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 Hotel?
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 Hotel.
Category list for Hotel:
Hotel
Conference Center
Restaurant
Wedding Venue
Spa
Bar
Fitness Center
Event Venue
Swimming Pool
Banquet Hall
Business Center
Parking Garage
Lounge
Gift Shop
Cafe
Airport Shuttle Service
Laundry Service
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 Hotel:
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
Restaurant:
Dine-in Service, Takeout Service, Delivery Service, Curbside Pickup, Online Ordering, Catering Service, Outdoor Seating, Private Events, Business Lunches, Happy Hour Specials, Buffet Service, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten-Free Options, Kid-Friendly Menu, Group Reservations, Live Music Nights, Wine Tastings, Local Craft Beers, Signature Cocktails, Daily Specials, Weekend Brunch, Breakfast Menu, Lunch Menu, Dinner Menu, Dessert Menu, Seafood Options, Steakhouse Selections, Gourmet Burgers, Pizza Selections, Pasta Dishes, Asian Cuisine, Mexican Cuisine, Middle Eastern Cuisine, Indian Cuisine, Healthy Salad Options, Soup of the Day, Appetizer Selections, Family Style Meals, Gift Cards Available, Loyalty Program, Online Reservations, Food Allergy Accommodations, Seasonal Menu, Chef's Specials, Farm-to-Table Ingredients, Locally Sourced Produce, Sustainable Seafood, Wine Pairing Recommendations, Cooking Classes, Themed Nights
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
Swimming pool:
Inground Pool Installation, Above Ground Pool Installation, Pool Inspection Services, Pool Repair & Maintenance, Pool Cleaning Services, Pool Opening Services, Pool Closing Services, Pool Leak Detection, Pool Resurfacing, Pool Deck Installation, Pool Deck Repair, Pool Liner Installation, Pool Liner Replacement, Pool Equipment Upgrades, Pool Water Testing, Swimming Pool Renovations, Pool Safety Cover Installation, Pool Fencing Installation, Pool Coping Installation, Pool Lighting Installation, Automatic Pool Cover Installation, Swimming Pool Consultation, Saltwater Pool Systems Installation, Pool Heating System Installation, Pool Heating System Repair, Swim Spa Installation, Swim Spa Repair & Maintenance, Hot Tub Installation, Hot Tub Repair & Maintenance, Pool Chemical Sales, Swimming Pool Accessories Sales, Pool Pump Repair & Replacement, Pool Filter Repair & Replacement, Pool Skimmer Repair & Replacement, Pool Automation System Installation, Pool Automation System Repair, Custom Pool Design, Swimming Pool Landscaping, Solar Pool Heating Installation, Solar Pool Heating Repair, Pool Winterization Services, Pool De-Winterization Services, Emergency Pool Repair Services, Commercial Pool Services, Swimming Pool Tile Installation, Swimming Pool Tile Repair, Pool Plastering Services, Pool Acid Washing, Pool Chlorine Alternatives, Swimming Pool Financing Assistance
Banquet hall:
Wedding Receptions, Corporate Events, Birthday Parties, Anniversary Celebrations, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceañeras, Sweet Sixteen Parties, Graduation Parties, Retirement Parties, Holiday Parties, Charity Events, Gala Dinners, Award Ceremonies, Product Launches, Networking Events, Seminars and Workshops, Training Sessions, Team Building Events, Trade Shows, Exhibitions, Art Shows, Fashion Shows, Wine Tastings, Food Festivals, Cultural Events, Themed Events, Outdoor Events, Sports Banquets, Reunions, Engagement Parties, Christenings, Funeral Receptions, Memorial Services, Business Luncheons, Cocktail Parties, Non-profit Fundraisers, Auctions, Movie Screenings, Concerts, Live Performances, Comedy Nights, Karaoke Nights, Dance Parties, Casino Nights, Murder Mystery Dinners, Trivia Nights, Game Nights, Talent Shows, Masquerade Balls, New Year's Eve Parties
Business center:
Virtual Office Solutions, Meeting Room Rentals, Conference Room Rentals, Coworking Space, Private Office Rentals, Shared Office Space, Business Lounge Access, Mail Forwarding Services, Phone Answering Services, Office Equipment Rentals, Video Conferencing Solutions, Administrative Support, Document Scanning Services, Printing Services, Fax Services, Wi-Fi Access, Secure Storage Solutions, Courier Services, Projector Rentals, Whiteboard Rentals, Copy Services, Binding Services, Laminating Services, Office Supplies, Business Consultation Services, Company Formation Assistance, Registration and Licensing Assistance, Accounting Services, Tax Advisory Services, Payroll Services, HR Consultancy, Marketing Consultancy, Digital Marketing Services, Website Design and Development, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Management, Graphics Design Services, Branding Services, Content Creation Services, Event Management Services, Business Seminars and Workshops, Training and Coaching Services, Networking Events, Virtual Assistant Services, Translation Services, Travel Arrangement Services, Catering Services, IT Support Services, Data Backup and Recovery Services, Cybersecurity Services
Parking garage:
24-Hour Parking, Valet Parking, Covered Parking, Uncovered Parking, Short-term Parking, Long-term Parking, Monthly Parking, Hourly Parking, Daily Parking, Overnight Parking, Reserved Parking, Disability Parking, Motorcycle Parking, Bicycle Parking, Park & Ride, Airport Parking, Car Wash Service, Car Detailing Service, Car Charging Station, Car Maintenance, Indoor Parking, Outdoor Parking, Multi-level Parking, Oversized Vehicle Parking, Compact Car Parking, Permit Parking, Event Parking, Stadium Parking, Theater Parking, Shopping Center Parking, Downtown Parking, Business Parking, Weekend Parking, Hotel Parking, Residential Parking, Parking for Students, Parking for Tourists, Quick In & Out Parking, Congestion-free Parking, Eco-friendly Parking, Safe & Secure Parking, CCTV-monitored Parking, Parking for Electric Vehicles, Mobile App-based Parking, Pre-booked Parking, Parking for Trucks & Vans, Airport Shuttle Service, Parking for Campers & RVs, Parking Payment Kiosks, Online Parking Payments, Parking Loyalty Program
Lounge:
Cocktail Bar, Happy Hour Specials, Live Music Performances, Outdoor Seating, Private Event Hosting, Tapas and Small Plates, Wine Tasting Events, Themed Nights, Art Exhibitions, DJ Nights, Karaoke Nights, Craft Beer Selection, Signature Drink Menu, Ladies' Night, Dance Floor, Food Pairing Recommendations, Weekly Drink Specials, Sports Viewing Parties, Trivia Nights, Comedy Shows, Cabaret Performances, Open Mic Nights, Sunday Brunch, Cigar Lounge, Rooftop Lounge, Movie Nights, Board Game Nights, Networking Events, Book Readings, Culinary Workshops, Speed Dating Events, Acoustic Sessions, Seasonal Cocktail Menu, Guest Mixologist Nights, Sangria Sundays, Mojito Mondays, Wine Down Wednesdays, Tequila Tuesdays, Throwback Thursdays, Fancy Fridays, Social Saturdays, Industry Nights, Dog-Friendly Patios, Bottomless Mimosas, Food Truck Collaborations, Tiki Bar Nights, Holiday Parties, Mixology Classes, Singles Nights, Piano Bar, Rum Tasting Events
Gift shop:
Personalized Gifts, Custom Photo Gifts, Handmade Jewelry, Gift Baskets, Birthday Gifts, Wedding Gifts, Anniversary Gifts, Gift Wrapping Services, Engraved Gifts, Gift Cards, Baby Shower Gifts, Graduation Gifts, Holiday Gifts, Housewarming Gifts, Gifts for Him, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Kids, Gifts for Pets, Corporate Gifts, Gifts for Teachers, Gifts for Co-workers, Gifts for Travelers, Gifts for Athletes, Gifts for Foodies, Gifts for Gardeners, Gifts for Tech Lovers, Gifts for Artists, Gifts for Book Lovers, Gifts for Musicians, Gifts for Movie Lovers, Gifts for Gamers, Gifts for College Students, Gifts for Grandparents, Gifts for New Parents, Gifts for Fitness Enthusiasts, Gifts for Beauty Lovers, Gifts for Adventure Seekers, Gifts for Home Chefs, Gifts for DIY Lovers, Gifts for Photographers, Gifts for Wine Lovers, Gifts for Tea Lovers, Gifts for Coffee Lovers, Gifts for Crafters, Gifts for Fashionistas, Gifts for Self-Care, Gifts for Environmentalists, Gifts for Sports Fans, Gifts for Eco-Conscious Shoppers, Gifts for Spiritual Seekers
Airport Transfers, Airport Pick-up Service, Airport Drop-off Service, Shared Airport Shuttle, Private Airport Shuttle, Airport to Hotel Transfers, Hotel to Airport Transfers, Airport to Cruise Port Transfers, Cruise Port to Airport Transfers, Airport Meet and Greet Service, Group Airport Transportation, Corporate Airport Shuttle, Wheelchair Accessible Airport Shuttle, Airport Shuttle for Special Events, Airport Limo Service, 24/7 Airport Shuttle Service, Long Distance Airport Transfers, Airport Minibus Service, Airport Van Service, Airport SUV Service, Airport to Train Station Transfers, Train Station to Airport Transfers, Airport to Bus Station Transfers, Bus Station to Airport Transfers, Airport to Convention Center Transfers, Convention Center to Airport Transfers, Airport to Stadium Transfers, Stadium to Airport Transfers, Airport to Tourist Attractions Transfers, Tourist Attractions to Airport Transfers, Child Car Seat Airport Shuttle, Pet-Friendly Airport Shuttle, Airport to University Transfers, University to Airport Transfers, Airport to Hospital Transfers, Hospital to Airport Transfers, Airport to Business Center Transfers, Business Center to Airport Transfers, VIP Airport Shuttle Service, Economy Airport Shuttle Service, Airport Shuttle for Weddings, Airport Shuttle for Concerts, Airport Shuttle for Sporting Events, Airport Shuttle for Conferences, Airport Shuttle for Corporate Retreats, Airport Shuttle for Family Reunions, Airport Shuttle for Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties, Airport Shuttle for Birthday Parties, Airport Shuttle for Anniversaries, Emergency Airport Shuttle Service
Laundry service:
Wash and Fold, Dry Cleaning, Laundry Pickup and Delivery, Express Laundry Service, Eco-Friendly Laundry, Commercial Laundry Service, Laundry Ironing Service, Self-Service Laundry, Wedding Dress Cleaning, Leather and Suede Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Bedding Laundry Service, Table Linen Cleaning, Uniform Laundry Service, Clothing Repair and Alterations, Rug Cleaning, Shoe Repair and Cleaning, Laundry Subscription Service, Same Day Laundry Service, Laundry App Ordering, Baby Clothes Laundry, Pet Bedding Cleaning, Sports Gear Cleaning, Delicate Garment Care, Stain Removal, Clothing Restoration, Steam Pressing, Clothing Storage, Laundry Drying Service, Odor Removal, Cloth Diaper Service, Laundry Locker Service, Military Laundry Service, Fire and Smoke Damage Laundry, Mold and Mildew Removal, Laundry for Airbnb Properties, Tailoring and Customization, Clothing Donation Drop-off, Laundry Loyalty Program, Costume Cleaning, Online Laundry Tracking, Gown Preservation, Laundry Consultation, Pre-Paid Laundry Packages, Large Item Laundry Service, Elderly Assistance Laundry, Dormitory Laundry Service, Textile and Fabric Cleaning, Allergy-Free Laundry, Laundry Bulk Discounts
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.
