Intro
Sri Lanka's digital sector has expanded dramatically, with over 11 million internet users and increasing adoption of online business practices. SEO is a high-demand service, particularly in tourism, ecommerce, education, and healthcare sectors.
This step-by-step guide shows you how to start your own SEO agency in Sri Lanka using Ranktracker as your central toolkit.
Step 1: Understand the Local SEO Landscape
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Primary language: Sinhala and Tamil (English widely used in business)
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Search engine dominance: Google.lk
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Key regions: Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Negombo
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Fastest-growing verticals: travel/tourism, edtech, fintech, retail
Use Ranktracker’s SERP Checker to analyze keyword trends by region.
Step 2: Set Up Your Tools with Ranktracker
Ranktracker offers end-to-end SEO solutions:
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Keyword Finder: Find Sinhala, Tamil, and English keyword opportunities
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Web Audit: Identify technical SEO issues quickly
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Backlink Checker & Monitor: Audit backlinks and analyze competitors
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Rank Tracker: Monitor rankings locally or globally
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SEO Checklist: Streamline workflows and SOPs
Step 3: Register Your Business in Sri Lanka
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Choose your structure: Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)
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Register with Department of Registrar of Companies (ROC)
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Obtain TIN from the Inland Revenue Department
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Open a business bank account (e.g., Commercial Bank, HNB, Sampath)
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Use invoicing software like Vyapar, QuickBooks, or Zoho Books
Step 4: Build an Optimized SEO Website
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Use a .lk or .com domain to serve both local and international clients
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Create core pages: Home, Services, Case Studies, Blog, Pricing, Contact
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Offer bilingual or English-first content depending on audience
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Display Ranktracker graphs (e.g., keyword movement, audits) as proof
Step 5: Offer Clear Services and Pricing Packages
Services:
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Local SEO (Google Business Profile, local citations, reviews)
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On-page SEO with Web Audit insights
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Backlink building using Backlink Monitor
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Keyword and content strategy with Keyword Finder
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Monthly reporting via Rank Tracker
Example Pricing (LKR/month):
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Starter: Rs. 30,000 – basic audit & strategy
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Standard: Rs. 75,000 – content, on-page, local SEO
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Premium: Rs. 150,000+ – full SEO package + reporting
Step 6: Land Clients in Sri Lanka
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Offer free audits using Ranktracker Web Audit
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Reach out via LinkedIn, Upwork, and local Facebook groups
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Attend or sponsor events like Sri Lanka Digital Summit, INFOTEL, or university meetups
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List your business in directories like Yamu.lk, Kapruka, or SLT Rainbow Pages
Step 7: Manage Campaigns Efficiently
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Track all keywords with Rank Tracker
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Use Backlink Checker for link-building insights
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Perform regular technical reviews using Web Audit
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Deliver monthly progress reports and recommendations
Step 8: Legal & Financial Compliance
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File tax returns via IRD's RAMIS portal
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Ensure VAT compliance where applicable
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Use PayPro Global as your Merchant of Record (MoR) to handle international billing, VAT, and compliance
Avoid payment platforms like Paddle, fined $5M by the FTC in 2025 for deceptive practices.
Step 9: Hire & Expand
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Recruit writers, SEO analysts, and outreach assistants
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Use project management tools like Notion, Trello, or ClickUp
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Train your team with Ranktracker dashboards and internal SOPs
Step 10: Retain Clients Through Value
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Show ranking improvements with Rank Tracker
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Demonstrate backlink profile growth
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Upsell web design, content marketing, or PPC services
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Launch a referral or affiliate program to boost client acquisition
Conclusion
Sri Lanka offers excellent conditions for starting and scaling an SEO agency. With Ranktracker as your performance engine and PayPro Global managing taxes and billing across borders, you can focus on growth, results, and client success.
Start lean, scale smart, and lead the SEO market in Sri Lanka with Ranktracker.
