Google Business Profile: how to get your Sri Lankan business on Google Maps

A Google Business Profile is the free listing that shows your business on Google Maps and in local search results, with your phone number, hours, photos and reviews. To get one, sign in with a Google account, add your business name, category, location or service area and contact details, then verify that you own the business.

When someone searches "pharmacy near me" or "villa in Nuwara Eliya", Google shows a map with three businesses above the normal results. For many local businesses, that box brings more calls than their website.

How to create your profile

Google's own steps are (Google Business Profile Help):

1. Sign in to a Google account. If you create a new one, use your business email.
2. Open the Business Profile creation page and enter your business name. If it already exists, request ownership instead of creating a duplicate.
3. Choose your main business category.
4. Say whether customers can visit you. Only add an address if you have a location staffed during business hours; otherwise set a service area.
5. Add your phone number and website.
6. Finish and start verification.

Verification

Customers only see your profile after it is verified. Google chooses the verification method for each business, such as a phone call or text, email, or a short video showing your location, signage and proof that you manage the business. Have your shop front, equipment and business documents ready before you start a video verification.

Complete every section

• Categories: one main category that matches what you do, plus a few secondary ones.
• Hours, including special hours for Poya days and holidays.
• Photos: your front, inside, products, team and work. Add new photos every month.
• Services or products with descriptions and prices.
• Description: what you do, for whom and where, in plain words.
• Attributes such as wheelchair access, free Wi-Fi or online appointments.

Reviews: the biggest ranking factor you control

Ask every happy customer for a review, and make it easy with your review link on WhatsApp, receipts and a QR code at the counter. Reply to every review, good or bad, politely and quickly. Never buy or fake reviews: Google removes them and can restrict your profile.

Keep it active

• Post updates and offers once or twice a month.
• Answer questions people ask on your profile.
• Keep hours and phone numbers correct. Wrong details cost you customers and trust.
• Check the Performance section to see calls, direction requests and searches.

Profile plus website

Your profile gets attention; your website closes the deal. Link to a fast page with prices, photos and an easy way to book or ask. Read our SEO guide for Sri Lanka for the next steps.

Mistakes that hurt your Maps ranking

• Keyword stuffing the name. Use your real business name. Adding "best hotel Kandy" to the name can get the profile suspended.
• Wrong category. Your main category is one of the strongest signals. Choose the most specific one.
• Different details everywhere. Keep your name, address and phone the same on your website, Facebook and directories.
• Ignoring reviews. Unanswered complaints put customers off more than the complaint itself.

How to ask for reviews without being pushy

Ask at the moment the customer is happiest: when the work is delivered, after a good stay, or when they thank you. Send a short message with your review link: "Thank you for choosing us! If you have a minute, a Google review would really help our small business." Never offer payment or discounts for reviews.

Example of a strong profile description

"Family-run guesthouse in Nuwara Eliya with six rooms, hot water and heaters, 10 minutes' walk from Gregory Lake. Free parking, breakfast with local dishes, and help booking tea factory visits and tours. Rooms from LKR 9,500 a night." It says what, where, for whom and the price, in plain words. (Illustrative example.)

How Halcent can help

Frequently asked questions