Your Google Business Profile is the listing that appears on Google Maps and in the map pack at the top of local searches. For many Sri Lankan businesses, it brings in more calls and visits than the website itself. Here's how to set it up properly and keep it working.
Step 1: Claim or create your profile
Go to google.com/business and search for your business name. If a listing already exists, perhaps created automatically or by a customer, claim it. If not, create one.
Use your real business name exactly as it appears on your signboard and documents. Adding keywords like "Best Dental Clinic Colombo" to the name breaks Google's guidelines and can get the listing suspended.
Step 2: Verify it
Google now commonly asks for video verification: a short, continuous recording that shows your signboard, your location and proof you manage the business, such as tools of the trade or the business registration certificate. Some businesses get phone, email or postcard options instead.
Tips for a smooth video verification:
- Start outside showing the street and nearby landmarks
- Show the permanent signboard with your business name
- Walk inside and show equipment, stock or workspace
- Show something only the owner or manager would have access to
Service-area businesses without a shopfront, such as plumbers or tutors, can hide their address and set the areas they serve instead.
Step 3: Pick the right categories
Your primary category has a large effect on which searches you appear for. Choose the most specific one that fits: "Ayurvedic clinic" rather than "Clinic", "Seafood restaurant" rather than "Restaurant". Add a few accurate secondary categories.
Step 4: Complete every section
- Address and map pin: check the pin sits exactly on your building.
- Hours: including special hours for Poya days, Avurudu and public holidays.
- Phone: a number that's answered. Many customers call straight from Maps.
- Website: link to the most relevant page, such as a branch page for multi-location businesses.
- Services or products: list each with a short description and price range if possible.
- Attributes: wheelchair access, parking, payment options and more.
- Description: 750 characters about what you do and who you serve. Write for people, not keywords.
Step 5: Add photos regularly
Profiles with good photos get more clicks. Add:
- Exterior shots, so people recognise the building
- Interior shots
- Team photos
- Products, rooms, dishes or work examples
Keep adding new photos every month. It's a sign the business is active.
Step 6: Get reviews and reply to them
Reviews influence both rankings and whether people choose you. Ask every satisfied customer, with a direct review link you can share on WhatsApp. Reply to every review. Full guide: how to get more Google reviews.
Step 7: Post updates
Google Posts let you share offers, events and news on your profile. They don't have a large ranking effect, but they help convert people who are already looking at your listing.
Step 8: Watch your performance
The Performance section shows how many people found you, what they searched, and how many called, asked for directions or visited your website. Check it monthly.
Common problems
- Duplicate listings: request removal of duplicates so reviews and signals aren't split.
- Suspensions: often caused by keyword-stuffed names or a virtual-office address. See what to do if your profile is suspended.
- Wrong edits: anyone can suggest edits. Check your profile regularly.
Next steps
A complete profile is the foundation of local SEO. To rank higher in the map pack, read how to rank on Google Maps in Sri Lanka. If you'd like us to set it up and manage it, that's part of our Local plan.