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 Church?
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 Church.
Category list for Church:
Church
Religious Organization
Place of Worship
Community Center
Non-Profit Organization
Religious School
Wedding Venue
Event Venue
Youth Organization
Choir
Religious Goods Store
Retreat Center
Cemetery
Funeral Home
Meditation 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 Church:
Religious organization:
Sunday Service, Weekly Bible Study, Prayer Meetings, Youth Group Activities, Religious Counseling, Marriage Retreats, Baptism Services, Confirmation Classes, First Communion Preparation, Children's Ministry, Adult Ministry, Women's Ministry, Men's Ministry, Family Events, Religious Education, Meditation Sessions, Spiritual Workshops, Volunteer Opportunities, Choir and Music Ministry, Holiday Services, Community Outreach, Mission Trips, Grief Support Groups, Marriage Preparation Courses, Religious Book Clubs, Pastoral Care, Wedding Ceremonies, Funeral Services, Parenting Classes, Online Worship Services, Podcasts and Sermons, Religious Concerts, Holy Land Tours, Prison Ministry, Food Pantry, Homeless Ministry, Hospital Visitation, Disaster Relief, Senior Adult Ministry, Divorce Care, Addiction Recovery Groups, Mother's Day Out, Library and Resource Center, Prayer Request Line, Career Assistance Programs, Financial Planning Seminars, Interfaith Dialogues, Cultural Events, New Member Orientation, Accessibility Services
Place of worship:
Sunday Service, Children's Ministry, Youth Ministry, Bible Study, Prayer Meetings, Counseling Services, Wedding Ceremonies, Funeral Services, Baptisms, Confirmation Classes, Choir Practice, Community Outreach, Homeless Ministry, Food Pantry, Clothing Drives, Music Ministry, Meditation Sessions, Missionary Support, Pastoral Care, Marriage Enrichment, Women's Ministry, Men's Ministry, Couples Ministry, Senior Ministry, Volunteer Opportunities, Bereavement Support, Divorce Care, Parenting Classes, Financial Planning, Addiction Recovery, Family Counseling, Vacation Bible School, Small Groups, Leadership Training, Spiritual Retreats, Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Social Justice Advocacy, Prison Ministry, Online Services, Grief Counseling, Marriage Counseling, Premarital Counseling, Disaster Relief Response, Support Groups, Youth Camps, Interfaith Dialogue, Community Events, Bible College, Mission Trips, Christian Bookstore, Cafe
Community center:
After-School Programs, Youth Sports Programs, Senior Activities, Fitness Classes, Computer Classes, Language Courses, Cultural Events, Arts and Crafts Workshops, Community Meetings, Dance Classes, Parenting Classes, Financial Literacy Workshops, Health and Wellness Programs, Volunteer Opportunities, Summer Camps, Childcare Services, Teen Clubs, Tutoring Services, Cooking Classes, Nutrition Workshops, Martial Arts Classes, Indoor Swimming Pool, Job Training Programs, Yoga Classes, Art Exhibitions, Book Clubs, Community Garden, Social Services Referrals, Music Lessons, Weight Loss Support Groups, Mental Health Support Groups, Family Nights, Community Outreach Programs, Entrepreneurship Workshops, Adult Education Classes, Career Counseling, Substance Abuse Prevention Programs, Game Nights, Movie Nights, Indoor Sports Facilities, Outdoor Sports Facilities, Holiday Events, Emergency Preparedness Training, Environmental Education Programs, Room Rentals for Events, Community Resource Center, Citizenship Classes, Pet Adoption Events, Blood Drives, Voter Registration Drives
Non-profit organization:
Charitable Donations, Volunteer Opportunities, Community Outreach Programs, Youth Development Programs, Disaster Relief Services, Educational Workshops, Health and Wellness Initiatives, Environmental Conservation Projects, Animal Welfare Programs, Job Training and Employment Services, Hunger Relief Programs, Homelessness Prevention Services, Mental Health Support Services, Substance Abuse Prevention Programs, Domestic Violence Support Services, Legal Aid and Advocacy, International Aid and Development, Arts and Culture Programs, Senior Citizen Support Services, Disability Support Services, Veteran Support Services, Refugee and Immigrant Assistance, Child Welfare and Protection Services, Human Rights Advocacy, Community Development Projects, Mentorship Programs, Financial Literacy Programs, Crisis Intervention Services, Cancer Research and Support Services, Youth Sports and Recreation Programs, Family Support and Strengthening Programs, Special Needs Services, LGBTQ+ Support and Advocacy, Racial and Social Justice Initiatives, Medical Research and Funding, Community Clean-Up Projects, Neighborhood and Park Beautification, Sustainable Living and Green Initiatives, Scholarship and Grant Programs, Disaster Preparedness Education, HIV/AIDS Prevention and Support Services, Climate Change Advocacy, Digital Inclusion Programs, Literacy Programs, Microloan and Small Business Support, Rural Development and Support Programs, Water and Sanitation Projects, Affordable Housing Advocacy, Animal Rescue and Adoption Services, Suicide Prevention and Awareness
Religious school:
Bible Study Classes, Quran Study Classes, Torah Study Classes, Spiritual Counseling, Theological Education, Religious Retreats, Prayer Services, Meditation Classes, Adult Religious Education, Youth Religious Education, Children's Religious Education, Religious Seminars, Spiritual Workshops, Faith-based Counseling, Interfaith Dialogue, Religious Summer Camps, Religious Music Classes, Religious Art Classes, Religious Book Clubs, Religious Movie Nights, Community Service Projects, Religious Leadership Training, Religious Holidays Celebrations, Religious Language Classes, Religious Theatre Programs, Religious Dance Classes, Religious Concerts, Religious Speaker Series, Religious Volunteer Opportunities, Religious Outreach Programs, Religious Weddings, Religious Funerals, Religious Baptisms, Religious Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Religious Confirmations, Religious Naming Ceremonies, Religious Support Groups, Religious Parenting Classes, Religious Marriage Counseling, Religious Singles Groups, Religious Social Events, Religious Career Counseling, Religious Bookstore, Religious Library, Religious Scholarship Programs, Religious Childcare, Religious Guest Speakers, Religious Travel Opportunities, Religious Job Placement, Religious Internship Programs
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
Youth organization:
Youth Leadership Programs, Community Service Opportunities, Mentoring Programs, College Preparation Workshops, Cultural Exchange Programs, Entrepreneurship Workshops, Youth Sports Programs, Scholarship Assistance, Tutoring Services, Career Exploration Events, STEM Activities, Art and Music Programs, Public Speaking Workshops, Civic Engagement Initiatives, Youth Summer Camps, Internship Opportunities, Bullying Prevention Programs, Social Skills Training, Conflict Resolution Workshops, Health and Wellness Programs, Teen Parent Support Services, Mental Health Resources, Substance Abuse Prevention, Financial Literacy Workshops, Online Safety Training, Anti-discrimination Programs, Volunteer Training, Youth Advocacy Initiatives, Peer Mediation Training, Environmental Education Programs, Character Building Workshops, Disability Support Services, Cyberbullying Prevention, Youth Networking Events, Multicultural Activities, Language Learning Programs, Nutrition Education, Study Abroad Opportunities, Girls Empowerment Programs, Boys Empowerment Programs, LGBTQ+ Support Services, Digital Skills Training, Physical Fitness Programs, Outdoor Education Activities, Youth Job Training, Dance and Theater Workshops, Creative Writing Programs, Film and Media Production, Educational Field Trips, Youth Awards and Recognition
Choir:
Choral Concert Performances, Singing Workshops, Choral Competitions, Choral Festivals, Choir Tours, Choir Auditions, Choir Rehearsal Space Rentals, Choir Masterclasses, Choral Arrangements, Sheet Music Sales, Choir Outreach Programs, Choir Youth Programs, Choir Training Sessions, Choir Fundraising Events, Voice Lessons, Choir Membership, Wedding Choir Services, Funeral Choir Services, Holiday Choir Performances, Choir Collaboration Opportunities, Choral Music Workshops, Choir Team Building Events, Vocal Technique Training, Choral Music Education, Choir Recording Services, Choral Music Composition Services, Community Choir Performances, Choir Volunteer Opportunities, Choir Sponsorship Opportunities, Choir Rehearsal Scheduling, Choral Director Services, Choir Talent Showcases, Choir Costume Rentals, Choir Photograph Sales, Online Choir Performances, Choral Music History Courses, Choir Alumni Events, Choir Merchandise Sales, Choir Travel Planning, Choir Social Events, Choir Networking Opportunities, Choral Music Theory Classes, Choir Conducting Lessons, Choir Apprenticeship Programs, Choir Accompaniment Services, Choir Video Production Services, Choral Music Licensing Services, Choir Promotional Services, Choir Televised Performances, Choir Live Streaming Services
Religious goods store:
Christian Books, Bibles, Religious Jewelry, Inspirational Gifts, Catholic Statues, Church Supplies, Prayer Beads, Religious Candles, Crucifixes, Christian Apparel, Religious Artwork, Baptism Gifts, First Communion Gifts, Confirmation Gifts, Religious Greeting Cards, Religious Home Decor, Saint Medals, Rosaries, Religious Children's Books, Christian Music CDs, Religious DVD Movies, Bible Covers, Prayer Books, Christian Fiction Books, Inspirational Wall Art, Religious Christmas Ornaments, Church Furniture, Communion Ware, Bible Study Resources, Religious Stickers, Christian Coloring Books, Religious Keychains, Religious Bookmarks, Inspirational Magnets, Religious Tote Bags, Christian Journals, Bible Study Guides, Christian Mugs, Inspirational Plaques, Religious Calendars, Christian Children's Toys, Christian Youth Books, Audio Bible, Church Vestments, Worship Flags, Religious Puzzles, Religious Auto Accessories, Christian Baby Gifts, Religious Wedding Gifts, Christian Missions Support
Retreat center:
Mindfulness Retreat, Yoga Retreat, Meditation Retreat, Wellness Retreat, Spiritual Retreat, Holistic Retreat, Detox Retreat, Stress Management Retreat, Rejuvenation Retreat, Silent Retreat, Ayurveda Retreat, Couples Retreat, Eco Retreat, Creative Writing Retreat, Art Therapy Retreat, Breathwork Retreat, Sound Healing Retreat, Weight Loss Retreat, Health and Fitness Retreat, Personal Development Retreat, Group Retreats, Singles Retreat, Nature Connection Retreat, Digital Detox Retreat, Culinary Retreat, Outdoor Adventure Retreat, Cycling Retreat, Hiking Retreat, Farm-to-Table Retreat, Photography Retreat, Dance Retreat, Music Retreat, Cooking Retreat, Permaculture Retreat, Plant Medicine Retreat, Leadership Retreat, Qigong Retreat, Tai Chi Retreat, Surfing Retreat, Skiing Retreat, Forest Bathing Retreat, Birdwatching Retreat, Women's Empowerment Retreat, Men's Empowerment Retreat, LGBTQ+ Retreat, Veterans Retreat, Family Retreat, Pet-Friendly Retreat, Bereavement Retreat, Addiction Recovery Retreat
Cemetery:
Burial Plots, Cremation Services, Grave Markers, Mausoleum Spaces, Columbarium Niches, Graveside Services, Memorial Benches, Pre-Need Arrangements, Funeral Service Coordination, Green Burials, Cemetery Maintenance, Headstone Cleaning, Grave Decoration Services, Cemetery Tours, Floral Arrangements, Funeral Photography, Memorial Tree Planting, Casket Burial Services, Urn Burial Services, Grave Mapping, Grave Dowsing, Cemetery Records Management, Crypt Entombment Services, Burial Vault Services, Cemetery Consultation, Family Estate Plots, Military Honors, Religious Ceremony Coordination, Cemetery Event Planning, Grave Marker Inscriptions, Headstone Design, Custom Monument Creation, Pet Burials, Cemetery History Research, Family Plot Restoration, Cemetery Landscaping, Funeral Webcasting, Grief Counseling Referrals, Cemetery Visitor Center, Online Obituaries, Virtual Cemetery Tours, Hospice and Palliative Care Coordination, Genealogy Services, Cemetery Preservation, Historical Marker Placement, Commemorative Plaques, Cemetery Art Installations, Funeral Music Coordination, Cemetery Regulations Consultation, Memorial Garden Planning
Funeral home:
Funeral Planning, Cremation Services, Burial Services, Memorial Services, Pre-Need Funeral Arrangements, Obituary Writing, Eulogy Assistance, Grief Counseling, Funeral Livestreaming, Funeral Floral Arrangements, Coffins and Caskets, Urn Selection, Grave Markers, Headstone Design, Monument Selection, Funeral Stationery, Funeral Catering, Funeral Reception Services, Military Funeral Honors, Green Burials, Mausoleum Services, Graveside Services, Death Certificate Assistance, Bereavement Support Groups, Funeral Transportation, Music Selection, Funeral Officiant Services, Funeral Customization, Pet Funeral Services, Funeral Home Tours, Funeral Etiquette Advice, Funeral Insurance, Estate and Will Assistance, Burial Vaults, Embalming Services, Body Preparation, Dressing and Makeup, Viewing and Visitation, Funeral Webcasting, Funeral Program Design, Funeral Video Tributes, Funeral Photo Collages, Funeral Memorial Keepsakes, Funeral Home Chapels, Funeral Home Maintenance, Funeral Home Merchandise, Funeral Home Aftercare, Funeral Home Relocation, Funeral Home Pre-Planning Seminars, Funeral Home Consultations, Funeral Home Price Estimates, Funeral Home Online Arrangements, Funeral Home Expressions of Sympathy
Meditation center:
Guided Meditation, Mindfulness Meditation, Breathwork Sessions, Yoga Nidra, Transcendental Meditation, Chakra Balancing, Vipassana Meditation, Loving-Kindness Meditation, Sound Healing, Zen Meditation, Kundalini Meditation, Mantra Meditation, Mala Meditation, Walking Meditation, Body Scan Meditation, Visualization Meditation, Group Meditation, Couples Meditation, Meditation for Stress Relief, Meditation for Anxiety, Meditation for Sleep, Meditation for Focus, Meditation for Pain Relief, Meditation for Emotional Well-being, Meditation for Creativity, Meditation for Athletes, Meditation for Personal Growth, Meditation for Spiritual Development, Meditation Workshops, Meditation Retreats, Meditation Teacher Training, Online Meditation Classes, Meditation App Support, Corporate Meditation Programs, Meditation for Kids, Meditation for Teens, Meditation for Seniors, Meditation for Veterans, Meditation for Trauma Recovery, Meditation for Addiction Recovery, Meditation for Grief Support, Meditation for Cancer Patients, Meditation for Caregivers, Meditation for Pregnant Women, Meditation for Postpartum Recovery, Meditation for Couples Therapy, Meditation for Anger Management, Meditation for Test Anxiety, Meditation for Public Speaking, Meditation for Relaxation
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.
