How to Verify your Google Business Profile By 5 Different Verifications Methods

When you create a Google Business Profile for your own business, you need to get verified to show that you’re the real owner of the business (An authorized representatives of those business). And once verified, your business will get discovered on Google Maps and in local search results, making it easier for your potential customers to find you. Additionally, you can create GBP posts, view performance insights, and respond to customer reviews. Overall you’ll get full control over your business profile.

If you’re a business owner who just created Google business profile and looking for simple instructions, this guide will walk you through how you can verify your Google business profile by different Google My Business verification methods, step by step simply!

Why Do You Need to Verify Your Google Business Profile?

Google business profile Verification is necessary process making sure that the business profile you’re claiming belongs to you and isn’t being managed by someone else. Once you’re verified, your business gains trust and visible publicly, and people can find your business more easily online.

How to get your business verified on Google?

To get your business verified on Google, you need to go through a simple process. Most businesses will use video verification, since that’s the verification method Google uses the most. However, there are other ways to verify your Google business profile too, depending on the situation. After you finish the verification, you can update your business name and other details on your Google business profile.

Google Business Profile Verification Methods

There are 5 different Google business profile verification methods you can use to verify your Google Business Profile. Each one has its own process and requirements.

1. Postcard Verification

This is the most common method used by Google, where they send you a postcard in the mail.

Step 1: Request your postcard

• • Sign in to your Google Business Profile.

• • Choose the business you want to verify.

• • Select “Verify by Post” or “Mail” as your option.

• • Enter the correct address for your business, making sure it’s accurate with full street name and zip code.

• • Request the postcard.

Now wait for the postcard. It usually takes around 5 days to arrive. Most postcards arrive within 14 days. Due to COVID-19, you may experience delays. Once you get the postcard, it will have a verification code.

This verification code will expire after 30 days so it’s advisable to verify as soon as possible after you receive the postcard.

Step 2: Enter your verification code

After you get your postcard:

• • Login back to your Google Business Profile. 

• • In the “Code” field, enter the 5-digit verification code you got from your postcard.

• • Click Submit.

When to Use:
This method works well if your business has a physical location where you can receive mail. It’s slow and time consuming process, but it’s reliable.

2. Phone or Text SMS Verification

Some businesses can verify their profile using a phone call or SMS (text message).

Steps:

• • Log in to your Google Business Profile.

• • If the phone option is available for your business, you will see “Verify by Phone”.

• • Click the option, and Google will either call or send you a text SMS a 6-digit verification code.

• • Enter the code into your profile, and you’re done!

When to Use:
This is a quicker option compared to the postcard method but is only available to certain businesses.

3. Email Verification

In some cases, you can verify your business by email.

Steps:

• • Log in to your Google Business Profile.

• • If eligible, you will see the option “Verify by Email”. In order to increase the chance of being eligible for email verification, you should use a domain email matching the name/brand of the business.

• • Google will send you an email with a verification link or code.

• • Open your email, click the link, or enter the code provided.

When to Use:
This is another fast method, but like phone verification, it’s only available for certain types of businesses.

4. Instant Verification

If you have already verified your business through Google Search Console, you might be able to verify your Google Business Profile instantly.

Steps:

• • Log in to the same Google account you used for your Google Search Console.

• • If instant verification is available, it will be automatically applied when you open your Google Business Profile.

When to Use:
Use this method if you’ve already verified your business website through Google Search Console. It’s the fastest and simplest way to verify.

5. Video Verification

For some businesses, especially those that can’t use other methods, Google may ask for a live video call or recorded video to verify the business.

Steps for Live Video Call:

• • Log in to your Google Business Profile.

• • If available, select the “Verify by Video Call” option.

• • Google will arrange a time for the video call, where you’ll show them around your business and prove ownership.

Step 1: Get Ready for the Video Call
Before starting, make sure your mobile device can join a live video call. A Google support person will help you get connected.
Be at your business location and ready to show proof that you own or manage it. Here’s what you might need to show during the call:

• • Your Location: Show the outside of your business, including street signs, nearby stores, or anything that shows where you are.

• • Your Business or Equipment: Show things that prove your business is real, like products you sell, branded equipment, or tools you use for work.

• • Proof of Management: Show areas or items only employees can access, like the cash register, kitchen, storage, or business papers. You could even show your keys to unlock the building.

Tip: If you have to wait, you can contact the Google Help Center. They usually reply within 24 hours and may ask for more information.

Step 2: Start a Text Chat with Support
On any device, go to your Google Business Profile (here’s how to find it).

• • Click Get verified, then choose Video call, and press Next.

• • Pick your language.

• • To chat with the next available support person, click Start call.

Step 3: Show Your Business During the Video Call
Once you’re ready, the support person will guide you through the video call. Use your mobile device’s camera to show your business location and prove you own or manage it.

Steps for Recorded Video:

• • You might also be asked to submit a recorded video of your business. In this case, follow the on-screen instructions to upload the video.

When to Use:
Video verification is often used when Google can’t confirm your business through other methods. It’s more involved but works well for businesses without a physical location.

What to Do If You’re Having Trouble with Verification

If you’re having trouble getting verified, here are a few things you can try:

• • Double-check your address when choosing the postcard method.

• • Request a new postcard if you don’t receive it within 14 days.

• • Contact Google Support for help if none of the verification methods work for you.

How Long Does Google Business Verification Take?

The time it takes depends on the verification method you choose:

• • Postcard: approximately 5-14 days.

• • Phone or Email: Instant or within a few minutes.

• • Video or Instant Verification: Instant or based on Google’s review.

What Happens After You’re Verified?

Once your Google Business Profile is verified:

• • Your business will appear in Google Search and Google Maps.

• • You can start responding to customer reviews and updating your business information more accurately.

• • You’ll have access to more features like photos, posts and updates, and business insights (which show how people are finding your business).

Final Thoughts

Verifying your Google Business Profile is super important if you want to stand out in local search results. Whether you choose postcard, phone, email, or video verification, following the steps above will help you get your business verified and visible on Google.

Now, go ahead and get your business verified so customers can easily find you online!

FAQs

• • What if I don’t receive the postcard?
    You can request another one after 14 days by logging into your Google Business Profile. If you still don’t receive the postcard after a second attempt, you can reach out to Google Business Profile support. Sometimes they offer alternative verification methods, like phone or email, in specific cases.

• • Can I change my verification method?
    Yes, if your preferred method isn’t working, you can try another one if it’s available.

• • Why is my business not eligible for phone or email verification?
    Google offers these methods based on the type and location of your business.

• • Does Google charge to be verified your Google business profile?
    No, Google never charge any fee to verify your Google Business Profile. Its 100% free of cost and ensures that the business information displayed on Google Maps and Search is accurate and trustworthy.

• • How to get Google Business Profile verified faster?
    To get verified your Google Business profile faster, you can get a code through a phone call, text message, or email. If your business is already verified in Google Search Console, you might be able to get verified instantly.

• • How do I verify my Google Business Profile without a postcard?
    You can verify your business via phone, email, video, or instant verification using Google Search Console, if available, instead of a postcard.

• • Can I Verify My Google Business Listing Without a Physical Address?
    Yes, you can verify a Google Business listing without displaying a physical address, but you must still provide a valid address during the setup process. Google requires an address for verification purposes, but you can choose to hide it if your business operates in a service area (e.g., home-based businesses or businesses that serve customers at their locations).

Steps to Verify Without Displaying the Address:

1. 1. Enter a valid address during profile setup for verification.

1. 1. Select “I deliver goods and services to my customers” and specify your service area.

1. 1. Choose to hide the physical address when setting up your business profile.

This way, your address won’t be visible on Google, but you’ll still be verified and show up in relevant searches.

This guide is written to make the Google Business Profile verification process easy to understand, even if you’re new to the topic. Just follow the steps, and your business profile will be visible on Google in no time!