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 Museum?
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 Museum.
Category list for Museum:
Museum
Art Gallery
Historical Landmark
Tourist Attraction
Cultural Center
Educational Institution
Event Venue
Gift Shop
Library
Planetarium
Aquarium
Botanical Garden
Zoo
Performing Arts Theater
Conference Center
Wedding Venue
Community Center
Sports Complex
Amusement Park
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 Museum:
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
Historical landmark:
Guided Tours, Private Tours, Educational Programs, Interactive Exhibits, Landmark Photography, Event Venue Rental, Historical Reenactments, Art Exhibitions, Audio Tours, Virtual Tours, Walking Tours, Group Tours, School Field Trips, Themed Events, Film Screenings, Lecture Series, Workshops, Historical Research Services, Heritage Preservation, Gift Shop, Cultural Performances, Landmark Restoration, Family Activities, Team Building Activities, Volunteer Opportunities, Membership Programs, Public Art Installations, Outdoor Events, Seasonal Events, Catering Services, Wedding Venue, Conference Facilities, Photography Workshops, Youth Programs, Senior Programs, Accessibility Services, Community Outreach, Historical Archives, Book Signings, Poetry Readings, Special Occasion Celebrations, Garden Tours, Historic Home Tours, Landmark Conservation, Ghost Tours, Night Tours, Picnic Areas, Food and Beverage Services, Multilingual Tours, Customized Tours, Corporate Events, Fundraisers
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
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
Educational institution:
Online Courses, Professional Development Workshops, Tutoring Services, Language Classes, STEM Programs, Art and Design Classes, Music Lessons, Adult Education, Summer Camps, Coding Bootcamps, SAT/ACT Prep Courses, After School Programs, Distance Learning Programs, Study Abroad Programs, Dance Classes, Parent Workshops, Financial Aid Counseling, Scholarship Opportunities, Internship Programs, Career Counseling, Creative Writing Workshops, Entrepreneurship Courses, Sports and Athletics Programs, Public Speaking Workshops, Leadership Training, Digital Marketing Courses, Data Science Programs, Environmental Education Initiatives, Robotics and AI Courses, Film and Theatre Classes, Yoga and Mindfulness Programs, Culinary Arts Courses, Fitness and Wellness Classes, Study Skills Workshops, Early Childhood Education, Homework Help Clubs, Mentoring Programs, Photography Classes, Social Media Marketing Courses, Graphic Design Workshops, Resume Building Workshops, Interview Skills Training, Literacy Programs, Mental Health Services, Community Outreach Initiatives, Multicultural Programs, Continuing Education Programs, Volunteer Opportunities, Special Needs Services, Educational Consulting
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
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
Library:
Book Loans, eBook Rentals, Audiobook Checkouts, Public Computer Access, Wi-Fi Access, Study Rooms, Meeting Rooms, Printing Services, Scanning Services, Fax Services, Research Assistance, Interlibrary Loans, Online Databases, Newspaper Archives, Magazine Archives, Book Clubs, Literacy Programs, Career Development Workshops, Resume Assistance, Job Search Assistance, Tutoring Services, Homework Help, Children's Programs, Teen Programs, Adult Programs, Genealogy Research, Local History Research, 3D Printing, Technology Classes, Digital Literacy Training, ESL Classes, Language Learning Resources, Reading Recommendations, Tax Preparation Assistance, Notary Services, Exam Proctoring, Art Exhibits, Author Events, Book Sales, Used Book Donations, DVD Rentals, Music CD Rentals, Disability Services, Assistive Technology, Large Print Books, Braille Books, Volunteer Opportunities, Community Events, Educational Workshops, Summer Reading Program, Online Learning Resources
Planetarium:
Stargazing Shows, Astronomy Lectures, Virtual Reality Space Tours, Telescope Observation Nights, Meteor Shower Events, Space-Themed Birthday Parties, Astronomy Workshops, Solar System Exhibits, Astrophotography Classes, School Field Trip Programs, Space Science Seminars, Astronomy Movie Nights, Constellation Storytelling, Planetarium Memberships, Summer Space Camps, Youth Astronomy Clubs, Astronomer Q&A Sessions, Space Art Exhibitions, Astronomy Book Clubs, Private Planetarium Shows, Celestial Navigation Classes, Astronomy Club Meetings, Lunar Eclipse Events, Space Documentary Screenings, Aurora Borealis Viewing Parties, Astrobiology Talks, Astro-Tourism Packages, Telescope-Building Workshops, Space-Themed Gift Shop, Virtual Reality Mars Experience, Astronaut Training Experience, Planetarium Yoga Nights, Astronomy-Centric Date Nights, Space-Themed Escape Room, Stellar Evolution Presentations, Cosmology Discussions, Space Music Concerts, Astronomical Phenomena Demonstrations, Telescope Rental Services, Galactic Cocktail Nights, Astronomy Podcast Recordings, Astro-Poetry Sessions, Space-Themed Food Events, Astronomy Game Nights, Star-Adopting Programs, Satellite Launch Viewing Events, Space-Themed Wedding Proposals, Astronomy-Themed Corporate Events, Astro-Photography Exhibitions, Astronomy Career Counseling
Aquarium:
Aquarium Installation, Aquarium Maintenance, Aquarium Cleaning, Aquarium Design, Custom Aquariums, Aquarium Consultation, Fish Tank Repair, Aquarium Supplies, Aquarium Equipment, Live Aquatic Plants, Freshwater Fish, Saltwater Fish, Aquarium Lighting, Aquarium Filtration, Aquarium Heaters, Aquarium Pumps, Aquarium Accessories, Aquarium Fish Food, Aquarium Water Treatments, Aquarium Water Testing, Aquarium Hardscapes, Invertebrates, Coral Reefs, Aquarium Decorations, Nano Aquariums, Planted Aquariums, Marine Aquariums, Aquarium Stands, Aquarium Canopies, Aquarium Substrates, Aquarium Air Pumps, Aquarium Algae Control, Aquarium Fish Medication, Aquarium Thermometers, Aquarium UV Sterilizers, Aquarium Protein Skimmers, Aquarium CO2 Systems, Aquarium Chillers, Aquarium Controllers, Aquarium Wave Makers, Aquarium Dosing Pumps, Aquarium Reactors, Aquarium Quarantine Tanks, Aquarium Acclimation, Aquarium Fish Breeding, Aquarium Fish Health, Aquarium Fish Nutrition, Aquarium Fish Compatibility, Aquarium Education, Aquarium Workshops, Aquarium Events
After-School Programs, Youth Sports Programs, Senior Activities, Fitness Classes, Computer Classes, Language Courses, Cultural Events, Arts and Crafts Workshops, Community Meetings, Dance Classes, Parenting Classes, Financial Literacy Workshops, Health and Wellness Programs, Volunteer Opportunities, Summer Camps, Childcare Services, Teen Clubs, Tutoring Services, Cooking Classes, Nutrition Workshops, Martial Arts Classes, Indoor Swimming Pool, Job Training Programs, Yoga Classes, Art Exhibitions, Book Clubs, Community Garden, Social Services Referrals, Music Lessons, Weight Loss Support Groups, Mental Health Support Groups, Family Nights, Community Outreach Programs, Entrepreneurship Workshops, Adult Education Classes, Career Counseling, Substance Abuse Prevention Programs, Game Nights, Movie Nights, Indoor Sports Facilities, Outdoor Sports Facilities, Holiday Events, Emergency Preparedness Training, Environmental Education Programs, Room Rentals for Events, Community Resource Center, Citizenship Classes, Pet Adoption Events, Blood Drives, Voter Registration Drives
Sports complex:
Indoor Soccer Leagues, Basketball Court Rentals, Volleyball Open Gym, Badminton Court Rentals, Indoor Tennis Programs, Fitness Center Access, Group Fitness Classes, Yoga and Pilates Classes, Martial Arts Training, Gymnastics Lessons, Indoor Swimming Pool, Aquatics Programs, Swimming Lessons, Water Aerobics Classes, Personal Training Sessions, Youth Sports Programs, Adult Sports Leagues, Sports Camps, Birthday Parties Hosting, Corporate Events Hosting, Indoor Running Track, Rock Climbing Wall, Racquetball Court Rentals, Table Tennis Facilities, Sports Equipment Rentals, Cafe and Snack Bar, Locker Room Access, Sports Therapy Services, Massage Services, Nutrition Coaching, Physical Fitness Assessments, Exercise Programs Design, Weightlifting Area, Cardio Equipment Access, Team Building Events, Indoor Golf Simulators, Indoor Softball/Baseball Training, Squash Court Rentals, Functional Training Zone, CrossFit Classes, Indoor Cycling Classes, Boxing and Kickboxing Classes, Zumba and Dance Classes, Sports Retail Store, Memberships and Day Passes, Kids' Activity Center, Indoor Turf Rentals, Cheerleading and Dance Lessons, Parent's Night Out Events, Yoga and Meditation Workshops
Amusement park:
Roller Coaster Rides, Ferris Wheel Rides, Water Slides, Bumper Cars, Go-Kart Racing, Indoor Trampoline Park, Zipline Adventures, Virtual Reality Experiences, Haunted House Attractions, Laser Tag, Miniature Golf, Arcade Games, 4D Motion Simulators, Kid's Play Zone, Family Entertainment Center, Live Performances, Carousel Rides, Train Rides, Animal Exhibits, Themed Restaurants, Swan Boat Rentals, Paddle Boat Rentals, Aerial Ropes Course, Outdoor Adventure Playground, Interactive Exhibits, Drop Tower Rides, Giant Swing Rides, Mirror Maze, Escape Rooms, Amphitheater Shows, Outdoor Movie Nights, Character Meet and Greets, Seasonal Events, Ice Skating Rink, Snow Play Area, Wave Pool, Lazy River, Splash Pads, Surf Pool, Cabana Rentals, Birthday Party Packages, VIP Experience Packages, Educational Workshops, Team Building Activities, Photography Services, Stroller Rentals, Locker Rentals, Gift Shops, Annual Passes, Group Discounts, Corporate Events
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.
