What Do I Need to Do to Start with Google My Business?

Short Answer: To get started with Google My Business, you must verify your business by proving its physical presence. This involves showing Google permanent signage on your office building along with your address or, if you do not have an office, verifying your service area through your service van, equipment, business card, and an address marker.

Full Explanation

Verification in Google My Business is a key step that lets Google confirm your business is legitimate and operates at a specific location. For businesses with a physical office or storefront, this means displaying a permanent sign that is visible to the public along with showing an address marker that signifies your official location. Google requires these markers to ensure accuracy and authenticity in local search results.

On the other hand, if your business doesn’t have a traditional office space and operates as a service-area business, verification works differently. You need to demonstrate the extent of your service area by showing Google your service van, which should have a magnet, specific painting, or other identifiable markings. In addition, you must provide proof such as photos of your equipment, your business card, and also an address marker to tie your service area verification to a real location.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. If you have an office: Obtain or confirm the presence of permanent signage outside your office building.
2. Ensure your address marker clearly displays the business location.
3. Submit these verification proofs to Google My Business.
4. If you operate a service area business without an office: Prepare visible markings on your service van such as a magnet or painting.
5. Gather evidence showing your business equipment.
6. Have your business card ready for verification.
7. Confirm you have an address marker to present.
8. Submit all these items to Google for verification.

Real Examples

A retailer with a storefront will have a permanent sign mounted on the building front that includes the business name and will show an address marker like a mailbox or plaque. This lets Google confirm the physical location easily.

A plumber who travels in a service van will show a branded magnet or painted logo on the van, provide photos of tools or equipment used for the trade, present business cards, and show an address marker at their registered location to verify the business.

Common Mistakes

• Attempting verification without permanent signage for a physical office.
• Failing to provide an address marker alongside signage or service vehicle proof.
• Not including proof of equipment or a business card when verifying a service area business.
• Using temporary or unclear markings that fail to establish a permanent presence.

FAQs

Can I verify my business without a physical location?

Yes, by opening a service area business profile and showing proof through a service van, equipment, business cards, and an address marker.

What counts as an address marker?

An address marker can be any physical indication of your business address, such as a plaque, mailbox, or sign that clearly shows the official location.

Do I need a permanent sign for both office and service area businesses?

Only businesses with a physical office require permanent signage on the building. Service area businesses rely on vehicle markings and related proofs.

Key Takeaways

• Verification of your business is mandatory to start using Google My Business effectively.
• Businesses with an office should display permanent signage and an address marker.
• Service area businesses should show their service van with markings, equipment, business cards, and an address marker.
• Providing clear, permanent, and verifiable markers helps ensure smooth approval from Google.