Nowadays, people need to be able to locate your organization when you are managing a business. One method to assist them is by having your business certified on Google. This guide will demonstrate how to get your Google Business verifications with the basic questions such as what is it, why is it important and how is it done. We will dumb it down so that even a 4th grader will understand it.
What is Google Business Verification?
To put it simply, Google Business verification acts as evidence to Google that your business is indeed in existence. The Google Business owner verification allows the user to certify that he is the manager of this business and that it is legally located at the given physical address. This is called the Google My Business verification process.
After the business attains verification, it will appear on the maps provided by Google as well as on search results on Google. That means more people can get information on your business when they search for it online. There are many steps that a person should take about the verification of the Google Business account but this is a straightforward one that easily goes hand in hand with the desire to have the business exposed more to many people.
Why is Google Business Verification Important?
The process of Google Business Verification is one of the most vital as it offers guarantees for making a business trusted by other people who may wish to interact with it. It demonstrates to people that they can depend on your business once they have their business verified. Other advantages include enabling a company to be more visible on social media networks.
It would not be wrong to say that Google My Business verification is invaluable. Businesses that have verified their accounts stand a better chance of being featured in local search results; hence, more people can locate you. Some of the benefits of having a verified Google Business are that they have better chances of acquiring more customers while enhancing the professionalism of the business.
Step-by-Step Guide to Google Business Verification
Now that you know what Google Business verification is and why it matters, let’s go through the steps to get your business verified. This guide will describe such or other procedures directed at the setup and verification of Google My Business account.
Method 1: Postcard Verification
Another method of verifying your business that is widely used is commonly referred to know Google Business verification by postcard. After you request a verification postcard, Google will send the postcard to your business address with a code in it within a few days. You should enter this code in your Google Business account.
This method is called Postcard verification for Google My Business. You should expect a little delay in receiving the postcard, so be patient. After you receive it, all you need to do is follow the instructions that are provided on the postcard to complete the verification of the Google Business listing.
Method 2: Phone Verification
Another way to claim a business is through phone verification for Google My Business. With this method, there will be a phone call made by Google to your business number, and on the phone, there will be a code sent which you will need to enter in your Google Business account.
Verifying Google Business through means of phone calls is simple and fast. If your business is eligible for this method, it should take no more than a few minutes. Google Business verification through call is a good option if time is not on your side, as there is little to no waiting period when it comes to calling Google for verification.
Method 3: Email Verification
You can also verify your business by email. Google My Business email verification includes getting a verification code in the email. Such a method cannot be implemented unless the owner is using the email account which is in link with the Google Business account.
Verifying your business via Google is also done quickly using email. Simply follow the steps laid out in the email and enter the code they provide in your Google Business account. This method is easy to use if you prefer working with emails. How does one verify Google Business by email, all that needs is to open the inbox, look for the code, and type it online.
Method 4: Using Instant Verification
Google Business instant verification is the quickest way of verifying your business. This approach is permitted for businesses that have previously validated their websites with the Google Search Console.
You can also use Google My Business features, ‘instant’ verification, which completely removes the waiting period. If your business passes all eligibility checks you can verify it in under 10 clicks. How to receive an instant Google Business verification is pretty much on the dot: ensure your website is verified and follow through the instant verification steps.
Common Issues During Google Business Verification
More often than not, things do not go as they were planned. You may encounter a few Google Business verification problems in the course. One of the most common occurrences is Google Business verification failure. This like many other issues can happen because of several reasons such as entering the wrong address or phone number.
Problems with Google My Business verification can be frustrating, but there are solutions. If you encounter issues, double-check the information you provided. Troubleshooting Google Business verification issues usually requires making amendments and attempting the verification task again.
How to Re-Verify Your Google Business
In the event of business information changes, one may be required to re-verify the business. Google Business re-verification is done to ascertain that the business is current. This is because such a service will make it easy for people to locate you.
Google My Business re-verification is performed in the same way as the first verification. For example, when relocating or after changing your phone number you may need to use a different verification procedure. Steps to re-verify the Google Business listing include updating your information and going through the verification process again.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I need to verify my Google Business?
It is very important to verify your Google Business since it shows both Google and clients that the business is real. This is why the first step is getting verified since such a business is easily found online and is likely to appear on search results more often.
2. How long does the Google Business verification process take?
Most of the methods you choose attract certain time limits for verification befitting the Google Business. With postcard verification, this takes an average of 14 days while with phone calls, emails, and instant verification, these can take just a few minutes.
3. What if I don’t receive my verification postcard?
If you don’t receive your postcard within the stipulated 14 days, you might request a new one via your Google Business account. Wait for some time before requesting if the address you are trying to use is still disparate.
4. Can I change my verification method after starting the process?
Yes, you can change your verification method after selecting one so long as you have not completed the process. Head back to your Google Business account and opt for a different method like a phone call, email, or instant.
5. What can you recommend if for some reason my Google Business verification fails?
If your verification failure occurs, check for mistakes in the documents or information such as your address or phone number. If all the information you provide is true, try it one more time or ask for Google help.
6. Do I need to change any of my previously verified business details after relocating to a new place?
Yes, if your business relocates to a new address, then you will need to re-verify it again with your Google Business. This way, both the consumers and Google have the up-to-date location of your business.
7. Is Google Business also paid in the context of verification?
Yes, the verification of Google Business is free of cost. This applies to the verification process irrespective of the method applied to verify the account.
8. My business does not qualify for instant verification, what would be the next step to take in this case?
If you cannot receive an instant verification option for your business, you will have to switch to other options like one with a postcard, phone, or email verification. Instant verification can only be used by those businesses that have previously verified their website in the Google Search Console.
9. Is it possible to verify more than one location for my business?
Yes, if your business has more than one location, you may verify more than one location separately. This enables each location to be listed in the local searches, allowing the customers to find the most suitable location closest to them.
10. Where can I find help if I have further questions regarding Google Business verification?
If you have more questions, there is a supporting page of Google My Business where you can visit the FAQs section. There, useful materials and instructions can be found so that you can easily and complete the verification process.