Google Business Profile categories
What are Google Business Profile categories?
Google Business Profile categories are labels from Google’s fixed list, such as “Italian restaurant”, “Plumber” or “Family law attorney”, that describe what a business is. Each profile has one primary category and can add up to nine additional categories. Categories help Google decide which searches a business is relevant for and unlock category-specific features, such as menus or bookings.
Google’s guidance is to use as few categories as needed to describe your core business, and to pick categories that describe what the business is, not everything it sells. A shop that sells some coffee is not a “Coffee shop”.
Why Google Business Profile categories matter for SEO
The primary category is one of the strongest relevance signals among the local ranking factors. Choosing “Emergency dentist” rather than just “Dentist”, where it is true, can make a clear difference for matching searches.
Categories are also a quick way to learn from competitors. The categories used by businesses ranking in the local pack for your keyword show what Google associates with that search.
How to choose GBP categories
- Pick the most specific primary category that accurately describes your main business.
- Add secondary categories only for other things you genuinely are, not services you offer occasionally.
- Check which categories the top local competitors use for your main keywords.
- List individual services in the services section of your Google Business Profile instead of adding loosely related categories.
- Review categories occasionally, as Google adds new ones.
Google Business Profile categories FAQ
How many categories can I have on Google Business Profile?
One primary category plus up to nine additional ones. Google recommends using as few as you need to describe your core business.
Does changing my primary category affect rankings?
It can, because the primary category is a strong relevance signal. A change may also trigger re-verification, so make it only when the new category is more accurate.
Related SEO terms
Google Business Profile is Google’s free listing for local businesses, shown in Maps and the local pack with hours, reviews, photos and directions.
Local ranking factors decide which businesses Google shows in Maps and the local pack. Google names three: relevance, distance and prominence.
The local pack is the block of map and business listings Google shows for local searches, usually three businesses from Google Maps.
Google Maps SEO is optimising your business so it ranks higher in Google Maps searches, mainly through your Google Business Profile and reviews.