Google Business Profile Verification – How to Verify Your GBP Listing Setting up a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a multi-stage process. For your listing to start reaching new customers, you need to verify your Google Business Profile. Only when you complete this process correctly will your business’s online visibility start to grow. We’ll show you how to go through this process effectively.
What is Google Business Profile verification, and why is it done?
Google Business Profile verification confirms that you are the owner or representative of your business. Google uses this process to ensure that you actually represent the company. It’s comparable to showing an ID when opening a bank account. This security measure makes sense because anyone can create a Profile, including competitors or dissatisfied customers. Google Business Profile verification eliminates the possibility of someone impersonating you and publishing information about your business without your consent.
Why is Google business verification so important?
Verifying your Google listing is necessary to use all the tool’s features. Skipping this step means you can’t edit business information and have blocked access to statistics. The profile doesn’t appear in search results or on Google Maps.
- Google requires verification when setting up a new Profile and after changing the address or business name.
- Verification will also be needed when you want to take over an existing Profile.
Google listing verification methods
Generally, Google provides several methods for verifying a Google Business Profile, but during the verification of a specific Profile, only randomly selected methods are available. Sometimes it happens that only one method chosen by Google is available, and you simply have to use it. Below, we describe all verification methods in detail.
1. SMS or voice call
Verifying your Google Business Profile listing via SMS or voice call is one of the simplest methods. In both cases, you’ll get a code on the phone number you provided in your listing. Then you’ll need to enter it in the designated place. If you choose a voice call, you’ll receive an automated call from Google – phone verification doesn’t involve talking to a consultant. During the call, you’ll only hear the activation code. Be prepared and have something to write with.
2. Traditional postcard sent by mail to the business address
Google sends a letter with a 5-digit verification code to the business address you provided when creating your Profile. The card arrives within 14 days. After receiving it, enter the given sequence of numbers on your account within 30 days to complete the verification process.
How to verify your business on Google if the letter doesn’t reach you? Request the card to be sent again. Just click the blue Send Again button on your Profile page.
3. Email
If this Google Business Profile verification method is available, you can request the code to be sent to your business email address (with a company domain after @). You’ll be able to provide the first part of the email (e.g., contact@), while the domain will be automatically pulled from the website you provided when creating your Google Profile.
4. Live video call
During the video call, a Google employee will ask you to show your business location and proof of ownership. This can be a document without confidential information or you opening the headquarters door with a key.
5. Short video recording
The recorded video must show the most important information about your business without sharing confidential data. Google requires that you record it without breaks and don’t edit it. It must last at least 30 seconds. Once you record it, submit the finished material to Business Profile using a phone or tablet.
Google specifically outlines what should be included in such a video. You can find the guidelines on the support page.
How to verify your business on Google? 8 steps
- Log in to your Google Business Profile.
- Check if all information is true and up-to-date.
- Find the Verify button.
- Review available Google listing verification methods.
- Choose one of the methods.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
What to do to make your business visible on Google once you get the code? Find the Enter verification code option on your Profile. Enter the received code in the field, confirm, and wait for verification confirmation.
You can complete Google Business Profile verification right away while setting up your Profile. See how to create a Google listing from scratch.
How do you know if your Google business account has been verified?
After completing Google Business Profile verification, you need to wait up to 5 business days. That’s how long it takes Google representatives to check the information you provided. When the process is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
If after this time, the Verification button still appears on your account, it means Google couldn’t properly verify your business and its Profile. In this case, you must go through the entire process again.
What to do when you have problems with Google Business Profile verification?
We know that rejection of Google Business Profile verification can be frustrating when you want to show off your listing online. Below, we indicate the simplest solutions to the most common problems:
- The verification code didn’t arrive,
- The entered code is not valid,
- Available verification methods don’t suit you,
- A Check Problems notification appears,
- A request to enter additional data pops up.
You don’t have the code
If you chose email verification, check the SPAM and Promotions folders. For postcard verification, wait the full 14 days. Check if the provided contact details are correct. As a last resort, try another available Google listing verification method.
The code doesn’t work
Check if you’re entering exactly the same code. It’s easy to make a mistake when in a hurry. Make sure the code hasn’t expired. If everything is correct on your end, contact Google support.
Available verification methods don’t suit you
Google selects available verification methods based on the type of business and provided information. If you can’t verify your business in any of the available ways, add more information about your business. Check if the URL redirects to the company website. After taking action, wait a few days and try again, or contact Google support directly.
A notification about problems appears
You might get such a message when verifying your Google Business Profile using video. This means the video wasn’t accepted. Fix it according to the instructions.
A request for additional data appears
A request for additional data appears when some information about your business changes. Complete it. Then click the Verify button and verify your Profile again.
If no solution helps or another problem appears, you’ll find an option to contact technical support in the Google Business Profile help section. Describe the encountered problem in detail and attach screenshots. This will speed up the process.
Google Business Profile Verification – Summary
Google Business Profile verification gives you control over your Profile, even if someone previously created a Profile on your behalf. Without this step, you can’t edit business data or check statistics. The process itself is free and can take from a few minutes to several days, depending on the chosen verification method: SMS, voice call, postcard sent to the business address, email, live video call, or short video recording. If problems occur that you can’t resolve, contact technical support.
Sources
- https://support.google.com/business/answer/7107242#verify_business [15.01.2025]
- https://support.google.com/business/answer/14271705?hl=pl#zippy=%2Cco-mam-zrobi%C4%87-je%C5%9Bli-poproszono-mnie-o-ponowne-przes%C5%82anie-filmu%2Cco-zrobi%C4%87-je%C5%9Bli-nie-mog%C4%99-przes%C5%82a%C4%87-filmu [15.01.2025]
