Manage Google Business Profile Access Guide
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is more than just a listing; it’s your digital storefront, your online ambassador, and a key driver of local customer engagement. Mastering its functionalities, from sharing Google Business Profile access to managing user roles, can significantly impact your business’s visibility and success. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to become a true GBP power user.
Why Sharing Access Matters
Your Google My Business profile is your online storefront, and keeping it fresh and engaging is key to attracting local customers through Google Search. But who has time for everything? By sharing access, you can empower others to:
- Update your business information
- Respond to customer reviews
- Post engaging content
- Track your profile’s performance
Sharing Is Caring About Your Business
Sharing access to your GBP is like assembling a team of experts to elevate your business’s online presence. Here’s why it’s so crucial:
- Dominate Google Search Results: Want to rank higher in local searches? Sharing access with an SEO agency or freelancer allows experts to optimize your profile with the right keywords, accurate information, and engaging content. This boosts your visibility and drives more traffic to your website and your door.
- Effortless Management: Running a business is a full-time job. Sharing access with your team lightens the load. Allow employees to update business hours, respond to customer reviews, and add photos, ensuring your GBP is always fresh and accurate.
- Conquer Multiple Business Locations: Got more than one store? No problem! Sharing access allows each location manager to take charge of their own GBP, ensuring consistent branding and accurate information across all your branches.
- Collaborate with Marketing Professionals: Working with a freelance marketer or agency? Sharing access lets them work their magic, optimizing your GBP for maximum impact without needing to constantly request information or updates.
Sharing Access to Google Business Profiles
Ready to unlock the power of shared access? Here’s how to do it:
1) Sign in and select: Head over to Google Business page and sign in to your Google My Business page. Choose the specific location you want to share.
2) Open the settings menu: See those three dots in the top left corner? Click them and select “Business Profile Settings” from the menu.
3) Find “People and Access”: Another menu will pop up. Click on “People and Access.”
4) Add a new user: Click “Add” and enter the email address of the person you want to invite.
5) Choose their role: Decide whether they need “Owner” access (full control) or “Manager” access (limited permissions).
6) Click “Invite”: An email invitation will be sent to the new user.
Best Practices
- Trust is Key: Only share access with individuals or agencies you completely trust. Research their reputation and ensure they have a proven track record.
- Regularly Audit User Access: Periodically review your list of users with GBP access. Remove access for anyone who no longer needs it, such as former employees or agencies you no longer work with. This protects your profile.
- Understand the Verification Process: When you add a new user, Google might require them to complete a verification process to confirm their identity. This helps prevent unauthorized access.
- Utilize Google Support: If you have any questions or encounter issues while managing user access or requesting ownership, don’t hesitate to contact Google My Business support for assistance.
Adding and Removing Owners and Managers
The practical difference is short: owners control who else has access, managers do not. Everything else is shared.
| What you can do | Owner | Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Add or remove users | Yes | No |
| Delete the Business Profile | Yes | No |
| Edit business info, hours and URLs | Yes | Yes |
| Create posts and reply to reviews | Yes | Yes |
| Manage messaging and bookings | Yes | Yes |
| Download insights | Yes | Yes |
As a business owner, you have full control over who manages your GBP. Here’s a detailed look at adding and removing users:
Adding Owners & Managers
- Go to your Business Profile: Access your GBP through your Google account.
- Navigate to “People and access”: Click “Menu,” then “Business Profile settings,” and finally “People and access.”
- Click “Add”: This will open a form to add a new user.
- Enter their email address: Type in the email address of the person you want to add.
- Choose their access level: Select either “Owner” or “Manager.”
- Click “Invite”: The invitee will receive an email to accept the invitation and immediately gain access.
Removing Owners & Managers
Need to Revoke Access? Follow the same steps, but instead of adding a new user, locate the person you want to remove access from and click “Remove” next to their name.
- Go to your Business Profile.
- Navigate to “People and access.”
- Click on the person you want to remove.
- Click “Remove person.”
Important Notes on Adding and Removing Users
- Only owners can add or remove other users.
- Managers can remove themselves from a profile.
- You cannot add Google Groups as managers or owners.
- The primary owner is the only one who can transfer primary ownership.
- New owners and managers have limited permissions for the first 7 days.
Requesting Access of a Google Business Profile
In some cases, you might need to request ownership of a GBP. This is common when a business changes hands, a new manager comes on board, or you’re working with an agency for the first time. Here’s how to do it:
Requesting Ownership of a Storefront Business Profile
- Find the Business Profile: Go to business.google.com/add or search for the business on Google Search or Maps.
- Click “Claim this business”: You’ll find this under the Business Profile.
- Click “Continue”: A message will appear indicating someone else has already verified the profile.
- Click “Request access”: This will initiate the ownership request process.
- Fill out the form: Provide the necessary information to verify your authority to manage the profile. This may include your name, phone number, and position in the company.
- Click “Submit”: The current owner will receive an email to contact you, and you’ll receive a confirmation email.
Requesting Ownership of a Service-area Business Profile
- Go to business.google.com/add.
- Enter your business information.
- Click “Continue.”
- Complete the verification process. This usually involves receiving a verification code via mail or phone.
- After verification, you’ll see an “Owner conflict” dialog.
- Click “Request access.”
- The current owner will receive an email to contact you.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed by the intricacies of Google Business Profile optimization? Muon Marketing is here to guide you. We’re a team of local SEO experts passionate about helping businesses like yours thrive online.
Our services include:
- Google My Business Optimization: We’ll ensure your GBP is complete, accurate, and optimized to attract local customers.
- Local Citations & Link Building: We’ll build your online authority and improve your search rankings through strategic local connections.
- On-Page Search Engine Optimization: We’ll optimize your website to rank higher in search results and drive more organic traffic.
- Hyperlocal Content Marketing: We’ll create engaging content that resonates with your local audience and drives engagement.
Ready to take your local SEO to the next level? Contact us today for a free consultation!
Google Business Profile Access FAQs
How do I share access to my Google Business Profile?
Open your Business Profile settings, go to People and access, select Add, enter the person email address, choose Owner or Manager under Access, then select Invite. They receive an invitation and gain access once they accept.
What is the difference between an Owner and a Manager?
Owners can add and remove users and delete the Business Profile. Managers cannot do either. Everything else, including editing business information, creating posts, replying to reviews, managing messaging and bookings and downloading insights, is available to both roles.
How do I remove someone from my Google Business Profile?
Go to People and access in your profile settings, select the person, then choose Remove person. Only an owner can remove other owners and managers. Access ends immediately.
Can I change someone from Manager to Owner?
Yes. Open People and access in your profile settings, select the person and change their access level. A profile can have several owners, but only one primary owner.
How do I request access to a Google Business Profile someone else manages?
Search for the business on Google, select the option to claim or request access, and submit the request. The current owner is notified by email and has a set window to respond. If they do not respond, you can follow the appeal process Google provides. The steps differ slightly for storefront and service-area businesses.
What is a site manager on Google Business Profile?
Site manager is the former name for the Manager role. Google renamed it, so any guide still referring to site managers is describing what is now simply called a Manager.
Got questions about managing who has access to your Google Business Profile? You’re not alone! Here are answers to some common questions we hear from local business owners like you:
Why should I even bother sharing access to my profile?
While you can manage it solo, sharing access has some serious perks:
- Free up your time: Running a business is a 24/7 gig. Sharing access lets you delegate tasks like updating info, responding to reviews, and posting content, so you can focus on what you do best.
- Bring in the experts: Got a marketing agency or a social media whiz on your team? Granting them access lets them work their magic and optimize your profile for maximum impact.
- Multiple locations? No problem! Easily manage access for all your business locations from one central account.
What’s the difference between an “Owner” and a “Manager” ?
It’s all about control!
- Owners: Have full control! They can add or remove other users, edit business information, and even delete the profile. Think of them as the admins.
- Managers: Have limited permissions. They can edit business info and manage features like posts and reviews, but can’t delete the profile or remove other users. Perfect for team members or agencies who need to contribute but don’t need full control.
Uh oh! I accidentally gave someone the wrong access level. Can I change it?
Absolutely! You can easily switch someone from “Owner” to “Manager” or vice versa in the “People and Access” section of your profile settings.
I need to remove someone’s access. How do I do that?
Head to “People and Access” in your profile settings. Find the person you want to remove, click on their name, and then click “Remove.” They’ll lose access immediately.
I’m thinking about hiring an agency to manage my Google Business Profile. What should I look for?
Great question! Here are a few things to consider:
- Local SEO expertise: Make sure they have a proven track record of helping local businesses succeed online.
- Transparent communication: They should be clear about their strategies and keep you in the loop on their progress.
- Customized approach: Your business is unique, so your Google Business Profile strategy should be too. Avoid agencies that offer cookie-cutter solutions.
Still have questions?
We get it – managing your online presence can be confusing. That’s why Muon Marketing is here to help! We’re experts in Google Business Profile optimization and local SEO. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s get your business shining on Google!
