How to Get Google Screened and Verify Your Business on GMB

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for any business. One of the best ways to enhance your online visibility is through Google My Business (GMB). However, to maximize the benefits, you need to get your business verified. This process is often referred to as getting "Google screened." In this article, we will guide you through the steps to get Google screened and become a verified business on Google My Business.

What is Google My Business?

Google My Business is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence acrossGoogle, including Search and Maps. By verifying and editing your business information, you can help customers find you and tell them the story of your business.

Why is Google Verification Important?

Google My Business verification is crucial for several reasons:

1. Increased Trust: A verified business listing makes your business appear more trustworthy to potential customers. Additionally, earning the "Google Screened" badge takes this trust to another level, showcasing your credibility at the very top of search results.

2. Better Local SEO: Verification can improve your local search rankings, making it easier for customers in your area to find you. When a potential client searches for your service in your geographic market, your business appears at the top of their browser with your name, a photo, the “Google Screened” badge, your hours of operation, and a call button so they can phone your business directly.

3. Qualified Leads: With Google Screened, you only pay for real qualified phone leads—not fake clicks—ensuring that your marketing budget is spent efficiently.

4. Access to Insights: Verified businesses get access to valuable insights about customer interactions.

5. Enhanced Features: You can use additional features like Google Posts, Booking buttons, and more.

Steps to Get Google Screened

Step 1: Create or Claim Your Business Listing

Before you can get verified, you need to have a business listing on Google My Business. If you haven’t created one yet, follow these steps:

• Sign in to Google My Business: Go to the Google My Business website and sign in with your Google account.
• Enter Your Business Name: Type in your business name. If yourbusiness appears in the dropdown menu, select it. If not, click on "Add your business to Google."
• Choose Your Business Category: Select the category that best fits your business.
• Enter Your Location: Provide your business address. If you operate online or offer services at customer locations, you can choose to hide your address and instead list your service areas.
• Add Contact Details: Enter your business phone number and website URL.

Step 2: Verify Your Business

After creating or claiming your business listing, the next step is verification. Google offers several methods for verification:

1. Postcard Verification

Postcard verification is the most common method. Google will send a postcard with a verification code to your business address.

• Request a Postcard: In your Google My Business dashboard, click "Verify now" and select "Mail."
• Check Your Mail: Wait for the postcard to arrive. It usually takes about 5-7 days.
• Enter the Code: Once you receive the postcard, log in to your Google My Business account and enter the verification code.

2. Phone Verification

For some businesses, Google offers phone verification.

• Request a Phone Call: In your Google My Business dashboard, click "Verify now" and select "Phone."
• Answer the Call: Google will call your business phone number and provide a verification code.
• Enter the Code: Enter the verification code in your Google My Business account.

3. Email Verification

Email verification is another option available for some businesses.

• Request an Email: In your Google My Business dashboard, click "Verify now" and select "Email."
• Check Your Email: Google will send a verification email to your business email address.
• Click the Link: Follow the link in the email to verify your business.

4. Instant Verification

If you’ve already verified your business with Google Search Console, you might be eligible for instant verification.

• Sign in to Google My Business: Use the same account you used to verify your business with Google Search Console.
• Verify Instantly: If eligible, your business will be instantly verified.

5. Bulk Verification

For businesses with multiple locations, bulk verification is available.

• Create a Spreadsheet: List all your business locations in a spreadsheet.
• Submit for Verification: Submit the spreadsheet to Google for bulk verification.

Optimize Your Google My Business Listing

GMB Verification is just the beginning. To make the most of your GMB listing, follow these tips:

Add Complete Information

Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are accurate and consistent with other online listings.

Use High-Quality Photos

Upload high-quality images of your business, products, and services. Photos can significantly impact customer engagement.

Collect and Respond to Reviews

Encourage your customers to leave reviews and respond to them promptly. Positive reviews can boost your localSEO and attract more customers.

Post Regular Updates

Use Google Posts to share updates, promotions, and events. Regular posts can keep your audience engaged and improve your search rankings.

Utilize Insights

Use the insights provided by Google My Business to understand customer behavior and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Missing Postcard

If you don’t receive your postcard within two weeks, you can request a new one from your Google My Business dashboard.

Incorrect Information

If your business information is incorrect, you can update it in your GMB dashboard. Changes might require re-verification.

Multiple Listings

If you find multiple listings for your business, merge them to avoid confusion and potential penalties.

News

Google discontinued the call history reports and chat/messaging features in Google Business Profiles on July 31, 2024, due to low usage. Starting July 15th, users could no longer initiate new chats, and by the end of the month, the chat feature was fully disabled. Businesses were given the option to download their historical call and chat data using Google Takeout before the removal. 

This decision was part of Google's shift to prioritize higher-impact features for merchants. If you haven’t saved your data, these features are now gone, and any future updates will likely focus on new tools to support businesses.

Latest News and Updates on Digital Marketing StrategiesConclusion

Getting Google screened and becoming a verified business on Google My Business is essential for improving your online presence and attracting more customers. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to create, verify, and optimize your GMB listing. By doing so, you’ll enhance your local SEO, build trust with potential customers, and gain valuable insights into your business performance.

By optimizing your Google My Business profile, you’re not just verifying your existence; you’re paving the way for greater visibility and success in the digital world. Start the verification process today and watch your online presence grow.