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 Gas station?
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 Gas station.
Category list for Gas station:
Gas station
Convenience store
Car wash
ATM
Diesel fuel supplier
Tire shop
Oil change service
Propane supplier
Auto parts store
Towing service
Truck stop
Auto accessories store
Auto glass shop
Auto body shop
Auto electrical service
Auto radiator repair service
Auto tune up service
Brake shop
Car inspection station
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 Gas station:
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
Car wash:
Exterior Car Wash, Interior Car Cleaning, Full-Service Car Wash, Express Car Wash, Hand Car Wash, Steam Car Wash, Eco-Friendly Car Wash, Mobile Car Wash, Self-Service Car Wash, Touchless Car Wash, Automated Car Wash, Undercarriage Wash, Waterless Car Wash, Engine Cleaning, Car Waxing, Car Polishing, Paint Protection, Wheel Cleaning, Tire Shining, Headlight Restoration, Window Cleaning, Car Vacuuming, Car Upholstery Cleaning, Car Carpet Cleaning, Car Air Freshening, Car Deodorizing, Car Leather Care, Car Stain Removal, Car Paint Touch-up, Car Ceramic Coating, Car Glass Treatment, Car Detailing Packages, Car Odor Removal, Car Paint Sealant, Car Bug and Tar Removal, Car Rust Proofing, Car Fabric Protection, Car Vinyl and Trim Restoration, Car Alloy Wheel Repair, Car Engine Bay Cleaning, Car Paint Correction, Car Paint Chip Repair, Car Dashboard Cleaning, Car Door Jam Cleaning, Car Steam Sanitization, Car Pet Hair Removal, Car Scratch Removal, Car High-Pressure Cleaning, Car Wash Gift Cards, Car Wash Memberships
ATM:
24 Hour ATM Access, Cash Withdrawal, Cash Deposit, Check Deposit, Balance Inquiry, Mini Statement, Fund Transfer, Credit Card Payment, Debit Card Replacement, Mobile Recharge, Bill Payment, Travel Card Reload, Gift Card Purchase, Bank Account Opening, Student Account Services, International Money Transfer, Currency Exchange, Loan Payment, Mortgage Services, Investment Services, Insurance Services, Car Loan Services, Home Loan Services, Personal Loan Services, Business Loan Services, Safe Deposit Box Access, Cash Management, Wealth Management, Retirement Planning, Financial Planning, Tax Consultation, Notary Services, Wire Transfers, Direct Deposit Setup, Business Banking, Merchant Services, Payroll Services, Commercial Lending, Agriculture Loans, Equipment Financing, Lines of Credit, SBA Loans, Trade Financing, Crowdfunding Services, Asset Management, Fraud Protection, Identity Theft Protection, Online Banking Support, Mobile Banking Support, Dispute Resolution, Lost or Stolen Card Assistance, Account Alerts
24-Hour Fueling, Diesel Exhaust Fluid, Truck Weighing Scale, Truck Parking, Truck Wash, Truck Maintenance Services, Tire Services, Oil Change Services, Battery Charging, Truck Parts, Emergency Roadside Assistance, Mobile Fuel Delivery, Restrooms and Showers, Laundry Facilities, Wi-Fi Access, ATM, Driver's Lounge, TV and Entertainment Area, Fitness Center, Barbershop, Massage Services, Truckers Store, Food and Snacks, Coffee and Beverages, Vending Machines, Fast Food Options, Sit-down Restaurant, Dine-in or Take-Out Meals, Healthy Food Choices, Breakfast Menu, Lunch and Dinner Menu, Late-Night Menu, Trucker Discounts, CAT Scale, Pet Area, RV Parking, Propane Refill, Fax and Copy Services, Shipping and Receiving Services, Emissions Testing, Load Checks, Trip Planning Services, Weather Updates, Road Condition Updates, CB Radio Accessories, Electronic Logs, Truck Navigation Systems, Safety Gear, Trucker Apparel, Travel Accessories
Auto Accessories Store:
Car Floor Mats, Seat Covers, Custom Dash Covers, Air Fresheners, Cargo Liners, Steering Wheel Covers, License Plate Frames, Car Window Tinting, Wheel Covers, Car Audio Systems, GPS Navigation Systems, Car Alarm Systems, Backup Cameras, Car Amplifiers, Car Speakers, Bluetooth Car Kits, Phone Mounts, Car Chargers, Car Batteries, Car Jump Starters, Oil Filters, Air Filters, Windshield Wipers, Car Cleaning Supplies, Car Polish & Wax, Tire Inflators, Tire Pressure Gauges, Wheel Locks, Car Ramps, Car Jacks, Automotive Tools, Car Diagnostic Tools, Car Covers, Roof Racks, Bike Racks, Hitch Cargo Carriers, Trailer Hitches, Tow Straps, Trailer Wiring, Car Emergency Kits, Automotive Fuses, Spark Plugs, Fuel Injectors, Headlight Bulbs, Tail Light Bulbs, Turn Signal Bulbs, Fog Light Bulbs, Performance Chips, Suspension Kits, Brake Pads, Brake Rotors
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 body shop:
Car Dent Repair, Paintless Dent Removal, Bumper Repair, Car Scratch Repair, Auto Paint Services, Collision Repair, Frame Straightening, Auto Glass Repair, Windshield Replacement, Car Detailing, Headlight Restoration, Car Rust Repair, Fender Repair, Wheel Alignment, Suspension Repair, Brake Repair, Tire Services, Car Window Tinting, Custom Auto Paint, Vehicle Wraps, Car Restoration, Rim Repair, Vehicle Inspections, Car Interior Repair, Leather Repair, Convertible Top Repair, Car Audio Installation, Remote Start Installation, Car Alarm Installation, Engine Diagnostics, Oil Change Services, Car AC Repair, Transmission Services, Battery Replacement, Fuel System Services, Coolant System Services, Emission Services, Exhaust System Repair, Car Electronics Repair, Steering System Repair, Drivetrain Services, Preventative Maintenance, Car Wash Services, Car Waxing, Car Polishing, Auto Upholstery Repair, Custom Fabrication, Classic Car Repair, Hybrid Vehicle Repair, Electric Vehicle Repair
Auto electrical service:
Battery Replacement, Alternator Repair, Starter Motor Repair, Electrical System Diagnostics, Automotive Wiring Repair, Power Window Repair, Headlight & Taillight Replacement, Car Audio System Installation, Car Alarm Installation, GPS Navigation System Installation, Electric Brake Controller Installation, Airbag System Diagnostics, Vehicle Sensor Calibration, Instrument Cluster Repair, Vehicle Immobilizer Repair, Electric Power Steering Repair, Key Fob Programming, Car Remote Starter Installation, Hybrid Vehicle Electrical Repair, Electric Vehicle Charging System Repair, Automotive Air Conditioning Repair, Dashboard Warning Light Diagnostics, Fuel Pump Replacement, Electronic Control Module Repair, Transmission Control Module Repair, Engine Cooling Fan Repair, Windshield Wiper Motor Repair, Car Heater Repair, Tire Pressure Monitoring System Repair, Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement, Oxygen Sensor Replacement, Electronic Throttle Control Repair, Ignition Coil Replacement, Distributor Cap & Rotor Replacement, Cruise Control System Repair, Car Horn Repair, Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement, Fuel Injector Cleaning & Replacement, Electronic Suspension System Repair, Idle Air Control Valve Repair, Vehicle Anti-Theft System Repair, Knock Sensor Replacement, Electronic Parking Brake Repair, ECU Flash & Tuning, Car Door Lock Repair, Engine Control Module Replacement, Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement, Catalytic Converter Replacement, Transmission Shift Solenoid Repair, Electronic Stability Control Repair, EVAP System Repair
Auto radiator repair service:
Radiator leak repair, Radiator flush and fill, Radiator replacement, Radiator pressure test, Radiator hose replacement, Radiator fan replacement, Radiator cap replacement, Coolant system inspection, Coolant leak detection, Coolant reservoir replacement, Thermostat replacement, Water pump replacement, Heater core replacement, Heater hose replacement, Temperature sensor replacement, Radiator support replacement, Radiator shroud replacement, Radiator drain and refill, Cooling system service, Coolant filter replacement, Coolant temperature sensor replacement, Radiator fan clutch replacement, Radiator fan relay replacement, Radiator fan motor replacement, Radiator fan switch replacement, Radiator fan assembly replacement, Radiator fan resistor replacement, Radiator fan control module replacement, Radiator fan thermostat replacement, Radiator fan fuse replacement, Radiator fan wiring repair, Coolant recovery tank replacement, Coolant expansion tank replacement, Coolant bypass hose replacement, Coolant bleeder valve replacement, Radiator core support replacement, Radiator drain plug replacement, Radiator petcock replacement, Radiator mount replacement, Cooling system pressure test, Cooling system vacuum fill, Cooling system flush, Radiator inspection, Radiator repair estimate, Custom radiator installation, High-performance radiator upgrade, Radiator reconditioning, Radiator recycling, Vintage car radiator repair
Auto tune up service:
Oil Change Service, Ignition System Check, Fuel System Cleaning, Air Filter Replacement, Brake Fluid Flush, Transmission Fluid Service, Coolant System Service, Power Steering Fluid Service, Fuel Filter Replacement, Battery Check and Replacement, Tire Rotation and Alignment, Wheel Balancing, Spark Plug Replacement, Exhaust System Inspection, Emission Control System Check, Suspension System Service, Drive Belt Inspection and Replacement, Timing Belt Inspection and Replacement, Engine Diagnostic Service, Cabin Air Filter Replacement, Brake System Inspection, Radiator Flush and Fill, Clutch Adjustment and Replacement, Axle and CV Joint Service, Differential Fluid Service, Transfer Case Service, Fuel Injection Service, Throttle Body Cleaning, Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaning, Oxygen Sensor Replacement, PCV Valve Replacement, Evaporative Emission Control System Service, Catalytic Converter Check, Fuel Pump Inspection, Alternator Inspection and Replacement, Starter Inspection and Replacement, Water Pump Inspection and Replacement, Thermostat Replacement, Serpentine Belt Replacement, Fuel Tank Cleaning, Brake Pad Replacement, Rotor Resurfacing and Replacement, Headlight Restoration, Wiper Blade Replacement, Windshield Washer Fluid Service, Vehicle Inspection, Car AC Service, Heating System Service, Vehicle Electrical System Check, Steering System Inspection
Brake shop:
Brake Inspection, Brake Fluid Replacement, Brake Pad Replacement, Brake Rotor Replacement, Brake Caliper Replacement, Brake Line Repair, Brake System Diagnostics, Brake Disc Resurfacing, Emergency Brake Service, Brake Master Cylinder Replacement, ABS System Repair, Brake Shoe Replacement, Brake Drum Replacement, Brake Hardware Replacement, Brake System Flush, Brake Hose Replacement, Brake Booster Repair, Brake Bleeding, Brake System Upgrades, Brake Noise Diagnosis, Brake Fluid Leak Repair, Brake Warning Light Service, Brake System Adjustments, Brake Dust Shield Installation, High-Performance Brake Installation, Brake System Rebuild, Brake Pedal Repair, Brake System Customization, Brake Squeal Repair, Brake Rotor Upgrades, Brake Caliper Painting, Brake Fluid Testing, Brake System Consultation, Brake Light Inspection, Brake Pedal Replacement, Brake Rotor Balancing, Brake Line Bleeding, Brake Fluid Exchange, Brake Line Upgrades, Brake System Performance Testing, Brake System Retrofit, Brake System Maintenance, Brake System Inspection, Brake System Component Cleaning, Brake System Restoration, Brake System Alignment, Brake System Component Lubrication, Brake System Component Replacement, Brake System Component Disposal, Brake System Component Recycling
Car inspection station:
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
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.
