To ensure that only genuine representatives of a business are able to manage and edit a Business Profile on Google, you'll be required to verify that you own or are responsible for the business before your changes go live and you can begin sharing posts and official photos (labelled "From the owner").
Verifying yourprofile is a two-step process. Make sure you don't change any of your business information before the final step as this may result in delays. There are several options for completing verification:
Verify by postcard
Google will send you a postcard through the mail with a verification code that you enter on the Google My Business website. To request the card, sign into Google My Business and click "Verify Now" on a computer or "Send Postcard" in the app.
Make sure the address shown is theexact street address for your business, including any floor or building numbers and avoid unofficial information such as "on the crossroads". If the address shown is wrong, make changes before clicking "Verify Now" or "Send Postcard". You can also choose to add an "Optional contact name" to help your card reach you. Your card should take no more than 14 days to arrive. If a card hasn't arrived after 14 days, login and click "Request another code".
Once your card arrives, sign into Google My Business again, choose theBusiness Profile you want to complete and click "Verify Now" on desktop or "Enter code" in the app. If you have more than one location, check you have selected the right one and click "Verify location". Enter the 5-digit code from your postcard and submit. You have now verified your Business Profile on Google.
Verify by phone
Some businesses may be able to verify theirprofile by phone. If this is the case, the option to "Verify by phone" will show up automatically when you request verification. If it doesn't, follow the postcard process described above instead.
To verify by phone, you should be able to answer your business phone number when you click on "Verify now". An automated message will tell you your code, and you'll be prompted to enter it on the Google My Business website.
On the Google My Business app, click "Call me now". An automated message will provide the code, which you should enter into the app, then click the arrow symbol. You have now verified your Business Profile on Google.
Verify by email
A limited number of businesses will be able to verify by email. Sign into Google My Business on a computer and click "Verify Now". If you see this option, choose "Email" from the list. Check your email account and either click "Verify Now" in the message or enter the code from the email into Google My Business.
If you are using the app and the option appears, choose "Send email" and then enter the code you receive then click "Submit". You have now verified your Business Profile on Google.
If the email option is not displayed, you'll need to choose an alternative verification option.
Verify instantly using Google Search Console
If you are registered withGoogle Search Console and sign into Google My Business with the same email account, you may be able to verify yourprofile instantly. Signing up for Google Search Console helps you monitor how well your website is doing in Google Search, allowing you to use those insights to improve your content, so your website performs even better on the search results page.
For example, a clothing retailer may want to add its pop-up shop business listing to Google Maps. With its website already registered with Google Search Console and a linked email address, the business owner can verify their new Google My Businessprofileimmediately and start adding images and reviews to capture more potential customers.
Business Profile on Googlegives you the chance to show your business to potential customers at no extra cost. Taking the time to claim and verify your business listing helps you make the most of that opportunity — so get started today.
