Google My Business (GMB) is a powerful tool for businesses. It helps to boost online visibility and attract more visitors to your Google profile. It is important to know how to verify Google My Business and operate the Google My Business dashboard.
However, to fully leverage its benefits, verification is crucial. This process confirms the authenticity of your business and enhances trust with customers.
But how do you navigate the Google My Business verification process? What if you encounter issues like video verification not working?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of Google My Business verification. We’ll also provide tips to raise your online presence and troubleshoot common verification issues.
Understanding Google My Business Verification
Google My Business verification is a process that Google uses to confirm that your business is legitimate. It’s a crucial step in managing your online presence.
Once verified, you gain full control over your business listing. You can manage information that appears on Google Search and Maps. This includes your business name, location, hours, and more.
Verification also impacts your local SEO. A verified listing is more likely to appear in local search results, enhancing your visibility.
Here are some key benefits of Google My Business verification:
- Improved search visibility
- Trust with customers
- Control over business information
- Enhanced local SEO
- Attract more visitors to your Google profile
Remember, verification is not just a one-time process. It’s important to regularly check your Google My Business verification status to ensure your listing remains accurate and up-to-date.
Preparing for Verification
Before you start the verification process, ensure your business information is accurate. This includes your business name, address, and contact details.
Google’s guidelines for representing your business online should be followed. This helps avoid potential issues during verification.
If your business operates in multiple locations, each location needs to be verified. For service-area businesses, you can verify even without a physical address.
Lastly, consider privacy and security during verification. Google takes measures to keep your information safe, but it’s also your responsibility to protect your business information.
Step-by-Step Verification Process
To verify your Google My Business listing, you first need to sign in to your Google My Business account. If you don’t have one, create it using your business email address.
Once signed in, navigate to the Google My Business dashboard. Here, you’ll find the option to ‘Verify Now’. Click on it to start the process.
Google offers several methods for verification. These include postcard, phone, email, instant, and video verification. The availability of these methods may vary based on your business type and location.
Choose the method that suits you best. Follow the prompts provided by Google to complete the verification process.
Remember, the verification process may take a few days to complete. Be patient and regularly check your verification status.
Postcard Verification
Postcard verification is the most common method. After requesting a postcard, Google will mail it to your business address.
The postcard contains a unique verification code. Once you receive it, log back into your Google My Business account.
Enter the code in the designated field to complete the verification process. If the postcard doesn’t arrive within 14 days, you can request a new one.
Phone Verification
Some businesses may be eligible for phone verification. If this option is available, you’ll see it when you start the verification process on your Google My Business dashboard.
Google will send a verification code to your business phone number. Enter this code in your Google My Business account to complete the verification.
Remember, the phone number should be the one listed in your business information.
Email Verification
Email verification is another option for some businesses. If eligible, you’ll see this option during the verification process.
Google will send a verification code to your business email address. Log into your Google My Business account and enter the code to complete the verification.
Ensure the email address is the one associated with your business.
Instant Verification
Instant verification is available if you’ve already verified your business’s website with Google Search Console. This method bypasses the need for a code.
To use this method, sign in to Google My Business with the same account you used for Google Search Console. If your business information matches, your business will be instantly verified.
Video Verification
Video verification is a newer method introduced by Google. It’s especially useful for businesses without a physical address.
For this method, you’ll need to schedule a video call with a Google specialist. During the call, you’ll be asked to show your business location and proof of operation.
If the video verification option is not working, there are troubleshooting steps you can follow.
Checking Your Verification Status
After you’ve completed the verification process, it’s important to check your status. You can do this by signing into your Google My Business account.
On the dashboard, you’ll see a ‘Verification status’ section. Here, you can track the progress of your verification.
If your status doesn’t change within a few days, consider reaching out to Google support for assistance in verifying your Google My Business listing.
Troubleshooting Common Verification Issues
Sometimes, you may encounter issues during the verification process. Don’t worry, these are often easy to resolve.
Common issues include not receiving the verification postcard, or the verification code not working. If you’re facing these, first ensure your business address is correct.
Also, check if you’ve waited long enough for the postcard. It can take up to 14 days to arrive. If it’s been longer, you can request a new one.
If your verification code isn’t working, double-check you’ve entered it correctly. If it still doesn’t work, it’s best to contact Google support.
Video Verification Not Working
Video verification is a newer method and sometimes it may not work as expected. If you’re having trouble with this, there are a few things you can do.
First, ensure your internet connection is stable. If it’s still not working, try restarting your device or using a different one. If the issue persists, reach out to Google support for further assistance.
After Verification: Enhancing Your Google My Business Presence
Once your business is verified, it’s time to optimize your profile. This will help you attract more visitors and improve your online presence.
Start by ensuring all your business information is accurate and up-to-date. This includes your business name, address, and hours of operation.
Next, add high-quality photos and videos of your business. This helps to showcase your products or services and gives potential customers a glimpse into your business and helps to attract more visitors to your Google profile.
Here are some additional steps to enhance your Google My Business presence and attract more visitors to your Google profile:
- Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond to them promptly.
- Use Google Posts to share updates, offers, and events.
- Regularly check your Google My Business dashboard for insights and performance metrics.
Remember, a well-managed Google My Business profile can significantly boost your local SEO and attract more customers.
Verifying your Google My Business listing is a crucial step for any business. It enhances your online presence and helps attract more customers.
Remember to keep your profile updated and engage with your audience regularly for the best results. If you need help verifying your Google My Business profile, contact a reputed SEO agency in Tampa for the best results.
