A Guide to Google Business Profile Verification
Google Business Profile Verification allows you to control what information customers see about your business on the Search Engine Result Pages (SERPs). This includes everything from your business address and contact information, to reviews and photos. This information listing is a free service for businesses that will help your company be found by potential customers on Google.
To access these features you will need to verify your business with Google. This is a simple process that will start to get results right away. This article explains the Google Business Profile verification, why it’s necessary, and the five ways to verify your business.
Ever wonder how Google’s top-ranked results for plumbers in your area or the best coffee shop near you got there?
These businesses are often ranked at the top of the search results because Google has verified that they are trustworthy and legitimate. But how?
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a search and map listing service provided by Google. It helps businesses to establish themselves on Google’s search engine and determine what information users see about them.
A display on the side of the screen with information such as the business’s NAP (name, address, phone number), contact information, images, location, and a summary of the business when you search for it on Google. This information can be updated by companies that have claimed or verified their Google Business Profile (formerly called GMB).
GMB is highly recommended for businesses that have a location customers can come to, such as a restaurant, store, or hotel. It also applies to those that provide services across multiple locations such as construction contractors, consultants, or landscapers.
Additional functionalities can be unlocked by Google Business Profile verification depending on the business’s main category. Restaurants can include menus and third-party delivery options while chiropractors can have health information and appointment booking.
Why is it important to verify your business listing on Google Business Profile (GMB)
Here are five key benefits of GMB verification.
Up to date information for potential and returning customers.
Google Business Profile Verification gives you full control over the information about your company on Google Maps and Google Search. You can update hours, post new offers, list services, and upload photos.
Search Insights are also available to users. This feature displays listing statistics such as how customers found the listing and what actions they took. These insights can be used to track customer engagement and help tailor ads.
Customers need to be listened to
Google customer reviews are a huge part of a business’s online reputation. Google Business Profile verification allows business owners and representatives to respond to customer reviews, build lasting relationships, and fix the cause of a negative review before it affects the reputation.
Local SEO is crucial
Local SEO Is vital for every location-based business. If they want to reach potential customers in their local area, they must rank higher than their competition.
If someone searches for “Coffee Shop near me”, they don’t want to see results that are 20 miles away. They want the best in their neighborhood.
This feature is called the Google Local Pack. It lists the top three businesses for each relevant search query. These business listings are pulled directly from the Google Business Profile directory. GMB verification is essential if you wish to increase your chances of getting a higher ranking and being shown in the Google Local Pack.
These listings also show up in all Google Maps searches.
Brand reputation can be improved
Imagine that you are searching Google for the best Roofers near you. Do you prefer one that has easy to find contact information and great reviews or one that requires you to search around just to find the basic details?
The majority of people would choose the first. That is just one reason why Google Business Profile verification is essential for brand reputation. Google claims that users are twice as likely to consider a verified company to be trustworthy than a non-verified business.
Avoid misrepresentations
Scammers can claim to be part of your company or even own it by creating or claiming ownership of an unverified Google Business Profile listing. This title can be used to deceive your customers and ruin your company’s reputation.
GMB verification allows business owners to be the public representatives of the company.
How to verify your listing on Google Business Profile.
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business or GMB) offers five options to verify your business. Let’s look at each one:
You must first claim your business before you can apply for verification. To start the verification process, the business owner must search for their business on Google or create a new listing if it is not already listed.
#1. Verification Postcard
Google will send you a postcard with a unique code to your address using this method. To request the postcard, business owners must enter an exact address.
*Tip* After hitting the “request verification code” button, DO NOT make any changes to the listing or the information on it until the postcard is received and verified. In some cases, making changes to any information will require a new verification card.
After the postcard has been delivered, the owner must go to their Business Profile and enter the 5-digit verification code.
Once the business has been verified, the owner may add other owners or managers. They can also transfer ownership to third parties, such as a marketing agency, if necessary.
#2. Email Verification
Email verification is also an option for some businesses. Click on the “verify via email” button if available to verify your business profile. Double-check your email address and then click “Verify Now”.
Google will send you an email with a link and a verification code. Enter the code in the required field and click “Verify.”
#3. Phone or Text Verification
Select “Get Verified” from your Google Business Profile and select the “Phone” or “SMS” option. You can answer calls immediately if the number you have provided is correct.
Google will call you to give you a code. They can also send a text message to the number with a code.
You can enter the code on your Google Business Profile page and you are verified. This verification method is not available in all countries, but it is available in the US and Canada.
*Tip* Scammers may call you claiming to be from Google. To report suspicious calls, you can use this guide. A legitimate call from Google will not ask for personal information, passwords, codes or payments.
#4.Verification by Video
Google can receive a video recording of your business to show that it is located in the area and that you are its owner.
A continuous video must be recorded by the business owner.
- The business’s physical location
- Equipment for the business
- Management evidence
To prove your business is there, you should record outside signs and the surrounding area. To prove that your restaurant, store, or customer-based business is open, record the interior. The owner must prove their ownership by accessing employees-only areas and showing business documents in the video.
Once you have decided what you want to record, open your Business Profile and click “Get Verified” and “Capture video.”
Tap on “Start recording” to begin recording your video. Follow the instructions to complete the process. After you are done, click on “Stop recording”, and then upload your video.
Google reviews your video in five days and sends you a notification if verification has been successful. You will need to verify again if verification fails.
#5. Verification By Live Video Call
To verify your Google Business Profile, you can video chat with a representative from Google.
First, check this page to see if representatives are available to take your call.
Start a text chat to get support from your mobile device and you can join the call. Navigate to your Business Profile and click “Get Verified” then “Video Call.” Next, choose your language and tap “Start Call”.
You will be assisted by a support representative to join the call. You will need to provide all the details that you would for a video recording.
*tip* Your Business Profile may be eligible for instant verification if your website has been verified with Google Search Console. You don’t have to go through the above verification procedures and can edit your company’s details directly if it’s eligible.
How to optimize your Verified Google Business
Profile Listing
After your GMB verification has been completed, it’s now time to optimize the Google Business Profile. This will allow you to provide useful information, connect to customers, and increase local SEO. After you have added your primary details, here are five ways to enhance your profile.
Professional images are best
You can add real photos of your shop, restaurant, or business but make sure they are consistent with your brand and high-quality images.
Videos can be added to your listing to show off your company and team. You can also add visual elements to your GMB listing that will serve as social proof and highlight your products and services.
Google claims that businesses with more and better photos have a higher chance to receive website clicks and direction requests.
The first few photos are friendly, professional, and consistent. The rest of the photos show their work.
Correctly Categorize Your Business
Google Business Profile allows you to add a primary business category and subcategories to your profile to showcase what you have to offer. Do not limit yourself to one category. Google allows up to 10 categories, but they must be relevant.
These categories are used by Google to determine when your business will be shown in local searches. Simply adding “restaurant” or a “roofing” to a category does not suffice. These terms may be your primary category but you will also need to include supporting categories.
For example:
The main category of “Roofing” with subcategories “commercial roofing, residential roof repair”
Special Features For Certain Categories
Google Business Profile provides special features for restaurants, pubs, hotels, and other businesses to help them better showcase their products.
For example:
- You can see the class rating, check-in/check-out times, and a list of hotel amenities.
- Restaurants, bars, or similar establishments may display their menus and add URLs to order online.
- Some companies can list their products and services directly.
- Insurance information can be listed by healthcare providers.
- Businesses have the option to request a quote or book appointments.
Take advantage of these features, as they can be a benefit to your customers depending on what you offer.
Get Reviews
Building credibility is important through reviews. Google allows customers to leave detailed comments and star ratings so they can accurately reflect their experience.
Before visiting your store, or ordering products from it, potential customers will look at customer reviews. Positive reviews can lead to more customers. Negative reviews can turn off potential customers.
Our review guide can help you increase your Google reviews, and increase your revenue.
It is best to respond to both negative reviews and positive ones. Thanking and engaging with a positive reviewer will lead to repeat business, but also be sure to encourage a negative reviewer to contact customer support to make things right.
Negative reviews should not be ignored. If customers have legitimate concerns and you fail to respond, it is a sign of indifference and a lack of concern for your customers.
Optimize your listing’s copy
A brief overview of the services your business offers should be added to your Google Business Profile listing. Customers will choose your business over those with poor or insufficient information.
It should be viewed as a call-to-action for your company. It should be concise, but it should highlight your unique offerings and distinguish you from other businesses.
Verify Your Google Business Profile to Boost Local SEO Presence
Verification of a Google Business Profile is essential for local businesses that want to attract customers.
Are you interested in people in your area searching Google and finding your business? This is the place to begin. Are you unsure how to make this all happen? Schedule a call with Madd X Media to discuss managing your Google Business Profile and local SEO.
