If you’ve ever wondered why some businesses show up higher or get more clicks on Google Maps, it often comes down to one thing Google Business Profile categories. Choosing the right category tells Google what your business is about and helps you appear in relevant local searches.
In this guide, you’ll learn what Google Business Profile (GBP) categories are, why they matter for SEO, and how to choose the best ones. You’ll also find a summarized 2025 category list by industry to help you get started.
What Are Google Business Profile Categories?
Google Business Profile categories (formerly Google My Business categories) are labels that describe what your business does. They help Google understand your products or services so it can match you with the right searchers.
When you create or edit your profile, you’ll select one primary category and can add up to nine secondary categories. These define your visibility across Google Maps, Search, and the Local 3-Pack.
Why GBP Categories Are Important
Selecting the right categories does more than organize your listing it directly impacts your visibility and conversion rates.
Providing Relevant Information
Your category influences what appears on your profile: features like menus, appointment buttons, or service lists depend on it. For example, “Dentist” shows “Book Appointment,” while “Restaurant” shows “Menu.”
More Customer Action
The right category helps users find exactly what they need. People searching for “Italian restaurants near me” are ready to eat and if your category matches that intent, you’re in front of high-intent customers.
Higher Google Ranking
Categories help Google decide which businesses appear in the local pack. Relevance, proximity, and prominence all play a role and category relevance is one of the strongest ranking factors in Local SEO.
How To Choose The Best Business Categories
Start with your core service or product. If you’re unsure, look at what competitors in your area are using (we’ll cover that next). Use Google’s autocomplete suggestions when typing a keyword inside your Business Profile they often reveal the most accurate and up-to-date categories.
How To Find Competitor Business GMB Categories
- Search your keyword on Google Maps (e.g., “plumber near me”).
- Click on top-ranking profiles.
- View their category listed right under the business name.
- Use tools like GMBSpy or PlePer Chrome extensions for deeper insights.
Analyzing competitors gives you an idea of which categories are driving local rankings.
The Complete List of Google Business Profile Categories
Google updates its category database regularly. Below is a summarized version by industry for 2025, highlighting the most common and high-performing GBP categories.
Food & Beverage
- Restaurant
- Coffee Shop
- Bakery
- Fast Food Restaurant
- Ice Cream Shop
- Pizza Restaurant
- Bar & Grill
- Juice Bar
- Catering Service
Health & Wellness
- Dentist
- Chiropractor
- Dermatologist
- Optometrist
- Physical Therapy Clinic
- Medical Spa
- Gym
- Nutritionist
- Pharmacy
Home Services
- Plumber
- Electrician
- HVAC Contractor
- Roof Repair Service
- Cleaning Service
- Lawn Care Service
- Painter
- Pest Control Service
- Home Remodeling Contractor
Retail & E-commerce
- Clothing Store
- Shoe Store
- Electronics Store
- Furniture Store
- Jewelry Store
- Bookstore
- Grocery Store
- Online Retailer
Real Estate & Construction
- Real Estate Agency
- Property Management Company
- Home Builder
- Interior Designer
- Architectural Firm
- Mortgage Broker
Professional Services
- Accountant
- Law Firm
- Marketing Agency
- Financial Planner
- Insurance Agency
- SEO Consultant
- Graphic Designer
Automotive
- Car Dealer
- Auto Repair Shop
- Car Wash
- Tire Shop
- Auto Body Shop
- Towing Service
Travel & Hospitality
- Hotel
- Travel Agency
- Tour Operator
- Bed and Breakfast
- Vacation Rental Agency
Education & Training
- School
- University
- Tutoring Service
- Driving School
- Music School
- Online Education Service
Beauty & Personal Care
- Hair Salon
- Nail Salon
- Barber Shop
- Spa
- Tattoo Studio
- Makeup Artist
Entertainment & Events
- Event Planner
- Photographer
- DJ Service
- Wedding Venue
- Movie Theater
- Amusement Park
For the full official directory, you can download the complete list in CSV or view it via Google’s category database.
How many Google Business Profile categories can you have?
You can select up to 10 total categories one primary and nine secondary. But don’t fill them just for volume. The primary category should reflect your main service, and secondary should support it logically.
For example, a “Digital Marketing Agency” could use:
Secondary: Advertising Agency, Web Design Service, SEO Service, Marketing Consultant
Primary: Digital Marketing Agency
How do I add Google Business Profile categories?
- Go to your Google Business Profile Manager.
- Choose your business.
- Click “Edit Profile” → “Business Information” → “Business Category.”
- Start typing and select from the suggestions.
- Save your changes.
Your updates usually go live within minutes.
What to Consider When Choosing a GBP Category from the Google Business Category List
Always pick categories based on what customers search for, not just what you think you do. Ask:
Is it consistent with my website content?
Does this category reflect my main offer?
Does it unlock the right attributes (menu, bookings, etc.)?
Picking the Primary Category When You Cover Multiple Categories
Single-location Business with a Narrow Focus
If you specialize in one main service — for example, “Wedding Photography” — that should be your primary. Don’t overcomplicate it.
Single-location Business with a Broad Focus
If you offer multiple related services (like a salon with spa treatments), pick the most revenue-driving service as primary, then support with secondary categories.
Practice/Practitioner or Agent/Agency Listings
Lawyers, doctors, and agents can have separate practitioner listings. For instance:
- Business: “Dental Clinic”
- Practitioner: “Dr. Sarah Smith, Dentist”
Multi-location Businesses in the Above Scenarios
Use consistent categories across all locations, adjusting only if a specific branch has a unique specialty.
How do you pick a category for those locations?
Base it on what each branch actually offers. For example, your main branch might be a “Restaurant,” while another focuses on “Catering Service.”
How to Choose Secondary Google Business Profile Categories
Add secondary categories only if they describe real services you offer. For instance, a “Plumber” can add:
- Drainage Service
- Water Heater Repair Service
- Bathroom Remodeler
These help you show up for more variations of local search queries without confusing Google.
11 GBP Fields to Prioritize for Ranking Impact
- Business title
- Address
- Categories
- Website link
- Hours
- Reviews
- Attributes
- Services
- Products
- Popular times
- Menu items
Each of these fields helps Google assess your business’s relevance and trust. The stronger and more consistent your profile, the better your visibility in the Local Pack.
Stop losing business to your competitors
If your category setup isn’t accurate, you could be invisible in searches your customers make daily. A quick audit and optimization session can make all the difference check out case studies or book a 1-to-1 consultation to see real examples of improved local visibility.
FAQs
1. What are the available categories in Google Business Profile?
Google offers over 4,000 categories globally, covering nearly every industry. You can view or download the latest 2025 list using tools like PlePer.com.
2. How many categories can I choose?
You can select up to 10, but your primary category is the most important for ranking.
3. Can I change my Google Business Profile category later?
Yes, you can edit categories anytime through your Business Profile Manager. Just note that changes can temporarily affect visibility.
4. What’s the best category for my business?
Choose one that clearly matches your primary service. Check competitors, test variations, and measure results using rank-tracking tools.
5. Where can I find the full list of categories?
Use Google’s API or third-party tools like PlePer or GMBSpy for a live, exportable list.
