Managing your online presence effectively is crucial for business success, and Google My Business (GMB)—now part of Google Business Profile—offers the perfect platform for businesses to maintain their visibility on Google Search and Maps. Sharing management duties by adding a manager can help streamline operations while safeguarding your business profile. This guide explains everything UK businesses need to know about adding a manager to their Google My Business account.
Why Add a Manager to Your Google My Business Account?
Adding a manager to your GMB account ensures efficient management of your business profile by allowing a trusted individual to assist with specific tasks. This might include responding to customer reviews, updating business information, or posting content to keep your audience engaged.
Not only does it save time, but it also allows the business owner to delegate responsibility while maintaining control over sensitive operations. Managers are granted specific access rights that prevent them from making critical changes, such as transferring ownership or deleting the profile.
Roles in Google My Business
Before you add someone to your account, it’s important to understand the different roles and their permissions:
- Primary Owner: This is the highest level of access, with the ability to manage every aspect of the account, including adding or removing users.
- Owner: Similar to the Primary Owner but cannot remove the Primary Owner.
- Manager: Can edit most aspects of the profile, such as updating information and handling reviews, but cannot add or remove users.
- Site Manager: This role is limited to tasks such as managing posts and uploading photos.
Understanding these distinctions is vital to assigning appropriate levels of access based on the user’s role in your business.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Manager to Google My Business
Step 1: Log in to Your Google My Business Account
Go to Google Business Profile and sign in using the account linked to your business. Only users with Primary Owner or Owner permissions can add new managers, so make sure you’re logged in with the correct credentials.
Step 2: Access the Users Section
Once logged in, select the relevant business profile. If you manage multiple listings, choose the correct one from the dashboard. Then, navigate to the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner and select Users from the list.
Step 3: Add a New Manager
In the Users section, you’ll see a list of current users and their roles. To add someone new, click the Add Users button, typically found in the top-right corner of the screen. Enter the email address of the person you wish to add.
Step 4: Assign a Role
Choose the appropriate role for the new user from the dropdown menu. If you only want the person to assist with updates and reviews, the Manager role is usually sufficient. Once selected, click Invite to send the invitation.
Step 5: Await Confirmation
The person you’ve invited will receive an email asking them to accept the invitation. Once they do, their name will appear in the Users section, and they’ll have the permissions you assigned.
Common Problems When Adding a Manager
Sometimes, adding a manager doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. If the person doesn’t receive the invitation, confirm that their email address is correct and linked to a Google account. It’s also worth advising them to check their spam folder if they don’t see the invite in their inbox.
If you don’t see the option to add users, it’s likely because you don’t have the necessary permissions. Only the Primary Owner or an Owner can add or remove managers, so you’ll need to ensure you’re accessing the account with the correct role.
How to Remove a Manager
If a manager no longer requires access, removing them is simple. Go to the Users section of your GMB account, locate the person’s name, and click the three-dot menu beside it. Select Remove Access, and their permissions will be revoked immediately.
Making the Most of Google My Business Management
Adding a manager is just the start. Once you’ve delegated tasks, you can focus on growing your business while ensuring your GMB profile remains up to date and engaging. To make the most of collaborative management:
- Set clear expectations. Define roles and responsibilities, such as who handles reviews and who updates opening hours or posts content.
- Monitor changes. Regularly review updates to ensure they reflect your brand values and maintain professionalism.
- Use insights. Google provides analytics on customer interactions with your profile. Use this data to assess what’s working and refine your strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add multiple managers to my Google My Business account?
Yes, you can add multiple managers and assign roles based on their responsibilities.
What happens if a manager makes an error when updating the profile?
All changes are logged, so you can review and correct any errors if needed. Owners have the ultimate authority to reverse updates.
Can managers delete my business profile?
No, only the Primary Owner or Owner can delete a business profile. Managers do not have this level of access.
Is it possible to transfer ownership of my Google My Business account?
Yes, the Primary Owner can transfer ownership to another user in the Users section.
What should I do if I lose access to my GMB account?
Contact Google Support to recover access. You’ll need to provide verification that you own the business.
Can I downgrade a user’s role after assigning it?
Yes, you can change a user’s role at any time through the Users section.
Thanks for reading todays blog…
Adding a manager to your Google My Business account is a straightforward process that can significantly improve the way your profile is managed. By delegating responsibilities and collaborating effectively, you can ensure your business remains visible, professional, and appealing to potential customers.
At Your Local Listings, we specialise in helping UK businesses optimise their online presence. If you need assistance managing your GMB profile or improving your local SEO, get in touch with our team of experts today.
