Our complete guide to getting verified on social channels like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest awaits you. Enjoy!
Ever see the blue check mark next to someone’s social handle and think, “Dang, they’re official!”
We often see celebrities and influencers with that coveted check mark and automatically, our brain switches gears and gives that person power like they’ve finally made it. For people, the check mark means that the person’s account is authentic, and well, they hold some power in our society in some way, shape, or form.
But what about the coveted check mark when it comes to businesses and brands alike? Of course, in a business owner’s mind, all businesses are important and surely worthy of that stamp of approval. I mean, they’re authentic, real, and a legitimate business. But does every business actually qualify for the check mark? And if they don’t, are they missing out?
When it comes to being verified on social channels like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest, here are three key reasons why it’s important or special to rock that badge of honor:
- Most businesses and brands don’t even apply for the check mark, so if yours does (and gets one), it’ll help you differentiate yourself from your competition
- It shows those who aren’t familiar with your business/brand that you should be taken seriously
- Reaffirms that your business/brand rocks and gives your digital presence a boost
And although it’s evident that there are clear benefits of becoming verified on social media, the process looks different for each platform with their respective guidelines and qualifiers for the badge.
For the sake of this blog, we’re only looking at the verification process on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
Let’s get started.
Getting verified on Facebook
Welcome to the blue check on Facebook, aka the verification badge.
In order to snag that puppy, Facebook will first need to look into these four things on your account to see if it meets their criteria for verification:
- The authenticity of your account. They’ll want to make sure you’re using your real personal or business name
- Your account’s uniqueness
- A complete setup
- A noteworthy account
After passing that test, you’d request a verification badge from Facebook via their Contact Form.
Make sure you have your tax exemption documents handy, articles of incorporation, certificate of formation, copy of a utility or phone bill, and written explanation detailing why your account should receive a verification badge. Facebook takes this pretty seriously and it’s not a matter of a simple request. You’ll need to provide this documentation to get the ball rolling, and once you submit your request, it’ll take anywhere from 48 hours to 45 days to get your verification.
If your request is denied, you can apply again after 30 days.
Getting verified on Instagram
Much simpler than Facebook, Instagram makes it easy in the app to request verification. The only form of documentation you’ll need is your government-issued ID, although you may feel uneasy about providing it to a social network.
If you feel comfortable moving forward with the verification process, here are the steps to take:
- Log in to the Instagram account you want to verify
- Go to your Profile and tap the options button at the rightmost corner of your screen
- Click on your Settings, then Account. You’ll see an option for Request Verification
- Fill in your information and provide your government-issued ID
- Wait for your verification badge
Like Facebook, you can request a badge again after 30 days if you get denied.
Getting verified on Pinterest
Ah, yes! The easiest platform to get verified on without strenuous documentation pulling and letter writing! And instead of a blue check mark, you get a fancy red one. Ooo!
Just follow these three steps:
- Log in to your account and go to the Settings
- Upload your business logo as a profile picture
- Claim your website on Pinterest
And voila! You’re verified!
Getting verified on Twitter
The social platform that started it all officially paused rewarding badges to businesses and brands that may potentially qualify for one.
*cue sad music*
When the day comes when Twitter opens their badge-awarding-doors, we’ll be sure to report back on how you can request one.
Getting verified reminder
Please remember that although you can apply to be verified, there’s always the chance of not being accepted.
The process of each social network can be finicky and is not an exact science, so it’s important to not let that get you down if your business doesn’t get approved.
A check mark is a nice to have, not a need to have. Your business or brand can continue to prove its authenticity and make moves to differentiate itself from competitors by focusing on a killer digital strategy with or without a check mark.
If you need help with a top-notch digital marketing strategy, Contact SWBR to see how we can help your social media thrive.
