Are you ready to share your business with everyone else in the jungle? Congratulations! After setting up your GMB account, the next thing you need to do is verify your profile to make it go live.
Until you verify your Google My Business account, you won’t be in control of the information that is on display there. If a competitor or malicious person picks up on this, they could do their best to sabotage your account by submitting “suggested edits” that Google may publish without your input.
One of the most common ways to verify a Google My Business profile is with a postcard. But, what happens if the postcard never arrives? Well, then, you’ll be stuck in the quicksand just like everyone else with this dilemma!
How to Verify Google My Business Without a Postcard:
Verifying a GMB profile without a postcard can be a complicated process. Don’t worry though, as king of the jungle, it’s my job to swing in and save the day. Here are the steps you should take to try and verify without a postcard.
- Log into your GMB profile
- Select the “Pending Verification” option “I don’t have a code”
- Review your verification options
- Select the most convenient option for you
- Try verifying your business through Google Search Console
- Try reaching out to the Google Community or to GMB via Twitter
- Submit a ticket if your only option is postcard verification
- Work with the experts
All of the Verification Options for Google My Business
- Postcard: Google will send over a postcard to the address associated with your profile. You will be able to direct the postcard to a specific person with their “ATTN:” option. This method is controversial because many people do not receive their postcards within 5-7 days. Resending the postcard like Google recommends may not be a solution either, since that postcard also may not arrive. This leaves many people feeling trapped and stuck waiting for a postcard to be delivered before they can manage their GMB account.
- Phonecall: Google will send a robo-call to the phone number associated with your profile. You can enter an extension to direct the call to a specific individual at your business. When they pick up the call, the Google bot will give them a code to enter into Google My Business on your computer or phone.
- Text Message: Google will send over a text message to the phone number associated with your profile. This message will connect you with a code to enter into Google My Business, similar to the verification process by phone.
- Email: Google will send over an email containing your code to an email address with the same domain name as your business. For example, if your business is YumTum Pizza, Google may offer you to route the message to ______@yumtumpizza.com. With this email verification, you would be able to enter service@yumtumpizza.com or jessica@yumtumpizza.com to verify your account. This isn’t always an option because some businesses do not have email addresses with a domain that matches their business name. You will see an example of this in Step 6 below.
- Google Search Console: If you are having trouble verifying your business through other methods, you can connect your business to Google Search Console. Doing this will give you access to verifying your business “instantly” according to Google.
- Video: Depending on your industry, you may see the option to verify your GMB profile through a video call. You will be able to schedule a call on the day and time of your choosing, or you can submit a video walkthrough of your business that meets all of Google’s specifications.
- Ticket Submission: When all else fails, you can submit a ticket to Google directly to try and get your business verified manually. With this method, you will need to submit photos and other evidence of your business.
Tip from the Gorilla: If you are verifying your business through a phone call, make sure that any answering systems your business uses are turned off. The Google My Business bot cannot “select 2” to reach the front desk. You can add an extension, however, to get the call to the right person!
How to Verify Google My Business Without a Postcard
1. Log into your GMB profile
2. Locate the “Pending Verification” box
You may see this information appear on your profile in one of two ways, depending on if you have already tried sending out a postcard:
Or if you have not selected a verification option yet, you’ll see a screen like this:
3. Select “I don’t have a code” or “Verify Now”
If you haven’t already selected a verification option, you’ll see a screen like the example below. Just click “Verify Now” to check in on your options.
Tip from the Gorilla: If you haven’t already sent out a postcard, skip Steps 4 and 5.
4. Select “Change Method”
5. Review your verification options
If you’re looking to verify your GMB profile without a postcard, that means you’ve likely already run into issues with receiving that postcard. In that case, it’s likely that the only verification options available to you are: resend the postcard or verify later. This is where the majority of people get stuck.
Tip from the Gorilla: If you haven’t already sent out a postcard with detailed contact information, you can always try resending it with “ATTN: (name)” to catch the attention of the person sorting your business’s mail because it’s possible that the postcard was thrown out as junk mail.
6. Select the most convenient option for you
If you see more options than just sending the postcard. Pick the option that’s most convenient to you! Every account is different, so you may see a screen like the example below – or you may see any combination of the verification methods covered in the previous section.
7. Try verifying your business through Google Search Console
Google My Business allows users to verify their profiles through Google Search Console if other methods have failed. Of course, this means that your website and business need to be set up and verified on Search Console. While this option isn’t available for all businesses, it’s worth taking a look at.
To verify your Google My Business profile through Search Console, go through the process of setting up Google Search Console and verifying your property there. Then, make sure you are signed into GMB using the same account that you use on Search Console. Once you are completely verified on Search Console, you may see the “Instant Verification” option appear on your GMB profile.
8. Try Reaching out to the Google Community or to GMB via Twitter
When all else fails, try reaching out to the Google Community through their online forms or by tweeting at @GoogleMyBiz.
The Google Community is a valuable resource because you are able to create a post with your question and any additional information about your circumstance. Chances are that many people who have gone through a problem like yours, so you can learn from their responses and tips to find a solution. In some cases, a Google employee may even chime in with advice.
Tweeting at Google My Business is another option that could work for you. You can send a regular tweet, but keep in mind that your message will then be public and visible for all to see. If you want to keep your information between you and Google, send them a DM!
Tip from the Gorilla: It’s possible that Google My Business will not respond to you via Twitter. This is because they are currently understaffed and may reroute their resources. If this is the case, you will see an automated message like the one below.
9. Submit a ticket if your only option is postcard verification
When all else fails, you can submit a ticket for support using this link.
You will need to enter the reason you need support and then navigate through a few “Help Desk” options that Google will suggest. This is because many people do have problems that are easily solved with one of their documents. However, if you are stuck in a loop and cannot confirm your business with a postcard, you have a valid reason to get support.
Call in the GMB Experts
Does any of this sound at all familiar? 🤔
- You want to get started with Google My Business but aren’t sure where to start
- You’re stuck because the GMB postcard never came
- You want to make sure your business is the most competitive on Google and Google Maps
- You want to save time and focus on other digital or in-store marketing strategies
- You want expert assistance and support for your Google my Business
GMB Gorilla is the top choice for savvy business owners who want the king of the jungle on their side. From optimizing your profile, managing online reviews, and creating eye-catching GMB Posts, more and more people are reaping the benefits of working with an expert team. Learn more about our easy onboarding process and simple management package.
