What Is a Google Business Profile Category (GBP)?
A Business Category on Google Business Profile (GBP) defines the type of products or services a company provides. Choosing the correct category is one of the most important Local SEO decisions, as it directly affects visibility in Google Maps and the Map Pack.
What Does a Business Category Mean in Consulting?
In consulting, a GBP Business Category ensures that clients appear for the right search queries. For example, a law firm selecting “Personal Injury Attorney” as its primary category will rank better for relevant searches than if it chose the more generic “Lawyer.” Consultants also use secondary categories to broaden visibility.
Why Business Categories Matter for Business Strategy
Categories are a major Local Ranking Factor. Incorrect or incomplete selections can limit exposure.
Benefits of Proper GBP Categories:
- Ensures visibility in the right searches
- Improves Map Pack ranking potential
- Increases click-through rates from relevant users
- Reduces competition by targeting niche categories
- Provides clarity to both Google and customers
How Omega Trove Optimizes GBP Categories
At Omega Trove, we research competitors and market trends to select the most effective categories. Our process includes:
- Identifying the most relevant primary category
- Adding secondary categories for additional services
- Updating categories when services expand
- Aligning categories with keywords and citations
- Testing category changes to measure ranking impact
Learn more about our Local SEO services.
Related Terms You Should Know
- What Is a Business Category on GBP – The platform where business categories are selected.
- Local Ranking Factors – Signals that determine placement in Maps, including categories.
- Location Authority – Trust level Google assigns based on consistent optimization.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Google Business Profile Category?
A Google Business Profile (GBP) Category defines what your business does and determines which search queries trigger your listing in Google Maps and the Local Pack. Selecting the correct category improves local relevance, visibility, and click-through rates for targeted service-based searches.
2. How many business categories can I select in GBP?
You can choose one primary category and up to nine secondary categories. The primary category carries the most ranking weight and should precisely describe your core service, while secondary categories help you appear in related searches.
3. What’s the difference between primary and secondary GBP categories?
The primary category has the strongest influence on your local SEO rankings and Map Pack visibility. Secondary categories expand your exposure to related search terms. For instance, a “Roofing Contractor” might also add “Gutter Cleaning Service” as a secondary category for broader reach.
4. Does the GBP category affect rankings in Google Maps?
Yes — category choice is one of the top five Local Ranking Factors according to BrightLocal’s 2023 study. Businesses with accurate, optimized categories are up to 64% more likely to appear in the Google Map Pack than those with generic or mismatched categories.
5. How do I choose the best GBP category for my business?
Start with your core service and compare competitor listings in your area. Use Google’s suggested category list or tools like PlePer to find category variants. Always pick the most specific category available to maximize relevance and reduce competition.
6. Can I change my GBP category later?
Yes. Google allows category updates at any time. However, frequent changes can temporarily lower visibility as Google reassesses relevance. Update only when your services expand or business focus shifts.
7. Should I use the broadest or most specific GBP category?
Always choose the most specific category available. For example, “Family Law Attorney” ranks better for targeted searches than simply “Lawyer.” Broad categories reduce ranking precision and increase competition.
8. Do secondary categories help ranking as much as primary?
No, but they still matter. The primary category influences 70–80% of your Map Pack relevance, while secondary categories account for 20–30%. They help capture niche or long-tail local queries.
9. How often should businesses review their GBP categories?
Review categories annually, or whenever new services launch. Industry categories evolve—Google adds or modifies over 100+ GBP categories each year. Regular updates maintain visibility and ensure alignment with current search intent.
10. Can the wrong GBP category hurt my SEO?
Yes. Choosing an irrelevant or inaccurate category can confuse Google’s local algorithm, lower relevance, and misdirect traffic. Businesses with mismatched categories see up to 32% fewer impressions and reduced conversion rates in local search results.
