Last updated on June 11th, 2025 at 01:36 pm
If you’re a local business owner trying to improve visibility on Google Maps or rank in the Local 3-Pack, choosing the right Google Business category is one of the most important decisions you can make.
Yet, it’s one of the most commonly overlooked.
With over 4,000+ categories (and counting), it’s easy to get it wrong.
If you pick something too broad, you’ll be invisible.
If you pick something too narrow, your ideal customers may never find you.
You need to pick the best Google Business category to win a sweet ranking spot on Google Maps and outrank your competitors.
My Google Business ranked immediately after I found what most of my competitors were ranking for and optimized my GBP listing to compete better.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What Google Business categories are.
- Why your category choice affects your rankings.
- How to research and spy on your competitors’ categories.
- A simple, proven way to pick your best-fit categories using free tools.
- Niche-specific examples.
- And how to change yours in Google Business Profile.
What Are Google Business Categories?
Google Business Categories are labels you assign to your Google Business Profile (GBP) to help Google understand what your business does.
From my screenshot below, you can vividly see the categories these business profiles are using.
Every Google Business Profile must have:
- One primary category.
- Optionally, up to 9 additional secondary categories.
For Example, A dentist may use “Dentist” as the primary category and add “Cosmetic Dentist” and “Emergency Dental Service” as secondaries.
These categories determine:
- Which search queries your business can show up for.
- What features your listing have access to (e.g., bookings, menus).
- Where your GBP rank in local SEO.
According to a BrightLocal study, businesses that match their category with top-ranking competitors were 20% more likely to rank in the top 3 of Google Maps.
Why Picking the Right Category Is Critical for Local SEO
When you choose the correct Google Business category that fits your business, it directly affects:
- Search visibility — Your business shows up for the right local queries.
- Google 3-Pack rankings — Better category relevance can improve your placement.
- Customer trust — Accurate categories build credibility with local searchers.
- GBP features — Some categories unlock booking buttons, Q&As, and menus.
Getting it wrong can mean:
- Your business is not appearing for core keywords.
- You’re competing in the wrong category.
- You’re missing out on high-intent local traffic.
I will advise you to take this seriously because the success of your local SEO depends on it as a #2 ranking factor after proximity in the search result and #1 ranking factor in local pack/finder rankings, according to a report by Whitespark.
Common Mistakes Business Owners Make
So many businesses unknowingly ruin their local SEO by:
- Choosing generic categories like “Consultant” or “Store”.
- Failing to add secondary categories (up to 9 allowed)
- Selecting irrelevant or outdated terms.
- Not researching competitors’ categories to find what’s working
These Google Business Profile mistakes sabotage your efforts, thereby making it hard for you to rank and attract buyers.
Expert Advice: I advise my clients to avoid these traps with a smarter, faster research method outlined below.
How to Research the Best Google Business Category (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the easiest way to find the most effective category used by top local SEO pros:
Step 1: Google your main service or product.
Search like a customer would:
“Photographer near me”
“SEO agency in Chicago”
Step 2: Check top-ranking Google Business listings.
Click on the top 3 listings in the map pack or sidebar to spy on their Google Maps and check the exact categories they use.
Step 3: Use the GMB Everywhere Chrome Extension
Once the Chrome extension is installed, this free tool instantly shows you:
- Primary and secondary categories.
- Number of reviews.
- Posting activity.
- Full audit of any GBP listing.
(All visible directly on Google Maps!)
Pro Tip: Use this to audit multiple competitors and spot category patterns you should use.
Step 4: Compare category usage
Take note of the primary category most top competitors use. If 3 out of 4 rankers use “Personal Injury Attorney” instead of just “Lawyer”, choose that as your primary.
Step 5: Add 2–4 secondary categories
GMB allows up to 9, but 2–4 tightly related secondaries are often optimal. Avoid spammy overuse.
Niche-Specific Category Examples:
| Business Type | Primary Category | Suggested Secondaries |
| Photographer | Photographer | Wedding Photographer, Portrait Studio |
| Dental Clinic | Dentist | Cosmetic Dentist, Dental Hygienist |
| Real Estate Agent | Real Estate Agent | Real Estate Consultant, Property Management |
| Coffee Shop | Coffee Shop | Cafe, Breakfast Restaurant |
| Plumber | Plumber | Drainage Service, Emergency Plumber |
Do you want to find these categories faster? GMB Everywhere does it in one click with its AI-powered category finder.
How To Use the GMB Everywhere AI-Powered Category Tool
If you’re still unsure what category to choose, GMB Everywhere has a built-in AI category suggestion tool that removes the guesswork, which I have used.
Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Go to the GMB Everywhere dashboard
Sign in and open the Category Tool from your account panel or search “my business profile” on Google search to sign into your GBP, then click on “AI Tools” as seen in the screenshot below.
Step 2: Describe your business in plain language
Type something like:
“We are a mobile pet grooming service that visits homes in Atlanta.”
Or type the main service your business offers, and it will populate related services for you, like “graphic design”
Step 3: Let the AI suggest your most relevant categories
It instantly returns a list of top-fit Google Business Categories based on your business type, including both primary and secondary recommendations.
Example output:
- Mobile Pet Grooming Service
- Pet Groomer
- Dog Day Care Center
Step 4: Apply what fits and check competitors to validate yours
Use the AI suggestions to shortlist your best options, then compare with what top-ranking competitors are already using via the browser extension.
Try the tool here: GMB Everywhere Category Tool
This feature is especially helpful for new businesses or uncommon niches, where manual research can get confusing.
Examples of the Best Google Business Categories by Niche
Here’s how category selection plays out across different industries.
You can use these as reference points when choosing yours and validate them using GMB Everywhere.
| Industry/Niche | Primary Category | Suggested Secondary Categories |
| Photographer | Photographer | Wedding Photographer, Portrait Studio, Photo Studio |
| Dental Clinic | Dentist | Cosmetic Dentist, Emergency Dental Service, Pediatric Dentist |
| Real Estate Agency | Real Estate Agency | Real Estate Consultant, Property Management Company |
| Bakery/Café | Bakery | Coffee Shop, Breakfast Restaurant, Dessert Shop |
| Personal Trainer | Personal Trainer | Fitness Center, Wellness Program, Gym |
| Digital Marketing | Marketing Agency | Internet Marketing Service, Advertising Agency |
| Electrician | Electrician | Electrical Engineer, Lighting Contractor, Solar Installer |
| Beauty Salon | Beauty Salon | Hair Salon, Nail Salon, Facial Spa |
| Car Repair Shop | Auto Repair Shop | Brake Shop, Transmission Shop, Tire Shop |
| Cleaning Service | House Cleaning Service | Janitorial Service, Carpet Cleaning, Commercial Cleaner |
Use the GMB Everywhere AI Category Tool to explore more niche-specific recommendations tailored to your service and city.
How to Change or Add a Category in Google Business Profile
If you’ve realized your current categories aren’t the best fit, here’s how to update them.
Step-by-Step: Update Google Business Categories
- Sign in to your Google Business Profile (via Google search or business.google.com)
- Click on “Edit profile” → “Business category”
- Enter your primary category (only one allowed)
- Add up to 9 secondary categories
- Click Save and wait for Google’s review (usually within 24–48 hours)
Note: Avoid frequent changes or adding irrelevant categories. This could trigger a review or suspension.
Conclusion
Choose Smarter, Not Blindly.
Picking your Google Business category isn’t a one-time guess; it’s a local SEO lever that can drive more views, clicks, and customers to your listing.
Here’s the smart approach to follow immediately after reading this:
- Audit top local competitors with precision.
- Use the GMB Everywhere Chrome Extension to audit
- Let the AI-powered Category Tool suggest best-fit options.
- Select a strategic mix of primary and secondary categories
- Monitor your rankings and adjust only when necessary
When you have the right category, you’ll appear in more searches, rank higher in the Map Pack, and attract better leads without spending a dime on ads.
Are you ready to discover your perfect Google Business category?
Try GMB Everywhere for free and start spying on competitors today.
If you want a Google Business Profile Audit and Optimization service done for you, check out my local SEO services for small businesses today.
I can help you rank in the Local 3-Pack and increase your calls in 30 days. Get started here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a primary category on Google My Business?
A primary category on Google My Business (now Google Business Profile) defines what your business is best known for.
It helps Google understand your core service and match your listing to relevant local searches. You can only choose one primary category, so it’s crucial to get it right.
What is the best category for a local business on Google?
The best category is the one that most directly reflects your main service. Use competitor research and the GMB Everywhere Category Tool to find the top-performing options.
Can I use more than one category on Google Business Profile?
Yes. While you can only select one primary category, Google allows you to add up to nine additional (secondary) categories. These secondary categories support your visibility for related searches but carry less SEO weight than the primary one.
You must choose one primary category, and you can add up to nine secondary categories. These help you show up for more relevant search terms.
How do I find the best Google Business category for my business?
Start by researching what categories your top-ranking competitors use. Tools like GMB Everywhere let you see visible and hidden categories on any Google listing.
Pick the category that most closely matches your main service, not just a general industry.
What happens if I choose the wrong category on Google?
Choosing an incorrect or vague category can significantly reduce your visibility in Google Maps and the local 3-pack. You may also rank for irrelevant searches or fail to appear in searches that actually match your services.
Can I change my Google Business category later?
Yes, you can change your primary and secondary categories at any time from your Google Business dashboard. However, frequent changes may trigger re-verification or affect your rankings temporarily. Make sure changes align with real business offerings.
How do I see which category a competitor is using on Google?
Install the GMB Everywhere Chrome Extension. When you view a business listing on Google Maps, the extension reveals all categories (primary + secondary) instantly.
Does changing my Google Business category affect my SEO?
Yes. Updating your category can either improve or hurt your rankings, depending on relevance. Use category changes strategically and base them on verified data from top-ranking competitors.
How often can I change my category?
There’s no hard limit, but frequent changes can confuse Google’s algorithm and reduce trust. Update only when necessary and always test based on real data.
If you like this article, then please subscribe to my YouTube Channel for value-packed video tutorials. You can also find me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
Affiliate Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase after clicking through the link (at no extra cost to you). I only recommend tools I’ve personally tested and believe will truly help small businesses succeed. Your support helps keep this site running.
