Why You Need to Claim Your Google Business Profile

Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why this matters. A verified GBP allows you to:

• Control what information appears about your business on Google
• Respond to customer reviews
• Post updates, offers, and events
• Access insights about how customers find and interact with your profile
• Appear in local pack results—those coveted map listings at the top of search results

Businesses with verified profiles receive 7x more clicks than those without, making this a critical component of your local SEO strategy.

Step-by-Step: How to Claim Your Google Business Profile

Step 1: Check if Your Business Already Has a Profile

Google often creates business listings based on available information, so your business might already have an unclaimed profile. Claiming your listing provides you with the opportunity to manage your business information directly and ensure it is accurate. Additionally, utilizing the platform allows you to enhance your online presence, which can improve visibility among potential customers. Leveraging the google my business profile benefits can lead to increased customer engagement and ultimately drive more foot traffic to your location.

Search for your business name and location on Google. If a Business Profile appears on the right side of the search results or in Google Maps, you’ll need to claim it rather than create a new one.

Step 2: Claim an Existing Profile or Create a New One

To claim an existing profile:

• Search for your business on Google
• Click on your business listing
• Select “Claim this business” or “Own this business?”
• Follow the prompts to verify ownership

To create a new profile:

• Go to business.google.com
• Sign in with your Google account (create one if needed)
• Click “Add your business to Google”
• Enter your business name
• Follow the guided process to add your business category, contact information, and location

Step 3: Complete Your Profile Information

Add comprehensive details about your business:

• Business hours (including special hours for holidays)
• Complete address with service area if applicable
• Phone number and website URL
• Business description (up to 750 characters)
• Products or services you offer
• High-quality photos of your business, team, and products/services

Step 4: Verify Your Business

In 2024, Google offers several verification methods, though availability varies by business type and location:

Postcard Verification (Most Common)

Google will mail a postcard with a verification code to your business address. This typically arrives within 5 business days. Once received, log in to your GBP dashboard and enter the code.

Phone Verification

If eligible, you’ll receive an automated call with a verification code to the phone number listed on your profile.

Email Verification

Some businesses may qualify for email verification, where Google sends a verification code to your business email.

Instant Verification

If your business website is already verified with Google Search Console, you might qualify for instant verification.

Video Verification

New in 2024: Some businesses can now verify through a video call where you show your business location and identification to a Google representative.

Troubleshooting Verification Issues

Postcard Never Arrived

If your verification postcard hasn’t arrived within 14 days:

• Check that your address is correct in your GBP dashboard
• Request a new postcard by logging into your GBP account and clicking “Request another code”
• Consider using an alternative verification method if available

Business Already Claimed

If you see “This listing has already been claimed” when trying to verify:

• Click “Request access” and follow the prompts
• The current profile manager will receive a notification, with 7 days to respond
• If they don’t respond, you may be able to claim the listing

Verification Suspended or Rejected

If your verification was rejected:

• Ensure all business information is accurate and consistent with other online listings
• Check that you haven’t violated any Google guidelines
• Wait 7 days before attempting verification again
• Contact Google Business Profile support for assistance

After Verification: Next Steps

Once verified, make the most of your profile by:

• Adding additional categories if relevant to your business
• Creating Google Posts to share updates, offers, and events
• Setting up messaging to communicate directly with customers
• Adding frequently asked questions and answers
• Encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews
• Responding promptly to all reviews, both positive and negative

Managing Multiple Locations

If your business has multiple locations, you can manage them all from one dashboard:

• Log in to your Google Business Profile dashboard
• Click “Add business” to add additional locations
• Consider using the bulk verification option if you have more than 10 locations