How to verify your Business online and boost visibility

Your Business’s online presence acts as a storefront, inviting potential customers to discover and connect with you when they're searching for products and services. But when so many companies are vying for attention, it’s difficult for consumers to figure out which businesses are legitimate.

Verifying your Business online and listing it in industry-specific directories boosts credibility and ensures your Business is visible to the right audience at the right time. Adding this layer of trust helps your Business stand out and encourages customers to choose you over competitors.

Many online platforms and directories offer verification to confirm if a business is legitimate. The process typically involves verifying ownership and providing accurate business information, such as an address, phone number, and website URL.

Verified businesses receive badges or markers indicating their verified status, which acts as a trust signal to potential customers.

Several major platforms offer online verification, including:

Google Business Profile is one of the most widely used platforms for online verification. By verifying your Business with Google, you can manage how your Business information appears across Google Search and Maps.

To verify your Business on Google, add or claim your Business Profile. Once you have your profile, initiate the Google Business verification process.

Verifications are completed through phone, text, email, video or mail, depending on your Business category. Follow the instructions provided by Google for your specific verification method. Verification takes up to five business days after submitting a request.

Once verified, you can manage and update your business information, ensuring it is accurate and engaging for potential customers. This includes adding photos, updating hours of operation, and responding to reviews. Keeping your profile current helps maintain your visibility and trustworthiness.

Meta offers official verification for Facebook and Instagram business pages. Verified accounts receive a blue checkmark badge, indicating that Meta has confirmed the account's authenticity.

To get your Business verified on Facebook and Instagram, you’ll start by signing up for Meta Verified. Have your Business contact information ready, such as your Business name, address, website, and phone number and submit your application. After applying, Meta will review your details and notify you of your status within three business days.

Apple Business Connect allows businesses to manage how they appear across Apple apps like Maps, Wallet, and Siri. Verified businesses can create and customise a ‘Place Card’, which includes photos, logos, contact details, and links for actions like reservations or ordering. They can also highlight promotions to engage potential customers.

This verification enhances brand visibility and customer trust, particularly within Apple's ecosystem, and is a valuable tool for businesses looking to attract a digitally savvy audience. Verification on Apple Business Connect requires business owners to create or link an Apple ID and submit information, including name, address, phone number, website and other information – with verification taking up to five business days.

Some industries have specific directories that offer verification services. The business verification processes for these directories vary but generally involve confirming your Business details and credentials.

Examples of specific directories include the Restaurant & Catering (R&CA) supplier directory for hospitality and the Victorian Building Authority’s practitioner directory.

Once your Business is verified, you’ll want to make sure that you maintain an active and accurate online presence. Here are some tips:
 

• Regularly update information: make sure your Business details, such as an address, phone number, and hours of operation, are always current and consistent across platforms. This helps avoid confusion and enhances customer trust.
• Engage with customers: respond to reviews and comments promptly. Engaging with customers shows that you value their feedback and are committed to providing excellent service.
• Post regular updates: keep your audience informed about new products, services, promotions, and events. Regular updates help keep your Business top of mind and encourage customer interaction.
• Monitor analytics: many verification platform providers offer analytics tools to track performance. Understanding how customers find and interact with your Business can help you make informed decisions.
• Encourage reviews: positive reviews help build your Business’s reputation. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and make it easy for them to do so by providing links or prompts.

Establishing and maintaining a verified online presence can make a significant difference to customer trust. By following these steps, small-business owners can enhance their visibility, protect their brand, and engage more effectively with their audience. Online verification efforts lay the groundwork for a credible and visible online presence that helps drive your Business forward.

This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express, or its products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.

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