Complete guide to Google Business categories

Do you want to improve your online presence and make your business stand out online? You're in the right place with a Google Business Profile, previously known as Google My Business. It's a powerful tool that can take your business to new heights. But, the categories you pick for your Google Business Profile are crucial.

In this guide, we'll simplify Google Business Categories. We'll explain what they are and show you how to make the most of them for your business.

So, let's get started and discover how business categories on Google can boost your business's online success.

What are Google Business Profile categories?

Google Business Profile categories, often called business categories or GMB categories, are labels that help describe the nature of your business.

They serve as a vital piece of information for both Google and potential customers searching for products or services online. Essentially, they categorize your business to make it easier for users to find you on Google Search and Google Maps.

How many categories can your Google Business Profile have?

Each Google Business Profile can have up to ten categories associated with it. This provides you with ample opportunities to accurately represent your business's offerings and niche within your industry.

However, it's important to remember that not all categories are created equal, and choosing the right ones can significantly impact your online visibility.

The best approach is to choose your primary category, ensuring it's the one most relevant to your business. Then, include two or three additional categories that support your business. However, it's not recommended to use the maximum of ten categories

Why are Google Business categories important?

Let's explore the significance of Google Business categories in boosting your online presence and connecting with your target audience.

Enhance visibility

Selecting the right categories for your Google Business Profile is crucial for improving your online visibility.

When users search for products or services related to your categories, Google is more likely to display your profile in the search results. This increased visibility can lead to more website visits, phone calls, and foot traffic to your physical location.

Targeted audience

Choosing the appropriate categories helps you attract a more targeted audience. People who are specifically searching for businesses like yours are more likely to engage with your profile when they see that your categories align with their needs.

Improve SEO

Google Business categories are integral to local search engine optimization (SEO). By selecting relevant categories that contribute to an optimized GBP profile, you send strong signals to Google about your business's core offerings, making it more likely to rank higher in local search results.

Build trust

Consistency in your chosen categories builds trust with potential customers. When your categories align with your business's actual products or services, it reassures customers that they are making the right choice when they choose your business.

How to add categories to your Google Business Profile

Now that you understand the importance of Google Business categories let's walk through the process of effectively adding them to your Google Business Profile.

Consider which category to choose

Choosing the right categories can be the difference between attracting potential customers and being overlooked. Here are some tips for selecting the most appropriate categories for your business:

Primary category

The primary business category is the most important, defining your business at its core. This should represent the main product or service you offer. For instance, if you own a pizza restaurant, "Pizza Restaurant" should be your primary category.

Secondary & additional categories

While the primary category should be specific, secondary and additional categories provide an opportunity to include related services or products. Consider your business's offerings and select categories that accurately reflect them. Continuing with the pizza restaurant example, secondary categories could include "Italian Restaurant" or "Takeout Restaurant."

Be specific

Avoid generic categories that don't accurately describe your business. Generic categories may attract irrelevant traffic and hinder your profile's performance. Be as specific as possible without straying from the actual nature of your business.

Competitor research

Take a look at the categories your competitors are using. This can provide insights into the most relevant categories to your industry and target audience.

Edit your profile & add your category

Now, let's go through the steps to add or edit your Google Business Categories:

• Log in: Start by logging into your Google Business account.
• Select your business: If you manage multiple locations, choose the one you want to edit.
• Navigate to "Info": In the left-hand menu, click "Info."
• Edit categories: Scroll down to the "Services" section and click the pencil icon next to the "Services" field.
• Add categories: Begin typing your primary category into the field, and Google will provide suggestions. Select the most appropriate category from the dropdown list.
• Add secondary categories: To add secondary or additional categories, click the "Add another service" button and follow the same process.
• Save changes: After adding your categories, make sure to click the "Apply" or "Save" button to save your changes.

Google Business Profile category examples

To better illustrate how to choose Google Business categories, let's explore some examples across different industries:

1. Restaurant

Primary category: Italian Restaurant

Secondary categories: Pizza Restaurant, Fine Dining Restaurant, Takeout Restaurant

2. Auto-repair shop

Primary category: Auto Repair Shop

Secondary categories: Tire Shop, Oil Change Service, Brake Shop

3. Hair salon

Primary category: Hair salon

Secondary categories: Nail Salon, Beauty Salon, Hair Removal Service

4. Law firm

Primary category: Law Firm

Secondary categories: Personal Injury Attorney, Criminal Justice Attorney, Family Law Attorney

5. Pet grooming

Primary category: Pet Grooming

Secondary categories: Pet Boarding Service, Dog Training School, Pet Supply Store

Remember that these examples are just a starting point. The categories you choose should align with your specific business offerings and niche within your industry.

How to handle GBP categories with multiple locations

If your business has multiple locations, it's essential to manage categories consistently across all of them. Consistency helps with SEO and ensures that customers searching for specific services find the information they need.

Here are some tips for managing Google Business categories for multiple locations:

Consistency is key

Ensure that your primary category remains consistent across all locations. This provides clarity to customers and reinforces your business's identity.

Tailor secondary categories

While the primary category should remain the same, you can tailor secondary and additional categories to each location's unique offerings. This allows you to highlight specific services or products available at individual branches.

Regular updates

Keep your categories up to date. If your business evolves or adds new services, make sure to update your Google Business Profile accordingly for each location. Consider using a third party like Mirador to manage all your locations from one dashboard.

Monitor performance

Regularly monitor the performance of each location's Google Business Profile to see which categories are driving the most traffic and conversions. Use this data to refine your category choices over time.

Google Business category list [2023]

To help you further, here's a list of common Google Business Profile Categories in 2023, organized by industry. Remember that this list is not exhaustive (there are thousands to choose from); you should always choose the categories that best represent your business.

• Restaurants and Food Services
• American Restaurant
• Asian Restaurant
• Barbecue Restaurant
• Coffee Shop
• Fast Food Restaurant
• Ice Cream Shop
• Seafood Restaurant
• Vegan Restaurant
• Retail and Shopping
• Clothing Store
• Electronics Store
• Furniture Store
• Jewelry Store
• Shoe Store
• Toy Store
• Wine Store
• Health and Wellness
• Chiropractor
• Dentist
• Fitness Center
• Massage Therapist
• Optometrist
• Pharmacy
• Yoga Studio
• Professional Services
• Accounting Firm
• Advertising Agency
• Law Firm
• Marketing Agency
• Real Estate Agency
• Web Design Agency
• Home and Repair Services
• Electrician
• HVAC Contractor
• Plumber
• Roofing Contractor
• Swimming Pool Contractor
• Entertainment and Recreation
• Amusement Park
• Art Gallery
• Bowling Alley
• Movie Theater
• Night Club
• Zoo
• Beauty and Personal Care
• Beauty Salon
• Hair Salon
• Nail Salon
• Spa
• Tattoo Studio
• Automotive
• Auto Repair Shop
• Car Dealership
• Car Wash
• Tire Shop
• Towing Service
• Education
• Driving School
• Language School
• Music School
• Preschool
• Tutoring Service
• Pet Services
• Dog Boarding Service
• Pet Grooming
• Pet Store
• Veterinarian

Remember that you can use these categories as a starting point and refine them to fit your business. Always prioritize accuracy and relevance when selecting your categories.

Wrapping up

Google Business categories are crucial in strengthening your online presence and connecting with your desired audience. To maximize this opportunity, take a proactive approach in selecting and maintaining your categories while adhering to Google's guidelines.

And here's an even more efficient way to manage your Google Business Profiles: consider using Mirador. This powerful tool allows you to handle multiple profiles from a single, user-friendly dashboard. With Mirador, optimizing your online presence has never been easier. Get started today and unlock the full potential of your Google Business Profiles.