Does Your Business Need a Google Business Profile, If It Already Uses Social Media and Messaging Apps?
Already using Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp? See how a Google Business Profile can help new customers find your shop on Google and contact you.
You may already share products on Instagram, answer questions on WhatsApp, or send updates through Telegram and TikTok. If these channels bring enquiries and orders, why add a Google Business Profile?
It can help you reach people who start their search on Google. They may never have seen your posts or heard your business name. A profile supports the channels already working for you and helps more customers find your shop on Google.
What Should You Share Where
| Customer need | Useful channel | Useful action |
|---|---|---|
| See new products or work | Facebook, Instagram or TikTok | Share photos and updates. |
| Ask about availability or an order | WhatsApp or Telegram | Offer a messaging option you check regularly. |
| Find your premises | Google Maps | Keep your location pin and address accurate. |
| Check opening hours | Google Business Profile | Keep your hours current, including Poya days. |
| Read customer feedback | Google Business Profile | Respond professionally to customer reviews. |
What Does a Google Business Profile Add
Someone searching for “hardware shop near me” or “phone repair in Kurunegala” needs a business nearby. Your Google Business Profile may appear in relevant searches on Google Search and Google Maps. People can check your location and opening hours, then call or get directions.
These searchers may be local residents, workers nearby, visitors from another town or foreign travellers. They do not need to follow your accounts or join a messaging group before searching.
Having a social media account does not automatically create a Google Business Profile. A public social page may appear in Google’s website search results. That is different from having a profile you can manage on Search and Maps.
How Can These Channels Work Together
Your Google Business Profile and Facebook page can support each other. Social media such as Instagram and TikTok helps you show products, share completed work and update followers. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram let customers ask questions or discuss orders. Your profile gives people another way to find your business and plan a visit or call.
Consider two customers looking for a local tailor in Colombo:
Customer A sees the tailor’s work on Instagram. They check the Google Business Profile for opening hours and use Maps for directions.
Customer B searches Google for a nearby tailor. They find the profile, look at the tailor’s Instagram account, then send a WhatsApp message to ask about prices.
Both journeys may lead to the same business. Where Google makes the feature available, you can add supported social media links to your profile. Google says these links are available only in selected regions and may not be available to every business. WhatsApp messaging is a separate profile option and is also subject to availability.
Keep Important Details Current
A post in a Telegram group will not update your Google opening hours. If you close for Poya, update the hours customers see on Google as well as the channels you use. Keep key details current wherever customers may look for you.
How Can FindMyBusiness.LK Help
FindMyBusiness.LK (FMB) helps small businesses create or claim their presence on Google and make use of opportunities to be seen there. We prepare your profile using Google’s agency tools and guide you through the verification Google requires.
See our one-off setup packages at FindMyBusiness.LK.
Google Business Profile is free. FMB charges for its setup work and package materials. Google determines verification requirements and approval.
You remain the primary owner of your profile. We receive agency access only after you authorise us in writing or digitally. You enter your own verification codes. We never ask for your password or code.
Help More Customers Find Your Business
Send us your business name and town or village. Tell us whether you already have a Google Business Profile, and we will explain the next steps.
WhatsApp: +94 77 390 9362
Call: +94 77 390 9362
Website: FindMyBusiness.LK
