GMB Categories is one of the topmost ranking factors. Getting this correct will make a big difference for your ranking and traffic. In this article we go through how you can go about selecting the most relevant categories and services for your business.
It is very important you have more relevent and many categories. Google allow 1 primary category and 9 secondary categories. Here are some of the reasons you should do this:
Adding all relevant categories can help Google identify what your business is about. This way Google can get your GBP to a wider audience.
You will rank better with search terms that matches those particular categories.
There is a strong positive correlation between having more categories and ranking better.
All categories don't have the equal traffic. So finding the categories with good traffic and using that can greatly improve your traffic.
Some primary categories allows you add add services, so having those will help you provide additional information to Google.
Updating categories is one of those things where a fixed amount of work initially can provide a big increase in traffic during the life time of the GBP.
In this article, we help you with finding the best GMB Categories for your business and provide you data to make this informed decision. We also go through services you can add if your business is allowed to have services.
What are the best categories if you are a Car wash?
These are two methods by which you can find the best GMB Categories and Services for your business.
Please note that Method 1 provides raw data while Method 2 shown below provides very interactive and precise data. Click here to go directly to Method 2: Go to Method 2.
Method 1:
In method one, just use the data provided here to find the best GMB Categories and Services for your business.
Here are list of other catgeories you can add if you are a Car wash.
Category list for Car wash:
Car wash
Auto Glass Shop
Auto Repair Shop
Auto Parts Store
Gas Station
Convenience Store
Tire Shop
Oil Change Service
Car Rental Agency
Car Accessories Store
Car Battery Store
Car Inspection Station
Car Leasing Service
Motorcycle Repair Shop
Vehicle Shipping Agent
Use these criteria to decide if one or more of the above can be added to your GMB. Please go through the above list with these criteria:
Relevance: Ensure the category closely matches your products or services.
Specificity: Choose a category that is as specific as possible to your core business.
Search Volume: Look at how often users are searching for that specific category or related keywords.
Competition: Analyze the competition within that category. If it’s highly competitive, ensure you have a robust strategy to stand out.
Compliance: Be mindful of Google’s guidelines, as selecting an irrelevant category may lead to penalties.
Customer Expectation: Think from a customer's point of view. Does the category define what they would be looking for?
All categories mentioned above is not available in every country, so I would suggest manually trying out these categories in your countries.
Similarly, these are the services you can add to the services for the category mentioned above.
Here are the services available for each categories mentioned above:
Service list for Car wash:
Auto glass shop:
Windshield Replacement, Windshield Repair, Car Window Repair, Car Window Replacement, Rear Window Replacement, Sunroof Repair, Sunroof Replacement, Windshield Chip Repair, Windshield Crack Repair, Mobile Windshield Repair, Mobile Windshield Replacement, Auto Glass Tinting, Custom Auto Glass, Commercial Vehicle Glass Repair, Commercial Vehicle Glass Replacement, RV Glass Repair, RV Glass Replacement, Side Mirror Replacement, Side Mirror Repair, Windshield Calibration, Windshield Wiper Replacement, ADAS Calibration, Car Glass Scratch Removal, Headlight Restoration, Auto Glass Leak Repair, Classic Car Glass Replacement, Classic Car Glass Repair, Windshield Molding Replacement, Auto Glass Urethane Replacement, Auto Glass Accessories, Windshield Rain Sensor Repair, Windshield Rain Sensor Replacement, Fleet Auto Glass Services, Rear Quarter Glass Replacement, Rear Quarter Glass Repair, Windshield Camera Calibration, Heated Windshield Installation, Heated Windshield Repair, Auto Glass Wholesale, Windshield Insurance Claims, Auto Glass Warranty Services, Windshield Recycling, Auto Glass OEM Replacement, Auto Glass OEE Replacement, Motorcycle Windshield Repair, Motorcycle Windshield Replacement, Auto Glass Weatherstripping Installation, Auto Glass Weatherstripping Repair, Boat Glass Repair, Boat Glass Replacement
Auto repair shop:
Oil Change, Transmission Repair, Brake Service, Tire Rotation, Wheel Alignment, Exhaust System Repair, Suspension Repair, Engine Diagnostic, Air Conditioning Service, Battery Replacement, Car Tune-Up, Radiator Service, Auto Electrical Repair, Fuel System Service, Windshield Repair, Differential Repair, Clutch Replacement, Timing Belt Replacement, Emission Testing, Car Detailing, Headlight Restoration, Power Steering Service, Cooling System Service, Drivetrain Repair, CV Joint Repair, Fluid Exchanges, Water Pump Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Air Filter Replacement, Exhaust Leak Repair, Rust Proofing, Paintless Dent Removal, Window Tinting, Vehicle Inspection, Alternator Repair, Starter Replacement, Wiper Blade Replacement, Transmission Fluid Service, Drive Belt Replacement, Tire Repair, Wheel Balancing, Shock Absorber Replacement, Performance Upgrades, Convertible Top Repair, Hybrid Vehicle Service, Turbocharger Repair, Fuel Injector Cleaning, Catalytic Converter Replacement, Ignition System Repair, Air Suspension Repair
Auto parts store:
Brake Pads Replacement, Oil Filters, Air Filters, Car Batteries, Wiper Blades, Spark Plugs, Fuel Filters, Alternators, Starter Motors, Timing Belts, Brake Rotors, Brake Calipers, Suspension Components, Tire Sales, Automotive Lighting, Transmission Fluid, Engine Coolant, Power Steering Fluid, Brake Fluid, Fuel Additives, Car Audio Systems, Automotive Security Systems, GPS Navigation Systems, Seat Covers, Floor Mats, Car Cleaning Products, Car Wax and Polishes, Wheel Covers, Tire Pressure Gauges, Jump Starters, Tow Straps, Car Jacks, Wheel Alignment Tools, Diagnostic Tools, Automotive Tool Sets, Automotive Paint, Car Body Repair Kits, Windshield Repair Kits, Radiator Repair Kits, Exhaust Repair Kits, Automotive Belts, Hoses and Hose Clamps, Gaskets, Thermostats, Water Pumps, Motor Oils, Grease and Lubricants, Emission Control Parts, Performance Upgrade Parts, Racing and High-Performance Parts, Custom Auto Accessories
Gas station:
Fuel Refilling, Diesel Fuel, Premium Gasoline, Unleaded Gasoline, E85 Ethanol Fuel, Biodiesel Fuel, CNG - Compressed Natural Gas, LPG - Liquid Petroleum Gas, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, Air Pump for Tires, Tire Inflation, Windshield Washer Fluid, Car Oil Change, Car Battery Replacement, Headlight Restoration, Wiper Blade Replacement, Car Vacuum, Car Wash Services, Self Serve Car Wash, Touchless Car Wash, Automatic Car Wash, Pressure Washing, Interior Car Cleaning, Exterior Car Cleaning, Car Waxing, Car Polishing, Car Detailing Services, Car Engine Steam Cleaning, Convenience Store, Snacks and Beverages, Coffee and Hot Drinks, Ice Cream, Packaged Foods, Cigarettes and Tobacco Products, Lottery Tickets, ATM Services, Restroom Facilities, Propane Tank Exchange, Motorcycle Fuel, Boat Fuel, Truck Fuel, Fleet Fueling Services, Fuel Cards, Gift Cards, Loyalty Rewards Program, Roadside Assistance, Towing Services, Emergency Fuel Delivery, 24-Hour Service, Online Fuel Ordering
Convenience store:
24-hour convenience store, ATM services, Beverages and soft drinks, Bill payment services, Breakfast items, Bus tickets and passes, Cigarettes and tobacco products, Coffee and hot drinks, Confectionery and snacks, Dairy products and eggs, Disposable kitchenware, Dry cleaning and laundry pickup, Emergency supplies, Energy drinks and sports drinks, First aid items, Frozen foods, Gift cards and vouchers, Grocery items, Health and beauty products, Household cleaning supplies, Ice cream and frozen desserts, International calling cards, Lottery tickets and scratch-offs, Lunch items and sandwiches, Magazines and newspapers, Mobile top-up and recharge, Money transfer services, Online order pickup, Over-the-counter medicines, Packaged and canned goods, Packaging and shipping services, Pet food and supplies, Photo printing services, Prepaid debit cards, Propane exchange, Public transportation passes, Ready-to-eat meals, Seasonal items, Snack foods and chips, Stationery and office supplies, Sunglasses and reading glasses, Travel-size toiletries, Umbrellas and rain gear, USB chargers and cables, Vaping products and accessories, Water refill station, Wine
Full Synthetic Oil Change, Semi-Synthetic Oil Change, Conventional Oil Change, High Mileage Oil Change, Truck & SUV Oil Change, Diesel Engine Oil Change, Motorcycle Oil Change, RV Oil Change, Fleet Vehicle Oil Change, Express Oil Change, European Vehicle Oil Change, Asian Vehicle Oil Change, Domestic Vehicle Oil Change, Luxury Vehicle Oil Change, Hybrid Vehicle Oil Change, Sports Car Oil Change, Classic Car Oil Change, 4x4 Oil Change, Eco-Friendly Oil Change, Racing Oil Change, Off-Road Vehicle Oil Change, Boat Engine Oil Change, ATV Oil Change, Snowmobile Oil Change, Lawnmower Oil Change, Oil Change Packages, Oil Change with Tire Rotation, Oil Change with Brake Inspection, Oil Change with Vehicle Inspection, Oil Change with Battery Test, Oil Change with Fluid Top-Up, Oil Change with Filter Replacement, Oil Change with Air Filter Replacement, Oil Change with Cabin Filter Replacement, Oil Change with Alignment Check, Oil Change with Suspension Check, Oil Change with Coolant Check, Oil Change with Transmission Fluid Check, Oil Change with Power Steering Fluid Check, Oil Change with Brake Fluid Check, Oil Change with Wiper Blade Replacement, Oil Change with Headlight Restoration, Oil Change with Fuel System Cleaning, Oil Change with Engine Diagnostic, Oil Change with Exhaust System Check, Oil Change with Belts & Hoses Inspection, Oil Change with Electrical System Check, Oil Change with Tire Pressure Check, Oil Change with AC System Check, Oil Change with Safety Inspection
Car rental agency:
Economy Car Rentals, Compact Car Rentals, Midsize Car Rentals, Standard Car Rentals, Full-Size Car Rentals, Premium Car Rentals, Luxury Car Rentals, Convertible Car Rentals, SUV Rentals, Crossover Rentals, Minivan Rentals, Pickup Truck Rentals, Electric Vehicle Rentals, Hybrid Car Rentals, Sports Car Rentals, Exotic Car Rentals, Long-Term Car Rentals, Short-Term Car Rentals, Weekend Car Rentals, Weekly Car Rentals, Monthly Car Rentals, One-Way Car Rentals, International Car Rentals, Underage Car Rentals, Senior Discount Car Rentals, Student Discount Car Rentals, Military Discount Car Rentals, Corporate Car Rentals, Chauffeur Services, Airport Car Rentals, Hotel Car Rentals, Roadside Assistance, Car Rental Insurance, GPS Navigation Rentals, Child Safety Seat Rentals, Ski Rack Rentals, Bike Rack Rentals, Toll Pass Rentals, Unlimited Mileage Rentals, Fuel Plans, Prepaid Car Rentals, Late Model Car Rentals, Pet-Friendly Car Rentals, Smoking-Free Car Rentals, Car Rental Loyalty Programs, Last-Minute Car Rental Deals, Online Car Rental Reservations, Phone Car Rental Reservations, Walk-In Car Rental Reservations, Car Rental Cancellation Policies
Car accessories store:
Car Audio System Installation, GPS Navigation System Installation, Car Alarm System Installation, Window Tinting Service, Custom Car Interior Modifications, Car Seat Cover Installation, Car Floor Mat Replacement, Vehicle Lighting System Upgrades, Car Roof Rack Installation, License Plate Frame Customization, Car Exterior Accessories Installation, Tire Pressure Monitoring System Installation, Car Air Freshener Selection, Performance Tuning and Upgrades, Car Wrap and Vinyl Decal Installation, Car Spoiler Installation, Custom Car Paint Services, Car Body Kit Installation, Car Dashboard Accessories Installation, Vehicle Security System Installation, Racing Seat Installation, Car Steering Wheel Cover Replacement, Car Ventilation System Upgrades, Car Sunshade Installation, Car Horn Upgrade Service, Custom Car Emblem Selection, Car Antenna Replacement, Car Keychain and Lanyard Selection, Car Phone Holder Installation, Car Wheel Accessory Installation, Cargo Storage Solutions, Car Battery Charger Selection, Custom Car Cover Services, Car Console Organizer Installation, Car Cup Holder Replacement, Vehicle Pet Accessory Installation, Car Emergency Kit Selection, Car Sticker and Decal Customization, Car Tool Set Selection, Car Trash Can Installation, Car USB Charger Installation, Car Wash and Detailing Products, Car Wax and Polish Selection, Dashboard Camera Installation, Engine Performance Enhancement, Exhaust System Upgrades, Off-Road Accessories Installation, Performance Air Intake Installation, Suspension Upgrades and Modifications, Towing and Hauling Accessories Installation
Safety Inspection, Emission Inspection, Vehicle Inspection Report, Pre-Purchase Inspection, Commercial Vehicle Inspection, Motorcycle Inspection, Trailer Safety Inspection, Fleet Vehicle Inspection, Used Car Inspection, New Car Inspection, Rental Car Inspection, RV Inspection, Van Inspection, Truck Inspection, Luxury Car Inspection, Hybrid Vehicle Inspection, Electric Vehicle Inspection, Classic Car Inspection, Convertible Inspection, 4x4 Vehicle Inspection, Tire Pressure Check, Brake Inspection, Suspension Inspection, Steering Inspection, Exhaust System Inspection, Transmission Inspection, Drive Belt Inspection, Cooling System Inspection, Air Conditioning Inspection, Heating System Inspection, Battery Inspection, Electrical System Inspection, Lighting Inspection, Headlight Alignment, Wiper Blade Inspection, Fluid Level Check, Engine Oil Inspection, Fuel System Inspection, Cabin Filter Inspection, Air Filter Inspection, Windshield Inspection, Wheel Alignment Inspection, Wheel Bearing Inspection, Axle Inspection, Drive Shaft Inspection, CV Joint Inspection, Transfer Case Inspection, Differential Inspection, Road Test, Visual Inspection
Car leasing service:
Affordable Car Leasing, Luxury Car Leasing, Short-Term Car Leasing, Long-Term Car Leasing, Car Leasing for Businesses, Car Leasing for Individuals, Electric Car Leasing, Hybrid Car Leasing, Sedan Car Leasing, SUV Car Leasing, Convertible Car Leasing, Coupe Car Leasing, Hatchback Car Leasing, Wagon Car Leasing, Truck Leasing, Van Leasing, Car Leasing Consultation, Customized Car Leasing Packages, End of Lease Services, Car Lease Transfers, Lease Buyout Assistance, Car Leasing with Zero Down Payment, Flexible Payment Options, Car Leasing Deals and Specials, Car Lease Calculator, Car Leasing FAQ Support, Early Lease Termination Assistance, Car Lease Extension Service, Lease Incentives and Promotions, Maintenance Packages, Car Leasing Insurance Options, Credit Score Assistance, Lease Guarantor Service, Car Leasing for Students, Car Leasing for Expats, Car Leasing for Military Personnel, Car Leasing for Bad Credit, Car Leasing with No Credit, Car Lease Comparison Service, Online Car Lease Application, Car Lease Preapproval, Car Lease Document Assistance, Car Delivery Service, Car Lease Trade-Ins, Car Lease Referrals, Car Lease Rewards Program, Test Drive Scheduling, Car Leasing Tips and Advice, Car Leasing Customer Support
Domestic Car Shipping, International Car Shipping, Express Vehicle Transport, Classic Car Shipping, Luxury Car Transport, Motorcycle Shipping, Boat Transport, RV Shipping, Truck Shipping, ATV Shipping, Golf Cart Transport, Military Vehicle Shipping, Enclosed Auto Transport, Open Auto Transport, Door-to-Door Vehicle Shipping, Terminal-to-Terminal Vehicle Shipping, Expedited Vehicle Shipping, Student Vehicle Shipping, Senior Vehicle Shipping, Dealer Vehicle Shipping, Auction Vehicle Shipping, Car Show Vehicle Transport, Corporate Relocation Vehicle Shipping, Cross-Country Vehicle Shipping, Snowbird Vehicle Shipping, Seasonal Vehicle Transport, Oversized Vehicle Shipping, Fleet Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Storage Services, Vehicle Import and Export, Customs Clearance, Vehicle Shipping Insurance, Vehicle Shipping Tracking, Vehicle Pre-Shipment Inspection, Vehicle Registration Services, Vehicle Shipping Consultation, Inoperable Vehicle Shipping, Temperature-Controlled Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Shipping for Film and TV Production, Electric Vehicle Shipping, Hybrid Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Shipping for Events and Expositions, Vehicle Shipping for Online Purchases, Vehicle Shipping for Charities and Non-Profits, Vehicle Shipping for Government Agencies, Heavy Equipment Shipping, Farm Equipment Shipping, Construction Equipment Shipping, Emergency Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Shipping for Embassies
All categories dont have the option to add services, so if you have this option only then add these services mentioned above. Also make sure first that these are services you offer before adding them. Add the one you think is relevant one after the other.
Method 2
The second and more easy way is to use our Category Finder Tool. The tool allows 5 free usages a month, so you can do this with the free plan.
The above is an interactive application which helps you find the following:
Find related categories.
Find search volume for these categories.
Find services inside these categories.
Easily compare trends on categories on Google Trends.
You can use the free version of the category Finder Tool to find this. Signup here: Category Finder Tool
The screenshot below shows how you can use this.
How to use the tool?
Here are the steps you need to follow to most effectively use the tool.
Screenshot shows the category finder tool.
Step 1: Navigate to the Category Finder Tool, where you'll be redirected to the signup page to create an account.
Step 2: Upon signing up, you'll land on the Category Finder Tool homepage. Here, enter the main category for your business, designated as '1' in the image above.
Step 3: After completing step 2, numerous categories will appear in section 2. Click on any to uncover more relevant categories, with the dark bubble displaying the keyword search count.
Step 4: At the category page's bottom, you'll find related services, or additional categories to include. By clicking the 'Compare on Google Trends' button, you can contrast these categories to analyze category comparisons and seasonal variations in keyword searches.
How to choose a Primary Category from a list of Categories.
Selecting the right primary category for your business in Google My Business is a crucial step in improving your local SEO performance. The primary category you choose should accurately represent the core service or product you offer. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make the best choice:
Understand Your Business: Identify the central service or product your business offers. This will guide you towards the most fitting category.
Explore the GMB Categories: Explore the categories we provide you in Method 1 and Method 2. See which one of them is the most relevant for your business.
Check Keyword Search Volume: The number we provide in the dark bubble in Method 2 is the average monthly search volume. Make sure that the primary category you selected has enough search volume.
Seasonal changes: There are seasonal changes in search volume for some categories. For example an A/C mechanic won't have enough demand in winter and on the other hand a snow plough operator won't have much search traffic in Summer. So, that is why in method 2 you can search on Google trends to see how search changes with time.
Analyze Competitors: Look at what primary categories your successful competitors are using. This can give you insights into what might work for your business too.
Consider Customer Perspective: Think about the terms your customers might use to search for your services or products. Selecting a category that aligns with customer search behavior can enhance visibility.
Monitor and Adjust if Necessary: SEO is a constantly evolving field. Regularly review the performance of your selected category and be prepared to make adjustments if you find that it's not providing the expected results.
Conclusion:
Selecting the right categories in Google My Business (GMB) is crucial for your online success. Your choices in primary and secondary categories directly impact how your business ranks and who finds you.
In this article, we've shown you how to choose relevant categories and why they matter. Whether manually selecting from a provided list or using the Category Finder Tool, the aim is to align with your business's core offerings and customer needs.
Remember, the right categories help Google understand your business better, connecting you with a wider audience. Regularly review and adjust your selections to keep up with trends and demands. With careful planning and insight, your GMB profile can be a powerful tool in growing your business.
