Claiming and verifying your Google Business Listing is critical in establishing your online presence and effectively reaching local customers. By managing your listing, you can control the information displayed about your business on Google Maps, Search and other Google platforms. In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through how to claim and verify your Google Business listing, ensuring your business stands out in local search results.

1. Sign Up for a Google Account

To claim and manage your Google Business listing, you'll need a Google Account. If you already have one, skip this step. If not, visit the Google Account creation page and follow the instructions to create an account using your business email address.

2. Search For and Locate Your Business

Visit the Google Business website and sign in with your Google Account. Use the search bar to pull up your business. If your business appears in the results, click on it. If not, select "Add your business to Google" and provide the necessary details to create a new listing.

3. Claim Your Business Listing

Once you've located your business, click on the "Own this business?" link next to your business name. This will initiate the claiming process. Google may require additional information or documentation to verify your ownership, such as a phone call, email or a postcard sent to your business address.

4. Provide Accurate Business Information

After claiming your business, ensuring that all the information displayed on your listing is accurate and up-to-date is crucial. Fill in details such as your business name, address, phone number, website URL, business category and hours of operation. Ensure to provide comprehensive and consistent information across all platforms like Bing, Yahoo and Yelp.

5. Verify Your Google Business Listing

How you verify your business listing looks different depending on what kind of business you operate.

If your business has a physical storefront, Google typically requires a phone call, email or a postcard to be sent to your business with a code to verify your listing.

In general, you can expect this process to take 5-7 business days. RevLocal can coordinate most of this for you! All you need to do is relay the code Google sends you to your Strategist.

Your storefront business must meet these requirements to be verified:

1. You must have staff for in-person business during business hours.

You cannot be registered as a business with a physical location if you work out of a virtual office building or coworking space. 

2. You must have permanent signage for your store on the exterior of the building.

If your company is a service, class or meeting-based business that changes locations or uses other properties that you don’t own or formally rent from, you won’t be able to verify your business. For example, if you run a yoga class in another studio’s space.

Google has more strict processes for service area businesses because they are, unfortunately, a significant percentage of spam listings.

Your service area business must have business registration documentation matching the address you want to verify. A business license is best; however, a utility bill addressed to the business can work. You cannot use a PO box, coworking space or other property you do not own.

If you travel to your customers, Google may still give you the option for a call, email or postcard, but they are more likely to ask for a Video Verification.

This Video Verification process can take several weeks to a month or more and often requires more follow-up communication with Google. RevLocal can educate you on the process and assist with follow-up, but you will have to do the Video Verification recording yourself.

If you run your business from your home, you must use that address. However, you can hide the address from populating your Business Listing.

To sum up, here are all the different ways you should be prepared to verify your Google Business Listing:

• Postcard Verification: Google will send a postcard with a verification code to your business address. Once received, enter the code in your Google Business Listing dashboard to complete the verification.
• Phone Verification: In some cases, Google may offer phone verification, where you'll receive a verification code via phone call or text message.
• Email Verification: Email verification may be available for select businesses, where you'll receive a verification link via email.
• Video Verification: Google will ask you for a short, continuously shot video that proves your business is in the geographical location you claim it is and that you professionally perform the work advertised on the Google Business Listing.

6. Optimize Your Google Business Listing

Once your Google Business listing is verified, optimize it for maximum visibility and engagement:

• Add High-Quality Photos: Upload high-resolution photos showcasing your business, products, services, and team members.
• Write a Compelling Business Description: Craft a concise and compelling description that accurately represents your business and includes relevant keywords.
• Manage Customer Reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond to them promptly. Address both positive and negative reviews professionally and courteously.
• Leverage Additional Features & Attributes: Explore additional features such as Google Posts, Q&A and messaging to engage with your audience and provide up-to-date information. The more information and activity is on your Google Business Listing, the higher it will rank in search results and the more helpful it will be to potential customers.

7. Monitor and Update Your Listing

Regularly monitor your Google Business Listing to ensure all information remains accurate and up-to-date. Update your listing promptly if there are any changes to your business hours, contact information or services. Monitor and respond to customer reviews and questions to maintain a positive online reputation.

Whenever Google adds a new attribute or changes something about the functionality of the Business Listing platform, do your due diligence to ensure your listing is up to speed. Adhering to all the latest tech within the platform is one of the best ways to optimize the listing and rank higher in search results!

Final Thoughts

Claiming and verifying your Google Business listing is vital in establishing your online presence and attracting local customers. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can take control of your listing, provide accurate information to potential customers and increase your business’s visibility in search results.

RevLocal has claimed and verified hundreds of Business Listings for our customers and we make a sometimes daunting process simple and easy. If your business needs assistance with its overall digital marketing strategy, contact us today for a free consultation!