As a local business owner, mastering (or at least understanding) Google My Business (GMB) is of the utmost importance. Thisguide aims to go beyond the basics, delving into the strategy of choosing GMB categories and their profound impact on your local business visibility. I will do my best to position you with not only the strategy, but the technical know-how to position your business for success.
The Significance of GMB’s Primary Business Categories
Choosing a primary business category is a somewhat obvious step. This seemingly simple step has the power to significantly impact your local search success, yet too many businesses don’t give it the attention it deserves.
Your primary business category serves as the compass that guides potential customers to your business on Google Maps and Search. It’s not just a label or a formality; it’s a critical component in helping your business get discovered by people searching for products or services like yours. It should be the foundation of your local SEO strategy.
Selecting the right primary category offers several advantages:
- Improved Visibility: Your business will be more likely to appear in relevant search results, enhancing overall visibility.
- Competitive Edge: With all else equal, the correct primary business category can help you stand out from competitors.
- Trust Building: Pairing your listing with the appropriate category keeps the guesswork out of the hands of potential customers.
- Reputation Boost: A prominent search position can enhance your online reputation. You’re the best at what you do, right?
Conversely, choosing an incorrect category may result in:
- Reduced Visibility: Incorrect category matching may lead to poor search ranking and consequently lower customer visibility.
- Brand Dilution: You may be [accidentally] misleading customers and diluting your brand identity.
- SEO Setback: Weaken overall local SEO efforts, leading uphill battles in other areas.
Now that you understand GMB’s impact on your online presence, let’s dive into the steps and strategies for choosing the optimal primary category. This section will guide you in making informed decisions and developing an improved strategy to maximize your local search potential.
How to Choose the Right Primary Business Category
1. Align with Your Core Business: The Foundation of an Effective Primary Category
When picking your Google My Business primary category, focus on your business’s core purpose. This ensures accurate categorization, making it a breeze for potential customers to locate you when seeking the products or services that you offer.
Don’t fall into the trap of choosing a primary category you would like to fit into. If it is not your primary business you run the risk of negative consequences.
For example, let’s say you own a pizza shop that also offers ice cream. While it might be tempting to choose “Ice Cream Shop” as your primary category, this wouldn’t accurately reflect the main purpose of your business. A better choice would be “Pizzeria” or “Restaurant,” as these categories align with the primary focus of your business.
If someone searches for “ice cream shops near me” and finds your pizza shop listed as an ice cream shop, they may be disappointed when they arrive and discover that you only serve ice cream seasonally or in limited flavors. This could lead to negative reviews and a loss of customer trust.By focusing on the main purpose of your business when selecting your primary category, you can avoid confusing potential customers and ensure that your business is strategically represented online.
2. Understanding Google’s Category Selection: A Guide to Local SEO Success
Begin by exploring the categories suggested on your Google My Business dashboard, gaining insights into how Google categorizes similar businesses. You can also utilize tools like Google Trends for keyword research, aligning your choices with terms relevant to your business.
Your selected categories should accurately reflect your business’s unique identity, considering synonyms or related terms customers might use. Opt for specificity over broadness to maintain clarity and avoid diluting your online presence. If your business spans various offerings, don’t hesitate to add extra categories to comprehensively represent your range of products or services.Master Google’s category hierarchy by starting with a broad category that accurately represents your business, then refining with more specific subcategories. Experiment with different category options until you find the best fit. If the ideal category doesn’t exist, utilize the “Suggest a new category” feature, understanding that Google reviews and approves suggested categories. This concise guide ensures your business stands out accurately in the digital landscape.
3. Analyze the Competition: Identifying Opportunities for Differentiation
The next step is to conduct a strategic competitor analysis. Research your competitors’ GMB listings and analyze their primary categories, paying attention to any trends or patterns. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their primary categories and consider how you can differentiate your business. Use this information to choose a primary category that accurately represents your unique offering and sets you apart from your competitors.
For example, if you own a yoga studio that offers various classes and workshops, your primary category could be “Yoga Studio” or “Fitness Center.” However, if you also offer Pilates and meditation classes, you may want to consider categories like “Pilates Studio” or “Meditation Center.” By analyzing your competitors’ primary categories, you can determine which categories are most effective and how you can differentiate yourself.
Extra Tip: Use GMB Anywhere for easier, deeper competitive analysis.
4. Align with Customer Search Habits: Boosting Visibility through Strategic Category Choices
When choosing your primary category, it’s essential to think about how potential customers might search for a business like yours on Google. Step out of the business owner role for this – think about how you search for things. Consider both broad and specific search terms related to your industry. Choose a primary category that aligns with these search habits, ensuring your business is visible when customers search for related services.
For example, if you’re a dentist specializing in cosmetic dentistry, your primary category could be “Dentist” or “Cosmetic Dentist.” However, if you also offer orthodontic services, you may want to consider categories (or sub-categories) like “Orthodontist” or “Invisalign Provider.” By aligning your primary category with customer search habits, you can increase your visibility and attract more potential business.
5. Long-Term Impact: Balancing Short-Term Goals with Enduring Growth and Success
Choosing a primary category is a long-term decision that requires careful consideration. It’s important to evaluate both short-term and long-term impact when making this decision, considering how it will affect your local SEO efforts in the future. Avoid changing your primary category too frequently, as this can disrupt your local SEO efforts and confuse potential customers. Make a well-informed decision that balances short-term goals with long-term growth and success.
For example, if you’re a restaurant owner who wants to expand your business into catering, your primary category could be “Restaurant” or “Cafe.” However, if you plan on shifting toward full-service catering for events, you may want to consider categories like “Catering Service” or “Event Catering.” By thinking about your long-term goals, you can choose a primary category that sets you up for success and helps you reach new customers.
Technical Steps: Setting Your Primary Business Category
Now, let’s walk through the technical process of setting your primary business category on Google My Business:
- Log In to Your GMB Dashboard: Access your Google My Business dashboard using your Google account credentials.
- Select Your Business Location: If you have multiple locations, choose the one you want to manage.
- Navigate to the “Info” Tab: located in the left-hand menu.
- Locate the “Primary Category” Section: Scroll down to find the “Primary Category” section.
- Edit Your Primary Category: Click the pencil icon next to your current primary category – A list of suggested categories will appear. Using the strategies we just discussed, choose the most relevant one or edit your existing selection.
- Save Changes: Click “Apply” or “Save” to confirm your changes.
GMB Primary Business Category – Summing it all Up
Choosing the right main category for your Google My Business listing involves a mix of strategy and practical steps. It’s not just a simple task; it’s about making your business more visible online. If you’re a web consultant, think of this as your go-to guide to leave a mark in the online world.
Now that you’ve gained a better understanding of your business, smart ideas, and the technical skills you need, you’re all set to enhance your GMB listing. We’re not just covering the basics here; let’s dive into the details of main business categories to ensure your business shines in local searches. Ready to boost how people see you online? Let’s explore the world of GMB categories together and confidently use these strategies to make a lasting impact online!