Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most powerful tools for driving visibility, phone calls, and foot traffic from search — especially for local businesses. But here’s a question most business owners never think to ask:
Who actually has access to your profile right now?
Over time, it’s easy to lose track — maybe a former employee, a freelance marketer, an agency you no longer work with, or even the person who originally set it up still has access.
That’s a risk you can’t afford.
An outdated or unmonitored access list isn’t just a minor security concern — it opens the door to:
- Unauthorized edits to your business info
- Confusing or outdated posts
- Unnecessary delays when updating your listing
- Or worse, being locked out of your own profile
As someone who manages over 40 local listings (including my own), I’ve seen firsthand how overlooked this issue is — and how costly it can be if left unchecked.
🧭 How to Take Back Control of Your GBP Access
Here’s a simple, step-by-step audit to help you see exactly who has access and ensure you stay in control:
✅ Step-by-Step: Review Your Access List
- Log in to the Gmail account connected to your Google Business Profile
- Search your business name in Google
- In the profile dashboard, click the three-dot menu (⋮)
- Select “Business Profile Settings”
- Click “People and Access”
- Review each email and name listed
If you don’t recognize an email, pause and investigate. Before removing anyone, double-check with your internal team or previous digital partners to avoid cutting off someone who may still be actively supporting your listing.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the Right Roles
Always keep Primary Ownership under someone in your organization — ideally you. Only assign Manager access to collaborators like agencies or freelancers. This way, they can help you manage your profile without risking accidental or unauthorized changes.
✅ Owners can add/remove users and make key changes
✅ Managers can post updates, respond to reviews, and update info — but can’t remove other users or transfer ownership
👋 Need Help Auditing or Securing Your Profile?
I’m Nelson Isibor, a Local SEO Specialist helping over 40 local businesses (including my own) grow with product-led SEO and Google Business Profile optimization. Whether you need help recovering access, reviewing user roles, or improving organic visibility, I’ve got you covered.
✅ Let’s Keep Your Profile Safe, Visible, and Working for You
Need help reviewing your GBP access or tightening up security? [Reach out here] — I’ll help you lock down your listing and maximize your local visibility with confidence.
