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 Shoe store?
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 Shoe store.
Category list for Shoe store:
Shoe store
Clothing store
Sporting goods store
Children's clothing store
Fashion accessories store
Leather goods store
Department store
Boutique
Outlet store
Shoe repair shop
Luggage store
Dance store
Skate shop
Orthopedic shoe store
Western apparel store
Work clothes store
Custom t-shirt store
Baby store
Costume store
Gift shop
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:
Baseball Equipment Sales, Basketball Gear and Accessories, Bicycles and Cycling Accessories, Camping and Hiking Gear, Canoe and Kayak Rentals, Custom Team Apparel, Darts and Billiards Supplies, Exercise and Fitness Equipment, Fishing Tackle and Bait, Football Equipment and Supplies, Golf Clubs and Accessories, Gymnastics and Dance Apparel, Hockey Gear and Equipment, Hunting Gear and Supplies, Lacrosse Equipment and Accessories, Martial Arts Gear and Uniforms, Mountain Climbing Equipment, Outdoor Adventure Clothing, Paintball and Airsoft Gear, Pilates and Yoga Supplies, Racquet Sports Equipment, Roller Skating and Skateboarding Gear, Rugby Equipment and Apparel, Running and Track Shoes, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Gear, Ski and Snowboard Equipment, Soccer Equipment and Accessories, Sports Eyewear and Sunglasses, Sports Nutrition and Supplements, Swimming and Aquatic Gear, Table Tennis and Ping Pong Supplies, Tennis and Racquetball Equipment, Track and Field Gear, Treadmills and Elliptical Machines, Volleyball Equipment and Apparel, Water Sports Equipment, Weightlifting and Strength Training Gear, Wetsuits and Swimwear, Winter Sports Clothing, Wrestling Gear and Supplies, Athletic Footwear, Sports Medicine and Injury Prevention, Outdoor Recreation Equipment Rentals, Sporting Goods Repair Services, Fitness Tracker Sales, Hydration Systems and Accessories, Performance Apparel Sales, Personalized Sports Gear, Sports Memorabilia and Collectibles, Team and League Registration Services
Clothing Department, Electronics Department, Home Appliances Department, Toys and Games Department, Grocery Department, Personal Care Department, Furniture Department, Cosmetics Department, Sporting Goods Department, Jewelry Department, Footwear Department, Handbags and Accessories Department, Baby Products Department, Pet Supplies Department, Kitchenware Department, Bedding and Linens Department, Luggage Department, Gifts and Stationery Department, Gardening Department, Home Decor Department, Discounted Items Section, Pharmacy Department, Optical Services, Photo Printing Services, Customer Service Desk, Store Pickup Services, Tailoring and Alterations, Watch and Jewelry Repair, Return and Exchange Services, Gift Wrapping Services, In-store Events and Promotions, Loyalty Program and Membership, Store Credit Card Services, Special Order Services, Home Delivery Services, Personal Shopping Services, In-store Cafeteria, Product Demonstrations, Seasonal Decorations and Products, Travel Accessories Department, Designer Clothing Boutiques, Wedding Registry Services, Home Improvement Department, Smart Home and Security Department, Mobile and Tablet Accessories Department, Book and Magazine Department, Music and Movie Department, Video Game Department, Eyewear Department, Outerwear Department, Swimwear Department
Boutique:
Women's Clothing, Men's Clothing, Designer Apparel, Handmade Accessories, Custom Tailoring, Personal Styling, Fashion Consultation, Bridal Wear, Special Occasion Dresses, Maternity Wear, Plus Size Clothing, Children's Clothing, Eco-friendly Fashion, Vintage Clothing, Shoes and Footwear, Handbags and Purses, Jewelry and Accessories, Sunglasses and Eyewear, Hats and Headwear, Scarves and Wraps, Belts and Suspenders, Swimwear and Beachwear, Workout and Activewear, Lingerie and Sleepwear, Hosiery and Socks, Outerwear and Jackets, Leather Goods, Denim and Jeans, T-shirts and Tops, Skirts and Dresses, Pants and Leggings, Sweaters and Cardigans, Blouses and Button-downs, Blazers and Vests, Jumpsuits and Rompers, Formal Wear, Home Decor and Gifts, Fragrances and Perfumes, Makeup and Beauty Products, Hair Accessories, Watches and Timepieces, Cufflinks and Tie Bars, Wallets and Cardholders, Phone and Tech Accessories, Custom Embroidery, Alterations and Repairs, Gift Cards and Certificates, Seasonal Collections, Fashion Events and Workshops, Online Shopping and Shipping
Outlet store:
Discounted Clothing, Clearance Sales, Seasonal Promotions, Brand Name Products, Outlet Coupons, Designer Collections, Discounted Footwear, Budget Accessories, Sports Apparel Sales, Children's Fashion Outlet, Bargain Home Goods, Discounted Electronics, Clearance Furniture, Kitchenware Savings, Bedding and Linens Deals, Outlet Jewelry, Discounted Watches, Designer Handbag Outlet, Leather Goods Sales, Luggage and Travel Accessories, Discounted Cosmetics, Outlet Fragrance Sales, Sunglasses Savings, Discounted Fitness Gear, Outdoor Apparel Deals, Outlet Swimwear, Discounted Maternity Wear, Plus Size Clothing Deals, Petite Size Clothing Outlet, Discounted Party Supplies, Outlet Toys and Games, Budget Stationery, Clearance Office Supplies, Discounted Art Supplies, Outlet Gardening Tools, Budget Home Improvement, Outlet DIY Tools, Discounted Auto Accessories, Outlet Sporting Goods, Discounted Bikes, Clearance Camping Gear, Outlet Fishing Gear, Discounted Golf Equipment, Outlet Tennis Gear, Budget Yoga and Fitnesswear, Outlet Water Sports Gear, Discounted Ski and Snowboard Gear, Outlet Skateboarding Gear, Budget Running Shoes, Outlet Store Gift Cards
Cowboy Boots, Western Shirts, Cowboy Hats, Western Jeans, Western Belts, Bolo Ties, Western Dresses, Western Suits, Western Jewelry, Cowboy Boot Repair, Custom Cowboy Boots, Leather Jackets, Western Scarves, Cowboy Hat Shaping, Western Vest, Western Gloves, Leather Chaps, Western Skirts, Western Kids Clothing, Western Work Boots, Western Wallets, Western Home Decor, Western Bedding, Western Blankets, Cowboy Boot Accessories, Western Saddle Bags, Western Bridles, Western Horse Tack, Western Spurs, Cowhide Rugs, Western Artwork, Western Furniture, Horse Riding Apparel, Western Wedding Attire, Western Office Supplies, Western Tableware, Western Window Treatments, Western Kitchen Accessories, Western Bathroom Decor, Western Outdoor Decor, Western Lighting, Western Party Supplies, Western Toys & Games, Western Horse Care, Western Grooming Supplies, Western Gift Items, Western Pet Accessories, Western Leather Care, Western Boot Socks
Work clothes store:
Industrial Uniforms, Safety Shoes, High Visibility Clothing, Flame Resistant Clothing, Healthcare Uniforms, Hospitality Uniforms, Corporate Uniforms, Retail Uniforms, Catering Uniforms, Chef's Wear, Work Jackets, Safety Vests, Work Pants, Work Shirts, Work Gloves, Protective Eyewear, Hard Hats, Welding Helmets, Medical Scrubs, Nursing Uniforms, Lab Coats, Food Industry Uniforms, Kitchen Aprons, Security Uniforms, School Uniforms, Embroidery Services, Logo Printing, Custom Workwear, Personal Protective Equipment, Steel Toe Boots, Waterproof Workwear, Insulated Workwear, Disposable Coveralls, Rain Gear, Safety Harnesses, Hearing Protection, Face Masks, Respirators, Ear Plugs, Fall Protection Equipment, Tool Belts, Knee Pads, Utility Vests, Work Socks, Work Boots, Work Shoe Accessories, Electrical Hazard Workwear, Cooling Gear, Heating Gear, Work Clothing Alterations
Halloween Costumes, Themed Party Costumes, Adult Costumes, Children's Costumes, Cosplay Costumes, Historical Costumes, Mascot Costumes, Pet Costumes, Makeup and Accessories, Wigs and Hairpieces, Hats and Headwear, Masks and Prosthetics, Costume Jewelry, Costume Shoes and Footwear, Character Costumes, Superhero Costumes, Disney Costumes, Video Game Costumes, Movie and TV Show Costumes, Anime and Manga Costumes, Renaissance and Medieval Costumes, Pirate Costumes, Steampunk Costumes, Holiday Costumes, Cultural and Ethnic Costumes, Decade-Themed Costumes, Occupation Costumes, Funny and Novelty Costumes, Horror and Gothic Costumes, Fairy Tale and Fantasy Costumes, Sci-Fi and Alien Costumes, Animal and Insect Costumes, Food and Beverage Costumes, Sports and Fitness Costumes, Celebrity and Political Costumes, Couples and Group Costumes, Inflatable Costumes, Costume Rentals, Custom-Made Costumes, Costume Alterations and Repairs, Costume Fittings, Costume Design Consultations, Party Supplies and Decorations, Themed Party Kits, Props and Stage Accessories, Special Effects and Lighting, Costume Storage Solutions, Costume Cleaning and Maintenance, Costume Workshops and Classes, Cosplay Meetups and Events, Costume Contests and Competitions, Gift Cards and Loyalty Programs
Gift shop:
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
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.
