Claiming and verifying your Google Business Profile is key for any business owner. It makes your business easy to find online. This can lead to more customers and sales.
Verification keeps your business information accurate and safe. You can update your listing and respond to reviews, which helps attract and retain customers.
By verifying, you give customers the right information, which builds trust in your business. This is good for both you and your customers.
Benefits of claiming and verifying your Google Business Profile
Claiming and verifying your Google Business Profile is vital. Here are the main benefits:
More Visibility: A verified profile shows up in Google Search and Maps. This makes it easier for people to find you.
Right Info: You can keep your business details, like hours and addresses, up to date.
Customer Trust: A verified profile shows you're a real business. This builds trust.
Interact with Customers: You can reply to reviews and talk to your audience. This builds loyalty.
Insights and Analytics: Google provides useful information on how people interact with your profile, which can help you make better decisions.
Free Marketing: Your verified listing is a free way to show off your products and services.
By managing your Google Business Profile, you can protect your reputation, improve your local SEO, and better connect with your audience.
Methods of verification
Google has many ways to verify you own your business. These options depend on your business type and location. Here are some common ones:
Postcard Verification
Phone or SMS Verification
Email Verification
Instant Verification
Bulk Verification
Live Video Call Verification
Video Recording Verification
Each method has its own rules. Make sure your business info is correct before you start.
Postcard verification process
The postcard verification process is common for most businesses. Here's how it works:
Sign in to your Google Business Profile and pick the business you want to verify.
Make sure your business address is right. If not, change it and submit the form.
Choose "Mail" as your verification method.
Google will send a postcard with a code to your business address in a few days.
When you get the postcard, log back into your Google Business Profile. Enter the code to verify your business.
Don't change your business name, address, or category while waiting for the postcard. It might slow down the process.
Phone or SMS verification process
Phone or SMS verification is an option for some businesses. Here's how to do it:
Sign in to Google Business Profile and pick the business you want to verify.
Choose "Phone" or "SMS" as your verification option.
Make sure your business phone number is correct.
Google will call or text you with a verification code.
Enter the code you received to complete the verification.
This method is faster than postal mail but not available for all businesses.
Email verification process
Email verification is an option for some businesses. Here's how to use it:
Sign in to your Google Business Profile and select your business.
If you're eligible, you'll see an "Email" option for verification. Click on it.
Check your inbox for an email from Google with the subject "Verify your business email."
Click on the verification button in the email or enter the code from the email into your Google Business Profile to verify.
Check your spam folder if you can't find the email in your inbox.
Instant verification process
Businesses already verified with Google Search Console might get instant verification. Here's how:
Log in to your Google Business Profile with the same account you used for Google Search HttpContext;
Select instant verification if prompted during the claiming process.
If your account is recognized, you might be instantly verified without needing a code.
Not all businesses qualify for this verification option.
Bulk verification process
Companies with multiple locations can use the bulk verification process:
Log in to your Google Business Profile and make sure all locations are added.
Choose one of your business locations and select "Get verified."
Click on "Chain."
Fill out the verification form with your business details, including all locations.
Submit the form and wait for Google's approval, which can take up to a week.
This method saves time for businesses with more than 10 locations.
Live video call verification process
A live video call is sometimes an option for verifying your business:
Choose live video call as your verification method if it’s available.
You’ll be asked to schedule a video call with a Google representative.
During the call, you’ll need to show proof of your business, like signage or a business license.
This process lets you interact in real time to validate your business.
Video recording verification process
Some businesses can send a video for verification:
If you're eligible, record a video showing your business as Google instructs.
The video should include signs, mail receipts, or other details Google asks for.
Then, upload the video according to Google's review guidelines.
Make sure your video is detailed to meet Google's verification standards.
Postcard verification process
Google often uses postcards to check if a business is real. This step ensures your business is listed correctly on Google Search and Maps, which benefits both you and your customers.
Here's how to get your business verified with a postcard:
First, sign into Google Business Profile on their website.
Then, click the “Verify now” button in your dashboard.
Choose 'Mail' as your verification method.
Make sure your business address is correct before asking for the postcard.
The postcard should arrive in 5 business days. Don't change your business details before it comes.
After you get the postcard, log back into Google Business Profile. Enter the 5-digit code from the postcard.
After entering the code, your business will be verified. This boosts your online presence and helps customers find you easily. It's important to do this quickly because the code can expire.
Phone or SMS verification process
To verify your Google Business Profile by phone or SMS, follow these steps:
Sign in to Google Business Profile at google.com/business. If you're new, create an account.
Find your business in the search bar. If it's listed, pick it. If not, add it to Google.
After claiming your business, choose ‘Verify now’. You might see 'Phone' or 'SMS' options.
If you choose phone, answer your business line and write down the code. For SMS, you'll get a text with the code.
In your Google Business Profile, enter the code you received. This completes the verification.
Keep in mind, phone and SMS verification might not work for all businesses. It depends on your location and business type.
Having a verified profile with accurate info strengthens your online presence. It helps potential customers find you on Google Search and Maps.
Email verification process
Email verification is key to proving a business is real online. Here's how to verify your Google Business Profile by email:
After you enter your business details, Google might offer email verification.
If you see 'Email', choose it as your verification method.
Look for an email from Google in your business inbox with a verification code. Make sure it's not blocked by spam filters.
Enter the code from the email into your Google Business Profile setup.
Remember, not all businesses can use email verification. Google might suggest other methods like phone, postcard, or instant verification.
By following these steps, you confirm your business listing's credibility. This makes your company's info visible to potential customers on Google Search and Maps. Accurate listings are crucial for reaching more customers and building trust, essential for your business's growth and online reputation.
Instant verification process
Instant verification is fast and easy for business owners. It's perfect for those with a website linked to Google Search Console. They must also own the website.
Here's how to do it quickly:
Sign in to Google Business Profile with your Google Search Website account.
Type your business name in the search bar and click on it.
Choose the right category and confirm your details like address and phone number.
If you're eligible, you'll see 'Verify Now' in your Google Search Console account.
Click 'Verify Now' and your Business Profile will show as verified right away.
This method is fast, skipping the need for a code by email or postcard. But, not all businesses can use it. Others might need to verify by email, phone, or postcard.
Bulk verification process
The bulk verification is for businesses with over 10 locations. It makes verifying many listings easy. First, claim each business profile individually.
Sign in to Google Business Profile. Make sure all locations have the same name. Pick one business and fill in its details. Then, click "Get verified" and choose "Chain."
Fill out the form with your business info, including parent business name and contact details. You'll need to upload a document proving you can manage the listings.
Google will check your info, which might take a week. Once approved, all locations will be verified. This boosts your online presence and ensures accurate info for customers.
Live video call verification process
This method uses video calls to confirm identities or entity authenticity. Here's what happens:
Before the call, you might need to prepare documents or ID.
A video call is scheduled in advance.
At the time, join the call with a link or platform.
During the call, show your documents or ID to the operator.
After verification, you might get access to certain features or services.
Operators check your ID's validity, your presence, and if your appearance matches your ID photo. This stops fraud and ensures only real users access sensitive info.
Video call verifications can differ by organization or service. They might have extra steps or needs.
Video recording verification process
To complete the video recording verification process for a Google Business Profile, follow these crucial steps:
Initiate Verification: Access your Google Business Profile and select the business you need to verify. Click on "Verify now."
Choose 'Video Verification': Out of the available verification options, choose 'Video verification.'
Review Instructions: Carefully go through the provided instructions for video verification.
Record Your Video: Record a video as per Google's guidelines, ensuring that you capture the necessary aspects of your business. This typically includes:
The business environment (interior and exterior)
Business signage with your business name and logo
Business documents (license, utility bill)
Tools, equipment, or products relevant to your business type
Submit Your Video: Upload the recorded video as prompted on the verification page.
Wait for Confirmation: After submission, Google will review the video. Confirmation can take a few business days.
It's essential that the video is clear, shows the necessary information to verify your business's physical presence, and follows all of Google's guidelines to avoid any delays or rejections in the verification process.
Need help with your Google Business Profile?
Sandbox Communications can help you verify and manage your Google Business Profile. Contact us to learn more.
Comments