What should I do if I see an old marketing agency in my Google Business profile settings?

Short Answer: If you spot an old marketing agency listed in your Google Business profile settings, it is important to revoke their access and remove them immediately. Always ensure that you are the primary owner of your account to maintain full control and security.

Full Explanation

When managing your Google Business profile, having outdated or unauthorized access can pose risks to your business’s online presence. If an old marketing agency still has access to your profile settings, they may continue to make changes that you do not approve of, or they could compromise your data. To protect your business, you must take ownership of the account and revoke any previous agencies’ access.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Access your Google Business profile settings through your Google account.
Locate the list of users or managers who have access to your profile.
Find the old marketing agency or any unfamiliar users in the list.
Revoke their access by removing them from the account permissions.
Confirm that you are listed as the primary owner of the Google Business profile.
Regularly review access settings to ensure only current and trusted parties can manage your profile.

Real Examples

Suppose you had previously hired a marketing agency to handle your Google Business profile, but the contract ended months ago. If that agency still appears in your profile settings, it means they potentially still have access rights. Removing their access safeguards your profile from unapproved changes and ensures you retain primary control over your business’s online information.

Common Mistakes

Ignoring old users: Not checking or updating the list of users can leave your profile vulnerable.
Not confirming ownership: Failing to assert yourself as the primary owner might make it difficult to control the profile.
Delaying removal: Waiting too long to remove old agencies can create risks of unauthorized modifications.

FAQs

Q: Can I simply deactivate old users without removing them?
It is best practice to fully revoke and remove access rather than just deactivating, to ensure they no longer have any control.

Q: What if I can’t remove the old agency from the settings?
If you are not the primary owner, you may need to claim ownership of the profile first before you can make changes.

Key Takeaways

Always monitor who has access to your Google Business profile.
Remove any old or unauthorized marketing agencies promptly.
Maintain yourself as the primary owner to keep full control and security of your account.