A Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential for home service businesses looking to boost their online visibility. Whether you’re an HVAC contractor, plumber, or electrician, the right category selection can significantly impact your search ranking and help customers find your services. Understanding how to choose the correct primary and additional categories is crucial for maximizing your profile’s effectiveness.
What Are Google Business Profile Categories?
GBP categories are labels used to describe a business’s services and connect it to customers searching for related products or services. Your primary category represents your main business activity, while additional categories provide more details about what your business offers. For example, an HVAC company could use “HVAC Contractor” as the primary category and add “Air Conditioning Contractor” or “Heating Contractor” as additional categories.
Choosing the right categories is not just about ticking boxes; it’s about aligning your profile with the services you provide to improve local search rankings and enhance visibility on Google Maps.
Why Selecting the Correct Categories Matters
The categories you choose directly affect how Google displays your business in search results and Maps. Here are some key reasons why this matters:
- Boosts Local SEO Visibility
When users search for services like “furnace repair near me,” having the right categories helps your business show up in relevant search results. Proper categorization ensures that Google understands what services you offer so you have a better chance of appearing in local searches. - Improves Relevance in Search Results
Google ranks local businesses based on relevance, distance, and prominence. Categories play a role in the “relevance” metric, signaling to Google what type of services you provide so potential customers see your business when searching for those services. - Unlocks Special Features for Your Business Profile
Some features on GBP are only available for specific categories. For example, businesses in categories like “Plumber” or “HVAC Contractor” can highlight their service areas and specific offerings, such as emergency repairs, installations, or maintenance services. Choosing the right category can unlock tools that enhance your profile’s functionality, making it easier for customers to find the services they need.
Best Practices for Selecting Google Business Profile Categories
Choosing the right categories for your business may seem straightforward, but there are several factors to consider for optimal results. Here’s how you can make the most of your category selection:
- Start with a Specific Primary Category
Your primary category should accurately describe your main line of work. Be as specific as possible. Instead of choosing a broad category like “Contractor,” opt for “HVAC Contractor” or “Plumber” to give a clear picture of your core business. This helps Google understand what your business does and shows your profile to the right audience.
Example Categories for Home Service Businesses:
- Additional: “Air Conditioning Contractor,” “Heating Contractor,” “Air Duct Cleaning Service,” “Furnace Repair Service”
- Additional: “Drainage Service,” “Sewer Contractor,” “Water Heater Repair Service,” “Gas Line Contractor”
- Additional: “Lighting Contractor,” “Electrical Installation Service,” “Security System Installer,” “Generator Shop”
- Additional: “Garage Door Repair Service,” “Garage Builder,” “Overhead Door Supplier”
- Additional: “Siding Contractor,” “Gutter Cleaning Service,” “Window Installation Service,” “Skylight Contractor”
- Additional: “Termite Control,” “Rodent Control Service,” “Bed Bug Extermination,” “Wildlife Removal Service”
- Add Relevant Additional Categories
While your primary category carries the most weight, additional categories give extra context to the services you offer. You can choose up to nine additional categories, but only select those that accurately represent your services. Overusing categories can dilute your profile’s effectiveness, so focus on those most relevant to your business. - Research Competitor Categories
Take a look at what categories your top competitors are using. Tools like GMBspy can help identify competitors’ categories, giving you insights into which categories Google rewards in local search results. This can guide you in choosing categories that can enhance your local SEO strategy. - Maintain Consistency Across Listings
Make sure your chosen categories are consistent across all platforms where your business is listed. This will help avoid confusion and keep your business information accurate wherever customers find it. - Avoid Overloading Your Profile with Unnecessary Categories
It might be tempting to add as many categories as possible to cover a wide range of services. However, Google’s recommendation is to use the fewest categories that best describe your core business. Focus on what you do best and avoid including categories that aren’t a significant part of your services.
How to Update Your Categories in Google Business Profile
If you haven’t already optimized your GBP categories, here’s how you can do it:
- Sign in to Your Google Business Profile
- Go to the ‘Edit Profile’ Section
- Choose ‘Business Information’ and Select ‘Business Category’
- Update Your Primary Category or Add Additional Categories
- Click ‘Save’ to Apply Changes
Keep in mind that changing categories might require re-verification of your business, as Google may need to confirm the accuracy of the updated information.
Need Assistance?
Choosing the right Google Business Profile categories may seem simple, but it plays a critical role in local SEO. By selecting an appropriate primary category and relevant additional categories, you can help your business show up in local search results, reach the right audience, and take advantage of special GBP features. For home service businesses, getting this right can be a game-changer for your online presence.
Need help optimizing your Google Business Profile? CI Web Group specializes in local SEO for the trades and can guide you through setting up your GBP for maximum impact. Contact us today to learn more!
