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 Swimming pool?
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 Swimming pool.
Category list for Swimming pool:
Swimming pool
Pool Cleaning Service
Spa
Hot Tub Store
Swimming School
Fitness Center
Gym
Sports Club
Recreation Center
Water Park
Hotel
Home Builder
Landscaping Supply Store
Patio Enclosure Supplier
Outdoor Furniture Store
Garden Center
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 Swimming pool:
Pool cleaning service:
Pool Maintenance, Swimming Pool Cleaning, Pool Chemical Balancing, Pool Filter Cleaning, Pool Pump Repair, Tile & Grout Cleaning, Pool Skimming, Algae Removal, Pool Vacuuming, Pool Salt System Services, Pool Leak Detection, Swimming Pool Repair, Pool Heater Repair, Pool Light Repair, Pool Liner Replacement, Pool Resurfacing, Swimming Pool Inspections, Pool Winterization, Pool Opening Services, Commercial Pool Services, Pool Deck Cleaning, Pool Equipment Installation, Pool Equipment Repair, Spa Cleaning Services, Pool Automation Services, Pool Filter Replacement, Pool Acid Washing, Pool Chlorine Washing, Pool Tile Repair, Pool Safety Cover Installation, Pool Handrail Installation, Swimming Pool Consultation, Child Pool Safety Services, Pool Water Testing, Pool Coping Repair, Pool Drain & Refill Services, Pool Plaster Repair, Pool Cover Installation, Pool Cover Repair, Green Pool Cleanup, Storm Pool Cleanup, Pool Stain Removal, Pool Calcium Removal, Pool Oxidation Treatment, Pool Shock Treatment, Pool Phosphate Removal, Pool Algaecide Treatment, Emergency Pool Services, Swimming Pool Renovations
Spa:
Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, Sports Massage, Prenatal Massage, Thai Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Reflexology, Couples Massage, Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Chair Massage, Bamboo Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, Acupuncture, Reiki Healing, Meditation Classes, Yoga Classes, Pilates Classes, Facials, Anti-Aging Treatments, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, LED Light Therapy, Oxygen Facial, Acne Treatment, HydraFacial, Dermaplaning, Body Scrubs, Body Wraps, Mud Therapy, Seaweed Treatment, Detoxifying Treatments, Cellulite Treatment, Infrared Sauna, Steam Room, Cryotherapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Salt Therapy, Floatation Therapy, Manicures, Pedicures, Gel Nails, Nail Art, Waxing Services, Lash Extensions, Eyebrow Threading, Eyebrow Tinting, Microblading, Permanent Makeup
Hot tub store:
Hot Tub Installation, Hot Tub Repair, Hot Tub Maintenance, Spa Accessories, Hot Tub Chemicals, Hot Tub Covers, Hot Tub Filters, Hot Tub Financing, Hot Tub Removal, Hot Tub Relocation, Hot Tub Trade-In, Hot Tub Water Testing, Hot Tub Parts, Hot Tub Consultation, Hot Tub Leak Detection, Hot Tub Drain and Refill, Hot Tub Winterization, Hot Tub Electrical Services, Hot Tub Ozonator Installation, Hot Tub Lighting, Hot Tub Jets Replacement, Hot Tub Pumps, Hot Tub Heaters, Hot Tub Plumbing, Hot Tub Insulation, Hot Tub Salt Systems, Hot Tub Disinfection, Hot Tub Deck Design, Hot Tub Gazebo, Hot Tub Enclosures, Hot Tub Surrounds, Hot Tub Customization, Hot Tub Steps, Hot Tub Lifters, Hot Tub Towel Racks, Hot Tub Aromatherapy, Hot Tub Audio Systems, Hot Tub Umbrellas, Hot Tub Handrails, Hot Tub Safety Covers, Hot Tub Water Purification, Hot Tub Remote Monitoring, Hot Tub Wi-Fi Integration, Hot Tub Energy Efficiency, Hot Tub Troubleshooting, Hot Tub Warranty Services, Hot Tub Floor Models Sale, Hot Tub Temperature Control, Hot Tub Showroom Consultation, Hot Tub Sanitizing Recommendations
Swimming school:
Swimming lessons for infants, Swimming lessons for toddlers, Swimming lessons for kids, Swimming lessons for teenagers, Swimming lessons for adults, Swimming lessons for seniors, Swimming lessons for pregnant women, Swimming lessons for special needs, Private swimming lessons, Group swimming lessons, Competitive swimming training, Swim team coaching, Stroke technique improvement, Freestyle swimming lessons, Backstroke swimming lessons, Breaststroke swimming lessons, Butterfly swimming lessons, Swimming endurance training, Swimming speed training, Swimming agility training, Open water swimming lessons, Triathlon swimming training, Master swimming classes, Water safety courses, Lifeguard training courses, CPR and first aid training, Swimming instructor certifications, Swim meet preparation, Swimming video analysis, Swim school holiday programs, Swim school summer camps, Water aerobics classes, Aqua fitness classes, Water therapy sessions, Swimming birthday parties, Parent and child swimming classes, Adult swim nights, Synchronized swimming lessons, Water polo lessons, Diving lessons, Swimming pool rentals, Swim gear and accessories sales, Swim school gift certificates, Swim school membership plans, Swimming progress reports, Online swimming lessons, Swimming workshop and clinics, Swimming school events, Swimming school excursions, Swimming school competitions, Community swim days, Swimming school fundraisers
Water Slide Rentals, Wave Pool Access, Lazy River Relaxation, Kiddie Pool Play Area, Water Playground, Private Cabana Rentals, Bumper Boats, Family Raft Ride, Aqua Zumba Classes, Water-Based Yoga, Splash Pad Fun, Water Trampoline, Swimming Lessons, Poolside Dining, Tube Rentals, FlowRider Surf Simulator, Water Sport Lessons, Underwater Treasure Hunt, Aqua Aerobics, Beach Volleyball, Locker Rentals, Water Basketball, Water Park Birthday Parties, Corporate Events, Group Discounts, Annual Passes, Floating Obstacle Course, Diving Board Zone, Swim-Up Bar, Nighttime Water Events, Themed Water Park Days, Swimwear Shop, First Aid Services, Life Jacket Rentals, Private Swim Lessons, Water Park Photography, Water Park Gift Cards, Water Safety Classes, Water Park Membership, Seasonal Events, Float Nights, Water Park Exclusive Rentals, Water Park Day Camps, In-Park ATM, Water Park Food Court, Mermaid Experience, Life Guard Certification Courses, Water Park Job Opportunities, Water Park Special Offers, Water Park Lodging Packages
Hotel:
Luxury Suites, Standard Rooms, Economy Rooms, Pet-Friendly Accommodations, Family Rooms, Honeymoon Suites, Room Service, Free Wi-Fi, Complimentary Breakfast, Airport Shuttle Service, On-site Restaurant, On-site Bar and Lounge, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Spa and Wellness Center, Business Center, Conference Rooms, Banquet Hall, Wedding Services, Event Planning Services, 24-hour Front Desk, Concierge Services, Laundry and Dry Cleaning, Housekeeping, Luggage Storage, Valet Parking, Self-Parking Facilities, Car Rental Services, Tour and Travel Assistance, Currency Exchange, Multilingual Staff, Accessible Facilities, Smoke-Free Property, Gift Shop, ATM/Cash Machine, Safety Deposit Box, Express Check-in/Check-out, Late Check-out, Babysitting Services, Children's Play Area, Outdoor Recreation Activities, Garden and Terrace, BBQ Facilities, Mini-Bar, In-room Safe, Flat-Screen TV with Cable Channels, Air Conditioning, Coffee/Tea Maker
Home builder:
Custom Home Design, Custom Home Construction, Eco-friendly Home Building, Energy-efficient Home Building, Green Home Construction, Luxury Home Building, Modern Home Construction, Modular Home Building, Prefabricated Home Construction, Small Home Construction, Tiny Home Building, Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction, Bungalow Construction, Cottage Construction, Farmhouse Construction, Ranch Home Construction, Townhouse Construction, Log Home Building, Post and Beam Home Construction, Timber Frame Home Construction, Home Renovation Services, Home Remodeling Services, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Expansions, New Garage Construction, Basement Finishing, Attic Conversions, Outdoor Living Space Construction, Deck and Patio Construction, Porch Construction, Sunroom Construction, Pool House Construction, Home Builders Consultation, Project Management, Land Development, Site Planning and Preparation, Foundation Construction, Framing Services, Roofing Installation and Repair, Siding Installation and Repair, Window and Door Installation and Replacement, Kitchen and Bathroom Design Services, Interior Design Services, Landscaping Design and Installation, Home Inspection Services, Home Warranty Services, Home Financing Assistance, Building Permits Assistance, 3D Rendering and Virtual Tours
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.
