Facebook Verification: How to give your page the tick
In 2013, Facebook verification was introduced, allowing people and businesses to showcase their authenticity to their current and potential followers. Getting a verified Facebook account is now easier than ever, especially for local business pages.
Follow our simple, easy-to-follow steps and you'll learn how to verify your Facebook account in no time. As Facebook product marketing manager Kirsty Bury says, doing so will help people "find the right and authentic accounts."
UPDATE: AS OF OCTOBER 30TH 2019, FACEBOOK REMOVED ALL GREY TICKS FROM THE PLATFORM. CLICK HERE TO DISCOVER HOW TO VERIFY YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE WITHOUT THE GREY TICK.
Does My Page Need a Grey or Blue Facebook Tick?
There are two types of Facebook page verification: a blue tick and a grey tick.
A blue Facebook tick is for public figures, celebrities, media companies and large brands. A grey Facebook tick, on the other hand, is for smaller or local businesses and organisations.
In other words, the likes of Adidas and Peter Kay will have a blue tick, while a car showroom or local shop should aim for a grey tick, which serves as a symbol of confirmed location for a business.
If you're reading this before you begin to request a verified badge on Facebook, it's more than likely you'll need to apply for the latter.
3 Easy Steps to get Verified on Facebook
1. Make sure your Facebook page provides a website, contact information, an 'About' and description, and plenty of native content.
All of the above helps Facebook to confirm that you are in fact a credible business. Providing your website, email address and phone number also maximises the efficiency of your customer journey, as well as your chances of being found online.
The more details you can provide, the more likely it is your Facebook page will get verified. Everything from addresses, mission statements and other social media channels should be included.
2. Click on 'Settings' (located at the top of your Facebook page). From here, select 'edit' next to the 'Page Verification' option under 'General'.
This will give you the opportunity to verify your Facebook account. You can do this one of two ways: an instant Facebook verification via the phone or a more detailed process involving business documents.
3. Type in your Business's phone number in the pop-up box
Once you've submitted your contact information, you will get a phone call with a Facebook verification number. You will then need to type in the verification code into the box provided. The social network is unfortunately rather vague when it comes to when you will get that glorious grey tick, stating it can take from 48 hours to 45 days.
The more information you provide, the more credibility you have. So, if you're yet to verify your Facebook page and have completed the above steps, there is no harm in following the below steps to complete a business documentation Facebook verification.
Verify Your Facebook Page with Business Documentation
This is the more detailed route of Facebook verification and requires you to upload a picture or copy of an official document that clearly displays your business's name and address. This could be a bill, tax file or business license, for example.
Can a product/service receive a grey verification tick?
It's important to note that not all types of pages qualify for a grey verification tick. Product pages, for example, are not able to verify themselves as local businesses, If, after completing Step 2 you cannot see an option to verify your page, you may want to look into changing the 'template' of your Facebook page.
This can be achieved by clicking on Settings, followed by 'Edit Page'.
Your Complete Guide To Facebook Marketing
Enhance your social media presence
Now that you're verified, you need to ensure your social media content - from the tone to imagery and content - matches the authenticity and professionalism associated with the tick. Need help managing your social media channels or perfecting your content? Explore our guide to Facebook Marketing now...
