How to Choose the Right GMB Category for Your Business

Choosing the correct Google My Business (GMB) category is one of the most important steps when setting up or optimizing your GMB profile. It directly impacts how your business appears on Google Search and Google Maps. Selecting the wrong category can prevent potential customers from finding you, while the right category can boost your visibility and help you stand out from your competitors.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand the importance of GMB categories, how they work, and the step-by-step process of choosing the best one for your business.

Why Google My Business Categories Matter

Google My Business categories play a significant role in how Google identifies your business and displays it in search results. When someone searches for a product or service, Google uses the information from your GMB profile to determine to whether list your business on Google and is relevant to the search query.

Here is why GMB categories are essential:

1. Improve Search Visibility: The right category increases your chances of appearing in relevant searches. If you choose a specific category that accurately describes your business, Google will match your profile to users looking for that service.
2. Enhance Local Search Rankings: Google uses categories as a ranking factor for local search results. Being in the right category helps Google understand your business, which improves your position in search results.
3. Attract the Right Customers: Categories inform potential customers about your business’s main offerings. People are more likely to choose your business if it aligns with their needs.
4. Access Google Features: Some GMB features, such as booking buttons, service listings, and product displays, are only available based on your selected category. For example, restaurants can showcase their menu, while hotels can display room availability.

Choosing the wrong category can result in lower visibility and missed opportunities. That is why it is essential to make an informed decision.

Types of GMB Categories

Google offers two different business categories for your business profile: Primary and Secondary. Understanding the difference between these two types of categories in the list is key to making the most of your GMB profile.

Primary Categories: Defining Your Core Business

Your primary category is the most important one. It directly defines what your business does. When users search for products or services that match your primary category, your business is more likely to appear in their search results.

Key points to remember about primary categories:

• You can select only one primary category.
• It should represent the main service or product your business offers.
• It has the most significant impact on your local search rankings.
• Google uses it to determine relevance when matching businesses to search queries.

Example:

• A bakery specializing in custom cakes should select “Cake Shop” as its primary category rather than a general category like “Bakery” if that is its primary focus.
• A car repair shop offering maintenance and repair services should select “Auto Repair Shop” instead of a broader option like “Car Service Center.”

Secondary Categories: Highlighting Additional Services

Secondary categories provide additional information about your business. They are useful for describing other products or services you offer, which may not be covered by your primary category.

Key points to remember about secondary categories:

• You can choose up to nine secondary categories.
• They help you appear in a wider range of searches.
• They should complement your primary category without being repetitive.
• They are less influential than the primary category, but still valuable for search visibility.

Example:

• A hotel that offers a spa and fine dining can choose “Hotel” as its primary category and add “Spa” and “Fine Dining Restaurant” as secondary categories.
• A dental clinic providing orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry might use “Dentist” as its primary category and add “Orthodontist” and “Cosmetic Dentist” as secondary categories.

Where to Find GMB Categories

Google provides a comprehensive list of categories to choose from. Currently, there are over 4,000 GMB categories available. Since categories are updated frequently, it is a good idea to check for new options periodically.

You can explore available categories through these tools:

• PlePer GMB Category Helper: This free online tool lists all GMB categories and is updated regularly. You can search and filter categories based on your business type.
• Google My Business Dashboard: When setting up or editing your profile, you can search and browse categories directly within the dashboard.

Primary vs. Secondary Categories: Understanding the Difference

To better understand the distinction between primary and secondary categories, here is a comparison:

Choosing a clear and relevant primary category is critical for visibility, while secondary categories offer opportunities to attract additional search traffic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing GMB Categories

Many businesses make the mistake of choosing the wrong categories or selecting too many irrelevant ones. Avoid these common pitfalls:

1. Being Too General: Selecting a broad category like “Retail Store” instead of a specific one like “Clothing Store” can lead to reduced visibility in relevant searches.
2. Choosing Irrelevant Categories: Adding categories that are unrelated to your business can confuse customers and negatively impact your rankings. For example, a bakery selecting “Florist” as a secondary category simply because they sell small flower arrangements is not a good choice.
3. Neglecting Secondary Categories: Some businesses only select a primary category and skip secondary categories. This limits their visibility in search results.
4. Overloading with Categories: While it is tempting to add as many categories as possible, adding irrelevant categories may dilute your relevance. Focus on those that genuinely represent your business.
5. Not Updating Categories: As your business grows or shifts focus, your category may need to be updated. Regularly review your categories to ensure they reflect your current offerings.

Strategic Steps to Select the Ideal GMB Categories

Choosing the right Google My Business (GMB) categories is not just a one-time decision. It requires careful thought and a strategic approach to ensure your business appears in relevant search results.

Follow these step-by-step guidelines to choose the most effective categories for your business.

1. Identify Your Core Business Offerings

The first step is to clearly define what your business does. Take a moment to list your primary products or services. Think about what your business is best known for or what brings in most of your customers.

• What is your main service or product?
• What additional services or products do you offer?
• Who are your target customers?
• What keywords would people search to find your business?

For example:

• If you own a café that serves breakfast and coffee but also sells pastries, your primary category should be “Coffee Shop.”
• If you manage a salon that offers haircuts, coloring, and spa treatments, the primary category could be “Hair Salon” with secondary categories like “Beauty Salon” and “Day Spa.”

Being clear on your core business offerings will help you select the most relevant categories.

2. Research Competitor Categories

Studying what categories your competitors use can give you valuable insights. Competitors who rank well in Google search results have likely selected effective categories.

Here’s how you can check competitor categories:

• Search on Google Maps: Look for businesses similar to yours in your area.
• View Business Profiles: Click on competitor listings to see their category choices.
• Use Category Tools: Tools like PlePer or the GMB Everywhere Chrome extension can reveal competitors’ categories.

Take note of:

• The primary categories they use.
• Any unique or industry-specific secondary categories.
• The businesses that rank highest for your target keywords.

If multiple successful competitors are using the same category, it might be a strong choice for your own business. However, ensure it genuinely applies to your offerings.

3. Use Google’s Category Suggestions

When setting up or updating your GMB profile, Google will suggest relevant categories based on your business name and description.

To find Google’s suggested categories:

• Log into your Google Business Profile Manager.
• Go to the Info tab.
• Click Edit next to your category.
• Search using keywords related to your business.

Review the options carefully. If Google doesn’t suggest a precise category, try adjusting your search terms or using a more specific service description.

4. Choose a Specific Category Over a General One

While broad categories like “Retail Store” or “Service Provider” are available, it is always best to choose the most specific category that accurately describes your business.

Specific categories:

• Make it easier for Google to understand your business.
• Reduce competition by placing your business in a niche market.
• Improve your chances of showing up in relevant searches.

Example:

• Instead of selecting “Restaurant” as your primary category, choose “Italian Restaurant” or “Pizza Restaurant” if that describes your specialty.
• A cleaning service may select “House Cleaning Service” rather than the general “Cleaning Service.”

If your business covers multiple specialties, use secondary categories to highlight those additional services.

5. Select Secondary Categories Wisely

Secondary categories are an excellent opportunity to expand your visibility for related searches. However, choosing too many or irrelevant categories can confuse Google and potential customers.

Best practices for selecting secondary categories:

• Only choose categories that directly apply to your services.
• Avoid adding categories that only slightly relate to your business.
• Think from a customer’s perspective — what would they search for?
• Prioritize categories that generate revenue or are popular in your business.

Example:

A fitness center offering yoga, personal training, and swimming classes could select:

• Primary Category: Gym
• Secondary Categories: Yoga Studio, Personal Trainer, Swimming Pool
• A bookstore with a café could select:
• Primary Category: Bookstore
• Secondary Categories: Coffee Shop, Gift Shop, Stationery Store

6. Avoid Common Mistakes When Selecting Categories

To ensure your GMB profile is accurate and effective, steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Choosing Irrelevant Categories: Selecting categories that are unrelated to your business may lead to poor visibility and confuse customers.
• Selecting Too Many Categories: Adding too many categories can dilute your focus and reduce your profile’s effectiveness. Focus on the categories that best represent your main services.
• Forgetting to Update Categories: As your business grows or expands, your services may change. Make it a habit to review your GMB categories every few months.
• Neglecting Secondary Categories: Some businesses leave secondary categories blank, missing opportunities for additional visibility.

7. Test and Monitor Your Results

Once you have chosen your categories, monitor your GMB performance to see if your changes are making a difference.

Here’s how to track your results:

• Use Google Business Profile Insights to monitor how many views, clicks, and calls you receive.
• Track your ranking position in local search results.
• Ask customers how they found your business to gauge the effectiveness of your category choices.

If you are not seeing the results you hoped for, consider:

• Testing a different primary category.
• Adding or removing secondary categories.
• Ensuring your other GMB profile information, like your description and photos, are optimized.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Google My Business categories is essential for boosting your online visibility and attracting local customers in Denver, Colorado. Whether you’re a restaurant in LoDo, a boutique in Cherry Creek, or a service provider in the Highlands, selecting accurate categories will ensure your business shows up in the right searches.

At Denver SEO, we specialize in helping businesses optimize their online presence for local search. From choosing the most relevant GMB categories to implementing advanced SEO strategies, our team ensures your business stands out in Denver’s competitive market. With the right categories and a well-optimized profile, you can drive more traffic, generate leads, and grow your customer base.

If you are unsure whether your current categories are working for you or need expert guidance, Denver SEO is here to help. Contact us today to take your local visibility to the next level.