A hand holding a magnifying glass over a Google Maps location pin, with different business categories like restaurant, shop, salon floating around it.
Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free tool that can help you attract new customers and grow your business. One of the most important aspects of optimizing your GBP is choosing the right categories.

Why Google Business Profile Categories Matter

Categories help Google understand what your business does and who your target audience is. This information is used to rank your business in relevant search results. When someone searches for a specific product or service in your area, Google uses your chosen categories to determine whether your business is a relevant match. For example, if you own a bakery and you choose Bakery as one of your categories, your GBP is more likely to show up in search results for queries like bakeries near me or chocolate cake. Conversely, if your categories are vague or inaccurate, Google may struggle to understand your business and you may miss out on valuable leads.

How to Choose the Right Categories for Your Business

Selecting the best categories is crucial, but the process can feel overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this essential aspect of your GBP:

1. Start with the Most Specific Category

Google My Business offers a vast selection of categories, ranging from broad to incredibly niche. Instead of opting for a generic category, drill down to the most specific option that accurately reflects your primary business activity. For example, instead of simply selecting Restaurant, consider more specific choices like Italian Restaurant, Seafood Restaurant, or Vegan Restaurant. This precision helps Google understand your unique offerings and connect you with the most relevant searches.

2. Add Additional Categories (But Don’t Go Overboard)

While starting with the most specific category is crucial, don’t limit yourself to just one. Google allows you to choose multiple categories to reflect the various aspects of your business. If you run a pet store that also offers grooming and boarding services, include categories like Pet Store, Pet Groomer, and Pet Boarding Service. However, avoid the temptation to stuff your profile with every remotely related category. Stick to categories that accurately represent your core offerings to avoid confusing Google and potentially harming your ranking.

3. Utilize Google’s Search Bar

Not sure which categories to choose? Let Google be your guide! Start typing a term related to your business into your GBP’s category section. Google will suggest relevant categories based on your input. This is an excellent way to discover both primary and secondary categories that align with your business activities.

4. Check Out the Competition

Take a look at your competitors’ Google Business Profiles. What categories are they using? This can give you valuable insights into industry standards and potentially uncover categories you hadn’t considered. Don’t simply copy your competitors’ choices, but use their profiles as inspiration to refine your own category selection.

5. Review and Update Regularly

Your business is not static, and neither should your GBP categories be. As your business evolves, so should your online presence. Regularly review and update your categories to reflect any changes in your products, services, or target audience. This ensures that your GBP remains accurate and continues to attract the right customers.

Mistakes to Avoid

While choosing categories might seem straightforward, there are common pitfalls to avoid:

  • Using Categories as Keywords: Avoid stuffing irrelevant keywords into your category section. Only use categories that genuinely represent your business.
  • Selecting Categories Based on Location: Choose categories based on your actual business activities, not just your geographic location.
  • Ignoring Category Updates: Regularly review and update your categories to reflect any changes in your business.

The Impact of Choosing the Right Categories

The categories you select for your GBP have a direct impact on your online visibility. Choosing the right categories can lead to:

  • Higher Rankings: Accurate categories help Google understand your business, potentially leading to higher rankings in local search results.
  • Increased Visibility: When your business appears in relevant search results, more potential customers can discover your products or services.
  • Better Customer Engagement: Targeting the right audience through accurate categorization can result in more qualified leads and increased customer engagement.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Categories

Your Google Business Profile is a powerful tool for attracting new customers and growing your business. By taking the time to choose the right categories, you can ensure that your GBP is working hard for you. Remember to regularly review and update your categories to reflect your business’s evolution.

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Author: Matt Kallunki

Background and Experience Born in North Carolina and raised in a military family that moved frequently across North America, Europe, and Hong Kong, Matt Kallunki learned the values of adaptability and resilience from an early age. He enlisted in the Army National Guard at 17, bringing dedication and commitment to his service—a trait he has carried through every opportunity since. His education at Utah Valley University and later at Utah State University, along with diverse roles in technology, hospitality, and marketing, has shaped a career marked by innovation and leadership. As a veteran, Kallunki proudly leads Zing Business Systems, a veteran-owned and operated business. Inspiration and Innovation The constant throughout Kallunki’s career has been the importance of effective marketing—an insight first gained while running his initial restaurant. This understanding guided him through various entrepreneurial and consulting roles, eventually leading to the foundation of Zing Business Systems. Here, Kallunki has harnessed emerging technologies to provide small businesses with smart, scalable communication solutions. Zing Business Systems: Bridging Technology and Opportunity Zing Business Systems turns everyday challenges into growth opportunities. The company's flagship service, the Missed Call Text Back, ensures that small businesses never miss out on potential customer engagements. Kallunki equips his clients with tools that streamline communication, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—their core business and customer relationships. Customer Impact Kallunki's technology revolutionizes how businesses interact with customers. From automotive to professional services, he helps business owners centralize operations and automate routine tasks, significantly enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Looking Ahead Dedicated to continuous innovation and expansion, Zing Business Systems is committed to empowering more businesses with effective communication tools. With over two decades of marketing experience and a lifelong passion for service, Kallunki is redefining standards in business engagement and management. More About Matt In addition to his professional pursuits, Matt Kallunki is a lifelong motivated learner with a diverse array of hobbies and interests that span both creative and technical fields. From open boat sailing and spear fishing to ham radio operation and gardening, Matt's activities reflect his broad interests and relentless curiosity. A Cold War to present military enthusiast and avid reader, he also indulges in audiobooks, constantly seeking new knowledge and adventures. As a certified scuba instructor and divemaster, Matt takes his passion for exploration below the water's surface, teaching others and enjoying the serene beauty of the underwater world. His love for hands-on creation is evident in his skills in woodworking and metalworking, while his technical acumen shines through in his interests in cybersecurity and networking. Photography is another passion, capturing moments from his ventures and everyday life, showcasing his artistic eye and attention to detail. Whether it’s running marathons, launching high-powered rockets, or nurturing his garden, each hobby Matt engages in reflects a facet of his dynamic personality and relentless pursuit of growth and excellence. Connect with Matt Kallunki You can connect with Matt and learn more about his work and Zing Business Systems through various platforms: Visit https://blog.zingacp.com/about-us-page for social and medial links.