Nidhi
Sameer Staff answered 4 months ago
Claiming or verifying a Google My Business (GMB) listing that may have been created by someone else involves several steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to reclaim and verify your listing:
Steps to Claim an Existing Google My Business Listing
Search for Your Business on Google:
Go to Google Search or Google Maps and search for your business name. If a listing exists, it will appear in the search results.
Initiate the Claim Process:
Click on the listing to open it. You will see an option labeled “Claim this business” or “Own this business?” Click on this link to start the claim process.
Sign In to Google My Business:
You will be prompted to sign in to your Google My Business account. If you don’t have one, create an account.
Request Access:
After signing in, you will see a message that says the business is already verified by someone else. Click on “Request access.”
Fill Out the Form:
You will need to fill out a form with your contact details and your relationship to the business. Be as detailed as possible to facilitate the verification process.
Wait for a Response:
The current owner will have seven days to respond to your request. Google will notify you via email about the status of your request.
Possible Outcomes
Request Approved:
If the current owner approves your request, you will gain access to the business listing and can manage it directly.
Request Denied:
If the current owner denies your request, you will be notified via email. In this case, you can contact Google My Business support for further assistance.
No Response:
If you don’t receive a response within seven days, you might be able to claim the listing yourself. Google will provide you with the option to verify your affiliation through alternative means, such as a phone call or email verification.
Verification Process
Verification Options:
Google typically offers several verification methods:
Postcard by Mail: Google sends a postcard with a verification code to your business address.
Phone: If your business is eligible, you can receive a verification code via a phone call or SMS.
Email: Some businesses can verify via email if this option is available.
Instant Verification: If you’ve already verified your business with Google Search Console, you might be eligible for instant verification.
Complete the Verification:
Once you receive the verification code, log in to your Google My Business account and enter the code to complete the verification process.
Manage Your Listing:
After verification, you can update business information, respond to reviews, add photos, and post updates to your Google My Business listing.
Additional Tips
Keep Information Accurate: Regularly update your business hours, address, and contact details to ensure customers have the correct information.
Monitor for Changes: Frequently check your listing for any unauthorized changes. Google allows users to suggest edits, so it’s important to ensure your information remains accurate.