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 Post office?
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 Post office.
Category list for Post office:
Post Office
Shipping Service
Mailbox Rental Service
Courier Service
Packaging Supply Store
Mailing Service
Notary Public
Copy Shop
Fax Service
Office Supply Store
Passport Office
Business Center
Internet Cafe
Greeting Card Shop
Stationery Store
Gift 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:
Service list for Post office:
Shipping service:
Express Shipping, International Shipping, Parcel Delivery, Same Day Delivery, Freight Shipping, Door-to-Door Delivery, Expedited Shipping, Overnight Shipping, Pallet Shipping, E-Commerce Fulfillment, Air Freight, Sea Freight, Road Freight, Rail Freight, Temperature-Controlled Shipping, LTL Shipping, FTL Shipping, Customs Brokerage, Cargo Insurance, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing and Distribution, Return and Reverse Logistics, Packaging Services, Pick and Pack Services, Order Fulfillment, Cross-Docking Services, Bulk Shipping, Vehicle Shipping, Bike Shipping, Boat Shipping, Mobile Shipping, Dangerous Goods Shipping, Livestock Shipping, Economy Shipping, Scheduled Delivery, Non-Standard Shipment, Cargo Tracking, Relocation Services, Import and Export Services, Trade Show Shipping, White Glove Delivery, Courier Services, Time-Critical Shipping, Project Cargo, Oversized Cargo, Perishable Goods Shipping, Cargo Consolidation, Packing Supplies, Mail Forwarding
Mailbox rental service:
24 Hour Access Mailboxes, Business Mailbox Rental, Personal Mailbox Rental, Package Receiving Service, Mail Forwarding Service, Virtual Mailbox Service, Parcel Locker Rental, Mail Holding Service, Private Mailbox Rental, Bulk Mail Handling, Mail and Parcel Pickup, International Mail Forwarding, Mail Scanning Service, PO Box Rental, Mail Sorting and Organization, Courier Services, Package Drop-off Service, Shipping Supplies, Package Return Service, Postal Services, Express Mail Services, Registered Mail Service, Certified Mail Service, Proof of Mailing Service, Package Insurance, Bulk Mailing Solutions, Custom Mailbox Design, Mail Redirection, E-commerce Order Fulfillment, Mail and Package Tracking, Postal Scale Rental, Shipping Label Printing, Postage Meter Rental, International Shipping Services, Shipping Rate Comparison, Notary Services, Document Scanning, Fax Services, Document Shredding, Mailbox Key Duplication, Identity Verification Services, Signature Confirmation Service, Mailbox Repair and Maintenance, Mailbox Installation Service, Mailbox Customization, Postage Stamps Sales, Address Verification, Mailbox Cleaning and Sanitizing, Mailbox Consultation Services, Temporary Mailbox Rental
Courier service:
Same Day Delivery, Next Day Delivery, Express Parcel Delivery, International Courier Service, Door-to-Door Delivery, E-commerce Parcel Delivery, On-Demand Delivery, Scheduled Delivery, Document Courier Service, Freight Forwarding, Air Cargo Shipping, Sea Cargo Shipping, Temperature Controlled Delivery, Warehousing & Distribution, Pallet Delivery, Heavy & Bulky Item Delivery, Time-Critical Delivery, Medical Courier Service, Legal Document Courier, Reverse Logistics, Parcel Tracking, Local Courier Service, Nationwide Courier Service, Bike Courier Service, White Glove Delivery, Pickup & Packing Service, Commercial Shipment, Residential Shipment, Dangerous Goods Shipping, Perishable Item Delivery, Customs Brokerage, Expedited Shipping Service, Letter Delivery, Package Insurance, Postage & Mailing Services, Retail Business Delivery, Supply Chain Management, Third-Party Logistics, Two-Hour Delivery Window, Weekend Delivery, Home Delivery, Office Delivery, Mail Forwarding, Returns Processing, Gift Wrapping Service, Signature Required Delivery, Mail & Package Receiving, Parcel Consolidation, Fulfillment Services
Domestic Mailing Services, International Mailing Services, Express Mail Delivery, Registered Mail, Certified Mail, Priority Mail, Bulk Mail Services, Mail Forwarding Services, Package Shipping Services, Parcel Returns, Same-Day Delivery Services, Courier Services, Document Mailing Services, Direct Mail Marketing, Postage Stamps Sales, Postal Supplies, Mailbox Rental Services, Custom Packaging Solutions, Fragile Item Packaging, Overnight Delivery Services, Packing Materials Sales, Mail Tracking Services, Shipping Insurance, Parcel Pickup Services, Mail Inserting Services, Mail Presorting Services, Mail Redirection Services, E-commerce Shipping Solutions, Address Verification Services, Mailroom Management Services, Postal Locker Services, Postcard Printing & Mailing, Subscription Box Mailing, Shipping Label Printing, Parcel Drop-off Services, Mail Hold Services, Business Mailing Solutions, Print and Mail Services, Variable Data Printing, Fulfillment Services, Custom Envelope Printing, Invoice Mailing Services, Statement Mailing Services, Catalog Mailing Services, Newsletter Mailing Services, Notary Services, Customs Documentation Assistance, Freight Shipping Services, Temperature-Controlled Shipping, White Glove Delivery Services
Notary public:
Notary Services, Mobile Notary Services, Notarization of Documents, Notary Signing Agent, Loan Document Notarization, Affidavit Notarization, Power of Attorney Notarization, Notarized Letters, Certified Copy Notarization, Translation Document Notarization, Vehicle Title Notarization, I-9 Verification, Living Trust Notarization, Last Will and Testament Notarization, Estate Planning Notarization, Trust Document Notarization, Real Estate Document Notarization, Deed of Trust Notarization, Marriage License Notarization, Prenuptial Agreement Notarization, Divorce Document Notarization, Notarized Consent Forms, Notarized Medical Forms, Travel Consent Notarization, Notarized Parental Consent, Passport Document Notarization, Visa Document Notarization, Apostille Services, Notary Public Classes, Remote Online Notarization, Electronic Notarization, Business Document Notarization, Notarized Employment Forms, Notarized Rental Agreements, Notarized Eviction Notices, Promissory Note Notarization, Notarized Bill of Sale, Adoption Document Notarization, Notarized Depositions, Notarized Testimonies, Notarized Affirmations, Notarized Oaths, Notarized Acknowledgements, Notarized Jurats, Notarized Proofs of Execution, Notarized Proofs of Identity, Notarized Proofs of Residency, Notarized Immigration Documents, Notarized School Documents, Notarized Guardianship Forms, Notarized Petition Documents, Notarized Court Forms
Copy shop:
Document Printing, Business Card Printing, Poster Printing, Flyer Printing, Brochure Printing, Booklet Printing, Invitation Printing, Menu Printing, Banner Printing, Custom Sticker Printing, Photo Printing, Envelope Printing, Letterhead Printing, Magazine Printing, Catalogue Printing, T-Shirt Printing, Wide Format Printing, Canvas Printing, 3D Printing, Copy Services, Scanning Services, Fax Services, Lamination Services, Binding Services, Graphic Design Services, Logo Design, Marketing Material Design, Promotional Product Printing, Raffle Ticket Printing, Direct Mail Services, Presentation Folder Printing, Variable Data Printing, Digital Printing, Offset Printing, CD/DVD Printing, Label Printing, Greeting Card Printing, Door Hanger Printing, Blueprint Printing, Architectural Plan Printing, Engineering Drawing Printing, Vehicle Wrap Design, Signage Design, Trade Show Display Printing, Vinyl Decal Printing, Large Format Scanning, Notary Public Services, Resume Printing, Business Form Printing, Custom Calendar Printing, Ticket Printing, Wedding Invitation Printing, Cardstock Printing
Fax service:
Online Fax Service, Fax to Email Service, International Fax Service, Mobile Fax Service, Cloud Fax Service, Secure Fax Service, Fax Broadcasting Service, Fax Archiving Service, Fax Number Porting, Fax API Integration, Fax Virtual Assistant, Fax Document Management, Fax Reseller Program, Fax on Demand, Fax to SMS Service, Fax Automation Service, Fax Storage Service, Fax to Mail Service, Fax to Print Service, Fax Server Management, Fax Machine Rental, Fax Machine Repair, Fax Machine Sales, Fax Machine Supplies, Fax Machine Maintenance, Fax Marketing Consultation, Fax Marketing Campaigns, Fax Data Analytics, Fax Customer Support, Fax Training and Education, Fax Software Solutions, Fax Application Development, Fax Machine Recycling, Fax Security Consulting, Fax Compliance Solutions, Fax VoIP Solutions, Fax Number Forwarding, Fax Number Lookup, Fax Number Registration, Fax Number Reservation, Fax Machine Installation, Fax Machine Troubleshooting, Fax Machine Networking, Fax Machine Calibration, Fax Machine Upgrades, Fax Machine Trade-Ins, Fax Machine Financing, Fax Machine Leasing, Fax Machine Warranty, Fax Machine Appraisal
Office supply store:
Printer Ink Refills, Printer Toner Cartridges, Office Chairs, Office Desks, File Cabinets, Paper Shredders, Copy Paper Sales, Printing Services, Fax Services, Stationery Supplies, Office Storage Solutions, Desk Organizers, Writing Instruments, Notebooks and Notepads, Office Electronics, Computer Accessories, Office Lighting, Mailing Supplies, Label Makers, Staplers and Hole Punches, Whiteboards and Bulletin Boards, Presentation Supplies, Office Cleaning Supplies, Custom Stamps, Office Coffee Supplies, Breakroom Supplies, Office Snacks, Water Coolers, Office Plants, Office Decor, Business Card Printing, Office Furniture Assembly, Office Furniture Delivery, Office Furniture Rentals, Office Space Planning, Used Office Furniture Sales, Ergonomic Office Products, Mobile Device Accessories, Laptop Bags and Cases, Office Safety Supplies, Fire Extinguishers, First Aid Kits, Lamination Services, Document Binding, Business Forms, Tax Preparation Supplies, Office Artwork, Custom Signage, Office Soundproofing, Office Air Purifiers, Office Security Systems
Passport office:
Passport Application, Passport Renewal, Expedited Passports, Child Passport Services, Lost or Stolen Passport Replacement, Passport Photo Services, Visa Application Assistance, Passport Corrections, Name Change on Passport, Second Passport Services, Emergency Passport Services, Passport Card Services, Online Passport Services, Biometric Passport Services, Passport Status Tracking, Passport Appointment Booking, Passport Information Services, Passport Verification Services, Travel Document Services, Notary Services for Passport, Passport and Visa Consultation, Passport Translation Services, Passport and Visa Expeditor, International Driving Permit Services, Passport Authentication Services, Consular Services, Document Legalization Services, Passport Fee Payment Assistance, Passport Application Forms, Passport Interview Preparation, Passport Delivery Services, Passport Collection Services, Passport Application Status Updates, Online Passport Renewal Assistance, Passport Extension Services, Passport Amendment Services, Passport Replacement Services, Passport Re-issuance Services, Passport Validity Extension, Diplomatic Passport Services, Official Passport Services, Temporary Passport Services, Refugee Travel Document Services, Passport Enquiry Services, Passport Application Guidance, Passport Processing Time Estimates, Passport Cancellation Services, Passport Application Support, Passport Application Expedited Processing, Passport and Visa Pickup Services, Passport Document Preparation
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
Internet cafe:
High-Speed Internet Access, Gaming Stations, Printing Services, Scanning Services, Fax Services, Document Binding, Photocopying Services, Color Printing, Computer Rentals, Webcam Access, Headphone Rentals, Mobile Recharge, Email Access, Online Form Filling Services, Online Application Assistance, Video Conferencing Facilities, Virtual Reality Gaming, 3D Printing Services, Graphic Design Services, Web Design Services, Study Area, Language Translation Services, Digital Marketing Services, Social Media Services, Content Writing Services, SEO Services, Resume Writing Services, Laptop Repair Services, Data Recovery Services, Software Installation Services, Hardware Upgrade Services, Virus Removal Services, Remote Support Services, Computer Accessories Sales, Refreshments and Snacks, Video Editing Services, Audio Editing Services, Conference Room Rentals, Private Booths, Custom PC Building Services, Online Gaming Tournaments, E-learning Support, E-book Access, Cybersecurity Services, Website Hosting Services, Domain Registration Services, Office Space Rentals, Virtual Office Solutions, IT Support Services, Online Advertising Services, E-commerce Solutions, Cloud Storage Services
Greeting card shop:
Custom Greeting Cards, Birthday Cards, Anniversary Cards, Holiday Cards, Personalized Greeting Cards, Photo Greeting Cards, Handmade Greeting Cards, Wedding Cards, Thank You Cards, Sympathy Cards, Get Well Soon Cards, Graduation Cards, New Baby Cards, Retirement Cards, Congratulations Cards, Blank Greeting Cards, Business Greeting Cards, Invitations, Postcards, Gift Wrapping Services, Boxed Card Sets, Eco-Friendly Greeting Cards, Love & Romance Cards, Apology Cards, Friendship Cards, Seasonal Greeting Cards, Religious Greeting Cards, Inspirational Cards, Humorous Cards, Pop-up Greeting Cards, Artistic Greeting Cards, Custom Envelopes, Card Making Supplies, Greeting Card Subscriptions, Online Greeting Cards, Printable Greeting Cards, Customized Address Labels, Card Bundles, Bulk Greeting Cards, Gift Cards, Greeting Card Displays, Party Decorations, Party Supplies, Stationery, Gift Bags, Gift Boxes, Ribbons & Bows, Tissue Paper, Greeting Card Workshops
Stationery store:
Custom Invitations Design, Wedding Invitations, Birthday Party Supplies, Greeting Cards, School Supplies, Office Supplies, Art Supplies, Gift Wrapping Services, Scrapbooking Materials, Personalized Stationery, Calligraphy Supplies, Planners and Organizers, Ink and Toner Refill, Business Cards Printing, Envelopes and Labels, Paper and Cardstock, Stickers and Decals, Rubber Stamps, Embossing Supplies, Fountain Pens and Inks, Calligraphy Pens, Markers and Highlighters, Pencils and Erasers, Glues and Adhesives, Folders and Binders, Notebooks and Journals, Desk Accessories, File Storage Solutions, Mailing and Shipping Supplies, Craft Supplies, Party Decorations, Gift Bags and Boxes, Ribbons and Bows, Tape and Scissors, Laminating Services, Copy and Print Services, Fax and Scan Services, Document Shredding, Custom Rubber Stamps, Photo Albums, Posters and Signs, Custom Stickers and Labels, Personalized Gifts, Educational Toys, Bookbinding Supplies, Bulletin Boards, Whiteboards and Chalkboards, Easels and Display Stands, Globes and Maps, Seasonal Decorations, Eco-Friendly Stationery
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
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.
