A Quick Guide on How to Verify A Business on Google

When it comes to SEO, deploying major campaigns can be incredibly exciting—especially when they have the potential to produce leads and sales—but it’s critical to get the small things right first. This includes things like Google business verification.

If you’re wondering, ‘How do I Google verify my business?‘ Look no further; this quick guide is for you!

I’ve learned this firsthand, and in a way I never could have imagined. My family lost our home in the Marshall Fire on December 30, 2021. It was devastating—our house, our memories, everything was gone. Thankfully, everyone made it out safely, including our two cats, but we were left with nothing.

After the fire, we had to start over, which included moving our SEO consulting and training business profile to a new address for nearly two years while we rebuilt our home. During that time, I had to make sure the Google Business Profile was updated and verified at the new location. It seemed simple enough at the time, but when I moved back to my original location a year ago, I ran into a bit of a headache. I’ve spent hours dealing with Google’s verification process, and let me tell you, it’s not as easy as it used to be.

Why does Google make it so tough now? Well, they’ve gotten pickier about verifying business addresses to prevent fraud, and that’s not something I can blame them for. But let me tell you—it’s real, and it happens to real people. If you’ve found yourself stuck in the verification process, I get it.

That’s why I want to share my knowledge with you. If you’ve been trying to figure out how to verify your Google Business Profile—or just make sure it’s in good standing—I’m here to walk you through it, step by step.

Why Google Business Verification Is So Important

Before I jump into the steps, let me explain why this matters so much for you and your business. Verifying your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business verification) is one of the easiest ways to improve your visibility online. If your business isn’t verified, it’s harder for people to find you when they search for services like yours. Not to mention, it impacts your trustworthiness and credibility in Google’s eyes, and let’s face it—if Google doesn’t trust you, that’s a big issue.

Also, having your Google business account in top shape makes sure you’re showing up on Google Maps and in local search results, which is crucial for small businesses that rely on local customers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Verify Your Google Business Profile

Let’s dive into the steps for verifying your Google Business Profile. This might feel like a hassle, but I promise you—it’s worth it.

1. Sign in to Google Business Profile Manager
   The first step is logging into your Google Business Profile account. You’ll need a Google account, so if you don’t have one already, go ahead and create one. Then, sign in to the Google Business Profile Manager to edit your business info.
2. Choose or Add Your Business
   If you’ve already created a listing for your business, just select it from the list. If you’re new to this or haven’t yet set up your profile, you’ll need to click on Add Your Business and follow the prompts. You’ll be asked to provide your business name, category, and location.
3. Confirm Your Address
   This is where the fun starts (well, not really). Google needs to make sure your business is at the right location. You’ll be asked to confirm the address you’ve listed. Make sure the address you input matches exactly with the one you’d like customers to visit. This includes things like street name, suite number, and even ZIP code. You’ll want to make sure that your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistently used across the internet.
4. Choose Your Verification Method
   This is where Google gets picky. Google offers different ways to verify your business, including via phone or text, email, video recording, live video call, and mail. Keep in mind that if you have an issue with verification and you contact Google’s support team, they will try to verify your business based on the information provided and may suggest a live video call to confirm your place of business.
5. Follow the Appropriate Steps for Verification
   1. Phone or Text: Answer the call or open the text with the code, then go to your profile and input it into the “Code” field.
   2. Email: Follow the steps in the email you receive.
   3. Video Recording: Record a video that shows your place of business.
   4. Live Video Call: Use a device that allows you to join live video calls. After the representative calls, use the camera on your device to show them your business.
   5. Mail: Request a code by mail. The 5-digit verification code will arrive within 14 days. Once you get it, go to your profile and input it into the “Code” field.
6. Check Your Profile for Accuracy
   Once your business is verified, it’s important to make sure all the information on your profile is accurate and up to date. Add your business hours, website, phone number, and any other relevant info so potential customers can find you easily.
7. Make It a Habit to Keep Your Info Updated
   Google’s algorithm doesn’t just check your verification—it checks your business info regularly. So, be sure to update your profile if anything changes. Whether it’s a new phone number, new hours, or even a new service, keeping your profile fresh is key to staying competitive.

What To Do If Verification Doesn’t Work

If you’re having trouble verifying your business, I get it—it’s frustrating. Sometimes the process to verify your business on Google doesn’t go as smoothly as you’d like. If you don’t get your postcard or the code isn’t working, there are a few things you can try:

• Double-check your address: Make sure it’s correct and matches the official records.
• Request a new code: If your code doesn’t work or you lost the postcard, request a new one.
• Contact Google support: If nothing seems to work, don’t hesitate to contact Google support. They can help walk you through the process.

It’s no secret—Google’s verification process can be a headache, especially when life throws curveballs. But don’t let that stop you. Your Google Business Profile is one of the most important tools you have to connect with potential customers, and getting it verified is the first step to standing out in local search results.

I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to rebuild my home after the fire, and I hope sharing this guide helps you avoid some of the headaches I went through. If you’re struggling with the verification process, don’t give up. You’ve got this, and remember—my team and I are always here to help you along the way. If you need more help, feel free to reach out or check out local SEO guide for additional tips and best practices about local search engine optimization.

Need Help with Local SEO and Google Business Verification?

We’ve helped tons of businesses in Colorado (and nationwide) get found more easily online – you can check out our own Denver SEO and Boulder SEO Google Business Profiles to see what we mean!

We even helped a big name like Comfort Dental optimize over 200 of their location pages and Google Business Profiles. Check out the franchise SEO case study we published on our website about this project.

My team and I are passionate about helping local and small businesses with their SEO needs. Let’s get your Google Business Profile verified and start getting you noticed!