How To Change Owner For Google My Business

Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business, is a critical tool for businesses to enhance their online visibility. The platform allows you to manage your online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. However, sometimes you may need to adjust your account settings, such as changing ownership or setting up new managers.
In 2023, the process for managing your Google Business Profile has been modified, making it even more user-friendly. This blog post provides an in-depth guide on how to make these alterations, focusing on the latest changes in Google’s interface.

Accessing Your Google Business Profile

To access and edit your Google Business Profile, you no longer need to navigate through the dashboard. Instead, you’ll use the search screen. Once you’re logged in with the email you used to set up your account, type your business name into the search bar.

For instance, if your business is named “Big West Marketing,” you’d enter this in the search field. Once logged in, you’ll notice additional information below your business name, where you can make various changes.

Changing Ownership or Management

Should you need to change ownership or assign new managers, start by clicking on the three little dots or ‘more’ icon. From the drop-down menu, select ‘business profile settings.’ At the top of the following page, you’ll find the ‘managers’ section, which you should click to proceed.

On this page, you can see everyone associated with your account, including their roles, whether they’re primary owners, owners, or managers. If you want to add a new person, you simply input their email address, and they’ll receive an invitation that they need to accept. You have the option to assign them as an owner or manager.

The difference between an owner and a manager is clearly explained on this page, allowing you to make an informed decision about the new user’s role.

Removing Users

To remove a user from your account, select the person’s name, and then click ‘remove manager.’ Keep in mind, the option to remove users is only available if you’re the primary owner of the account. If someone else has set themselves up as the primary owner, you’ll need to ask them to transfer the primary ownership to you, as this cannot be done from your end.

In a situation where you’re unaware of the account’s owner or can’t reach them—perhaps because they’re a former employee or a marketing agency you’re no longer working with—you’ll need to contact Google Support. This involves submitting a support ticket and communicating with Google until the issue is resolved.

To reach Google Support, click on the ‘more’ icon, navigate to ‘help and support,’ and then scroll down to ‘contact us.’ Here, you should provide as much detail as possible about the problem, including screenshots if applicable. Remember, patience and courtesy will go a long way in helping you get your issue fixed.

Further Assistance

If you found this guide useful, be sure to follow us for more updates and tips on managing your Google Business Profile. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section—we’ll do our best to respond promptly.

In the quest to rank higher on Google, we offer a wealth of resources. Our free cheat sheet, available in the link in the description below, can guide you through the steps needed to take your business to the top of Google Business Profile. This PDF includes links to specific steps and examples, providing a comprehensive understanding of each process.

My name is Joe Burnich with Big West Academy, and we’re here to help you make the most of your online presence. Be sure to download the cheat sheet and start optimizing your Google Business Profile today!