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 Hair salon?
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 Hair salon.
Category list for Hair salon:
Hair salon
Beauty salon
Nail salon
Spa
Barber shop
Tanning salon
Wedding service
Hair removal service
Massage therapist
Skin care clinic
Hair replacement service
Tattoo shop
Cosmetics store
Perfume store
Fashion accessories store
Fitness 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 Hair salon:
Beauty salon:
Haircut and Styling, Hair Coloring, Balayage, Ombre, Brazilian Blowout, Keratin Treatment, Hair Extensions, Hair Straightening, Highlights, Lowlights, Hair Perming, Hair Relaxing, Deep Conditioning Treatment, Scalp Treatment, Hair Gloss, Blow Dry, Bang Trim, Updos, Bridal Hair Styling, Hair Braiding, Hair Removal: Waxing, Hair Removal: Sugaring, Hair Removal: Threading, Eyebrow Shaping, Eyebrow Tinting, Eyelash Extensions, Eyelash Lift, Eyelash Tinting, Makeup Application, Bridal Makeup, Airbrush Makeup, Makeup Lessons, Manicure, Pedicure, Gel Nails, Acrylic Nails, Nail Art, Nail Repair, Nail Filling, Paraffin Treatment, Facial Treatment, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peel, Dermaplaning, LED Light Therapy, Microneedling, HydraFacial, Spray Tanning, Body Wrap, Body Scrub, Massage Therapy
Nail salon:
Acrylic Nails, Gel Nails, Dip Powder Nails, Solar Nails, SNS Nails, Nail Extensions, Nail Art Design, Nail Repair, Nail Fill, Nail Removal, Manicure, Pedicure, Spa Pedicure, Express Pedicure, Paraffin Treatment, Nail Strengthening, Nail Buffing, French Manicure, French Pedicure, Shellac Manicure, Shellac Pedicure, Gel Polish, Gel Polish Removal, Nail Polish Change, Hand Massage, Foot Massage, Cuticle Care, Nail Shaping, Callus Removal, Ingrown Toenail Treatment, Nail Whitening, Foot Soak, Hand Exfoliation, Foot Exfoliation, Hand Mask, Foot Mask, Hand & Foot Detox, Hot Stone Massage, Reflexology, Nail Stamping, Nail Rhinestones, Nail Foil, Water Marble Nails, 3D Nail Design, Ombre Nails, Glitter Nails, Matte Nails, Chrome Nails, Holographic Nails, UV Gel Nails
Spa:
Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, Sports Massage, Prenatal Massage, Thai Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Reflexology, Couples Massage, Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Chair Massage, Bamboo Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, Acupuncture, Reiki Healing, Meditation Classes, Yoga Classes, Pilates Classes, Facials, Anti-Aging Treatments, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, LED Light Therapy, Oxygen Facial, Acne Treatment, HydraFacial, Dermaplaning, Body Scrubs, Body Wraps, Mud Therapy, Seaweed Treatment, Detoxifying Treatments, Cellulite Treatment, Infrared Sauna, Steam Room, Cryotherapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Salt Therapy, Floatation Therapy, Manicures, Pedicures, Gel Nails, Nail Art, Waxing Services, Lash Extensions, Eyebrow Threading, Eyebrow Tinting, Microblading, Permanent Makeup
UV Tanning, Spray Tanning, Airbrush Tanning, Tanning Packages, Tanning Bed Sessions, Stand-up Tanning Booths, Sunless Tanning, Mobile Tanning, Tanning Accelerators, Tanning Lotions, Tanning Extenders, Bronzing Gels, After Sun Care, Tanning Accessories, Tanning Gift Certificates, Red Light Therapy, Tanning Memberships, Custom Tanning Plans, Tanning Bed Maintenance, Infrared Saunas, Tanning Bed Repairs, Skin Consultations, Hydration Station, Tanning Bed Upgrades, Bronzing Mousse, Self-Tanning Products, Organic Spray Tanning, Tanning Training, Tanning for Weddings, Tanning for Special Events, Indoor Tanning Lotions, Tanning Safety Tips, UV-Free Tanning Options, Tanning Bed Eyewear, Tanning Bed Cleaning, Tanning Bed Parts, Tanning Bed Bulb Replacement, Tanning Bed Financing, Tanning Bed Warranties, Tanning Bed Installation, Tanning Bed Relocation, Tanning Bed Trade-ins, Tanning Bed Disposal, Tanning Bed Education, Tanning Industry Events, Tanning Business Consulting, Tanning Salon Design, Tanning Salon Marketing, Tanning Salon Staff Training, Tanning Salon Management
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.
