep your Google Business Profile updated and engaging for your customers which is an important part of the reputation monitoring, white label companies can help with.
To optimize visibility for your business, follow these steps:
- Add a comprehensive description with relevant keywords.
- Select accurate categories.
- Use the right features to showcase your business.
- Maintain consistency between the information on your Google Business Profile, your website, and other online platforms to boost your SEO.
Troubleshooting Verification Issues
At times, you might encounter some obstacles during the verification process. To avoid delays, refrain from making any changes to your business address, name, category, or requesting another code before the first one arrives. Make sure that the business information provided, including the current address and phone number, is accurate.
If you encounter issues with the postcard verification, such as it not arriving within 14 days or being lost, you may request a new code or contact Google Business Profile support. If verification is not successful, don’t give up—try a different verification method.
Summary
Verifying your Google Business Profile is a significant step towards boosting your online visibility and connecting more effectively with your customers. From postcard, phone, or email verification to advanced methods like video recording, live video call, instant, and bulk verification—there are plenty of options to suit every business’s unique needs.
Remember, verification is only the beginning. Regularly updating your profile, responding to reviews, and maintaining consistency across platforms will keep your profile engaging and reliable. If you encounter any hurdles along the way, professional agencies like That! Company are there to help you navigate the process seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I verify my business on Google?
To verify your business on Google, go to your Business Profile, click “Get verified,” choose the phone or SMS option, answer the call or open the text with the code, and enter the code in your profile. This is the standard verification process for businesses on Google.
Why is Google business not verified?
The most common reason for Google business not being verified is due to incorrect or inconsistent business information across the web, a website domain not being optimized for search engines, or a very small web presence. Another common issue is incorrectly entering the phone number or address, which prevents Google from sending the verification code.
How do I verify ownership of my Google business?
To verify ownership of your Google business, go to business.google.com/create, enter your business details, select the verification method, and enter the PIN from the postcard that arrives.
Do you have to pay to verify Google business account?
Verifying your Google Business Profile is free of charge. Stay cautious of third-party companies asking for payment to assist with the verification process.
What are the benefits of verifying my Google Business Profile?
Verifying your Google Business Profile offers key benefits such as increased visibility, accurate business information, enhanced customer trust, and access to valuable analytics tools. It’s a crucial step for optimizing your online presence.
