How to Secure Your Google Business Profile?

Your Google Business Profile is a vital asset for your business. However, it is also vulnerable to various threats, including hackers and spammers. To protect your business and maintain your online presence, it’s crucial to implement effective security measures. In this blog, we will explore essential tips to safeguard your Google Business Profile and ensure its integrity.

Why Protecting Your Google Business Profile Is Essential

Think of your Google Business Profile as the front door to your business. Just as you wouldn’t leave your home open to intruders, you shouldn’t leave your online profile vulnerable. A compromised profile can lead to significant losses, including damaged reputation and decreased customer trust.

With the increasing number of cyber threats, protecting your profile is more important than ever. Hackers, spammers, and other digital troublemakers are constantly on the lookout for easy targets. By taking proactive measures, you can shield your profile from these risks and maintain your business’s credibility.

Implement Two-Step Verification

The first step in securing your Google Business Profile is enabling two-step verification (2SV). This feature adds an extra layer of security by requiring not just your password but also a second form of verification, typically a code sent to your phone.

Here’s how to enable two-step verification:

1. Open your Google account.
2. Select “Security” from the navigation panel.
3. Under “How you sign in to Google,” select “Two-step verification.”
4. Follow the on-screen steps to complete the setup.

By activating 2SV, even if someone manages to obtain your password, they won’t be able to access your account without your phone.

Add an Extra Owner

Another effective security measure is to add an additional owner to your Google Business Profile. This is particularly useful in case you cannot access your main account for any reason.

To add an extra owner, follow these steps:

1. Go to your Google Business Profile.
2. Click on the menu (three dots).
3. Select “Business Profile settings.”
4. Click on “People and access.”
5. Click “Add” and enter the email address of the new owner.
6. Choose “Owner” under access and click “Invite.”

This ensures that you have a backup to manage your profile, reducing the risk of being locked out.

Limit Profile Access

Keeping access to your Google Business Profile restricted is essential for security. The fewer people who have access, the lower the risk of unauthorized changes or breaches.

Regularly review and update the list of users who have access to your profile. Remove access for anyone who no longer needs it, such as former employees or marketing agencies.

To remove users, do the following:

1. Go to your Google Business Profile.
2. Click on the menu (three dots).
3. Select “Business Profile settings.”
4. Click on “People and access.”
5. Identify unwanted users and click on “Remove person.”

Staying vigilant about who has access to your profile is a key aspect of maintaining its security.

Remove Third-Party App Access

If you claimed your listing a while ago, you may have granted access to various third-party applications. These apps can sometimes send incorrect information to your Google Business Profile.

To ensure your profile remains accurate, regularly check which apps have access. If there are apps you no longer need, it’s best to remove them. Here’s how:

1. Log into your Google account.
2. Visit the specific link provided for managing third-party app access.
3. Review the list and remove any apps you no longer want connected.

By managing app access, you can maintain control over the information displayed on your profile.

Prevent Unauthorized Edits

Did you know that anyone can suggest changes to your Google Business Profile? This includes spammers, competitors, and even disgruntled former employees. These suggested changes can negatively impact your business’s online presence.

To prevent unauthorized edits, consider using a tool from Whitespark that alerts you in real time about any suggested changes. This allows you to review and reject any modifications that are not in your best interest. The cost of this service is minimal, making it a worthwhile investment for peace of mind.

Conclusion

Protecting your Google Business Profile is crucial for maintaining your business’s reputation and security. By implementing the strategies discussed, such as enabling two-step verification, adding an extra owner, limiting access, and managing third-party apps, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and edits.

Remember, your Google Business Profile is a valuable asset. Don’t let it become a target for malicious actors. Take action now to secure your profile and ensure your business continues to thrive online.