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 Shopping mall?
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 Shopping mall.
Category list for Shopping mall:
Shopping mall
Department Store
Clothing Store
Electronics Store
Shoe Store
Jewelry Store
Supermarket
Food Court
Movie Theater
Pharmacy
Book Store
Toy Store
Sporting Goods Store
Home Goods Store
Beauty Salon
Gift Shop
Fitness Center
Coffee Shop
Fast Food Restaurant
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 Shopping mall:
Department store:
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
Grocery Delivery, Curbside Pickup, Fresh Produce, Organic Foods, Dairy Products, Frozen Foods, Meat & Seafood, Bakery, Canned Goods, Dry Goods & Pasta, Snacks & Chips, Beverages, Wine & Beer, Health & Wellness, Personal Care, Pharmacy, Cleaning Supplies, Pet Supplies, Baby & Toddler, International Foods, Floral Department, Deli Counter, Prepared Foods, Sushi Bar, Sandwich Counter, Salad Bar, Hot Foods, Catering Services, Bulk Foods, Gift Cards, Cooking Utensils, Kitchen Appliances, Paper Goods, Plasticware, Party Supplies, School & Office Supplies, Electronics, Home Decor, Bed & Bath, Gardening Supplies, Seasonal Items, Holiday Decorations, Toys & Games, Sporting Goods, Automotive Supplies, Outdoor Living, Grilling Supplies, Swim & Pool Supplies, Luggage & Travel, Cosmetics, Hair Care
Food court:
Fast Food Restaurants, Pizza Corner, Sandwich Shop, Burger Joint, Chinese Food Stall, Mexican Food Stand, Indian Food Kiosk, Sushi Counter, Salad Bar, Dessert Station, Ice Cream Parlor, Bubble Tea Booth, Coffee Shop, Juice and Smoothie Bar, Vegan Food Stand, Gluten-Free Options, Seafood Counter, BBQ Grill, Breakfast and Brunch Spot, Bagel and Pretzel Kiosk, Middle Eastern Food Stall, Italian Food Stand, Greek Food Corner, Thai Food Booth, Korean Food Kiosk, All-Day Breakfast, Panini and Wrap Station, Bakery and Pastry Shop, Gourmet Sandwiches, Custom Salad Creations, Gelato and Frozen Yogurt, Hot Dog and Sausage Stand, Steak and Grill, Chicken Wings and Tenders, French Fry Station, Soup and Stew Corner, Pasta and Noodles Bar, Crepe and Waffle Spot, Taco and Burrito Stand, Dim Sum and Dumpling Kiosk, Donut and Pastry Counter, Churros and Funnel Cakes, Candy and Snack Bar, Soft Pretzel Stand, Popcorn and Cotton Candy, Nacho and Quesadilla booth, Pho and Ramen Station, Ethnic Street Food, Loaded Baked Potato Stand, Gyro and Shawarma Kiosk, Hot Beverage Stand, Catering Services
Movie theater:
New Movie Releases, 3D Movie Screenings, 4DX Movie Experience, IMAX Screenings, Dolby Cinema Screenings, Classic Film Screenings, Foreign Film Screenings, Independent Film Screenings, Documentary Film Screenings, Animated Movie Showings, Family Movie Days, Student Discount Nights, Senior Discount Screenings, Midnight Movie Premieres, Film Festivals, Film Q&A sessions, Movie Trivia Nights, Themed Movie Marathons, Cinema Memberships, Gift Card Purchases, Private Screenings, Corporate Events, Movie Theater Rentals, Birthday Party Packages, Group Discounts, Accessible Screenings, Open Caption Screenings, Audio Description Screenings, Hearing Impaired Devices, Wheelchair Accessible Seating, Assistive Listening Devices, Advanced Ticket Purchases, Discounted Matinee Screenings, Movie Theater Snack Bar, Popcorn and Drink Combos, Nachos and Cheese, Soft Pretzels, Candy Selection, Gourmet Popcorn Flavors, Hot Dogs, Alcoholic Beverages, Coffee and Specialty Drinks, Slushies and Icees, Healthy Snack Options, Gluten-Free Snacks, Vegan Snack Options, Reclining Seats, Reserved Seating, D-BOX Motion Seats, VIP Movie Experience, Loyalty Program, Special Promotions
Pharmacy:
Prescription Refills, Over-the-Counter Medications, Vitamins & Supplements, Personal Care Products, First Aid Supplies, Immunizations & Vaccinations, Health Screenings, Diabetes Care, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Cholesterol Testing, Medication Consultations, Pharmacist Consultations, Medical Equipment Rentals, Flu Shots, Travel Vaccines, Smoking Cessation Programs, Weight Loss Programs, Nutritional Counseling, Home Delivery Services, Online Prescription Management, Emergency Contraception, Allergy Relief Products, Pain Management Products, Cold & Flu Remedies, Digestive Health Products, Oral Care Products, Eye Care Products, Skincare Products, Hair Care Products, Baby & Infant Care Products, Pet Medications, Herbal Remedies, Cosmetics & Beauty Supplies, Feminine Care Products, Incontinence Products, Mobility Aids, Orthopedic Supports, Compression Stockings, Wound Care Supplies, Nebulizer Services, Asthma Management Products, Sleep Aids, Influenza Testing, Strep Throat Testing, Hearing Aid Batteries, Medication Disposal Services, Drug Interaction Checks, Specialty Medications, Compounding Pharmacy Services, Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
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
Sporting goods store:
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
Home goods store:
Furniture Sales, Home Decor Items, Kitchenware Products, Bathroom Accessories, Bedding and Linens, Lighting Solutions, Outdoor Furniture, Home Organization Supplies, Window Treatments, Flooring Solutions, Curtains and Drapes, Rugs and Carpets, Wall Art and Mirrors, Tableware and Serveware, Cookware and Bakeware, Small Kitchen Appliances, Home Office Supplies, Sofas and Sectionals, Bedroom Furniture, Dining Room Furniture, Accent Chairs and Tables, Patio and Garden Decor, Storage Solutions, Cleaning Supplies, Mattresses and Bedding, Pillows and Cushions, Throws and Blankets, Candles and Fragrances, Picture Frames, Clocks and Timepieces, Table and Floor Lamps, Ceiling and Wall Lights, Outdoor Lighting, Electronics and Gadgets, Smart Home Devices, Home Improvement Tools, Paint and Wallpaper, Seasonal Decorations, Plants and Planters, Pet Supplies, Gifts and Gift Wrapping, Cabinet and Drawer Hardware, Home Textiles, Eco-friendly Products, Personal Care Items, Baby and Kids Furniture, Specialty Cookware, Custom Furniture, Interior Design Consultation, Home Delivery and Assembly
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
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.
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.