What should you ensure about the access to your Google Business profile?

Short Answer: You should make sure that you are the primary owner of your Google Business profile account. If you previously worked with a marketing agency that still has access, revoke their permissions. Additionally, if another account is listed as the primary owner, have that user remove themselves as the primary owner and set you as the primary owner instead.

Full Explanation

Ensuring that you have proper control over your Google Business profile is crucial for managing your online presence effectively. Being the primary owner means you hold the highest level of access and administrative capabilities to the account. This ownership ensures that you can make changes, update information, respond to reviews, and manage user permissions safely and securely. When other parties, such as former marketing agencies, retain access as owners or managers, it can lead to situations where you lose control over your profile or your information is altered without your approval.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Verify your role: Check who currently holds the primary owner status on your Google Business profile.
Assess access: Identify if any third parties, such as marketing agencies you no longer work with, still have access to your account.
Revoke unnecessary access: If you see a marketing agency or other users who should no longer have account permissions, remove their access immediately.
Transfer primary ownership: If someone else is listed as the primary owner, request that they remove themselves from this role and designate you as the primary owner of the profile.

Real Examples

For instance, if you hired a marketing agency to manage your Google Business profile temporarily, but they still have access after your contract ended, this can create confusion or unauthorized changes. Revoking their access ensures you maintain complete control. Another common case is when a profile was set up by someone else and that person remains as primary owner. Make sure they transfer the primary ownership role to you to avoid any access issues.

Common Mistakes

Assuming access roles without verifying who the primary owner is.
Failing to revoke access from third parties who are no longer involved.
Ignoring existing primary ownership by other accounts, which can restrict your control.
Not formally requesting primary ownership transfer when needed.

FAQs

Why is it important to be the primary owner?: Being the primary owner gives you full control over your Google Business profile, including managing users and making critical updates.
What happens if a marketing agency still has access?: If they still have access, they can make changes to your profile without your permission, which may negatively impact your business listing.
Can someone else remove themselves as primary owner?: Yes, the current primary owner can remove themselves and assign the primary ownership role to you.

Key Takeaways

Always confirm you are the primary owner of your Google Business profile.
Remove any outdated or unauthorized access from third parties like former marketing agencies.
Coordinate with current primary owners to transfer ownership to you if necessary.
Maintaining control ensures your Google Business profile accurately represents your business and is secure.