Local SEO and Google Business Profile Guide (For Baku Businesses)

Why is Google Business Profile (GBP) important?

"Restaurant in Baku", "near me", "dentist near me" – local-intent queries form a huge portion of Google searches. In these queries, Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) shows even before websites.

GBP registration (step by step)

1. Sign in to business.google.com

Use a company Google account (not personal, separate business account).

2. Business name and category

Enter your brand's official name. Choose the most accurate primary category for your industry. You can add additional categories.

3. Address

Physical address where customers visit you. If online-only, choose "service area business".

4. Verification

Usually via card sent by mail (5-7 business days). Some businesses get phone, email or video verification options.

GBP optimisation

Complete profile fully

• Add all services.
• Note exact business hours.
• Phone, website, email.
• Attributes (Wi-Fi, parking, home delivery etc).
• Payment methods.

Quality photography

• Logo (official).
• Storefront photo (exterior).
• Interior photos.
• Team photos.
• Product/service photos.
• At least 10-20 quality photos. Monthly updates.

Customer reviews

The most important factor in local SEO.

• Ask every customer for a review – automate (email, SMS).
• Respond to all reviews – positive and negative.
• React professionally to negative reviews – never get defensive.
• Try to get more reviews than your main competitor.

Posts and updates

• Weekly post – new services, offers, events.
• Seasonal offers.
• Events.

Q&A section

Proactively write and answer common customer questions yourself.

Additional local SEO factors

NAP consistency

Name, Address, Phone – must be identical everywhere on the internet. Differences in directories confuse Google.

Local directory registration

• Yelp, TripAdvisor (when applicable).
• Yandex Spravochnik.
• Azerbaijani business directories.
• Industry-specific directories.

Local content

"In Baku" or specific neighborhood targeting pages. City pages, local customer case studies.

LocalBusiness schema

Add LocalBusiness schema with JSON-LD to your site – address, phone, business hours, price range.

Local SEO ROI

Properly optimised GBP is the highest-ROI marketing investment for local service businesses. Minimal monthly maintenance cost, brings ongoing customer flow.

Local SEO with ONE Studio

GBP registration, optimisation, ongoing management. Monthly retainers AZN 800-3,000 range.