This article is part of our Google Business Profile series. If you haven’t already, check out our complete 2025 checklist — then dive into this step-by-step guide for claiming and verifying your listing.
Why Claiming & Verifying your GBP Matters
If you don’t own your Google Business Profile, you don’t own your presence on Google. Period.
- Unverified? You can’t edit your info, respond to reviews, or post updates. Worse, anyone can “suggest edits” and mess with your details.
- Verified? You unlock full control — and eligibility to appear in the Map Pack, Google Maps, and other prime local search spots.
Claiming is how you get the keys to your listing. Verification is how you prove you’re legit.
Who’s Eligible for a Google Business Profile (and What That Means for Maps)
Not every business is treated the same by Google. Some can dominate Maps, others only get a simple listing. Here’s the breakdown:
GBP Eligible (with pin):
- Brick-and-mortar businesses with a staffed location and permanent signage (restaurants, salons, shops, offices).
- Service-area businesses (plumbers, landscapers, contractors) — but your address must be hidden, and only your service area will show.
GBP Listing Only (no map pin):
- Online-only businesses (consultants, coaches, e-commerce brands). You can still get a profile, but you won’t show in Maps.
- Businesses using P.O. Boxes, UPS mailboxes, or virtual offices. Google may let you list, but you won’t get map placement.
- Events, classes, or meetups at locations you don’t own.
Not Eligible for a GBP at All:
- Fake or misleading businesses.
- Duplicate listings.
- Rental properties (the leasing office itself is eligible, but the individual units are not).
Bottom line: If you want to win the Map Pack, you need a staffed, verifiable location or a legitimate service-area business.
Step 1: Search Before You Create
Google may have already built a profile for you using public info.
- Search for your exact business name on Google.
- If you see “Own this business?” → click it.
- If no listing exists, go to business.google.com/add to create one from scratch.
Option A: New Business
- Go to business.google.com/add
- Enter your official business name, category, and details
- Proceed directly to verification
Option B: Existing, Unclaimed Profile
- Search your business → click “Own this business?”
- Confirm you’re the owner
- Complete verification
Option C: Already Claimed by Someone Else
- Click “Request Access” → fill out form
- Current owner has 3 days to approve, deny, or ignore
- No response? Google may let you claim it directly
Step 2: Claiming Your Profile
Option A: New Business
- Go to business.google.com/add
- Enter your official business name, category, and details
- Proceed directly to verification
Option B: Existing, Unclaimed Profile
- Search your business → click “Own this business?”
- Confirm you’re the owner
- Complete verification
Option C: Already Claimed by Someone Else
- Click “Request Access” → fill out form
- Current owner has 3 days to approve, deny, or ignore
- No response? Google may let you claim it directly
Step 3: Verification — The Real Gatekeeper
Google Business Profile Video Verification Checklist
- Start outside: show street view + permanent signage
- Unlock the door: prove you have access
- Walk through interior: show workspace, tools, branded materials
- Prove management: show POS, business license, or utility bill
Other GBP Verification Methods (Less Common):
- Live video call (Google rep directs you)
- Phone/SMS (code sent to direct line)
- Email (to official business email)
- Postcard (rare, takes up to 14 days)
- Instant verification (if tied to Search Console)
Step 4: Troubleshooting Verification Problems
- Video rejected? → Re-record with clear signage + proof of control
- Postcard didn’t arrive? → Wait 14 days, confirm address, then contact support
Profile suspended? → Audit for violations (name, address, duplicates). Submit reinstatement with proof like license, tax docs, utility bill
Geo-Targeting: Connecticut Businesses
For Connecticut companies, GBP optimization is even more powerful. Whether you’re in Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury, or smaller towns like Southbury or Torrington, showing up in the local Map Pack can mean the difference between a full schedule and an empty pipeline. Use hyper-local keywords in your profile and posts to make sure Google knows exactly where you do business.
This step is about proving to Google (and customers) that you’re the real deal. Once you’re verified, you’re ready for the fun part: building a complete, click-worthy profile.
For Connecticut companies, GBP optimization is even more powerful. Whether you’re in Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury, or smaller towns like Southbury or Torrington, showing up in the local Map Pack can mean the difference between a full schedule and an empty pipeline. Use hyper-local keywords in your profile and posts to make sure Google knows exactly where you do business.
This step is about proving to Google (and customers) that you’re the real deal. Once you’re verified, you’re ready for the fun part: building a complete, click-worthy profile.
Stuck or have questions? Don’t waste time fighting Google alone. Reach out to the experts at Pure Junk Media — we’ll claim, verify, and optimize your GBP so you show up where it matters most.
Next in the Series: How to Build a Complete, Click-Worthy Google Business Profile in 2025
|
City |
Example Keyword Phrase |
|
Hartford |
“Hartford roofing company Google Business Profile” |
|
New Haven |
“New Haven restaurant GBP optimization” |
|
Stamford |
“Stamford law firm Google Business Profile” |
|
Waterbury |
“Waterbury plumber GBP verification” |
|
Southbury |
“Southbury small business Google Maps listing” |
|
Torrington |
“Torrington contractor GBP checklist” |
Frequently Asked Quesions
A Google Business Profile is Google’s free listing tool that displays your business in Search and Maps. You need one because it’s often the first place customers find you, and it builds trust by showing reviews, photos, and contact info right in search results.
Search your exact business name in Google or Google Maps. If a profile appears, check for the “Own this business?” link. If it’s there, the listing exists but isn’t claimed.
Yes, but they will not appear in Google Maps or the local 3-pack. Online-only businesses get a basic listing without map pin placement.
Being listed means your business info shows up in Google Search. Appearing in the Map Pack means you’re one of the top 3 results in the local map section — prime visibility that drives the most clicks.
Click “Own this business?” on the listing and follow Google’s steps to confirm ownership. Then complete verification to gain control.
You can request access. Google notifies the current owner, who has 3 days to approve or deny. If they don’t respond, you may get the option to claim it yourself.
It depends on the method. Video verification typically takes 1–5 business days. Phone, email, and instant verification can be nearly immediate. Postcards may take up to 14 days.
Business license, utility bill, tax certificate, or any official document showing your business name and address. Also show signage, equipment, or branded materials.
Yes. They can use their home or office address for verification, but the address is hidden from the public. They must list their service areas instead.
Usually because signage wasn’t clear, proof of management wasn’t shown, or the video was incomplete. Re-record while following all requirements closely.
Audit your profile for violations, correct issues, and file a reinstatement request with evidence like licenses, utility bills, and photos of your business.
They may allow a listing, but they are not eligible for Map Pack placement. To rank locally, you need a staffed physical location or service-area business setup.
Keyword stuffing the business name, using an ineligible address, inconsistent NAP info, or incomplete video submissions are the most common mistakes.
Yes. Verification is required to appear in Maps and it signals legitimacy. A verified, optimized profile can boost your visibility in local search results.
- Start with the Google Business Profile Help Center. If that doesn’t solve it, reach out to Google Support through their contact forms — or contact Pure Junk Media to handle the process for you.
Final Word
Until your profile is claimed and verified, everything else is out of reach. You can’t optimize, you can’t post, you can’t collect reviews, and you definitely won’t rank in the map pack.
This step is about proving to Google (and customers) that you’re the real deal. Once you’re verified, you’re ready for the fun part: building a complete, click-worthy profile.
Stuck or have questions? Don’t waste time fighting Google alone. Reach out to the experts at Pure Junk Media — we’ll claim, verify, and optimize your GBP so you show up where it matters most.
Next in the Series: How to Build a Complete, Click-Worthy Google Business Profile in 2025
