Having a Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the easiest ways to help customers find your business online. Whether someone is searching for sheds, portable buildings, or your specific dealership, a GBP makes sure your business appears on Google Search and Maps. Even if you've never set up something like this before, don’t worry—it’s simple to start from scratch, and we’ll walk you through it step by step. Plus, if you run into any trouble, the BarnDealer support team is here to help. Let’s get your business online and in front of more customers! 


How to Create a Google Business Profile


This article will walk you through starting a Google Business Profile from scratch. If you already have a Google Business Profile, check out one of our other articles:

Claiming your GBP

Completing Video Verification for your GBP

Getting your GBP un-Suspended

Add your portable buildings dealership to your current GBP


How do I know if I have a Google Business Profile?


The easiest way to see if you have a Google Business Profile is by searching for your business on Google Maps. When you do this, type in your business name and address. Once you see the search results, find the map area and see if your building is listed. It will look similar to the images below. 



IMPORTANT! Never make a second Google Business Profile. If you lose access, try to regain access. Creating a second GBP may cause both to be suspended and Google won't return your site in searches.
If you see that you already have a Google Business Profile, check out our article about Claiming Your Google Business Profile


Google requires that each Google Business Profile be unique. This means that you cannot have the same address or phone number used in two different Google Business Profiles. If you attempt to create another GBP for another business at the same address, Google may suspend both of your accounts. 


If you need help, figuring out if your business has a Google Business Profile, our BarnDealer support team are here to help!


Step 1: Sign in to Google Business

  1. Go to Google Business Profile.
  2. Click "Manage Now" and sign in with your Google account.

Step 2: Enter Your Business Information

  • Business Name: Use the exact name of your business - same name that's on your website. If your business is Paul's Portable Buildings, put that, not Old Hickory Buildings, etc.
  • Category: We have found that the best category to use is shed builder.
  • Location: Enter your business address. When asked to add a service area, choose any major towns in your delivery area.

Step 3: Add Contact Details

  • Phone number: Make sure the phone number you add is unique and matches your website. Google doesn't like if multiple Google Business Profiles have the same phone number so you need a separate phone number for each GBP.
    • If you're trying to setup a GBP and already have one for a different part of your business, go to this article: 
  • Website URL: Use the domain for your website. Dealers who have their BarnDealer sites on their Google Business Profiles get 2-3 times more leads than dealers who have other websites linked!

Step 4: Verify Your Business

Google requires verification before your profile becomes visible. Common verification methods include:

  • Phone Call or Text: Google will send a code to your phone. This is typically the way that Google will ask you to verify your business if you are the one setting it up.
  • Video: You will need to create a two minute or under video showing Google that your business is real.
    • Making a Verification Video can be tricky because Google is very specific in what they ask for. We created another article to help you prepare and submit your verification video.
    • Verification Video Article

Step 5: Optimize Your Profile

To attract more customers, optimize your profile by:

  • Adding high-quality photos- Here's some ideas:
    • Your storefront/office
    • The signage with your business name from the road-view
    • Pictures of your lot
    • Pictures of a building you want to feature that you want customers to see
  • Updating business hoursto reflect any changes.
    • Make sure your business hours are the same on your website and reflect when you have staff at the physical location
  • Writing a business descriptionthat highlights your unique offerings.
    • Google doesn't look in your business description for SEO keywords so make it sound natural and describes what your business does
  • Responding to customer reviewsto build trust.
    • More reviews = more views
      • More responses to reviews shows that you care about your customers and you're likely to get more visitors!


Your business hours must be staffed hours. Don't put "24 hours" - Google may suspend your account!

Step 6: Keep Your Profile Updated

  • Regularly update business hours, contact info, and photos.
  • Use Google Posts to share promotions or updates.
  • Respond to questions in the Q&A section to assist potential customers.


Only make one change to your GBP at a time.
If you change your Business Name, Phone Number, Address, Website, etc. all at once, Google may suspend your account for suspicious activity!


Final Thoughts

A well-managed Google Business Profile can significantly improve your visibility and customer engagement. Get started today by visiting Google Business Profile!


Do you already have a Google Business Profile and are having trouble getting it Verified or got Suspended? No worries! We can help with that as well!

Google Business Profile - Get Verified