Google Business Profile for businesses in Baku: a setup guide

Step 1: claim and verify

Search for your business on Google Maps; if a profile exists, claim it, otherwise create one. Use a Google account that belongs to the business, and add managers rather than sharing the owner's login. Verification options are chosen by Google and may include video verification, phone, email or mail. Keep the account and owner access under company control.

Step 2: name and categories

• Name: exactly your real business name, as on your signage. Adding keywords or locations that are not part of the name violates Google's guidelines.
• Primary category: the most specific category that describes the core business — "Dental clinic" rather than "Medical clinic" if that is what you are.
• Secondary categories: other services you actually offer.

Step 3: address and service area

• Enter the address with the official Azerbaijani street name and building number, and check the map pin — move it to your actual entrance if needed.
• If customers visit you, show the address. If you only travel to customers, hide the address and set a service area.
• For business centres and shopping malls, include the floor or unit in the address line provided for it.

Step 4: contact and hours

• A local phone number that is answered, and the website link — ideally to the page most relevant for local visitors (for example, the branch page).
• Regular hours and special hours for holidays such as Novruz and the Bayrams. See marketing calendar for Azerbaijan.
• Messaging and booking options, where available for your category.

Step 5: description, services and products

• A clear description of what you offer, written for customers.
• Services or products with short descriptions and, where appropriate, prices.
• Attributes: accessibility, payment options, amenities.

Business Profile content is shown in the language Google chooses for the user; provide descriptions that make sense to your main audience, and make sure your website supports the other languages.

Step 6: photos and video

• Exterior from the street, so people recognise the entrance.
• Interior, products, team at work, completed projects.
• Regular new photos; outdated or low-quality images reduce trust.

Step 7: reviews

• Ask customers for reviews with the direct review link, at the right moment.
• Reply to all reviews politely; address complaints constructively and move details to private communication.
• Do not offer rewards for reviews in ways that violate Google's policies, and never post fake reviews.

Step 8: posts and updates

Posts about offers, events and news keep the profile active and give customers reasons to choose you. Use them for seasonal offers, new services and important announcements.

Step 9: measure

Business Profile performance shows searches, views, calls, direction requests and website clicks. Add UTM tags to the website link to see profile visitors in analytics. See UTM tags guide.

Common mistakes

• Profile owned by a former employee or agency.
• Wrong category or keyword-stuffed name.
• Outdated hours, especially on holidays.
• Duplicate profiles for the same location.
• Ignoring reviews and questions.