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How to Verify Your Business on Google (Complete Google Business Profile Verification Guide).

If you want your local business to show up on Google Search and Google Maps, verifying your business with Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most important steps you can take. Verification is what proves to Google that your business is real, legitimate, and operating at the address or service area you claim.


As a local marketing agency in Orange County & Los Angeles, C2Thrive Local Marketing helps business owners complete verification fast—because without this step, you’ll miss out on traffic, calls, customers, and local ranking opportunities on the internet.


Below is an easy, step-by-step guide to help you get verified.


Mobile phone with Google Verification code to verify a business profile (behind a local map with a business image)
Mobile phone with Google Verification code to verify a business profile (behind a local map with a business image)

Why Google Business Profile Verification Matters.


Before you start, here’s why verification is crucial:


  • Your business becomes visible on Google Maps & Search.

  • You can appear in the Google 3-Pack (local map pack).

  • You gain access to reviews, messaging, posts, and insights.

  • Google trusts your business more, increasing local rankings.

  • Your competitors won’t be able to claim your listing.


Verification is the foundation of all local SEO success. Now let's check how to verify your business on Google.


Step-by-Step: How to Verify Your Business on Google.


1. Create or Claim Your Google Business Profile.


  1. Go to: https://www.google.com/business/

  2. Log in with your business Gmail account.

  3. Click “Add your business to Google.”

  4. Enter your business name, category, and location or service area.


Important Advice: Use your real legal business name — no keyword stuffing. Use that name for everything (branding and digital assets). With that all your SEO strategy will work correctly in the future. If you use multiple names (legal name, name used for marketing purposes in your digital assets - you will confuse the Google Algorithm and that will damage your SEO Rankings).


2. Choose Your Verification Method.

Google may offer you different verification methods based on your business type, category, and location.


Most Common Verification Options:


Postcard Verification (Most Common).

  • Google mails a physical postcard to your business address.

  • It arrives in 3–14 days.

  • Enter the code inside your Google profile.


Phone Verification.

  • Google calls or sends an SMS with a code.

  • Only available for some businesses.


Email Verification.

  • You receive a code by email.


Video Recording Verification (now is one of the most common ways to verify your business).

You record a video showing:

  • Your storefront or office.

  • Your equipment.

  • Your business location proof.

  • Yourself working or proving ownership.


Note: This video will be recorded inside the Google platform. You can't create one and upload it. Be ready to record your video.


Live Video Call Verification.

A Google specialist asks you to show:


  • The exterior of your business.

  • Signage.

  • Tools, vehicles, invoices, etc.


Thttp://day.Herehis is often used when Google needs stronger proof.


Google Business Profile Verification Methods Graphic: Postcard, Phone, E-mail, Video Verification.
Google Business Profile Verification Methods Graphic: Postcard, Phone, E-mail, Video Verification.

3. Tips to Make Sure Google Approves Your Verification.

Google rejects thousands of listings every day. Here’s how to protect your business and get approved faster:


Use a real physical address (no P.O. Boxes).

Google may suspend listings with virtual offices or UPS Stores.


Make sure your signage is visible (for storefronts).


Keep your business name consistent everywhere.

Your business name must match:

  • Website.

  • Social media.

  • Business documents (IRS, Bank, etc).

  • Local citations (Local Directories or business/government websites).


Upload real photos.

Take clear photos of:

  • Exterior signage.

  • Interior workspace.

  • Fleet vehicles (with logo).

  • Tools, equipment, or staff.


Avoid suspicious activity.

Do NOT edit your name, category, or address during verification.


4. After Verification: Optimize Your Google Business Profile.

Verification is only step one. To rank higher, you must optimize:


a) Add all your business info (NAP + hours).

b) Upload real, high-quality photos regularly.

c) Get customer reviews consistently.

d) Add your services and service descriptions.

e) Post weekly updates (promotions, services, tips).

f) Add FAQs related to your business.

g) Connect your website and track clicks.


This is exactly what C2Thrive Local Marketing helps business owners with. You need support? Schedule a FREE AUDIT


5. What to Do If Google Suspends Your Listing?

Sometimes, Google suspends listings by mistake—especially in home-service trades like plumbing, cleaning, contractors, and auto repair.


If your listing gets suspended:


  • Review your business info for inconsistencies.

  • Prepare proof of business (DBA, LLC docs, utility bill, lease, insurance).

  • Submit a reinstatement request.


Need Help Verifying or Ranking Your Business on Google? - including what is your visibility ranking of your business in your area.

At C2Thrive Local Marketing, we help local business owners across Orange County and Los Angeles:



If you want help getting verified just let us know and we will create all the solutions to create visibility for your business and attract Leads.


Contact us:


C2Thrive Local Marketing

Phone number: (714) 278-7827


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