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 Kiosk?
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 Kiosk.
Category list for Kiosk:
Kiosk
Convenience Store
Newsstand
Tobacco Shop
Lottery Retailer
Gift Shop
Coffee Shop
Snack Bar
Ice Cream Shop
Electronics Store
ATM
Pharmacy
Grocery Store
Bakery
Florist
Book Store
Clothing Store
Shoe Store
Jewelry Store
Toy Store
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 Kiosk:
Convenience store:
24-hour convenience store, ATM services, Beverages and soft drinks, Bill payment services, Breakfast items, Bus tickets and passes, Cigarettes and tobacco products, Coffee and hot drinks, Confectionery and snacks, Dairy products and eggs, Disposable kitchenware, Dry cleaning and laundry pickup, Emergency supplies, Energy drinks and sports drinks, First aid items, Frozen foods, Gift cards and vouchers, Grocery items, Health and beauty products, Household cleaning supplies, Ice cream and frozen desserts, International calling cards, Lottery tickets and scratch-offs, Lunch items and sandwiches, Magazines and newspapers, Mobile top-up and recharge, Money transfer services, Online order pickup, Over-the-counter medicines, Packaged and canned goods, Packaging and shipping services, Pet food and supplies, Photo printing services, Prepaid debit cards, Propane exchange, Public transportation passes, Ready-to-eat meals, Seasonal items, Snack foods and chips, Stationery and office supplies, Sunglasses and reading glasses, Travel-size toiletries, Umbrellas and rain gear, USB chargers and cables, Vaping products and accessories, Water refill station, Wine
Newsstand:
Local Newspaper Sales, National Newspaper Sales, International Newspaper Sales, Magazine Sales, Comic Book Sales, Sports Magazine Sales, Fashion Magazine Sales, Travel Magazine Sales, Cooking Magazine Sales, Technology Magazine Sales, Business Magazine Sales, Health Magazine Sales, Home & Garden Magazine Sales, Automotive Magazine Sales, Entertainment Magazine Sales, Science Magazine Sales, Educational Magazine Sales, Children's Magazine Sales, Literary Magazine Sales, Art Magazine Sales, Photography Magazine Sales, Political Magazine Sales, Outdoor & Adventure Magazine Sales, Spiritual & Religious Magazine Sales, Trade Journal Sales, Puzzles & Games Magazine Sales, Collectible Card Sales, Postcard Sales, Stationery Sales, Greeting Card Sales, Gift Wrapping Services, Gift Bag Sales, Sticker Sales, Bookmarks Sales, Map Sales, Local Event Tickets Sales, Public Transportation Passes Sales, Snack Sales, Beverage Sales, Tobacco Products Sales, E-cigarette & Vaping Products Sales, Lottery Ticket Sales, Phone Card Sales, Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions, Online Newsstand Access, Printing Services, Faxing Services, Shipping Services, Postage Stamps Sales, Custom T-shirt Printing, Souvenir Sales
Personalized Gifts, Custom Photo Gifts, Handmade Jewelry, Gift Baskets, Birthday Gifts, Wedding Gifts, Anniversary Gifts, Gift Wrapping Services, Engraved Gifts, Gift Cards, Baby Shower Gifts, Graduation Gifts, Holiday Gifts, Housewarming Gifts, Gifts for Him, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Kids, Gifts for Pets, Corporate Gifts, Gifts for Teachers, Gifts for Co-workers, Gifts for Travelers, Gifts for Athletes, Gifts for Foodies, Gifts for Gardeners, Gifts for Tech Lovers, Gifts for Artists, Gifts for Book Lovers, Gifts for Musicians, Gifts for Movie Lovers, Gifts for Gamers, Gifts for College Students, Gifts for Grandparents, Gifts for New Parents, Gifts for Fitness Enthusiasts, Gifts for Beauty Lovers, Gifts for Adventure Seekers, Gifts for Home Chefs, Gifts for DIY Lovers, Gifts for Photographers, Gifts for Wine Lovers, Gifts for Tea Lovers, Gifts for Coffee Lovers, Gifts for Crafters, Gifts for Fashionistas, Gifts for Self-Care, Gifts for Environmentalists, Gifts for Sports Fans, Gifts for Eco-Conscious Shoppers, Gifts for Spiritual Seekers
Coffee shop:
Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha, Macchiato, Cortado, Flat White, Cold Brew Coffee, Iced Coffee, Iced Latte, Iced Mocha, Iced Macchiato, Hot Chocolate, Chai Latte, Tea Selection, Green Tea, Black Tea, Herbal Tea, Fruit Tea, Matcha Latte, Turmeric Latte, London Fog, Drip Coffee, Pour Over Coffee, French Press Coffee, Espresso Con Panna, Affogato, Vienna Coffee, Nitro Cold Brew, Bagels, Croissants, Muffins, Scones, Cookies, Brownies, Cinnamon Rolls, Vegan Pastries, Gluten-Free Pastries, Breakfast Sandwiches, Avocado Toast, Quiche, Salads, Wraps, Panini, Soup of the Day, Fruit Smoothies, Protein Shakes, Acai Bowls, Coffee Beans
Snack bar:
Burger Combo Meals, Chicken Sandwiches, Vegetarian Wraps, Hot Dogs and Sausages, Loaded Fries, Nachos Supreme, Mozzarella Sticks, Onion Rings, Soft Pretzels, Chicken Wings, Boneless Chicken Bites, Grilled Paninis, Quesadillas, Slider Trio, Cheese Platter, Popcorn Shrimp, Fried Calamari, Fish and Chips, Chili Cheese Dogs, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Flatbread Pizzas, Taco Tuesday Specials, Gourmet Hot Chocolate, Frozen Lemonades, Milkshakes and Floats, Fruit Smoothies, Coffee and Espresso Drinks, Iced Tea and Soft Drinks, Assorted Muffins, Freshly Baked Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Cupcakes and Cake Slices, Ice Cream Sundaes, Frozen Yogurt Bar, Soft Serve Cones, Churros, Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, Fruit Parfaits, House-made Granola Bars, Hummus and Veggie Platter, Mac and Cheese Bites, Personal Pita Pizzas, Soft Bavarian Pretzel Bites, Cheesy Jalapeno Poppers, Chicken Caesar Salad, Crispy Tofu Nuggets, Sweet Potato Fries, Seasonal Fruit Cups, Peanut Butter Energy Bites, Gluten-Free Snack Options, Vegan Snack Selections
Smartphone Sales, Tablet Sales, Laptop Sales, Desktop Computer Sales, Television Sales, Home Audio Systems, Headphone and Earphone Sales, Smartwatch Sales, Fitness Tracker Sales, Camera Sales, Gaming Console Sales, Video Game Sales, Drone Sales, Smart Home Device Sales, Printer Sales, Computer Accessories Sales, Phone Accessories Sales, TV Accessories Sales, Cables and Adapters Sales, Surveillance Cameras Sales, GPS Devices Sales, Bluetooth Speakers Sales, E-Reader Sales, Portable Charger Sales, Power Strip Sales, Memory Card Sales, External Hard Drive Sales, USB Flash Drive Sales, Projector Sales, Smart Thermostat Sales, Networking Devices Sales, Streaming Media Player Sales, Virtual Reality Headset Sales, Car Electronics Sales, Two-Way Radio Sales, Weather Station Sales, Electronics Recycling, Product Warranty Services, Device Repair Services, In-store Pickup, Home Delivery, Gift Card Sales, Financing Options, Trade-In Services, Free Wi-Fi, Technical Support, Product Demonstrations, Custom Installation Services, Membership Rewards Program, Special Order Services
ATM:
24 Hour ATM Access, Cash Withdrawal, Cash Deposit, Check Deposit, Balance Inquiry, Mini Statement, Fund Transfer, Credit Card Payment, Debit Card Replacement, Mobile Recharge, Bill Payment, Travel Card Reload, Gift Card Purchase, Bank Account Opening, Student Account Services, International Money Transfer, Currency Exchange, Loan Payment, Mortgage Services, Investment Services, Insurance Services, Car Loan Services, Home Loan Services, Personal Loan Services, Business Loan Services, Safe Deposit Box Access, Cash Management, Wealth Management, Retirement Planning, Financial Planning, Tax Consultation, Notary Services, Wire Transfers, Direct Deposit Setup, Business Banking, Merchant Services, Payroll Services, Commercial Lending, Agriculture Loans, Equipment Financing, Lines of Credit, SBA Loans, Trade Financing, Crowdfunding Services, Asset Management, Fraud Protection, Identity Theft Protection, Online Banking Support, Mobile Banking Support, Dispute Resolution, Lost or Stolen Card Assistance, Account Alerts
Pharmacy:
Prescription Refills, Over-the-Counter Medications, Vitamins & Supplements, Personal Care Products, First Aid Supplies, Immunizations & Vaccinations, Health Screenings, Diabetes Care, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Cholesterol Testing, Medication Consultations, Pharmacist Consultations, Medical Equipment Rentals, Flu Shots, Travel Vaccines, Smoking Cessation Programs, Weight Loss Programs, Nutritional Counseling, Home Delivery Services, Online Prescription Management, Emergency Contraception, Allergy Relief Products, Pain Management Products, Cold & Flu Remedies, Digestive Health Products, Oral Care Products, Eye Care Products, Skincare Products, Hair Care Products, Baby & Infant Care Products, Pet Medications, Herbal Remedies, Cosmetics & Beauty Supplies, Feminine Care Products, Incontinence Products, Mobility Aids, Orthopedic Supports, Compression Stockings, Wound Care Supplies, Nebulizer Services, Asthma Management Products, Sleep Aids, Influenza Testing, Strep Throat Testing, Hearing Aid Batteries, Medication Disposal Services, Drug Interaction Checks, Specialty Medications, Compounding Pharmacy Services, Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Grocery store:
Fresh Produce, Organic Fruits and Vegetables, Dairy Products, Eggs and Poultry, Frozen Foods, Canned Goods, Bakery Products, Meat and Seafood, Health Foods, Gluten-Free Products, Vegan Products, International Foods, Beverages, Coffee and Tea, Snack Foods, Condiments and Sauces, Pasta and Rice, Baking Supplies, Breakfast Foods, Pet Supplies, Baby Products, Household Essentials, Cleaning Products, Paper Goods, Personal Care Items, Cosmetics, Health and Wellness Products, Vitamins and Supplements, Pharmacy, Floral Department, Gift Cards, Lottery Tickets, Tobacco Products, Alcohol - Beer
Action Figures, Board Games, Puzzles, Educational Toys, Remote Control Cars, Dolls, Building Blocks, Plush Toys, Toy Trains, Video Games, Outdoor Playsets, Bicycles, Ride-On Toys, Art Supplies, Science Kits, Musical Toys, Sports Equipment, Costumes, Party Supplies, Card Games, Collectible Figures, Model Kits, Play Kitchen Accessories, Toy Storage Solutions, Gift Cards, Toy Cars, Magic Sets, Construction Toys, Fidget Toys, Sensory Toys, Water Play Toys, Wooden Toys, Electronic Toys, Robotics Kits, LEGO Sets, Play Tents, Toy Boats, Pretend Playsets, Dress-Up Accessories, Arts and Crafts Supplies, Toy Cameras, Puppet Theaters, Pool Toys, Scooters, Skateboards, Stuffed Animals, Toy Airplanes, Dinosaur Toys, Telescopes, Microscopes
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.
