Troubleshooting Missing Google Verification Postcards: What to Do Next
Introduction
As a Google My Business expert and trainer, I often receive inquiries from business owners who are unable to receive their verification postcards. This can be a challenging situation if you're trying to take advantage of Google's services to enhance your online presence. Here are some steps to help you troubleshoot the issue and get back on track.
Common Reasons for Missing Postcards
There are several common reasons why your Google verification postcard might not show up. Here’s a quick overview of the most frequent issues and solutions:
1. Check Your Address: Ensure that the address you provided is correct. A small mistake can drastically affect delivery.
2. Patience is Key: Postcards can take a few weeks to arrive. If it's been less than two weeks since you requested it, wait a bit longer before taking further action.
3. Request a New Postcard: If you haven't received the postcard after a few weeks, you can request a new one through your Google Account.
4. Check Your Mailbox: Ensure you check your mailbox thoroughly, including spam or junk mail areas. Sometimes postcards can get misplaced.
5. Contact Google Support: If you still haven't received the postcard after following the above steps, consider reaching out to Google Support for further assistance.
Alternative Verification Methods
Depending on the specific Google service you're using, there might be alternative verification methods available. Here are some options:
Phone Verification: Some services allow you to use a phone to receive a verification code. This method is often faster than waiting for a postcard.
Email Verification: You might also use your email to verify your information with Google. This is usually the fastest and most reliable method.
Step-by-Step Guide for Resending the Postcard
If you've tried the above steps and are still unable to receive your postcard, here’s a detailed guide on how to request a new one:
Sign in to Google My Business: Visit and sign in with your Google account.
Select the Right Business: If you manage multiple businesses, make sure to select the one with the missing postcard.
Request Another Code: On the dashboard, look for the blue banner at the top and click on ‘Request another code.’
What to Do After 20 Days
If you still haven't received your postcard after 20 days, you have a couple of options:
If you haven't received the postcard within 14 working days, you can request another postcard. Make sure the old code has become invalid.
If you’ve waited for more than 14 working days and haven’t received any postcard, you can proceed with Manual Verification.
Manual Verification Process
Here’s how to initiate the manual verification process:
Contact Google My Business Manager: Go to the Google My Business Contact Form.
Input Your Verification Request: On step 1, type in ‘Verification.’ On step 2, confirm the reason and bypass the recommended section. Proceed to step 3 by clicking on ‘Email’ and filling out the form.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can resolve the issue of missing Google verification postcards and ensure your business is fully verified with Google. Remember, patience and persistence are key when facing such issues. If all else fails, don't hesitate to reach out to Google Support for additional assistance.