How to Verify Google My Business?

The difference between a verified and unverified Google Business Profile is like night and day. Verified profiles get 7x more clicks, 70% more visits, and appear in the coveted "Local Pack" results that dominate local searches.

Getting your business to show up on Google Maps and in local search results is crucial for attracting nearby customers. But before your business information appears to the world, Google needs to confirm you actually own or manage the business you're claiming. That's where Google My Business verification comes in – and it's simpler than you might think.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through every verification method available in 2025, troubleshoot common problems, and share expert tips to get your business verified quickly and painlessly.

What is Google My Business and Why Verification Matters

Google My Business (now officially called Google Business Profile) is a free tool that allows business owners to manage how their business appears on Google Search and Maps. This includes:

• Your business name, address, and phone number
• Hours of operation
• Website link
• Photos and videos
• Customer reviews
• Products and services
• Posts and updates

Verification is Google's way of confirming you have the authority to manage this business listing. Without verification, you can't:

• Respond to customer reviews
• Post updates or special offers
• Add photos
• Edit critical business information
• Access insights about how customers find and interact with your listing

In essence, an unverified listing is like having a locked storefront – people can see it exists, but you can't open the door to welcome them in.

Before You Begin: Setting Up Your Google Business Profile

If you haven't already created your Google Business Profile, you'll need to do that before verification:

1. Go to business.google.com
2. Sign in with your Google account (create one if needed)
3. Search for your business name
4. If your business appears, select it and claim ownership
5. If not, click "Add your business to Google" and follow the prompts
6. Fill in all required information accurately

Pro tip: Use your actual business name, not keyword-stuffed variations. Google may reject verification for listings that appear manipulative.

Verification Methods: Choose What Works for You

Google offers several verification methods, though not all options are available for every business type or location. Here's a breakdown of each method:

1. Postcard Verification (Most Common)

This traditional method involves Google mailing a postcard with a verification code to your business address.

Step-by-step process:

1. Select "Verify now" or "Verify by mail" in your Google Business Profile dashboard
2. Confirm your mailing address is correct
3. Click "Send postcard"
4. Wait for the postcard (typically 5-14 days)
5. Once received, log back into your Google Business Profile
6. Enter the 5-digit verification code
7. Click "Verify"

Pro tip: Add "Attn: Google Verification" to your address to ensure the postcard doesn't get lost in general mail.

2. Phone Verification

For businesses with a listed phone number, this is often the fastest option.

Step-by-step process:

1. Select "Verify by phone" if available
2. Confirm your phone number is correct
3. Ensure someone is available to answer the call
4. Click "Call now"
5. Answer the automated call and note the verification code
6. Enter the code in your Google Business Profile
7. Click "Verify"

3. Email Verification

Some businesses qualify for email verification, particularly service-area businesses without physical locations.

Step-by-step process:

1. Select "Verify by email" if available
2. Confirm your email address is correct
3. Click "Send email"
4. Check your inbox (and spam folder)
5. Open the email from Google
6. Click the verification link or copy the code
7. Enter the code in your Google Business Profile

4. Video Verification (Newer Option)

This method requires submitting a video showing your business location and operations.

Step-by-step process:

1. Click "Verify now" and select "Video verification" if available
2. Click "Start"
3. Follow instructions to create a verification video showing:

• Your business location/storefront
• Interior workspace or equipment
• Business-specific tools or products
• Business license or point-of-sale system (without showing sensitive information)

4. Upload the video
5. Wait for Google's review (typically 5 business days)

5. Instant Verification

Some businesses with established web presence may qualify for instant verification.

Eligibility requirements:

• Your business website is already verified in Google Search Console
• Your business uses the same domain for both your website and business email
• Your business information matches across online directories

If eligible, you'll see an "Instant verification" option during the process.

Comparison of Verification Methods

Method	Time to Complete	Best For	Success Rate	Difficulty
Postcard	5-14 days	Most businesses	Very High	Easy
Phone	Minutes	Businesses with dedicated lines	High	Easy
Email	1-2 days	Service-area businesses	Medium	Easy
Video	5-7 days	Physical storefronts	High	Medium
Instant	Immediate	Web-established businesses	Low	Easy

Troubleshooting Common Verification Problems

"My verification code never arrived"

For postcard verification:

• Confirm your address is entered correctly
• Wait the full 14 days before requesting a new code
• Check with all staff who might have received the postcard
• Request a new code if needed (limit: 3 attempts)

For phone verification:

• Ensure the phone number is directly connected to your business
• Check if call-blocking services might be preventing the call
• Try at different times of day

"My verification code doesn't work"

• Codes expire after 30 days
• Check for typos when entering the code
• Case sensitivity matters
• Request a new code if needed

"I don't see a verification option I can use"

This usually happens when:

• Your business category has specific verification requirements
• Google has detected potential fraud indicators
• Your business information conflicts with existing listings

Solution: Try updating your business information to be more accurate and consistent with other online mentions of your business, then try again in 24-48 hours.

"Google verification isn't just a hurdle to jump – it's the first step in building trust with both the search engine and your customers. A verified listing signals legitimacy in an increasingly skeptical online world."

After Verification: Optimizing Your Google Business Profile

Once verified, make the most of your profile by:

1. Adding high-quality photos

• Interior and exterior shots
• Product/service images
• Team photos
• Before/after examples

2. Creating Google Posts regularly

• Special offers
• Events
• News updates
• Product highlights

3. Collecting and responding to reviews

• Thank positive reviewers
• Address negative reviews professionally
• Use feedback to improve

4. Completing every section of your profile

• Business description
• Services/products
• Attributes (e.g., "wheelchair accessible," "free WiFi")
• Q&A section

Managing Your Online Presence Beyond Google

While a verified Google Business Profile is essential, it's just one aspect of your online presence. For busy business owners, keeping up with all these digital tasks can be overwhelming.

At Marblism, we understand this challenge. Our AI employees like Eva, the AI Executive Assistant, can help monitor your online reviews and alert you when new ones appear, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to engage with customers.

Similarly, Penny, our AI Blog Writer, can help create regular content that improves your local SEO and drives more traffic to both your website and Google Business Profile. For businesses looking to stand out in local search results, consistent, quality content makes a significant difference.

"The businesses that thrive in local search aren't just verified – they're actively engaged. Regular updates, fresh content, and prompt responses to customer interactions signal to Google that you're a relevant, active business worthy of top placement."

Advanced Tips for Multi-Location Businesses

If you manage multiple locations, consider these specialized approaches:

1. Use Google's bulk verification

• Available for businesses with 10+ locations
• Requires spreadsheet submission
• Streamlines the verification process

2. Create location groups

• Organize locations by region or type
• Assign different managers to different groups
• Maintain consistent information across locations

3. Implement location pages on your website

• Create unique pages for each location
• Include location-specific content
• Link these pages to your Google Business Profiles

Keeping Your Listing Verified: Ongoing Management

Verification isn't a one-time task. Google may occasionally require re-verification, especially if:

• Your business information changes significantly
• Your listing shows signs of inactivity
• Google detects potential suspicious activity
• Ownership of the listing is transferred

To avoid these issues:

• Log into your Google Business Profile regularly
• Update information promptly when changes occur
• Respond to customer reviews and questions
• Post updates at least monthly

For businesses that find this ongoing management challenging, Sonny, the AI Social Media Manager, can help maintain an active online presence without requiring hours of your time each week.

Conclusion: Beyond Verification

Verifying your Google Business Profile is just the beginning of your local search journey. The businesses that truly excel are those that treat their profiles as living, breathing extensions of their physical locations.

By keeping information current, engaging with customers, and regularly sharing updates, you signal to both Google and potential customers that you're an active, trustworthy business deserving of attention.

Remember that local search is increasingly competitive, with the top three results capturing the vast majority of clicks. A verified, well-maintained Google Business Profile isn't a luxury – it's a necessity for businesses that want to thrive in their communities.

Now that you understand the verification process inside and out, take the next step: verify your business, complete your profile, and start engaging with the customers already searching for what you offer.