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Google Business Profile: Take Ownership of Your Listing

For local businesses, a Google Business listing is crucial for your success. Here’s how to claim yours if someone else set it up, or is the Owner.

Your Google Business Profile is the first place many people will find you. A well-crafted listing and 5-star reviews are a must! If a friend or another company set it up for you, you need to gain control of this vital business asset.

1. Someone you know set the Google Business Profile up for you.

This is likely the best case scenario. Simply contact them and let them know you need to be an “Owner” of the listing. Here are the steps they must take to make you an Owner (not Manager) of your Google Business Profile:

  1. Go to https://business.google.com/locations
  2. Click the link for your business listing
  3. Click the three vertical dots at the top right of the listing
  4. Click People and access
  5. Add the email address, and select Owner

    It’s easiest if the email address is a Gmail account, or a Google-hosted email. If not, you’ll need to have, or create, a Google Account tied to this email address.

    Note: YOU should be an Owner of YOUR Google Business Listing. You can then add a Manager, or another Owner, as needed. Just be certain anyone added to either, especially as an Owner, is someone you trust.
Click Three Dots To Add User Google Business Profile Listing
Click the Three Dots to Add a New User to a Google Business Profile Listing
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Where to Add a New Person to a Google Business Profile Listing
Google Business Profile How To Add Person Manager Owner
Google Business Profile: Add a New Person as Owner

2. You’re not sure who currently “owns” your Google Business Profile

Less than ideal, but it happens. Another company, or someone you’re no longer in contact, with set up your Google Business Profile. Doesn’t matter … it’s your business, and that profile is yours. You must be an Owner! Here are the steps, from Google, to gaining ownership of this vital business asset:

  1. Find the business profile on Google
    Use Google Search or Google Maps and type in the business name and location to find the listing.
  2. Initiate the request
    On the business profile, click either the “Own this business?” or “Claim this business” link. If the profile is already claimed, you’ll see a message stating that it has already been verified.
  3. Click “Request Access”
    Fill out the form that appears, providing your contact information and explaining your relationship to the business. Request Owner access.
  4. Wait for the current owner’s response
    Google will send an email to the current profile owner with your request. They have 3-7 days to respond.
    • If they approve: You will receive an email and can start managing the profile.
    • If they deny: You can appeal the decision directly with Google.
    • If they don’t respond: If the current owner doesn’t reply within three to seven days, you may be able to claim the profile yourself by going through a separate verification process. 

If the request is denied or unanswered: If the current profile owner denies the request or doesn’t respond, you can regain control through a re-verification process.

  1. Check for the “Claim” or “Verify” option
    After the waiting period, check your confirmation email or log in to the Business Profile Manager. You may now see a “Claim” or “Verify” button on the dashboard.
  2. Verify your connection to the business
    You will be guided through a new verification process to prove your ownership. This may involve verification via postcard, phone, email, or a video recording.
  3. Submit a claim to Google Support
    If all other methods fail, you can contact Google Support directly for assistance. Be prepared to provide official documentation, like business registration papers or utility bills, to prove your ownership. 

Need help with your Google Business Profile?

Having created and managed countless Google Business Profiles (listings) for 15 years, I can help you gain control of your listing, and optimize it for maximum benefit to your business.

Get Help with your Google Business Profile