05 – Verification – Proving You’re the Real Deal

Why did the Google Business Profile verification team go to therapy?

Because they kept getting trust issues from all the businesses trying to catfish them!

 

Welcome, fellow Google Business Profile enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of verification. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Why do I need to verify my business? Can’t I just claim it and call it a day?” Well, hold onto your hats because I’m about to blow your mind with the importance of verification.

1. The Importance of Verification: Why is Verification Important?

So, you think your Google Business Profile (GBP) is just some digital real estate where your address and phone number hang out? Think again, amigo! Verification is the golden key that unlocks the treasure trove of benefits hidden within your GBP.

Picture this: you’re a local bakery, and you’ve just verified your GBP. Suddenly, you’re not just a name on Google Maps; you’re a beacon of freshly baked goodness, drawing in hungry locals like moths to a flame. Verified businesses get a shiny checkmark of legitimacy, boosting trust among potential customers. And let’s not forget the perks like managing your business info, responding to reviews, and even posting updates directly on Google Search and Maps!

But wait, there’s more! Verified businesses stand out like a neon sign in a sea of darkness. Your GBP gets priority placement in search results, making sure that when someone searches for “best bakery near me,” you’re not lost in the doughy abyss.

So, don’t leave your GBP hanging in the unverified wasteland. Verification isn’t just a formality; it’s your ticket to digital domination!

2. Understanding Google’s Verification Process: It’s Not as Scary as it Sounds

Verification sounds scarier than a haunted house on Halloween night, but fear not, my friend! Google’s verification process is simpler than baking a batch of cookies (well, almost).

Once you’ve claimed your GBP, Google wants to make sure you’re the real deal. They’ll send you a postcard or give you a call with a verification code. Just enter that code into your GBP dashboard, and voila! You’re officially verified.

But hey, don’t panic if you don’t receive the postcard right away. Sometimes Google’s mail delivery is slower than a snail on a leisurely stroll. If all else fails, you can request another postcard or explore alternative verification methods.

Remember, Google’s just trying to keep the digital realm safe and sound. So, embrace the verification process like a warm hug from your grandma—it’s for your own good!

To update your business name and other info on Google, you must first verify your business. When you verify your business, you can check that your info is correct and that you’re the only one who can edit it.

To avoid delays, make sure your address meets our guidelines. Learn about address entry guidelines.

3. Verify for the first time

1. Add or claim your Business Profile on Google. Learn how to claim your profile.
2. When you add or claim your profile, you can verify it through phone, text, email, or video.
   • You may have to verify with more than one method.
   • Available methods depend on business category, public info, region, support hours, and volumes.
3. Pick a type of verification. The verification methods are automatically determined and can’t be changed. Learn how to verify by your selected method.
4. Often, we must review verifications. These reviews help maintain the integrity of profiles. They can take up to 7 business days.
   • When you’re verified, you get a notification.
   • If we can’t verify your business with the first method, the “Get verified” button shows up again. If the button reappears, try a different verification method.
5. After you verify:
   • It can take a few weeks for your updated business info to show across Google.
   • You can update and add to your info at any time. Learn how to edit your profile.
   • You can connect with customers through your profile.

4. Find your profile

• On Google Search, search for my business.
• On Google Search or Maps, search for your business name and city.
• In your Google Maps app, at the top right, tap your Profile picture or initial  Your Business Profile.

Tip: Search results can vary for many reasons. Your results can differ from someone else’s. Learn how Google ranks local results.

5. Verifying Your Business After Rebranding: Updating Your Identity on GBP

Ah, rebranding—a fresh start, a new identity, like a caterpillar emerging from its cocoon as a beautiful butterfly. But don’t forget to update your GBP with your shiny new identity!

Whether you’ve changed your business name, moved to a new location, or simply revamped your logo, updating your GBP is a breeze. Just log into your dashboard, make the necessary changes, and follow Google’s verification process like a well-rehearsed dance.

But hey, don’t leave your customers in the dark! Communicate your rebranding efforts across all your channels, from social media to email newsletters. You want everyone to know that you’re not just a new coat of paint—you’re a whole new ballgame!

With a fresh coat of digital paint and a verified GBP to match, your rebranding efforts will shine brighter than a diamond in the rough. So go ahead, spread your wings and fly into this new chapter with confidence!

To re-verify, go to your verified Business Profile and follow the steps.

6. Standard verification methods

a. Phone or text

Important: To get your verification code, make sure you can answer your business phone number or receive texts. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems will not get the code.

1. Go to your Business Profile. Learn how to find your profile.
2. Click Get verified  Phone or SMS.
3. Answer the call or open the text with the code.
4. In your profile, enter the code.

b. Email

Important: Make sure you can use the email address in the verification screen.

1. Go to your Business Profile. Learn how to find your profile.
2. Click Get verified  Email.
3. Follow the steps in the email.

c. Video recording

To verify your Business Profile, you can record a video that shows the details of your business.
Learn how to verify your business with a video recording.

d. Live video call

Step 1: Get ready for the call

• Make sure your mobile device can join a live video call. Our support representative helps you join the call.
• Confirm that you’re at your business. Make sure you can demonstrate your location and ownership on the video call. For example:
  • Your current location: Show outside signs. Examples include your street’s name, nearby businesses, or the area around your business.
  • Business or equipment: Capture your operations. Examples include stock for sale, branded equipment, marketing materials, or tools you use to serve your customers.
  • Proof of management: Show your access to employee-only items or areas. Examples include a cash register, kitchen, storage room, or non-sensitive business documents.You can also use your keys to open your facility.

Tip: If you enter a queue, you can choose to contact Google Help Center. It usually take 24 hours to respond and they may ask you for more info.

Step 2: Start a text chat with support on any device

1. Go to your Business Profile. Learn how to find your profile.
2. Click Get verified  Video call  Next.
3. Select your language.
4. To start a text chat with the next available support representative, click Start call.

Step 3: Show your business via video call via a mobile device

1. When you’re ready, a representative helps you join a video call.
2. To show your business location and ownership, use the camera on your device.

e. Mail

If verification by mail is available in the product and you choose this method, we send you a verification code. To confirm that your business is at the listed address, you must enter your unique code.

While you wait for your code:

• Do not edit your business name, address, or category.
• Do not request a new code.

If you edit your info or request a new code, we cancel the code in the mail and send a new one. This action protects the integrity of your profile.

Each verification code is unique to your business and the location that you provide. If you update your business address, only the code requested for your current address works. Verification codes expire after 30 days.

Step 1: Request your code

Most codes arrive within 14 days.

1. Go to your Business Profile. Learn how to find your profile.
2. Click Get verified  Postcard.
3. Make sure the address is correct.
4. Request the code.

Step 2: Enter your verification code

Important:

• Keep your code secure.
• Google won’t call you to ask for a verification code.
• Don’t share your verification code with anyone, even third parties that help manage your business on Google.
• Your code is unique to your business. You should be the only one who uses it.

After you get your code:

1. Go to your Business Profile. Learn how to find your profile.
2. In the “Code” field, enter your 5-digit verification code.
3. Click Submit.

If you share management of your profile with a trusted third party, you can add them after you personally enter your code.

• After you verify, you can add owners and managers for your profile. Learn how to add and remove profile owners and managers.
• After you add the owners and managers you want, you can transfer primary ownership of your profile to the third party. Learn how to transfer profile ownership.

7. Instant verification methods

Rarely, we can immediately confirm that a specific Google Account owns a specific Business Profile.
For example:

• If you verify your website with Google Search Console, your profile might get instant verification. Learn how to add a website property in Search Console.
  • Existing Search Console user: If you verify your matching website before you add or claim your profile, no “Get verified” prompt shows. You can immediately edit your profile and connect with customers.
  • New Search Console user: If you verify your matching website after you add or claim your profile, click Get verified. Then, you can instantly edit your profile and connect with customers.
• If an eligible business manages 10 or more profiles for locations of the same business, that business might be able to use bulk verification. Learn how to verify 10 or more locations in bulk.

Tip: For more help with verification, ask a question in our community forum or contact Google support team.

Verification methods are automatically determined and can’t be changed. If you choose to contact Google support team, we’ll try to verify your business based on the information provided. We may suggest a live video call to confirm your place of work, tools, and proof of management.

8. How Verification Can Be Lost

Now, let’s talk about the nightmare scenario: losing your verification badge. It’s like misplacing your keys, except instead of being locked out of your car, you’re locked out of potential customers’ hearts (and wallets). Verification can be lost for a variety of reasons, from changes in ownership to violating Google’s guidelines faster than you can say “Oops!”

You can lose verification if you haven’t logged in to your account for a while (several months).

9. Tips & Tricks

Now, for the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the insider secrets to ace your verification game.

• Keep Your Info Updated: Nothing screams “unreliable” like an outdated address or phone number. Keep your business info up to date to ensure smooth sailing.
• Check Your Spam Folder: Don’t let Google’s precious verification email get lost in the abyss of your spam folder. Keep a vigilant eye out for that golden ticket.
• Follow the Guidelines: This ain’t no wild west, folks. Stick to Google’s guidelines like glue to avoid the dreaded loss of verification.

So there you have it, folks! Verification is the name of the game when it comes to establishing trust and credibility in the digital world. Follow these tips, stay on Google’s good side, and watch your business soar to new heights of success. Now go forth and verify like there’s no tomorrow!