A confused business owner surrounded by floating Google My Business category icons, with a magnifying glass in hand.
Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is a powerful tool for attracting new customers and growing 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 then used to rank your business in relevant searches and display it in the appropriate category listings.

Choosing the right categories can:

  • Improve your visibility in local search results
  • Attract more qualified leads to your website
  • Help customers understand what products or services you offer
  • Boost your overall online presence

On the other hand, choosing the wrong categories can hurt your visibility and make it difficult for potential customers to find you. For example, if you’re a restaurant and you choose the category Retail, you’re less likely to show up in search results for restaurants near me.

How to Choose the Right Google Business Profile Categories

Follow these steps to choose the most accurate and relevant categories for your business:

1. Start with the Primary Category

Your primary category should be the one that most accurately reflects your main business activity. It should be the category that you would want your business to be known for. Google will use your primary category as the main way to categorize your business and will influence which search terms your listing appears in.

For example, if you own a bakery, your primary category should be Bakery. If you’re a plumber, your primary category should be Plumber. Don’t worry, you are not limited to only one category.

2. Add Additional Categories

Once you’ve chosen your primary category, you can add up to 9 additional categories. These should be other relevant categories that accurately describe your business. This is a great opportunity to expand your reach and capture a larger audience.

Let’s use the bakery example again. After selecting Bakery as your primary category, you might add secondary categories like Cake Shop, Dessert Shop, Wedding Bakery, or Caterer depending on your specializations.

However, avoid adding categories that are too broad or unrelated to your business. This can confuse Google and potential customers. For example, if your bakery only sells cakes, don’t add Restaurant as a category. Instead, choose Cake Shop.

3. Be Specific

When choosing categories, it’s important to be as specific as possible. This will help Google narrow down your target audience and show your business to the right people. Instead of simply using Restaurant, consider using more specific categories, like Sushi Restaurant, Italian Restaurant, or Seafood Restaurant.

The more specific you are, the better. Just make sure that the categories you choose accurately reflect your business and the products or services you offer.

4. Use Google’s Search Bar

Not sure what categories to choose? A great place to start is with Google! Start typing in the Google Search bar and see what Google suggests. You can search for your business type followed by category (for example, restaurant category). As you type, Google will provide a list of suggested categories that other businesses in your industry commonly use.

5. Check Out Your Competitors

See what categories your competitors are using. Look at their Google Business Profiles and see what categories they’ve chosen. Don’t be afraid to use the same categories as your competitors, especially if they are ranking well in local search results.

6. Use Relevant Keywords

Think about the keywords that potential customers might use to find your business. What would someone type into Google Search to find the products or services you provide? Once you have a list of keywords, you can use them to help you choose relevant categories. For instance, if your target audience often searches for custom cakes near me and you offer custom cake services, ensure that Cake Shop or a similar category is listed on your profile.

7. Keep Your Categories Updated

It’s important to keep your categories updated as your business changes or expands. For example, if you start offering a new product or service, add a new category. If you stop offering a product or service, remove the corresponding category.

Tips for Optimizing Your Google Business Profile Categories

Here are a few additional tips for optimizing your GBP categories:

  • Don’t overdo it: While you can choose up to 10 categories, don’t feel pressured to select all 10 if they aren’t a true reflection of your business. Focus on quality over quantity.
  • Read the category descriptions carefully: Make sure that the categories you choose accurately reflect your business. If you’re not sure about a category, read the description carefully before adding it.
  • Use a tool: Some tools can help you choose the right categories for your business. These tools can analyze your website and suggest relevant categories.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Google Business Profile categories is an important part of optimizing your online presence. By following these tips, you can make sure that your business is being seen by the right people. This will help improve your visibility, attract more qualified leads, and ultimately grow your business. If you are interested in getting more customers through your doors with the power of Google, contact us for more information.

Note: Zing Business Systems provides done-for-you solutions for Google Business Profiles or provides ideas and solutions for the DIY business owner.

Experience the future of business AI and customer engagement with our innovative solutions. Elevate your operations with Zing Business Systems. Visit us here for a transformative journey towards intelligent automation and enhanced customer experiences.

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.