Google My Business is a free tool that helps businesses to manage their online presence on Google. It allows businesses to display important information such as business hours, contact information, reviews, and more. One important feature of Google My Business is the ability to select categories for your business. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Google My Business categories.
What are Google My Business Categories?
Google My Business categories are essentially keywords that describe what your business does or what services it offers. When you create a Google My Business profile, you can select up to ten categories that best describe your business. These categories help Google understand what your business does and match it to relevant search queries.
Why are Google My Business Categories Important?
Google My Business categories are essential for local SEO. By selecting the right categories for your business, you can increase your chances of appearing in relevant search results when people search for products or services similar to yours. This is especially important for businesses that rely on local customers.
How to Choose Google My Business Categories?
Choosing the right categories for your business can be a bit tricky. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Start with the obvious: Choose categories that clearly describe your business. For example, if you own a coffee shop, you might choose “Coffee shop” or “Cafe” as your primary category.
Use all ten categories: Google allows you to select up to ten categories, so use them wisely. Make sure you choose categories that are relevant to your business.
Look at your competition: Take a look at what categories your competitors are using. This can give you a good idea of what categories are relevant to your industry.
Be specific: Don’t choose broad categories that are too general. For example, if you’re a dentist, don’t just choose “healthcare.” Choose a more specific category like “dentist” or “dental clinic.”
Best Practices for Google My Business Categories
Here are a few best practices to keep in mind when selecting categories for your business:
Be accurate: Choose categories that accurately describe your business. Don’t try to game the system by choosing irrelevant categories just to get more visibility.
Don’t duplicate categories: Google doesn’t allow you to choose duplicate categories, so make sure you choose categories that are distinct from each other.
Don’t use categories for keywords: Google specifically states that categories should not be used as keywords. For example, don’t choose “Italian restaurant” as a category if you’re a pizza restaurant just because you want to appear in more search results.
How to Change Google My Business Categories?
If you need to change your Google My Business categories, here’s how you can do it:
- Sign in to your Google My Business account.
- Click on “Info” in the menu on the left-hand side of the screen.
- Click on the pencil icon next to the “Category” section.
- Choose your new categories and click “Apply.”
- Google will review your changes, and they should be live within a few days.
Google My Business categories are a vital part of local SEO. By selecting the right categories for your business, you can increase your visibility in search results and attract more local customers.
Remember to choose categories that accurately describe your business, and don’t try to game the system by choosing irrelevant categories. With a little bit of effort, you can optimize your Google My Business profile and boost your online presence.
