Claiming and verifying Google My Business

Last installment, we offered an introduction to Google My Business, which is the No. 1 source for getting your business found online. It’s likely the first thing consumers see when they search for your business online – essentially your new home page.

This week, we explain how to set up and claim your Google My Business page and why it is so important to do so.

Claiming and Verifying your new phone book listing

Google Search, Google Maps, Google + – all of these Google services display your business information, which includes everything from location and hours of operation to reviews and ratings. That’s why it’s so important to claim your business listings on Google and to make sure that all of your information is up to date.

Step 1: You need a Google account.

Sign in or create a Google account for your business and then visit google.com/business.

Step 2: Claim.

Once you’ve logged on, you can search your business by name. Search results will appear in a list as well as on the map and from those choices you can choose the business you’re trying to claim. If none of these results match your business, you can simply click “Add Your Business.” (You will then be prompted to choose your business type: storefront (restaurants, hotels, etc.), service area (taxi service, delivery, etc.), or brand (products, brands, causes, etc.).

Step 3: Verification.

To have control over your page, you’ll need to prove to Google that the business you’re claiming ownership of is really yours. You can claim your GMB page in step 2, but verifying your GMB is critical. Without verifying, you won’t be able to see key information on how often Google shows your business in search results and how often that leads to phone calls, website visits and requests for directions to your business.

You can verify it’s your business by:

• Working with a Trusted Verifier: We’re one of a handful of trusted verifiers in our market and because of our long-standing relationship with Google My Business, we have a special app that will get you verified almost instantly.

• Postcard Verification: This was the most common way to verify your business. If you select this option, you’ll see an image of the verification postcard with the name of your business and the address you supplied when creating the page. You’ll receive it in the mail after one to two weeks. Once you’ve gotten the postcard, go to the website listed (google.com/local/verify) and log in with the same account you used to request the verification code via postcard. Go to the Google My Business dashboard to complete your verification. Enter the code and you’ll be finished.

• Phone Verification (available for some businesses): If this option is listed when you come to the verification process for your business, you can use this option. If you pick that option, make sure you’re able to directly answer the number you provided as your business’s contact point. You will receive an automated phone call with a computer voice, so don’t expect anyone to answer any questions. As with the postcard approach, enter the code from the phone message you receive from Google. After you’ve entered the code, you’ll see a screen asking you to review your information and make any last-minute changes, if needed. Then click “Done editing” and you’ll be finished.

• Instant Verification (available for some businesses): If you’ve already verified your business’s website with the Google Search Console, you may be able to use this option. Make sure that you’re signed into Google My Business with the same account you used to verify your site with Search Console. Note that some business categories may not be eligible for instant verification

Next: How to Fix and Edit your Google My Business Page

In our first two parts of our five-part Google My Business series, we’ve explained what Google My Business is, why your business should have one, and how to claim and verify your business’s Google My Business page.

Next installment, we’ll take a look at how to fix and make edits to your Google My Business Page.