# Google Business Profile Checklist for Kerala Businesses (2026)

> A 20-point Google Business Profile checklist for Kerala businesses: categories, service areas, photos, reviews, posts and the mistakes that stop you ranking on Maps.

- URL: https://nikhilsoman.in/google-business-profile-checklist-kerala/
- Author: Nikhil Soman (https://nikhilsoman.in/about/)
- Published: 2026-11-10
- Last updated: 2026-10-11

**A complete, accurate and active Google Business Profile is the single biggest factor in appearing on Google Maps and the local "map pack" in Kerala. Choose the right primary category, verify the profile, match your details to your website, add real photos, and collect reviews steadily.**

This checklist is used by Nikhil Soman, a local SEO specialist in Thiruvananthapuram, when setting up profiles for clinics, hotels, shops and service businesses.

## Setup and verification

- Create or claim the profile at business.google.com using the business owner's Google account.

- Use your real business name only. Do not add keywords such as "best" or city names that are not part of your legal name.

- Choose the most specific primary category (for example "Dental clinic", not "Doctor").

- Add relevant secondary categories.

- Set an accurate address, or hide the address and set service areas if you visit customers.

- Complete verification (video, postcard or phone, depending on what Google offers).

## Details that must match your website

- Name, address and phone exactly as shown on your website and other listings.

- Website link pointing to the most relevant page (homepage or location page).

- Opening hours, including special hours for Onam, Vishu, Christmas and other holidays.

- Services with short descriptions, and prices where possible.

## Photos and content

- Logo and cover photo.

- At least 10 real photos: exterior, interior, team, work samples. Avoid stock images.

- A business description of up to 750 characters stating what you do, where and for whom.

- Products or services added with photos.

- Google posts at least twice a month: offers, updates, new work.

## Reviews

- Ask every satisfied customer for a review, using your short review link or QR code.

- Reply to every review, positive or negative, within a few days.

- Never buy reviews or offer rewards for positive ones; Google can remove them and suspend the profile.

## Ongoing

- Answer questions in the Q&A section.

- Check Performance insights monthly: calls, direction requests and website clicks.

## Common mistakes in Kerala

- Two or more profiles for the same business, often created by different staff.

- Keyword-stuffed names like "Best Ayurveda Hospital Kochi Kerala".

- Different phone numbers on the website and the profile.

- Choosing a broad category because it "sounds bigger".

##### Is Google Business Profile free?

Yes. Creating and managing a Google Business Profile is free.

##### Can a home-based business have a profile?

Yes. Hide your address and set service areas instead.

##### How many reviews do I need to rank?

There is no fixed number. Steady, recent, genuine reviews matter more than a one-time burst.

##### Does Google Business Profile help with AI search?

Yes. AI assistants and Google AI Overviews use it to confirm your name, category, location and reputation.

**Need help with local SEO?** Google Business Profile optimisation is included in [freelance WordPress developer in Kerala](https://nikhilsoman.in/wordpress-developer-in-kerala/) Nikhil Soman's [SEO services in Kerala](https://nikhilsoman.in/seo-expert-in-kerala/), from ₹10,000 per month.