How to Verify Your Google Business Profile
SUGGESTED TIMING: Week 1
- Claim your listing
- Add business info, category, and hours
- Verify your listing
Setting up your Google Business Profile is a great first step. But it won’t appear in search or maps until you verify it.
Verification confirms you’re a real business and protects your listing from unauthorized claims. Until verified, your profile stays hidden.
The good news? It’s quick. Just choose the option that fits your situation and follow the instructions.
Your Verification Method Options
Video Verification
All businesses have video as an option for verification. To use this method, log in to your Google Business Profile from your mobile device. Click “Get verified,” then “Capture video.” Click “Start recording." Capture video of your location, evidence your business exists, and proof of management. (For more detail, see how to verify your business via video on Google’s help page.) Once you’ve captured everything you need, click “Stop recording,” and then “Upload video.” Review can take up to five days.
Phone or Text Verification
For a fast and easy option to verify your business, simply log in to your Google Business Profile. Click “Get verified,” then choose “Phone” or “SMS.” You’ll be contacted via your selected method with a code. Enter that code into your Google Business Profile page.
Email Verification
Similar to verification via phone or text, this is a fast and simple way to verify your business. Log in to your Google Business Profile. Click “Get verified,” then choose “Email.” Check your inbox, and follow the steps outlined in the email Google sends you.
Live Video Call Verification
Only available for some businesses and only during certain hours, you might have this option for verifying your business. To get started, log in to your Google Business Profile. Click “Get verified,” then choose “Live video call,” and click “Next.” Choose your preferred language and start a text chat with the next available support representative. Select “Start call.”
Mail Verification
You can also choose to verify your business via postcard. Log in to your Google Business Profile. Click “Get verified,” then choose “Postcard.” Make sure your mailing address is valid. A postcard with your unique code should arrive within 14 days. Once it arrives, log in to your profile again and enter the code provided.
Tips for a Smooth Verification Process
- Don’t skip verification; your profile won’t display publicly without it
- Choose the fastest method available (phone or email if possible)
- Double-check your info before verifying
- Keep video verification simple: show your business name and space
What’s Next
Once verified, your listing appears in Google Search and Google Maps. In our next article, you’ll learn how to add photos and write a description that builds trust.