Need to claim and verify your Google Business Profile? You've come to the right place. Follow the steps below and you'll be able to control and manage your information as it appears in Knowlege Graph listings (pictured below) as well as in Google Maps.

How to Claim Your Google Business Profile

Google can make you jump through various hoops to claim and verify your profile, but typically the following process will allow you to gain ownership of your listing.

Claim by computer 

1. Open Google Maps and use the search bar to search for your business.
2. Once you’ve found your business, click on the business name.
3. From here, click “Claim this business” to begin managing.
4. Follow through with the instructions for the verification process.

If your business is not listed in Google Maps, you’ll have to use a Google account, log in to Google Business Profile, and choose the “Add your business to Google” option.

Verify by mail 

1. Log into your Google Business Profile account.
2. Find the business you wish to verify and click “Verify now”
3. Ensure that your business information is displayed correctly on the postcard request screen.
4. Click “Send postcard” from here, and you should receive it within 14 business days.
5. Once your postcard has been received by mail, log back into your Google Business Profile account.
6. Click “Verify now” and enter the unique 5-digit verification code in the field.
7. Click “Submit” and you are done.

Claiming and verifying your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) listing is important for several reasons:

Visibility and Local SEO

When you claim and verify your business on Google, it enhances your visibility in local search results and on Google Maps. This is crucial for local SEO, as it makes your business more discoverable to potential customers who are searching for services or products you offer in your area.

Business Information Accuracy

By claiming your profile, you can control the information that Google displays about your business, such as your address, hours of operation, contact information, and more. This ensures that potential customers get accurate and up-to-date information.

Building Trust with Customers

Verified businesses are seen as more credible and trustworthy by customers. When your business information is verified, customers are more confident that the business is legitimate and operational.

Ask For and Respond to Reviews

When you claim your profile Google will provide you with a shortcode that you can send to clients that will automatically open up a screen on their device to leave you a review. A steady stream of high-quality reviews will improve your local search rankings. When you claim your profile Google Business also allows you to respond to reviews left by customers. This is an opportunity to show good customer service by thanking customers for positive reviews and addressing any concerns raised in negative reviews.

Insights and Analytics

Google provides valuable insights to businesses that have claimed their profiles, such as how customers are finding your business (direct search vs. discovery search), where they are coming from, and other interaction data like calls or requests for directions. This information can be used to improve your marketing and operational strategies.

Posting Updates and Promotions

You can use your Google Business Profile to post updates, promotions, events, and photos, keeping your profile active and engaging for potential customers.

Prevent Unauthorized Changes

If you don't claim your listing, it’s possible for someone else to claim it or for Google to generate information that might not be accurate. By claiming and verifying it, you prevent unauthorized changes or false information from being associated with your business.

Have More Questions?

If you're struggling with claiming your listing or have other questions about increasing your search rankings and traffic, fill out our contact form.