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 Castle?
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 Castle.
Category list for Castle:
Castle
Historical Landmark
Tourist Attraction
Museum
Event Venue
Wedding Venue
Park
Cultural Center
Art Gallery
Gift Shop
Restaurant
Hotel
Conference Center
Performing Arts Theater
Educational Institution
Cafe
Photography Service
Wine Bar
Local Government Office
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 Castle:
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
Museum:
Guided Tours, Exhibition Openings, Curator Talks, Educational Workshops, Art Classes, Family Programs, School Group Visits, Community Events, Private Tours, Special Exhibits, Children's Activities, Cultural Performances, Film Screenings, Lectures and Discussions, Virtual Tours, Photography Permit, Audio Guides, Museum Cafe, Museum Gift Shop, Memberships, Birthday Parties, Facility Rentals, Accessibility Services, After-Hours Events, Art Conservation, Traveling Exhibitions, Youth Programs, Senior Programs, Artist Residencies, Research Library, Volunteer Opportunities, Internship Programs, Museum Classes, Outdoor Sculpture Garden, Art Appraisals, Art Collection Loans, Group Discounts, Free Admission Days, Online Collections, Exhibit Catalogues, Museum Publications, Artist Talks, Symposiums, Docent Training, Restoration Services, Art History Courses, Art Handling, Online Educational Resources, Art Therapy Programs, Discounted Student Tickets
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
Picnic Area Rentals, Playground Access, Walking Trails, Biking Trails, Bird Watching, Outdoor Fitness Equipment, Fishing Spots, Boating Access, Kayak Rentals, Canoe Rentals, Paddleboard Rentals, Running Tracks, Outdoor Yoga Classes, Nature Photography, Wildlife Observation, Guided Nature Tours, Outdoor Event Space, Amphitheater, Park Ranger Programs, Educational Workshops, Gardens and Conservatories, Dog Park Access, Outdoor Sports Courts, Skate Park, Disc Golf Course, Rock Climbing Wall, Park Concessions, Park Restrooms, Drinking Fountains, BBQ Areas, Outdoor Art Exhibits, Park Benches and Seating, Park Maps and Guides, Park Cleanliness, Parking Services, Park Accessibility Features, Park Security, Park Wi-Fi, Park Volunteering Opportunities, Butterfly Gardens, Botanical Gardens, Park Maintenance, Park Special Events, Park Memorials and Monuments, Park Bicycle Racks, Park Lighting, Park Green Initiatives, Park After-School Programs, Park Summer Camps, Park Sustainability, Park Weather Information, Park Lost and Found
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
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
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
Restaurant:
Dine-in Service, Takeout Service, Delivery Service, Curbside Pickup, Online Ordering, Catering Service, Outdoor Seating, Private Events, Business Lunches, Happy Hour Specials, Buffet Service, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten-Free Options, Kid-Friendly Menu, Group Reservations, Live Music Nights, Wine Tastings, Local Craft Beers, Signature Cocktails, Daily Specials, Weekend Brunch, Breakfast Menu, Lunch Menu, Dinner Menu, Dessert Menu, Seafood Options, Steakhouse Selections, Gourmet Burgers, Pizza Selections, Pasta Dishes, Asian Cuisine, Mexican Cuisine, Middle Eastern Cuisine, Indian Cuisine, Healthy Salad Options, Soup of the Day, Appetizer Selections, Family Style Meals, Gift Cards Available, Loyalty Program, Online Reservations, Food Allergy Accommodations, Seasonal Menu, Chef's Specials, Farm-to-Table Ingredients, Locally Sourced Produce, Sustainable Seafood, Wine Pairing Recommendations, Cooking Classes, Themed Nights
Hotel:
Luxury Suites, Standard Rooms, Economy Rooms, Pet-Friendly Accommodations, Family Rooms, Honeymoon Suites, Room Service, Free Wi-Fi, Complimentary Breakfast, Airport Shuttle Service, On-site Restaurant, On-site Bar and Lounge, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Spa and Wellness Center, Business Center, Conference Rooms, Banquet Hall, Wedding Services, Event Planning Services, 24-hour Front Desk, Concierge Services, Laundry and Dry Cleaning, Housekeeping, Luggage Storage, Valet Parking, Self-Parking Facilities, Car Rental Services, Tour and Travel Assistance, Currency Exchange, Multilingual Staff, Accessible Facilities, Smoke-Free Property, Gift Shop, ATM/Cash Machine, Safety Deposit Box, Express Check-in/Check-out, Late Check-out, Babysitting Services, Children's Play Area, Outdoor Recreation Activities, Garden and Terrace, BBQ Facilities, Mini-Bar, In-room Safe, Flat-Screen TV with Cable Channels, Air Conditioning, Coffee/Tea Maker
Conference center:
Conference Room Rentals, Business Meeting Space, Corporate Event Venues, Workshop Spaces, Training Room Rentals, Banquet Hall Rentals, Trade Show Facilities, Product Launch Venues, Webinar Hosting, Virtual Meeting Rooms, Audio Visual Equipment Rental, Catering Services, Wi-Fi Access, Video Conferencing Facilities, Presentation Equipment Rental, Team Building Event Spaces, On-Site Parking, Flexible Seating Arrangements, Breakout Room Rentals, Event Planning Services, Exhibition Hall Rentals, Registration Desk Services, On-site IT Support, Printing and Copying Services, Conference Center Tours, Lecture Hall Rentals, Seminar Rooms, Round Table Discussions, Panel Discussion Venues, Boardroom Rentals, Networking Event Spaces, Event Security Services, Customizable Event Packages, Green Meeting Rooms, On-site Hotel Accommodations, Transportation Services, Conference Center Branding, Eco-Friendly Event Spaces, Accessible Facilities, Speaker Preparation Rooms, VIP Meeting Rooms, Executive Lounge Access, Event Marketing Services, Post-Event Cleanup Services, Stage Setup and Design, Conference Center Signage, Event Ticketing Services, Event Sponsorship Opportunities, Professional Photography Services, Event Livestream Services
Performing arts theater:
Live Theater Performances, Broadway Shows, Musical Performances, Dance Performances, Ballet Performances, Opera Performances, Children's Theater, Circus Performances, Stand-up Comedy, Improv Shows, One-Act Plays, Classical Concerts, Orchestra Performances, Symphony Performances, Chamber Music Concerts, Film Screenings, Art Exhibitions, Literary Events, Poetry Readings, Spoken Word Performances, Theater Workshops, Acting Classes, Dance Classes, Voice Lessons, Audition Preparation, Puppet Shows, Magic Shows, Cabaret Performances, Acrobatic Performances, Interactive Theater, Outdoor Theater, Shakespeare Performances, Theater Festivals, Stage Combat Workshops, Costume Design Workshops, Set Design Workshops, Lighting Design Workshops, Sound Design Workshops, Playwriting Workshops, Directing Workshops, Drama Therapy, Community Theater Performances, Youth Theater Performances, Holiday Shows, Historical Reenactments, Experimental Theater, Immersive Theater, Theater Tours, Live Podcast Recordings, Theater for the Deaf, Accessible Performances, Foreign Language Performances
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
Wedding Photography, Engagement Photography, Family Portraits, Newborn Photography, Maternity Photography, Senior Portraits, Headshot Photography, Event Photography, Pet Photography, Sports Photography, Real Estate Photography, Landscape Photography, Aerial Photography, Drone Photography, Commercial Photography, Fashion Photography, Product Photography, Corporate Photography, Architectural Photography, Editorial Photography, Food Photography, Automotive Photography, Travel Photography, Nature Photography, Wildlife Photography, Boudoir Photography, Fine Art Photography, Documentary Photography, Street Photography, Astrophotography, Underwater Photography, Macro Photography, Film Photography, Night Photography, Urban Photography, Candid Photography, Black and White Photography, Photo Editing Services, Photography Workshops, Photography Tours, Photography Classes, Photo Booth Services, Photo Restoration, Photo Printing Services, Canvas Printing, Custom Framing Services, Digital Photo Albums, Online Photo Galleries, On-location Photography, Studio Photography, Professional Photo Retouching, Photo Montage Services
Wine bar:
Wine Tasting, Wine Pairing, Wine Flights, Bottle Sales, Wine by the Glass, Wine Education, Wine Club Membership, Private Events, Wine Tours, Gift Cards, Customized Wine Recommendations, Charcuterie Boards, Cheese Platters, Small Plates, Live Music, Wine and Paint Nights, Winery Visits, Outdoor Seating, Reservations, Catering Services, Corporate Events, Wedding Receptions, Wine Auctions, Local Winemaker Showcases, Wine Gifts, Wine Accessories, Sommelier Services, Wine Storage, Wine Deliveries, Wine of the Month Club, Online Wine Sales, Seasonal Wine Events, Happy Hour Specials, Wine Dinners, Wine and Food Pairing Classes, Bottle Signings, Wine Release Parties, Wine and Cheese Tastings, Wine and Chocolate Pairings, Wine and Cooking Classes, Wine and Spirits Tastings, Wine and Art Exhibitions, Wine and Film Nights, Wine and Book Club Meetings, Wine and Yoga Events, Wine and Travel Packages, Wine and Meditation Sessions, Wine and Fashion Shows, Wine and Fitness Classes, Wine and Photography Workshops, Wine and Poetry Readings, Wine and Dance Performances
Local government office:
Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, Marriage Licenses, Business Permits, License Renewals, Property Tax Payments, Voter Registration, Public Notary Services, Zoning Permits, Building Permits, Health Inspections, Traffic Citations, Waste Management Services, Animal Control Services, Parks and Recreation Programs, Water and Sewer Services, Public Transportation Services, Road Maintenance, Public Safety Services, Fire Department Services, Police Department Services, Emergency Management Services, Housing Assistance Programs, Social Services, Senior Citizen Programs, Youth Programs, Community Outreach Programs, Public Health Services, Environmental Services, Economic Development Services, Public Works Services, City Planning Services, Public Library Services, Education Services, Public Art Programs, Cultural Programs, Historic Preservation Services, Employment Services, Job Training Programs, Grant Writing Assistance, Small Business Support, Tourism Services, Public Information Services, GIS Services, Land Use and Zoning Services, Public Meetings, Neighborhood Watch Programs, Emergency Preparedness Services, Disaster Recovery Services, Accessibility Services
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.
