All Things Google Business Profile: How to Create, Claim, Verify, and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Published Mar. 11, 2025 - Kirstyn M. Yancy
How to request access to a Google Business Profile
For agencies or freelancers:
Sign into your Google account at https://www.google.com/business/. Click the three dots in the upper right and select Add a new Business Profile. Search for the business name. If the profile is claimed, click Request Access. Fill out the form and wait for approval.
How to give access to a Google Business Profile
For business owners:
Log into your Google account at https://www.google.com/business/. Select the business you want to manage. Click the three dots in the top right and choose Business Profile settings. Select People and access and click Add. Enter the person’s email, choose their role (Owner or Manager), and send the invite. Once they accept, they’ll have access.
For organization accounts: You'll need the Location Group or Business Profile Group ID. Paste it into the email field, select the group, and send the invite.
How to remove access
If someone no longer needs access:
Go to People and access in your Business Profile settings. Click their name and select Remove.
Google My Business vs. Google Business Profile
They're the same—Google rebranded Google My Business to Google Business Profile in 2022. It replaced Google Places, Google Listings, and Google+ Business Pages.
Tips to optimize your Google Business Profile
Want to stand out? Ensure your profile is fully filled out:
Are you a business owner? Do you want more customers? If you answered yes, then having a presence on Google is non-negotiable (unless, of course, you're running a top-secret business you don’t actually want people to find! 😉).
The easiest first step to getting noticed—even without a website or social media—is setting up a free Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business. It puts your business on the map, literally.
This guide, brought to you by TMS Digital, will walk you through how to give access (as a business owner) or request access (if you’re an agency or freelancer) to a Google Business Profile.
What is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free business listing that appears on Google search results, Google Maps, and Google Shopping. It lets you share essential details like hours, location, photos, and updates—making it easier for customers to find and choose your business.
Why does a Google Business Profile matter?
Beyond being free, a Google Business Profile gives you a direct line to your customers. They can find your contact info, leave reviews, ask questions, and discover your business when searching for "[your service] near me."
It also helps you communicate important updates, like holiday hours or temporary closures. Even better? It builds credibility—98% of internet users check reviews before choosing a local business.
Can I have a Google Business Profile without a physical address?
Yes! Even if you don’t have a storefront, you can set up a profile. You’ll need to provide an address for verification, but it won’t be publicly visible. Google verifies businesses through email, phone, video call, postcard, or a video recording.
Sharing access to your Google Business Profile
When working with a marketing agency, we will more than likely request access to your Google Business Profile.
- Agency or freelancer? Jump to Section 1 to request access.
- Business owner? Skip to Section 2 to learn how to grant access.
How to request access to a Google Business Profile
For agencies or freelancers:
Sign into your Google account at https://www.google.com/business/. Click the three dots in the upper right and select Add a new Business Profile. Search for the business name. If the profile is claimed, click Request Access. Fill out the form and wait for approval.
How to give access to a Google Business Profile
For business owners:
Log into your Google account at https://www.google.com/business/. Select the business you want to manage. Click the three dots in the top right and choose Business Profile settings. Select People and access and click Add. Enter the person’s email, choose their role (Owner or Manager), and send the invite. Once they accept, they’ll have access.
For organization accounts: You'll need the Location Group or Business Profile Group ID. Paste it into the email field, select the group, and send the invite.
How to remove access
If someone no longer needs access:
Go to People and access in your Business Profile settings. Click their name and select Remove.
Google My Business vs. Google Business Profile
They're the same—Google rebranded Google My Business to Google Business Profile in 2022. It replaced Google Places, Google Listings, and Google+ Business Pages.
Tips to optimize your Google Business Profile
Want to stand out? Ensure your profile is fully filled out:
- Business name, address, and phone number (NAP)
- Business description
- Photos and videos
- Products and services
- Accessibility and amenities info
- FAQs, special offers, events, and review responses