Many businesses discover they already have a Google Business Profile they never created — Google auto-generates listings from publicly available data. Claiming this existing profile is essential: without claiming it, you cannot update incorrect information, respond to reviews, or prevent someone else from claiming it first.
Why This Matters in 2026
Businesses that rank in the top 3 of Google Maps for their primary search terms receive the majority of local search traffic. Whether you are dealing with a specific GBP challenge or building your local search presence from the ground up, having the right information and the right tools makes the difference between growing through Google and being invisible to the customers who need you.
Finding and Claiming an Existing Profile
Search your business name on Google
If a profile exists, it will appear in the Knowledge Panel or local results
Check if it is claimed or unclaimed
Unclaimed profiles show 'Own this business?' or 'Claim this business' links
Click 'Claim this business' or 'Own this business?'
This begins the verification process
Choose a verification method
Phone, email, postcard, or video depending on what Google offers
Complete verification
Follow the steps for your chosen method; once verified you will have full management access
When Ownership Is Already Claimed
If the profile is already claimed by someone else (a previous owner, ex-employee, or agency), Google shows a 'Request access' option. You will need to provide your contact details and a reason for the access request. Google notifies the current owner who has 7 days to respond. If they do not respond within 7 days, Google may grant you access. If they deny the request, you can escalate through Google's support to resolve the dispute.
What to Do Immediately After Claiming
Review and update all information
Check every field for accuracy — auto-generated profiles often contain errors
Remove any incorrect information added by previous managers
Check for fake reviews, incorrect hours, or wrong categories
Upload your own photos
Replace any auto-generated or user-added photos with your own professional images
Complete the full 40-factor optimisation
Treat a newly claimed profile like a new setup — complete every field and start building reviews
Next Steps and How Ampli5 Pulse Helps
The information in this guide gives you the strategy. Ampli5 Pulse gives you the platform to execute it — rank tracking, AI review management, post scheduling, competitor intelligence, and automated reporting all in one place, designed for local businesses managing from 1 to 100+ locations.