Creating a Google Business Profile and verifying your business ownership are important steps towards maintaining accurate business information, attracting local customers, and improving your visibility on Google Search and Maps. A verified profile allows you to manage important details such as your business hours, contant information, and customer reviews.

Google has updated its verification process over the years, and businesses can no longer assume they'll receive a postcard or choose their preferred verification method. Instead, Google determines which verification options are available based on factors such as business types, location, and publicly available information.

In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of finding, claiming and verifying your Google Business Profile, including what to expect if Google requests video verification.

Step 1: Create a Google Account

The first step is to make sure you have a Google Account that you can use to manage your business. If you already have one, you can proceed to the next step. otherwise, follow these instructions:

1. Visit https://accounts.google.com/signin
2. Follow the prompts to create a Google Account. You can use an existing business email address or create a Gmail address.
3. Complete the required account information and security steps.

Using an account associated with your business can make it easier to maintain ownership and manage access as your company grows. You do not need to create a separate Google My Business account.

Step 2: Confirm the Existence of Your Business Profile

Before creating a new Business Profile, check whether Google already has a listing for your business. Some businesses appear on Google Search and Maps even before their owners have claimed them.

To check for an existing profile:

1. Visit https://google.com/maps
2. Search for your business name and location.
3. Review the results to see whether your business has a listing.

If your Business appears, select the listing and look for an option such as "Claim this business" or "Own this business" If the profile is unclaimed, you can follow the prompts to begin managing it. 

If your business name does not  appear, you can create new Business Profile by visiting https://business.google.com/add and entering your business information.

If Google indicates that someone else already manages your profile, you may need to request access than create another listing.

Step 3: Create a Google My Business Account

Google Business Profile is the current platform for managing your business information on Google Search and Maps. You no longer need to create a separate Google My Business account.

If you are creating a new profile, follow these steps: 

1. Sign in to the Google Account associated with your business.
   
2. Visit https://business.google.com
3. Select the option to add or manage a business, if prompted.
4. Enter your business name, category, location or service area, and other requested information.
5. Follow the instructions to continue setting up your Business Profile.

Be sure to provide accurate information that reflects how your business actually operates. Businesses that serve customers at their locations should provide their eligible physical address, while service-area businesses can specify the areas they serve without publicly displaying a residential or non-customer-facing address.

Once you've entered the required information, Google will guide you through the steps needed to claim or verify your profile.

Step 4: Claiming Your Business Profile

If your business already appears on Google but you haven't claimed it, you'll need to establish that you're authorized to claimed it, you'll need to establish that you're authorized to manage the listing.

You can begin the claiming process through Google Search or Google Maps.

Method 1: Claim Your Business Through Google Search

1. Visit https://www.google.com and search for your business and location.
2. Find your Business Profile in the search results.
3. Look for "Own this business?" or "Claim this business."
4. Select the option to manage or claim the profile.
5. Follow Google's instructions to continue.

Method 2: Claim Your Business Through Google Maps

1. Visit https://www.google.com/maps.
2. Search for your business name and select the correct listing.
3. Look for the option labeled "Claim this business."
4. Follow the instructions to establish access to the profile. proceed with the instructions provided.

These are two ways to start the claiming process, not two different verification methods. Once you've claimed an unverified listing, Google will determine which verification steps are required.

What If Someone Else Already Owns Your Business Profile?

If your profile is already verified under another Google Account, you may need to request ownership from the current profile owner.

Visit https://business.google.com/add, search for your business, and select "Request Access" when Google indicates that someone else manages the listing.

The current owner generally has three days to respond. If your request is denied or goes unanswered, Google may provideadditional options to appeal or verify your connection to the business. These options depend on your circumstances and aren'talways available.   

Step 5: Verify Your Business Ownership

After creating or claiming your Business Profile, Google may require you to verify that you're authorized to represent the business.

Unlike the older verification process, Google automaticallydetermines which verification methods are available. You cannot manually select a method that Google hasn't offered.

Depending on your business and its eligibility, Google may provide one or more of the following options:

• Video recording
• Live video call
• Phone call or text message
• Email
• Postcard verification, where available
• Instant verification for certain eligible businesses

Video verification is a commonly offered method, particularly for newly created Profiles. However, the exact verification process varies by business, and some businesses may be asked to complete more than one verification step.

How Video Verification Works

Some businesses may receive alternative verification options.

If Google offers phone, text, or email verification, follow the instructions to receive and submit your verification code.

Poatcard verification may still be available for certain businesses, but it should not be assumed to the standard verification process. In some cases, Google may verify a business instantly. This ca happen when the business's website is already verified through Google Search Console and Google canconfirm the connection between the website and the Business Profile. However, Search Console verification does not guarantee automatic Buisiness Profile verification.

What Happens After Verification?

After completing the required steps, Google reviews the information you've submitted. Verification reviews generally take up to five business days, although some cases may take longer. 

Once your Business Profile is verified, you'll receive confirmation and can manage your business information through Google Search, Maps, or Business Profile Manager.

If Google cannot verify your business, you may be asked to provide additional information or repeat part of the verification process. Follow the instructions shown in your profile rather than attempting to create a duplicate listing.

Congratulations! Once verification is complete, you're ready to manage your Google Business Profile and help customers find accurate information about your business.

Need Help With Your Google Business Profile?

Claiming and verifying your Google Business Profile is an important part of establishing your business's local search presence. However, verification requirements, ownership conflicts, and outdated business information can make the process challenging.

At InContextSEO, we help businesses strengthen their local search visibility and manage the digital marketing foundations needed to reach more customers.

 

If this is something you need help with for your Business or Organization and are ready to get started - please click the link below to schedule a meeting to discuss!