How to Verify Your Google My Business Profile

Verifying your official business profile on Google is a critical step every local business owner must take to control their presence and connect with customers searching for them. This guide cuts through the confusion and provides a clear path forward, outlining every verification method Google might offer you and the exact steps to get it done right.

Why Verification is Non-Negotiable for Your Business

Before we get into the "how," let's quickly touch on the "why." You might see your business already on Google Maps, even if you didn't put it there. Google often creates basic listings from public data. Until you verify it, that listing is like an empty storefront with no one in charge. Verification is the moment you get the keys. It hands you control and is essential for several reasons:

• It Unlocks Critical Features. An unverified profile is a ghost. You can't respond to reviews, answer customer questions, upload your own photos and videos, or create Google Posts (mini-updates that show up in search results). Verification flips the switch on all these features that help you engage with customers.
• It Builds Customer Trust. Seeing that little "Verified" checkmark gives customers confidence. It signals that the business is legitimate, active, and managing its own information. In a sea of online info, verified profiles stand out as trustworthy sources.
• It's a Major Boost for Local SEO. Google's main job is to provide accurate, reliable results. By verifying your business, you're confirming to Google that your information is authentic. This action is a powerful ranking signal that helps your profile appear higher in local search results and on Google Maps when customers search for keywords related to your services.
• It Protects Your Brand Information. Anyone - a competitor, a well-meaning customer, or a random person - can suggest an edit to an unverified business listing. Verification gives you the power to accept or reject these changes, preventing inaccurate information about your hours, address, or services from showing up online.

Step 1: Create or Claim Your Google Business Profile

You can't verify a profile that doesn't exist yet, so this is the starting point. The process is slightly different depending on whether you're starting from scratch or taking ownership of a listing that's already on Google.

If You're Setting Up a New Profile

If your business is brand new or has somehow never appeared on Google, you'll need to create a profile from the ground up.

1. Go to google.com/business and sign in with the Google account you want to manage your business with.
2. Type in your official business name. If it doesn't appear in the dropdown, click to create a new business.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts. You'll enter your business category, address (or the service areas you cover), phone number, and website.
4. Once you've filled out all the core information, Google will automatically lead you to the verification step.

If Your Business Already Exists on Google

More often than not, a basic version of your business listing already exists. You just need to claim it.

1. Search for your business name and city on Google Maps.
2. Find your listing and click on it.
3. Look for a link or button that says “Claim this business” or “Own this business?”
4. Click it and follow the guided steps. If another person previously claimed it, Google will provide a process for you to request ownership from the current Profile owner. This process can take a few weeks if the other owner doesn't respond.

After you complete this initial step, Google will prompt you to choose a verification method.

Step 2: Understanding and Completing Your Verification

Google decides which verification methods are available to you. This decision is based on signals like business category, how long the listing has existed, and the information Google already has about your business. Not everyone gets all options, so don't be alarmed if you only see one. Here are the most common methods you'll encounter.

Postcard Verification (The Classic Method)

This is the original and most common verification method. Google mails a physical postcard with a unique code to your official business address to prove it exists at that physical location.

How It Works:

1. When prompted, confirm that your business address is 100% correct. Check for any typos in the street name, suite number, or zip code. This address cannot be a P.O. box or a remote mailbox.
2. Select the postcard verification option. You'll see an estimated arrival time, which is usually between 5 and 14 business days.
3. Important: Do not change your business name, address, or primary category while you wait for the postcard. Making these significant edits can cancel the request, and you’ll have to start over.
4. Once the postcard arrives, log back into your Google Business Profile dashboard.
5. Go to the “waiting for verification” section and enter the 5-digit code from the postcard. Your profile will be verified instantly.

Phone Verification (The Quick Win)

Some well-established businesses get the option to verify by phone. It's the fastest method if available.

How It Works:

1. If phone verification is an option, you'll see your business phone number displayed.
2. Select either an automated call or a text message (SMS).
3. You'll immediately receive a call or text with a numerical code.
4. Enter that code into the verification screen in your dashboard - and you’re verified!

Note: The number shown must be a direct line to your business that Google can already confirm is yours through other public records. A personal cell phone or call-routing number often won't qualify for this method.

Email Verification (Fast and Simple)

Like the phone option, email verification is also an instant method offered to certain businesses. It’s typically available if your business website's domain matches your email.

How It Works:

1. This option is only enabled if Google can see a business email with your custom domain (e.g., yourname@yourbusinesswebsite.com). A standard @gmail.com or @yahoo.com address won't work.
2. Choose the email option that is shown on screen.
3. Check that email inbox for a message from Google Business Profile.
4. Click the "Verify" button within the email or use the code provided. Your profile will be instantly verified.

Video Verification (The New Standard)

This has become an increasingly popular method used by Google to fight spam, especially for Service Area Businesses (that don't have a physical storefront) or for brand-new listings. Instead of sending a postcard, you prove you’re real by recording a single, continuous video showing key details about your business.

How to Prepare and What to Record:

When you opt in, you'll use your smartphone to record and upload a video showing three key things: your location, your business details, and your proof of management. Here's what that looks like in practice:

1. Start With Proof of Location: If you have a storefront, begin your video outside. Capture street signs, nearby businesses, and the exterior of your building, showing your address clearly if possible. For Service Area Businesses, a shot of your company vehicle parked at your business address, any relevant signage at your registered location, or the area from which you operate works best.
2. Move Inside to Show Business Details: Go inside your workspace or shop. Record tools of your trade, branded marketing materials, business inventory, or other items that prove your business is what and where you say it is.
3. End With Proof of Management: Show that you have access to the business location or branded assets. This can include unlocking the front door, using a POS system, showing internal documents like business licenses or bills, or accessing employee-only areas. This proves you are an authorized representative.

Live Video Call Verification

This is a less common variation where you schedule a live call with a Google representative. You’ll be asked to take them on a virtual tour of your business space, showing the same pieces of evidence (location, signage, tools) that you would for a pre-recorded video upload.

Bulk Verification for Multiple Locations

This option is reserved for franchises or large enterprises with more than 10 locations. It allows you to verify all your locations at once instead of going through the postcard or video process for each one. This is a separate process that requires you to submit all your location details in a spreadsheet. If you qualify, Google will provide instructions for this within your dashboard.

Troubleshooting When Verification Goes Wrong

Sometimes, the process isn't perfect. Here are solutions to the most common hurdles.

My postcard never arrived.

Wait at least 14 days before taking action. If it still hasn't shown up, log back in and double-check that your address is 100% correct, then request a new postcard.

I don’t have access to the verification options Google is giving me.

This is common when the business has been around for a while and the phone number or email on file is outdated. Your first step should be to update that information in the profile. In some cases, this can trigger the new verification process. If that doesn't work, your last resort is to contact Google Business Profile support through the "Help" section in your dashboard. Be patient, as this can take time to process.

My video verification was rejected.

Common reasons include a blurry video, too much background noise, or insufficient proof of location and management. Review the requirements carefully and do a clean, thorough reshoot, being more prepared and clear this time.

Final Thoughts

Verifying your Google Business Profile is a non-negotiable and foundational step in your local marketing strategy. Completing the process, whether by postcard, phone, or video, gives you direct control over your listing, builds trust, and makes it easier for customers to find you.

Once your profile is up and running, the next step is building a consistent presence across all your platforms. While Google is unbeatable for local search, platforms like Instagram and Facebook are where you connect with your community. Social schedulers like Postbase make it easy to schedule your social media content - including deals, photos, and updates - and manage everything from one place. Staying active online is simple when you have the right tools to streamline your workflow.