Every business, regardless of size, thrives on visibility. Imagine your business being just around the corner, but no one knows about it because your digital presence is missing or incomplete.
That’s why local SEO services for small businesses are vital for success in today’s competitive market.
One essential step is verifying your Google My Business profile. Verification enhances your credibility, ensures accurate business information, and significantly boosts your visibility in local search results.
This guide will walk you through three effective ways to verify your Google Business Profile, complete with real-life examples, technical insights, and actionable strategies.
Your Google Business Profile is more than just a listing; it’s your digital storefront. Verifying your profile ensures that the information displayed—such as your address, phone number, and operating hours—is accurate and trusted by both Google and your customers.
For example, Digitifyu, a small but fast-growing digital marketing agency, saw a 30% increase in customer inquiries within two months of verifying their Google Business Profile.
This step helped establish them as a credible local business, boosting their visibility and building trust among clients.
Method 1: Email Verification
Email verification is ideal for businesses that already have a verified domain or operate in specific industries. Google sends a verification email to the official email address linked to the business.
Steps for Email Verification:
- Log in to Your Account: Go to your Google Business dashboard.
- Select Email Verification: Choose the “Email” option under “Verification Methods.”
- Check Your Inbox: Open the email from Google and click the verification link.
- Confirmation: Your profile is now verified.
Considerations:
- Ensure the email domain matches your business website (e.g., info@yourbusiness.com).
- Check spam or junk folders for the verification email.
Email verification was used for their digital-only services. This method streamlined the process, resulting in an immediate 10% increase in profile views.
Method 2: Postcard Verification
The most common method for verifying your Google Business Profile is via postcard. Google sends a physical postcard to your business address containing a unique verification code. This method is ideal for businesses with a physical location.
Steps for Postcard Verification:
- Log in to Google My Business: Access your profile through the Google My Business website.
- Select Postcard Verification: Choose the postcard option under “Verification Methods.”
- Enter Your Address: Ensure your business address is accurate and matches the one displayed on your profile.
- Receive the Postcard: Wait for the postcard to arrive (typically 5–14 days).
- Enter the Verification Code: Log back into your account and input the 6-digit code.
Key Metrics:
Aspect | Metric |
Postcard Delivery Time | 5–14 days (varies by location) |
Code Validity Period | 30 days |
Success Rate | 95% if address is accurate |
The postcard method worked seamlessly, verifying their business within 10 days. This led to a 15% improvement in local rankings and more visibility on Google Maps.
Method 3: Phone Verification
For service-based businesses or those without a storefront, phone verification is a faster alternative. Google sends a verification code via text message or automated phone call.
Steps for Phone Verification:
- Access Your Google Business Profile Dashboard: Ensure your phone number is accurate and accessible.
- Choose Phone Verification: Select the “Phone” option in the verification menu.
- Receive a Code: Google sends a 6-digit code to the listed phone number.
- Input the Code: Enter the code into your dashboard to complete verification.
Benefits of Phone Verification:
- Speed: Results within 5–10 minutes.
- Convenience: No need for physical mail.
- Applicability: Works well for service-area businesses.
Technical Note:
Ensure your phone line is clear and active to avoid delays. Businesses using virtual numbers might encounter issues, so it’s best to use a physical phone line.
Digitifyu used phone verification for one of their service locations and completed the process in under 10 minutes. This quick action helped them attract 25% more local inquiries within the first month.
How Verification Enhances Google Business Local Visibility
Verification plays a pivotal role in boosting your profile’s ranking in Google Business Local search results. Verified profiles are considered more trustworthy and are more likely to appear in the local 3-pack—the top three results displayed in a Google local search.
Metrics Post Verification:
|
Metric |
Unverified |
Verified |
|
Profile Visibility |
20% |
60% |
|
Click-Through Rate (CTR) |
5% |
15% |
|
Call-to-Action Engagement Rate |
10% |
25% |
Digitifyu’s verified profile saw a 45% increase in engagement within three months, a testament to the power of profile verification.
Advanced Tips for Verification Success
- Combine Methods: If one verification method fails, use another. For example, switch from postcard to phone if there’s a delay.
- Use Google Insights: After verification, track metrics such as search queries, profile views, and customer actions to measure performance.
- Optimize for Local SEO: Leverage keywords, accurate descriptions, and high-quality photos. Verified profiles combined with local SEO efforts see a 20–30% boost in visibility.
Conclusion: Partnering with the Best Local SEO Companies for Success
Verification is the foundation of your Google Business Profile’s success, but maintaining and optimizing it requires ongoing effort. Collaborating with the best local SEO companies can help maximize your profile’s potential. These experts can assist in not only verification but also implementing advanced strategies for long-term growth.
Whether you choose postcard, phone, or email verification, the key is to act quickly and ensure accuracy. Start today, and let your verified Google Business Profile be the gateway to attracting more customers and building your brand’s reputation!
Guide to Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Complete Guide to Optimise Your Google Business Profile for 30% More Calls to Grow Your Business
