If you’re working with a digital marketing agency or a trusted partner to improve your online visibility, one of the first steps is granting them access to your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to do that, what roles to assign, and how access works — especially if your business has multiple locations.
Why Grant Access to Your Google Business Profile?
Your Google Business Profile is one of the most important tools for local SEO. It directly affects how your business shows up in Google Search and Maps.
If you’re hiring a marketing agency to:
- Update your business hours or description
- Respond to reviews
- Post updates or offers
- Optimize your profile for better visibility
- Add new locations
…they’ll need direct access to manage your listing.
How to Add Someone to Your Google Business Profile
Follow these simple steps to give your marketing partner access:
- Go to: https://business.google.com/
- Sign in with the Google account that owns your business listing.
- If you have more than one location, select the correct one.
- Click the gear icon for “Settings”, then select “People and access” or “Managers” (Google uses both terms depending on the interface).
- Click the “Add” button in the top-right corner.
- Enter your partner’s Google email address.
- Choose their role (see role types below).
- Click Invite.
Your partner will receive an email invitation. Once accepted, they’ll be able to help manage your profile.
Understanding Access Roles
When adding a partner, you’ll be asked to choose one of three roles. Here’s a quick breakdown:
👑 Primary Owner
- There can only be one.
- Has full control.
- Can transfer ownership to someone else.
🔐 Owner
- Full administrative control (can add/remove users, update info, create new locations).
- Multiple Owners are allowed.
- Can do everything except transfer the Primary Owner role.
✅ This is the ideal role to give a trusted marketing partner.
🛠️ Manager
- Can update business info, post updates, and reply to reviews.
- Cannot add or remove users.
- Cannot create new business locations.
This role is suitable for basic day-to-day marketing tasks — but not setup or location management.
Can a Marketing Partner Add a New Location?
That depends on their role:
- If they are an Owner: Yes, they can add new locations.
- If they are a Manager: No, only Owners can add locations.
If your business is growing and you need to add a second location, you’ll either need to:
- Add your partner as an Owner, or
- Create the new location yourself, then give them access.
Final Tips
- Always double-check the email address you’re inviting.
- You can remove access at any time.
- It’s safe to add an agency as an Owner — just keep your Primary Owner role so you retain full control.
Need Help?
If you’re working with us and would like help setting up your Google Business Profile or granting access, feel free to reach out directly. We’re happy to walk you through the process.