Is your Houston business easy to find on Google? It should be! Your Google Business Profile is a free tool that puts your business on the map – literally. It helps customers find your location, hours, website, and more. But to unlock its full potential, you need to get verified.
Bizopia can help you set up and actively manage your Google profile and related PPC ad services. We’re a Houston digital marketing agency and verified Google partner based, and we’ve been helping businesses navigate internet marketing for over 20 years.
Contact us to discuss improving your google my business results in Houston.
Why Do I Need to Verify My Business with Google?
Getting your Google Business Profile verified is like getting a stamp of approval from Google itself. The verified checkmark next to your business name acts as a trust signal. Customers are more likely to choose a verified business because it shows you’re authentic and trustworthy.
Verification also helps prevent others from claiming or making false edits to your business information. This safeguards your online reputation and ensures customers have access to accurate details.
Once verified, you get access to valuable data about how customers find and interact with your profile. You will be able to see how many people viewed your listing, clicked on your website, or called your business directly from the search results. You can also respond to reviews, answer customer questions, and post updates directly on your profile. This fosters a sense of community and shows you’re responsive to customer needs.
One of the key benefits is how it helps boost your visibility online. When people search for businesses like yours near them, Google prioritizes verified businesses. This means you’re more likely to appear in those crucial “near me” searches, helping to drive more foot traffic or online visits.
Step-by-Step Guide to Google Verification
Here’s a breakdown of the Google Business Profile verification process:
Step 1: Create or Claim Your Google Business Profile
If your business isn’t already on Google Maps, you’ll need to get started by creating a new account on Google. Follow the prompts to enter your business name, address, category, and other relevant details.
If you find your business on Google Maps, click “Own this business?” and follow the instructions to claim it. Make sure to double check that all your information is accurate and complete, including your business name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and categories. This will help ensure a smooth verification process.
Step 2: Choose Your Verification Method
Google offers several ways to verify your business. The options available to you may depend on your business type, category, and information provided.
- Mail: This is the most common method. Google sends a postcard to your business address with a unique verification code. Keep an eye out for the postcard, which usually arrives within 5 business days. Once received, log in to your Google Business Profile and enter the verification code.
- Video: You record a video of your business location, both inside and out. Make sure the video clearly shows your business name, address, interior, exterior, and any equipment or signage unique to your business. You will upload the video through your Google Business Profile.
- Phone: Google makes an automated call to your business phone number with a verification code. You’ll need to write down the verification code provided and enter it into your profile online.
- Email: You receive an email with a verification link.
- Instant Verification: In some cases, you might be instantly verified if your business is already verified with Google Search Console. If eligible, you’ll be automatically verified when you claim your listing.
Step 3: Troubleshooting Verification Issues
Encountering problems? Here are some common issues and solutions:
Incorrect Information: Ensure all your business details are accurate and consistent across all platforms, including your website and social media.
Verification Code Not Received: If you haven’t received your postcard or phone call within the expected timeframe, you can request a new one through your Google Business Profile.
Failed Verification Attempts: If you enter the verification code incorrectly multiple times, you might be temporarily locked out. Wait 24 hours and try again.
Verification Rejected: If your verification is rejected, review the guidelines for your chosen method and try again. You can also contact Google support for assistance.
How to Manage Your Google Profile
Getting verified is a crucial first step, but it’s essential that you continue to actively manage your profile. An actively managed Google Business Profile becomes more than just a listing; it becomes a dynamic hub for customer interaction. It helps you build stronger existing relationships, attract new customers, and improve your local SEO.
Imagine a customer driving to your store only to find it closed because the hours listed online were wrong. Their frustration could lead to a negative online review that would affect your credibility with other potential new customers. Make sure to regularly update your business information, including:
- Hours of operation (especially important for holidays and special events)
- Contact details including phone number, website, and email address
- Services listed accurately reflect what you offer
- High-quality photos that showcase your products, services, and location
Reviews left by real people build trust and influence customer decisions. An incredible 93% of consumers say online reviews impact their purchasing decisions. Always respond quickly and professionally to all reviews, whether positive or negative. This shows you care about customer satisfaction and are committed to providing a positive experience.
You can keep your profile active and interesting by regularly posting updates such as events, announcements, and special offers. You could also upload “day in the life” photos and videos to give customers a visual glimpse into your business—a great way to both demonstrate your expertise and create connections with customers.
Get Results with Google My Business for Houston Companies
A verified and optimized Google Business Profile is key to attracting local customers and growing your business, but monitoring and managing it can take significant time and effort. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, we can help. We offer comprehensive Google Business Profile management services, including:
- Profile setup and optimization: We’ll ensure your profile is complete, accurate, and optimized for search.
- Review monitoring and response: We’ll help you manage your online reputation by monitoring and responding to reviews.
- Content creation and posting: We’ll create engaging content that keeps your profile fresh and attracts customers.
Contact Bizopia today to learn more about our services for google my business management in Houston.