How to Verify a Business on Google: Methods, Tips, and Common Problems

Ever tried Googling your business only to find nothing, or worse, your competitors’ faces smiling back at you? You’re not alone. Countless business owners have faced this exact problem. The culprit? An unverified Google Business Profile.

Google verification is how Google knows that your business is the real deal — something it can feel confident in sharing with its many users when they’re looking for the products or services you offer. By getting verified on Google, you can appear on more searches, be featured on Google Maps, and grow your business through the power of the world’s largest search engine. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of Google verification so you can make sure that more customers are finding your business first. You’ll learn:

• Why verification matters
• Step-by-step methods to verify your business
• Pro tips to speed up the process
• How to troubleshoot common verification issues

Ready to put your business on the map — literally? Let’s dive in and get you verified.

Before we get started, there is one important thing to note. Google frequently adjusts how it verifies businesses. The information in this article is up-to-date as of writing, but if you are seeing a different screen or message, take a look at this page from Google to see if any changes have been made.

What is Google Business Verification?

Google Business verification is the process of proving to Google that your business is legitimate, operational, and exactly where you say it is. 

With millions of listings on its platform, Google can’t realistically visit and verify each one. Instead, it uses this online verification process to weed out fakes. This way, when someone’s looking for “best pizza near me,” Google’s not sending hungry customers to a long-closed pizzeria or a fake listing.

However, it’s not all about Google. Verification helps you as well by giving you control of your Google Business Profile. 

This tool can help you:

• Find new customers through the Google platform
• Interact with customers through updates and reviews
• Learn more about your customers through analytics

It’s important to note that verification does not claim your Business Profile. Claiming is just step one — it’s like raising your hand to say, “That’s my business!” Verification is the next step, where you prove it’s really yours.

What verification looks like for you will differ from business to business, as Google has multiple ways to verify your identity, from postcards to live chats. However, in 2024, most businesses will be asked to submit a video recording introducing their business to Google. We’ll get more into how this all works in a later section.

Altogether, verification can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Video verification is usually the quickest, often completed within five business days. Postcard verification, on the other hand, can be much slower as it relies on the speed of the postal service.

Keep in mind that you might need to re-verify your business if you make significant changes, like moving to a new location or changing your business name. It’s Google’s way of ensuring your information stays current and accurate.

Why is Getting Your Business Verified on Google Important?

Getting verified on Google isn’t really just a nice-to-have anymore — it’s a must-have for any business hoping to grow through online channels. Here are just a few reasons why you should go to the effort of getting your business verified on Google:

• More visible: Verified businesses are more likely to show up on local Google or Google Maps searches, making it easier for local customers to find you.
• Trust factor: More and more customers expect to see a business on Google with actual customer reviews. Without a verified account, these customers may turn to a verified competitor instead. 
• Control your account: Verification allows you to customize your Business Profile so you can add hours, photos, product info, and more — all of which can help attract more customers. 
• Fend off fraudsters: With your business verified, it’s much harder for others to try to claim your business or create a fake listing, which might confuse customers.
• Access to ads: If you ever want to run ads on Google, you’ll need a verified business first. 
• Local SEO boost: Verification is one of the things Google looks at when ranking local businesses, which could mean the difference between appearing 1st on Google or somewhere on Page 8. 
• Customer engagement: Verified businesses get access to customer review features, allowing you to respond to customers, answer frequently asked questions, and post business updates. 
• It’s free: It’s not often you get anything for free. This is a rare time when you can get more visibility for your business at no extra cost to you. 

 

We hope all this makes it clear that getting verified on Google is the right move for practically any business. It’s free, effective, and takes very little time. So, let’s get into the nuts and bolts of how to get yourself verified. 

How to Verify a Business on Google: 6 Ways

To get the verification process started, you’ll need to have already claimed your business. Once this is done, search for your business on Google and select “Get Verified.”

Google will then ask you to confirm some information like your address, hours, and services. Fill in as much as you can, as this can help Google pair you with the most relevant searchers. 

At the end of this process, Google should ask you to choose a verification method. You may have multiple options or be asked to do several different kinds of verification. It all comes down to how much Google feels it needs from you to be certain of your business. 

Currently, Google lists six different types of verification. These include:

• Video
• Phone or text
• Email
• Live video call
• Mail
• Instant

Once you’ve chosen a verification method that works for you, scroll down to find instructions on how to best complete that verification method in the sections below.

It’s important to note that Google frequently adjusts its verification process, so if screens or information look slightly different than what you see, that could be completely normal.

1. Video Recording

As of writing, video recording is the most common type of verification Google uses for businesses. With this verification, Google will ask you to record a video of yourself that includes important information and evidence of your business’s location and authenticity.

This video is created through Google Business Profile and must be done in one take. There’s no chance to edit or upload a pre-recorded video, so preparation is key.

When filming a video for verification, make sure to:

• Not film other people’s faces or any sensitive information like bank accounts, tax numbers, or IDs.
• Keep the video between 30 seconds and 5 minutes long.
• Record and upload from a mobile device through your Business Profile.
• Make it one continuous, unedited recording.

There are also some specific requirements depending on your business type:

For storefront or hybrid businesses:

• Show off your business location by including things like street signs or nearby landmarks.
• Make sure to record images of your storefront, showroom, or anything that includes your business name on permanent fixtures.
• Demonstrate proof that you manage this business by filming employee-only areas or items (e.g., opening a cash register or accessing POS systems).

For service-area businesses:

• Show evidence that you offer services in a specific area with things like signs advertising your business or local landmarks.
• Provide evidence of your business’s existence through branded equipment, marketing materials, or service tools.
• Prove management by recording yourself providing a service or showing business documents that match your profile name.

Here are some tips for better results:

• Plan your video to ensure you capture all required elements.
• Pick a good day and use high-quality equipment to ensure good lighting and clear audio.
• Move slowly and steadily to avoid shaky footage.
• Narrate what you’re showing to provide context.

After uploading, Google typically reviews the video within five business days. If your verification is successful, you’ll receive a notification. If not, you may need to try again or explore other verification options.

2. Live Video Call

The live video call option is very similar to the video recording, except that it’s going to be happening in real time with an actual Google agent. 

When it comes to this call, you’re going to be expected to provide evidence of your location, business, and management, similar to the recorded video. 

Here’s how to get verified with this option:

Step 1: Prep for the Call

Before you even get in line, make sure to:

• Ensure your cell phone is video-call ready. 
• Be at your business location. 
• Prepare to show off:
  • Your location: Think street signs or neighboring businesses that prove where you are.
  • Your business: Show off your products, branded equipment, or operational materials.
  • Your management proof: Demonstrate that you have access to employee-only areas and cash registers.

Step 2: Get in the Queue

• Head to your Business Profile and click “Get verified” then “Video call.”
• Choose your language.
• Hit “Start call” to begin a text chat with support.
• You may need to wait for an available live agent.

Step 3: The Call

• When it’s your turn, a Google rep will help you join the video call.
• Use your device’s camera to give Google the tour of your business, hitting all of the points mentioned above.

3. Postcard

Postcard verification might seem old school these days, but it’s still one of the ways Google can ensure your business is real and at the location you say it is. If you choose to verify your business through the mail, here are the steps to completing verification.

1. Double-check your address on file.
2. Hit the request button and wait patiently. Postcards can often take 14 days to arrive.
3. Enter the 5-digit verification code you get sent on the postcard into the “Code” field on your Business Profile. 
4. Click “Submit,” and you’re done!

Here are some tips to remember if you do choose to use this verification method:

• Google won’t call you asking for this code, so don’t fall for any scams.
• Never share your code with anyone, even third-party vendors you’re working with.
• Don’t request a new code unless you’re certain it’s lost in the mail, as this will restart the process.
• Codes have a 30-day expiration date, so verify as soon as it arrives.
• If you need to add managers or transfer ownership after verification, you can do so through your Business Profile settings.

4. Email

For businesses that have been around for a while but have gone unverified, sometimes an email option is available. If this is true for you, here’s how you can use email to get verified: 

1. Select the “Email” option on the verification menu of your Google Business Profile.
2. Wait a few minutes and then check the Google inbox associated with your Business Profile.
3. Open the email and click the verification link.

If you don’t see the email from Google, here are some things to try:

• Wait at least 15 minutes to give it time to come through.
• Make sure you are checking the right email address.
• Check your spam folder just in case it was sent there.

5. Phone or Text

Similar to the email option, phone/text verifications are usually only reserved for established businesses that haven’t been verified yet. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose “Phone” or “SMS.” 
2. Be ready to personally answer the call or text immediately.
3. Record the code you get from the call or text.
4. Submit the code on your Google Business Profile.

If you’re having issues with this method, here are some tips to consider:

• If you’re using a landline, choose the “Phone” option, as text will only work with cell phones. 
• Make sure your business phone is nearby and unmuted. 
• Do not use an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, as Google will not interact with those.

6. Instant Verification

In very rare instances, instant verification could be granted to your business. With instant verification, you’ll automatically be verified without needing to go through any verification methods.

Typically, this option is only given to businesses that are already verified on Google Search Console.

How to Verify Multiple Locations at Once

For some business owners, they may have multiple locations that all need to be verified. Luckily, instead of doing them all one by one, you can use a bulk verification method to get it all done at once. 

It’s important to note that bulk verification is only available if:

• You’ve got 10 or more locations of the same business.
• Your business isn’t solely service-area based. (If you’re always on the move, you’ll need to verify individually.)

If you meet both of these criteria, then here’s how to get your location verified all at once.

1. Make sure all your business locations are on your Google Business Profile.
2. Ensure your business website lists the same locations.
3. Group all your locations in one location group in GBP Manager.
4. Clean up your GBP account:
   1. Remove duplicate locations you have access to.
   2. Delete permanently closed locations.
   3. Ensure all location data follows Google’s guidelines.
5. Initiate the bulk verification request:
   1. In GBP Manager, click “Verification” then “Chain.”
   2. Fill out the bulk verification request form.
6. Google Support will review your request (this can take 8-12 weeks).
7. Respond promptly to any additional information requests.
8. Once approved, you’ll get an email confirming bulk verification.

For more details on how bulk verification works, be sure to check Google’s bulk verification instructions. 

3 Common Problems People Have When Getting Verified

Even when you try to do everything right, sometimes the Google verification process can go wrong. If you’ve tried your best and still find it not working, here are some common roadblocks that might be holding you back and how to fix them. 

1. Being in Certain Industries

Some industries are harder to verify than others. The two big ones are:

• Service-area businesses: These businesses don’t have physical signage, making Google a bit suspicious of whether they’re legitimate. If you’re in this category, be prepared to provide additional proof of your business to overcome any doubts Google has.
• Healthcare providers: With multiple providers and businesses often sharing one address, these can look like duplicate listings to Google’s algorithms. You might need to do some extra explaining to prove you’re not trying to game the system.

There are no shortcuts to overcoming this hurdle. If your verification issues persist and your business is in one of these two categories, all you can do is be extra careful. 

Try the verification process again and make sure to provide all additional documentation that gets requested. If it’s still not working, reach out to Google support, who may be able to help.

2. Duplicate Listings

Duplicate listings are an unfortunate circumstance that can affect any business. Either you, Google, or someone else has already created a listing for you, and now Google doesn’t know who to believe.

There are two ways to deal with duplicate listings. For listings that you created, simply:

• Sign in to GBP.
• Navigate to “Manage locations.”
• Select all duplicates.
• Click “Remove” from the actions menu.

If a duplicate listing is unclaimed, go through the claiming process and then delete it using the process above.

For duplicates that are already claimed, flag them through Google Maps. To do this:

• Go to Google Maps.
• Find the listing.
• Click “Suggest an edit.”
• Choose “Close or remove.”
• Click “Duplicate of another place.”
• Submit the request.

3. P.O. Box or Virtual Listing

For businesses that are run virtually or out of a P.O. Box, the solution may be a little harder. Google typically wants you to have a real, physical address for your business. If you don’t have that, you may not be able to verify at all.

For businesses in this situation, you can go with one of the following choices:

• Go unverified.
• For home businesses, create a listing using your home address and choose not to publish this address publicly.
• For virtual offices, you may need to rent a real office space or consider listing as a service-area business instead.

Get Verified on Google and Other Directories With Chatmeter

Although Google is arguably the most important directory and search engine for most businesses, it certainly isn’t the only one. There are hundreds of online directories, all offering you the opportunity to connect with potential customers and grow your business.

However, creating listings, getting verified, and keeping them up-to-date would be a full-time job if you chose to list on all of them.

Instead of giving up on that potential business, you can also use a platform like Chatmeter. Chatmeter can help your business by:

• Helping you create listings on top directories around the web
• Optimizing your local SEO to get better visibility on Google
• Getting more 5-star reviews from happy customers

To learn more about how Chatmeter can help your business grow online, reach out to set up a live demo with one of our representatives. Otherwise, you can always explore our interactive demo below.

Take a tour of Chatmeter