What to do if someone else claimed your Google Listing

You search for your business on Google, click “Own this business?” and get a message saying the profile is already managed by someone else. Is it annoying? Yes. Is it fixable? Also yes.

Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing a homeowner sees before they call you. It drives map rankings, shows your reviews, and tells people when you’re open. If you can’t control it, you can’t fix wrong hours, respond to reviews, or keep your info accurate. Here’s how to get it back.

First, figure out who has it 👀

Before you assume the worst, think about who might have claimed it. In most cases, it’s someone you know:

• A previous marketing agency or web designer
• A former employee or office manager
• A business partner or family member
• The previous owner, if you bought the business
• An old Gmail account you set up years ago and forgot about

If you can identify the person, the fastest fix is simply asking them to add you as an owner. They can do it in a few minutes from their dashboard.

When you click “Own this business?” it typically gives you a little glimpse of the email address that has ownership of it (example: b****@l******.com). Try and deduce who that might be.

Submit an ownership request through Google

If you don’t know who has it or they aren’t cooperating, use Google’s built-in process:

1. Sign in to the Google account you want to manage the profile with. Ideally, use a business email tied to your website domain.
2. Search for your business on Google or Maps and click “Own this business?”
3. Make sure you selected the existing listing. Do not create a new one with the same name.
4. When Google tells you someone else manages it, click “Request access.“
5. Fill out the form with your name, role, and the level of access you need. Choose ownership.
6. Submit and watch your inbox for a confirmation email.

Google sends the current owner a notice and gives them time to respond. They can approve or deny the request.

If they approve it

You’ll get an email, and the profile will show up in your account. Log in, confirm everything is accurate, and remove any users who shouldn’t have access anymore.

If they ignore it

If there’s no response after about a week, go back to your confirmation email and click “View request.” You may see an option to verify the profile yourself. Verification usually happens by video, phone, text, or email, depending on what Google offers for your listing.

If they deny it

You can appeal. Open the confirmation email, click “View request,” and look for the appeal option. Have proof ready, such as:

• Business license or registration
• A utility bill or lease in the business name
• A storefront photo with signage
• Access to your website’s domain or Google Search Console

The more your documents match the name, address, and phone number on the listing, the better your chances.

If the request option doesn’t appear at all

Sometimes the listing was merged, suspended, or duplicated. Search again for any other versions of your business and start the request on the one that’s live. If you’re stuck, contact Google Business Profile support and select “Transfer ownership of listing” as your issue.

Once you’re back in, lock it down

• Make yourself the primary owner, not just a manager
• Add your agency or office staff as managers, not owners
• Use a company email
• Read every email from Google about your profile, especially ownership requests

That last one matters. Spammers and lead-gen companies regularly send ownership requests to local businesses, hoping someone clicks “approve” without reading. If you get a request you don’t recognize, deny it.

Need a hand?

Ownership disputes can drag on, especially when you’re trying to run jobs at the same time. Level Best Marketing helps contractors and home service companies recover, verify, and optimize their Google Business Profiles so the right customers can find them. Get in touch and we’ll help you take it back.