Listing ownership
Claim or take back your Google listing
Find the existing profile first. Claim it or request access with a business-controlled Google account, then keep the owner as primary owner.
Ask about my listingThe direct answer
Recover the real listing instead of starting over.
Search Google Maps for the exact business name, phone, and address. If the listing exists, use Google’s claim or request-access path. A second profile can split reviews, confuse customers, and trigger duplicate problems.
Use an account the business controls, not an employee’s personal login or an agency-only account. Record who holds primary ownership and remove old access after the handoff is complete.
If the listing says “Own this business?”
Choose the claim option, sign in with the business-controlled account, and complete the verification method Google offers. Verification may use video, phone, email, mail, or another method depending on the business.
If a former agency or employee owns it
Request access to the existing profile and keep a record of the request. Google gives the current owner a response window. Service-area businesses may need the Business Profile support route.
- Don’t create a replacement profile
- Gather licenses, signage, vehicle, address, and ownership proof
- Ask for primary ownership, not another shared password
- Review every remaining manager after recovery
Lock it down after access returns
Add at least one other trusted business-controlled owner, confirm the public phone and website, and remove people who no longer work on the account. Never hand over the only owner role to a vendor.
Keep reading
Useful next steps.
Straight answers
Questions owners ask.
Call or text (509) 557-0797 if your situation doesn’t fit these answers.
What if somebody else manages the profile?+
Request access to the existing profile. Google contacts the current owner and provides the next step; don’t make a duplicate while you wait.
Should my marketing company be the primary owner?+
No. A Google account controlled by your business should retain primary ownership. Give helpers only the access they need.
What if I bought the business?+
Ask the seller to transfer primary ownership and keep documents showing the sale. A name change or new owner does not automatically justify a second listing.
Can Spruce Local claim it for me?+
We can guide the claim and clean up access, but Google may require the business owner to complete verification. You keep ownership.
Ready when you are
Want a second set of eyes on your listing?
No pressure. No long sales process. Just a clear starting point.