Claiming an Existing Listing
You've found an existing listing for your business that hasn't been claimed yet. Now let's take ownership of it so you can manage and optimise it properly.
Start the Claiming Process
What to do
Go to Google Business Profile Manager and search for your business to begin claiming it.
Step by step
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Open your web browser and go to business.google.com — This is where you'll manage your Business Profile. Type the address directly into your browser's address bar, or search Google for "Google Business Profile" and click the official link.
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Sign in with your Google account. Use the account you decided on earlier — either your personal Gmail or a dedicated business account. Click "Sign in" and enter your email and password.If you're already signed into Google, you might skip this step and go straight to the dashboard.
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Click "Manage now" or "Add your business" — The exact wording changes occasionally, but look for the main call-to-action button to get started.
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Search for your business name. Type your business name exactly as it appears on the listing you found. Include your town if needed to find the right one.
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Select your business from the results. You should see your business appear in a dropdown list. Click on it to select it. Make sure it's the right one — check the address matches.
Examples by industry
Search for "Aquaflow Plumbing Services" — if you see multiple results, look for the one with your correct address or service area.
Search for "The Corner Café" — if there are several cafés with similar names, your town or postcode in the listing will help identify the right one.
Search for "Riverside Dental Practice" — dental practices often appear with their full registered name, which might be slightly different from your trading name.
Search for "Harrison & Co Solicitors" — look for the listing that shows your correct office address.
**Make sure you're claiming the right listing.** If you accidentally claim a different business, or a duplicate listing, it creates problems that are time-consuming to fix. Double-check the address before proceeding.
Choose Your Verification Method
What to do
Google needs to confirm you actually own or work at this business. They'll offer you one or more ways to verify — choose the one that works best for you.
Step by step
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Look at the verification options presented. Google will show you which methods are available for your business. Not all methods are available for all businesses — it depends on your business type and history.You might see one option or several. If you only see one, that's your only choice.
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Postcard by mail (most common). Google sends a postcard with a verification code to your business address. Takes 5-14 days to arrive. This is the most common method, especially for new claims.
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Phone call. Google calls your business phone number with an automated message containing a code. Only available if Google can confirm your phone number from other sources. Takes about 1 minute.
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Email. Google sends a code to an email address associated with your business (often from your website's contact page). Takes about 1 minute.
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Video verification. You record a short video showing your business location and proof you work there. Takes 10-30 minutes, reviewed within a few days. Increasingly common for service businesses.
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Instant verification. If you've already verified your website with Google Search Console, you might be verified instantly. Rare but nice when it happens.
Why does Google need to verify?
Verification exists to prevent fraud. Without it, anyone could claim to be any business and post misleading information. The process confirms you have a legitimate connection to the business — either physical access to the address (postcard), control of the phone line (call), or can prove you work there (video). Google takes this seriously because fake listings damage trust in their Maps product.
**Phone verification is fastest** if it's offered. If you see both phone and postcard options, choose phone — you'll be verified in minutes instead of waiting two weeks for the post.
If You Choose Postcard Verification
What to do
Google will send a postcard to your business address with a 5-digit code. Here's what to expect and what to do when it arrives.
Step by step
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Confirm your address is correct. Before requesting the postcard, double-check the address shown is exactly right. If it's wrong, edit it now — you can't change it while waiting for verification without restarting the process.
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Click to request the postcard. Once you've confirmed the address, click the button to request your verification postcard.
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Wait for the postcard to arrive. It typically takes 5-14 days, depending on your location. The postcard will be a plain white envelope from Google — it's not branded prominently, so don't throw it away thinking it's junk mail!In the UK, it usually arrives within 5-7 business days. During busy periods or postal strikes, it may take longer.
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When it arrives, open it and find the 5-digit code. The code is printed clearly inside. It looks something like "12345".
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Go back to business.google.com and sign in with the same Google account you used to start the claim.
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Enter the verification code. You'll see a prompt to enter your code. Type in the 5 digits exactly as shown on the postcard and click to verify.
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Done! Your listing is now verified and you have full control over it. You can start making edits immediately.
**Don't request multiple postcards.** If you click to request another postcard, it invalidates the code on any previous postcards. Only request a new one if it's been more than 14 days and nothing has arrived. Also, don't change your address while waiting — this cancels the verification.
If You Choose Phone Verification
What to do
Google will call your business phone number immediately with an automated message containing your verification code.
Step by step
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Make sure you're near the phone. The call comes within seconds of clicking the button. Make sure the phone is on and you (or someone who works for you) can answer it.
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Click to request the phone call. Google will call immediately.
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Answer the phone and listen to the automated message. A robot voice will say something like "Your Google verification code is 1-2-3-4-5." Write it down.The call comes from an automated system, so don't expect to talk to a person. Just listen and note the code.
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Enter the code on screen. Type the code into the box on your computer screen and click to verify.
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Done! You're verified. The whole process takes about 60 seconds.
If You Need Video Verification
What to do
You'll record a short video proving you're at the business location and have a legitimate connection to it. This is reviewed by a Google team member.
Step by step
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Read what Google is asking for. They'll give specific instructions about what to show in your video. Typically this includes: the business exterior with signage/street visible, the interior, and something proving you work there (like access to the premises or business documents).
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Plan your video. Think about what you'll show before you start recording. A good video might start outside showing your shop sign and street name, then move inside to show the premises, then show a piece of post addressed to the business or your access behind the counter.
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Record the video using your phone. Keep it simple and steady. Speak clearly if you're explaining anything. It doesn't need to be professional — just clear enough to see what you're showing.
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Upload the video through the Google Business Profile interface. Follow the on-screen instructions to upload your recording.
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Wait for review. A Google team member will watch your video and approve or reject it. This typically takes 1-5 business days. You'll get an email when there's a decision.
Examples by industry
For a service business without a shopfront: show your branded van, your equipment, business cards, and a piece of business post or an invoice with your business name. Show yourself on camera with ID if requested.
Walk up to your café from the street (showing any signage), enter through the front door, pan around the interior showing tables and counter, then show yourself behind the counter or in the kitchen area.
Show the exterior with practice signage, the reception area, and a consultation room. You might show professional certificates on the wall or practice registration documents.
Show the building exterior and any nameplate/signage, your reception area, and your office. Business letterhead or Law Society certificates help prove legitimacy.
What makes a video verification fail?
Common reasons for rejection: video is too dark or blurry to see clearly, signage doesn't match the business name you're claiming, no clear proof you have legitimate access to the premises, or the address visible doesn't match what's in the listing. If rejected, you can try again — Google will tell you what was wrong.
**Film in landscape (horizontal) mode** for clearer footage. Make sure there's good lighting — film during the day if possible. Keep the video under 2 minutes; you don't need to show everything, just enough to prove it's a real business and you have access to it.
What to Do While Waiting for Verification
What to do
While you wait for your postcard or video review, you can start filling in some of your business information. Some changes won't go live until you're verified, but you can get ahead.
Step by step
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Sign in to business.google.com and you'll see your listing in a "pending verification" state.
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Start adding your business information. You can fill in your description, hours, services, and other details. Some may be saved but not published until verification completes.
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Don't add photos yet. Wait until you're fully verified before uploading photos. They may not process correctly during the pending period.
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Don't change your business address or name. This can cancel your verification and you'll need to start over.