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 Thrift 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 Thrift store.
Category list for Thrift store:
Thrift store
Vintage Clothing Store
Consignment Shop
Used Furniture Store
Antique Store
Second Hand Store
Clothing Store
Used Book Store
Collectibles Store
Toy Store
Used Appliance Store
Home Goods Store
Boutique
Gift Shop
Record Store
Art Gallery
Jewelry Store
Shoe Store
Sporting Goods Store
Bicycle Store
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:
Used Furniture Sales, Vintage Clothing, Antique Collectibles, Second Hand Electronics, Used Books, Pre-owned Appliances, Refurbished Home Decor, Second Hand Toys, Used Baby Gear, Vintage Accessories, Pre-owned Sports Equipment, Used Musical Instruments, Second Hand Jewelry, Vintage Watches, Antique Art and Paintings, Used Vinyl Records, Second Hand CDs and DVDs, Vintage Handbags, Used Shoes, Pre-owned Bicycles, Used Office Furniture, Vintage Decorative Items, Second Hand Gardening Tools, Used Pet Supplies, Pre-owned Luggage, Second Hand Sewing Machines, Used Kitchenware, Vintage Typewriters, Second Hand Cameras, Used Board Games, Pre-owned Video Games, Vintage Posters, Antique Maps, Second Hand Laptops and Computers, Used Mobile Phones and Tablets, Pre-owned Bedding, Vintage Rugs and Carpets, Second Hand Crockery, Used Glassware, Pre-owned Cookware, Second Hand Picture Frames, Used Mirrors, Vintage Lighting Fixtures, Pre-owned Curtains and Blinds, Second Hand Bath Accessories, Used Tool Sets, Pre-owned DIY Supplies, Vintage Magazines and Newspapers, Second Hand Novelties, Used Art Supplies
Used Books Buying, Used Books Selling, Rare Book Collection, First Edition Books, Antiquarian Books, Vintage Books, Used Textbooks, Book Exchange, Book Trade-In, Local Authors Collection, Graphic Novels, Out-of-Print Books, Book Repair Services, Used Audiobooks, Ephemera Collection, Biographies, Science Fiction Novels, Mystery Novels, Used Children's Books, Literary Classics, Book Appraisals, Book Consignment, Book Donations, Book Search Services, Book Signings and Author Events, Book Club Meetings, Used Cookbooks, Used Travel Books, Used Self-Help Books, Used History Books, Used Art Books, Used Poetry Books, Used Religion Books, Used Philosophy Books, Used Sports Books, Used Science Books, Used Comic Books, Used Magazines, Used Sheet Music, Used Book Bundles, Used Book Gift Certificates, Book Accessories, Used DVDs and Blu-rays, Used CDs and Vinyl Records, Used Board Games and Puzzles, Used Bookmarks, Used Posters and Prints, Local Artwork, Bookstore Merchandise, Free Wi-Fi and Reading Area
Collectibles store:
Vintage Toy Collectibles, Rare Comic Books, Limited Edition Figurines, Autographed Memorabilia, Pop Culture Collectibles, Sports Memorabilia, Movie Poster Collection, Vintage Board Games, Retro Video Games, Rare Vinyl Records, Trading Card Games, Antique Coin Collections, Stamp Collections, Classic Model Trains, Historical Military Collectibles, Limited Edition Art Prints, Collectible Glassware, Antique Furniture, Vintage Jewelry, Rare Book Collections, Classic Car Memorabilia, Vintage Advertising Items, Old Magazines and Newspapers, Limited Edition Clothing, Collectible Pins and Badges, Antique Dolls and Teddy Bears, Retro Electronics, Vintage Musical Instruments, Sports Trading Cards, Nostalgic Home Decor, Collectible Postcards, Antique Cameras, Vintage Watches and Clocks, Retro Kitchenware, Classic Sci-Fi Collectibles, Signed Sports Equipment, Historical Documents, Antique Maps and Globes, Rare Album Covers, Vintage Movie Props, Autographed Music Memorabilia, Old Radios and Telephones, Classic Animation Art, Antique Tools and Gadgets, Rare Buttons and Patches, Vintage Luggage and Travel Items, Retro Advertising Signs, Collectible Currency, Antique Textiles and Fabrics, Classic Motorcycle Memorabilia
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
Used appliance store:
Used Refrigerator Sales, Used Washing Machine Sales, Used Dishwasher Sales, Used Dryer Sales, Used Oven Sales, Used Microwave Sales, Used Freezer Sales, Used Air Conditioner Sales, Used Vacuum Cleaner Sales, Used Water Heater Sales, Used Kitchen Appliance Bundles, Used Laundry Appliance Bundles, Used Appliance Parts Sales, Used Appliance Repair Services, Used Appliance Installation Services, Used Appliance Delivery Services, Used Appliance Haul Away Services, Used Appliance Warranty Services, Used Appliance Financing Options, Used Appliance Trade-in Programs, Used Appliance Recycling Services, Used Small Kitchen Appliance Sales, Used Coffee Maker Sales, Used Toaster Sales, Used Blender Sales, Used Mixer Sales, Used Food Processor Sales, Used Slow Cooker Sales, Used Juicer Sales, Used Griddle Sales, Used Waffle Maker Sales, Used Ice Cream Maker Sales, Used Air Fryer Sales, Used Pressure Cooker Sales, Used Rice Cooker Sales, Used Electric Kettle Sales, Used Espresso Machine Sales, Used Bread Maker Sales, Used Indoor Grill Sales, Used Soda Maker Sales, Used Home Appliance Sales, Used Fan Sales, Used Space Heater Sales, Used Humidifier Sales, Used Dehumidifier Sales, Used Iron Sales, Used Sewing Machine Sales, Used Steam Cleaner Sales, Used Carpet Cleaner Sales, Used Window AC Unit Sales
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
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
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
Record store:
Vinyl Records Sales, CD Sales, Music Merchandise, Turntable Accessories, Limited Edition Albums, Rare Vinyl Collection, Album Listening Stations, Record Cleaning Services, Vinyl Grading, Music Memorabilia, Imported Albums, Audiophile Vinyl Records, Used Vinyl Records, Vintage Audio Equipment, Record Store Day Specials, Music Recommendations, Music Genres Collection, New Release Albums, Pre-orders on Upcoming Releases, Trade-in Services, Record Sleeves and Covers, Music Posters, Band T-shirts, Vinyl Record Storage Solutions, Record Store Events, Album Signings, In-store Performances, Music Gift Cards, Custom Vinyl Pressing, Music Books and Magazines, Music-themed Gifts, Music Collectibles, Local Artist Albums, Cassette Tapes, Headphones, Stereo Equipment, DJ Equipment, Record Store Membership, Music-themed Artwork, Music Instruction Books, Music-related DVDs and Blu-rays, Music Festival Tickets, Concert Tickets, Vinyl Record Appraisal, Gift Wrapping Services, Custom Music Playlists, Music-themed Home Decor, Music Lessons and Workshops, Instrument Accessories, Shipping Services
Art gallery:
Contemporary Art Exhibitions, Abstract Art Showcases, Fine Art Photography Displays, Sculpture Installations, Mixed Media Art Exhibits, Local Artist Spotlight, International Art Collections, Curated Gallery Tours, Art Appraisal Services, Art Restoration Services, Art Investment Consultations, Private Gallery Viewings, Artwork Framing, Custom Art Commissions, Live Painting Demonstrations, Artist Meet and Greets, Art Classes and Workshops, Youth Art Programs, Guided Group Gallery Visits, Charity Art Auctions, Public Art Installations, Outdoor Art Exhibitions, Ceramics and Pottery Showcases, Printmaking Exhibitions, Digital Art Displays, Illustration Exhibits, Performance Art Events, Street Art Collections, Textile Art and Fiber Exhibits, Glass Art Showcases, Jewelry Art Displays, Environmental Art Exhibitions, Artists-in-Residence Programs, Calligraphy and Typography Showcases, Film Screenings and Video Art, Virtual Reality Art Experiences, Interactive Art Installations, Art Book and Publication Sales, Art-themed Gift Shop, Limited Edition Art Prints, Artwork Rental Services, Curator-led Gallery Talks, Art Advisory Services, Museum and Gallery Partnerships, Architectural Art Exhibitions, Art Critique and Discussion Events, Emerging Artist Showcases, Seasonal Art Exhibits, Member-exclusive Gallery Events, Art-themed Social Events, Collaborative Art Projects, Art Residency Opportunities
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
Bicycle store:
Bicycle Sales, Electric Bikes, Mountain Bikes, Road Bikes, Hybrid Bikes, Cruiser Bikes, Commuter Bikes, BMX Bikes, Kids Bikes, Bicycle Rentals, Used Bicycles, Bike Accessories, Helmets, Locks, Bike Lights, Bike Pumps, Cycling Apparel, Cycling Shoes, Bicycle Repair, Bike Tune-ups, Wheel Truing, Tire and Tube Repair, Brake Adjustments, Drivetrain Maintenance, Bike Assembly, Bike Fitting, Custom Bike Builds, Suspension Services, Bicycle Storage, Cycling Events, Group Rides, Bike Maintenance Classes, Bicycle Trade-ins, Cycling Nutrition, Bike Racks, Bike Trailers, Bicycle Shipping, Indoor Cycling Trainers, Cycling Computers, GPS Devices, Bicycle Leasing, Bike Financing, Bicycle Consignment, Cycling Bags, Water Bottles, Cycling Gloves, Bike Saddles, Pedals, Handlebars, Cycling Glasses, Cycling Socks, Tire Sealant, Cycling Tools
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.
