For small businesses looking to improve their online presence, Google My Business (GMB), now known as Google Business Profile, is an indispensable tool. This free service allows companies to manage how they appear in Google Search and Google Maps, significantly increasing visibility and credibility. One often misunderstood aspect in setting up a GMB profile is the verification process, particularly phone or SMS verification. A common question that arises is: Does Google My Business phone or SMS verification cost money?
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
No, phone and SMS verification through Google My Business (or Google Business Profile) are completely free of charge. They are part of Google’s standard verification process to confirm that your business is legitimate. If someone is asking you for money during this step, it is most likely a scam. Always use the official Google website or app to manage your profile to avoid being misled.
Understanding Google Business Profile Verification
Google offers multiple verification methods for businesses to confirm their identity, helping ensure the integrity of business data on their platform. These methods include:
- Postcard by mail
- Phone call
- SMS text message
- Video call or pre-recorded video submission (in some countries)
The phone and SMS methods are often the most convenient and fastest options available, especially for service-area businesses or those that need quicker approval to begin appearing in local searches.
Is There a Fee for Phone or SMS Verification?
The short and unequivocal answer is: No, Google does not charge for any of its business profile verification methods, including phone or SMS verification. If you are setting up or managing your Google Business Profile through the official Google platform, there will be no costs involved during the verification stage.
These communication methods are provided directly by Google as a free service to business owners*. Any third party that claims otherwise should be treated with suspicion.
Why This Misunderstanding Exists
There are a few reasons why this question arises frequently:
- Scam Attempts: Fraudsters may pose as “Google experts” and claim a fee is required for phone verification or other steps in the setup process.
- Unfamiliar Users: First-time users who are unfamiliar with the platform may be bombarded with conflicting information online.
- Third-Party Marketers: Some agencies may offer to create or verify your profile as part of a paid service but fail to clarify that the actual Google services are free.
To be completely safe, always initiate your verification process by logging into your Google account and accessing your business profile via the official site (https://www.google.com/business).
What the Phone or SMS Process Looks Like
The methodology for phone or SMS verification is straightforward and usually takes only a few minutes if your business qualifies for this method. Here’s how it typically works:
- Log in to your Google account and access your business profile.
- Click “Verify Now” when prompted during or after profile creation.
- Select the phone option—either ‘Call’ or ‘Text message’ (actual availability may vary depending on business type and location).
- Receive an automated call or message with a six-digit verification code.
- Enter the six-digit code into the designated field in your profile interface.
- Submit the code and gain access to full profile management options.
That’s it. No fees, no need to provide credit card information, and no third party involved if done through the proper channels.
What to Do If Someone Asks for Payment
If you encounter anyone asking for payment—whether via phone, SMS, or email—during the business verification process, treat this as a red flag. Here’s what you should do:
- Do not provide payment information; Google does not ask for money for verification.
- Report suspicious communication through Google’s official channels.
- Ensure you’re logged in to Google directly and not via a third-party website or suspicious link.
Scammers can often create a sense of urgency or impersonate official Google personnel to trick business owners. Always be cautious and verify information independently.
Can a Third-Party Agency Charge You for Setup?
While Google does not charge for verification, third-party marketing agencies or SEO consultants may offer to manage your Google Business Profile as part of a broader service package. This is legal and sometimes very helpful, especially for busy business owners or those unfamiliar with digital marketing.
However, reputable agencies will be transparent about which services are free from Google and which are billable. They will not claim that Google itself imposes a charge for phone or SMS verification.
Always Ask These Questions When Dealing With Agencies:
- Is this phone verification service being outsourced from Google or handled directly through their platform?
- What exactly am I paying for—Google fees or your management services?
- Can I verify my business directly without using your services?
If the agency or service provider cannot answer these questions clearly and confidently, consider seeking another option or managing the process yourself through Google.
How to Protect Yourself from Scams
As a business owner, staying informed is your first line of defense. Here are a few practical steps for protection:
- Bookmark and use only official Google URLs. Anything else could be a spoof or phishing attempt.
- Never share verification codes with anyone claiming to be a Google representative unless you began the process yourself on the official site.
- Report scams on Google’s support platform or at https://support.google.com/business/.
Conclusion: No Cost, But Be Cautious
To summarize: Phone or SMS verification for Google My Business—now known as Google Business Profile—is entirely free. The process is designed to help verify the legitimacy of businesses quickly and efficiently. Google’s platform offers these verification options to business owners without any associated costs.
However, the widespread misconception about potential charges often results from scams or confusing third-party services. Staying vigilant and using official Google resources will ensure that your experience is both smooth and secure.
If you’re ever in doubt, reach out directly to Google Support or consult Google’s extensive help articles to verify what you’re being told by others. Your business’s digital presence is too valuable to risk with misinformation or fraud.
