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 Parking lot?
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 Parking lot.
Category list for Parking lot:
Parking lot
Car Wash
Auto Repair Shop
Gas Station
Convenience Store
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Car Rental Agency
Valet Parking Service
Taxi Stand
Security Service
Towing Service
Parking Garage
Storage Facility
Event Venue
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 Parking lot:
Car wash:
Exterior Car Wash, Interior Car Cleaning, Full-Service Car Wash, Express Car Wash, Hand Car Wash, Steam Car Wash, Eco-Friendly Car Wash, Mobile Car Wash, Self-Service Car Wash, Touchless Car Wash, Automated Car Wash, Undercarriage Wash, Waterless Car Wash, Engine Cleaning, Car Waxing, Car Polishing, Paint Protection, Wheel Cleaning, Tire Shining, Headlight Restoration, Window Cleaning, Car Vacuuming, Car Upholstery Cleaning, Car Carpet Cleaning, Car Air Freshening, Car Deodorizing, Car Leather Care, Car Stain Removal, Car Paint Touch-up, Car Ceramic Coating, Car Glass Treatment, Car Detailing Packages, Car Odor Removal, Car Paint Sealant, Car Bug and Tar Removal, Car Rust Proofing, Car Fabric Protection, Car Vinyl and Trim Restoration, Car Alloy Wheel Repair, Car Engine Bay Cleaning, Car Paint Correction, Car Paint Chip Repair, Car Dashboard Cleaning, Car Door Jam Cleaning, Car Steam Sanitization, Car Pet Hair Removal, Car Scratch Removal, Car High-Pressure Cleaning, Car Wash Gift Cards, Car Wash Memberships
Auto repair shop:
Oil Change, Transmission Repair, Brake Service, Tire Rotation, Wheel Alignment, Exhaust System Repair, Suspension Repair, Engine Diagnostic, Air Conditioning Service, Battery Replacement, Car Tune-Up, Radiator Service, Auto Electrical Repair, Fuel System Service, Windshield Repair, Differential Repair, Clutch Replacement, Timing Belt Replacement, Emission Testing, Car Detailing, Headlight Restoration, Power Steering Service, Cooling System Service, Drivetrain Repair, CV Joint Repair, Fluid Exchanges, Water Pump Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Air Filter Replacement, Exhaust Leak Repair, Rust Proofing, Paintless Dent Removal, Window Tinting, Vehicle Inspection, Alternator Repair, Starter Replacement, Wiper Blade Replacement, Transmission Fluid Service, Drive Belt Replacement, Tire Repair, Wheel Balancing, Shock Absorber Replacement, Performance Upgrades, Convertible Top Repair, Hybrid Vehicle Service, Turbocharger Repair, Fuel Injector Cleaning, Catalytic Converter Replacement, Ignition System Repair, Air Suspension Repair
Gas station:
Fuel Refilling, Diesel Fuel, Premium Gasoline, Unleaded Gasoline, E85 Ethanol Fuel, Biodiesel Fuel, CNG - Compressed Natural Gas, LPG - Liquid Petroleum Gas, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, Air Pump for Tires, Tire Inflation, Windshield Washer Fluid, Car Oil Change, Car Battery Replacement, Headlight Restoration, Wiper Blade Replacement, Car Vacuum, Car Wash Services, Self Serve Car Wash, Touchless Car Wash, Automatic Car Wash, Pressure Washing, Interior Car Cleaning, Exterior Car Cleaning, Car Waxing, Car Polishing, Car Detailing Services, Car Engine Steam Cleaning, Convenience Store, Snacks and Beverages, Coffee and Hot Drinks, Ice Cream, Packaged Foods, Cigarettes and Tobacco Products, Lottery Tickets, ATM Services, Restroom Facilities, Propane Tank Exchange, Motorcycle Fuel, Boat Fuel, Truck Fuel, Fleet Fueling Services, Fuel Cards, Gift Cards, Loyalty Rewards Program, Roadside Assistance, Towing Services, Emergency Fuel Delivery, 24-Hour Service, Online Fuel Ordering
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
Electric vehicle charging station:
Fast Charging Station, Supercharging Station, Level 2 Charging Station, Tesla Charging Station, Universal Charging Station, Commercial EV Charging, Residential EV Charging, Public EV Charging, Electric Bike Charging, Electric Scooter Charging, Charging Station Installation, Charging Station Repair, Charging Station Maintenance, Networked Charging Station, Non-Networked Charging Station, Green Energy Charging, Solar-Powered Charging Station, Battery Swap Station, Charging Station Accessories, Charging Cables and Adapters, Electric Vehicle Charging Consultation, EV Charger Troubleshooting, Charging Station Locator Services, Charging Station Map Assistance, Charging Station Network Services, Charging Station Reservation, Charging Station Time Management, Charging Payment Solutions, Charging Station Advertising, Custom Charging Station Design, Accessible Charging Stations, Pet-Friendly Charging Station, EV Charging for Businesses, Charging Station Analytics, Charging Station Software, Charging Station Hardware, Mobile Charging Station, Workplace Charging Station, Fleet Charging Solutions, EVSE Installation and Service, Charging Station Signage, Charging Station Amenities, Emergency Charging Services, EV Roadside Assistance, Charging Station Monitoring, Charging Station Security, Charging Station Compliance, Charging Station Permit Assistance, Charging Station Site Evaluation, Charging Station Site Planning
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
Valet parking service:
Airport Valet Parking, Restaurant Valet Parking, Hotel Valet Parking, Event Valet Parking, Wedding Valet Parking, Shopping Center Valet Parking, Medical Center Valet Parking, Corporate Valet Parking, Nightclub Valet Parking, Casino Valet Parking, Theater Valet Parking, Sports Venue Valet Parking, Concert Valet Parking, Conference Valet Parking, Private Party Valet Parking, Museum Valet Parking, Golf Course Valet Parking, Beach Valet Parking, Residential Valet Parking, Holiday Party Valet Parking, College Campus Valet Parking, Church Valet Parking, Train Station Valet Parking, Cruise Terminal Valet Parking, Spa Valet Parking, Retirement Community Valet Parking, Country Club Valet Parking, Banquet Hall Valet Parking, Luxury Apartment Valet Parking, Theme Park Valet Parking, Art Gallery Valet Parking, Charity Event Valet Parking, Cultural Event Valet Parking, Fashion Show Valet Parking, Grand Opening Valet Parking, Corporate Event Valet Parking, Car Dealership Valet Parking, Funeral Valet Parking, Fundraising Event Valet Parking, Trade Show Valet Parking, Exhibition Valet Parking, Business Meeting Valet Parking, Outdoor Event Valet Parking, Indoor Event Valet Parking, Gated Community Valet Parking, High-rise Building Valet Parking, Office Building Valet Parking, Seasonal Valet Parking, Temporary Valet Parking, Long-term Valet Parking
Taxi stand:
Airport Taxi Service, Local Taxi Service, Long Distance Taxi Service, Taxi Booking, Round-the-clock Taxi Service, Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Service, Corporate Taxi Service, Event Transportation, Taxi Courier Service, Child Seat Taxi Service, Taxi Tours, Station Taxi Service, Pet-friendly Taxi Service, Executive Taxi Service, Luxury Taxi Service, Eco-friendly Taxi Service, Group Taxi Service, Medical Transportation, Senior Citizen Taxi Service, Student Taxi Service, Wedding Taxi Service, Mobile Payment Taxi Service, Female Driver Taxi Service, Flat Rate Taxi Service, Fast Track Taxi Service, Online Taxi Booking, Taxi App Service, Taxi Stand Reservation, Multi-lingual Taxi Service, Mini Cabs, Fixed-price Taxi Service, VIP Taxi Service, Sporting Event Taxi Service, Out-of-Town Taxi Service, Taxi Delivery Service, Door-to-Door Taxi Service, Parcel Taxi Service, Night Taxi Service, Business Taxi Service, Frequent Rider Program, Hourly Taxi Service, Luggage Assistance, Taxi Fare Estimation, Taxi Stand Membership, Priority Taxi Service, Holiday Taxi Service, Taxi Gift Cards, Special Occasion Taxi Service, Emergency Taxi Service, Taxi Shuttle Service
Security service:
Residential Security Systems, Commercial Security Systems, CCTV Installation, Alarm Monitoring, Access Control Systems, Video Surveillance, Intruder Alarm Systems, Fire Alarm Systems, Security System Maintenance, Security System Upgrades, Wireless Security Systems, Smart Home Security, Security System Integration, Remote Security Monitoring, 24/7 Security Patrols, Security Guard Services, Event Security, VIP Security Services, Bodyguard Services, Executive Protection, Security Consulting, Security Risk Assessment, Emergency Response Services, Security Training, Cybersecurity Solutions, Data Security Services, IT Security Consulting, Network Security, Security System Design, Security System Installation, Perimeter Security Solutions, Visitor Management Systems, Employee Security Screening, Background Checks, Loss Prevention, Retail Security, Warehouse Security, Construction Site Security, Mobile Security Patrols, Key Holding and Alarm Response, Parking Lot Security, School Security, Bank Security, Hospital Security, Hotel Security, Residential Community Security, Maritime Security, Aviation Security, Drone Security Surveillance, Security Equipment Sales, Security System Leasing
Wedding Venue, Conference Center, Corporate Event Space, Party Hall Rental, Banquet Hall, Outdoor Event Space, Indoor Event Space, Exhibition Hall, Trade Show Venue, Concert Venue, Theater Venue, Meeting Room Rental, Reception Hall, Private Event Space, Networking Event Space, Gala Dinner Venue, Ceremony Venue, Festival Grounds, Art Gallery Rental, Product Launch Venue, Retreat Center, Sports Event Space, Fundraiser Venue, Catering Services, Event Planning Assistance, Audio-Visual Equipment Rental, Live Streaming Services, Team Building Activities, Birthday Party Venue, Holiday Party Venue, Anniversary Party Venue, Bridal Shower Venue, Baby Shower Venue, Graduation Party Venue, Prom Venue, Award Ceremony Venue, Film Screening Venue, Fashion Show Venue, Comedy Show Venue, Lecture Hall Rental, Photo Shoot Location, Film Production Location, Food and Beverage Services, VIP Lounge, Themed Event Space, Rooftop Event Space, Parking and Transportation Services, On-site Event Staff, Accessible Event Venue, Multi-purpose Event Space
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.
