How to re-claim my business listing when it’s been claimed by someone else?
Google Business Profile to some might appear redundant. After all, you have established a presence on social media platforms, and already have a listed address, a contact page with phone number mentioned there. Google bots can easily crawl through your website and grab the information without you doing a single thing.
It is great for localizing your business and improve your location on Google Maps. People usually search for a business through Google search or Google Map (if they plan to visit). Having the right Google Business listing will ensure people are contacting the right guy!
Why Should you Make a Google Business Profile?
- Google will Display your Phone Number
- It Paves Way for Customer Interaction
- You can Add Photographs for Increased Exposure
- You can get a Short URL for your Business
- You will enhance your Business for Local SEO
- You can Use it to Gain Insights
Google will Display your Phone Number
The easiest way for anyone to get in touch with you is still through phone. Providing a phone number increases the legitimacy of your brand. Your professional phone number can help you manage your calls.
It Paves Way for Customer Interaction
Listing your business with Google also paves the way for engaging with customers. The customers can easily drop their reviews which you can read, and even respond to.
You can Add Photographs for Increased Exposure
Visuals are a great way for any business to attract audience. Google statistics show that adding photos can increase requests for directions on Google maps by 42 percent.
You can get a Short URL for your Business
Google Business listing will help you to keep things simple, especially your website’s URL.
You will enhance your Business for Local SEO
You can localize your business and optimize it for domestic audience. People in the vicinity will be able to find your business easily.
You can Use it to Gain Insights
You can get an idea about your audience, and how the local search performs.
How to Reclaim Ownership of a Google My Business listing
Check for the person who claimed the account
One of the common reasons of why you cannot claim your business is because the previous owner did not transfer the listing.
What if I do not know who claimed the account?
- Use your official email ID
- Choose listing type: Storefront/Hybrid or Service Area Business
- Visit business.google.com/add and search your business
- Click "Request access" and fill the form
How to Claim a Service Area Business When Someone Else Claimed Your Business on Google
- Search for your business
- Click "Own this business?"
- Enter details and verify via email
- Click "Request access" and submit
What Happens after your Request is Submitted?
The current owner will have three days to respond by either approving, denying, or ignoring the request.
If approved
You gain full access.
If denied
You’ll receive an email with an option to appeal.
If no response
Click "View request" from confirmation email and proceed to claim.
If You Know the Person Who Claimed your Business Profile
Ask them to transfer the ownership. If they forgot the login, they can try to recover it.
Conclusion
Google Business Profile is a free platform that helps businesses manage their local presence on Google. If your listing is claimed by someone else, you can request access or appeal through Google.