Google My Business Categories (List)

Google My Business (GMB) is a critical tool for any business looking to enhance its online presence and attract more local customers.

One of the most powerful yet often overlooked features of GMB is the ability to select and optimize business categories. These categories play a pivotal role in how your business is discovered online and can significantly impact your visibility in search results.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of Google My Business categories, offering actionable tips to select and optimize them for maximum impact.

What is My Business category?

At its core, a Google My Business category describes the nature of your business to Google and potential customers. It helps Google understand what your business offers, ensuring it appears in relevant search queries.

There are over 4,000 GMB categories, ranging from “Restaurant” to “Roofing Contractor,” and the list is continually updated to reflect the evolving business landscape.

Why categories matter

Selecting the right categories can enhance your visibility in both Google Search and Maps, making it easier for customers to find you when they search for the products or services you offer.

Categories influence the keywords your business ranks for and can directly impact your local SEO performance.

To illustrate the power of effectively chosen and optimized categories, consider a local bakery that initially categorized itself only under “Bakery.”

By adding “Cafe,” “Custom Cakes,” and “Wedding Cakes” as secondary categories, they are more likely to see a significant increase in visibility for those specific searches, leading to a noticeable uptick in custom cake orders and cafe foot traffic.

How to choose the right categories

Selecting the right categories for your business is both an art and a science. Here are some tips to guide you:

1. Start with primary category: Your primary category should be the closest match to your business’s core offering. This is the most important category as it has the most significant impact on your Google search rankings.
2. Utilize secondary categories: Secondary categories can be used to highlight additional services or products you offer. Choose relevant secondary categories to capture a wider range of search queries.
3. Research competitors: Look at what categories your successful competitors are using. This can give you insights into what might work well for your business.
4. Use specific categories: The more specific your categories, the better. Specific categories reduce competition and target more qualified leads.
5. Keep it updated: As your business evolves, so should your categories. Regularly review and update your categories to reflect any changes in your offerings.

Note: If your Google business category is not listed, you want to select the closest one that best describes your business.

GMB category selection tips

Here are some tips for choosing the right GMB categories for your business:

• Choose the most specific category that describes your business. For example, if you are a restaurant that specializes in Italian food, choose “Italian restaurant” instead of just “restaurant.”
• Don’t use too many categories. You can select up to 10 categories, but it’s best to use only the most relevant ones. Using too many categories can dilute the impact of each category.
• Use your primary category wisely. Your primary category is the most important one, so make sure it accurately reflects your business.
• Keep your categories up-to-date. Google My Business categories change over time, so it’s important to review your categories regularly and make sure they are still accurate.

Google My Business categories list

Optimizing your categories for maximum impact

Once you’ve selected your categories, it’s crucial to optimize your GMB listing to get the most out of them. Here are some strategies:

• Complete your GMB profile: A fully completed profile, including descriptions, services, and products, supports your categories and improves your listing’s performance.
• Gather reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, mentioning the services or products related to your chosen categories. Reviews can help with local SEO and provide social proof.
• Post regularly: Use the GMB posts feature to share updates, offers, and news related to your categories. This keeps your profile active and engaging for potential customers.
• Add photos and videos: Visual content related to your categories can enhance your listing’s appeal and provide further context about your offerings.

Conclusion

Choosing and optimizing your Google My Business categories is crucial for improving your online visibility and attracting more customers. By carefully selecting your primary and secondary categories and continuously optimizing your GMB listing, you can enhance your search rankings, reach a broader audience, and grow your business.

Leverage the full potential of Google My Business categories to ensure your business is seen by the right people at the right time.

With thoughtful selection and ongoing optimization, you can turn your GMB listing into a powerful tool for local SEO success.