You have put significant effort into building your local business. Now, the main goal is helping customers find you online. A Google Business Profile is the primary place where people discover local services.

Managing this profile takes time and specific expertise you might not possess. That is where an SEO agency comes in to assist. They can optimize your profile, manage reviews, and track critical performance metrics.

However, you first need to understand how to share Google My Business with SEO agency teams safely. You must provide access without handing over full ownership of your asset. This guide serves as a comprehensive resource to managing these permissions.

Table of Contents:

• Why You Should Share Access With an SEO Agency
• Understanding User Roles and Permissions
• How to Share Google My Business With SEO Agency
• What Your Agency Can Do With Manager Access
• Things to Consider Before Granting Access
• Monitoring Your Agency’s Work
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Alternative Ways to Work With Agencies
• Measuring Success After Sharing Access
• When to Remove Agency Access
• Special Considerations for Multi-Location Businesses
• Integrating With Other Marketing Tools
• Understanding Agency Pricing Models
• Frequently Asked Questions
  • Can I share my Google Business Profile without giving out my password?
  • Does an SEO agency need my physical address to manage the listing?
  • Will my agency also get access to my Google Ads account?
  • What if I don’t have a Google Business Profile account yet?
  • Can an agency manage my website design through the profile?
• Conclusion

Why You Should Share Access With an SEO Agency

Running a business involves juggling countless different tasks daily. Marketing duties often fall to the bottom of the priority list. An agency that specializes in local SEO focuses entirely on getting you found online.

They know exactly what works and what strategies fail in the current market. When you share Google Profile access with them, they handle the difficult technical work. They will update your business hours, add fresh photos, and engage with customer reviews.

This arrangement frees you to focus on your core operations. Additionally, agencies possess a powerful tool set and strategies that most business owners lack. They utilize advanced software to track rankings and competitor movements.

Google controls a massive portion of search traffic in the US. If you are not showing up there, you are invisible to most potential customers. Partnering with a professional ensures your online marketing efforts yield actual results.

Proper management of your business listing is essential for growth. An expert team ensures your operating hours and physical address are always accurate. This consistency builds trust with both Google and your clients.

Understanding User Roles and Permissions

The Google Business Profile account system offers tiered access levels. You do not have to hand over complete control to your marketing partner. Understanding these roles is the first step to secure collaboration.

Google provides three main user roles you can assign to team members or agencies. Choosing the right one protects your business account from unauthorized changes.

Role	Capabilities	Best Used For
Owner	Full control, including adding or removing users and deleting the profile.	The primary business owner only.
Manager	Can edit business info, manage reviews, and post updates. Cannot manage users.	SEO agencies, marketing managers, and partners.
Site Manager	Limited permissions restricted mostly to website management.	Web designers or junior staff.

Most partners will request Manager access to your business profiles. This level gives them what they need without allowing them to lock you out. It is the safest way to grant access for day-to-day operations.

You should always maintain Owner status for yourself. This ensures you retain the final say over your business listing. Never transfer primary ownership unless you are selling the company.

How to Share Google My Business With SEO Agency

The process to add user permissions is straightforward and quick. You will need a computer and the email address of your agency contact. Follow this step-by-step guide to complete the connection.

First, log into your Google Business Profile manager. You can usually access this by searching for your business on Google while logged in. Look for the three dots or the management dashboard on the screen.

Select the specific business profile listing you wish to share. If you own multiple stores, verify you are selecting the correct business location. Mistakes here can lead to confusion later.

Click on “Business Profile settings” or look for the “Users” icon. This action takes you to the manage users interface. Here, you will see a list of everyone who currently has profile access.

Click the “Add Users” button to begin the invitation process. A dialog box will appear asking for the recipient’s information. Enter your agency’s provided email address here.

Double-check the email for typos before moving forward. Next, choose the access level from the dropdown menu. For most SEO services, “Manager” is the appropriate choice.

Click the “Invite” button to send the request. Google will immediately email an invitation to your agency. They must accept this invitation to complete the account access setup.

Your agency will receive the notification and accept it. Once they do, they will have manager status on your profile. This entire process typically takes less than five minutes.

What Your Agency Can Do With Manager Access

Once your agency has management tool access, they can execute their strategy. They usually start by auditing your current digital footprint. They will examine your business information, media, and existing reviews.

After the audit, they develop a plan to improve your search engine optimization. Their goal is to maximize your visibility on Google Maps and Search. Here is what they can do with Manager permissions.

They will update your operating hours and contact details. Keeping this data current is vital for smooth operations. They can also rewrite your business description to include relevant keywords.

Agencies will upload high-quality photos and videos to showcase your work. Visual content significantly increases engagement rates. They will also respond to customer reviews in a professional manner.

They can post updates, events, and special offers directly to your profile. These posts appear in Google Search results. They will also monitor analytics access to track performance trends.

Managers can add products or specific services to your listing. For example, a carpet cleaning service can list stain removal as a distinct offering. They can also answer customer questions in the Q&A section.

All these actions help you rank higher in local search results. Better listings generate more phone calls and website visits. They can also assist with reputation management if negative feedback arises.

Things to Consider Before Granting Access

Not every digital marketing agency operates with the same level of integrity. You need to verify their credentials before you share access. Start by thoroughly checking their track record in the industry.

Look at online reviews, client testimonials, and case studies. These resources provide insight into their past performance. Ask specific questions about their management process.

Find out how often they plan to update your profile. Ask what kind of reporting you will receive each month. Ensure they understand your specific industry and target audience.

Generic approaches rarely work well for distinct local businesses. Ask them about the SEO services they provide beyond basic profile setup. Here are key questions to ask potential partners.

• How many Google Business Profiles do you currently manage?
• Can you show me examples of listings you have optimized?
• What results have you achieved for other small business owners?
• How do you handle negative customer reviews?
• What is your communication process for urgent updates?

The right agency will have clear and confident answers. They will be transparent about what they can achieve. Avoid anyone who guarantees a specific number one ranking.

If you run an online store, ensure they understand digital marketing for e-commerce. A carpet cleaning company requires different strategies than a retail boutique. Match the agency’s expertise to your business type.

Monitoring Your Agency’s Work

Hiring an agency does not mean you should ignore your marketing. You should keep an eye on what is happening with your online presence. Google allows you to see all changes made to your listing.

You can review edits and updates at any time. Set up email notifications so you know when changes occur. This keeps you informed without needing constant manual checks.

Schedule regular check-in meetings with your agency team. Monthly reviews work well for most business owners. These meetings are opportunities to discuss progress and strategy.

During these calls, ask what specific changes they have implemented. Inquire about how your visibility metrics have improved. Review the sentiment of recent customer reviews together.

Discuss what they plan to do in the coming month. Good agencies will proactively share Google Analytics data with you. If they hide data, that is a warning sign.

You should also connect your profile to Google Analytics and Google Search Console. This connection tracks traffic and conversions originating from your listing. It validates the data the agency reports to you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Business owners often make avoidable errors when sharing access. These mistakes can compromise your personal data and business reputation. First, never give Owner access unless it is absolutely necessary.

Keep the Owner level for yourself or a trusted partner. Second, do not share access with agencies you have not vetted. Once they have account access, they can alter your brand messaging.

Third, avoid working with agencies that cannot explain their strategy clearly. If they are vague about their methods, do not hire them. You need to know exactly how they plan to boost local visibility.

Fourth, do not ignore your listing after hiring help. Stay involved and be aware of major changes. Finally, never use personal emails for business profile account management.

Always use a secure business email address. This ensures continuity if an employee leaves your company. These precautions protect your business address and data integrity.

Alternative Ways to Work With Agencies

Directly using the add users feature is not your only option. Some businesses prefer different working arrangements. You could pay an agency for consulting rather than management.

In this model, they provide recommendations for you to implement. This gives you complete control but requires more of your time. It effectively slows down the engine optimization process.

Another option is allowing an agency to use a dedicated “Agency Account.” This is common for larger firms managing many Google Business Profiles. It streamlines their workflow across multiple clients.

Some agencies offer training services for your in-house staff. They teach your team members how to manage the profile effectively. This builds internal capabilities for long-term success.

For businesses with many branches, agencies can set up systems. They help implement processes to handle multiple locations efficiently. This makes managing your Google Business Profile listing easier.

The best approach depends on your available resources. There is no single correct answer for every company. Assess your time and comfort level before deciding.

Measuring Success After Sharing Access

Once your agency begins work, you need to verify the results. Start by looking at basic visibility metrics provided by Google. Check if you are appearing in more local search queries.

Review your profile views and search query data. These numbers should show a consistent upward trend. Track customer actions like website clicks and direction requests.

These actions indicate people are engaging with your business’s online presence. Monitor your total review count and average star rating. A competent agency will help facilitate more positive feedback.

Check your rankings for high-value keywords related to your industry. You should see your listing climb higher in search engine results. Appearing in the “Local Pack” is a primary goal.

Most importantly, watch your actual revenue and customer intake. Are you getting more clients through the door? That is the ultimate measure of online marketing success.

Your agency should provide clear reports showing these KPIs. If the numbers are stagnant after a few months, ask why. You may need to adjust your search engine optimization strategy.

When to Remove Agency Access

Sometimes professional relationships do not work out as planned. You might decide to bring your media management in-house. Alternatively, you might switch to a different service provider.

Knowing how to remove users is just as important as adding them. Go back to the Users section in your profile dashboard. Locate the agency’s email in the list of managers.

Click the icon next to their name to open options. Select “Remove Access” to revoke their permissions. Confirm your decision, and they will be immediately disconnected.

Do this promptly when terminating a contract. Do not leave old agencies with access to your business account. It is a security risk to leave dormant users active.

Before removing them, ensure you have all login details. You do not want to accidentally lock yourself out. If switching agencies, you might allow a short overlap period.

Special Considerations for Multi-Location Businesses

Managing a single Google Business Profile is demanding. Managing multiple locations multiplies the complexity significantly. You typically need to grant access for each location separately.

Google does not always offer a simple bulk sharing option for owners. You must consider if different locations need unique access levels. Some agencies specialize specifically in multi-location management tool sets.

You might want local store managers to have access alongside the agency. This creates a collaborative team approach to profile listing management. Corporate offices often manage brand assets centrally.

However, individual franchisees often need some level of control. Communication becomes critical when many people have access. Clarify who is responsible for responding to reviews.

Agencies with dedicated accounts can manage multiple client locations efficiently. This ensures brand consistency across all your Google Maps pins. It simplifies reporting for the entire organization.

Integrating With Other Marketing Tools

Your Google Business Profile should not exist in a vacuum. It must connect with your broader digital marketing ecosystem. Many agencies integrate your profile with other robust platforms.

For example, you can summarize reviews in Slack for your team. This keeps everyone informed about customer sentiment in real-time. Some agencies connect profiles directly to CRM systems.

This tracking helps identify which customers originated from Google Search. If you use advanced marketing software, you can activate chat features. This allows for better customer communication directly through the profile.

These integrations make your overall marketing more efficient. They provide better data about what channels are working. Ask your agency about potential social media management integrations.

Connecting your profile to email marketing tools is also possible. You can collect leads or questions and funnel them appropriately. The right technical setup multiplies your marketing effectiveness.

Understanding Agency Pricing Models

Agencies charge for Google Business Profile management in various ways. Understanding these models helps you budget appropriately. Some charge a flat monthly fee for their services.

This fee typically ranges from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Others use performance-based pricing models. You pay based on results like leads or ad campaigns performance.

Some agencies bundle profile management with other services. This might include website design, content creation, or social media. Bundled packages often offer better overall value.

Cheaper is not always better in the agency world. The best providers charge fair rates for quality work. Always ask exactly what is included in the price.

Some agencies charge extra for Google Ads management or photography. Make sure you understand the contract terms clearly. Determine if you can cancel anytime or if you are locked in.

Get the scope of work in writing before you grant access. This document protects both your business and the agency. It ensures everyone agrees on the deliverables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sharing access to your digital assets can be confusing. Here are answers to common questions about managing your profile permissions.

Can I share my Google Business Profile without giving out my password?

Yes, absolutely. The method described in this guide uses email invitations to grant access. You should never share your personal login password with anyone.

Does an SEO agency need my physical address to manage the listing?

They need to know your physical address to verify your location settings. However, service area businesses may not display this address publicly. The agency makes sure these settings are configured correctly.

Will my agency also get access to my Google Ads account?

Not automatically. Google Ads and Business Profiles are separate platforms. You must grant Google Ads management permissions separately if you want them to run paid ads.

What if I don’t have a Google Business Profile account yet?

An agency can help you create and verify a new business profile account. They will guide you through the postcard or video verification process. This is the first step in establishing your online presence.

Can an agency manage my website design through the profile?

No, the profile is separate from your website. However, they can use the “Website” field to link to your site. Coordination with your web design team is often helpful for SEO consistency.

Conclusion

Learning how to share Google My Business with SEO agency partners opens doors for growth. You gain professional expertise without losing control of your digital asset. The process is simple but requires careful execution.

Choose the right agency and grant appropriate access levels. Stay involved in the process to ensure your vision is maintained. When done correctly, sharing access transforms your local visibility.

More people will find you, call you, and visit your location. Your profile becomes a robust marketing tool rather than a static listing. That is when real business expansion happens.