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 Mover?
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 Mover.
Category list for Mover:
Mover
Storage Facility
Moving Supply Store
Truck Rental Agency
Piano Moving Service
Moving and Storage Service
Vehicle Shipping Agent
Courier Service
Freight Forwarding Service
Shipping and Mailing Service
Delivery Service
Self-Storage Facility
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:
Upright Piano Moving, Grand Piano Moving, Baby Grand Piano Moving, Digital Piano Moving, Piano Disassembly and Assembly, Piano Crating Service, Piano Storage, Local Piano Moving, Long Distance Piano Moving, International Piano Moving, Piano Stair Climbing, Piano Stairlift Service, Piano Elevator Moving, Piano Hoisting, Piano Door Removal, Piano Insurance Coverage, Piano Climate-Controlled Storage, Piano Tuning after Moving, Piano Reconditioning, Piano Maintenance, Piano Cleaning and Polishing, Piano Rental Service, Piano Sales and Consignment, Piano Moving Consultation, Piano Moving Estimates, Piano Moving Scheduling, Piano Moving Tracking, Piano Moving Supplies, Piano Moving Equipment Rental, Piano Moving Workshops, Piano Moving Training, Piano Moving Emergency Service, Piano Moving for Concerts, Piano Moving for Events, Piano Moving for Music Schools, Piano Moving for Churches, Piano Moving for Theaters, Piano Moving for Studios, Piano Moving for Senior Centers, Piano Moving for Hotels, Piano Moving for Restaurants, Piano Moving for Universities, Piano Moving for Government Institutions, Piano Moving for Auctions, Piano Moving for Storage Companies, Piano Moving for Interior Designers, Piano Moving for Real Estate Agents, Piano Moving for Piano Technicians, Piano Moving Referral Program, Piano Moving Customer Support
Moving and storage service:
Residential Moving, Commercial Moving, Office Relocation, Long Distance Moving, Local Moving, International Moving, Packing Services, Unpacking Services, Storage Solutions, Climate Controlled Storage, Furniture Disassembly, Furniture Assembly, Heavy Equipment Moving, Piano Moving, Appliance Moving, Vehicle Transportation, Military Moving, Senior Moving, Student Moving, Eco-friendly Moving, Small Moves, Large Moves, Full-Service Moving, Self-Service Moving, Loading Services, Unloading Services, Rental Truck Driving, Moving Supplies, Moving Boxes, Furniture Protection, Custom Crating, Artwork and Antiques Moving, Specialty Item Moving, Pet Relocation, Moving Insurance, Emergency Moving, Short-term Storage, Long-term Storage, Storage-in-Transit, Warehouse Storage, Mobile Storage, Portable Storage, On-site Storage, Document Storage, Inventory Management, Move Planning, Move Coordination, Free Moving Estimate, Moving Tips, Moving Discounts
Vehicle shipping agent:
Domestic Car Shipping, International Car Shipping, Express Vehicle Transport, Classic Car Shipping, Luxury Car Transport, Motorcycle Shipping, Boat Transport, RV Shipping, Truck Shipping, ATV Shipping, Golf Cart Transport, Military Vehicle Shipping, Enclosed Auto Transport, Open Auto Transport, Door-to-Door Vehicle Shipping, Terminal-to-Terminal Vehicle Shipping, Expedited Vehicle Shipping, Student Vehicle Shipping, Senior Vehicle Shipping, Dealer Vehicle Shipping, Auction Vehicle Shipping, Car Show Vehicle Transport, Corporate Relocation Vehicle Shipping, Cross-Country Vehicle Shipping, Snowbird Vehicle Shipping, Seasonal Vehicle Transport, Oversized Vehicle Shipping, Fleet Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Storage Services, Vehicle Import and Export, Customs Clearance, Vehicle Shipping Insurance, Vehicle Shipping Tracking, Vehicle Pre-Shipment Inspection, Vehicle Registration Services, Vehicle Shipping Consultation, Inoperable Vehicle Shipping, Temperature-Controlled Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Shipping for Film and TV Production, Electric Vehicle Shipping, Hybrid Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Shipping for Events and Expositions, Vehicle Shipping for Online Purchases, Vehicle Shipping for Charities and Non-Profits, Vehicle Shipping for Government Agencies, Heavy Equipment Shipping, Farm Equipment Shipping, Construction Equipment Shipping, Emergency Vehicle Shipping, Vehicle Shipping for Embassies
Courier service:
Same Day Delivery, Next Day Delivery, Express Parcel Delivery, International Courier Service, Door-to-Door Delivery, E-commerce Parcel Delivery, On-Demand Delivery, Scheduled Delivery, Document Courier Service, Freight Forwarding, Air Cargo Shipping, Sea Cargo Shipping, Temperature Controlled Delivery, Warehousing & Distribution, Pallet Delivery, Heavy & Bulky Item Delivery, Time-Critical Delivery, Medical Courier Service, Legal Document Courier, Reverse Logistics, Parcel Tracking, Local Courier Service, Nationwide Courier Service, Bike Courier Service, White Glove Delivery, Pickup & Packing Service, Commercial Shipment, Residential Shipment, Dangerous Goods Shipping, Perishable Item Delivery, Customs Brokerage, Expedited Shipping Service, Letter Delivery, Package Insurance, Postage & Mailing Services, Retail Business Delivery, Supply Chain Management, Third-Party Logistics, Two-Hour Delivery Window, Weekend Delivery, Home Delivery, Office Delivery, Mail Forwarding, Returns Processing, Gift Wrapping Service, Signature Required Delivery, Mail & Package Receiving, Parcel Consolidation, Fulfillment Services
Freight forwarding service:
Air Freight Forwarding, Ocean Freight Forwarding, Road Freight Forwarding, Rail Freight Forwarding, Multimodal Freight Forwarding, Customs Brokerage Services, Export Documentation Services, Import Documentation Services, Cargo Insurance Services, Project Cargo Services, Break Bulk Cargo Services, Consolidated Cargo Forwarding, Full Container Load Services, Less-than-Container Load Services, Temperature-Controlled Shipping, Dangerous Goods Forwarding, E-commerce Fulfillment Services, Supply Chain Management Services, Cross Border Shipping, Warehouse and Distribution Services, Bulk Cargo Handling, Palletizing and Crating Services, Cargo Tracking Services, Inland Transportation Services, Port-to-Port Shipping Services, Door-to-Door Shipping Services, Letter of Credit Consultation, International Trade Consultation, Bonded Warehousing Services, Automotive Shipping Services, Aircraft Parts Shipping, Marine Parts Shipping, Perishable Goods Shipping, Pharmaceutical Shipping Services, Textile and Garment Shipping, Electronics Shipping Services, Machinery Shipping Services, Exhibition and Event Logistics, Reverse Logistics Services, Relocation and Moving Services, Trade Compliance Services, Same Day Delivery Services, Next Day Delivery Services, Time-Definite Shipping Services, Economy Shipping Services, Express Shipping Services, Eco-friendly Shipping Solutions, Courier and Parcel Services, 3rd Party Logistics Services, 4th Party Logistics Services, Packing and Repacking Services
Shipping and mailing service:
International Shipping, Domestic Shipping, Express Mail Services, Priority Mail Services, Same-Day Delivery, Parcel Return Services, Parcel Collection Services, Bulk Mailing Services, Trackable Mail Services, Registered Mail Services, Certified Mail Services, Signature Confirmation Services, Insurance Coverage Options, Freight Shipping, Air Cargo Services, Ocean Freight Services, LTL (Less Than Truckload) Shipping, FTL (Full Truckload) Shipping, Custom Packaging Solutions, E-commerce Shipping Solutions, Mail Forwarding Services, Mail Holding Services, Mail Redirection Services, Post Office Box Rentals, Virtual Mailbox Services, Business Mailing Solutions, Direct Mail Marketing, Print and Mail Services, Mailroom Management Services, Courier Services, Fulfillment and Warehousing, Distribution Services, Supply Chain Management, Import and Export Services, Customs Brokerage Services, Document Shipping and Handling, Temperature-Controlled Shipping, Hazardous Material Shipping, White Glove Delivery Services, Last Mile Delivery Services, Bike Messenger Services, Drone Delivery Services, Shipping Supplies and Accessories, Shipping Label Printing, Postage Meter Rentals, Postage Stamps and Supplies, Mail and Parcel Tracking, Pickup and Drop-off Services, Shipping Consultation Services
Delivery Service:
Same Day Delivery, Express Delivery, Overnight Delivery, Scheduled Delivery, Parcel Delivery, Local Delivery, Long-Distance Delivery, International Delivery, E-Commerce Delivery, Food Delivery, Grocery Delivery, Furniture Delivery, Courier Services, Document Delivery, Package Delivery, Mail Delivery, Medicine Delivery, Flower Delivery, Freight Delivery, Temperature-Controlled Delivery, Bike Messenger Delivery, Drone Delivery, Customized Delivery, White Glove Delivery, Office Supplies Delivery, Pharmacy Delivery, Alcohol Delivery, Pet Supplies Delivery, Laundry Delivery, Moving Services, Pallet Delivery, Luggage Delivery, Appliance Delivery, Printed Materials Delivery, Electronics Delivery, Automotive Parts Delivery, Construction Supplies Delivery, Gift Delivery, Hazardous Material Delivery, Sports Equipment Delivery, Clothing Delivery, Medical Equipment Delivery, Bulk Item Delivery, Subscription Box Delivery, Fulfillment Services, Warehousing Services, Shipping Services, Cargo Delivery, Home Delivery, Business Delivery, Reliable Delivery
Self-storage facility:
Climate Controlled Units, Drive-up Access Storage, 24-Hour Access Units, Indoor Storage Units, Outdoor Storage Units, Vehicle Storage, Boat Storage, RV Storage, Motorcycle Storage, Car Storage, Long-term Storage, Short-term Storage, Household Storage, Business Storage, Document Storage, Student Storage, Military Storage, Portable Storage Containers, Wine Storage, Locker Storage, Shelving Storage, Pallet Storage, Moving Supplies, Moving Truck Rentals, Locks and Security, Packing Supplies, Storage Insurance, Online Account Management, Self-storage Auctions, Loading Dock Access, Freight Elevator Access, Delivery Acceptance, Free Moving Carts, Wide Aisles, Security Cameras, Gated Facility, Fenced Facility, Well-lit Facility, On-site Management, Month-to-month Rentals, Personal Storage, Office Space Rentals, Workshop Space Rentals, On-site Dumpster, Package Receiving, Shipping Services, Packing and Unpacking Assistance, Climate and Humidity Monitoring, Temperature Controlled Units, Customizable Storage Solutions, Accessible Storage Units
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.
