How do I verify a Google Business Profile without a storefront?

Can I have a Google Business Profile if I have no storefront?

Yes. Google allows businesses that do not have a storefront staffed during business hours. During setup, Google asks if you have a location customers can visit. You answer No. You then enter a service area instead of a public address.

How do I set up a service-area business before I verify?

1. Sign in to your Google Account. If you create a new account, use your business email domain.
2. Go to the page to create a profile and enter your business name.
3. Search for your business category.
4. When Google asks about a location customers can visit, click No.
5. Enter your service area. You can use cities, postal codes, or other areas. You can add up to 20 service areas.
6. Enter a phone number and a website address.
7. Click Finish.
8. Select a verification option.

Review your information before you request verification. A wrong detail can cause problems later.

How far should my service area reach?

Google recommends that you do not extend your overall area farther than 2 hours driving time from where your business is based. For some businesses, a larger area may be right. Choose the places where you really work.

Do I have to hide my home address?

Yes, if customers do not visit you there. Google says a business without a storefront must hide its address. After you hide it, your profile shows only your service area.

Google still needs an address it can find so that it can verify you. Enter a complete street address that follows Google’s address guidelines. Customers do not see it when you hide it.

If your profile is already verified and shows your address, hide it this way:

1. Go to your Business Profile.
2. Select Edit profile, then Location.
3. Next to “Business location,” select the Edit icon.
4. Turn off “Show business address to customers.”
5. Select Save.

Changes usually take about 10 minutes to show. In some cases they take up to 30 days.

Which verification options will I see?

Google decides this automatically. You cannot change it. The options depend on your business type, public information, region, or business hours. In some cases you need more than one method.

• Phone or text: Make sure you can answer your business phone or receive text messages. An automated phone menu will not receive the code.
• Email: Make sure you can open the email address on the verification screen.
• Live video call: This works only within your business hours. You show your location and your ownership with your camera. You can show signs, branded equipment, marketing materials, or the tools you use to serve customers. Google recommends this option if you are eligible.
• Postcard: Google mails a code to your address. Not every business gets this option.

Try the options you are offered. If none work, contact Google support.

How do I verify by postcard?

1. Go to your Business Profile.
2. Select Get verified, then Postcard.
3. Check that your mailing address is correct.
4. Request the code. Most codes arrive within 14 days.
5. Do not edit your business name, address, or category while you wait. The code will not work if you do.
6. Do not request a second code. A new request cancels the first code.
7. Enter the 5-digit code in the “Code” field and select Submit. Codes expire after 30 days.

Keep the code private. Google will never ask you for it.

What happens after I enter the code?

Google reviews the information you gave. This review takes up to 5 business days.

What mistakes stop a service business from verifying?

• Editing the name, address, or category while a postcard is in the mail.
• Requesting new codes again and again.
• Using a phone number that sends callers to an automated menu.
• Showing a home address on a service-area profile.
• Creating more than one profile for the same business in the same metropolitan area. Google may suspend your account if it finds them.

Take your time with each step. Most verification delays come from small errors that you can avoid.