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 Nail 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 Nail salon.
Category list for Nail salon:
Nail salon
Beauty Salon
Spa
Hair Salon
Tanning Salon
Massage Therapist
Skin Care Clinic
Day Spa
Hair Removal Service
Tattoo Shop
Bridal Shop
Perfume Store
Cosmetics Wholesaler
Fashion Accessories Store
Health and Beauty Shop
Aromatherapy 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 Nail 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
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
Designer Handbag Sales, Luxury Watch Collections, Fashion Sunglasses, Trendy Scarves, Stylish Hats, Leather Wallets, Elegant Belts, Statement Jewelry, Designer Shoes, Customized Keychains, Phone Cases and Accessories, Hair Accessories, Unique Tote Bags, Vintage Fashion Finds, Seasonal Accessories, Fashionable Umbrellas, Travel Bags and Luggage, Perfumes and Fragrances, Personalized Accessories, Leather Jacket Selection, Fashionable Face Masks, Stylish Socks and Hosiery, Kids' Fashion Accessories, Men's Fashion Accessories, Women's Fashion Accessories, Ethical and Sustainable Accessories, Festival Clothing and Accessories, Wedding and Special Occasion Accessories, Fashion Gadget Accessories, Workout and Fitness Accessories, Gift Wrapping Services, Custom Engraving, Accessory Repair Services, Personal Styling Consultations, Fashion Trend Workshops, In-store and Online Gift Cards, Free Wi-Fi and Device Charging, Collaborations with Local Designers, Featured Artist Accessories, Exclusive and Limited Edition Collections, Online Shopping and Shipping, Accessory Subscription Boxes, Buy One
Health and beauty shop:
Natural Skincare Products, Organic Makeup, Vegan Beauty Products, Cruelty-Free Cosmetics, Hair Care Products, Eco-Friendly Personal Care, Aromatherapy Essential Oils, Herbal Supplements, Organic Tea Selection, Holistic Wellness Products, Men's Grooming Supplies, Organic Bath Products, Handmade Soaps, Fragrance-Free Skincare, Gluten-Free Beauty Products, Ethically Sourced Ingredients, Sustainable Packaging, Eco-Friendly Home Cleaning Supplies, Natural Oral Care Products, Non-Toxic Nail Polish, Reusable Beauty Accessories, Mineral Sunscreens, Non-Toxic Deodorants, Plant-Based Protein Powders, Holistic Pet Care Products, Eco-Friendly Period Products, Organic Baby Care, Natural Perfumes and Colognes, Zero Waste Personal Care, Refillable Beauty Products, Clean Beauty Consultations, Skincare Workshops, Customizable Gift Sets, Biodegradable Beauty Tools, Organic Sleep Aids, Herbal Stress Relief, Hair Color and Dye, Organic Hair Styling Products, Natural Hair Growth Treatments, Eco-Friendly Hair Brushes, Detoxifying Charcoal Products, Organic Face Masks, Vitamin C Serums, Anti-Aging Skincare, Sensitive Skin Solutions, Acne Treatment Products, Eco-Friendly Travel Kits, Organic Beard Care, Plant-Based Hair Removal, Cruelty-Free Lashes
Aromatherapy service:
Essential Oil Consultation, Aromatherapy Massage, Aroma Inhalation Therapy, Essential Oil Blending, Aromatherapy Diffuser Products, Aroma Facial Treatment, Aroma Body Wrap, Aromatherapy Stress Relief, Aroma Hot Stone Massage, Aromatherapy Foot Soak, Aroma Ear Candling, Aromatherapy Back Treatment, Aromatherapy for Pregnant Women, Aromatherapy for Children, Aromatherapy for Pets, Aroma Yoga, Essential Oil Sales, Aroma Scalp Massage, Aromatherapy Gift Sets, Aroma Bath Salts, Aromatherapy Candles, Aroma Body Scrub, Essential Oil Diffuser Jewelry, Aroma Room Sprays, Aromatherapy Rollerballs, Aroma Steam Therapy, Essential Oil Workshops, Aromatherapy Home Parties, Aromatherapy for Mental Health, Aromatherapy for Pain Management, Aroma Lymphatic Drainage, Aromatherapy for Sleep Disorders, Aromatherapy for Allergies, Aromatherapy for Skin Conditions, Aromatherapy for Respiratory Issues, Aromatherapy for Digestive Problems, Aromatherapy for Hormonal Balance, Aromatherapy for Emotional Wellbeing, Aroma Reiki, Aromatherapy for Weight Loss, Aromatherapy for Detoxification, Aromatherapy for Immune Support, Aromatherapy for Energy Boost, Aromatherapy for Focus and Concentration, Aromatherapy for Headaches and Migraines, Aromatherapy for Muscle Relaxation, Aromatherapy for Joint Pain, Aromatherapy for Inflammation, Aromatherapy for Memory, Aromatherapy for Mood Enhancement
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.
