When you type "pharmacy near me" or "car service in Baku" on your phone, the first thing you usually see isn't ordinary websites but a map with a few businesses underneath — with address, opening hours, stars and a "Call" button. That information comes from the Google Business Profile. It's free, and it's one of the most effective tools for reaching local customers.
What is a Google Business Profile?
It's the card your business appears as in Google Search and Google Maps. The card shows your address, phone, opening hours, website link, photos and customer reviews. Customers use it to find you, call you or get directions, without even visiting your website.
Who needs it most?
- Businesses customers visit in person: clinics, cafés, shops, salons, car services, training centres;
- services that go to the customer: repairs, cleaning, delivery — these show a service area;
- any field with strong local competition.
How do I open a profile?
- Go to business.google.com and sign in with the Google account you'll use for the business.
- Enter the business name. If a card already exists on Google (sometimes customers add one), you'll be offered the chance to claim it.
- Choose a category — for example, "Dental clinic" or "Café". This determines which searches you'll appear in.
- Add your address or service area, phone number and website link.
- Complete verification. Google offers video, phone or another method to check the business is real — an unverified profile isn't fully visible.
How should I fill in the profile?
- Use your real name. Don't stuff keywords into the name ("Café X — best pizza in Baku"): it breaks the rules and the profile can be suspended.
- Keep opening hours accurate. Add special holiday hours separately — a customer who finds the door closed writes a bad review.
- Add photos. The building, entrance, interior, team, products. Profiles with photos get more clicks.
- List your services and prices. Let customers see what you offer right on the card.
- Always include your website link. The profile is a first introduction; the details and the enquiry belong on your site.
Reviews: the strongest factor
One of the things that most affects your map ranking and customers' choice is reviews. Ask happy customers for a review — a short message with the review link after the service is enough. Reply politely to every review, especially negative ones: future customers look at your reply more than at the review itself.
Don't buy fake reviews or have your staff write them — Google removes such reviews and can penalise the profile.
Website and profile together
Google compares the information in your profile with your website. Writing your name, address and phone the same way everywhere builds trust. A "Contact" page with your address, map and opening hours, and service pages that mention city names, help you rise in local search.
If you need help getting your site seen in search, see our SEO packages or write to us from your account.
