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 Grocery store?
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 Grocery store.
Category list for Grocery store:
Grocery store
Bakery
Deli
Organic Food Store
Health Food Store
Supermarket
Wine Store
Beer Store
Produce Market
Seafood Market
Convenience Store
Gourmet Grocery Store
Cheese Shop
Candy Store
Coffee Shop
Tea Shop
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:
Sandwiches, Salads, Soups, Wraps, Paninis, Bagels, Breakfast Sandwiches, Charcuterie, Cheese Platters, Cold Cuts, Pastries, Coffee, Tea, Smoothies, Fresh Juices, Pickles, Olives, Dips, Hummus, Chips, Catering Services, Party Platters, Custom Sandwich Orders, Deli Trays, Deli Meats by the Pound, Sliced Cheeses, Specialty Cheeses, Gourmet Crackers, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options, Vegetarian Options, Rotisserie Chicken, Hot Bar, Soup Bar, Salad Bar, Desserts, Cookies, Brownies, Cakes, Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, Soft Drinks, Bottled Beverages, Energy Drinks, Protein Bars, Gift Baskets, Gourmet Food Items, Snack Packs, Pre-made Meals, Meal Deals
Organic food store:
Organic fruits and vegetables, Organic dairy products, Organic meat and poultry, Organic grains and cereals, Organic baby food, Organic gluten-free products, Organic vegan food options, Organic beverages and juices, Organic snacks and treats, Organic frozen food, Organic health supplements, Organic pantry staples, Organic baking supplies, Organic personal care products, Organic household cleaning products, Organic pet food and supplies, Organic bulk food items, Organic fair trade products, Organic locally sourced goods, Organic prepared meals, Organic specialty foods, Organic herbs and spices, Organic eco-friendly packaging, Organic nuts and seeds, Organic bread and bakery items, Organic non-GMO products, Organic ethically sourced products, Organic plant-based protein options, Organic sustainable seafood, Organic dietary supplements, Organic teas and coffees, Organic international cuisine options, Organic raw food options, Organic sugar-free products, Organic fermented foods, Organic condiments and sauces, Organic wine and beer, Organic allergen-friendly options, Organic seasonal produce, Organic superfoods, Organic low-calorie options, Organic nut butter and spreads, Organic cooking oils, Organic nutrition bars, Organic home gardening supplies, Organic zero waste products, Organic reusable shopping bags, Organic kitchenware, Organic gift baskets, Organic food delivery service
Health food store:
Organic Food Products, Vegan Food Options, Gluten-Free Foods, Dairy-Free Products, Nutritional Supplements, Herbal Supplements, Protein Powders, Natural Skincare Products, Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies, Vitamins and Minerals, Health and Wellness Consultations, Weight Management Products, Plant-Based Snacks, Allergy-Friendly Foods, Non-GMO Products, Organic Fruits and Vegetables, Bulk Food Items, Organic Baby Food, Healthy Beverage Options, Keto-Friendly Products, Paleo-Friendly Products, Raw Food Products, Superfoods, Natural Home Products, Aromatherapy and Essential Oils, Organic Tea and Coffee, Organic Spices and Herbs, Sports Nutrition, Healthy Cooking Oils, Natural Sweeteners, Eco-Friendly Kitchenware, Organic Pet Food, Holistic Pet Products, Fermented Foods, Organic Baking Supplies, Natural Personal Care Products, Eco-Friendly Home Decor, Organic Clothing, Sustainable Lifestyle Products, Reusable Containers and Bags, Organic Seeds and Gardening Supplies, Environmentally Friendly Toys, Natural Hair Care Products, Organic Dairy Alternatives, Organic Nut and Seed Butters, Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas, Health and Nutrition Workshops, Seasonal Organic Produce, Zero-Waste Products, Composting Supplies
Supermarket:
Grocery Delivery, Curbside Pickup, Fresh Produce, Organic Foods, Dairy Products, Frozen Foods, Meat & Seafood, Bakery, Canned Goods, Dry Goods & Pasta, Snacks & Chips, Beverages, Wine & Beer, Health & Wellness, Personal Care, Pharmacy, Cleaning Supplies, Pet Supplies, Baby & Toddler, International Foods, Floral Department, Deli Counter, Prepared Foods, Sushi Bar, Sandwich Counter, Salad Bar, Hot Foods, Catering Services, Bulk Foods, Gift Cards, Cooking Utensils, Kitchen Appliances, Paper Goods, Plasticware, Party Supplies, School & Office Supplies, Electronics, Home Decor, Bed & Bath, Gardening Supplies, Seasonal Items, Holiday Decorations, Toys & Games, Sporting Goods, Automotive Supplies, Outdoor Living, Grilling Supplies, Swim & Pool Supplies, Luggage & Travel, Cosmetics, Hair Care
Wine store:
Wine Tasting, Wine Pairing Consultation, Wine Club Membership, Wine Delivery, Wine Education Classes, Wine Storage Solutions, Gift Baskets, Custom Wine Labels, Seasonal Wine Selections, Wedding Wine Consultation, Corporate Wine Gifts, Rare and Vintage Wines, Biodynamic Wines, Organic Wines, Wine Accessories, Sommelier Services, Wine and Cheese Pairings, Wine and Chocolate Pairings, Wine by the Glass, Wine by the Bottle, Champagne and Sparkling Wines, Curbside Pickup, Wine Tasting Events, Wine Dinners, Private Wine Tastings, Wine Themed Gifts, Wine Subscription Boxes, Wine Gift Cards, Wine and Food Pairing Recommendations, Local Winery Tours, Wine Tasting Flights, Wine Case Discounts, Wine Cellar Management, Wine Tasting Classes, Wine Party Hosting, Wine Bottle Recycling, Wine Preservation Solutions, Personalized Wine Recommendations, International Wine Selection, Wine and Spirits Tastings, Wine and Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting Room Rentals, Wine of the Month, Wine Artwork, Wine and Charcuterie Platters, Wine and Tapas Nights, Wine Cellar Design, Wine and Paint Nights, Wine Shipping, Winery Event Hosting, Wine and Cocktail Classes
Beer store:
Craft Beer Selection, Imported Beers, Domestic Beers, Limited Edition Beers, Beer Tasting Events, Growler Filling Station, Keg Rentals, Beer Gift Sets, Beer Merchandise, Seasonal Beers, Gluten-Free Beers, Organic Beers, Vegan Beers, Non-Alcoholic Beers, Beer Subscription Service, Beer Delivery, Beer Pairing Recommendations, Specialty Ciders, Hard Seltzers, Beer Club Membership, Beer Sampling, Crowler Filling Station, Beer Discounts and Promotions, Brewery Tours, Homebrewing Supplies, Beer Flights, Party Supplies, Beer Tasting Classes, Beer-Themed Events, Exclusive Beer Releases, Beer Glassware, Beer Snacks, Gift Cards, Bottle Returns, Custom Beer Labels, Brewery Collaborations, Beer Education, Online Beer Ordering, Personalized Beer Recommendations, Gift Wrapping, Corporate Gifts, Beer Gift Baskets, Beer of the Month, Rare and Collectible Beers, Beer and Food Pairing Events, Private Beer Tastings, Brewery Partnerships, Beer Accessories, Mixed Beer Cases, Beer Loyalty Program
Produce market:
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Organic Produce, Locally Sourced Products, Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables, Exotic Fruits, Herbs and Spices, Dairy Products, Eggs, Freshly Baked Bread, Gluten-Free Options, Vegan Products, Artisanal Cheese, Homemade Jams and Preserves, Nuts and Seeds, Dried Fruits, Health Food Options, Cold Pressed Juices, Kombucha, Fresh Cut Flowers, Eco-Friendly Packaging, Farm-to-Table Products, Sustainable Seafood, Grass-Fed Meats, Free Range Poultry, Organic Coffee and Tea, Plant-Based Snacks, Healthy Prepared Meals, Local Honey, Nut Butters, Gourmet Olives, Salad Bar, Soup Bar, Smoothie Bar, Sushi and Poke Bowls, Fresh Pasta, Vegan Ice Cream, Gluten-Free Baked Goods, Organic Wine and Beer, Freshly Made Salsa and Guacamole, Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies, Natural Beauty Products, Pet Food and Supplies, Plants and Gardening Supplies, Cooking Classes, Nutrition Counseling, Community Events, Delivery Service, Curbside Pickup, Gift Baskets, Custom Fruit Platters, Catering Services, Bulk Foods Section
Seafood market:
Fresh Local Seafood, Sustainably Sourced Fish, Wild Caught Shrimp, Organic Salmon, Frozen Seafood Selection, Seafood Platters, Shellfish Variety, Live Crabs and Lobsters, Smoked Seafood Delicacies, Gourmet Seafood Gift Baskets, Caviar and Roe, Seafood Marinades and Sauces, Seafood Seasonings, Fish and Chips Takeaway, Oyster Bar, Sushi and Sashimi Grade Fish, Fresh Seafood Delivery, Wholesale Seafood, Prepared Seafood Meals, Chowder and Soup Bar, Seafood Catering Services, Party Platters, Canned Seafood, Seafood Cooking Classes, Fish Filleting Service, Seafood Subscription Boxes, Seafood Charcuterie Boards, Imported Seafood, Gluten-Free Seafood Options, Vegan Seafood Alternatives, Seafood Meal Kits, Seaweed and Sea Vegetables, Poke Bowls, Fish Tacos, Grilled Seafood, Seafood Skewers, Fish Burgers, Seafood Salads, Seafood Pasta, Paella and Risotto, Seafood Curry, Stuffed Fish, Crab Cakes, Fish and Seafood Sausages, Fish and Seafood Pies, Seafood Gumbo, Raw Seafood Bar, Clambakes and Seafood Boils, Sustainable Seafood Consultation
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
Gourmet grocery store:
Artisan Cheese Selection, Imported Olive Oil, Gourmet Chocolate, Organic Produce, Gluten-Free Products, Vegan Food Options, Charcuterie Boards, Specialty Tea and Coffee, Gourmet Baking Supplies, European Deli Items, Ethnic Food Ingredients, Local Honey and Jams, Health-Focused Snacks, Craft Beer and Wine, Fresh Bakery Items, Eco-Friendly Household Goods, Ready-to-Eat Gourmet Meals, Gourmet Sandwiches and Salads, Artisan Pasta and Sauces, Exotic Spices and Herbs, Gourmet Seafood Selection, Fine Wine and Cheese Tastings, Premium Nut and Seed Selection, Gourmet Meat and Poultry, International Food Imports, Superfood Smoothie Bar, Organic Dairy Products, Gourmet Pet Food, Gourmet Gift Baskets, Luxury Ice Cream and Desserts, Gourmet Food Pairing Events, Gourmet Cooking Classes, Personalized Picnic Baskets, Gourmet Meal Planning Services, Imported Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Gourmet Condiments and Sauces, Upscale Gourmet Catering, Gourmet Food Delivery, Artisan Bread Selection, Gourmet Breakfast Items, Gourmet Plant-Based Options, Gourmet Gluten-Free Bakery, Gourmet Sugar-Free Sweets, International Snack Selection, Gourmet Food Subscription Boxes, Gourmet Baby Food, Gourmet Kitchenware, Sustainable Food Products, Gourmet Seasonal Items, Gourmet Food Tasting Events
Cheese shop:
Artisanal Cheese Selection, Cheese Tasting Events, Cheese Pairings, Charcuterie Boards, Gourmet Cheese Sandwiches, Cheese Wedding Cakes, Cheese Gift Baskets, Dairy-Free Cheese Options, Cheese Education Classes, Cheese Subscription Boxes, Cheese Platter Design, Imported Cheese Varieties, Rare Cheese Collection, Cheese Fondue Kits, Regional Cheese Assortments, Cheese Pairing Consultations, Handcrafted Cheese Spreads, Cheese Themed Party Supplies, Gourmet Mac and Cheese, Cheese and Wine Pairing Events, Monthly Cheese Club, Truffle Cheese Offerings, Cheese Making Kits, Custom Cheese Boards, Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Aged Cheese Selection, Baked Cheese Appetizers, Cheese and Beer Pairing Events, Cheese and Charcuterie Party Trays, Gourmet Cheese Pizza, Cheese and Crackers, Cheese Curds, Vegan Cheese Selection, Cheese and Olive Tasting, Cheese and Fruit Platters, Gourmet Cheeseburgers, Cheese and Nut Pairings, Cheese and Chocolate Pairings, Cheesemonger Services, Gourmet Cheese Fries, Cheese and Pretzel Pairings, Cheese Wheel Cakes, Cheese Themed Gifts, Gourmet Cheese Omelettes, Cheese and Jam Pairings, Cheese and Sausage Pairings, Gourmet Cheese Pasta, Cheese and Bread Pairings, Cheese and Tea Pairings, Gourmet Cheese Salads, Cheese and Honey Pairings
Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha, Macchiato, Cortado, Flat White, Cold Brew Coffee, Iced Coffee, Iced Latte, Iced Mocha, Iced Macchiato, Hot Chocolate, Chai Latte, Tea Selection, Green Tea, Black Tea, Herbal Tea, Fruit Tea, Matcha Latte, Turmeric Latte, London Fog, Drip Coffee, Pour Over Coffee, French Press Coffee, Espresso Con Panna, Affogato, Vienna Coffee, Nitro Cold Brew, Bagels, Croissants, Muffins, Scones, Cookies, Brownies, Cinnamon Rolls, Vegan Pastries, Gluten-Free Pastries, Breakfast Sandwiches, Avocado Toast, Quiche, Salads, Wraps, Panini, Soup of the Day, Fruit Smoothies, Protein Shakes, Acai Bowls, Coffee Beans
Tea Shop:
Loose Leaf Tea Sales, Tea Brewing Accessories, Tea Tasting Events, Tea Gift Sets, Organic Tea Selection, Herbal Tea Blends, Matcha Tea Powder, Chai Tea Latte, Bubble Tea, Iced Tea Beverages, Tea Infusers, Teapot Sets, Tea and Food Pairings, Custom Tea Blending, Tea Subscription Service, Tea Education Workshops, Catering Tea Parties, Online Tea Sales, Tea Wholesale, Private Tea Tasting Sessions, Afternoon Tea Service, Tea Room Reservations, Tea and Chocolate Pairings, Tea and Cheese Pairings, Tea Flights, Seasonal Tea Collections, Tea Travel Kits, Cold Brew Tea, Tea and Wellness Consultations, Tea Ceremonies, Tea Artwork, Tea Books, Tea Storage Containers, Tea Cosies, Tea Towels, Tea Apparel, Tea Gift Cards, Monthly Tea Club, Tea and Meditation Sessions, Tea and Yoga Classes, Tea Sampling Boxes, Tea Advent Calendars, Tea and Scone Pairings, Tea and Biscuit Pairings, Tea and Honey Pairings, Tea and Jam Pairings, Tea and Fruit Pairings, Tea and Cake Pairings, Tea and Cookie Pairings, Tea and Sandwich Pairings, Tea and Pastry Pairings
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.