How to Verify Your Google Business Profile

If you own a business, having a strong online presence is a must. One of the best ways to do that is by creating and verifying your Google Business Profile. This free tool helps people find your business on Google Search and Google Maps. But before your profile can show up to customers, Google needs to make sure it’s really you—that’s why you need to verify your Google Business.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to verify your Google Business Profile, step by step. Whether you’re new to Google or just need a little help, we’ll keep it simple and clear.

What Is a Google Business Profile?

Your Google Business Profile is like your business’s online ID. It shows your business name, address, phone number, hours, website, photos, and even reviews. When someone searches for your business or something similar in your area, your profile can appear in the local search results or on Google Maps.

This makes it easier for people to find you—and trust you. But your profile won’t go live until it’s verified by Google.

Why You Should Verify Your Google Business

You may be asking, “Why should I bother to verify my business on Google?” Good question. Here’s why:

• Control Your Information: Once verified, you can update your name, address, phone number, and more.
  
  
• Get Found Easily: Verified businesses show up in Google Search and Maps, helping you reach more customers.
  
  
• Build Trust: Customers trust verified businesses more than unverified ones.
  
  
• Respond to Reviews: You can reply to customer reviews and show that you care about feedback.
  
  
• Access Insights: Google gives you data on how people find and interact with your business.

How to Verify Your Google Business Profile

Let’s get into the steps to verify your Google Business Profile.

Step 1: Create or Claim Your Profile

If you haven’t created a Google Business Profile yet, go to Google Business and click “Manage Now.” Log into your Google account.

Then, follow the steps to:

• Enter your business name.
  
  
• Choose your business category.
  
  
• Add your business location (if you serve customers in person).
  
  
• Add your contact details like phone number and website.
  
  

If your business is already on Google, you’ll see it in the search. You can then choose to claim it.

Step 2: Choose a Verification Method

Once you’ve filled out your business info, Google will ask you to verify it. There are a few ways to do this. The methods available depend on your type of business, location, and whether your business has been verified before.

Here are the main ways:

1. Postcard by Mail

This is the most common method.

• Google sends a postcard with a verification code to your business address.
  
  
• It arrives in about 5 days.
  
  
• Once you get it, log into your Google Business account and enter the code.
  
  

Make sure your business name and address are exactly right before you request the postcard.

2. Phone Verification

Some businesses can verify by phone.

• You’ll get an automated call from Google with a code.
  
  
• Enter the code into your profile to complete verification.
  
  

Note: Not all businesses get this option.

3. Email Verification

You might be able to verify your business by email.

• Google sends a code to your email.
  
  
• Click the verification link or enter the code manually.
  
  

This only works if Google offers it for your business type.

4. Instant Verification

If you’ve already verified your website with Google Search Console, you may qualify for instant verification.

• Log in with the same email used for your Search Console.
  
  
• Your business could be verified right away.
  
  

5. Video Verification or Live Call

For some businesses, Google may offer video verification.

• You’ll take a video showing your location, equipment, or work vehicle.
  
  
• Or you may have a live video call with a Google rep.
  
  

Follow the instructions exactly to avoid delays.

What Happens After You Verify?

After entering your code or finishing the process, Google will review your information. It may take a few hours to a few days for your profile to become live. You’ll get an email from Google when it’s ready.

Once live, your profile is public. Customers can now find you, call you, visit your website, or leave reviews.

Tips for a Strong Google Business Profile

Now that your profile is verified, make the most of it!

Here’s how:

• Add Photos: Show your storefront, team, or products.
  
  
• Update Hours: Keep your hours correct, including holidays.
  
  
• Write a Business Description: Tell people what you do.
  
  
• Get Reviews: Ask happy customers to leave reviews.
  
  
• Respond to Reviews: Thank people or solve problems professionally.
  
  
• Use Posts: Share updates, events, or special offers.
  
  

These actions help improve your visibility in local searches.

Common Problems When Verifying

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues and what to do:

Didn’t Get the Postcard?

• Wait at least 14 days.
  
  
• Make sure your business address is correct.
  
  
• If it never arrives, request a new one.
  
  

Verification Code Doesn’t Work?

• Double-check the code.
  
  
• Make sure you’re entering it in the correct spot.
  
  
• If needed, request a new code.
  
  

No Verification Options?

• Make sure your business info follows Google’s rules.
  
  
• Try again later.
  
  
• Contact Google Support if nothing works.
  
  

What If You Have Multiple Locations?

If you own more than one location, you’ll need to create and verify each location separately. However, if you own 10 or more, you can apply for bulk verification.

This allows you to verify all locations at once. Just follow Google’s bulk verification instructions after creating all the profiles.

Can Someone Else Verify My Business?

If you work with a digital marketing agency, like Oamii, they can help manage your Google Business Profile. However, they still need your permission, and only you or your team should request the initial verification. It’s important to keep your business’s login info secure.

Keep Your Profile Updated

Once verified, your job isn’t done. Keep checking your Google Business Profile regularly. Google may ask you to reverify if you change important details like:

• Business name
  
  
• Address
  
  
• Phone number
  
  
• Ownership
  
  

Keeping your profile updated helps customers trust you and keeps your ranking strong.

Final Thoughts

Verifying your Google Business Profile is a simple but powerful step for getting noticed online. It helps customers find you, builds trust, and gives you control over how your business appears on Google. Whether you do it by mail, phone, or video, the process doesn’t take long—and the benefits are huge.

If you’ve been asking, “How do I Google verify my business?”—now you know the answer. Need help in Review management solutions? Contact the team at ReviewArm today!