How To Find Out Who Owns a Google Business Profile

Introduction.

If you’ve ever searched for a local business on Google, you’ve probably come across a Google Business Profile.

This is the listing that shows up on the right side of search results with key details like the business name, address, phone number, website, hours, and even customer reviews. It’s a crucial tool for businesses trying to reach customers online, and it helps customers find what they need quickly.

But what happens if you want to know who owns or manages one of these profiles? Maybe you’re trying to get in touch with the owner, or perhaps you’re dealing with a profile that’s being managed by someone else and want to claim it.

Finding out who owns a Google Business Profile isn’t always straightforward, but with the right steps, you can get there.

In this post, I’m going to walk you through the process of figuring out who owns a Google Business Profile and why it might matter.

Along the way, I’ll share some helpful tips, possible challenges, and answer some of the most common questions you might have.

Why It’s Important to Know Who Owns a Google Business Profile

Knowing who owns or manages a Google Business Profile can be important for several reasons:

Claiming the Profile: If you own the business but someone else controls the profile, you might need to claim it in order to update the information, respond to reviews, or make other changes.
Contacting the Right Person: Sometimes, the owner of the business is listed on the profile, but that’s not always the case. If you want to reach the person in charge, knowing who manages the profile can help.
Managing Multiple Locations: If you manage several business locations, it’s helpful to know how to locate and claim or update each one’s Google profile, especially if multiple people or teams have access.

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of finding out who owns a Google Business Profile.

How Do I Find Out Who Owns a Google Business Profile?

Step 1: Check the Google Business Profile Details

When you search for a business on Google, the Google Business Profile should show up on the right-hand side of the search results.

It usually contains details like the business address, contact information, and sometimes a link to the website.

The first thing you’ll want to do is check the profile for any contact details that might help you identify the owner.

Here are a few things you can look for:

Business Name and Website: Sometimes, the website will have a “Contact Us” or “About” page that can give you more info about the owner or business managers.
Phone Number: If a phone number is listed, you could call to ask about the profile or get in touch with the right person.
Photos or Posts: Occasionally, photos or posts may reveal the name of a business manager or the owner.

While this might not always give you direct access to the owner’s identity, it’s a good starting point.

Step 2: Look for Profile Ownership Information in Google My Business

If you’re trying to figure out who has control of a Google Business Profile (or if you need to claim it), you might need access to the Google My Business dashboard.

Google My Business is the backend platform that owners and managers use to control and update their business profiles.

However, Google doesn’t make it easy to see who specifically owns the profile from the outside. But if you’re logged into your Google account and have already been granted access to manage the profile, you may be able to see who the primary owner is. Here’s how:

Sign in to Google My Business: Go to the Google My Business website and log in with the Google account you use to manage your business.
Select the Business Profile: If you have multiple profiles, select the one you want to learn more about.
Check the Users Tab: On the dashboard, you’ll see a “Users” section under the “Manage Locations” tab. This will show you who has access to the profile and their roles (Owner, Manager, etc.).
Primary Owner: The primary owner of the profile is the person who has full control and can add or remove managers. If you’re listed here, then you already have access to the profile.

If you’re trying to find out who the primary owner is and you don’t have access, you won’t be able to see that information unless the current owner grants it to you.

Step 3: Request Ownership of the Profile

If you believe you are the rightful owner of a business but someone else is managing the Google Business Profile, you can request ownership.

Google provides a way to transfer ownership, but it requires that you prove you have a legitimate stake in the business.

Here’s how you can request ownership:

Go to Google My Business and search for your business.
Click on “Own this Business?” or “Claim this Business.”
Follow the prompts to verify that you are the owner of the business. This may involve phone verification, email verification, or providing proof of ownership like a utility bill or tax document.

Once you’ve completed the verification process, Google will send a request to the current profile owner to transfer control to you. If the current owner doesn’t respond or refuses, Google might give you the option to submit proof of ownership for further review.

Step 4: Try Reaching Out Through Social Media or Other Channels

In some cases, the owner or manager of the Google Business Profile might be more active on social media or other business platforms.

You can try searching for the business on social media to see if you can find a page that’s more directly tied to the owner.

A lot of businesses link their Google profiles with social media accounts. So, if you find their Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn profile, you might be able to send a direct message or connect with them to ask about the Google Business Profile.

Step 5: Contact Google Support

If you’re hitting a wall and need to find out who owns a Google Business Profile (whether to claim it or for other reasons), you can always contact Google’s support team for help.

They may not be able to tell you the exact person who owns the profile, but they can help guide you through the process of gaining access or resolving any issues.

To contact Google Support:

Go to Google My Business and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Click on “Support” to access the help center, or choose the option to get in touch via phone or chat.

FAQs

1. Can I see who owns a Google Business Profile?

Unfortunately, Google doesn’t directly show the profile owner unless you have access to the Google My Business dashboard. The best way to find out is by either claiming the profile or reaching out to the business directly.

2. What if I want to claim a business profile but someone else already owns it?

If someone else already owns the profile, you can request ownership through Google My Business. You’ll need to verify that you have a legitimate connection to the business.

3. Can I change the owner of a Google Business Profile?

Yes! If you’re the current owner, you can transfer ownership to another person via the Google My Business dashboard. If someone else owns the profile, you can request ownership after verifying your connection to the business.

4. How do I update a Google Business Profile if I’m not the owner?

You’ll need to request access to the profile from the current owner. If they don’t respond, you may be able to claim the profile by proving ownership.

Conclusion

Finding out who owns a Google Business Profile can be a little tricky, but it’s possible with the right steps.

Whether you’re trying to claim the profile or simply want to reach the business owner, following the outlined methods will help you get closer to your goal.

Have you ever tried claiming a Google Business Profile? What challenges did you face? Let me know in the comments!