Some Steps to Get Verified your page on Facebook

For no other reason than reaching a vanity milestone, Blake Jamieson and I decided we wanted to get our public pages verified.

Both of us figured it might help us look a little more credible online and potentially help us land more speaking engagements. Although we were both denied four months ago the first time we applied, we refused to give up so easily. We tweaked a few small things on our Public Facebook pages, published consistent native content, then turned on a very modest advertising budget.

Blake maximized his video content as he understands Facebook is strongly backing video. I changed my approach from sharing just links, posting longer-form content.

All in all, the process for us to set up our profiles to look verifiable took us a few hours of time and less than $30 in advertising fees. After much anticipation, both of us were awarded the tiny blue digital badge of internet credibility. I don't know why, but for me, this was actually pretty thrilling.

Regardless, immediately after Blake initially announced that he had been verified after his initial trial week, I went through the process and was verified within 48 hours. Then a handful of our friends reached out to us for advice.

They were surprised to learn how simple the application process is.

Despite the common assumption, verification seems to have nothing to do with the number of fans a page has.

With proper positioning, a little effort put towards content, and a tiny advertising budget, we feel that anyone can get their public page verified on Facebook, as long as they fit within one of these categories: Public Figure, Actor, Athlete or Musician.

To get verified, you will need a few things prior to submitting your application.

You will need:

• An existing public page under your name (you can't use your personal page).
• A history of native content posted to your page.
• Some media references that have your name or image.
• A website.
• An iPhone or iPad with an internet connection (Android devices should work in a few months).
• The Facebook Mentions Application.

How to get verified as a local business (gray badge)

According to Facebook, there are a number of elements that must be in place before you'll have the option to become verified as a local business. Your page must first:

Be classified as a local business, company or organization

Have a profile photo

Have a cover photo

If these three elements are in place (and assuming you're the admin of the page), you should see the option to verify in your page's settings. Simply click on "Settings" at the top right of your page, then "General," then "Page Verification."