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 Motel?
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 Motel.
Category list for Motel:
Motel
Extended Stay Hotel
Hotel
Inn
Guest House
RV Park
Conference Center
Travel Agency
Restaurant
Bar
Spa
Wedding Venue
Banquet Hall
Event Planner
Tourist Attraction
Airport Shuttle 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 Motel:
Extended stay hotel:
Extended Stay Accommodations, Weekly Hotel Rates, Monthly Hotel Rates, Pet-Friendly Rooms, Full Kitchen Suites, On-site Laundry Facilities, Free Wi-Fi Access, Business Center Services, 24-Hour Fitness Center, Free Grab-and-Go Breakfast, In-Room Workspace, Housekeeping Services, Long-Term Discounted Rates, Parking Facilities, Airport Shuttle Service, Outdoor Grilling Area, Meeting Room Rentals, Daily Newspaper Service, Non-Smoking Rooms, Accessible Rooms, Cable TV and Streaming Services, Flexible Cancellation Policies, Online Check-In and Check-Out, Loyalty Program Benefits, 24-Hour Front Desk Assistance, Room Service Options, Local Area Information and Recommendations, In-Room Coffee and Tea Facilities, Mail and Package Reception, Safety Deposit Boxes, Luggage Storage Service, On-Site Convenience Store, Children's Play Area, Pet Relief Areas, Complimentary Toiletries, Bicycle Rentals, Car Rental Services, Group Booking Discounts, On-Site ATM, Currency Exchange Service, Multilingual Staff, Express Check-In and Check-Out, Travel Assistance and Ticket Booking, Day-Use Rooms, In-Room Safe, Organized Social Events, Extended Stay Rewards, Corporate Housing Solutions, On-site Security, Customized Billing Options
Hotel:
Luxury Suites, Standard Rooms, Economy Rooms, Pet-Friendly Accommodations, Family Rooms, Honeymoon Suites, Room Service, Free Wi-Fi, Complimentary Breakfast, Airport Shuttle Service, On-site Restaurant, On-site Bar and Lounge, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Spa and Wellness Center, Business Center, Conference Rooms, Banquet Hall, Wedding Services, Event Planning Services, 24-hour Front Desk, Concierge Services, Laundry and Dry Cleaning, Housekeeping, Luggage Storage, Valet Parking, Self-Parking Facilities, Car Rental Services, Tour and Travel Assistance, Currency Exchange, Multilingual Staff, Accessible Facilities, Smoke-Free Property, Gift Shop, ATM/Cash Machine, Safety Deposit Box, Express Check-in/Check-out, Late Check-out, Babysitting Services, Children's Play Area, Outdoor Recreation Activities, Garden and Terrace, BBQ Facilities, Mini-Bar, In-room Safe, Flat-Screen TV with Cable Channels, Air Conditioning, Coffee/Tea Maker
Inn:
Free Wi-Fi, Complimentary Breakfast, On-site Parking, Pet-friendly Rooms, Private Bathrooms, Room Service, Daily Housekeeping, Laundry Service, Business Center, Meeting Rooms, Airport Shuttle, Fitness Center, Outdoor Pool, Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Spa Services, Concierge Service, Luggage Storage, 24-hour Front Desk, Multilingual Staff, Non-smoking Rooms, Family Rooms, Wheelchair Accessible, Garden, Terrace, Picnic Area, BBQ Facilities, Bike Rental, Hiking Trails, Fishing, Golf Course, Horse Riding, Skiing, Water Sports, Beach Access, Restaurant, Bar, Lounge, Coffee Shop, Gift Shop, Local Tours, Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting, Live Entertainment, Yoga Classes, Massage Services, Babysitting, Kids Club, Wedding Services, Event Planning
Guest house:
Private Room Accommodation, Suite Accommodation, Family Room Accommodation, Pet-Friendly Rooms, Free Wi-Fi Access, Room Service, Free Parking, Breakfast Included, Airport Shuttle Service, Luggage Storage, Laundry Service, Late Check-In, Early Check-Out, Wheelchair Accessible Rooms, Non-Smoking Rooms, Smoking Rooms, Daily Housekeeping, Concierge Services, Babysitting Services, Garden Access, Bicycle Rental, Car Rental Assistance, Local Activity Recommendations, Tour Assistance, Ticket Booking Assistance, Private Bathroom, Shared Bathroom, Tea and Coffee Making Facilities, Air Conditioning, Heating, Mini Fridge, Kitchenette, Cable TV, Hair Dryer, Ironing Facilities, Safety Deposit Box, Lounge Area, Outdoor Seating, BBQ Facilities, Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Centre, Spa Services, Massage Services, Meeting and Event Space, Business Centre, Wedding Services, Catering Services, 24-Hour Front Desk, Multilingual Staff
RV park:
RV Site Rentals, Full Hookup RV Sites, Partial Hookup RV Sites, Pull-Thru RV Sites, Back-in RV Sites, RV Park Cabin Rentals, Tent Camping Sites, RV Storage Services, RV Park Amenities, Pet-Friendly RV Sites, Seasonal RV Site Rentals, RV Park Group Camping, RV Park Wi-Fi Access, RV Park Laundry Facilities, RV Park Restrooms and Showers, RV Park Propane Services, RV Park Picnic Areas, RV Park Playground, RV Park Camp Store, RV Park Clubhouse, RV Park Swimming Pool, RV Park Fitness Center, RV Park Game Room, RV Park Fishing Access, RV Park Hiking Trails, RV Park Bicycle Rentals, RV Park Golf Cart Rentals, RV Park Shuttle Services, RV Park BBQ Grills, RV Park Fire Pits, RV Park Dump Station, RV Park Events and Activities, RV Park Community Kitchen, RV Park Monthly Rates, RV Park Weekly Rates, RV Park Daily Rates, RV Park Reservations, RV Park Military Discounts, RV Park Senior Discounts, RV Park Seasonal Discounts, RV Park Loyalty Programs, RV Park Gift Certificates, RV Park Family Reunions, RV Park Corporate Retreats, RV Park Wedding Receptions, RV Park Tourist Attractions, RV Park Local Activities, RV Park Nearby Restaurants, RV Park Nearby Shopping, RV Park Nearby Medical Facilities
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
Travel agency:
Vacation Planning, Cruise Packages, Honeymoon Packages, Adventure Tours, Group Travel, Eco Tours, Budget Travel, Family Vacations, All-Inclusive Resorts, Luxury Travel, Business Travel, Flight Booking, Hotel Booking, Car Rental Services, Railway Ticket Booking, Travel Insurance, Custom Itineraries, Guided Tours, Visa Assistance, Airport Transfers, Cultural Tours, Food & Wine Tours, Spa Retreats, Safari Tours, Solo Travel, Golf Holidays, Ski Trips, Educational Tours, Voluntourism, Religious Tours, Event & Festival Travel, Sports Travel, Wellness Retreats, Beach Holidays, City Breaks, Mountain Getaways, Theme Park Vacations, Historical Tours, Destination Weddings, Photography Tours, Scuba Diving Trips, Cycling Tours, Trekking Expeditions, Accessible Travel, Medical Tourism, Language Immersion Programs, Student Travel, Pet-Friendly Travel, LGBTQ+ Travel, Senior Travel, Travel Consultations
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
Bar:
Craft Beer Selection, Signature Cocktails, Wine by the Glass, Bottle Service, Happy Hour Specials, Live Music Nights, DJ Performances, Karaoke Nights, Trivia Nights, Open Mic Events, Sports Viewing Parties, Outdoor Seating, Rooftop Bar, Private Events, Themed Nights, Dance Floor, Pool Tables, Dart Boards, Tabletop Games, Beer Pong, Food Menu, Appetizers and Snacks, Burgers and Sandwiches, Vegan and Vegetarian Options, Gluten-Free Options, Pub Grub, Taco Tuesdays, Wing Wednesdays, Sunday Brunch, Bottomless Mimosa Brunch, Gin and Tonic Bar, Bloody Mary Bar, Whiskey Tastings, Wine Tastings, Cocktail Classes, Bartending Courses, Local Brewery Collaborations, Ladies' Night, College Night, Industry Night, Holiday Parties, New Year's Eve Celebrations, St. Patrick's Day Events, Halloween Parties, Charity Events, Networking Events, Singles' Night, Speed Dating, Art Shows, Comedy Nights, Pet-Friendly Patio
Spa:
Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, Sports Massage, Prenatal Massage, Thai Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Reflexology, Couples Massage, Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Chair Massage, Bamboo Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, Acupuncture, Reiki Healing, Meditation Classes, Yoga Classes, Pilates Classes, Facials, Anti-Aging Treatments, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, LED Light Therapy, Oxygen Facial, Acne Treatment, HydraFacial, Dermaplaning, Body Scrubs, Body Wraps, Mud Therapy, Seaweed Treatment, Detoxifying Treatments, Cellulite Treatment, Infrared Sauna, Steam Room, Cryotherapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Salt Therapy, Floatation Therapy, Manicures, Pedicures, Gel Nails, Nail Art, Waxing Services, Lash Extensions, Eyebrow Threading, Eyebrow Tinting, Microblading, Permanent Makeup
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
Event planner:
Wedding Planning, Corporate Event Planning, Birthday Party Planning, Anniversary Party Planning, Conference Planning, Trade Show Planning, Charity Event Planning, Product Launch Planning, Gala Dinner Planning, Award Ceremony Planning, Festival Planning, Team Building Event Planning, Fundraising Event Planning, Themed Event Planning, Catering Coordination, Entertainment Booking, Event Design and Decor, Event Production Management, Event Staffing and Security, Event Marketing and Promotion, Event Budgeting and Financials, Event Sponsorship Management, Event Risk Assessment and Safety, Destination Event Planning, Virtual Event Planning, Event Photography and Videography, Event Technology Solutions, Event Ticketing and Registration, Event Accommodation and Travel, Event Venue Selection, Event Time and Schedule Management, Event Accessibility Planning, Event Transportation and Logistics, Event Licensing and Permits, Event Audio and Visual Services, Event Sustainability and Green Initiatives, Post-Event Analysis and Reporting, Event Branding and Signage, Event Swag and Merchandise, Event Public Relations and Media, Event Social Media Management, Event Website Development, Event Seating and Layout Planning, Event Program and Agenda Development, Event Invitations and RSVP Management, Event Food and Beverage Planning, Event Guest Management and Concierge, Event Contingency Planning, Event Post-Production and Editing, Event Proposal and Pitch Development, Event Networking and Connection Opportunities
Tourist attraction:
Guided Tours, Historical Tours, Cultural Tours, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Adventure Tours, Food and Wine Tours, Photography Tours, Bicycle Tours, Walking Tours, Boat Tours, Night Tours, Private Tours, Group Tours, City Tours, Museum Tours, Art Gallery Tours, Shopping Tours, Ghost and Haunted Tours, Theme Park Visits, Gardens and Parks Tours, Aquarium Tours, Zoo Tours, Beach Tours, Mountain Tours, National Park Tours, Cave Tours, Festival Tours, Sports Tours, Fishing Tours, Water Sports Activities, Scuba Diving Tours, Snorkeling Tours, Hiking Tours, Bird Watching Tours, Wildlife Safari Tours, Whale Watching Tours, Horseback Riding Tours, Skiing and Snowboarding Tours, Hot Air Balloon Tours, Helicopter Tours, Paragliding Tours, Parasailing Tours, Skydiving Tours, Bungee Jumping Tours, Zip-lining Tours, ATV Tours, Segway Tours, Kayaking and Canoeing Tours, Rock Climbing Tours, Motorcycle Tours, Photography Workshops
Airport shuttle service:
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
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.
