In today's digital marketplace, having an online presence for your business is crucial. One essential step in establishing this presence is verifying your business on Google. This not only enhances credibility but also ensures that your customers can find you easily on Google Maps and Search. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of verifying your Google Business listing to help you make the most out of your online presence.
Step 1: Create or Claim Your Google Business Profile Listing
You cannot verify a business on Google without having it listed first. Begin by checking if your business already has a Google Business Profile:
- Go to Google Maps.
- Type your business name into the search bar.
- If your business appears in the search results, click on the name to claim the existing listing. You may need to provide proof that you are authorized to manage the profile.
- If your business does not appear in the search results, create a new Google Business Profile by visiting the Google My Business homepage and clicking "+Add a new listing."
Once you've created or claimed your Google Business Profile, be sure to fill out all the necessary information, such as business hours, address, website, and phone number. See also our complete guide to Google My Business
Step 2: Start the Verification Process
Before you can verify your business listing, you must sign in to your Google Account associated with your Google My Business account:
- Navigate to the Google My Business dashboard.
- Select the business you want to verify.
- Click on the "Verify now" button or find the verification option in the dashboard menu if you have not been prompted already.
Note: Google may offer several verification options depending on your business type and location, including verification through mail, phone, email, or instant methods like Google Search Console. Be prepared to follow the steps related to the specific method available for your business.
Step 3: Verify Your Business by Mail
Requesting the Verification Postcard
If Google provides the option to verify by mail, you will need to request a verification postcard:
- In the Google My Business dashboard, click on the "Mail" option.
- Make sure the displayed address is correct or make any necessary changes.
- Click "Send postcard."
The postcard should arrive within about two weeks with a unique PIN that you will use to complete the verification process.
Submitting the Verification PIN
Once you've received your postcard, follow these steps to submit the verification PIN:
- Log in to your Google My Business account.
- Select the business you're verifying.
- Click on the "Enter verification code" button.
- Enter the PIN found on your postcard.
- Click "Submit."
Your business listing should now be verified, and you can update and manage it as needed.
Step 4: Verify Your Business by Phone or Email
If your business is eligible for phone or email verification, the process will be quicker than mail verification:
- In the Google My Business dashboard, click on the "Call" or "Email" option.
- A unique PIN will be delivered via SMS, a call, or an email to the associated phone or email address.
- Return to your Google My Business account and enter the PIN as described in the previous section of this guide.
Upon entering the code, your business listing should now be verified.
Step 5: Instant Verification through Google Search Console
If you have already verified your website with Google Search Console, you may have the option of instant verification. Simply log in to your Google My Business account using the same account credentials used for the Search Console and follow the steps provided to instantly verify your business profile.
Troubleshooting Verification Issues
Sometimes, you might face obstacles during the verification process. It's imperative to persist until your business is successfully listed and verified on Google. Below are common issues faced and their resolutions:
- Postcard not received: If you haven't received your postcard within two weeks, request a new one. Make sure to check if your mailing address is correct.
- Incorrect verification code: Double-check the code on your postcard. If there's still an issue, request another postcard with a new code.
- Verification suspended: This may happen for various reasons. Contact Google My Business support to find out why your verification has been suspended and how to resolve the issue.
In summary, verifying your Google Business listing is essential for any business seeking greater online visibility and credibility. The process might take time, but it's a worthwhile investment that will boost your strategies to attract and retain customers.