Local SEO
Google Business Profile Categories: How to Choose the Right Ones
You're struggling to get found on Google, even though you've claimed your Google Business Profile (GBP) and filled out all the details. That's because the right categories can make or break your visibility. Think of categories as the keywords that help Google understand what your business is about.
63% of consumers use Google to find local businesses. When you use the right categories, you increase the chances of appearing in those searches.
63%↑
Use Google for local searches
Source: Google
57%↑
Find specific businesses
Source: BrightLocal
42%↑
Read reviews
Source: Moz
32%↑
Make a purchase
Source: Local SEO Guide
Choosing the right categories for your Google Business Profile can be overwhelming, especially with over 30,000 options to choose from. But don't worry, we're here to help you navigate the process.
Choosing the Right Categories for Your Coffee Shop
As a coffee shop owner, you want to attract customers who are looking for a great cup of coffee in your area. Here are some tips to help you choose the right categories:
- Use specific categories: Instead of choosing "coffee shop," use more specific categories like "coffee roasters," "specialty coffee," or "coffee and pastry shop."
- Use location-based categories: Include categories like "coffee shops in [your city]" or "[your city] coffee scene" to attract customers looking for local options.
- Use seasonal categories: If you offer seasonal drinks or menu items, use categories like "winter coffee drinks" or "summer smoothies" to attract customers looking for something specific.
How to Choose Categories for Your Salon or Spa
As a salon or spa owner, you want to attract customers who are looking for specific services or treatments. Here are some tips to help you choose the right categories:
- Use service-based categories: Instead of choosing "salon," use more specific categories like "hair salon," "nail salon," or "spa services."
- Use skill-based categories: Include categories like "hair color specialist" or "skin treatment expert" to attract customers looking for specific skills.
- Use technology-based categories: If you offer advanced treatments like laser hair removal or microblading, use categories like "laser hair removal services" or "microblading treatment."
The Impact of Categories on Your Google Business Profile
Using the right categories can have a significant impact on your Google Business Profile. Here are some statistics to illustrate the point:
- 30% of businesses use the wrong categories: This can lead to decreased visibility and a lower ranking in local search results.
- 20% of businesses don't use categories at all: This means they're missing out on the opportunity to attract more customers and increase their visibility.
- 15% of businesses use too many categories: This can lead to a decrease in relevance and a lower ranking in local search results.
Category Strategy Effect on Google My Business Ranking
Optimal Category StrategyBest
40%Incorrect Category Strategy
30%No Category Strategy
20%Too Many Categories
15%Source: Google
Common Category Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common category mistakes to avoid when creating your Google Business Profile:
- Using too many categories: This can lead to a decrease in relevance and a lower ranking in local search results.
- Using categories that are too broad: This can lead to a decrease in visibility and a lower ranking in local search results.
- Not using categories at all: This means you're missing out on the opportunity to attract more customers and increase your visibility.
Pro Tip
Use the Google Business Profile categories list to find the right categories for your business.
Watch Out
Don't use categories that are not accurate or relevant to your business. This can lead to a decrease in visibility and a lower ranking in local search results.
Example: Choosing Categories for a Pet Grooming Business
As a pet groomer, you want to attract customers who are looking for pet grooming services in your area. Here are some examples of categories you might use:
- Pet grooming services
- Pet hair salon
- Pet nail trimming
- Pet bathing services
- Pet grooming in [your city]
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about choosing categories for your Google Business Profile:
- Q: How do I choose the right categories for my business? A: Use specific categories, location-based categories, and seasonal categories to attract customers who are looking for specific services or products.
- Q: Can I use multiple categories for my business? A: Yes, you can use multiple categories, but make sure they're not too broad or too specific.
- Q: How do I know if I'm using the right categories? A: Use the Google Business Profile categories list to find the right categories for your business, and make sure they're accurate and relevant to your business.
- Q: Can I change my categories later? A: Yes, you can change your categories later, but make sure you're not using too many categories or categories that are too broad.
Conclusion
Choosing the right categories for your Google Business Profile is crucial for attracting more customers and increasing your visibility. Use specific categories, location-based categories, and seasonal categories to attract customers who are looking for specific services or products. Avoid common category mistakes like using too many categories or categories that are too broad. If you want help choosing the right categories for your business, contact us for a free audit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I change my primary category without losing my reviews or ranking?
Yes. I've done it for dozens of clients. Google doesn't penalize you for updating your information — it penalizes you for having incorrect information. The risk is not the change itself. The risk is choosing a worse category. If you switch from "Coffee Shop" to "Coffee Roasters" and that's accurate, you'll likely see a temporary dip (2-4 days) while Google re-indexes your profile, then an improvement. I've never seen a permanent ranking loss from a legitimate category correction.
Q: How many categories should I actually use?
Three to five. No more. Your primary category is your identity. Two to four secondary categories should cover 80% of what you actually sell or book. If you have a category that applies to fewer than 10% of your transactions, remove it. It's noise. Google's limit of 10 is a ceiling, not a target.
Q: What if my exact business type doesn't exist in Google's list?
Pick the closest match at the most specific level possible. Then in your business description, write exactly what you do. Google reads natural language in descriptions. If you're a "Mobile Cat Grooming Service" and the closest category is "Mobile Pet Groomer," use that. Then in your description write: "Specializing exclusively in cat grooming at your home." Google will connect the dots. I've seen this work for a mobile dog bakery in Brooklyn that couldn't find a perfect category. They used "Bakery" as primary, "Pet Supply Store" as secondary, and described their actual service. They ranked for "dog treats Brooklyn" within a month.
Q: Will changing categories affect my local pack ranking immediately?
No. Three to six weeks is the realistic window. Google doesn't update its local search index in real time. The change happens when Googlebot crawls your profile again, which could be 48 hours or three weeks. If you see no movement after six weeks, the problem is likely something else — your reviews, your proximity, or your website optimization.
Q: My competitor has a category I can't select. Why?
Google restricts some categories to specific business verticals or requires verification. For example, "Veterinarian" requires a license verification. "Doctor" requires a medical license. If you can't add a category your competitor has, check if it requires certification. If it does, don't fake it. Google audits these and will suspend your profile.
Q: Should I use the same categories for multiple locations?
Only if each location offers the exact same services. If one location does nails and the other doesn't, don't add "Nail Salon" to the second location. Google cross-references category consistency across your locations. Inconsistent categories can trigger manual review flags. I had a client in Dallas with three florist locations. Two locations had "Florist" and "Wedding Planner." The third had "Florist" and "Gift Shop" (because they also sold gifts). Google flagged the third location as potentially different business types. We aligned all three to "Florist" plus "Wedding Planner" and removed "Gift Shop" from the third. All three locations started appearing in Local Pack for "wedding florist Dallas" within a month.
When I was at GroupM, I once watched a $1.2 million campaign underperform because the client's local listings had inconsistent categories across 14 markets. The fix took 90 minutes. The result was a 22% lift in store visits. That's what I mean when I say categories are not a "set it and forget it" field. They're the metadata Google uses to decide if you're worth showing. Most guides skip the part where I tell you that you'll probably need to revisit these every six months because Google adds new categories and businesses change their offerings. Don't set a reminder. Set a calendar event. And if you want someone to audit your current categories and tell you exactly which ones are costing you money, I'll do it. No generic deck, no junior handing you a report you could've written yourself.
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Nataliia
Local marketing strategist with 10+ years at global agencies — OMD, Dentsu, GroupM, and BBDO. Now helping small businesses get the same data-driven edge. Based in Europe, working with clients in the US, UK, Australia, and beyond.
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