Claim your space: a simple guide to Google Business Profile verification
Getting verified can boost your online presence, attract more customers, and increase revenue
With more and more consumers turning to search engines to find local services and products, ensuring your business is verified on Google makes it easier for potential customers to discover you on Google Search and Maps. A verified profile not only amplifies your visibility in search results but also enhances your credibility in the eyes of prospective customers.
A verified Google Business Profile unlocks powerful tools that allow you to manage your business’s online presence. You can control the information displayed to potential customers, interact with reviews, and monitor key insights on how users engage with your profile.
Best of all, it’s not difficult to get your business verified. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to claim, verify, and optimize your Google Business Profile, ensuring your business makes the most of this essential digital tool.
What is Google Business Profile and how can it help my business grow?
Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is a free tool that allows businesses to control how they appear on Google’s search engine and map services. Through this platform, you can showcase essential information about your business, including your address, hours of operation, contact details, and the services or products you offer. Having an updated and well-managed profile significantly improves your chances of showing up in relevant local searches.
Google Business Profile plays a vital role in local search optimization, especially given that more than 87% of consumers use Google to find local businesses. Having an optimized profile increases the likelihood of your business appearing in search results and on Google Maps when potential customers look for services or products in their area.
The visibility gained through your profile can drive foot traffic to your physical location and encourage online engagement through features such as customer reviews, Q&A sections, and business updates. Essentially, your Google Business Profile acts as a digital storefront that connects you with customers, making it a critical component of any business’s local marketing strategy.
The importance of verifying your Google Business Profile
Verifying your Google Business Profile offers a number of distinct advantages that can set your business up for success. The most significant benefit is increased visibility in local search results. Verified profiles are more likely to appear in the “local pack” — a special section at the top of Google Search that features nearby businesses — leading to greater website traffic and more foot traffic to your location.
Beyond visibility, verification helps establish trust. Verification communicates to consumers that your business is legitimate and trustworthy, increasing their likelihood of choosing your services. It also gives you more control over managing key information that helps build confidence with customers.
Source: https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-business-discovery-trust-report/
Verified businesses can manage their profiles more effectively by updating key information such as hours of operation, services, and contact details. Research underscores the importance of maintaining correct and consistent details on your profile — 46% of customers report that they would lose trust in a business simply because it had the wrong address listed online. By keeping this information current, you help potential customers stay informed and make it easier for them to engage with your business.
How to verify your Google Business Profile
Claim your Business Profile
To claim your business profile on Google, follow these steps:
- Go to google.com/business and click “Manage now.”
- Sign in with the Google account associated with your business. If you don’t have a Google account for your business yet, create one using your business email address.
- Enter your business name and select the appropriate category. If your business already has a Google Business Profile, you can claim it by selecting “Claim this business” under the profile.
- Provide your business address. If you’re a service-area business without a physical location, you can list your service area instead.
- Verify your business. Google will send a postcard with a verification code to your business address. Once you receive the postcard, enter the code to complete the verification process.
- Customize your business profile by adding photos, business hours, services, and other relevant information. The more complete your profile, the more likely it is to appear in relevant Google searches.
- Keep your profile updated with any changes to your business information, such as new hours or services. Regularly post updates, offers, and photos to engage with customers.
By claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile, you can improve your online visibility, attract more customers, and manage your business information across Google Search and Google Maps.
Choose your verification method
When it comes to verifying your Google Business Profile, several methods are available, each catering to different business needs. Here’s an overview of the various verification options:
1. Postcard verification
This is the most common method for verification. Google will send a postcard to your business address containing a unique verification code. To verify via postcard, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your Google Business Profile.
- Click on “Get verified” and select “Postcard.”
- Ensure your business address is accurate and complete.
- Wait for the postcard to arrive, which can take up to two weeks.
- Once received, log back into your profile and enter the verification code.
2. Phone verification
If eligible, you can verify your business over the phone. Here’s how:
- Sign in to your Google Business Profile.
- Click “Get verified” and select “Phone.”
- Ensure you can answer the call or receive SMS messages.
- An automated message will provide you with a verification code.
- Enter this code into your profile to complete the verification.
3. Email verification
Some businesses may qualify for email verification. To verify via email:
- Log into your Google Business Profile.
- Click “Get verified” and select “Email.”
- Check your inbox for an email from Google with instructions.
- Follow the steps provided in the email to complete the verification process.
4. Video verification
In certain situations, Google may require video verification. This method involves a live video call or submitting a video that demonstrates your business location and operations. To verify via video:
- Select “Video” during the verification process.
- Use your mobile device to record a video showing your business location, signage, and any relevant activities.
- Follow the prompts to upload the video for review.
5. Instant verification via Google Search Console
If you have already verified your website with Google Search Console, you may be eligible for instant verification of your Google Business Profile. Here’s how:
- Ensure that the website linked to your profile is verified in Search Console.
- When you claim or add your business profile, click “Get verified.”
- If eligible, you will be instantly verified and can begin managing your profile immediately.
Each verification method has its own requirements and timelines, so choose the one that best fits your business situation. By successfully verifying your profile, you enhance its credibility and visibility on Google, making it easier for customers to find and engage with your business.
Making the most of your verified Google Business Profile
After verification, it’s crucial to optimize and maintain your Google Business Profile for maximum impact. Start by regularly updating your business information, ensuring that your address, contact details, and hours of operation are always accurate. This helps potential customers find you easily and ensures they have up-to-date information about your services.
Engaging with customer reviews — both positive and negative — demonstrates that you value feedback and are committed to improving your services. Additionally, adding high-quality photos and videos enhances your profile’s visual appeal, helping potential customers get a clearer sense of your offerings.
You can also use the post feature to share business updates, promotions, and upcoming events. These regular updates keep your audience informed and engaged, driving more interest in your business. Monitoring the insights Google provides is another key step that allows you to track how users interact with your profile and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Consistency across your online platforms is vital. Make sure your business details are consistent on social media, directories, and other platforms. Enabling Google’s messaging feature allows customers to contact you directly, ensuring quicker responses and boosting overall customer satisfaction.
Troubleshooting common verification issues
It’s not uncommon to encounter challenges during the Google Business Profile verification process. Some potential issues include incorrect addresses, expired verification codes, or technical glitches. If your address is incomplete or incorrect, the verification postcard might not arrive, so double-check this information before submitting it.
If you don’t receive the verification code or encounter problems, request a new one. Additionally, ensure your contact details are correct if you verify via phone or email. Due to Google’s policies, verification may be more complex for businesses in specific industries, but contacting Google support can help resolve these issues.
For video verification, ensure the video meets Google’s requirements by clearly showing your location, business signage, and operations without edits or breaks. If you face repeated issues, patience is key. Give Google a few days and try again before seeking further assistance.
Conclusion
Verifying your Google Business Profile is a vital step for any business looking to strengthen its online presence and attract more customers. A verified profile not only improves your search visibility but also enhances customer trust and gives you control over your business information.
Maintaining an optimized profile with up-to-date information and engaging content can drive more traffic and foster meaningful customer interactions. By taking the time to verify and manage your profile, you position your business to succeed in the competitive digital landscape.
Sources
https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey/
https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-citations-trust-report/
https://support.google.com/business/answer/7107242?hl=en
https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-business-discovery-trust-report/
