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 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 Store.
Category list for Store:
Store
Clothing Store
Electronics Store
Furniture Store
Grocery Store
Shoe Store
Sporting Goods Store
Toy Store
Book Store
Jewelry Store
Pet Store
Hardware Store
Pharmacy
Gift Shop
Convenience Store
Department Store
Home Goods Store
Music Store
Art Supply Store
Office Supply Store
Baby Store
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:
Fresh Produce, Organic Fruits and Vegetables, Dairy Products, Eggs and Poultry, Frozen Foods, Canned Goods, Bakery Products, Meat and Seafood, Health Foods, Gluten-Free Products, Vegan Products, International Foods, Beverages, Coffee and Tea, Snack Foods, Condiments and Sauces, Pasta and Rice, Baking Supplies, Breakfast Foods, Pet Supplies, Baby Products, Household Essentials, Cleaning Products, Paper Goods, Personal Care Items, Cosmetics, Health and Wellness Products, Vitamins and Supplements, Pharmacy, Floral Department, Gift Cards, Lottery Tickets, Tobacco Products, Alcohol - Beer
Baseball Equipment Sales, Basketball Gear and Accessories, Bicycles and Cycling Accessories, Camping and Hiking Gear, Canoe and Kayak Rentals, Custom Team Apparel, Darts and Billiards Supplies, Exercise and Fitness Equipment, Fishing Tackle and Bait, Football Equipment and Supplies, Golf Clubs and Accessories, Gymnastics and Dance Apparel, Hockey Gear and Equipment, Hunting Gear and Supplies, Lacrosse Equipment and Accessories, Martial Arts Gear and Uniforms, Mountain Climbing Equipment, Outdoor Adventure Clothing, Paintball and Airsoft Gear, Pilates and Yoga Supplies, Racquet Sports Equipment, Roller Skating and Skateboarding Gear, Rugby Equipment and Apparel, Running and Track Shoes, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Gear, Ski and Snowboard Equipment, Soccer Equipment and Accessories, Sports Eyewear and Sunglasses, Sports Nutrition and Supplements, Swimming and Aquatic Gear, Table Tennis and Ping Pong Supplies, Tennis and Racquetball Equipment, Track and Field Gear, Treadmills and Elliptical Machines, Volleyball Equipment and Apparel, Water Sports Equipment, Weightlifting and Strength Training Gear, Wetsuits and Swimwear, Winter Sports Clothing, Wrestling Gear and Supplies, Athletic Footwear, Sports Medicine and Injury Prevention, Outdoor Recreation Equipment Rentals, Sporting Goods Repair Services, Fitness Tracker Sales, Hydration Systems and Accessories, Performance Apparel Sales, Personalized Sports Gear, Sports Memorabilia and Collectibles, Team and League Registration Services
Toy store:
Action Figures, Board Games, Puzzles, Educational Toys, Remote Control Cars, Dolls, Building Blocks, Plush Toys, Toy Trains, Video Games, Outdoor Playsets, Bicycles, Ride-On Toys, Art Supplies, Science Kits, Musical Toys, Sports Equipment, Costumes, Party Supplies, Card Games, Collectible Figures, Model Kits, Play Kitchen Accessories, Toy Storage Solutions, Gift Cards, Toy Cars, Magic Sets, Construction Toys, Fidget Toys, Sensory Toys, Water Play Toys, Wooden Toys, Electronic Toys, Robotics Kits, LEGO Sets, Play Tents, Toy Boats, Pretend Playsets, Dress-Up Accessories, Arts and Crafts Supplies, Toy Cameras, Puppet Theaters, Pool Toys, Scooters, Skateboards, Stuffed Animals, Toy Airplanes, Dinosaur Toys, Telescopes, Microscopes
Pet Food & Supplies, Pet Grooming Services, Pet Adoption Services, Aquarium Supplies, Pet Toys & Accessories, Dog Training Services, Pet Boarding Services, Pet Health & Wellness Products, Small Animal Supplies, Reptile Supplies, Bird Supplies, Pet Waste Management Products, Pet ID Tags & Collars, Pet Travel & Safety Supplies, Pet Bedding & Furniture, Pet Clothing & Accessories, Pet Leashes & Harnesses, Natural & Organic Pet Products, Pet Medications & Supplements, Pet Treats & Chews, Pet Cleaning & Odor Control, Pet Flea & Tick Prevention, Pet Dental Care Products, Pet Food Storage Solutions, Pet Gift Baskets, Pet Memorial Items, Pet Stain & Odor Removers, Pet Training Aids, Pet Vitamins & Supplements, Pet Water & Food Bowls, Seasonal Pet Products, Aquatic Pet Services, Pet Grooming Supplies, Pet Photography Services, Pet Birthday Supplies, Dog Walking Services, Pet Weight Management Products, Pet Allergy Relief Products, Pet Electronic Gadgets, Custom Pet Portraits, Pet Subscription Boxes, Pet Party Planning Services, Pet-safe Pest Control Products, Pet Behavior Consultations, Pet Agility & Sports Equipment, Pet Loss Support Services, Eco-friendly Pet Products, Pet Educational Resources, Pet First Aid Supplies, Pet Emergency Preparedness Kits
Prescription Refills, Over-the-Counter Medications, Vitamins & Supplements, Personal Care Products, First Aid Supplies, Immunizations & Vaccinations, Health Screenings, Diabetes Care, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Cholesterol Testing, Medication Consultations, Pharmacist Consultations, Medical Equipment Rentals, Flu Shots, Travel Vaccines, Smoking Cessation Programs, Weight Loss Programs, Nutritional Counseling, Home Delivery Services, Online Prescription Management, Emergency Contraception, Allergy Relief Products, Pain Management Products, Cold & Flu Remedies, Digestive Health Products, Oral Care Products, Eye Care Products, Skincare Products, Hair Care Products, Baby & Infant Care Products, Pet Medications, Herbal Remedies, Cosmetics & Beauty Supplies, Feminine Care Products, Incontinence Products, Mobility Aids, Orthopedic Supports, Compression Stockings, Wound Care Supplies, Nebulizer Services, Asthma Management Products, Sleep Aids, Influenza Testing, Strep Throat Testing, Hearing Aid Batteries, Medication Disposal Services, Drug Interaction Checks, Specialty Medications, Compounding Pharmacy Services, Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
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
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
Department store:
Clothing Department, Electronics Department, Home Appliances Department, Toys and Games Department, Grocery Department, Personal Care Department, Furniture Department, Cosmetics Department, Sporting Goods Department, Jewelry Department, Footwear Department, Handbags and Accessories Department, Baby Products Department, Pet Supplies Department, Kitchenware Department, Bedding and Linens Department, Luggage Department, Gifts and Stationery Department, Gardening Department, Home Decor Department, Discounted Items Section, Pharmacy Department, Optical Services, Photo Printing Services, Customer Service Desk, Store Pickup Services, Tailoring and Alterations, Watch and Jewelry Repair, Return and Exchange Services, Gift Wrapping Services, In-store Events and Promotions, Loyalty Program and Membership, Store Credit Card Services, Special Order Services, Home Delivery Services, Personal Shopping Services, In-store Cafeteria, Product Demonstrations, Seasonal Decorations and Products, Travel Accessories Department, Designer Clothing Boutiques, Wedding Registry Services, Home Improvement Department, Smart Home and Security Department, Mobile and Tablet Accessories Department, Book and Magazine Department, Music and Movie Department, Video Game Department, Eyewear Department, Outerwear Department, Swimwear Department
Home goods store:
Furniture Sales, Home Decor Items, Kitchenware Products, Bathroom Accessories, Bedding and Linens, Lighting Solutions, Outdoor Furniture, Home Organization Supplies, Window Treatments, Flooring Solutions, Curtains and Drapes, Rugs and Carpets, Wall Art and Mirrors, Tableware and Serveware, Cookware and Bakeware, Small Kitchen Appliances, Home Office Supplies, Sofas and Sectionals, Bedroom Furniture, Dining Room Furniture, Accent Chairs and Tables, Patio and Garden Decor, Storage Solutions, Cleaning Supplies, Mattresses and Bedding, Pillows and Cushions, Throws and Blankets, Candles and Fragrances, Picture Frames, Clocks and Timepieces, Table and Floor Lamps, Ceiling and Wall Lights, Outdoor Lighting, Electronics and Gadgets, Smart Home Devices, Home Improvement Tools, Paint and Wallpaper, Seasonal Decorations, Plants and Planters, Pet Supplies, Gifts and Gift Wrapping, Cabinet and Drawer Hardware, Home Textiles, Eco-friendly Products, Personal Care Items, Baby and Kids Furniture, Specialty Cookware, Custom Furniture, Interior Design Consultation, Home Delivery and Assembly
Music store:
Acoustic Guitars, Electric Guitars, Bass Guitars, Ukuleles, Banjos, Mandolins, Keyboards & Pianos, Synthesizers, Digital Pianos, Organs, Drum Kits, Electronic Drums, Cymbals, Percussion Instruments, Orchestral Strings, Violins, Violas, Cellos, Double Basses, Brass Instruments, Trumpets, Trombones, French Horns, Tubas, Woodwind Instruments, Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones, Oboes, Bassoons, Harmonicas, Accordions, Music Recording Equipment, Audio Interfaces, Microphones, Studio Monitors, MIDI Controllers, Headphones, Amplifiers, Guitar Effects Pedals, DJ Equipment, Turntables, DJ Mixers, DJ Controllers, PA Systems, Speakers, Mixing Desks, Lighting & Stage Effects, Music Lessons, Instrument Rentals, Instrument Repairs, Sheet Music, Music Accessories
Art supply store:
Acrylic Paint Supplies, Oil Paint Supplies, Watercolor Paint Supplies, Easels and Art Furniture, Canvas and Painting Surfaces, Paint Brushes and Tools, Drawing and Illustration Supplies, Pastels and Charcoal, Calligraphy Supplies, Ink and Drawing Pens, Sketchbooks and Art Journals, Mixed Media Supplies, Artist Paper and Boards, Printmaking Supplies, Sculpture and Modeling Supplies, Ceramic and Pottery Tools, Airbrushing and Spray Paint Supplies, Art Storage and Organization, Framing Supplies, Art Books and Magazines, Graphic Design and Digital Art Supplies, Art Classes and Workshops, Art Supply Gift Cards, Kids Art Supplies, Craft Supplies, Jewelry Making Supplies, Textile and Fabric Art Supplies, Glass Art Supplies, Woodworking and Carving Tools, Leatherworking Tools, Stencils and Templates, Art Markers and Pens, Pencils and Colored Pencils, Erasers and Sharpeners, Adhesives and Tapes, Cutting Tools and Scissors, Rulers and Measuring Tools, Drafting and Architectural Supplies, Art Portfolios and Presentation Cases, Art Restoration and Conservation Services, Custom Framing Services, Fine Art Prints, Poster and Wall Art, Greeting Cards and Stationery, Stickers and Decals, Artist Merchandise, Photography Supplies, Film and Darkroom Supplies, Display and Exhibit Supplies, Art Supply Rental, Online Art Supply Shopping
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
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.
