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 Sports bar?
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 Sports bar.
Category list for Sports bar:
Sports bar
Restaurant
Bar
Pub
Grill
Night Club
American Restaurant
Live Music Venue
Event Venue
Lounge
Pool Hall
Karaoke Bar
Beer Garden
Cocktail Bar
Wine Bar
Brewery
Sports Club
Bowling Alley
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 Sports bar:
Restaurant:
Dine-in Service, Takeout Service, Delivery Service, Curbside Pickup, Online Ordering, Catering Service, Outdoor Seating, Private Events, Business Lunches, Happy Hour Specials, Buffet Service, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten-Free Options, Kid-Friendly Menu, Group Reservations, Live Music Nights, Wine Tastings, Local Craft Beers, Signature Cocktails, Daily Specials, Weekend Brunch, Breakfast Menu, Lunch Menu, Dinner Menu, Dessert Menu, Seafood Options, Steakhouse Selections, Gourmet Burgers, Pizza Selections, Pasta Dishes, Asian Cuisine, Mexican Cuisine, Middle Eastern Cuisine, Indian Cuisine, Healthy Salad Options, Soup of the Day, Appetizer Selections, Family Style Meals, Gift Cards Available, Loyalty Program, Online Reservations, Food Allergy Accommodations, Seasonal Menu, Chef's Specials, Farm-to-Table Ingredients, Locally Sourced Produce, Sustainable Seafood, Wine Pairing Recommendations, Cooking Classes, Themed Nights
Bar:
Craft Beer Selection, Signature Cocktails, Wine by the Glass, Bottle Service, Happy Hour Specials, Live Music Nights, DJ Performances, Karaoke Nights, Trivia Nights, Open Mic Events, Sports Viewing Parties, Outdoor Seating, Rooftop Bar, Private Events, Themed Nights, Dance Floor, Pool Tables, Dart Boards, Tabletop Games, Beer Pong, Food Menu, Appetizers and Snacks, Burgers and Sandwiches, Vegan and Vegetarian Options, Gluten-Free Options, Pub Grub, Taco Tuesdays, Wing Wednesdays, Sunday Brunch, Bottomless Mimosa Brunch, Gin and Tonic Bar, Bloody Mary Bar, Whiskey Tastings, Wine Tastings, Cocktail Classes, Bartending Courses, Local Brewery Collaborations, Ladies' Night, College Night, Industry Night, Holiday Parties, New Year's Eve Celebrations, St. Patrick's Day Events, Halloween Parties, Charity Events, Networking Events, Singles' Night, Speed Dating, Art Shows, Comedy Nights, Pet-Friendly Patio
Live Band Performances, Acoustic Sets, Open Mic Nights, Jam Sessions, DJ Nights, Karaoke Nights, Music Trivia Nights, Themed Music Nights, Local Artist Showcases, Album Release Parties, Comedy Shows, Dance Performances, Cabaret Shows, Film Screenings, Music Video Launches, Songwriting Workshops, Music Production Workshops, Instrument Workshops, VIP Lounge Access, Live Streaming Concerts, Music Festivals, Food and Drinks, Craft Beer and Wine Selection, Custom Event Hosting, Private Party Bookings, Corporate Event Bookings, Wedding Receptions, Birthday Parties, Anniversary Celebrations, Fundraisers, Networking Events, Live Podcast Recordings, LGBTQ+ Friendly Events, Family-Friendly Concerts, Youth Music Competitions, Battle of the Bands, Brunch and Live Music, Artist Merchandise Sales, Music Memorabilia Sales, Indoor and Outdoor Seating, Seasonal Events, Holiday Parties, Themed Costume Parties, Meet and Greets, Backstage Passes, Special Event Ticket Sales, Advance Ticket Sales, Group Discounts, Seasonal Memberships, Annual Memberships, Gift Certificates
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
Lounge:
Cocktail Bar, Happy Hour Specials, Live Music Performances, Outdoor Seating, Private Event Hosting, Tapas and Small Plates, Wine Tasting Events, Themed Nights, Art Exhibitions, DJ Nights, Karaoke Nights, Craft Beer Selection, Signature Drink Menu, Ladies' Night, Dance Floor, Food Pairing Recommendations, Weekly Drink Specials, Sports Viewing Parties, Trivia Nights, Comedy Shows, Cabaret Performances, Open Mic Nights, Sunday Brunch, Cigar Lounge, Rooftop Lounge, Movie Nights, Board Game Nights, Networking Events, Book Readings, Culinary Workshops, Speed Dating Events, Acoustic Sessions, Seasonal Cocktail Menu, Guest Mixologist Nights, Sangria Sundays, Mojito Mondays, Wine Down Wednesdays, Tequila Tuesdays, Throwback Thursdays, Fancy Fridays, Social Saturdays, Industry Nights, Dog-Friendly Patios, Bottomless Mimosas, Food Truck Collaborations, Tiki Bar Nights, Holiday Parties, Mixology Classes, Singles Nights, Piano Bar, Rum Tasting Events
Pool hall:
Public Pool Tables, Private Pool Tables, Billiards Lessons, Snooker Tables, Pool Table Rentals, Pool Table Accessories Sales, Cue Repair Services, Cue Customization, Chalk and Cue Tips Sales, Tournament Hosting, Team Building Events, Youth Pool Leagues, Adult Pool Leagues, Ladies' Night, Pool Trick Shot Demonstrations, Birthday Party Packages, Corporate Event Packages, Pool Membership Plans, Table Refelting Services, Pool Table Moving Services, Foosball Tables, Arcade Games, Darts, Shuffleboard Tables, Air Hockey Tables, Pinball Machines, Sports Viewing, Karaoke Nights, Live Music Performances, Themed Parties, Food and Beverages, Daily Specials, Happy Hour, Craft Beer Selection, Cocktail Menu, Wine List, Non-alcoholic Drinks, Appetizers and Snacks, Burgers and Sandwiches, Pizza and Flatbreads, Salads and Wraps, Gluten-free Options, Vegetarian and Vegan Options, Desserts, Late Night Menu, Catering Services, Group Reservations, Gift Cards, Merchandise Sales, Online Booking, Loyalty Program
Karaoke bar:
Private Karaoke Rooms, Themed Karaoke Nights, Corporate Karaoke Events, Birthday Karaoke Parties, Open Mic Karaoke, Ladies Night Karaoke, All-You-Can-Sing Karaoke, Karaoke DJ Services, Weekly Karaoke Contests, Karaoke Happy Hour, Family Karaoke Nights, Karaoke Brunch, Karaoke Equipment Rental, Karaoke Dance Parties, Celebrity Impersonation Karaoke, Retro Karaoke Nights, Karaoke Recording Services, Duet Karaoke Nights, Country Karaoke Nights, Rock Karaoke Nights, Karaoke Fundraising Events, Broadway Karaoke Nights, Karaoke Idol Competitions, 90s Karaoke Nights, Karaoke Date Nights, Student Karaoke Nights, Karaoke Bachelorette Parties, Costume Karaoke Nights, Karaoke Championship Series, Movie Soundtrack Karaoke, Karaoke League Nights, Karaoke Team Building Events, Karaoke Battle of the Sexes, Karaoke Networking Events, Karaoke Singles Nights, Karaoke Trivia Nights, Karaoke Music Video Creation, Oldies Karaoke Nights, Live Band Karaoke, Karaoke with a Twist, Holiday Karaoke Parties, Karaoke for Charity, Karaoke Booth Rentals, Karaoke and Cocktails, Karaoke in Multiple Languages, Karaoke and Comedy Nights, Outdoor Karaoke Events, Karaoke with a Side of Food, Karaoke and Wine Tasting, Karaoke and Paint Nights, Karaoke and Game Nights
Beer garden:
Craft Beer Tasting, Outdoor Seating, Live Music Events, Food Trucks, Trivia Nights, Themed Parties, Beer Pong Tournaments, Board Games, Outdoor Movie Screenings, Art Exhibits, Beer Pairing Dinners, Brewery Tours, Wine and Cider Selection, Pet-Friendly Environment, Seasonal Beer Releases, Bottle and Can Sales, Growler Fills, Gift Cards, Private Events Booking, Local Beer Showcases, Outdoor Sports Viewing, Children's Play Area, Beer Education Workshops, Weekly Specials, Beer Club Membership, Yoga and Beer Sessions, Bike Parking, Outdoor Fire Pits, Beer Garden Merchandise, Sports Gear Rental, Photography Workshops, Outdoor BBQs, Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Beer Garden Brunch, Farmers Markets, Local Musicians, Charity Fundraisers, Open Mic Nights, Beer and Paint Nights, Cooking Classes, Holiday Events, Beer Garden Games, Family-Friendly Atmosphere, Outdoor Fitness Classes, Seasonal Decor, Plant and Gardening Workshops, Brewery Collaborations, Sponsorship Opportunities, Gift Shop, VIP Lounge Access
Open Bowling, Cosmic Bowling, Bowling Leagues, Bowling Tournaments, Youth Bowling Programs, Family Bowling Packages, Birthday Party Packages, Corporate Events, Group Outings, Fundraising Events, Bowling Lessons, Pro Shop Services, Ball Drilling Services, Bowling Equipment Rentals, Bowling Shoe Rentals, Snack Bar, Full Service Bar, Private Bowling Lanes, Arcade Games, Billiards, Darts, Karaoke Nights, Live Music Events, Sports Viewing Parties, Trivia Nights, Bowling Alley Membership, Senior Bowling Discounts, Student Bowling Discounts, Military Bowling Discounts, Bowling Gift Cards, Online Lane Reservations, Team Building Activities, Themed Bowling Events, Bowling Alley Loyalty Program, Happy Hour Specials, Food and Drink Specials, Weekly Bowling Specials, Holiday Bowling Events, Bowling Alley Event Hosting, Bowling Alley Catering, Virtual Bowling, Bumper Bowling, Bowling Alley Wi-Fi, Accessible Bowling Lanes, Adaptive Bowling Equipment, Bowling Alley Photography, Bowling Alley Videography, Bowling Alley T-Shirt Printing, Bowling Alley Merchandise, Bowling Alley ATM
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.
