Use this guide to verify your Google My Business listing (now called Google Business Profile) by postcard, phone call, email, or video to make your profile discoverable in search. Verifying your listing makes it possible for customers to discover your listing in Google Search, create posts, view performance insights, and respond to customer reviews.

The Google My Business verification process ensures that only authentic businesses (and authorised representatives of those businesses) are able to create and manage listings.

Follow this guide to verify your business:

• How to get your business verified on Google

• Google My Business verification methods

• What to do after verification

• Frequently asked questions

How to get your business verified on Google

To get your business verified on Google, you’ll need to complete the verification process. For most businesses, postcard verification will be required (as it’s the most common method). However, there are several Google My Business verification methods, depending on various factors. Once you’ve verified your listing, you’ll be able to update your business name, and other information on Google.

Google My Business verification methods

When you have claimed and set up your listing, Google will allow you to verify your profile.

There are several Google My Business verification methods:

• Postcard verification

• Phone call verification

• Email verification

• Video verification

Follow the verification methods below to verify your listing on Google…

One of the most common methods to verify Google My Business listings is by postcard verification.

Follow these steps to verify your listing by postcard:

1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile

2. Choose the location you wish to verify (if multiple locations)

3. Click the Verify now button

4. Enter the mailing contact name

The verification button can be found in the Home section once logged into your Google Business Profile, and will be present no matter what kind of verification method is required for your profile.

Once the verify button has been clicked, you’ll see the verification methods that are available for your business. In this example, we see the postcard verification option…

Verifying a Google Business Profile by postcard

Phone call verification

If your listing has been around for a while but unclaimed, it will likely have the option to verify with a phone call.

Verify your listing by phone call by following these steps:

1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile

2. Choose the location you wish to verify (if multiple locations)

3. Click the Verify now button

4. Select the Call option

Email verification

The email verification option is often present alongside the call verification option. In most cases, this is only available to listings that have been active but unclaimed.

Follow these steps to verify your listing by email:

1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile

2. Choose the location you wish to verify (if multiple locations)

3. Click the Verify now button

4. Select the Email option

5. Enter the email address

Video verification

New listings (especially service area businesses created in 2022) seem to immediately require video verification without any other options.

Verify your listing by video by following these steps:

1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile

2. Choose the location you wish to verify (if multiple locations)

3. Click the Verify now button

4. Select the Start button

5. Submit your verification video

An example of the video verification prompt for Google My Business

To successfully verify your listing via video, Google states that the following video requirements:

• Current location – a nearby street, building signage, or surrounding businesses

• Business equipment – office fixture, furniture, or other displays

• Proof of management – business licence, storage room, or point of sale (POS) system

Google’s video verification requirements

Google also recommends avoiding capturing faces or any sensitive documents in your video.

What to do after verification

Once your listing has been verified, it will now be discoverable in search. Additionally, you’ll be able to create your first post, view performance insights, and reply to customer reviews. You’ll also be able to upload photos, add attributes, create posts, and update other business information.

After verification, ensure your listing is completely optimised by following this optimization checklist and audit template to maximise the visibility of your profile in Google Search.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the verification process take?

The time required to verify your listing will depend on which verification method was used.

• Postcard verification – Most postcards will arrive within 5 days of requesting it. However, this can take longer depending on your postal service.

• Phone call verification – This method is almost instant.

• Email verification – The verification email arrives within a couple minutes.

• Video verification – Verifying by video can take several days depending on support hours.

An example of a pending postcard verification message

How do I enter the verification code?

Once you have the verification code, sign in to your business profile and enter the verification code. There will be a prompt within the Home section of the Google Business Profile Manager dashboard.

After clicking the button, you’ll have the option to enter your code.

Once the code has been entered, your listing will be verified. If you’re having problems, you can select the Mail again or Change method (in most cases, this won’t make a new verification method available).

What happens if I didn’t receive a verification postcard?

Postcards should arrive within 5-7 business days. If you requested postcard verification but did not receive a postcard in the mail, you can simply request another. You may choose to contact Google support if the problem persists.

Can I skip the Google My Business verification process?

Yes, the Google My Business verification process can be skipped, and you can verify your business at a later date. Eventually, you should verify your business because profiles that are unverified will have limited visibility in Google Search, and will also have limited options to edit business information.

How do I change the verification method for my business?

As of 2022, Google does not allow business owners (or any other user level permission) to control their verification method. Businesses eligible for other methods of verification will be able to select the Change method option.