Choosing the right categories for your Google My Business (GMB) listing is very important. It helps your business show up in the right local searches. If your categories are correct, people will find your business more easily. Google uses these categories to understand what your business does.
In this blog, we will explain how to choose the best categories step by step. The context will stay the same. Tech Empires helps many businesses improve their GMB listings by choosing the right categories.
What Are GMB Categories?
GMB categories are labels that describe your business. These labels tell Google what your business offers. You must choose one primary category. You can also choose several secondary categories.
The primary category is the most important. It has the biggest effect on how your business shows up in search results. The secondary categories are extra labels. They give more detail about your services.
For example, if you have a digital marketing agency, your primary category can be “Marketing Agency.” Your secondary categories can be “Internet Marketing Service” or “Advertising Agency.” Always make sure the categories match your real services.
Start with Your Core Services
First, you need to think about what your main service is. Ask yourself: What does your business do best? That service should be your primary category.
Try not to choose a category that is too general or not related to your main work. If you own a bakery, choose “Bakery” as your primary category. Don’t choose “Cafe” or “Restaurant” unless you mostly sell meals or drinks.
Choosing the right main category helps people find exactly what they are looking for. It also helps Google show your business in the right searches.
Use Supporting Categories Wisely
After choosing your main category, you can add some secondary categories. Google lets you add up to 9 of them. These categories should support your main service.
Don’t add too many. Don’t add categories that don’t fit your business. Be clear and specific. If you offer SEO services, you can choose “Internet Marketing Service” as a secondary category. Don’t just choose “Consultant,” because it is too general.
The more accurate your categories are, the better your chances of showing up in the right search results.
Check Competitor Listings
It’s smart to check what categories your competitors are using. Look at other businesses in your area that offer the same services. See which categories they picked for their GMB listings.
You can do this by searching on Google and clicking on their profiles. Or you can use online tools to find this information.
Tech Empires uses special tools to study competitor listings. We compare your categories with theirs. This helps you stay ahead in local search.
Avoid Misleading Categories
Never choose a category just to appear in more searches. It may seem like a good idea, but it can hurt your business. Google wants businesses to be honest.
If you don’t offer web design, don’t list “Web Designer” as a category. If you add wrong or unrelated categories, your ranking may drop. Google might even suspend your listing.
Be honest. Only add categories that truly match your services.
Regularly Review and Update Categories
Your business may change over time. You might add new services or stop offering old ones. That means your GMB categories may also need updates.
Check your GMB Insights often. See how people are finding your business. If you notice changes, update your categories to match.
Tech Empires helps businesses keep their listings up to date. We review your categories often and make sure they match your business growth.
Final Tips
Here are some final tips to help you choose the best GMB categories:
- Be specific – Always pick categories that clearly describe your business.
- Stay accurate – Only choose categories that match what you really do.
- Don’t repeat – If you have more than one location, use the same categories only if they offer the same services.
- Update often – Check your categories every few months, especially if your services change.
Conclusion
Choosing the right categories on your GMB listing is very important. The right categories help your business show up in local searches. They help customers find you easily.
Make sure your categories are clear, accurate, and updated. Do not guess or pick random ones. Take time to do some research.
If you want help, Tech Empires offers professional GMB optimization services. We help you pick the best categories and improve your local visibility. With Tech Empires, your business can grow online and attract more local customers.
