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A crucial part of maintaining your online presence is verifying your business on Google. Not only does this increase your visibility and credibility, but it also gives you more control over your business information and access to additional features. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to verify your business on Google, including navigating Google's multiple methods of verification.

Verifying your business and claiming your business are two different processes. You must claim your business first before verifying. For a guide to claiming your business, Click Here for a link to Google's help article.

There are four potential methods for verification:

• Phone or Text
• Email
• Video Recording
• Live Video Call
• Postcard

However, business owners don't always get to select which method is used. Google may require a certain method or choice of methods based on things like business category, public info, region, support hours, and volumes.

We will cover how to verify using each method. To get started, first navigate to your business profile and click on Get Verified. From there, select the method from the options available for verifying your business (Note that not all options will be available to all businesses)

Phone or Text

To receive your verification code, ensure that at the time you verify you can directly answer your business phone number or receive text messages. If you are using an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, you will not get the code.

First, go to your business profile, and click on Get Verified

You will either receive a call to your business phone number or a text message with a numeric code.

Enter the code in the field provided to complete verification.

Email

First, go to your business profile, and click on Get Verified. You will receive an email at your business email address with steps to complete. Follow the prompts in that email to complete verification.

Video Recording

This process involves you making a recorded video to send to Google. Note that after you are verified, you are able to log into your Google account and delete the video. Once this is done, neither you nor Google will have access to it again. Click Here for Google's instructions on deleting your video

When planning your video, these are the requirements:

• The video must be one continuous recording. You are not able to edit together separate recordings
• Video must include your business location, meaning you should do the best possible to capture outside signs, like your street’s name, nearby businesses, or the area around your business.
• Video must include your business itself and any business equipment. This can include things like stock for sale, branded equipment, marketing materials, and tools you use to serve your customers
• Video must include your proof of management, meaning you must demonstrate your authorization to represent your business. This does not necessarily have to be the owner of the business if the person can demonstrate management or other position within the company. Some examples would be to capture your access to employee-only items or areas. This includes things like a cash register, kitchen, storage room, or non-sensitive business documents. You can also use your keys to open your facility. 
• Video must be under 5 minutes in length

To shoot your video, on your mobile device, go to your Business Profile. Learn how to find your profile.

• Tip: If you start verification on a computer, to continue on your mobile device, you can scan a QR code.

1. Tap Get verified > Capture video.
2. Tap Start recording. Follow the steps listed above and record your video.
3. Tap Stop recording > Upload video.

After your video is uploaded, it needs to be reviewed by Google. This process can take up to 5 business days. You will be notified by Google directly when your business is verified. In the event that your business is not able to be verified, the Get Verified button will re-appear, and you will be able to attempt verification again.

Live Video Call

You may also be verified through a live video call on your mobile device. Note that it is better to do the call on a mobile device rather than a laptop or desktop as you will be asked to show not just yourself but your business and surroundings as well. If you are having trouble joining the call, Google's support representatives will be able to assist you.

The call also must be done by either the business owner or authorized manager. You will need to demonstrate that you are authorized to represent the business, for example access to employee-only items or areas.This includes things like a cash register, kitchen, storage room, or non-sensitive business documents.You can also use your keys to open your facility.

The call must take place at your business. You will not be able to do it from home or in the field. The Google representative will ask you to demonstrate the location of your business, for example by showing your building/signage, street signs, surrounding businesses, etc. 

They may also ask to verify your business operations. This can include things like stock for sale, branded equipment, marketing materials, or tools you use to serve your customers.

To start the video call:

1. Go to your Business Profile from your mobile device 
2. Click Get verified > Video call > Next.
3. Pick your language.
4. To start a text chat with the next available support representative, click Start call

Note: You may be placed in a queue and have to wait before your video call

Once the representative from Google has joined the call, they will walk you through the process of showing the necessary information about your business to complete verification. 

Postcard

Before selecting this option, ensure that the address entered on your Business Profile is the location of your business, as this is where Google will send the postcard with your verification pin code. Note, the postcard typically arrives within 7 to 14 business days, and the pin code is valid for 30 days from the requested date.

Tip: Do not edit your business profile after requesting your postcard or request a new code. Doing so will require you to restart the postcard process and invalidates the pin code from the original postcard. 

When you’re ready, perform the following steps:

1. Go to your Business Profile

2. Click Get verified, select Postcard

3. Wait 7-14 days for postcard arrival

4. In your Business Profile, locate the ‘Code’ field and enter your 5-digit pin code

5. Click Submit

FAQ

I already created my Google Business Profile, do I also need to verify?

Yes! Certain Google features are only accessible with a verified profile. This also prevents others from attempting to claim your business.

Some of these options aren't available for me, how can I choose an alternate method of verification?

From Google: The methods of verification are automatically determined and can’t be changed. If you choose to contact Google's support team, they may try to verify your business based on the information provided. They may suggest a live video call to confirm your place of work, tools, and proof of management.

Is my Thryv Business Advisor, CSM, or Thryv Support able to complete this on my behalf?

No, it is a requirement of Google that the business owner or other authorized representative from the business complete verification. As always, our entire team at Thryv is happy to provide support, however verification must be done directly with Google.