If you own a fence company and haven’t claimed your Google Business Profile (GBP), you’re not alone. But that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
Not claiming your GBP is like leaving your shop open but walking away. People may show up, but you won’t be there to answer questions, take calls, or even know they visited. That hurts your business.
Let’s break down what happens when you skip this step and what you can do about it.
What Is a GBP Profile?
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is your business listing on Google. When someone searches “fence company near me,” the top results often show businesses with a GBP.
This listing includes your name, address, phone number, hours, photos, reviews, and more. It’s free, and it helps people find and contact you.
What Happens If You Don’t Claim It?
1. You Can’t Control the Info
Google may create a listing for your business on its own. It pulls data from the internet. That means the info can be wrong or out of date.
You might have the wrong phone number, bad hours, or an old address showing up. And since you haven’t claimed it, you can’t fix it.
2. Someone Else Might Claim It
Yes, it happens. A random person or even a competitor could try to claim your listing. Once they do, they could change your info or mess with your business.
Google has steps to protect you, but it can still be a pain to fix.
3. You Miss Out on Reviews
Your customers may already be leaving reviews on your unclaimed profile. But you won’t know unless you claim it.
Without logging in, you can’t reply to reviews. You also can’t flag fake ones. And replying helps show new customers that you care.
4. You Won’t Show Up in Local Searches
Claimed and active profiles usually rank higher in search. If your profile is sitting there untouched, Google might push it down or skip it.
Your competitors, who have full profiles, will show up instead.
5. You Can’t Post Updates
When you own your GBP, you can post updates, offers, and news. This helps bring in more leads.
No profile control means no posts, and no posts means less action from potential customers.
6. You Miss Business Messages
Customers can message you directly through your GBP. But only if it’s claimed.
Not claiming it? You’ll never get those messages.
7. It Looks Unprofessional
An empty or outdated listing tells people that you’re not paying attention. That can lead to doubt. And doubt makes people call someone else.
What Should a Fence Contractor Do?
Step 1: Search for Your Business on Google
Type your business name and city into Google. Look for a box on the right or a map listing. If it shows up and says, “Own this business?” you haven’t claimed it.
Click that link to start the process.
Step 2: Claim and Verify
Google will ask for proof. This usually means they mail a postcard with a code. Follow the steps to finish verifying.
Step 3: Fill Out Every Field
Add your address, hours, phone number, website, service area, and photos. Make sure everything is correct.
Don’t skip anything. Complete listings do better.
Step 4: Add Services
GBP lets you add services you offer. For fence contractors, that could include:
- Chain link fence
- Wood fence
- Vinyl fence
- Fence repair
- Fence staining
- Gate installation
This helps you show up when people search for those things.
Step 5: Turn On Messaging
Let people message you directly from the listing. Make sure someone on your team is watching it.
Step 6: Ask for Reviews
After you finish a job, ask the customer to leave a review on your profile. The more good reviews you have, the more likely someone is to call you.
Step 7: Post Weekly
Share updates like:
- “Check out this wood fence we finished in Dallas.”
- “Summer special: 10% off any new fence install.”
- “Now booking into September.”
Posts help you stay active and give Google a reason to rank you higher.
Real World Example
Let’s say you own Joe’s Fencing in Phoenix. You never claimed your GBP. Someone searches for “fence company near me” and finds your listing.
The phone number is your old landline. It doesn’t work anymore.
They move on to your competitor, who has a full profile, great reviews, new photos, and a “message us” button. You just lost a lead.
Table: Claimed vs. Unclaimed GBP
| Feature | Claimed GBP | Unclaimed GBP |
|---|---|---|
| Edit info | Yes | No |
| Reply to reviews | Yes | No |
| Add photos | Yes | No |
| Message with customers | Yes | No |
| Post updates | Yes | No |
| Higher local ranking | Likely | Unlikely |
Why Fence Companies Need GBP More Than Ever
Most people use their phones to search. They’re in a rush. They don’t scroll far.
They call the first business that looks real, close, and trustworthy. That means your Google listing matters more than your website in some cases.
Your GBP is your storefront online. It should be neat, clear, and open for business.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving old info: Always check your hours, phone number, and service area.
- Ignoring bad reviews: Respond with calm, helpful replies. Don’t argue.
- Skipping photos: Add photos of your work. Before and after shots work great.
- Not using categories: Pick the right category like “Fence Contractor.”
- Forgetting to post: Posting keeps your listing active.
Final Thoughts
Running a fence company is hard enough without missing easy wins. Your GBP is free. It takes a little time to set up, but it can bring in steady leads.
Don’t let it sit there empty. Own it, clean it up, and make it work for you.
If you’re not sure where to start, FenceWebs can help. We’ve been doing this for five years just for fence contractors. No fluff, just real results.
Want help claiming or fixing your GBP? Reach out. It might be the easiest job you knock out this week.
