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 Garage?
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 Garage.
Category list for Garage:
Garage
Auto Repair Shop
Car Dealer
Auto Parts Store
Tire Shop
Car Wash
Auto Body Shop
Towing Service
Auto Glass Shop
Oil Change Service
Brake Shop
Car Detailing Service
Auto Electrical Service
Car Inspection Station
Auto Tune Up Service
Auto Radiator Repair Service
Auto Air Conditioning Service
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 Garage:
Auto repair shop:
Oil Change, Transmission Repair, Brake Service, Tire Rotation, Wheel Alignment, Exhaust System Repair, Suspension Repair, Engine Diagnostic, Air Conditioning Service, Battery Replacement, Car Tune-Up, Radiator Service, Auto Electrical Repair, Fuel System Service, Windshield Repair, Differential Repair, Clutch Replacement, Timing Belt Replacement, Emission Testing, Car Detailing, Headlight Restoration, Power Steering Service, Cooling System Service, Drivetrain Repair, CV Joint Repair, Fluid Exchanges, Water Pump Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Air Filter Replacement, Exhaust Leak Repair, Rust Proofing, Paintless Dent Removal, Window Tinting, Vehicle Inspection, Alternator Repair, Starter Replacement, Wiper Blade Replacement, Transmission Fluid Service, Drive Belt Replacement, Tire Repair, Wheel Balancing, Shock Absorber Replacement, Performance Upgrades, Convertible Top Repair, Hybrid Vehicle Service, Turbocharger Repair, Fuel Injector Cleaning, Catalytic Converter Replacement, Ignition System Repair, Air Suspension Repair
Car dealer:
New Cars Sales, Pre-owned Cars Sales, Certified Pre-owned Cars, Car Trade-ins, Car Financing Services, Car Lease Options, Online Car Shopping, Car Showroom Visits, Car Test Drives, Car Customization, Car Warranty Services, Car Insurance Services, Car Registration Assistance, Car Maintenance Packages, Car Servicing & Repairs, Car Pre-purchase Inspections, Car Detailing Services, Car Wash Services, Car Paint Protection, Car Rust Prevention, Car Window Tinting, Car Accessories Sales, Car Parts Sales, Car Audio & Electronics, Car Performance Upgrades, Car Body Kits & Spoilers, Car Interior Upgrades, Car Wraps & Graphics, Car Wheel & Tire Packages, Car Suspension & Brakes, Car Engine & Transmission, Car Exhaust Systems, Car Cooling & Heating, Car Battery & Electrical, Car Fuel & Emission Systems, Car Diagnostic Services, Car Safety Inspections, Car Emission Testing, Car Fluid Checks & Changes, Car Brake & Rotor Services, Car Tire Rotation & Balancing, Car Alignment Services, Car Air Conditioning Services, Car Transmission Services, Car Oil Change Services, Car Filter Change Services, Car Scheduled Maintenance, Car Tune-up Services, Car Roadside Assistance, Car Loaner Services, Car Shuttle Services
Auto parts store:
Brake Pads Replacement, Oil Filters, Air Filters, Car Batteries, Wiper Blades, Spark Plugs, Fuel Filters, Alternators, Starter Motors, Timing Belts, Brake Rotors, Brake Calipers, Suspension Components, Tire Sales, Automotive Lighting, Transmission Fluid, Engine Coolant, Power Steering Fluid, Brake Fluid, Fuel Additives, Car Audio Systems, Automotive Security Systems, GPS Navigation Systems, Seat Covers, Floor Mats, Car Cleaning Products, Car Wax and Polishes, Wheel Covers, Tire Pressure Gauges, Jump Starters, Tow Straps, Car Jacks, Wheel Alignment Tools, Diagnostic Tools, Automotive Tool Sets, Automotive Paint, Car Body Repair Kits, Windshield Repair Kits, Radiator Repair Kits, Exhaust Repair Kits, Automotive Belts, Hoses and Hose Clamps, Gaskets, Thermostats, Water Pumps, Motor Oils, Grease and Lubricants, Emission Control Parts, Performance Upgrade Parts, Racing and High-Performance Parts, Custom Auto Accessories
Exterior Car Wash, Interior Car Cleaning, Full-Service Car Wash, Express Car Wash, Hand Car Wash, Steam Car Wash, Eco-Friendly Car Wash, Mobile Car Wash, Self-Service Car Wash, Touchless Car Wash, Automated Car Wash, Undercarriage Wash, Waterless Car Wash, Engine Cleaning, Car Waxing, Car Polishing, Paint Protection, Wheel Cleaning, Tire Shining, Headlight Restoration, Window Cleaning, Car Vacuuming, Car Upholstery Cleaning, Car Carpet Cleaning, Car Air Freshening, Car Deodorizing, Car Leather Care, Car Stain Removal, Car Paint Touch-up, Car Ceramic Coating, Car Glass Treatment, Car Detailing Packages, Car Odor Removal, Car Paint Sealant, Car Bug and Tar Removal, Car Rust Proofing, Car Fabric Protection, Car Vinyl and Trim Restoration, Car Alloy Wheel Repair, Car Engine Bay Cleaning, Car Paint Correction, Car Paint Chip Repair, Car Dashboard Cleaning, Car Door Jam Cleaning, Car Steam Sanitization, Car Pet Hair Removal, Car Scratch Removal, Car High-Pressure Cleaning, Car Wash Gift Cards, Car Wash Memberships
Auto body shop:
Car Dent Repair, Paintless Dent Removal, Bumper Repair, Car Scratch Repair, Auto Paint Services, Collision Repair, Frame Straightening, Auto Glass Repair, Windshield Replacement, Car Detailing, Headlight Restoration, Car Rust Repair, Fender Repair, Wheel Alignment, Suspension Repair, Brake Repair, Tire Services, Car Window Tinting, Custom Auto Paint, Vehicle Wraps, Car Restoration, Rim Repair, Vehicle Inspections, Car Interior Repair, Leather Repair, Convertible Top Repair, Car Audio Installation, Remote Start Installation, Car Alarm Installation, Engine Diagnostics, Oil Change Services, Car AC Repair, Transmission Services, Battery Replacement, Fuel System Services, Coolant System Services, Emission Services, Exhaust System Repair, Car Electronics Repair, Steering System Repair, Drivetrain Services, Preventative Maintenance, Car Wash Services, Car Waxing, Car Polishing, Auto Upholstery Repair, Custom Fabrication, Classic Car Repair, Hybrid Vehicle Repair, Electric Vehicle Repair
Battery Replacement, Alternator Repair, Starter Motor Repair, Electrical System Diagnostics, Automotive Wiring Repair, Power Window Repair, Headlight & Taillight Replacement, Car Audio System Installation, Car Alarm Installation, GPS Navigation System Installation, Electric Brake Controller Installation, Airbag System Diagnostics, Vehicle Sensor Calibration, Instrument Cluster Repair, Vehicle Immobilizer Repair, Electric Power Steering Repair, Key Fob Programming, Car Remote Starter Installation, Hybrid Vehicle Electrical Repair, Electric Vehicle Charging System Repair, Automotive Air Conditioning Repair, Dashboard Warning Light Diagnostics, Fuel Pump Replacement, Electronic Control Module Repair, Transmission Control Module Repair, Engine Cooling Fan Repair, Windshield Wiper Motor Repair, Car Heater Repair, Tire Pressure Monitoring System Repair, Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement, Oxygen Sensor Replacement, Electronic Throttle Control Repair, Ignition Coil Replacement, Distributor Cap & Rotor Replacement, Cruise Control System Repair, Car Horn Repair, Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement, Fuel Injector Cleaning & Replacement, Electronic Suspension System Repair, Idle Air Control Valve Repair, Vehicle Anti-Theft System Repair, Knock Sensor Replacement, Electronic Parking Brake Repair, ECU Flash & Tuning, Car Door Lock Repair, Engine Control Module Replacement, Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement, Catalytic Converter Replacement, Transmission Shift Solenoid Repair, Electronic Stability Control Repair, EVAP System Repair
Car inspection station:
Safety Inspection, Emission Inspection, Vehicle Inspection Report, Pre-Purchase Inspection, Commercial Vehicle Inspection, Motorcycle Inspection, Trailer Safety Inspection, Fleet Vehicle Inspection, Used Car Inspection, New Car Inspection, Rental Car Inspection, RV Inspection, Van Inspection, Truck Inspection, Luxury Car Inspection, Hybrid Vehicle Inspection, Electric Vehicle Inspection, Classic Car Inspection, Convertible Inspection, 4x4 Vehicle Inspection, Tire Pressure Check, Brake Inspection, Suspension Inspection, Steering Inspection, Exhaust System Inspection, Transmission Inspection, Drive Belt Inspection, Cooling System Inspection, Air Conditioning Inspection, Heating System Inspection, Battery Inspection, Electrical System Inspection, Lighting Inspection, Headlight Alignment, Wiper Blade Inspection, Fluid Level Check, Engine Oil Inspection, Fuel System Inspection, Cabin Filter Inspection, Air Filter Inspection, Windshield Inspection, Wheel Alignment Inspection, Wheel Bearing Inspection, Axle Inspection, Drive Shaft Inspection, CV Joint Inspection, Transfer Case Inspection, Differential Inspection, Road Test, Visual Inspection
Auto tune up service:
Oil Change Service, Ignition System Check, Fuel System Cleaning, Air Filter Replacement, Brake Fluid Flush, Transmission Fluid Service, Coolant System Service, Power Steering Fluid Service, Fuel Filter Replacement, Battery Check and Replacement, Tire Rotation and Alignment, Wheel Balancing, Spark Plug Replacement, Exhaust System Inspection, Emission Control System Check, Suspension System Service, Drive Belt Inspection and Replacement, Timing Belt Inspection and Replacement, Engine Diagnostic Service, Cabin Air Filter Replacement, Brake System Inspection, Radiator Flush and Fill, Clutch Adjustment and Replacement, Axle and CV Joint Service, Differential Fluid Service, Transfer Case Service, Fuel Injection Service, Throttle Body Cleaning, Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaning, Oxygen Sensor Replacement, PCV Valve Replacement, Evaporative Emission Control System Service, Catalytic Converter Check, Fuel Pump Inspection, Alternator Inspection and Replacement, Starter Inspection and Replacement, Water Pump Inspection and Replacement, Thermostat Replacement, Serpentine Belt Replacement, Fuel Tank Cleaning, Brake Pad Replacement, Rotor Resurfacing and Replacement, Headlight Restoration, Wiper Blade Replacement, Windshield Washer Fluid Service, Vehicle Inspection, Car AC Service, Heating System Service, Vehicle Electrical System Check, Steering System Inspection
Auto radiator repair service:
Radiator leak repair, Radiator flush and fill, Radiator replacement, Radiator pressure test, Radiator hose replacement, Radiator fan replacement, Radiator cap replacement, Coolant system inspection, Coolant leak detection, Coolant reservoir replacement, Thermostat replacement, Water pump replacement, Heater core replacement, Heater hose replacement, Temperature sensor replacement, Radiator support replacement, Radiator shroud replacement, Radiator drain and refill, Cooling system service, Coolant filter replacement, Coolant temperature sensor replacement, Radiator fan clutch replacement, Radiator fan relay replacement, Radiator fan motor replacement, Radiator fan switch replacement, Radiator fan assembly replacement, Radiator fan resistor replacement, Radiator fan control module replacement, Radiator fan thermostat replacement, Radiator fan fuse replacement, Radiator fan wiring repair, Coolant recovery tank replacement, Coolant expansion tank replacement, Coolant bypass hose replacement, Coolant bleeder valve replacement, Radiator core support replacement, Radiator drain plug replacement, Radiator petcock replacement, Radiator mount replacement, Cooling system pressure test, Cooling system vacuum fill, Cooling system flush, Radiator inspection, Radiator repair estimate, Custom radiator installation, High-performance radiator upgrade, Radiator reconditioning, Radiator recycling, Vintage car radiator repair
Auto air conditioning service:
Air Conditioning System Inspection, Air Conditioning System Recharge, Air Conditioning System Repair, Air Conditioning System Replacement, Air Conditioning System Leak Detection, Air Conditioning System Flush, Air Conditioning System Cleaning, Air Conditioning System Diagnosis, Air Conditioning System Retrofit, Air Conditioning System Maintenance, Air Conditioning System Sealing, Air Conditioning System Troubleshooting, Air Conditioning System Performance Test, Air Conditioning System Evacuation, Air Conditioning System Recovery, Air Conditioning System Tune-Up, Air Conditioning System Refill, Air Conditioning System Deodorization, Air Conditioning System Odor Removal, Air Conditioning System Dye Injection, Air Conditioning System Pressure Test, Air Conditioning System Component Replacement, Air Conditioning System Vacuum, Air Conditioning System Belt Adjustment, Air Conditioning System Belt Replacement, Air Conditioning System Hose Replacement, Air Conditioning System Filter Replacement, Air Conditioning System Valve Replacement, Air Conditioning System Switch Replacement, Air Conditioning System Compressor Replacement, Air Conditioning System Condenser Replacement, Air Conditioning System Evaporator Replacement, Air Conditioning System Expansion Valve Replacement, Air Conditioning System Receiver Drier Replacement, Air Conditioning System Blower Motor Replacement, Air Conditioning System Fan Assembly Replacement, Air Conditioning System Clutch Replacement, Air Conditioning System Pulley Replacement, Air Conditioning System Pressure Switch Replacement, Air Conditioning System Control Module Replacement, Air Conditioning System O-Ring Replacement, Air Conditioning System Seal Replacement, Air Conditioning System Gasket Replacement, Air Conditioning System Relay Replacement, Air Conditioning System Fitting Replacement, Air Conditioning System Thermostat Replacement, Air Conditioning System Flushing Kit Installation, Air Conditioning System Lubrication, Air Conditioning System Temperature Test, Air Conditioning System Coolant Replacement
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.
