How to Verify a Google Business Profile in 2025 (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

The Truth — More Visibility on Local Search Builds Your Brand's Reputation

If people can’t find you on Google, they might assume your brand is not authentic or fake.

Today, when anyone wants to find a service, book an appointment with a doctor, or visit a store, the first instinct would be to pick up the phone and find what they need on Google. That’s why creating a business profile and completing the verification process of Google Business Profile (GBP) is important. But here's what you need to know — your business on Google won't appear to others until it’s verified by Google.

So, if you have been wondering:

• “How do I get my business to show up on Google Maps?”
• “Why isn’t my clinic/shop appearing in Google Maps or Google search results?”
• "What’s this GBP verification, and how do I complete it?”

Then you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to verify Google Business Profile step-by-step. These are proven methods by the top local SEO expert in Kolkata. This guide on GMB verification will be useful to you if you run a local business in India.

Recommended: How to Show My Business in Google Maps or Google Business Profile

Why Is Google Business Profile Verification Important?

Let’s start with the basics.

Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is a free business listing tool by Google that helps information about your business to show up in:

• Local search results
• Google Maps
• Voice search results ("Hey Google, find a hair salon near me")

Unless you verify business profile on Google, your business won’t be visible to potential customers. Not knowing how to get Google My Business verified means you're missing out on calls, clicks, and even visits from customers.

What Google Business Profile or Google My Business Verification Does:

✅ GMB listing verification confirms you’re the rightful owner of the business
✅ Gives you full control to edit your business information, reply to reviews, and post updates
✅ Verified GMB listing enables visibility on Google Search and Maps
✅ Helps you build trust with potential customers, especially in competitive locations like Kolkata, Delhi, or Mumbai

How to Verify a Google Business Profile in India: Learn the 4 Ways!

There are 4 different GMB verification methods provided by Google to business owners, depending on your business category and location. Let’s learn about each method here:

1. Video Recording or Live Video Call (Most Popular)

Google now provides a video call verification option for businesses to help you verify your Google Business listing. This is a new verification method that has been introduced recently by Google.

You’ll be asked to:

• Record a video of your business location (outside signage, working space)
• Show professional tools/equipment used for work
• Show business proof (certificates, licenses, etc.)

Steps:

1. Follow the on-screen instructions for video verification
2. Upload the video OR do a live video call with a Google support agent
3. Wait for approval (usually within 3–5 business days)

2. Postcard Verification 

How it works:
Google sends a physical postcard to your business address with a unique 6-digit verification code.

Steps:

1. Log in to Google Business Profile Manager
2. Enter your business details (business name and address, category, etc.)
3. Choose "Postcard by mail" as your verification method
4. Wait 10–14 days for the postcard to arrive
5. Enter the code on your profile to complete verification

Important Tip:
Make sure the address is accurate and complete, and include landmark details if needed (e.g., “Near Axis Bank ATM”).

3. Phone Verification

How it works:
Google provides you with the verification option, where you can receive a call or SMS with the Google Business Profile verification code.

Steps:

1. Choose the “Verify by phone” option
2. Google will call or text you with a 6-digit code
3. Enter the code to verify your business profile instantly

Pro Tip:

Use the phone number you used to register your Google account, and make sure that you can receive calls or texts on that phone number for the Google Business Profile Manager verification.

4. Email Verification

How it works:
You can verify Google My Business account via email. Google will send a verification link to your registered business email address in this verification option.

Steps:

1. Select “Verify by email” when the option appears
2. Check your inbox for a Google email
3. Click the verification link

Pro Tip:
Make sure to use your domain-based business email (like info@yourclinicname.in) and ensure that it is up to date.

What If Your Business Profile Listing Can’t Get Verified on Google?

It happens.

If your verification code doesn’t arrive, or if you are not allowed to be a verified business profile on Google:

• Double-check your business name, business address, business documents, and contact details
• Try again after a few days
• Contact Google Business Support from the GBP dashboard
• Or work with a trusted local SEO company in Kolkata like FavFly — we help small businesses with verification issues, and even resolve the most tricky issues.

Bonus: After You Verify Your Business on Google, Do This Immediately!

Knowing how to verify your Google Business Profile is just the first step needed to show your business on Google. Once your Google My Business listing is verified, here’s what you should do to optimize your Google Business Profile and attract more customers:

1. Add High-Quality Photos

• Exterior and interior of your business
• Staff/team photos
• Products or service visuals
• Helps customers know what to expect and helps build brand reputation

2. Write a Strong Business Description

Update your business info and clearly describe what your business does, who it helps, and why it’s the best.

Example for a salon:
“Luxury unisex salon in Salt Lake offering premium hair, skin, and bridal services. Trusted by 1000+ happy clients.”

3. Set Accurate Business Hours

Don’t forget to update your profile and mention holidays, festivals, and weekly off days.

4. Enable Direct Messaging Feature

Let customers send you direct messages via your profile. Perfect for quick inquiries.

👉 To know more, check out our guide on GBP Messaging for Local Businesses in India

5. Actively Ask Customers to Leave Reviews

Ask happy customers to leave Google reviews on your profile. Respond to each review professionally. This helps to build brand authority and trust among potential customers.

If you are struggling to optimize your Google Business Profile or require professional assistance to get your business verified on Google Business Profile, you can reach out to the top Digital Marketing Company in Kolkata today.

Real Example: From an Invisible Business Listing on Google to a  Booked-Out Verified Google Business Profile in 3 Weeks

One of our client's GBP, a pediatrician in New Town, Kolkata, didn’t show up in Google Maps when people were searching for “child doctor near me.”

Once their business was a verified profile on Google Maps, and we optimized her Google Business Profile, her Google Business Profile listing started appearing in the top 3 local listings. Within 3 weeks, she reported that there was:

• 40% increase in new patient calls
• Higher brand reputation due to 5-star reviews
• More walk-ins who “found her on Google”

This is the power of having your business verified on Google and utilizing local SEO strategies by the top SEO Services in Kolkata.

Read More: Why Is My Google Business Profile Not Showing? Fix It Today!

Final Words: Start Showing Up Where Your Customers Need You The Most

Whether you're a doctor, boutique owner, café manager, or any other service provider, your next customer is already searching for you on Google.

However, if your business is not verified on Google Maps and Google search results, they’ll choose some other business over your business.

Verifying your Google Business Profile is a first step to start receiving powerful returns on investment. Think of it as claiming your spot with the most talented digital representative in the busiest marketplace of the online world — Google.

Need Help With Google Business Verification?

We at FavFly, a leading Local SEO company in Kolkata, have helped 450+ businesses get verified and rank higher on Google — even in the most competitive markets.

If you’re stuck in the verification process or just need expert support, we’re just one message away.