How do I Verify My Business on Google to Ace Local SEO?

Let’s start with a brutal truth: If your business isn’t showing up on Google, you don’t exist. 

Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration. But in the Local SEO world, it’s dangerously close to reality. 

Whether you own a brick-and-mortar store, a franchise, or an e-commerce business or run SEO for clients, getting Google My Business (GMB) verification isn’t optional. It’s the foundation of your local search presence. 

And if you’ve ever wondered, “How do I verify my business on Google?”—you’re in the right place. This guide will show you: 

• How Google My Business verification works 

• The different ways to get verified on Google 

• Why it’s crucial for Local SEO 

Let’s dive in? 

What Does Google My Business Have to Do With Local SEO?

EVERYTHING. 

Google loves businesses that are easy to verify. If Google trusts your business information, you get rewarded with higher rankings in local search results. 

Here’s why GMB verification is the key to unlocking local SEO success: 

It’s Your Ticket to the Google Local Pack

Ever searched for “best coffee shop near me” and seen those top three map listings with star ratings and directions? 

That’s the Google Local Pack—prime real estate for local businesses. 

Getting verified on Google is what gets you there. Without verification, your business won’t even be considered for local rankings. 

It Helps Google Trust Your Business

Google’s goal is to serve the most accurate, relevant results to users.
With GMB verification, you’re telling Google: 

Yes, I exist.
Yes, this is my real location.
Yes, customers can visit or contact me here. 

More trust = higher rankings in Google Search and Google Maps. 

It Powers Your NAP Consistency (Which Boosts Rankings)

NAP stands for Name, Address, Phone Number—and consistency is key. 

Google cross-checks your GMB details with business listings across the web.
If everything matches → Higher rankings.
If there are inconsistencies → You drop in rankings. 

It Helps You Get More Reviews (Which = More Clicks & Conversions)

GMB verified businesses can collect and respond to reviews, which is a HUGE ranking factor in local SEO. 

More (positive) reviews = more clicks = higher rankings. 

Pro Tip: Encourage real customers to leave reviews and respond to them. It builds trust AND signals to Google that you’re an engaged business. 

How to Verify My Business on Google

When you claim to own a business, Google doesn’t just take your word for it. That would be too easy (and, frankly, a spammer’s dream). Instead, you have to prove your business is real, operational, and located where you say it is. 

You don’t get to choose your verification method. Google decides based on your business type, category, and public information. Some businesses might have multiple verification options, while others are stuck with just one (like the dreaded postcard). 

Let’s break down the different ways you might be asked to get verified on Google. 

Video Recording 

 Best for: New businesses, service-area businesses, and those without a physical storefront. 

Google My Business video verification is a major part of its verification process. If you’re eligible, this is one of the fastest and most foolproof ways to verify your business. 

How it Works: 

• Record a video showing:
  Your business’s exterior – street signs, surrounding area, storefront.
  Your business’s interior – products, workspace, branded materials.
  Proof of management – access to employee-only areas (like a cash register, storage room, or business documents). 
• Submit the video through your Google Business Profile. 
• Google manually reviews it—typically within 24–48 hours. 

Pro Tip: Keep the camera steady, ensure good lighting, and capture everything in one continuous shot. If Google can’t verify something clearly, they’ll reject it, and you’ll have to start over. 

Phone or Text Verification 

 Best for: Businesses with a publicly listed phone number. 

If you’re one of the chosen ones, Google might let you verify your Google Business through phone or text. This is the fastest option. 

How it Works: 

• Go to your Business Profile. 
• Click “Get Verified” → Choose “Phone” or “SMS.” 
• Receive a 5-digit Google Business code via text or automated call.
  Enter the code in your Business Profile. 

You’re verified! 

Important: Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems won’t work—you must answer the call or receive the text directly. 

Email Verification 

Best for: Businesses with a public business email domain. 

How it Works: 

• Go to your Business Profile. 
• Click “Get Verified” → Choose “Email.” 
• Google will send a verification link to your email. 
• Click the link and complete verification. 

Pro Tip: Check your spam folder if you don’t see the email. Also, Google requires the email to match your domain (e.g., if your website is example.com, your email should be yourname@example.com).  

Live Video Call

Best for: Businesses with a physical storefront or unique verification needs. 

Sometimes, Google might require a live video call with a Google Support rep. Think of it as a virtual business audit where you show them, in real time, that your business exists. 

How it Works: 

Step 1: Schedule & Prepare for the Call 

• Use a mobile device with a working camera. 

• Be at your business location. 

• Prepare to show:
  Your storefront/signage (if applicable).
  Your workspace, tools, or inventory.
  Proof of business operations (like accessing an employee-only area). 

 Step 2: Start a Text Chat First 

• Go to Google Business Profile → Get Verified → Live Video Call. 

• Select your language. 

• Tap Start Call to begin a chat with a Google rep. 

 Step 3: Join the Video Call & Show Proof 

• A Google rep will walk you through what they need to see. 

• If everything checks out, you’re verified. 

Important: Live video calls are only available during your business hours—if you operate outside of standard times, Google might delay your verification.  

Mail Verification 

Best for: Businesses with a physical location (not service-area businesses). 

Google’s classic method: snail mail. It’s the slowest but most common way to verify a business. 

How it Works: 

Step 1: Request Your Code 

• Go to your Business Profile → Get Verified → Postcard. 

• Confirm your mailing address. 

• Request the verification code. 

Step 2: Wait for 5–14 Days 

• Do not edit your business name, address, or category during this time—doing so will reset the verification process. 

• Do not request a new code—this will invalidate the one that’s already on its way. 

 Step 3: Enter the 5-Digit Google My Business Code 

• Once you receive the postcard, log in to your profile and enter the code. 

 Step 4: Wait Up to 5 Business Days for Final Review 

• Google manually reviews the submission before confirming your verification. 

Pro Tip: If you verify your website with Google Search Console, you might qualify for instant verification, skipping this entire process. 

What Happens After You’re Verified? (And How to Win at Local SEO)

Once you receive your Google My Business confirmation email, your business is officially recognized by Google, which means: 

• You can now appear in Google Search & Google Maps 

• Customers can find and contact you directly 

• You can start optimizing your profile to improve rankings 

But you can’t stop here. It’s time to supercharge your Local SEO strategy and turn your Google Business Profile into a lead-generating machine.  

Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GMB) for Higher Rankings

Key Optimizations to Improve Local SEO: 

• Business Name – Use your official business name (avoid stuffing keywords; Google penalizes this). 

• Business Category – Select primary and secondary categories that best describe your services. 

• Business Hours – Keep them updated, especially for holidays and special occasions. 

• Services & Products – List all services you offer and include detailed descriptions. 

• Photos & Videos – Businesses with high-quality images get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks. 

Why This Matters for Local SEO 

Google prioritizes complete, well-maintained listings because they provide a better user experience. The more details you provide, the more Google trusts your business, which means higher local rankings.  

Start Collecting Customer Reviews 

Fact: Businesses with more positive reviews rank higher in Google’s Local Pack (the top 3 search results for local businesses). 

How to Get More Google Reviews: 

Ask happy customers – The best time? Right after they’ve had a great experience.
Make it easy – Share your Google review link via email, SMS, or social media.
 

How Reviews Impact Local SEO 

More reviews = higher credibility
Higher star ratings = more clicks & conversions
Recent reviews = more ranking power (Google favors fresh, active profiles) 

Pro Tip: Respond to every review (yes, even the negative ones). Businesses that engage with reviews rank higher and build more trust with potential customers.  

Post Regular Updates & Promotions 

Think of your Google Business Profile as your mini-website on Google. Keeping it active and updated signals to Google (and customers) that you’re engaged and relevant. 

What to Post on Google My Business: 

• Special promotions & discounts – Limited-time offers to drive foot traffic. 

• Events & announcements – Hosting a workshop or launching a new product? Let people know! 

• Behind-the-scenes photos & videos – Showcase your team, work culture, or new arrivals. 

• Blog posts & industry news – Share insights related to your business niche. 

Why This Matters for Local SEO 

Google prioritizes businesses that regularly update their profiles because they provide fresh, relevant content. A dormant profile loses visibility over time. 

Pro Tip: Post at least once a week. Businesses that actively post get 2x more engagement than those that don’t.  

Use Google Q&A to Address Customer Questions 

Customers have questions. Lots of them. And Google Q&A allows you to answer those questions directly in your business listing. 

How to Use Google Q&A for SEO: 

• Pre-fill common questions: Don’t wait for customers to ask! Add FAQs about your services. 

• Encourage happy customers to ask & answer questions : Google ranks engaged businesses higher. 

• Monitor & respond quickly: Unanswered questions can hurt conversions. 

Pro Tip: Google sometimes auto-generates answers from user submissions. Keep an eye on them to correct misleading information.  

Track Performance with Google Business Insights 

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Google Business Insights gives you real data on how customers are interacting with your profile. 

Key Metrics to Track: 

• How customers find you – Direct search vs. discovery search. 

• How many people called you – Calls made from your listing. 

• How many people requested directions – This shows demand in your local area. 

• Website clicks – Measures engagement with your profile. 

Pro Tip: If your profile isn’t getting much engagement, try tweaking your photos, business description, and posts to improve performance.  

Also Read – Local SEO Checklist: Tips For Google Maps SEO 

Google My Business Verification = Local SEO Gold

Verifying your business on Google isn’t just about checking a box—it’s a fundamental step in dominating Local SEO. 

It boosts your search rankings.
It helps customers find and trust you.
It gives you control over your business info. 

So, if you want to own your local market, optimize your Google Business Profile and get verified ASAP.