How to Request Ownership and Manager Access to a Google Business Profile

Whether you own a physical storefront or a service-area business, a Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is essential if you want to attract more local customers. While you can manage your Google Business Profile (GBP) yourself, you can also grant access to co-owners, staff members, or agencies to help manage your listing. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to request ownership of a GBP and/or grant access to users. Additionally, we will explain in detail the different roles available for managing your GBP and the rights associated with each.

Requesting Ownership of a Google Business Profile

Why should you request ownership of your Google Business Profile (GBP)? The answer is simple! Having ownership of your GBP allows you to:

• Edit all shown information and optimize your profile
• Use all features of the profile
• Generate appointments or bookings directly via your GBP
• Prevent wrong information
• Grant access to staff members or agencies
• Reply to reviews

A complete and accurate Google Business Profile (GBP) is crucial for your business. Inaccurate information can not only harm your online visibility - since Google prioritizes active, accurate, and complete profiles - but it can also confuse customers, leading them to choose a competitor instead.

How to Request Ownership of a Google Business Profile?

There are various scenarios for requesting ownership of a Google Business Profile (GBP). Let’s explore each one!

Scenario #1 - Unclaimed Google Business Profile

Sometimes, Google automatically creates a Google Business Profile (GBP) for businesses without any human input. It compiles information found online and incorporates images submitted by customers, often through reviews. These profiles can remain outdated for years if the business owner doesn’t take action to claim and manage them.

If your GBP has no owner yet, you can follow the next steps to successfully claim your GBP:

1. Search your business name on Google. Another option is to manually search your business via the “adding a new business site”. You can enter your business name and find it via the results. This works the same as finding it via Google directly.
2. The GBP should pop up on the right side (desktop view)
3. Click on “Claim this business” or “Are you the owner of this business” which is shown mostly under the image section.
4. Follow the steps to verify your GBP.

Learn how to verify your Google Business Profile and why this is a necessary step before you can start optimizing your profile.

Scenario #2 - Google Business Profile Is Claimed By the Wrong Person

Sometimes, the wrong person might claim a Google Business Profile (GBP). This doesn’t always mean it’s a stranger - it could be a previous owner who still holds the ownership rights. If you don’t see the "Claim this Business" badge on the GBP, it’s a strong indication that an active owner already exists!

To obtain ownership of your GBP as the rightful owner of your business you can follow these steps:

1. Visit http://business.google.com/add
2. Enter the name and address of the business you want to request ownership of.
3. Choose the correct business from the search results.
4. Click on “Request Access”.
5. A message will pop up with “Someone else may manage this Business Profile.”

6. Fill in the form to request ownership.
7. Click on “Submit”.

8. The current owner will receive an e-mail to transfer ownership to you.
9. You will also get a confirmation e-mail.

Tip from Diana: If the current owner doesn’t respond within three days, you can claim the profile via email. Make sure to save the confirmation email for your records!

Granting Someone Access to Your Google Business Profile

You can give people different roles on your GBP that allow them to perform different tasks.

Overview of the Different Roles for Your GBP

• Primary Owner: The Primary Owner holds the highest level of control over a Google Business Profile (GBP). They can manage all aspects of the account, including adding or removing users, editing business information, and transferring ownership.
• Owner: An Owner has nearly the same privileges as the Primary Owner but cannot transfer ownership or remove the Primary Owner. They can edit business details, respond to reviews, and manage most settings.
• Manager: A Manager has more limited access, focusing on day-to-day tasks like updating business information, responding to reviews, and managing posts. However, they cannot add or remove users or make ownership-related changes. Managers can also re-verify the GBP if needed.

How To Grant Manager Access To Your Google Business Profile?

To add a user and grant them a manager access follow these steps:

1. Ensure that you are either the primary owner or an owner of the GBP.
2. Go to your GBP.
3. Click on the three little dots next to the menu section.
4. Click on “Business profile settings”.

5. Under “people and access” click on “add”.

6. Enter the e-mail address and select either owner or manager access.

7. The person will receive an invitation to their e-mail which they will need to accept before they can make use of their access.

To change the current role of a user follow these steps:

1. Ensure that you are either the primary owner or an owner of the GBP.
2. Go to your GBP.
3. Click on the three little dots next to the menu section.
4. Click on “Business profile settings”.
5. Click on the user that you want to change the role of.

How To Transfer Primary Ownership Of A Google Business Profile

Remember: Each Google Business Profile (GBP) can have only one Primary Owner. If you, as the current Primary Owner, are selling your business or want someone else to take full control of your GBP, you can transfer primary ownership.

1. Ensure that you are the primary owner of the GBP.
2. Make sure the person you want to transfer the ownership to has already a role in the GBP. If not, follow the steps above to add the person first.
3. Go to your GBP.
4. Click on the three little dots next to the menu section.
5. Click on “Business profile settings”.
6. Under “people and access” click on the user you want to change the role.
7. Select the role “Primary Owner”.
8. Click on “Save”.
9. The user is now automatically chosen to be the primary owner.

How to Remove a User from the GBP?

1. Ensure that you are the (primary) owner of the GBP.
2. Go to your GBP.
3. Click on the three little dots next to the menu section.
4. Click on “Business profile settings”.
5. Under “people and access” click on the user you want to delete.
6. Click on “Remove Person”.
7. The user will get an e-mail, informing them about the removal.

Tip from Diana: The user will no longer have the right to edit the Google Business Profile (GBP). However, all their previous edits and posted content, such as review responses or Google Posts, will remain visible.

Someone Tries to Claim My Google Business Profile, What Should I Do?

If you receive an email about an ownership request from someone outside your organization, be sure to respond within three days. Otherwise, the person may gain the option to claim the profile. However, there’s no need to panic—before they can take ownership, they must complete the verification process to prove they are the rightful owner of the business.

This process ensures that your business profile remains secure and in the hands of the correct party. If you suspect the request is fraudulent, you can decline it and report the issue to Google for further investigation. Regularly reviewing your account permissions and keeping your login credentials secure can help prevent unauthorized access. Taking these proactive steps will give you peace of mind and protect your online presence.

Need Help with Your Google Business Profile?

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