Managing a Business Profile on Google is crucial for maintaining your business’s online presence and ensuring that potential customers have access to accurate information. If you find that a Business Profile for your company has already been verified by someone else, don’t worry! You can request ownership of the profile by following these steps:
1. Check Your Ownership Status
Before you start, make sure you’re not already an owner of the business profile. If you don’t see a “Claim this Business” or “Own this business” link on the profile, you might already have ownership. Look for a badge that says “You manage this business profile.”
2. Locate the Business Profile
To request ownership, you first need to find the Business Profile you wish to manage:
- Go to Google Business.
- Enter the name and address of your business, then select it from the search results.
- Alternatively, you can find your business on Google Search or Google Maps and click “Claim this business” under the Business Profile.
3. Request Ownership
Once you’ve found the profile:
- Click “Continue.”
- A message will appear indicating that someone else has verified the profile. If you’re authorized to manage it, click “Request access” and fill out the form.
- Click “Submit.”
4. Wait for a Response
After submitting your request, the current profile owner will receive an email asking them to contact you. You will also receive a confirmation email. The owner has 3 days to respond to your request.
5. Check the Status of Your Request
You can check the status of your request by signing in to your Business Profile or clicking the link in your confirmation email.
6. Outcome
- If your request is approved: You’ll be notified by email and can then manage the Business Profile.
- If your request is denied: You’ll be notified by email, and you can still suggest edits to the profile. You might also have the option to appeal the denied request.
- If there’s no response after 3 days: You might have the option to claim the profile yourself. Follow the instructions in your original confirmation email or sign in to your Business Profile and look for a “Claim” or “Verify” button.
7. New Owner/Manager Limitations
As a new owner or manager, you must wait 7 days before you can manage all the features of the profile. During this period, you cannot delete or undelete the profile, remove other owners or managers, or transfer primary ownership. If a new owner or manager deletes their account within the first 7 days, they are removed from the profile and must be added again if they change their mind.
Note: If an existing owner or manager tries to transfer primary ownership to a new owner or manager still in their first 7 days, they will encounter an error.
By following these steps, you can take control of your Business Profile on Google and ensure that your business information is accurate and up-to-date.
