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 Playground?
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 Playground.
Category list for Playground:
Playground
Amusement Park
Park
Recreation Center
Sports Complex
Community Center
Event Venue
Preschool
Youth Organization
Party Planner
Summer Camp
Toy Store
Children's Museum
Art School
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 Playground:
Amusement park:
Roller Coaster Rides, Ferris Wheel Rides, Water Slides, Bumper Cars, Go-Kart Racing, Indoor Trampoline Park, Zipline Adventures, Virtual Reality Experiences, Haunted House Attractions, Laser Tag, Miniature Golf, Arcade Games, 4D Motion Simulators, Kid's Play Zone, Family Entertainment Center, Live Performances, Carousel Rides, Train Rides, Animal Exhibits, Themed Restaurants, Swan Boat Rentals, Paddle Boat Rentals, Aerial Ropes Course, Outdoor Adventure Playground, Interactive Exhibits, Drop Tower Rides, Giant Swing Rides, Mirror Maze, Escape Rooms, Amphitheater Shows, Outdoor Movie Nights, Character Meet and Greets, Seasonal Events, Ice Skating Rink, Snow Play Area, Wave Pool, Lazy River, Splash Pads, Surf Pool, Cabana Rentals, Birthday Party Packages, VIP Experience Packages, Educational Workshops, Team Building Activities, Photography Services, Stroller Rentals, Locker Rentals, Gift Shops, Annual Passes, Group Discounts, Corporate Events
Park:
Picnic Area Rentals, Playground Access, Walking Trails, Biking Trails, Bird Watching, Outdoor Fitness Equipment, Fishing Spots, Boating Access, Kayak Rentals, Canoe Rentals, Paddleboard Rentals, Running Tracks, Outdoor Yoga Classes, Nature Photography, Wildlife Observation, Guided Nature Tours, Outdoor Event Space, Amphitheater, Park Ranger Programs, Educational Workshops, Gardens and Conservatories, Dog Park Access, Outdoor Sports Courts, Skate Park, Disc Golf Course, Rock Climbing Wall, Park Concessions, Park Restrooms, Drinking Fountains, BBQ Areas, Outdoor Art Exhibits, Park Benches and Seating, Park Maps and Guides, Park Cleanliness, Parking Services, Park Accessibility Features, Park Security, Park Wi-Fi, Park Volunteering Opportunities, Butterfly Gardens, Botanical Gardens, Park Maintenance, Park Special Events, Park Memorials and Monuments, Park Bicycle Racks, Park Lighting, Park Green Initiatives, Park After-School Programs, Park Summer Camps, Park Sustainability, Park Weather Information, Park Lost and Found
Indoor Soccer Leagues, Basketball Court Rentals, Volleyball Open Gym, Badminton Court Rentals, Indoor Tennis Programs, Fitness Center Access, Group Fitness Classes, Yoga and Pilates Classes, Martial Arts Training, Gymnastics Lessons, Indoor Swimming Pool, Aquatics Programs, Swimming Lessons, Water Aerobics Classes, Personal Training Sessions, Youth Sports Programs, Adult Sports Leagues, Sports Camps, Birthday Parties Hosting, Corporate Events Hosting, Indoor Running Track, Rock Climbing Wall, Racquetball Court Rentals, Table Tennis Facilities, Sports Equipment Rentals, Cafe and Snack Bar, Locker Room Access, Sports Therapy Services, Massage Services, Nutrition Coaching, Physical Fitness Assessments, Exercise Programs Design, Weightlifting Area, Cardio Equipment Access, Team Building Events, Indoor Golf Simulators, Indoor Softball/Baseball Training, Squash Court Rentals, Functional Training Zone, CrossFit Classes, Indoor Cycling Classes, Boxing and Kickboxing Classes, Zumba and Dance Classes, Sports Retail Store, Memberships and Day Passes, Kids' Activity Center, Indoor Turf Rentals, Cheerleading and Dance Lessons, Parent's Night Out Events, Yoga and Meditation Workshops
Community center:
After-School Programs, Youth Sports Programs, Senior Activities, Fitness Classes, Computer Classes, Language Courses, Cultural Events, Arts and Crafts Workshops, Community Meetings, Dance Classes, Parenting Classes, Financial Literacy Workshops, Health and Wellness Programs, Volunteer Opportunities, Summer Camps, Childcare Services, Teen Clubs, Tutoring Services, Cooking Classes, Nutrition Workshops, Martial Arts Classes, Indoor Swimming Pool, Job Training Programs, Yoga Classes, Art Exhibitions, Book Clubs, Community Garden, Social Services Referrals, Music Lessons, Weight Loss Support Groups, Mental Health Support Groups, Family Nights, Community Outreach Programs, Entrepreneurship Workshops, Adult Education Classes, Career Counseling, Substance Abuse Prevention Programs, Game Nights, Movie Nights, Indoor Sports Facilities, Outdoor Sports Facilities, Holiday Events, Emergency Preparedness Training, Environmental Education Programs, Room Rentals for Events, Community Resource Center, Citizenship Classes, Pet Adoption Events, Blood Drives, Voter Registration Drives
Event venue:
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
Preschool:
Child Care Services, Early Childhood Education, Toddler Programs, Preschool Enrichment, Nursery School, Montessori Education, Reggio Emilia Approach, Waldorf Education, Bilingual Preschool, Pre-K Reading Program, Pre-K Math Program, Pre-K Science Activities, Creative Arts Program, Music and Movement Classes, Drama and Theatre for Preschoolers, Outdoor Play and Learning, Physical Education for Preschoolers, Nature Exploration Activities, Gardening for Preschoolers, Healthy Eating Education, Preschool Social Skills Development, Emotional Intelligence Programs, Parent-Child Workshops, Field Trips, Special Needs Programs, Preschool Summer Camp, Preschool Winter Camp, Preschool Spring Break Camp, After-School Care, Before-School Care, Preschool Storytime, Sensory Play Activities, STEAM Activities for Preschoolers, Yoga for Preschoolers, Mindfulness for Preschoolers, Foreign Language Classes, Nut-Free Preschool Environment, Eco-Friendly Preschool, Preschool Parenting Seminars, Preschool Tutoring, Individualized Learning Plans, Family Events and Celebrations, Preschool Graduation Ceremony, Preschool Open House, Preschool Assessment and Progress Reports, Preschool Teacher Meetings, Preschool Online Learning Resources, Preschool Volunteer Opportunities, Preschool Fundraisers, Preschool Parent-Teacher Association, Sibling Discount Program
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
Party planner:
Birthday Party Planning, Anniversary Party Planning, Themed Party Planning, Wedding Party Planning, Engagement Party Planning, Corporate Event Planning, Holiday Party Planning, Graduation Party Planning, Retirement Party Planning, Baby Shower Planning, Bridal Shower Planning, Bachelor Party Planning, Bachelorette Party Planning, Housewarming Party Planning, Reunion Party Planning, Children's Party Planning, Outdoor Party Planning, Cocktail Party Planning, Charity Event Planning, Product Launch Planning, Surprise Party Planning, Costume Party Planning, Grand Opening Planning, Sports Event Party Planning, Teen Party Planning, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planning, Sweet 16 Party Planning, Quinceañera Planning, Garden Party Planning, Pool Party Planning, Beach Party Planning, BBQ Party Planning, Brunch Party Planning, Tea Party Planning, Dinner Party Planning, Casino Party Planning, Game Night Party Planning, Karaoke Party Planning, Movie Night Party Planning, Murder Mystery Party Planning, Pajama Party Planning, Painting Party Planning, Potluck Party Planning, Spa Party Planning, Tailgate Party Planning, Tasting Party Planning, Trivia Night Party Planning, Wine and Cheese Party Planning, Fundraiser Event Planning, Award Ceremony Planning, Networking Event Planning
Summer camp:
Outdoor Adventure Camp, Arts and Crafts Camp, Sports Camp, STEM Camp, Dance and Performing Arts Camp, Nature and Wildlife Camp, Horseback Riding Camp, Robotics Camp, Culinary Camp, Language Immersion Camp, Leadership Development Camp, Coding and Programming Camp, Photography Camp, Film and Videography Camp, Sailing Camp, Canoeing and Kayaking Camp, Archery Camp, Martial Arts Camp, Yoga and Mindfulness Camp, Music Camp, Painting and Drawing Camp, Ceramics Camp, Rock Climbing Camp, Mountain Biking Camp, Hiking and Backpacking Camp, Gymnastics Camp, Swimming Camp, Water Sports Camp, Fishing Camp, Golf Camp, Tennis Camp, Soccer Camp, Basketball Camp, Skateboarding Camp, Cheerleading Camp, Volleyball Camp, Lacrosse Camp, Track and Field Camp, Baseball and Softball Camp, Field Hockey Camp, Rugby Camp, Fencing Camp, Scuba Diving Camp, Surfing Camp, Ice Skating and Hockey Camp, Skiing and Snowboarding Camp, Parkour Camp, Fitness and Conditioning Camp, Eco-Adventure Camp, Creative Writing Camp, Entrepreneurship Camp, International Travel Camp
Toy store:
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
Children's museum:
Interactive Exhibits, Educational Workshops, Science Exploration, Art Activities, Hands-On Learning, Live Performances, Themed Party Packages, Virtual Tours, Storytelling Sessions, Guided Tours, Creative Workshops, Immersive Displays, Temporary Exhibitions, Outdoor Play Area, Planetarium Shows, Summer Camp Programs, Membership Options, Family Events, Sensory Friendly Hours, Gift Shop, School Field Trips, Parent-Child Activities, Volunteer Opportunities, STEAM Education, Nature Trails, Multicultural Exhibits, Birthday Parties, Rentals for Private Events, Photography Workshops, Music and Movement Classes, Mindfulness Activities, Community Outreach Programs, Young Explorer Activities, Early Learner Programs, Animal Encounters, 3D Printing Workshops, Sports and Fitness Classes, Cooking Classes, Recycled Art Projects, Drop-In Activities, Garden Tours, Climbing Wall, Toddler Time, Museum Sleepovers, Special Needs Programs, Museum Cafe, Online Resources, Historical Exhibits, Group Discounts, Lectures and Presentations
Art school:
Drawing Classes, Painting Workshops, Sculpture Lessons, Digital Art Courses, Printmaking Classes, Ceramics Workshops, Photography Lessons, Textile Art Courses, Calligraphy Classes, Illustration Workshops, Graphic Design Lessons, Watercolor Painting Courses, Oil Painting Classes, Acrylic Painting Workshops, Pastel Drawing Lessons, Charcoal Drawing Courses, Mixed Media Art Classes, Collage Workshops, Life Drawing Lessons, Portrait Painting Courses, Landscape Painting Classes, Abstract Art Workshops, Art History Lessons, Animation Courses, Color Theory Classes, Art Therapy Workshops, Figure Drawing Lessons, Street Art Courses, Airbrush Art Classes, Mural Painting Workshops, Fashion Illustration Lessons, Storyboarding Courses, Comic Art Classes, Manga Drawing Workshops, Children's Art Lessons, Adult Art Courses, Teen Art Classes, Art Portfolio Preparation Workshops, Art Exhibition Lessons, Art Marketing Courses, Art Business Classes, Private Art Lessons, Group Art Workshops, Online Art Courses, Art Teacher Training Classes, Artist Residency Programs, Art Critique Workshops, Art Studio Rentals, Art Supply Store
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.
