How to Add a Manager to Google My Business: A Definitive Guide

Adding a manager to your Google My Business (GMB) profile is like handing over the keys to a trusted lieutenant. It empowers you to delegate critical tasks, ensuring your business listing remains optimized, engaging, and reflective of your brand’s best self, even when you’re swamped. This guide dives deep into the process, equipping you with the knowledge to confidently manage your GMB team.

The Definitive Answer: Adding a Manager, Step-by-Step

Here’s the straight dope: adding a manager to your Google My Business profile is a breeze, but it requires you to be the Primary Owner or an Owner with sufficient permissions. Here’s the process, broken down for crystal clarity:

1. Log in: Access your Google My Business profile. Use the account you originally used to claim or create the listing. This is crucial. If you aren’t logged in as the owner, the following steps won’t work.
2. Navigate to “Users”: In the left-hand menu, click on “Users”. This is where you manage who has access to your GMB profile. If you don’t see “Users,” you likely don’t have the necessary ownership rights.
3. Invite New Users: Click the “Invite new users” icon. This is typically a plus sign icon (+) that’s clearly visible within the “Users” section.
4. Enter Email Address: Enter the email address of the person you want to add as a manager. Make absolutely sure you type the address correctly. Mistakes here are common and frustrating.
5. Select Role: From the dropdown menu, choose the role you want to assign:
   • Manager: This role provides extensive access, allowing users to edit business information, respond to reviews, post updates, view insights, and manage photos and videos. However, they cannot remove the listing or add other users.
   • Site manager: As of August 2024, this role has been removed by Google.
6. Send Invitation: Click “Invite”. An email will be sent to the invited user, prompting them to accept the invitation.
7. Awaiting Acceptance: The invited user will appear as “Pending” in the “Users” list until they accept the invitation.
8. Confirmation: Once the user accepts the invitation, their role will be updated to either “Manager”. They are now ready to help manage your GMB profile!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Your GMB Management Toolkit

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to enhance your understanding of managing users in Google My Business, going beyond the basics.

Q1: What’s the Difference Between a Manager and the Primary Owner?

The Primary Owner has ultimate control. They can manage all aspects of the listing, including adding and removing other owners and managers, transferring primary ownership, and even deleting the listing altogether. A Manager has significant control over the listing’s content and engagement, but they cannot perform administrative tasks like removing the listing or changing ownership.

Q2: Can I Have Multiple Owners for My Google My Business Listing?

Yes! This is highly recommended. Having multiple owners safeguards your listing against unforeseen circumstances. If the primary owner’s account becomes inaccessible, another owner can step in and manage the listing.

Q3: How Do I Transfer Primary Ownership of My GMB Listing?

Transferring Primary Ownership is a critical process that requires careful consideration. Here’s how:

1. Ensure the person you want to transfer ownership to is already an Owner of the listing.
2. In the “Users” section, find the user you want to designate as the new primary owner.
3. Click on their name and select “Transfer primary ownership”. Google will likely require verification before the transfer is complete.
4. Accept the Transfer: The recipient has to accept the transfer.

Q4: What Happens if the Manager I Invited Doesn’t Receive the Invitation?

First, double-check that you entered the correct email address. If the address is correct, ask the manager to check their spam or junk folder. If the invitation is still not found, you can resend the invitation from the “Users” section.

Q5: Can a Manager Remove the GMB Listing?

No, Managers cannot remove the listing. Only the Primary Owner or an Owner with appropriate permissions can remove a GMB listing. This is a security measure to prevent accidental or malicious removal.

Q6: How Do I Remove a Manager from My Google My Business Profile?

Removing a manager is straightforward:

1. Go to the “Users” section.
2. Find the manager you want to remove.
3. Click on their name, then select “Remove user”.
4. Confirm the removal. They will no longer have access to your GMB profile.

Q7: Can I Change a Manager’s Role After They’ve Been Added?

You can change a manager’s role from Manager to another role (if a suitable alternative existed). Go to the “Users” section, select the manager, and change their role using the dropdown menu. However, you can’t turn a manager into the owner.

Q8: How Long Does It Take for an Invited User to Accept the Invitation?

There’s no explicit expiration date on the invitation. However, it’s best practice to encourage the invited user to accept the invitation promptly.

Q9: What Information Can a Manager Access?

A Manager can access and manage virtually all aspects of your GMB profile, including:

• Business information (address, phone number, website)
• Responding to reviews
• Creating and publishing posts
• Managing photos and videos
• Viewing insights and analytics

Q10: Can I Limit the Specific Actions a Manager Can Take?

Unfortunately, no, you cannot granularly control specific actions a Manager can take. The Manager role has broad permissions. If you need more granular control, consider managing tasks internally without granting GMB access.

Q11: What Happens to the Listing if the Primary Owner’s Google Account is Deleted?

This is a critical point. If the Primary Owner’s Google account is deleted, the listing becomes incredibly difficult to manage or reclaim. This is why having multiple owners is so vital. If the primary owner is leaving the company or changing roles, transfer ownership before their account is deactivated.

Q12: My Business is an Agency Managing Multiple GMB Profiles. What’s the Best Way to Manage User Access?

For agencies managing multiple GMB profiles, using a Google Partner account and leveraging user groups can streamline the process. This allows you to grant access to teams of individuals across multiple listings efficiently. Contact Google support for specific guidance on setting up user groups for agency management.

Mastering user management in Google My Business is an essential skill for any business owner or marketing professional. By following these guidelines and addressing these FAQs, you can ensure your GMB profile is effectively managed by a trusted team, maximizing its potential for attracting new customers and growing your business. Remember to always prioritize security and maintain control over your listing by carefully managing user access and permissions.