A split screen showing a business owner with a king crown on one side and a business manager with a hand icon hovering over a Google My Business listing on the other.
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Google Business Profile: Owner vs. Manager

In today’s digital age, establishing a robust online presence is paramount for businesses of all sizes. A Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly known as Google My Business, serves as a virtual storefront, enabling businesses to manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps. A well-optimized GBP enhances visibility, attracts customers, and fosters growth.

Central to managing a GBP effectively is understanding the roles of Owner and Manager. These roles determine the level of access and control granted to individuals overseeing the profile. This comprehensive guide delves into the distinctions between GBP Owners and Managers, outlining their respective permissions and responsibilities. By grasping these differences, businesses can effectively manage their GBP, optimize their online presence, and maximize their digital footprint.

What is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile is a free tool that empowers businesses to manage their online presence across Google. It encompasses essential information such as business name, address, contact details, hours of operation, customer reviews, and photos. By claiming and verifying their GBP, businesses can:

  • Enhance visibility on Google Search and Maps
  • Attract potential customers seeking local products or services
  • Provide accurate and up-to-date information to customers
  • Engage with customers through reviews and Q&A
  • Gain insights into customer interactions and profile performance

Understanding Google Business Profile Roles: Owner vs. Manager

Efficient management of a Google Business Profile often involves multiple individuals contributing to its upkeep and optimization. Google provides distinct roles, each with varying levels of access and control over the profile:

The Google Business Profile Owner

The Owner holds the highest level of authority within a GBP. They possess complete control over the profile and are solely responsible for critical actions such as:

  • Transferring Ownership: Owners have the exclusive right to transfer ownership of the GBP to another individual or entity. This action permanently relinquishes their control over the profile.
  • Removing the Profile: Owners retain the ability to permanently remove the GBP from Google. This action is irreversible and results in the complete deletion of the profile and associated data.
  • Managing Managers: Owners can grant Manager access to other individuals, empowering them with specific permissions to contribute to the profile’s management. Owners can also modify Manager permissions or remove them entirely.

The Google Business Profile Manager

Managers play a crucial role in assisting with the day-to-day operations of a GBP. They possess a more limited scope of permissions compared to Owners but can contribute significantly to the profile’s success. Managers can perform actions such as:

  • Editing Business Information: Managers can update essential business details like address, phone number, hours of operation, and website URL. This ensures that customer-facing information remains accurate and up-to-date.
  • Responding to Reviews: Managers can engage with customers by responding to reviews, addressing concerns, and fostering positive interactions.
  • Uploading Photos and Videos: Managers can enhance the profile’s visual appeal and provide valuable insights into the business by uploading relevant photos and videos.
  • Creating Posts: Managers can utilize the Posts feature to share timely updates, promotions, and engaging content, keeping customers informed and fostering a dynamic online presence.
  • Viewing Insights: Managers can access performance data, gaining insights into customer interactions, post engagement, and overall profile effectiveness. This data-driven approach enables them to make informed decisions regarding profile optimization.

It’s important to note that Managers cannot transfer ownership or remove the GBP, ensuring the Owner retains ultimate control over these critical actions.

Choosing the Right Roles: Best Practices

Determining the appropriate roles for individuals managing a Google Business Profile requires careful consideration of their responsibilities and the level of access required. Here are some best practices for assigning roles effectively:

  • Business Owner as Primary Owner: The primary business owner should ideally assume the Owner role, retaining ultimate control and decision-making authority over the GBP.
  • Managers for Day-to-Day Tasks: Assign Manager roles to individuals responsible for tasks like updating information, responding to reviews, and creating engaging content. This allows for efficient profile management without compromising the Owner’s control.
  • Granting Specific Permissions: Utilize the granular permission settings within GBP to tailor Manager access based on their responsibilities. This ensures individuals only have access to the features they need, minimizing the risk of unintended changes.
  • Regularly Review and Update Roles: As business needs evolve and personnel changes occur, periodically review and update GBP roles. Ensure that only authorized individuals have the appropriate level of access to maintain profile security and integrity.

Additional Considerations for Managing Roles

When managing roles within a Google Business Profile, it’s essential to consider these additional factors:

  • Communication and Collaboration: Foster clear communication channels between Owners and Managers to ensure seamless coordination and effective profile management.
  • Training and Support: Provide adequate training and support to Managers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to utilize GBP features effectively and contribute to the profile’s success.
  • Security and Privacy: Regularly review and update account passwords and implement two-factor authentication to enhance security and safeguard the profile against unauthorized access.

Conclusion

A Google Business Profile serves as a cornerstone of a business’s online presence, facilitating customer engagement, enhancing visibility, and driving growth. Understanding the distinct roles of Owners and Managers is crucial for effective profile management. By assigning appropriate roles, granting specific permissions, and fostering communication and collaboration, businesses can unlock the full potential of their GBP. A well-managed GBP empowers businesses to establish a robust digital footprint, attract customers, and thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Note: Zing Business Systems provides done-for-you solutions for Google Business Profiles or provides ideas and solutions for the DIY business owner.

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Author: Matt Kallunki

Background and Experience Born in North Carolina and raised in a military family that moved frequently across North America, Europe, and Hong Kong, Matt Kallunki learned the values of adaptability and resilience from an early age. He enlisted in the Army National Guard at 17, bringing dedication and commitment to his service—a trait he has carried through every opportunity since. His education at Utah Valley University and later at Utah State University, along with diverse roles in technology, hospitality, and marketing, has shaped a career marked by innovation and leadership. As a veteran, Kallunki proudly leads Zing Business Systems, a veteran-owned and operated business. Inspiration and Innovation The constant throughout Kallunki’s career has been the importance of effective marketing—an insight first gained while running his initial restaurant. This understanding guided him through various entrepreneurial and consulting roles, eventually leading to the foundation of Zing Business Systems. Here, Kallunki has harnessed emerging technologies to provide small businesses with smart, scalable communication solutions. Zing Business Systems: Bridging Technology and Opportunity Zing Business Systems turns everyday challenges into growth opportunities. The company's flagship service, the Missed Call Text Back, ensures that small businesses never miss out on potential customer engagements. Kallunki equips his clients with tools that streamline communication, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—their core business and customer relationships. Customer Impact Kallunki's technology revolutionizes how businesses interact with customers. From automotive to professional services, he helps business owners centralize operations and automate routine tasks, significantly enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Looking Ahead Dedicated to continuous innovation and expansion, Zing Business Systems is committed to empowering more businesses with effective communication tools. With over two decades of marketing experience and a lifelong passion for service, Kallunki is redefining standards in business engagement and management. More About Matt In addition to his professional pursuits, Matt Kallunki is a lifelong motivated learner with a diverse array of hobbies and interests that span both creative and technical fields. From open boat sailing and spear fishing to ham radio operation and gardening, Matt's activities reflect his broad interests and relentless curiosity. A Cold War to present military enthusiast and avid reader, he also indulges in audiobooks, constantly seeking new knowledge and adventures. As a certified scuba instructor and divemaster, Matt takes his passion for exploration below the water's surface, teaching others and enjoying the serene beauty of the underwater world. His love for hands-on creation is evident in his skills in woodworking and metalworking, while his technical acumen shines through in his interests in cybersecurity and networking. Photography is another passion, capturing moments from his ventures and everyday life, showcasing his artistic eye and attention to detail. Whether it’s running marathons, launching high-powered rockets, or nurturing his garden, each hobby Matt engages in reflects a facet of his dynamic personality and relentless pursuit of growth and excellence. Connect with Matt Kallunki You can connect with Matt and learn more about his work and Zing Business Systems through various platforms: Visit https://blog.zingacp.com/about-us-page for social and medial links.