Steps for Claiming and Verifying Your Google Business Profile (GBP):
Check if Your GBP is Already Claimed:
Search for your business name in Google while logged into your Google account. If your GBP is claimed and you're logged into the correct account, you should see your GBP dashboard at the top of the page. If not, try logging into other Google accounts as your GBP may be under a different account.
Locate the Knowledge Panel:
If you don't see your GBP dashboard after trying different accounts, search your business name again. On the right-hand side of the page, you should see a Knowledge Panel for your business.
Scroll to the bottom and click on "Own this business?".
Check for Claimed Status:
If the business is already claimed, a partial email address will appear. This may help you identify the email address that was used to claim the account.
Request Access:
If you don’t recognize the email address, click Request Access. Ensure you're logged into the Google account you want to use with GBP.
Complete the form, selecting Owner from the access level drop-down, and then submit your request.
Wait for a Response:
Once submitted, you'll receive an email from Google confirming your request. Hold on to that email; you may need it later. The current owner has three days to respond. You can track the status by logging into GBP or by using the link in your confirmation email.
If Approved:
If your request is approved, you’ll receive an email notification, and you will gain access to manage the GBP.
If Denied:
If your request is denied, you'll receive an email notification and can either suggest an edit to the profile or appeal the decision.
Claim the Profile After Three Days:
If you don’t hear back within three days, you can claim the profile yourself. Open the original confirmation email, find your request, and follow the instructions to verify. Alternatively, log into GBP and look for a "Claim" or "Verify" button on your dashboard.
Contact Google Support if Needed:
If you're still facing issues, you can contact Google Business Profile Support for help. Visit Google Support and fill out the form. You can choose from contact options such as email, chat, or phone, depending on availability. Always reply quickly to prevent your case from being closed.
Conclusion:
By following these steps, you should be able to claim and verify your Google Business Profile successfully. If you're unable to resolve the issue, Google’s support team is available to assist you through their contact options. Be sure to keep track of your requests and respond promptly to ensure smooth ownership of your profile.