Having an online presence is more important for businesses than ever, making it essential to verify your business on Google to further your company’s reach. However, many company leaders don’t understand the process and ask themselves, “What should I do to know how to verify my business on Google?” That’s why our Peppermonkey Media team developed a guide to teach you how to verify your business on Google.
Peppermonkey Media is New Jersey’s most trusted GMB optimization service. If you want to improve your company’s online reach while driving more potential customers to your business, call us at (888) 231-9764.
The Importance of Verifying Your Business on Google
More online users use Google than any other search engine. In fact, studies show that Google experiences 8.5 million searches every day. With so many people utilizing Google, having your business appear in the search engine is a must to increase profits and reach more potential clients.
One of the best ways to improve your company’s presence on Google is to create and verify your Google Business Profile (previously called Google My Business).
Google Business Profile is a free commercial listing service that puts your company in front of more online users. It gives you more control over what people see in their SERPs (search engine results pages), allowing you to add business information, pictures, and other important features about your company. Verifying your Google Business Profile also proves your company’s authenticity to Google as well as new customers, giving potential clients greater peace of mind about your services.
Verified businesses also have better rankings in Google’s algorithm. This puts more eyes on their company and can enhance their online conversion rate and local SEO. To put it simply, the higher your Google ranking, the more people see your business in search, providing numerous benefits to your company.
How To Verify Your Google Business Profile: Four Methods
Google allows companies to verify their Google Business Profiles in various ways. Understanding these options can help you decide the best method for your company.
When learning “how to verify my business on Google,” start by following these steps.
1. Postcard Verification
Postcard verification is one of the most common verification methods for Google Business Profiles. It’s relatively simple and doesn’t require business owners to jump through unnecessary hoops.
To utilize the postcard verification method, log into your Google Business Profile, select the business you want to verify, and click the “Verify Now” button and the “Postcard by Mail” option. Enter the company’s address and wait for Google to send you a postcard with a verification code on it.
Once the postcard arrives at your company, enter the verification code into your Google Business Profile and click submit. If done correctly, Google will verify your business in a matter of minutes, if not seconds.
2. Email Verification
Email verification is the quickest verification method, but it isn’t available to every business. Google restricts email verification to active businesses that haven’t claimed their company.
Log into your Google Business Profile and select the business you want verified before clicking the “Verify Now” button. Select the email verification option and enter your email address. Google will send an email with a link and verification code.
Click the link within Google’s email and enter the verification code to claim your business.
3. Phone Verification
Like email verification, Google restricts phone verification to companies that haven’t verified their business but remain active on their Google Business Profile. Follow the steps previously mentioned (log into your Google Business Profile, select the business you want verified, etc.) and select the phone verification option in the “Verify Now” section.
After selecting the phone verification option, enter your phone number and wait for Google to call. Once you answer the call, an automated voice message will play and give you a verification code to enter into your account and verify your business.
Google also offers an SMS verification option to business owners who prefer text.
It’s important to note that scammers sometimes try to exploit phone and SMS verification and will act as a Google employee to steal your information. If you receive a call claiming to be Google that’s not automated asking for sensitive information, hang up the phone immediately. Google will never ask for the following during the verification process:
- Payments
- Passwords
- Codes
- Personal information
4. Video Verification
Google requires most new businesses to verify their Google Business Profile through video. Company leaders must make a short, unedited video explaining various aspects of their business, including:
- The company’s location
- Proof of management
- Various business equipment
It’s best to include outdoor signs, landmarks, and streets next to your business to prove authenticity and its location. You also want to show business documents and your credentials to prove you’re the real business owner. Just remember to omit or hide sensitive information and your employees’ faces to keep everything safe and secure.
To submit a verification video, select the video verification option in the “Verify Now” tab and click “Capture Video.” Select the start recording button and capture your video while providing all the necessary information mentioned above. Once you finish the video, follow Google’s instructions to upload it and send it to its team.
Google verifies videos within five business days and will send a notification once they verify your business. If you don’t receive a verification notification within five business days, you may need to reach out to Google or select a different verification option (if available).
Contact Peppermonkey Media for Professional GMB Optimization in New Jersey
If you want to improve your company’s search engine ranking to put more eyes on your company, contact Peppermonkey Media. We specialize in local SEO for small businesses and can take your online presence to the next level. Whether you want to learn “how to verify my business on Google” or need help with social media marketing, our Peppermonkey Media team has you covered.
Call us at (888) 231-9764 and request a digital marketing consultation today!
