[MEO] How to resolve errors when registering with Google My Business [Owner Verification]

This is Ohara from the Technical Sales Department

Google's search engine states that listing and enriching office and store information
can also be effective for "MEO (Map Engine Optimization)" when people search for that company or store.

Recently, when we opened a new office in Canada (Beyond GTA Inc.), I registered and updated our business location on Google My Business for the first time in a while. However, I
encountered the following error when trying to register and verify the owner, which prevented me from proceeding. This document details the troubleshooting and resolution method I used.
*I have also confirmed this with Google My Business support.

Error details

How to resolve errors (items to be addressed when registering as an owner)

● 1. Send a photo of the exterior of your business, including any fixed signage, to Google My Business Support

- To verify that the target business actually exists,
it is mandatory to confirm the business name on a "fixed sign" installed on the exterior of the premises.
The sign must be fixed in place and cannot be easily removed or moved.

● 2. Edit the business name of your company or store

Google My Business does not allow businesses
to register a business name that includes words, phonetic spellings, promotional phrases, place names, store names, or symbols such as parentheses that are not displayed on the actual signage at the business location.
The business name must be the same as the one on the fixed sign.

If the business name registered with Google My Business does not match the business name displayed on your sign, you
will need to change the name.

* For details, please refer to the "Name" section in the help page below.
< Google My Business Help: Guidelines for listing your local business on Google >

● 3. Set up a direct phone number to the company/store's local base

- You need to set up a direct phone number for your company/store's business location in the Google My Business management screen.
*If you have just opened a business location and do not have a phone number yet, you can list the phone number of your head office or other location as the forwarding destination, but
in that case, you will be required to send a photo of the "1. Fixed Sign" mentioned above (including the cost of materials for the photo).

● 4. Include your address and phone number on your website

- You will register your company's website URL in the Google My Business management screen, but
it is essential that the information on that website (such as the company profile) includes the address and phone number of your business location.

● 5. Receive a confirmation call from Google My Business Support

Once the verifications in steps 1-4 above are complete, Google My Business Support will call your business location to verify its existence.
The call will be made to the direct phone number set up on your website and in Google My Business, so you
will need to inform Google My Business Support of the name of the person who will be answering the phone.

* Google My Business support can also provide assistance in Japanese.
* You can specify your preferred time to receive phone calls in advance.
* Google My Business support hours: Monday-Thursday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM / Friday 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding public holidays)

summary

We have written about how to resolve errors when opening a new office on Google My Business

Furthermore, depending on the situation at your business location, the error may be resolved by addressing only one of the above issues.
I hope this article will be helpful to those who are experiencing similar errors.