Ever wonder how the local business seem to magically appear at the top of Google search results?
This isn’t magic, it’s the power of a well-managed Google Business Listing. The secret sauce to their visibility lies in having a verified listing.
Google Business is an essential free tool for all business types. According to Google, businesses with a verified Google listing are twice as likely to be viewed as reputable by consumers.
Navigating the Google landscape can seem like a maze. But we’re here to make it a breeze for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll escort you every step of the way, making the process of verifying your Google Business listing as simple as pie. No jargon, no fuss, just simple, easy-to-follow steps to boost your business’s online presence.
Ready to give your Google Business listing the tick of approval? Let’s dive in!
Why is it Important to Verify Your Google Business Listing?
Verifying your Google Business Profile is key to ensuring the information listed online about your business, is accurate and straight from the source. It gives you complete control over your business information on Google Search and Google Maps. You can spruce up your details, upload vibrant photos, respond to reviews, and access insights about how customers find and interact with your listing.
The real magic? Verification supercharges your online visibility. You’re set to appear in top search results and also shine brightly on Google Maps. This means potential customers can easily access your working hours, contact info, and customer reviews.
Verification is like a trust badge for your listing. It assures customers that your business details are laser-accurate. Plus, it catapults you ahead of the competition by serving up your business info on a silver platter to potential customers.
And there’s more! Verified businesses tend to rank higher in Google search results. This heightened visibility can be a game-changer, drawing more eyeballs to your business and, ultimately, turning those eyeballs into loyal customers.
What do you need in order to claim and verify your business on Google?
To claim and verify your business on Google, you will need a Google account. If you don’t already have one, you can create one for free.
Once you have a Google account, you will need to provide some basic information about your business, including your business name, address, phone number, and website. You may also be required to provide additional information, depending on your business type.
Benefits of Verifying Your Google Business Listing
Verifying your Google Business Listing comes with several benefits. Not only does it improve the accuracy of your business information and increase your online visibility, but it also allows you to interact with customers through Google reviews and other features.
Additionally, verified businesses have access to valuable insights and analytics, including how customers are finding your business and what they are searching for.
Ready for a number crunch? Let’s unravel key stats spotlighting the power of a verified Google Business Listing:
- Verified listings can respond to Google reviews, and businesses that respond to reviews are 1.7x more likely to be considered reputable by users.
- Verified and complete business listings get 7x more clicks and are 70% more likely to attract location visits.
- According to a Google Support article, businesses with verified Business Profiles on Google receive 24% more calls, and 18% more direction requests than those without.
- Verified businesses are more likely to appear in Google’s Local 3-Pack, the top three local business listings that appear at the very top of Google search listings. The 3-Pack ranks in the #1 position in 93% of Google searches, and 44% of clicks head straight to these listings.
How to Verify Your Business on Google in 7 Easy Ways?
There are several ways to verify your business on Google. Here are seven easy methods you can use to get verified:
1. Verify Your Google Business Listing by Postcard
This is the most common method of verification. Google sends a postcard to your business address with a verification code. You can then enter the code into your Google Business account to complete the verification process.
2. Verify Your Google Business Listing by Phone
To get verified by Phone or SMS, go to your Google Business Profile and hit the “Get Verified” button. Opt for the “Phone or SMS” method. Double-check that the number you’ve provided is accurate and you’re readily available to answer calls on it.
Google will then ring you or shoot you a text on that number, providing you with a unique code. Plug this code into your Google Business Profile page, and voila! You’re verified.
However, do note that this verification method is only available in select countries, including the US and Canada.
Heads up! Keep an eye out for scammers who might call you, impersonating Google. Refer to this guide to identify and report fraudulent calls. As a rule of thumb, a legitimate Google call will never ask for payments, passwords, codes, or personal information. So stay safe while getting verified!
3. Verify Your Google Business Listing by Email
Some businesses are eligible to verify their listings via email. If you spot the “verify by email” option, click it, give your email address a quick once-over, and hit “Verify Now.”
Google will then send an email with a verification code and an activation link. Click that link, pop the code into the space on the next page, and hit “Verify.”
4. Verify Your Google Business Listing by Video Recording
Fancy showing off your business in action? You can shoot a video tour to verify your business’s location and your ownership, and send it straight to Google!
As the business owner, you’ll need to create a seamless video showcasing:
- Your business’s location
- Your business’s equipment
- Proof of your management
Aim to capture exterior signage and the surrounding area to validate your business’s location. Swing the camera inside your store or restaurant to prove its existence. To establish ownership, let the camera peek into employee-only zones or catch a glimpse of business documents.
Once you’re ready to roll, head over to your Business Profile on your phone, and choose “Get Verified” followed by “Capture video.”
Hit “Start recording” and let the instructions guide your filming process. When you’re finished, tap “Stop recording” and upload your masterpiece.
Google will then review your video, usually within five business days, and notify you if your verification is a success. If it’s not, don’t worry, you can always try another verification method.
5. Verify Your Google Business Listing by Video Call
If video recording is not your forte, you can have face-to-face chat with a Google representative to tick off your Google Business Profile verification.
To jump on the call, initiate a text chat with support on your mobile device. Navigate to your Business Profile, hit “Get Verified,” select “Video call,” choose your language, and then tap “Start Call.”
Google’s chat support will guide you on how to connect to the live video call for your Google My Business verification.
A friendly support representative will assist you in joining the call. During the call, you’ll need to show the Google representative your business location, equipment, and proof of your management role. This is similar to what you would do if you were recording a video for verification.
After the video call, Google will review the information you’ve provided. You will receive a notification about the status of your verification within a few days. If successful, your Google Business Listing is verified and will start showing up in Google searches and Google Maps.
Remember, the video call option might not be available for all businesses or in all regions, but if it is, it can be a fast and efficient way to get your business verified.
6. Verify Your Google Business Listing by Instant Verification
Here’s some exciting news! If your website’s already verified with Google Search Console, your Business Profile may qualify for instant verification. That’s right!
If you’re eligible, you can bypass all the above verification steps and get straight to editing your company’s details. Think of it as a fast-track ticket in the Google Business world!
7. Verify Your Google Business Listing by Bulk verification
Bulk verification is a fantastic option if you’re operating over 10 locations for the same business. Remember, you need to meet specific eligibility criteria to use the bulk verification feature.
If your account meets the requirements and doesn’t have any errors or issues, it’s ready for the next step of the bulk verification process - submitting your request to Google.
Here’s the step-by-step process:
1. Sign in With a Business Domain Email
Sign in to Business Profile Manager on your computer. Use an email address that’s associated with your business domain. This will speed up the verification process. Alternatively, you can use your gmail account as well.
2. Create a Business Group
Create a business group within GBP. This feature enables multiple users to manage locations securely and effectively.
3. Prepare a Spreadsheet of Your Locations
This step involves preparing a comprehensive list of all your locations. To do this:
- Go to GBP and click ‘Add Location’ in the top right corner.
- Choose the option to ‘Import locations’ and download the provided template.
- Fill in all the necessary fields for each location in the spreadsheet.
4. Upload the Spreadsheet
Once your spreadsheet is complete and contains all the necessary details. Upload it back to Google through the ‘Import locations’ option in GBP.
5. Review and Correct Errors
Before your locations are published, Google will give you a chance to review everything and fix any errors. This helps ensure the accuracy of your business information.
6. Request Bulk Verification
Now, it’s time to request bulk verification. This process confirms that you’re either the business owner or an authorized representative of the business.
You’ll need to fill out a form through GBP. and include information such as:
- Business Name: If a parent company owns and operates the business, name that company as well as the business.
- Business Countries/Regions: Do not include profiles managed by another account.
- Contact Name: Include the names of everyone who manages this account.
- Contact Phone: Google may use this number if they need to verify your info.
- Business Manager Email: Provide an email address of someone who can confirm you’re an authorized representative.
- Google Account Manager Email: List the name or email address of any Google contact you work with.
7. Update Your Information
As a final step, double-check all the information you’ve entered to ensure it’s up to date. Once the form is complete, submit it. Google will then review your request and email you when your account has been bulk verified.
Remember, maintaining your verified status requires regular account review and updates to your profiles. Google may de-verify accounts that don’t actively manage their profiles. So, keep an eye on your account status and manage your profiles actively to ensure a smooth process.
What is a Google Business listing?
A Google Business Listing is a free online profile that appears in Google search results and Google Maps. It provides important information about your business, such as your address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and customer reviews.
What is Google Business Profile (GBP) Bulk Verification?
Bulk verification is a feature offered by Google for businesses that operate in multiple locations. It allows you to verify 10 or more business profiles at once, saving you the time and effort of verifying each location individually. This feature is particularly useful for large businesses or franchises with numerous outlets.
Through bulk verification, you can manage and update information for all your business profiles, like operating hours, contact information, and photos, from one central place. This helps ensure that your business information across all locations is accurate and consistent on Google Search and Google Maps.
What is The Eligibility Criteria For Google Business Profile Bulk Verification?**
- Number of Profiles: You should be managing at least 10 profiles from the same business to be eligible for bulk verification. Agencies managing multiple businesses with less than 10 profiles each are not eligible for this option.
- Profile Status: The 10-profile count does not include duplicate, suspended, or disabled profiles. So, only active profiles count towards this minimum requirement.
- Spreadsheet Inclusion: Your spreadsheet used for the bulk verification process should include all the profiles you manage. None of the businesses you handle should be left out.
- Type of Business: If your business is a service-area business, unfortunately, you cannot use the bulk verification method. You’ll have to request verification for each business individually.
- Existing Verified Account: If an account for your business is already verified, you are not eligible for bulk verification. In this case, you should consider creating a business group account for shared management of profiles.
- Error-free Account: Your account should be free of any errors. If there are issues with verification or specific error messages, those need to be resolved before requesting bulk verification.
Remember, Google’s main goal is to keep their Maps data accurate. The eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that only authorized representatives of businesses are able to manage and verify business profiles.
How Do I Create a Google Business Listing?
To create a Google Business listing, sign in to your Google Account, go to Google Business Profile, and click on “Manage Now.”
Then, follow the prompts to enter your business information, including your business name, location, and category. Once you’ve filled in all the necessary details, you can submit your business for verification.
What To Do After Verification?
Once your Google Business Profile is verified, you can optimize your listing. This includes adding photos, updating business hours, responding to customer reviews, and adding special features or services. Regularly updating and maintaining your listing can help improve your business’s visibility on Google.
What Happens If I Don’t Verify My Google Business Listing?
If you don’t verify your Google Business Listing, your listing might not appear on Google services, limiting your business’s visibility. Unverified listings also lack the ability to respond to reviews, upload photos, or update business information.
Can I Verify My Google Business Listing Without a Physical Address?
In most cases, you need a physical address to verify your Google Business Listing. However, some businesses without a physical storefront, such as service area businesses or home-based businesses that serve customers at their locations, Google allows you to list a service area instead.
How To Check If Your Listing is Verified?
To check if your listing is verified, sign in to your Google Business Profile. If your business is verified, you’ll see a “Verified” badge next to your business name.
How Long Does It Take To Verify a Google Business Listing?
The verification process for a Google Business Listing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the verification method you choose and other factors. If you choose to verify by postcard, it can take up to 14 days for the postcard to arrive.
What Should I Do If I’m Having Trouble Verifying My Google Business Listing?
If you’re having trouble verifying your Google Business Listing, you can contact Google Business Profile support for assistance. They can help troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing and guide you through the verification process.
