How to pick a Google Business category

Google Business Profile asks you to pick a category when you set up your listing. The category you choose changes which searches your business shows up in. Here is how to pick the right one.

1. Start with what customers call you

Google has hundreds of categories. Think about what a customer types when they need someone like you. A plumber is "Plumber," not "Water service company." A lawn care business is "Lawn care service," not "Landscaper" (unless you actually design landscapes).

2. Pick ONE primary category

You get one primary category and a few extra ones. The primary category matters the most. Pick the one that matches your main work. If you do three different things, pick the one that brings in the most money.

3. Add secondary categories only if they are real

You can add more categories, but only for services you actually do. Adding "Electrician" when you only do plumbing confuses Google and wastes your listing. Stick to what's real.

4. Look at what your competitors picked

Search Google Maps for your kind of business in your town. Click on a few listings and look at their categories (under the name). If the top businesses use a different category than the one you picked, consider switching.

5. Check it once a year

Google adds and removes categories over time. A better one might appear. Log in to your Google Business Profile once a year and see if the list has changed.