A giant hand lifting a Google Maps pin with a small business inside of it to another hand.
Google Business Profile

Why Changing Ownership Is Important

Your Google Business Profile (GBP, formerly Google My Business) is your business’s digital storefront. It’s often the first point of contact for potential customers searching for your products or services online. Therefore, ensuring the right person or team has ownership is crucial for several reasons:

  • Security: Only the rightful owner should have access to sensitive business information, update details, and manage customer interactions.
  • Business Continuity: If a business is sold or management changes, a smooth ownership transfer ensures the GBP remains active and accurate.
  • Reputation Management: The owner has the authority to respond to reviews, address customer queries, and maintain the brand’s online reputation.
  • Data Integrity: Preventing unauthorized access protects your business data and ensures its accuracy for customers and search engines.

Common Scenarios Requiring Ownership Transfer

Several situations might necessitate a change in your GBP ownership:

  • Selling Your Business: When selling, transfer ownership to the new owner to maintain the profile’s history and customer reviews.
  • Hiring a Marketing Agency: Granting manager-level access to your agency allows them to optimize your profile without full ownership transfer.
  • Internal Staffing Changes: If an employee managing the GBP leaves, transfer ownership to their replacement or a designated individual.
  • Business Closure or Mergers: If closing or merging, you might transfer ownership to a new entity or close the profile entirely.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Ownership

Google makes transferring ownership relatively straightforward. Here’s a comprehensive guide to walk you through the process:

1. Access Your Google Business Profile

  1. Sign in to the Google account that manages your GBP.
  2. Go to https://business.google.com/.
  3. If you manage multiple profiles, select the relevant one.

2. Navigate to Users

  1. On the left-hand menu, find and click on Users.

3. Add the New Owner

  1. Click on the Invite Users button in the top right corner.
  2. Enter the email address of the person you want to make the new owner.
  3. Crucially, under the Choose a role dropdown, select Owner.
  4. Click Invite.

4. New Owner Accepts the Invitation

  1. The new owner will receive an email notification with instructions.
  2. They’ll need to click the link in the email and sign in to their Google account (or create one if they don’t have one).
  3. They must then accept the invitation to become the owner.

5. (Optional) Remove the Previous Owner

  1. Once the new owner has accepted, the previous owner (you) can choose to remove themselves from the profile or remain as a manager.
  2. To remove, go back to the Users section, find your name, and click the three dots next to it.
  3. Select Remove User.

Important Considerations

  • Communication is Key: Before initiating a transfer, communicate clearly with the new owner about the process and their responsibilities.
  • Use a Valid Email Address: Double-check that the email address used for the new owner is accurate to avoid delays.
  • Time Sensitivity: The new owner has a limited time (typically a week) to accept the invitation. If they don’t, you’ll need to resend it.
  • Check Spam Folders: Occasionally, invitation emails might land in spam folders. Advise the new owner to check there if they don’t see the email.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are solutions to some frequently encountered issues:

  • Can’t Find the Users Section: You may not have sufficient permissions on the GBP. Contact the current primary owner to grant you access.
  • New Owner Didn’t Receive the Invitation: Check spam folders, verify the email address, and try resending the invitation.
  • Unable to Remove Yourself as Owner: Ensure the new owner has accepted the invitation and is listed as the owner. Only then can the previous owner be removed.

Additional Tips

  • Document the Transfer: For legal and record-keeping purposes, consider documenting the transfer of ownership in writing, including the date and confirmation from both parties.
  • Update Profile Information: After the transfer, review and update all profile information (contact details, website, etc.) to reflect the new ownership accurately.
  • Monitor the Profile: Keep an eye on the GBP for a while after the transfer to ensure everything is functioning correctly and that the new owner has control.

Conclusion

Transferring ownership of your Google Business Profile is essential for maintaining your online presence and ensuring a smooth transition during significant business changes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effortlessly transfer ownership while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of your profile. If you have any doubts or require assistance, contacting Google Business Profile support is always advisable.

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.