In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, having a solid and accurate online presence is crucial for any business. One of the most essential tools for local businesses is Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly Google My Business. This free tool allows businesses to manage their online visibility on Google Search and Google Maps, making it easier for customers to find them. But what if your business’s Google Business Profile is being managed by someone else—whether it’s a former employee, an agency you no longer work with, or a previous business owner?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain why it’s important to claim ownership of your Google Business Profile, the steps to do so, how to deal with ownership disputes, and tips for managing your profile effectively.
Why You Need to Own Your Google Business Profile
Owning your Google Business Profile is essential for several reasons. Here’s why:
1. Control Over Your Business Information
Your GBP displays vital information about your business, such as your address, phone number, website, business hours, and more. If someone else manages your profile, they control how this information is presented to the public. If it’s outdated or incorrect, it could hurt your business. For example, inaccurate hours could lead to missed sales opportunities or frustrated customers who show up when you’re closed.
2. Impact on Local SEO
A well-maintained Google Business Profile can significantly boost your local search engine optimization (SEO). Google uses information from your GBP to determine how relevant your business is to a user’s search query, especially for local searches like “restaurants near me” or “plumbers in [city].” By optimizing your profile with accurate, updated information, photos, and customer reviews, you increase your chances of appearing in Google’s coveted local 3-pack—the top three businesses that appear in a local search result.
3. Customer Engagement and Reviews
Your GBP allows customers to leave reviews, ask questions, and even send direct messages. When you control your profile, you can respond to reviews and engage with customers, which helps build trust and credibility. If someone else manages your profile, you may miss important customer feedback, or worse, not even know about negative reviews that could hurt your business.
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Steps to Claiming Ownership of a Google Business Profile
Now that you understand the importance of owning your GBP, let’s consider how to reclaim it.
1. Request Ownership of the Profile
The first step is to request ownership of the existing Google Business Profile. Here’s how you do it:
- Go to the Google Business Profile Manager.
- Search for your business using the business name and location.
- If your business is already listed and managed by someone else, you will see a message that says, “This business profile is already claimed.” Click on the option to request access.
- Google will prompt you to fill out a form to explain why you need access to the profile. Be as detailed as possible in this form, as it will be sent to the current profile manager.
- Once submitted, the current owner will have 3–7 days to respond.
2. Wait for a Response
After submitting your request, you must wait for the current profile manager to respond. Google will notify you of their decision. There are three potential outcomes:
- Ownership Granted: The current owner agrees to transfer ownership, and you’ll receive full control of the profile.
- Access Granted: The current owner grants you a lower level of access, such as manager or communications access, which may allow you to edit some details.
- Request Denied: The current owner declines your request, so you must proceed with a different approach.
3. No Response or Denial
If the current profile owner doesn’t respond within the allotted time or denies your request, don’t worry. You can escalate the situation by contacting Google support. Google will review the situation and may contact the current profile manager to verify ownership. They may transfer ownership to you if they determine that the current owner should not control the profile.
Dealing with Ownership Disputes
In some cases, the current manager of your GBP may refuse to give up control, either out of misunderstanding or disagreement. Here’s what you can do if you are in an ownership dispute.
1. Submit a Claim to Google Support
If your request for ownership has been denied or you’ve received no response, you can escalate the issue by submitting a claim directly to Google support. To do this:
- Go to the Google Business Help Center and fill out a request for manual review.
- Be prepared to provide documentation proving that you are the rightful owner of the business. This could include business registration documents, utility bills, or other official records.
2. Ownership Dispute Resolution
Google takes ownership disputes seriously, and they will investigate your claim. If your documents are in order, they usually transfer the profile to you. In rare cases, they may not intervene if both parties have a valid claim to the profile (e.g. if two business partners have an unresolved dispute).
Get a Free Google Business Profile Analysis! →
Maintaining Accurate Information
Once you’ve successfully claimed your Google Business Profile ownership, the work doesn’t stop there. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re managing your profile effectively:
1. Keep Your Business Information Up to Date
Ensure that your contact details, business hours, and other vital information are always accurate. If your hours change seasonally or during holidays, update them in advance to ensure clarity.
2. Engage with Customers
Actively respond to customer reviews, both positive and negative. A thoughtful response to a negative review can show potential customers that you care about customer service and are committed to improvement.
3. Post Updates and Photos
Google Business Profiles now allow you to post updates, events, offers, and photos. Regularly updating your profile with fresh content keeps your listing relevant and engaging for users, which can help boost your visibility in search results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While managing your GBP, it’s important to avoid certain pitfalls that could negatively impact your profile’s performance.
1. Ignoring Customer Reviews
Engagement is key to a healthy Google Business Profile. Failing to respond to reviews—especially negative ones—can harm your business’s reputation. Always respond to customer feedback promptly and professionally.
2. Using Incorrect or Inconsistent Information
Consistency across the web is crucial for SEO. Make sure that your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms, including your website, GBP, and online directories.
3. Not Verifying Changes
Whenever you make changes to your profile, make sure you verify them through Google. Unverified changes can lead to inaccurate information being displayed to potential customers.
Get a Free Google Business Profile Analysis! →
In The End
Taking ownership of your Google Business Profile is a critical step in managing your business’s digital presence. By following the steps outlined above, you can regain control of your profile, improve your local SEO, and engage with your customers more effectively. Don’t let your online presence slip through the cracks—claim your Google Business Profile today and take control of your business’s future.
If you need help with the process or ongoing management of your Google Business Profile, don’t hesitate to reach out to BizIQ. Our team of SEO experts is ready to assist you in optimizing your online presence and driving more traffic to your business.
