[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Introduction” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Nearly 28 percent of Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) visits turn into sales (Search Engine Journal<\/a>). However, your clients can\u2019t reap all its benefits until they\u2019ve verified the profile with Google. One method of verifying a Google Business Profile involves entering a verification code you receive from a postcard in the mail. One downside to this method is that it takes up to 14 days to receive one in the mail, leaving many to try to find out how to verify a Google Business Profile without a postcard.<\/p>\n But is that even possible? In some cases, yes. This guide reviews the verification methods, both with and without a postcard. It also looks at the benefits of verifying a Google Business Profile<\/a> for your clients, even if you do need to stick to the snail mail route.<\/p>\n [et_pb_section global_module=\"112902 \"][\/et_pb_section]<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Table of Contents” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Why businesses need a Google Business Profile” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n A business profile on Google has many tangible benefits in today\u2019s world. Almost 50 percent of Google searches are local (Business2Community<\/a>), meaning most users are looking for the best possible solution within their communities.<\/p>\n Most businesses experience increases in store traffic and higher contact rates, as calls from Google Business Profiles rose more than 60 percent in 2020 (SmallBizTrends<\/a>). Having a Google Business Profile can also help increase sales and revenue, especially with fully optimized and up-to-date ones<\/a> resulting in a:<\/p>\n Having and optimizing a Google Business Profile<\/a>\u00a0helps your clients get in front of their potential customers where they look for answers the most. Google\u2019s local search algorithm accounts for how prominent a business is online via directory listings and citations, and it especially favors Google Business Profiles as its main source of business name, address, and phone number (NAP) information.<\/p>\n A Google Business Profile also allows customers to engage with a business by leaving reviews and questions<\/a>, as well as photos and videos, giving you and your client a direct line of communication to deliver on their services.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Why you need to verify your Google Business Profile” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n You might think you can access all the benefits of a Google Business Profile without verifying the profile, but unlike Bing<\/a>, Google publishes unverified profiles. What makes this notable is that if the profile isn\u2019t verified, you won\u2019t be able to edit or update it.<\/p>\n This is a problem that could lead to misinformation surrounding your client\u2019s business, which in turn, diminishes their visibility on Google. As things change and progress, you\u2019ll also want to make changes to your client\u2019s Google Business Profile so it reflects their most recent details and information<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you or your client already created a Google Business Profile without checking for an existing unverified profile<\/a>, you may also run the risk of creating a duplicate listing. This might lead to Google to stop displaying reviews and will leave your client\u2019s customers confused on which listing is the correct one.<\/p>\n Verification allows you to edit and update profiles, both the ones you claim and the ones you create. Verifying your client\u2019s Google Business Profile is also a crucial step in helping them optimize their business for local SEO<\/a>. Additionally, verification is also important if your clients want to sell with their Google Business Profile<\/a> as it gives them more credibility to do so.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”How to verify a Google Business Profile without a postcard” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Contrary to popular belief, verification by postcard has been the most common method, even though it\u2019s the slowest.<\/p>\n Why would most business owners pick the slowest method for verifying their profiles? The answer is they don\u2019t. Google sometimes doesn\u2019t give you any other option, and you\u2019re prompted with the verification method that best suites your business and area.<\/p>\n However, Google has also introduced some other, faster methods for verification. You can verify Google Business without a postcard via:<\/p>\n \n The only way to find out which methods are available is to start the verification process. If you\u2019re lucky enough to encounter a dropdown menu with more than one option, you can choose which verification method you or your client prefer the most. If postcard is the only option, though, then you\u2019ll need to follow the steps.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”How to verify a Google Business Profile with a postcard” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Step 1:<\/strong> To verify the business, log in to the account and select \u201cVerify.\u201d<\/p>\n Before you go further, make sure the address details for the business are correct. If they\u2019re not, then the postcard will end up somewhere else, and you\u2019ll have to start over again.<\/p>\n Step 2:<\/strong> Once you\u2019re sure the address is correct, select \u201cpostcard by mail\u201d as your method. If there are no other options, you\u2019ll need to verify the business this way. If the dropdown menu has other choices, then you can pick a different method for verification.<\/p>\n Step 3:<\/strong> Add a contact name, and then click \u201cRequest Postcard.\u201d<\/p>\n Google advises that it can take up to five business days for the postcard to arrive. It can sometimes take longer than that, especially during the December holiday season.<\/p>\n Step 4:<\/strong> Once your client receives the card, they\u2019ll need to log in and enter the verification code. They’ll need to do this within 30 days, or the code expires.<\/p>\n Once the code has been entered, it can take Google up to a week to manually verify the business.<\/p>\n You can handle it for them to a degree. If you\u2019re nearby, you can go get the postcard from them. Another option is having them take a picture of the postcard and the code and send it to you via MMS or email. You could also have them send you a message with the code itself.<\/p>\n You can also enlist the help of a white-label listings management service to help you with Google Business Profile management<\/a> and claiming for your clients.<\/p>\n In a word, no. The purpose of sending the postcard is to confirm the business in the profile exists at that address.<\/p>\n Your client is probably busy, or they might not be all that tech-savvy. In either case, that\u2019s why they hired you\u2014to take care of all this digital marketing stuff.<\/p>\n While logging in and entering a verification code is a simple task, your client may not have time to complete it. They might forget, or they might struggle with the interface.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Other Google Business Profile verification methods” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Google offers a few other methods of doing Google Business Profile verification without a postcard, as we noted. The question is whether your client can use these options.<\/p>\n If they can, then you can follow these step-by-step instructions for how to verify a Google Business Profile without a postcard.<\/p>\n One of the fastest options for verification, if it\u2019s available to you, is by phone call. If you see this option on the dropdown, you can opt to receive an automated call or text.<\/p>\n Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n Things to consider<\/strong><\/p>\n Email is sometimes the best method for an agency handling verification on behalf of a client. You may already have access to the email inbox where the message is headed. It\u2019s also easy for the client to forward the information to you.<\/p>\n Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n Things to consider<\/strong><\/p>\n If you select this method, be sure to let your client know when you request the email. The code expires, so you\u2019ll need to make sure they check their email within that window.<\/p>\n You can preview which options are available for verification. If this is listed and it\u2019s the one you want to use, you can then let your client know. From there, you and the client can make plans for how and when to complete the call.<\/p>\n Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n Things to consider<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re visiting the business or are in the area, then it might be easier to arrange a time to assist your client. If your client feels confident, then they can complete the call any time they\u2019re at the business location, as this method shouldn\u2019t be completed on behalf of a client.<\/p>\n Much like the video call and the phone call, you\u2019ll need to arrange a time to do this with your client.\u00a0 To see if you have this option, login and select \u201cVerify.\u201d From there, you can choose video recording as the method.<\/p>\n However, it\u2019s not as simple as walking up to a business, filming the exterior, and then uploading the video for verification. Here are some things you need to know and prepare for if you choose to verify via a video recording:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”How can you tell if your business profile is verified?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n When you log in to the profile, you\u2019ll see one of three things:<\/p>\n If you\u2019re still not sure, you can use Google\u2019s \u201cverification checker\u201d tool. This will email the business email associated with the Google Business Profile<\/a>.<\/p>\n In the rare case someone else has verified the business, you may need to report a problem to Google.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Which businesses can verify Google Business without a postcard in 2023?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Perhaps the most frustrating thing about verifying a Google Business Profile is that there isn’t much rhyme or reason to when you can do Google Business Profile verification without a postcard.<\/p>\n For many businesses, Google will only give them the option to verify by postcard. In some cases, the answer to how to verify Google Business without a postcard in 2023 is simply \u201cyou can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n How does Google pick which businesses can use which other methods? There doesn\u2019t seem to be any reliable criteria that predicts the options available.<\/p>\n The only way to find out is to click \u201cVerify\u201d and see what Google is offering to your client.<\/p>\n That said, there are a few business types that Google usually offers more options to.<\/p>\n If your client operates in a service area, then Google will likely offer several options. These usually include:<\/p>\n \n You can typically complete verification on their behalf using email or Search Console.<\/p>\n Why do businesses with a service area get more options? The answer is that they may not have a set location they operate from. If your client is a mobile repair shop, for example, their business can be \u201canywhere.\u201d Sending a postcard to a physical address isn’t a good method for this type of business.<\/p>\n Google also offers more options to multi-location businesses. If your client has two stores or two restaurants, then they might qualify for non-postcard verification.<\/p>\n Typically, Google offers multi-location businesses the option to \u201cbulk verify.\u201d You or the client will need to fill out a form that includes a manager email address and a telephone contact. Google will use this information to verify the business.<\/p>\n Why do multi-location businesses qualify for a different kind of verification? Sending out a postcard to each individual location would be a time-intensive process. Google makes verification easier\u2014for your clients and their own staff\u2014by doing it in bulk.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Managing your Google Business Profile post-verification” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n In 2023, there is no good reason not to verify your clients\u2019 Google Business Profiles. While you might prefer a faster method, sometimes you\u2019ll have no choice but to use the postcard method.<\/p>\n You can check out tools and services that can help you manage your clients\u2019 listings with ease. A listing builder tool<\/a>, for example, can help you maintain profiles across platforms.<\/p>\nTable of Contents<\/h2>\n
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Why businesses need a Google Business Profile<\/h2>\n
Increases in sales and revenue<\/h3>\n
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Better performance in local SEO<\/h3>\n
Better customer engagement<\/h3>\n
Why you need to verify your Google Business Profile<\/h2>\n
To avoid misinformation<\/h3>\n
Prevent possible duplication<\/h3>\n
Establish credibility<\/h3>\n
How to verify a Google Business Profile without a postcard<\/h2>\n
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How to verify a Google Business Profile with a postcard<\/h2>\n
Can you handle postcard verification for your client?<\/h3>\n
Can you send the code to your agency\u2019s address?<\/h4>\n
Why your client might not verify their listing themselves<\/h4>\n
Other Google Business Profile verification methods<\/h2>\n
Phone<\/h3>\n
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Email<\/h3>\n
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Video call<\/h3>\n
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Video recording<\/h3>\n
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How can you tell if your business profile is verified?<\/h2>\n
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Which businesses can verify Google Business without a postcard in 2023?<\/h2>\n
Verifying for a service-area businesses<\/h3>\n
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Verifying for multi-location businesses<\/h3>\n
Managing your Google Business Profile post-verification<\/h2>\n