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Can multiple users access Google Postmaster Tools for a single domain?

Summary

Multiple users can indeed access Google Postmaster Tools for a single domain. The consistent recommendation across experts, marketers, and Google's own documentation is to utilize the 'Manage Users' feature within Postmaster Tools. This method allows the domain owner to grant specific access permissions to other users, ensuring control, security, and avoiding the risks associated with sharing login credentials. It's also advised to avoid adding multiple TXT records or sharing a single Google account. Instead, assign individual accounts and appropriate access levels (admin, viewer) to maintain accountability and data security.

Key findings

  • Multiple Users Supported: Google Postmaster Tools is designed to accommodate multiple users per domain.
  • 'Manage Users' is Key: The 'Manage Users' feature is the universally recommended method for granting access.
  • Security is Paramount: Avoiding account sharing and using individual accounts with appropriate permissions enhances security.
  • Domain Owner Control: The domain owner should initiate the Postmaster Tools setup and manage user access.

Key considerations

  • Proper Setup: Ensure the domain owner correctly configures Postmaster Tools and grants appropriate access levels.
  • Avoid Sharing Accounts: Never share login credentials; instead, utilize the 'Manage Users' feature.
  • No Multiple TXT Records: Avoid adding multiple TXT records, as this can cause verification issues.
  • Access Levels Matter: Assign roles (admin, viewer) to users based on their required level of access and responsibility.
  • Individual Accountability: Using individual Google accounts for each user provides accountability and auditability.

What email marketers say

10 marketer opinions

Multiple users can access Google Postmaster Tools for a single domain. The recommended approach involves the domain owner granting access to other users through the 'Manage Users' feature within Postmaster Tools or Google Admin console. This method avoids sharing login credentials and provides better security and control. It is generally advised against using multiple TXT entries for verification or sharing a single Google account among multiple users. Instead, individual Google accounts should be granted access, and different access levels (e.g., admin, viewer) can be assigned based on the user's role.

Key opinions

  • Multiple Users Supported: Google Postmaster Tools allows multiple users to access data for a single domain.
  • Manage Users Feature: The 'Manage Users' feature is the recommended method for granting access.
  • Avoid Account Sharing: Sharing a single Google account among multiple users is not recommended due to security concerns.
  • Individual Accounts: Each user should have their own Google account for accessing Postmaster Tools.

Key considerations

  • Domain Ownership: The domain owner should be the one setting up Postmaster Tools and granting access to other users.
  • Access Levels: Different access levels (e.g., admin, viewer) can be assigned to users based on their roles and responsibilities.
  • TXT Records: Adding multiple TXT records for verification purposes is not recommended and may cause issues.
  • Security: Prioritize security by using individual accounts and the 'Manage Users' feature to control access to Postmaster Tools data.

Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Deliverability Blog shares that clients should set up Postmaster Tools themselves and grant agency access, ensuring data ownership and control remain with the client.

31 Aug 2021 - Email Deliverability Blog

Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailMarketingTips suggests setting up roles (admin, viewer) to manage access effectively instead of sharing one account.

25 May 2024 - EmailMarketingTips

What the experts say

2 expert opinions

Experts recommend that the domain owner sets up Google Postmaster Tools and grants access to other users via the 'Manage Users' feature. This method provides better control, security, and avoids the complications of sharing login credentials or the agency 'owning' the domain within GPT.

Key opinions

  • Domain Owner Setup: The domain owner should initiate and manage the Postmaster Tools setup.
  • Manage Users Feature: Using the 'Manage Users' feature is the preferred method for granting access.
  • Control and Security: This approach provides better control over who has access and enhances security.

Key considerations

  • Client Ownership: It's better for clients to maintain ownership of their domain within Postmaster Tools.
  • Avoid Account Sharing: Sharing login credentials should be avoided for security reasons.

Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise, Laura Atkins, advises that while multiple users can access Google Postmaster Tools, it's best practice to have the domain owner grant access via the 'Manage Users' feature rather than sharing login credentials. This provides better control and security. Unfortunately, the URL for this advice leads back to the general blog as it was provided in a newsletter and is not present on the site.

25 Mar 2024 - Word to the Wise

Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks suggests it is better if the client sets up Postmaster Tools and gives you access, rather than you owning their domain in GPT. She further explains the easiest thing to do is click the 3 dots and "manage users" so the owner of the account is sharing it and has complete control over who has it.

2 Mar 2024 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says

4 technical articles

Google's official documentation states that multiple users can access Google Postmaster Tools for a single domain. Access is managed through the 'Manage Users' feature, which allows administrators to grant specific permissions without sharing primary account details. While Postmaster Tools doesn't have a direct API for access management, understanding Google's general access control mechanisms and emphasizing the use of individual accounts with appropriate permissions ensures better security and audit trails.

Key findings

  • Multiple Users Allowed: Google Postmaster Tools supports access by multiple users for a single domain.
  • Manage Users Functionality: 'Manage Users' feature is the primary method for granting access.
  • No Direct API: There isn't a direct API for managing Postmaster Tools access, but general Google access control mechanisms apply.
  • Security Best Practices: Using individual accounts with appropriate permissions is essential for security and auditability.

Key considerations

  • Access Control: Properly managing user access and permissions is crucial for data security.
  • Individual Accounts: Avoid sharing accounts and encourage the use of individual Google accounts.
  • Security: Prioritize security when managing user access to Postmaster Tools.

Technical article

Documentation from Google Security emphasizes using individual accounts with appropriate permissions instead of sharing accounts for better security and audit trails.

17 Jan 2023 - Google Security

Technical article

Documentation from Google Developers outlines the use of APIs to manage access to Google services. While Postmaster Tools doesn't have a direct API, understanding Google's general access control mechanisms is beneficial.

29 Sep 2022 - Google Developers

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