We look at how to choose the right Google Business Profile categories and why it matters.
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) – formerly known as Google My Business – plays a crucial role in local SEO. One of the most vital elements of your business profile is selecting the right google business profile categories.
Your primary category significantly affects how high you appear in local search results and on Google Maps. Google considers your primary GBP category the most important local ranking factor for appearing in the local pack.
But finding the right category isn’t always easy. Many local businesses struggle with questions like: Which google categories are right for my services? Should I pick just one primary category or use secondary categories too?
This guide addresses these common issues and provides a clear process to improve your google business profile with the right profile categories for increased online visibility and local SEO rankings.
We’ll also explore how aligning your business profile categories with UK directories like Noticed UK and Yell can strengthen your local SEO and attract more potential customers. Let’s get started!
Why GBP Categories Matter for Local SEO
When users conduct local searches (like “family law attorney near me”), Google’s algorithm uses your google business profile categories to decide what appears in the map pack. Your primary category tells Google what your business does and matches your profile to relevant search queries.
Example: In the local pack, the primary category is shown under your business name. This boosts visibility and signals relevance.
Getting your category selection right is essential for strong local SEO rankings:
Primary category = Top ranking factor:
Your primary category is like your online job title. A wrong category can mislead Google and damage your ranking. The right google business profile category improves your chances of appearing in local results for relevant terms.
Visibility and engagement boost:
Correct category selection improves visibility and leads to more engagement. Listings with accurate profile categories get up to 3.5x more clicks and calls than those with vague categories. That engagement boosts your position in search results.
Public profile impact:
Your google business profile shows your primary category publicly. A mismatch confuses customers. For instance, if you choose “Health Club” but operate a day spa, users will skip your listing. Always choose the most specific category that reflects your core business.
Understanding Primary vs. Secondary Categories
You can assign one primary category and multiple secondary categories to your own business profile. Here’s the difference:
Primary Category:
This is your main category – the one that best defines your core service. If you run a dental clinic, “Dentist” should be your primary category. It’s the main signal Google uses for ranking.
Secondary Categories:
These additional categories describe other services your business offers. You can add up to nine secondary categories. For example, a law firm might include “Divorce Attorney,” “Family Law Attorney,” or “Legal Services”.
Pro Tip:
Don’t stuff all ten slots with loosely related categories. Focus on relevant categories that align with your core offerings. Too many unrelated google categories dilute your ranking and confuse search algorithms.
How to Pick the Best Category for Your Business
Here are steps to help you choose the right google categories for your profile:
Describe Your Business:
Use simple terms. If you’re a divorce lawyer, choose that over just “Lawyer.” Be accurate – clarity improves ranking and conversion. Describe your business clearly and focus on the products or services you most want to be found for.
Research Available Categories:
You can’t create a custom category. Use Google’s suggested GBP categories when you edit profile. Tools like Pleper help show the full list of available categories.
Check Competitors:
Look at your competitor’s secondary categories and primary category via Google Maps. If multiple competitors use the same category and it fits your business type, consider using it.
Focus on Core Offerings:
Choose a primary category that reflects your highest-value services. For example, a real estate agent focusing on commercial properties should avoid listing only as “Real Estate Agency.”
Add Relevant Secondary Categories:
If you’re a clothing store that also sells accessories, add “Fashion Accessories Store” as a secondary category. Use only relevant and accurate additional categories.
Choose a Broader Category if Needed:
If no specific category fits, go with a broader category. For instance, use “Resort” if “Mountain Spa Hotel” isn’t available.
Monitor Changes:
Google frequently adds and updates new categories. Regularly check for updates to improve your online visibility and avoid outdated selections.
How to Add or Change Your Google Business Profile Category (Step-by-Step)
Updating your business category on Google is a straightforward process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to choose or change your GBP categories:
Sign in to Google Business:
Use your Google account to log into the google business profile dashboard. If you haven’t created a profile, create one first.
Find Your Business Profile:
Search for “my business” on Google Search or use the Google Maps app. Click “Edit profile” on your listing.
Edit the Category:
Go to “About” or “Info” and click on the business category field. Click the pencil icon to change it.
Select a Primary Category:
Start typing your main category. Google will show matching google business profile categories. Pick the most specific category that accurately describes your core.
Add Secondary Categories:
Use “Add another category” to list secondary categories. Stick to google business profile categories relevant to your services.
Save Your Changes:
Click “Save” to confirm your new categories. Changes are usually applied quickly.
Verify the Update:
Check your google business profile on Google Search or Maps to verify the updated profile categories.
Boosting Your Local Rank with UK Directory Listings
Your google business profile is critical, but directory listings also matter.
Reinforce Categories
Make sure your GBP categories and the categories listed on sites like Noticed UK and Yell match. This consistency strengthens your business profile and helps Google understand your business information.
Build Credibility
Listings that match your google business profile boost trust with both Google and potential customers. The more accurate your listings, the better your ranking and visibility.
Improve Rankings
The more you appear on quality UK directories with consistent business category and business address, the higher your local SEO rankings climb.
Increase UK Visibility
Sites like Yell.com and Noticed UK rank well and help customers find you even outside Google Maps. Use them to gain extra traffic and exposure.
Top UK Business Directories
List your own profile in the following directories for maximum impact:
- Noticed UK: Targeted for local businesses and local searches
- Yell.com: High-volume directory that influences GBP categories
- Bing Places: Microsoft’s equivalent of Google’s business listings – important for Bing and Yahoo search users.
- Facebook Business Page: Yes, Facebook acts as a directory too. Many consumers search on Facebook or see recommendations there.
- Thomson Local: A long-standing UK directory (especially known in England) listing various local businesses.
- Others: Also consider niche directories depending on your industry (e.g. law firm, dental clinic, or supply store). Make sure the google business info matches everywhere.
Being present and consistent on these platforms amplifies your chances to rank higher on Google.
Get Noticed – Leverage GBP and Directories for Success
Your Google business profile must be accurate, strategic, and consistent. Here are the takeaways:
- Pick one primary category that best defines your core business.
- Add relevant secondary categories for other products or services.
- Keep category info consistent across platforms for stronger local SEO.
Listing your company on Noticed UK or Yell and keeping your google business categories consistent helps reach more potential customers.
It’s worth testing new categories when Google updates them. Monitor how changing categories affect your search results. Your goal is to optimize for better ranking and attract more customers.
Finally, sign up for a free listing with Noticed UK and upgrade to Premium to secure top positions in your category. The right google business profile strategy plus consistent directory visibility gives you a real edge over the competition.
Let your profile categories work smarter for your growth, visibility, and success!
Resources:
BrightLocal – How to Choose the Right Google Business Profile Categories
Jasmine Directory – Inaccurate Directory Categories Hurt Visibility
Noticed UK – SEO Benefits of Local Citations for UK Businesses