Why Verifying Your Google Business Profile Matters for Your Business
Creating a Google Business Profile is only the first step — until your profile is verified, Google limits the features available to you and your listing may appear less trustworthy to potential customers. A verified Google Business Profile gives you full control over your business information, unlocks additional Google features, and prevents other parties from claiming your listing. Verified profiles also carry more weight in Google's local search ranking algorithm, making verification one of the most important steps you can take to get found online.
Verifying your business and claiming your business are two separate processes. You must claim your Google Business Profile before you can verify it. For instructions on claiming your business on Google, see Google's Guide to Claiming Your Business Profile.
Google offers five verification methods. The methods available to your business are determined automatically by Google based on factors including your business category, publicly available information, region, and support availability — you cannot select a method that Google has not made available for your account. The five verification methods are Phone or Text, Email, Video Recording, Live Video Call, and Postcard. Each method is covered in detail below.
To begin verification, open your Google Business Profile and click Get Verified. Select the verification method you want to use from the options displayed. Only the methods available for your business will appear on this screen.
The screenshot above shows the Get Verified screen on a Google Business Profile. The available verification method options are displayed as selectable choices. Only the verification methods that Google has determined are available for your specific business will appear on this screen — not all five methods are available to every business. Click the verification method you want to use to begin that method's process.
How to Verify Your Google Business Profile by Phone or Text
To verify by phone or text, you must be able to directly answer your business phone number or receive text messages at the time of verification. If your business phone uses an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system that answers calls automatically, you will not be able to receive the verification code through that number. Make sure someone is available to answer the phone or receive texts before starting this method.
To verify by phone or text, open your Google Business Profile and click Get Verified. Select Phone or Text from the available options. Google will either call your business phone number with a recorded message containing a numeric verification code, or send a text message with the code to your business phone number. Enter the verification code in the field provided on the verification screen and click Submit to complete verification.
How to Verify Your Google Business Profile by Email
To verify by email, open your Google Business Profile and click Get Verified. Select Email from the available options. Google will send a verification email to your business email address with steps to complete the verification process. Open the email from Google and follow the instructions provided in the email to complete verification.
How to Verify Your Google Business Profile by Video Recording
Video recording verification requires you to record and submit a video of your business to Google for review. After submission, Google reviews the video and the process can take up to 5 business days. Google will notify you directly when your business has been verified. If your business cannot be verified based on the submitted video, the Get Verified button will reappear on your profile and you can attempt verification again.
After verification is complete, you can log in to your Google account and delete the video recording. Once deleted, neither you nor Google will have access to the video again. For instructions on deleting your verification video after verification is complete, see Google's Instructions for Deleting Your Verification Video.
Video Recording Requirements
Before recording your video, review the following requirements. Your video must meet all of these criteria to be accepted by Google:
One continuous recording — The video must be recorded in a single take. Editing together separate recordings is not accepted.
Business location — The video must show your business location. Capture external signage, your street name, nearby businesses, or the surrounding area to establish your location.
Business equipment and operations — The video must show your business itself and any business equipment. This can include stock for sale, branded equipment, marketing materials, and tools you use to serve your customers.
Proof of management — The video must demonstrate your authorization to represent the business. This does not have to be the business owner — an authorized manager can also complete verification. Demonstrate authorization by showing access to employee-only areas or items such as a cash register, kitchen, storage room, non-sensitive business documents, or by using your keys to open your facility.
Length — The video must be under 5 minutes in total length.
The screenshot above shows the video recording verification screen on a Google Business Profile. The Start Recording button is displayed along with a checklist summarizing the video requirements: business location, business equipment, and proof of management. Review the checklist on this screen before starting your recording to ensure your video meets all requirements before submitting.
How to Record and Submit Your Verification Video
Video recording must be completed from your mobile device. If you started the verification process on a desktop computer, you can scan a QR code displayed on the desktop screen to continue on your mobile device.
The screenshot above shows the QR code displayed on the desktop verification screen. Scan the QR code with your mobile device to continue the video recording process on your phone. The QR code screen appears only when you begin verification on a desktop — if you begin on your mobile device, the QR code screen does not appear.
To record and submit your verification video from your mobile device:
Open your Google Business Profile on your mobile device and tap Get Verified, then tap Capture Video.
Tap Start Recording. Record your video following all the requirements listed above.
Tap Stop Recording, then tap Upload Video to submit your video to Google for review.
How to Verify Your Google Business Profile by Live Video Call
Live video call verification is conducted with a Google support representative over a live video call on your mobile device. The call must take place at your business location — you cannot complete a live video call verification from home or from a remote location. Use a mobile device rather than a laptop or desktop computer for the call, as you will be asked to show your business and its surroundings.
The live video call must be completed by the business owner or an authorized manager. You will need to demonstrate that you are authorized to represent the business by showing access to employee-only areas or items. Examples include a cash register, kitchen, storage room, non-sensitive business documents, or using your keys to open your facility.
During the call, the Google representative will ask you to show your business location by demonstrating your building signage, street signs, and surrounding businesses. The representative may also ask you to show proof of business operations such as stock for sale, branded equipment, marketing materials, or tools you use to serve your customers.
To start a live video call verification, follow these steps from your mobile device:
Open your Google Business Profile on your mobile device.
Tap Get Verified, then tap Video Call, then tap Next.
Select your preferred language from the language options displayed.
Tap Start Call to connect with the next available Google support representative.
You may be placed in a queue and have to wait before your call connects. Once the Google representative joins the call, they will guide you through the steps required to complete verification. If you experience technical difficulty joining the call, the Google support representative can assist you.
How to Verify Your Google Business Profile by Postcard
Postcard verification requires Google to mail a physical postcard containing a 5-digit PIN code to your business address. Before requesting a postcard, confirm that the address on your Google Business Profile is the physical location of your business — Google will send the postcard to the address currently listed on your profile. The postcard typically arrives within 7 to 14 business days. The PIN code is valid for 30 days from the date the postcard was requested.
Do not edit your Google Business Profile or request a new verification code after requesting your postcard. Editing your profile or requesting a new code invalidates the PIN on the original postcard and requires you to restart the postcard verification process from the beginning.
The screenshot above shows the postcard verification screen on a Google Business Profile. The business address where the postcard will be mailed is displayed for confirmation. A button to confirm and request the postcard is shown below the address. Confirm that the address displayed is correct before clicking the confirmation button — the postcard cannot be redirected to a different address after it has been requested.
To verify your Google Business Profile by postcard:
Open your Google Business Profile.
Click Get Verified and select Postcard.
Confirm the mailing address shown on screen is correct, then click the confirmation button to request the postcard.
Wait 7 to 14 business days for the postcard to arrive at your business address.
When the postcard arrives, open your Google Business Profile, find the Code field, and enter the 5-digit PIN code from the postcard.
Click Submit to complete verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this article cover?
This article covers how to verify your Google Business Profile using five verification methods: Phone or Text, Email, Video Recording, Live Video Call, and Postcard. This article does not cover how to claim your Google Business Profile — you must claim your profile before verifying. For instructions on claiming your business, see Google's Guide to Claiming Your Business Profile. This article does not cover how to manage your Google Business Profile after verification — for profile management instructions, see your Google Business Profile management guide in Thryv.
I already created my Google Business Profile. Do I also need to verify it?
Yes. Creating a Google Business Profile and verifying it are separate steps. Certain Google features are only available to verified profiles. Verification also prevents other parties from attempting to claim your business listing. Until your profile is verified, your listing may have limited visibility and functionality in Google Search and Google Maps.
Some verification methods are not available for my business. How can I request a different method?
The verification methods available to your business are determined automatically by Google and cannot be changed by you or by Thryv. If none of the available methods work for your situation, you can contact Google's support team directly for assistance. Google support may attempt to verify your business based on the information you provide, or may suggest a live video call to confirm your place of work and proof of management. To contact Google's support team, see Google Business Profile Help and Support.
Can my Thryv advisor, customer success manager, or Thryv support team complete Google verification on my behalf?
No. Google requires that the business owner or an authorized representative from the business complete the verification process directly. Thryv support can provide guidance throughout the process, but verification must be completed directly with Google by you or an authorized representative of your business.
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