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 Hostel?
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 Hostel.
Category list for Hostel:
Hostel
Guest House
Travel Agency
Tour Operator
Youth Organization
Backpacker Hostel
Tourist Attraction
Event Venue
Restaurant
Bar
Cafe
Bicycle Rental Service
Luggage Storage Facility
Airport Shuttle Service
Car Rental Agency
Laundry Service
Internet Cafe
Currency Exchange 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 Hostel:
Guest house:
Private Room Accommodation, Suite Accommodation, Family Room Accommodation, Pet-Friendly Rooms, Free Wi-Fi Access, Room Service, Free Parking, Breakfast Included, Airport Shuttle Service, Luggage Storage, Laundry Service, Late Check-In, Early Check-Out, Wheelchair Accessible Rooms, Non-Smoking Rooms, Smoking Rooms, Daily Housekeeping, Concierge Services, Babysitting Services, Garden Access, Bicycle Rental, Car Rental Assistance, Local Activity Recommendations, Tour Assistance, Ticket Booking Assistance, Private Bathroom, Shared Bathroom, Tea and Coffee Making Facilities, Air Conditioning, Heating, Mini Fridge, Kitchenette, Cable TV, Hair Dryer, Ironing Facilities, Safety Deposit Box, Lounge Area, Outdoor Seating, BBQ Facilities, Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Centre, Spa Services, Massage Services, Meeting and Event Space, Business Centre, Wedding Services, Catering Services, 24-Hour Front Desk, Multilingual Staff
Travel agency:
Vacation Planning, Cruise Packages, Honeymoon Packages, Adventure Tours, Group Travel, Eco Tours, Budget Travel, Family Vacations, All-Inclusive Resorts, Luxury Travel, Business Travel, Flight Booking, Hotel Booking, Car Rental Services, Railway Ticket Booking, Travel Insurance, Custom Itineraries, Guided Tours, Visa Assistance, Airport Transfers, Cultural Tours, Food & Wine Tours, Spa Retreats, Safari Tours, Solo Travel, Golf Holidays, Ski Trips, Educational Tours, Voluntourism, Religious Tours, Event & Festival Travel, Sports Travel, Wellness Retreats, Beach Holidays, City Breaks, Mountain Getaways, Theme Park Vacations, Historical Tours, Destination Weddings, Photography Tours, Scuba Diving Trips, Cycling Tours, Trekking Expeditions, Accessible Travel, Medical Tourism, Language Immersion Programs, Student Travel, Pet-Friendly Travel, LGBTQ+ Travel, Senior Travel, Travel Consultations
Tour operator:
Local Guided Tours, Historical Sightseeing Tours, Cultural Immersion Tours, Food and Beverage Tours, Eco Tours and Wildlife Safaris, Adventure Tours, Luxury Tours, Bike Tours and Cycling Adventures, Walking and Hiking Tours, Photography Tours, Wine Tasting Tours, Brewery Tours, Ghost Tours and Haunted Walks, Cruise Ship Shore Excursions, Helicopter Tours, City Sightseeing Tours, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Astronomy Tours and Stargazing, Canyoning and Abseiling Tours, Zipline and Canopy Tours, Hot Air Balloon Tours, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Tours, Fishing and Boating Tours, Whale Watching and Dolphin Tours, Bird Watching Tours, Archaeological Tours, Art and Museum Tours, Culinary and Cooking Tours, Garden and Botanical Tours, Segway Tours, Ski and Snow Tours, Spa and Wellness Tours, Yoga and Meditation Tours, Geology and Volcano Tours, Kayaking and Canoeing Tours, Horseback Riding Tours, Paragliding and Hang Gliding Tours, Parasailing and Kitesurfing Tours, Rafting and Tubing Tours, Surfing and Windsurfing Tours, Sailing and Yacht Tours, Shopping and Market Tours, Theater and Performance Tours, Film and TV Location Tours, Cemetery and Graveyard Tours, Custom and Private Tours, Family and Kid-Friendly Tours, Accessible and Inclusive Tours, Educational and School Tours, Group and Corporate Tours, Multi-Day and Extended Tours
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
City Bike Rental, Mountain Bike Rental, Electric Bike Rental, Road Bike Rental, Hybrid Bike Rental, Cruiser Bike Rental, Tandem Bike Rental, Kids Bike Rental, Cargo Bike Rental, Bike Trailer Rental, Bike Helmet Rental, Bike Lock Rental, Bike Pannier Rental, Bike Water Bottle Rental, Bike Light Rental, Bike Cargo Rack Rental, Bike Pump Rental, Bike Repair Kit Rental, Guided Bike Tours, Self-Guided Bike Tours, Bike Route Planning, Bike Delivery Service, Bike Pickup Service, Bike Maintenance Service, Bike Repair Service, Bike Sizing Consultation, Bike Fitting Service, Bike Accessories Rental, Bike Group Discounts, Long-term Bike Rental, Short-term Bike Rental, Hourly Bike Rental, Bike Rental Gift Cards, Bike Rental for Events, Bike Rental for Companies, Bike Rental for Schools, Bike Rental for Nonprofits, Bike Rental for Tourists, Bike Rental for Families, Bike Rental for Couples, Bike Rental for Solo Riders, Bike Rental for Team Building, Bike Rental for Physical Therapy, Bike Rental for Exercise, Bike Rental for Commuting, Bike Rental for Seniors, Bike Rental for Students, Bike Rental for Environmentally Friendly Travel, Bike Rental for Charity Rides, Bike Rental for Races and Competitions
Luggage storage facility:
Airport Luggage Storage, Train Station Luggage Storage, Bus Terminal Luggage Storage, Long-term Luggage Storage, Short-term Luggage Storage, Hourly Luggage Storage, Daily Luggage Storage, Locker Rentals, Oversized Luggage Storage, Sports Equipment Storage, Cruise Ship Luggage Storage, Luggage Wrapping Services, Lost and Found Assistance, Luggage Weighing Services, Mobile Luggage Storage, Luggage Delivery Service, Baggage Storage Insurance, Bicycle Storage Services, Stroller Storage Services, Secure Luggage Storage, Temperature-Controlled Storage, 24/7 Luggage Storage Access, Travel Accessories Shop, Luggage Trolley Rentals, Luggage Repair Services, Luggage Cleaning Services, Baggage Shipping Services, Unaccompanied Minors Assistance, Group Luggage Storage Discounts, Travel Planning Services, City Tours Booking, Currency Exchange Services, Travel Insurance Assistance, Local Attraction Tickets, Public Transportation Information, Luggage Storage for Events, Business Center Services, Wi-Fi and Charging Stations, Luggage Storage Promotions, Luggage Storage Gift Cards, Corporate Luggage Storage Solutions, Conference Luggage Storage Services, Student Luggage Storage, Luggage Storage Referral Program, Pet-friendly Luggage Storage, Accessible Luggage Storage, Luggage Forwarding Services, Seasonal Luggage Storage, Membership Plans for Luggage Storage, Luggage Concierge Services, Online Booking and Reservation
Airport shuttle service:
Airport Transfers, Airport Pick-up Service, Airport Drop-off Service, Shared Airport Shuttle, Private Airport Shuttle, Airport to Hotel Transfers, Hotel to Airport Transfers, Airport to Cruise Port Transfers, Cruise Port to Airport Transfers, Airport Meet and Greet Service, Group Airport Transportation, Corporate Airport Shuttle, Wheelchair Accessible Airport Shuttle, Airport Shuttle for Special Events, Airport Limo Service, 24/7 Airport Shuttle Service, Long Distance Airport Transfers, Airport Minibus Service, Airport Van Service, Airport SUV Service, Airport to Train Station Transfers, Train Station to Airport Transfers, Airport to Bus Station Transfers, Bus Station to Airport Transfers, Airport to Convention Center Transfers, Convention Center to Airport Transfers, Airport to Stadium Transfers, Stadium to Airport Transfers, Airport to Tourist Attractions Transfers, Tourist Attractions to Airport Transfers, Child Car Seat Airport Shuttle, Pet-Friendly Airport Shuttle, Airport to University Transfers, University to Airport Transfers, Airport to Hospital Transfers, Hospital to Airport Transfers, Airport to Business Center Transfers, Business Center to Airport Transfers, VIP Airport Shuttle Service, Economy Airport Shuttle Service, Airport Shuttle for Weddings, Airport Shuttle for Concerts, Airport Shuttle for Sporting Events, Airport Shuttle for Conferences, Airport Shuttle for Corporate Retreats, Airport Shuttle for Family Reunions, Airport Shuttle for Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties, Airport Shuttle for Birthday Parties, Airport Shuttle for Anniversaries, Emergency Airport Shuttle Service
Car rental agency:
Economy Car Rentals, Compact Car Rentals, Midsize Car Rentals, Standard Car Rentals, Full-Size Car Rentals, Premium Car Rentals, Luxury Car Rentals, Convertible Car Rentals, SUV Rentals, Crossover Rentals, Minivan Rentals, Pickup Truck Rentals, Electric Vehicle Rentals, Hybrid Car Rentals, Sports Car Rentals, Exotic Car Rentals, Long-Term Car Rentals, Short-Term Car Rentals, Weekend Car Rentals, Weekly Car Rentals, Monthly Car Rentals, One-Way Car Rentals, International Car Rentals, Underage Car Rentals, Senior Discount Car Rentals, Student Discount Car Rentals, Military Discount Car Rentals, Corporate Car Rentals, Chauffeur Services, Airport Car Rentals, Hotel Car Rentals, Roadside Assistance, Car Rental Insurance, GPS Navigation Rentals, Child Safety Seat Rentals, Ski Rack Rentals, Bike Rack Rentals, Toll Pass Rentals, Unlimited Mileage Rentals, Fuel Plans, Prepaid Car Rentals, Late Model Car Rentals, Pet-Friendly Car Rentals, Smoking-Free Car Rentals, Car Rental Loyalty Programs, Last-Minute Car Rental Deals, Online Car Rental Reservations, Phone Car Rental Reservations, Walk-In Car Rental Reservations, Car Rental Cancellation Policies
Laundry service:
Wash and Fold, Dry Cleaning, Laundry Pickup and Delivery, Express Laundry Service, Eco-Friendly Laundry, Commercial Laundry Service, Laundry Ironing Service, Self-Service Laundry, Wedding Dress Cleaning, Leather and Suede Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Bedding Laundry Service, Table Linen Cleaning, Uniform Laundry Service, Clothing Repair and Alterations, Rug Cleaning, Shoe Repair and Cleaning, Laundry Subscription Service, Same Day Laundry Service, Laundry App Ordering, Baby Clothes Laundry, Pet Bedding Cleaning, Sports Gear Cleaning, Delicate Garment Care, Stain Removal, Clothing Restoration, Steam Pressing, Clothing Storage, Laundry Drying Service, Odor Removal, Cloth Diaper Service, Laundry Locker Service, Military Laundry Service, Fire and Smoke Damage Laundry, Mold and Mildew Removal, Laundry for Airbnb Properties, Tailoring and Customization, Clothing Donation Drop-off, Laundry Loyalty Program, Costume Cleaning, Online Laundry Tracking, Gown Preservation, Laundry Consultation, Pre-Paid Laundry Packages, Large Item Laundry Service, Elderly Assistance Laundry, Dormitory Laundry Service, Textile and Fabric Cleaning, Allergy-Free Laundry, Laundry Bulk Discounts
Internet cafe:
High-Speed Internet Access, Gaming Stations, Printing Services, Scanning Services, Fax Services, Document Binding, Photocopying Services, Color Printing, Computer Rentals, Webcam Access, Headphone Rentals, Mobile Recharge, Email Access, Online Form Filling Services, Online Application Assistance, Video Conferencing Facilities, Virtual Reality Gaming, 3D Printing Services, Graphic Design Services, Web Design Services, Study Area, Language Translation Services, Digital Marketing Services, Social Media Services, Content Writing Services, SEO Services, Resume Writing Services, Laptop Repair Services, Data Recovery Services, Software Installation Services, Hardware Upgrade Services, Virus Removal Services, Remote Support Services, Computer Accessories Sales, Refreshments and Snacks, Video Editing Services, Audio Editing Services, Conference Room Rentals, Private Booths, Custom PC Building Services, Online Gaming Tournaments, E-learning Support, E-book Access, Cybersecurity Services, Website Hosting Services, Domain Registration Services, Office Space Rentals, Virtual Office Solutions, IT Support Services, Online Advertising Services, E-commerce Solutions, Cloud Storage Services
Currency exchange service:
Currency Conversion, Foreign Currency Exchange, Travel Money Services, Online Currency Orders, International Money Transfers, Currency Buyback, Major Currency Exchange, Minor Currency Exchange, Exotic Currency Exchange, Same Day Currency Collection, Next Day Currency Collection, Home Currency Delivery, Currency Exchange Rate Alerts, Currency Exchange Calculator, Cryptocurrency Conversion, Currency Exchange Cards, Wholesale Currency Services, Corporate Currency Solutions, Cash Passport Services, Traveler's Cheques, Airport Currency Pickup, Currency Swap Services, Multi-Currency Wallet, Currency Hedging, Currency Forward Contracts, Currency Exchange Gifts, Currency Exchange for Students, Currency Exchange for Expats, Currency Exchange for Immigrants, Currency Exchange for Travel Agents, Currency Exchange for SMEs, Currency Exchange for MNCs, Currency Exchange for NGOs, Currency Exchange for Government, Currency Exchange for Charities, Currency Exchange for Embassies, Currency Exchange for Hotels, Currency Exchange for Tourists, Currency Exchange for Cruise Ships, Currency Exchange for Airports, Currency Exchange for Train Stations, Currency Exchange for Bus Stations, Currency Exchange for Shopping Malls, Currency Exchange for Universities, Currency Exchange for Schools, Currency Exchange for Hospitals, Currency Exchange for Theme Parks, Currency Exchange for Resorts, Currency Exchange for Casinos, Currency Exchange for Sporting Events
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.
