How Many Categories Can I Use for My Google My Business Profile?
Here at Sites by Sara we help businesses optimize their online presence through Google My Business (GMB) and other digital marketing strategies. In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of GMB categories to help you understand how they work, how many you can use, and why they matter for your business’s success.
Understanding Categories
At Sites by Sara, we believe that understanding the basics is essential before diving into any strategy. So, let’s start with what GMB categories are and why they’re crucial for your business. Categories in Google My Business act as labels that describe your business’s nature or the services it offers. Think of them as the key terms that help Google connect your business with relevant search queries.
Why does this matter? Well, when potential customers search for products or services online, Google wants to show them the most relevant results. By selecting accurate categories for your GMB profile, you increase the chances of your business appearing in those search results. It’s like choosing the right ingredients for a recipe – each one plays a vital role in the final dish.
Number of Categories
Now, you might be wondering, how many categories can I use for my Google My Business profile? The good news is that Google allows you to choose up to ten categories. However, the key here is quality over quantity. While having the option to select multiple categories is great, focusing on the most relevant ones ensures that your business stands out and attracts the right customers.
But keep in mind, not every business needs to use all ten categories. Some businesses may find that just a few accurately represent their offerings, while others may need to make strategic choices based on Google’s limitations or industry-specific factors. It’s all about selecting the categories that best showcase what your business is all about.
Choosing the Right Categories
Selecting the right categories is crucial for maximizing your GMB profile’s effectiveness. At Sites by Sara, we recommend considering factors such as your primary services, target audience, and local competition when making your choices. Imagine you’re putting together a puzzle – each piece needs to fit perfectly to complete the picture.
So, how do you choose the right categories? Start by being specific. Choose categories that precisely describe your business and the services you offer. Avoid broad or generic options that don’t accurately represent what you do. Then, stay relevant by selecting categories directly related to your products or services. Think about how potential customers might search for businesses like yours and choose categories that align with those search queries.
Local SEO Benefits
Now, let’s talk about the benefits of selecting the right categories for your GMB profile, especially when it comes to local SEO. Local search engine optimization (SEO) is all about making sure your business appears in relevant search results when people are looking for products or services in their area. By choosing the right categories, you increase your chances of showing up in those local searches.
Think of it like this – when someone in your area is looking for a specific product or service, you want your business to be front and center. By selecting relevant categories, you tell Google that your business is a perfect match for those searches, increasing your visibility to potential customers nearby.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As with any aspect of digital marketing, there are some common mistakes to avoid when it comes to selecting categories for your GMB profile. One of the biggest mistakes is overloading your profile with irrelevant categories. It’s like trying to fit too many toppings on a pizza – it might sound good in theory, but it just ends up being a mess.
Another mistake is ignoring category updates. Google regularly updates its list of available categories, adding new ones and removing outdated ones. If you ignore these updates, your profile could become less relevant over time, hurting your visibility in search results. Stay informed about changes to ensure that your categories accurately reflect your business.
Optimizing Categories for Different Businesses
The strategies for optimizing categories can vary depending on the type of business you have. For service-based businesses, it’s important to choose categories that accurately reflect the services you offer. This might include categories like “Plumber” or “Emergency Plumbing Service” for a plumbing company, or “Lawyer” or “Legal Services” for a law firm.
On the other hand, retail businesses should focus on categories that highlight the types of products they sell. This could include categories like “Clothing Store” or “Fashion Accessories” for a clothing store, or “Electronics Store” or “Home Appliances” for an electronics retailer. By choosing categories that accurately represent your business, you increase your visibility in search results and attract more customers.
Google’s Role
Google plays a critical role in determining the relevance of your GMB categories. The search engine uses various signals, including your selected categories, to understand the nature of your business and match it with relevant user queries. By ensuring that your categories accurately represent your business, you increase the chances of your business appearing in relevant search results.
Accuracy is key when it comes to selecting categories for your Google My Business profile. Misleading or inaccurate categories can lead to poor user experiences and may even result in penalties from Google. It’s important to choose categories that accurately reflect your business and the services you offer to avoid any negative consequences.
Tracking Success
Once you’ve selected your categories, it’s essential to monitor their performance regularly. Tools like Google Analytics and GMB Insights allow you to track how often your business appears in search results for each category and adjust your strategy accordingly. By monitoring your category performance, you can identify which categories are driving the most traffic and conversions and make adjustments as needed to optimize your GMB profile.
For example, a local restaurant may benefit from selecting categories such as “Restaurant,” “Cafe,” and “Italian Restaurant” to attract customers searching for dining options in their area. Similarly, a landscaping company may choose categories such as “Landscaper,” “Lawn Care Service,” and “Gardener” to target homeowners in need of landscaping services.
Lessons Learned
From these case studies, we can learn that the key to success lies in choosing categories that accurately represent your business and resonate with your target audience. By following best practices and adapting to changes, businesses can maximize their visibility on Google My Business and attract more customers.
Future Trends
As technology and consumer behavior evolve, the importance of categories in Google My Business is likely to grow. Businesses will need to stay updated on changes in search algorithms and user preferences to maintain their competitive edge. At Sites by Sara, we’re committed to helping businesses stay ahead of the curve and adapt their GMB strategies to meet the evolving needs of their customers.
Selecting the right categories for your Google My Business profile is essential for maximizing your online visibility and attracting more customers to your business. By understanding how categories work, choosing them strategically, and monitoring their performance, you can ensure that your business stands out in local search results and stays ahead of the competition. At Sites by Sara, we’re here to help you navigate the world of GMB and achieve success online.
FAQs
Can I change my categories after setting up my Google My Business profile?
Yes, you can update your categories at any time through your GMB dashboard. Simply log in, navigate to the “Info” tab, and click on the pencil icon next to your categories to make changes.
Can I add custom categories that aren’t listed in Google My Business?
No, Google provides a predefined list of categories to choose from. While you can suggest new categories to Google, you’ll need to select from the available options when setting up your profile.
Will adding more categories improve my ranking in Google search results?
Not necessarily. While selecting relevant categories is important for visibility, adding too many categories can dilute your profile’s relevance. Focus on choosing the most accurate and descriptive categories for your business.
How often should I review and update my categories?
It’s a good idea to review your categories periodically, especially if there have been changes to your business offerings or industry. Additionally, monitor your category performance regularly and make adjustments as needed.
Can I use the same categories for multiple locations of my business?
Yes, you can use the same categories for multiple locations if they accurately represent each location’s offerings. However, you may need to adjust your categories slightly to account for any differences between locations.
At Sites by Sara, we care about how your business shows up in local search results. Give us a call today to see if our Google Local optimization services can help your business. Call 385-355-5351 today!
