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 Cinema?
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 Cinema.
Category list for Cinema:
Cinema
Movie Theater
Event Venue
Performing Arts Theater
Art Gallery
Cultural Center
Conference Center
Concert Hall
Media Company
Video Production Service
Film Production Company
Movie Rental Store
Movie Studio
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 Cinema:
Movie theater:
New Movie Releases, 3D Movie Screenings, 4DX Movie Experience, IMAX Screenings, Dolby Cinema Screenings, Classic Film Screenings, Foreign Film Screenings, Independent Film Screenings, Documentary Film Screenings, Animated Movie Showings, Family Movie Days, Student Discount Nights, Senior Discount Screenings, Midnight Movie Premieres, Film Festivals, Film Q&A sessions, Movie Trivia Nights, Themed Movie Marathons, Cinema Memberships, Gift Card Purchases, Private Screenings, Corporate Events, Movie Theater Rentals, Birthday Party Packages, Group Discounts, Accessible Screenings, Open Caption Screenings, Audio Description Screenings, Hearing Impaired Devices, Wheelchair Accessible Seating, Assistive Listening Devices, Advanced Ticket Purchases, Discounted Matinee Screenings, Movie Theater Snack Bar, Popcorn and Drink Combos, Nachos and Cheese, Soft Pretzels, Candy Selection, Gourmet Popcorn Flavors, Hot Dogs, Alcoholic Beverages, Coffee and Specialty Drinks, Slushies and Icees, Healthy Snack Options, Gluten-Free Snacks, Vegan Snack Options, Reclining Seats, Reserved Seating, D-BOX Motion Seats, VIP Movie Experience, Loyalty Program, Special Promotions
Event venue:
Wedding Venue, Conference Center, Corporate Event Space, Party Hall Rental, Banquet Hall, Outdoor Event Space, Indoor Event Space, Exhibition Hall, Trade Show Venue, Concert Venue, Theater Venue, Meeting Room Rental, Reception Hall, Private Event Space, Networking Event Space, Gala Dinner Venue, Ceremony Venue, Festival Grounds, Art Gallery Rental, Product Launch Venue, Retreat Center, Sports Event Space, Fundraiser Venue, Catering Services, Event Planning Assistance, Audio-Visual Equipment Rental, Live Streaming Services, Team Building Activities, Birthday Party Venue, Holiday Party Venue, Anniversary Party Venue, Bridal Shower Venue, Baby Shower Venue, Graduation Party Venue, Prom Venue, Award Ceremony Venue, Film Screening Venue, Fashion Show Venue, Comedy Show Venue, Lecture Hall Rental, Photo Shoot Location, Film Production Location, Food and Beverage Services, VIP Lounge, Themed Event Space, Rooftop Event Space, Parking and Transportation Services, On-site Event Staff, Accessible Event Venue, Multi-purpose Event Space
Performing arts theater:
Live Theater Performances, Broadway Shows, Musical Performances, Dance Performances, Ballet Performances, Opera Performances, Children's Theater, Circus Performances, Stand-up Comedy, Improv Shows, One-Act Plays, Classical Concerts, Orchestra Performances, Symphony Performances, Chamber Music Concerts, Film Screenings, Art Exhibitions, Literary Events, Poetry Readings, Spoken Word Performances, Theater Workshops, Acting Classes, Dance Classes, Voice Lessons, Audition Preparation, Puppet Shows, Magic Shows, Cabaret Performances, Acrobatic Performances, Interactive Theater, Outdoor Theater, Shakespeare Performances, Theater Festivals, Stage Combat Workshops, Costume Design Workshops, Set Design Workshops, Lighting Design Workshops, Sound Design Workshops, Playwriting Workshops, Directing Workshops, Drama Therapy, Community Theater Performances, Youth Theater Performances, Holiday Shows, Historical Reenactments, Experimental Theater, Immersive Theater, Theater Tours, Live Podcast Recordings, Theater for the Deaf, Accessible Performances, Foreign Language Performances
Art gallery:
Contemporary Art Exhibitions, Abstract Art Showcases, Fine Art Photography Displays, Sculpture Installations, Mixed Media Art Exhibits, Local Artist Spotlight, International Art Collections, Curated Gallery Tours, Art Appraisal Services, Art Restoration Services, Art Investment Consultations, Private Gallery Viewings, Artwork Framing, Custom Art Commissions, Live Painting Demonstrations, Artist Meet and Greets, Art Classes and Workshops, Youth Art Programs, Guided Group Gallery Visits, Charity Art Auctions, Public Art Installations, Outdoor Art Exhibitions, Ceramics and Pottery Showcases, Printmaking Exhibitions, Digital Art Displays, Illustration Exhibits, Performance Art Events, Street Art Collections, Textile Art and Fiber Exhibits, Glass Art Showcases, Jewelry Art Displays, Environmental Art Exhibitions, Artists-in-Residence Programs, Calligraphy and Typography Showcases, Film Screenings and Video Art, Virtual Reality Art Experiences, Interactive Art Installations, Art Book and Publication Sales, Art-themed Gift Shop, Limited Edition Art Prints, Artwork Rental Services, Curator-led Gallery Talks, Art Advisory Services, Museum and Gallery Partnerships, Architectural Art Exhibitions, Art Critique and Discussion Events, Emerging Artist Showcases, Seasonal Art Exhibits, Member-exclusive Gallery Events, Art-themed Social Events, Collaborative Art Projects, Art Residency Opportunities
Cultural center:
Art Exhibitions, Cultural Workshops, Language Classes, Traditional Dance Performances, Cultural Exchange Programs, Indigenous Art Showcases, Local History Tours, Ethnic Cooking Classes, Cultural Music Concerts, Traditional Craft Workshops, Multicultural Festivals, Youth Leadership Programs, Storytelling Sessions, Film Screenings, Cultural Lectures, Book Clubs, Poetry Readings, Calligraphy Classes, Ceramics Workshops, Photography Exhibits, World Culture Seminars, Folk Art Demonstrations, Textile Exhibitions, Indigenous Culture Discussions, Ethnic Food Tastings, Cultural Dance Lessons, Literacy Programs, Community Outreach, Cultural Heritage Preservation, Artist Residencies, Mural Painting Projects, Ethnomusicology Workshops, Cultural Research Initiatives, Indigenous Storytelling, Traditional Instrument Lessons, World Music Appreciation, Cultural Costume Exhibits, Museum Tours, Cultural Trivia Nights, Interactive Cultural Experiences, Historical Reenactments, Traditional Games and Sports, Cultural Themed Parties, Foreign Language Meetups, Cultural Resource Center, Heritage Month Celebrations, Cultural Education Programs, Travel and Study Abroad Opportunities, Cultural Networking Events, Indigenous Rights Advocacy, Cultural Entrepreneurship Support
Conference center:
Conference Room Rentals, Business Meeting Space, Corporate Event Venues, Workshop Spaces, Training Room Rentals, Banquet Hall Rentals, Trade Show Facilities, Product Launch Venues, Webinar Hosting, Virtual Meeting Rooms, Audio Visual Equipment Rental, Catering Services, Wi-Fi Access, Video Conferencing Facilities, Presentation Equipment Rental, Team Building Event Spaces, On-Site Parking, Flexible Seating Arrangements, Breakout Room Rentals, Event Planning Services, Exhibition Hall Rentals, Registration Desk Services, On-site IT Support, Printing and Copying Services, Conference Center Tours, Lecture Hall Rentals, Seminar Rooms, Round Table Discussions, Panel Discussion Venues, Boardroom Rentals, Networking Event Spaces, Event Security Services, Customizable Event Packages, Green Meeting Rooms, On-site Hotel Accommodations, Transportation Services, Conference Center Branding, Eco-Friendly Event Spaces, Accessible Facilities, Speaker Preparation Rooms, VIP Meeting Rooms, Executive Lounge Access, Event Marketing Services, Post-Event Cleanup Services, Stage Setup and Design, Conference Center Signage, Event Ticketing Services, Event Sponsorship Opportunities, Professional Photography Services, Event Livestream Services
Concert hall:
Live Music Performances, Orchestra Concerts, Symphony Performances, Chamber Music Concerts, Jazz Concerts, Rock Concerts, Pop Concerts, Youth Concerts, World Music Concerts, Choral Performances, Classical Music Concerts, Opera Performances, Ballet Performances, Modern Dance Performances, Theatrical Performances, Stand-up Comedy Shows, Film Screenings, Lecture Series, Art Exhibitions, Literary Events, Multimedia Performances, Festivals, Benefit Concerts, Tribute Concerts, Community Events, Concert Hall Tours, Event Rentals, Wedding Receptions, Conference Hosting, Catering Services, Private Event Hosting, Corporate Event Hosting, Educational Programs, Masterclasses, Workshops, Summer Camps, Youth Band Programs, Music Education Outreach, Artist Residencies, Volunteer Opportunities, Membership Programs, Gift Shop, Concessions, Pre-concert Talks, Post-concert Q&A Sessions, Meet and Greet Events, Special Holiday Concerts, Outdoor Concerts, Virtual Performances, Online Streaming Services
Media company:
Social Media Management, Content Creation, Digital Marketing, Brand Development, Website Design, Search Engine Optimization, Video Production, Graphic Design, Photography Services, Podcast Production, Email Marketing, Online Advertising, Influencer Marketing, Public Relations, Marketing Consultation, Logo Design, Branding Strategy, Copywriting Services, Analytics and Reporting, E-commerce Solutions, Mobile App Development, Media Planning, Blogging Services, Online Reputation Management, Event Marketing, Webinar Production, Corporate Video Production, Animation Services, Media Training, Audio Production, Native Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, Market Research, Print Design, Merchandise Design, Display Advertising, PPC Management, Promotional Campaigns, Web Hosting, Press Release Distribution, Social Media Advertising, Virtual Reality Production, Media Buying, Lead Generation, Content Strategy, Digital Signage Solutions, Multimedia Editing, Live Streaming Services, Interactive Media, User Experience Design, Crisis Communication
Video production service:
Corporate Video Production, Promotional Video Production, Video Editing Services, Event Video Production, Documentary Video Production, Music Video Production, Animated Video Production, Product Video Production, Training Video Production, Real Estate Video Production, Wedding Video Production, Commercial Video Production, Social Media Video Production, Sports Video Production, Drone Video Production, Live Streaming Services, Video Marketing Services, Short Film Production, Branded Content Production, Interview Video Production, Educational Video Production, Non-profit Video Production, Video Production Consultation, Aerial Video Production, 360-Degree Video Production, Testimonial Video Production, Virtual Event Video Production, Explainer Video Production, Video Animation Services, Video Scriptwriting Services, Video Storyboarding Services, Video Voiceover Services, Video Production Equipment Rental, Green Screen Video Production, Motion Graphics Services, Video Post-Production Services, Video Color Grading Services, Video Sound Design Services, Video Subtitling Services, Video Localization Services, Video SEO Services, Video Distribution Services, Video Production Training, Podcast Production Services, Webinar Production Services, Presentation Video Production, Crowdfunding Video Production, Whiteboard Video Production, Video Production Studio Rental, Video Production Project Management
Film production company:
Scriptwriting Services, Storyboard Creation, Casting Services, Location Scouting, Set Design and Construction, Film Directing, Cinematography, Audio Recording and Mixing, Lighting Design and Setup, Special Effects and CGI, Film Editing, Color Grading, Motion Graphics and Animation, Voiceover Recording, Music Composition and Licensing, Sound Design, ADR and Dubbing, Subtitling and Captioning, Documentary Production, Short Film Production, Feature Film Production, Music Video Production, Promotional Video Production, Corporate Video Production, Training Video Production, Product Demo Video Production, Live Event Filming, Webinar and Virtual Event Production, Video Marketing Services, Film Distribution Consultation, Film Festival Submission, Crowdfunding Campaign Support, Screenplay Coverage and Analysis, Script Consultation, Filmmaking Workshops and Training, Equipment Rental, Film Crew Hiring, Film Project Budgeting, Film Project Management, Film Co-Production, Film Financing Consultation, Post-Production Services, Visual Effects and Compositing, Digital Media Conversion, Film Restoration and Archiving, Drone Videography, 360-Degree Video Production, Virtual Reality Filmmaking, Film Merchandising and Licensing, Social Media Content Creation
Movie rental store:
DVD Rentals, Blu-Ray Rentals, 4K Ultra HD Rentals, Classic Movie Rentals, Foreign Film Rentals, Documentary Rentals, Children's Movie Rentals, Animation Movie Rentals, Romantic Movie Rentals, Comedy Movie Rentals, Action Movie Rentals, Horror Movie Rentals, Sci-Fi Movie Rentals, Drama Movie Rentals, Independent Film Rentals, Crime Thriller Rentals, Adventure Movie Rentals, Mystery Movie Rentals, Fantasy Movie Rentals, Superhero Movie Rentals, Family Movie Rentals, Musical Movie Rentals, Sports Movie Rentals, War Movie Rentals, Western Movie Rentals, TV Series Rentals, Reality Show Rentals, Talk Show Rentals, Stand-up Comedy Special Rentals, Educational Video Rentals, Workout Video Rentals, Cooking Show Rentals, Nature Documentary Rentals, Travel Documentary Rentals, Concert Film Rentals, Music Video Rentals, Cult Classic Rentals, Bollywood Movie Rentals, Anime Rentals, Video Game Rentals, Movie Merchandise, Snack Bar, Film Recommendations, Film Club Memberships, Movie Night Bundle Rentals, Home Theater Setup Rentals, Projector Rentals, Screen Rentals, Speaker Rentals, Gift Cards, Curbside Pickup, In-Store Browsing
Movie studio:
Film Production, TV Show Production, Documentary Production, Commercial Production, Music Video Production, Short Film Production, Feature Film Production, Indie Film Production, Animation Production, Post-Production Services, Video Editing, Color Grading, Visual Effects, Sound Design, Audio Mixing, Voiceover Recording, Script Consultation, Storyboarding, Casting Services, Talent Management, Location Scouting, Set Design, Costume Design, Makeup and Hair Services, Film Equipment Rental, Lighting Rental, Camera Rental, Audio Gear Rental, Crew Hiring, Director Services, Producer Services, Screenwriting, Film Distribution, Film Marketing, Film Festival Submission, Movie Premieres, Screenings, Workshops and Classes, Acting Classes, Screenwriting Classes, Directing Classes, Cinematography Classes, Editing Classes, Sound Design Classes, Visual Effects Classes, Film Networking Events, Studio Tours, Film Industry Consultation, Green Screen Studio, Virtual Reality Production, Drone Videography, Live Event Filming, Corporate Video Production
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.
