Maximizing your Google Visibility: How to Choose the Right Google Business Profile Categories

As a digital marketing firm dedicated to helping small businesses thrive online, let's explore an essential part of your Google Business Profile—Categories.

Categories on your Google Business Profile play a vital role in improving your visibility on Google. They act like signs that guide potential customers to your business when they search on Google Maps and Local Pack searches. But what exactly are these categories?

Google Business Profile categories are a list of the most common business types that help identify your business in local search engine results pages (SERPs). When setting up your Google Business Profile, choosing the right categories is one of your first and most crucial tasks. You select one primary category and, if applicable, up to nine additional specific ones. This decision is more than just a formality; it's a significant factor in your local search rankings.

Why is this choice so critical? Google itself has confirmed that GBP categories influence your ranking. Businesses that carefully select their categories often see better results. Neglecting this aspect could be costing you not only rankings but also the revenue that comes with higher visibility.

Choosing the right categories not only helps users find you more easily online but also provides search engines with essential information to rank your business effectively.

Big Impact, Small Choice

Optimising your Google My Business categories can have a massive effect. Seriously, it's huge.

As of February 17th, 2024, there are a whopping 4102 Google Business profile categories, and they're getting updated all the time.

Picking the Perfect Categories

So, how do you choose the right categories for your business? Easy - just keep your goals in mind.

Here's the checklist:

• Profitability: Go for categories that match your most profitable services.
• Search Volume: Pick categories that people are actually searching for - the more, the merrier.
• Competitors: Take a peek at what categories your local rivals are using. (If you're with Bloomtools, we can handle this bit for you, along with some handy recommendations.)

Remember, less is often more. Stick to Google's Guidelines to steer clear of any quality issues that could get you suspended.

Your A-Z Guide

Now, if you're scratching your head trying to find the perfect category for your business, don't worry. We've got you covered. 

Here's the entire list of Google My Business categories for 2024, neatly sorted in alphabetical order. 

Google My Business Categories

And if you're still struggling, try going for a broader category.

That's it! - now you're ready to make your mark on Google!