Conquering Categories: Choosing the Right Ones for Your Google Business Profile
Why Categories Matter
Categories on your GBP profile act as signals to Google, informing the search engine about the nature of your business. They influence how your business appears in local search results and Google Maps, impacting how easily potential customers can find you. The right categories help in:
1. Improving Local SEO: Accurate categories can enhance your local SEO, making it easier for customers to find your business when searching for specific services.
2. Attracting Relevant Customers: Choosing precise categories helps attract customers who are specifically looking for what you offer.
3. Increasing Visibility: Being categorised correctly increases the chances of appearing in relevant search results, boosting your visibility.
Steps to Choosing the Right Categories
1. Understand Your Business
Before selecting categories, have a clear understanding of your business’s core offerings. Ask yourself:
– What products or services do we offer?
– What sets our business apart from competitors?
– Who is our target audience?
2. Primary Category First
Your primary category is the most critical choice as it defines the main focus of your business. It should be the most accurate representation of what your business does. For example, if you run a coffee shop that also sells pastries, “Coffee Shop” should be your primary category, as it most accurately describes your core offering.
3. Add Relevant Secondary Categories
Secondary categories allow you to provide additional context about your business. They should support and expand upon your primary category. However, avoid overloading your profile with too many categories, as this can dilute your SEO impact and confuse potential customers.
For instance, a restaurant might have “Fine Dining Restaurant” as its primary category and secondary categories like “Seafood Restaurant,” “Steakhouse,” and “Cocktail Bar” to highlight specific offerings.
4. Use Google’s Category Suggestions
Google offers a comprehensive list of categories to choose from. Use these suggestions to find the most accurate descriptors for your business. While Google regularly updates its category list, it’s essential to check and adjust your categories periodically to stay relevant.
5. Analyse Competitor Categories
Research your competitors’ GBP profiles to see what categories they use. This can provide insights into industry standards and inspire you to include categories you may not have considered. However, ensure that your selected categories accurately reflect your offerings and not just mimic your competitors.
6. Focus on Specificity and Accuracy
Being specific helps in targeting the right audience. Avoid generic categories if more specific options are available. For example, if you specialize in vegan cuisine, choose “Vegan Restaurant” instead of just “Restaurant.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Choosing Too Many Categories: Overloading your profile with categories can confuse Google and potential customers. Stick to relevant, impactful categories.
2. Ignoring Updates: Google periodically updates its categories. Failing to review and update your profile can result in outdated or irrelevant categories.
3. Being Vague: Vague categories fail to attract specific customers looking for particular services. Always opt for specific categories where possible.
Conclusion
Choosing the right categories for your Google Business Profile is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your online visibility and customer engagement. By understanding your business, carefully selecting primary and secondary categories, and staying updated with Google’s offerings, you can effectively conquer categories and elevate your business’s presence in local search results.
Remember, your categories should accurately reflect what your business offers, and they should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure they align with your evolving services. With the right approach, you can attract more relevant customers and stand out in the competitive digital landscape.
Let’s talk! Schedule a call and see how we can transform your online visibility. Connect with us
Learn more about our Google Adwords & Local Service Ads
Learn more about our GMB SEO
Learn more about our SEO Services
Create a Google Business Profile