Who Can Edit Your Google Business Profile (and How to Stay in Control)
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most important tools for getting found locally. It’s often the first thing potential customers see when they search for your business.
But here’s the kicker: you’re not the only one who can edit it.
That’s right, several different people (and even Google itself) can make changes to your profile. And if you’re not paying attention, you could lose control of how your business appears online.
In this post, we’ll cover who can edit your Google Business Profile, what types of changes they can make, and most importantly, how to stay in control.
Who Can Edit Your Google Business Profile?
1) You (the primary owner)
If you’ve claimed and verified your profile, you’re the main decision-maker. You can add business information, update hours, respond to reviews, and more.
2) Managers and additional users
If you’ve added other people (like staff or an agency) as managers or site managers, they can make changes too. Each role comes with different levels of access:
Owner: Full control (including removing other users).
Manager: Can edit most info, post updates, and respond to reviews.
Site Manager: Limited control, usually focused on content like posts or photos.
3) Google
Yes, Google itself can edit your listing. It uses information from customers, third-party sources, and its own algorithms to update details like opening hours, phone numbers, or even your business category.
4) The public
Anyone can suggest edits to your listing. Even your competitors. These suggested changes can affect your profile if you don’t monitor them. They often show up in the “Updates from Google” section in your dashboard.
What Kind of Changes Can Be Made?
Business name
Address & service area
Phone number
Business category
Opening hours
Website URL
Photos & videos
Questions & answers
Reviews
Some of these changes can go live without you even being notified, which is why regular monitoring is essential.
How to Stay in Control of Your Profile
Log in regularly
Check your Google Business Profile dashboard at least once a week. You’ll spot any edits or updates that need approval.
Turn on notifications
In your GBP settings, enable email alerts for updates and new reviews.
Assign access carefully
Only give manager access to people you fully trust. If you work with an agency, ensure their role is appropriate.
Verify any changes
When you see “Updates from Google,” review and approve or reject them quickly.
Use the Google Business Profile app
It makes it easier to respond to changes or reviews on the go.
Why It Matters
Your Google Business Profile is like a digital shopfront. If the information is wrong, incomplete, or hijacked by edits you didn’t approve, it could cost you customers.
Staying in control keeps your business information accurate, your profile trustworthy, and your local SEO strong.
If you do one thing this week…
Log into your Google Business Profile and check for any edits. It takes a few minutes, but it can save you from big headaches later.
Need help managing your profile?
At SO SEO, I make sure local businesses in the SO postcode area stay in full control of how they show up online. Send me a message if you have any questions.
Can anyone edit my Google Business Profile?
Only verified owners, assigned managers, Google, and people submitting public suggestions can make edits. But Google may publish suggested changes if you don’t review them.
How do I stop Google from changing my profile?
You can’t fully stop Google updates, but you can log in regularly, review “Updates from Google,” and reject any incorrect changes.
What’s the difference between an owner and a manager on Google Business Profile?
Owners have full control, including adding or removing other users. Managers can edit most information and post updates but can’t change ownership.
How often should I check my Google Business Profile?
At least once a week, especially if you’re in a competitive industry or have had changes suggested in the past.
