Part of our complete guide: Google Business Profile: the complete guide for owners.
A category is a label that tells Google what kind of business you are. It helps decide which searches your profile can appear for, and it can switch on features in your profile, such as menus or booking buttons for some business types.
Step by step
Write down what you do
List your core service and the other things you offer. The most important one becomes your main category.
Open your category settings
Go to your Business Profile, choose Edit profile, and next to Business category choose Edit.
Pick the main category
Start typing and choose from the list. Pick the most specific match, for example Italian restaurant and not Restaurant, or Pediatric dentist and not Doctor.
Add additional categories
Add other categories for things you really offer. You can have up to nine in addition to the main one. Do not add a category just because it is popular.
Look at nearby competitors
Search for your main keyword in Maps and open a few businesses at the top. Their main category shows under the name. Learn from the most relevant ones, but do not copy blindly.
Save, then check your profile
Save the changes and see how your profile looks to customers. Some categories add or remove features, so confirm that your buttons and menus still show.
What our team at MapBoost does instead
We keep your profile right, which includes your categories, attributes, services, hours, menu and booking links. Our free audit shows whether your main category is the right one.
India: ₹2,499* per location per monthEurope: €49 per location per month (or €39 billed yearly) + VAT where applicableRest of the world: $49 per location per month (or $39 billed yearly)
*Plus GST (India)
Examples of specific main categories
Names of categories change from time to time, so pick from the list Google shows you. Our industry pages list the categories we see most often for each trade.
- Instead of Restaurant: South Indian restaurant, Pizza restaurant, Cafe.
- Instead of Doctor: Dermatologist, Dentist, Physiotherapist.
- Instead of Gym: Fitness centre, Yoga studio.
- Instead of Shop: Mobile phone store, Furniture store.
- For sports: Badminton court, Cricket ground, Sports complex.
Where to find ideas for your trade
Our industry pages show the main categories used by the most-reviewed profiles we checked in Bengaluru and Delhi NCR, for each type of business.
Common mistakes
- A main category that is too broad, such as Store or Business.
- Adding categories for services you do not offer.
- Changing the main category often. Pick it with care, then leave it unless your business really changes.
- Writing your service in the business name instead of choosing the category.
- Never checking categories again after a change of business.
Questions people ask
What is a business category in Google Business Profile?
A category is a label chosen from Google’s list that tells Google and customers what kind of business you are, for example Dentist or Coffee shop.
How many categories can I have on Google Business Profile?
One main category and up to nine additional categories.
What should I put for my business category?
Choose the most specific category that describes your main business. Add extra categories only for things you really offer.
Can I add my own category to Google Business Profile?
No. You can only choose from the categories Google provides. If none fits exactly, choose the closest.
Can I change my Google Business Profile category later?
Yes. Open your profile, choose Edit profile, and change it under Business category. Change it only if your business has changed or you picked wrongly.
Does my main category affect my Google Maps ranking?
Yes. Your categories are one of the ways Google judges relevance, and the main category counts for a lot. Choose it carefully.
What are some examples of business categories?
Restaurant, Italian restaurant, Dentist, Plumber, Hair salon, Gym, Real estate agency and Lawyer are all categories. Google has thousands to choose from.
Can the category change what features my profile has?
For some business types, yes. Certain categories give you features such as menu links or booking buttons, so check your profile after a change.
Should I use the same categories as my competitors?
Use them as a guide, not a copy. If a nearby competitor ranks well and shares your business, their main category is a useful clue. Choose what describes you.
Terms used in this guide, in the glossary: Primary category, Attributes, Relevance, Local pack.