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 Caterer?
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 Caterer.
Category list for Caterer:
Caterer
Event Planner
Party Equipment Rental Service
Event Venue
Banquet Hall
Party Store
Restaurant
Bakery
Cooking School
Florist
DJ Service
Photographer
Hotel
Conference Center
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 Caterer:
Event planner:
Wedding Planning, Corporate Event Planning, Birthday Party Planning, Anniversary Party Planning, Conference Planning, Trade Show Planning, Charity Event Planning, Product Launch Planning, Gala Dinner Planning, Award Ceremony Planning, Festival Planning, Team Building Event Planning, Fundraising Event Planning, Themed Event Planning, Catering Coordination, Entertainment Booking, Event Design and Decor, Event Production Management, Event Staffing and Security, Event Marketing and Promotion, Event Budgeting and Financials, Event Sponsorship Management, Event Risk Assessment and Safety, Destination Event Planning, Virtual Event Planning, Event Photography and Videography, Event Technology Solutions, Event Ticketing and Registration, Event Accommodation and Travel, Event Venue Selection, Event Time and Schedule Management, Event Accessibility Planning, Event Transportation and Logistics, Event Licensing and Permits, Event Audio and Visual Services, Event Sustainability and Green Initiatives, Post-Event Analysis and Reporting, Event Branding and Signage, Event Swag and Merchandise, Event Public Relations and Media, Event Social Media Management, Event Website Development, Event Seating and Layout Planning, Event Program and Agenda Development, Event Invitations and RSVP Management, Event Food and Beverage Planning, Event Guest Management and Concierge, Event Contingency Planning, Event Post-Production and Editing, Event Proposal and Pitch Development, Event Networking and Connection Opportunities
Party equipment rental service:
Party Tent Rentals, Table and Chair Rentals, Inflatable Bounce House Rentals, Wedding Equipment Rentals, Audio and Sound Equipment Rentals, Catering Equipment Rentals, Event Lighting Rentals, Dance Floor Rentals, Portable Restroom Rentals, Photo Booth Rentals, Outdoor Heater Rentals, Table Linen Rentals, Backdrop and Drapery Rentals, Outdoor Movie Screen Rentals, Staging and Risers Rentals, Pipe and Drape Rentals, Event Furniture Rentals, Balloon Decoration Rentals, Party Game Rentals, Themed Party Rentals, Food Service Rentals, Concession Stand Rentals, Projector and Screen Rentals, Lounge Furniture Rentals, Glassware Rentals, Cutlery Rentals, Tableware Rentals, Chafing Dish Rentals, Wedding Arch Rentals, Centerpiece Rentals, Casino Party Rentals, Karaoke Equipment Rentals, Portable Bar Rentals, Grand Opening Equipment Rentals, Conference Equipment Rentals, Children's Party Rentals, Holiday Party Rentals, Canopy Rentals, Truss Rentals, Red Carpet Rentals, Crowd Control Barrier Rentals, Cooling Fan Rentals, PA System Rentals, Carnival Equipment Rentals, Mechanical Bull Rentals, Dunk Tank Rentals, Cotton Candy Machine Rentals, Popcorn Machine Rentals, Snow Cone Machine Rentals, Chocolate Fountain Rentals, Beverage Dispenser Rentals
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
Banquet hall:
Wedding Receptions, Corporate Events, Birthday Parties, Anniversary Celebrations, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceañeras, Sweet Sixteen Parties, Graduation Parties, Retirement Parties, Holiday Parties, Charity Events, Gala Dinners, Award Ceremonies, Product Launches, Networking Events, Seminars and Workshops, Training Sessions, Team Building Events, Trade Shows, Exhibitions, Art Shows, Fashion Shows, Wine Tastings, Food Festivals, Cultural Events, Themed Events, Outdoor Events, Sports Banquets, Reunions, Engagement Parties, Christenings, Funeral Receptions, Memorial Services, Business Luncheons, Cocktail Parties, Non-profit Fundraisers, Auctions, Movie Screenings, Concerts, Live Performances, Comedy Nights, Karaoke Nights, Dance Parties, Casino Nights, Murder Mystery Dinners, Trivia Nights, Game Nights, Talent Shows, Masquerade Balls, New Year's Eve Parties
Party store:
Balloon Decorations, Party Supplies Rental, Custom Invitations, Themed Party Kits, Tableware Sets, Party Favors, Personalized Banners, Piñatas and Accessories, Cake Toppers, Candles and Sparklers, Party Games, Costumes and Accessories, Seasonal Decorations, Gift Wrapping Services, Party Planning Consultation, Catering Supplies, Wedding Supplies, Bachelor and Bachelorette Party Supplies, Baby Shower Supplies, Graduation Party Supplies, Party Lighting, Photo Booth Rentals, Custom Balloon Bouquets, Party Music Supplies, Holiday Party Supplies, Custom Party Apparel, Eco-friendly Party Supplies, Paper and Plastic Tablecloths, Beverage Dispensers, Food Serving Supplies, Inflatable Party Rentals, Tent and Canopy Rentals, Custom Centerpieces, Candy Buffet Supplies, Helium Tank Rentals, Party Backdrops, Licensed Character Party Supplies, Party Supply Bundles, Corporate Event Supplies, Outdoor Party Supplies, Disposable Cutlery, Reusable Party Supplies, Party Snack Supplies, Adult Party Themes, Kids' Party Themes, Teen Party Themes, Milestone Birthday Supplies, DIY Party Decoration Supplies, Special Occasion Supplies, Gender Reveal Party Supplies, Anniversary Party Supplies
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
Wedding DJ, Corporate Event DJ, Birthday Party DJ, Bar and Bat Mitzvah DJ, Quinceañera DJ, Anniversary Party DJ, Retirement Party DJ, Holiday Party DJ, Festival DJ, Club DJ, Karaoke DJ, Private Party DJ, School Dance DJ, Prom DJ, Homecoming DJ, Graduation Party DJ, Outdoor Event DJ, Non-Profit Event DJ, Themed Party DJ, Silent Disco DJ, Video DJ, Christening Party DJ, Bridal Shower DJ, Baby Shower DJ, Engagement Party DJ, Fitness Class DJ, Fashion Show DJ, Grand Opening DJ, Product Launch DJ, Award Ceremony DJ, Charity Gala DJ, Trade Show DJ, Pool Party DJ, House Party DJ, Brunch DJ, Boat Party DJ, Rooftop Party DJ, Tailgate Party DJ, Virtual DJ, Radio DJ, Podcast DJ, Nightlife DJ, Themed Wedding DJ, LGBTQ+ Event DJ, Cultural Event DJ, Kids Party DJ, Teen Party DJ, Sweet 16 DJ, Casino Night DJ, Trivia Night DJ, Oldies DJ, 90s DJ, 80s DJ, 70s DJ
Photographer:
Wedding Photography, Engagement Photography, Event Photography, Portrait Photography, Fashion Photography, Commercial Photography, Product Photography, Real Estate Photography, Corporate Photography, Aerial Photography, Editorial Photography, Sports Photography, Food Photography, Lifestyle Photography, Family Photography, Maternity Photography, Newborn Photography, Child Photography, Pet Photography, Headshot Photography, Nature Photography, Wildlife Photography, Travel Photography, Street Photography, Fine Art Photography, Photojournalism, Architectural Photography, Astrophotography, Automotive Photography, Black and White Photography, Boudoir Photography, Candid Photography, Cinematography, Drone Photography, Equine Photography, Film Photography, Industrial Photography, Interior Photography, Landscape Photography, Macro Photography, Night Photography, Panoramic Photography, Photo Editing, Photo Printing, Photo Restoration, Photography Classes, Photography Workshops, School Photography, Seascape Photography, Studio Photography, Time-lapse Photography, Underwater Photography, Urban Photography, Virtual Tour Photography
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
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.
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.