How Can You Win Google Maps Traffic with the Perfect Business Categories?

Google Maps is one of the most powerful tools for driving local traffic to your business. Whether you’re a restaurant, plumber, or boutique shop, ranking on Google Maps means getting discovered by potential customers actively looking for services like yours. But here’s a secret many businesses overlook: choosing the right business categories in your Google Business Profile (GBP) can make or break your Maps rankings. In this blog, we’ll explore how to select and optimize the perfect business categories to win Google Maps traffic and attract more customers.

1. Why Business Categories Matter for Google Maps Rankings

Google uses your business categories to determine how relevant your listing is to a search query. The categories tell Google what your business does, allowing it to match your profile with users searching for related services on Google Maps or Search. Why It Matters:

• Accurate categories improve your visibility for local searches.
• You rank higher in the Google Local Pack (the top three Maps results).
• Potential customers find your business faster when they search for your services.

Example: If you own a roofing company and select “Roofing Contractor” as your primary category, you’re more likely to appear in searches like “roof repair near me” or “local roofing services.”

2. Primary Categories vs. Secondary Categories

Google allows businesses to choose one primary category and up to nine additional secondary categories. Choosing the right ones can help you reach the most relevant customers. Primary Category:

• This should represent your core service or offering.
• It’s the most influential factor for your visibility on Google Maps.

Secondary Categories:

• These cover other related services your business offers.
• They expand your reach without diluting the focus of your primary category.

Example: If you run a bakery that also serves coffee and cakes for events, your categories might look like this:

• Primary Category: Bakery
• Secondary Categories: Coffee Shop, Wedding Bakery, Cake Shop

Pro Tip: Keep your primary category broad but relevant, while your secondary categories can get more specific to target niche audiences.

3. How to Choose the Perfect Business Categories

Selecting the right categories requires research and understanding of your business’s core services. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify Your Core Service

What is the primary reason customers come to you? This should become your primary category.

Step 2: Research Competitors

Look at successful competitors in your area to see which categories they’ve chosen.

• Search for a related service on Google Maps.
• Click on top-ranked businesses and check their primary and secondary categories.

Step 3: Use Google’s Category List

Google provides a list of predefined categories (over 4,000 options), and you must choose from this list.

• Start typing your business service in your GBP dashboard, and Google will suggest relevant categories.
• Be specific: “Italian Restaurant” works better than “Restaurant” if it describes your offerings.

Step 4: Add Relevant Secondary Categories

Include services closely related to your primary offering. Think about additional ways customers might search for your services. Example for a Home Improvement Business:

• Primary Category: General Contractor
• Secondary Categories: Kitchen Remodeler, Bathroom Remodeler, Flooring Contractor, Deck Builder

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Categories

Choosing the wrong categories can hurt your local SEO efforts and confuse potential customers. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Being Too Broad: Choosing “Business Service” instead of “Digital Marketing Agency” reduces relevance for search queries.
• Ignoring Secondary Categories: Not filling out additional categories means missing opportunities to rank for related searches.
• Selecting Irrelevant Categories: Adding categories that don’t match your services might lead to lower rankings and frustrated users.
• Neglecting Regular Updates: Your business offerings may change. Regularly review and update your categories to reflect your services accurately.

5. Optimizing Other Key Elements to Complement Categories

Business categories are vital, but they work best when combined with other Google Business Profile optimizations: 1. Complete Your GBP Profile:

• Add your name, address, phone number (NAP), and business hours.
• Include a clear description with primary keywords.

2. Add Photos:

• Upload high-quality images of your products, services, team, and location. Profiles with photos get 42% more requests for directions on Google Maps.

3. Get Reviews:

• Positive reviews improve your rankings and encourage clicks. Prompt satisfied customers to leave feedback.

4. Use Posts and Updates:

• Share posts about promotions, events, or updates to keep your profile active and engaging.

5. Monitor and Respond:

• Answer customer questions on Google Q&A and reply to reviews to show responsiveness.

6. How Categories Impact Google Local Pack Rankings

The Google Local Pack (top 3 business listings in search results) is prime real estate for local businesses. Your business categories play a significant role in helping you secure one of these coveted spots. How It Works:

• Google matches your categories to the search intent of users.
• Businesses with optimized categories and complete profiles rank higher.
• Accurate categories increase your chances of appearing for relevant queries like “emergency plumber near me” or “pizza restaurant open now.”

Example: A pest control company that selects “Pest Control Service” and “Rodent Control” as categories will appear for searches like “rat exterminator near me” and “local pest services.”

FAQs About Google Maps Business Categories

Q: How many categories can I choose on Google Business Profile? A: You can select one primary category and up to nine secondary categories. Q: Can I change my business categories later? A: Yes. You can update your categories in your GBP dashboard if your services change or if you identify better options. Q: How do I know which categories are best for my business? A: Focus on your core service, research competitors, and use Google’s suggested category list to find the most relevant options.

How DMN8 Partners Can Help You Optimize Google Maps Rankings

At DMN8 Partners, we specialize in helping businesses dominate local search results and Google Maps rankings. Our team ensures your Google Business Profile is fully optimized, including selecting the perfect business categories, building local citations, and improving customer engagement. Don’t leave your Google Maps traffic to chance—partner with experts who understand how to get results. Call us today at (859) 757-2252 or visit salvonow.com to get your Google Business Profile optimized and start winning more local customers!