One of the most common questions I get asked about Fan Pages, is how to verify a Facebook Business Page. You may have noticed that some Facebook Business Pages have a check mark next to their names. This is the verification badge. It establishes that your business has been verified by Facebook to be authentic.
Benefits of verifying your Facebook business page
The benefits of being verified include:
- Visitors feel more confident interacting with verified Pages because they are perceived to be legitimate and official.
- It adds credibility
- Verified Pages benefit from higher ranking in search results.
Blue vs. Gray Check Marks
There are two types of verification badges, a blue check and a gray check.
The blue check is reserved for public figures, media, and some brands. Unfortunately, Facebook has practically stopped handing out the blue check marks, so I would not recommend holding your breath for that one.
The gray check is available for most other page types. It used to only be brick-and-mortar businesses with a local address, but the guide lines have been expanded recently.
How to verify your Facebook Business Page
From your Page settings (if your Page is eligible AND you are an Admin on the Page) you will see a category indicating verification settings. You can opt to use one of your business phone numbers (cell phones will NOT work) or submit legal documentation, like a LLC or phone bill, to Facebook.
Verify Using a Phone Number
- Click Settings at the top of your Page
- From General, click Page Verification
- Click Verify this Page, then click Get Started
- Enter a publicly listed phone number for your business, your country and language (A cell phone will NOT work)
- Click Call Me Now to allow Facebook to call you with a verification code
- Enter the 4-digit verification code and click Continue
Or, Verify Using Official Documents
- Click Settings at the top of your Page
- From General, click Page Verification
- Click Verify this Page, then click Get Started
- Click Verify this Page with documents instead at the bottom left of the window that appears
- Upload a picture of an official document showing your business's name and address
In either situation, Facebook will review the information and make a decision in a couple of days. They'll send you an email and notification when the process is complete.
If you can not verify your Facebook Business Page
If your account is not eligible for verification, there are other ways to help let people know that you're authentic.
- Link to your Facebook Page from your official website
- Link your official website from your Facebook Page
- Link your Facebook Page on other social media channels like Instagram or Twitter.
When all of the elements of your business are linked together, it's easy to feel confident that they are all official!