Local SEO can feel like a never-ending game of cat and mouse—one minute you’re on top, the next, you’re buried beneath competitors. And one question we keep hearing from businesses trying to navigate this digital jungle is, “How many categories should I add to my Google Business Profile (GBP)?” Spoiler alert: It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer, but the data doesn’t lie. Let’s dive into it.
Key Takeaways
Businesses using four additional categories in their GBPs hit an average map ranking of 5.9.
Department stores top the chart, averaging 4.7 additional categories per GBP.
HVAC Contractors using four additional categories reach an average map ranking of 5.2.
Electricians, on the other hand, keep it minimal, using just one additional category on average.
The Category Conundrum
So, what’s the deal with these categories? Think of your Google Business Profile as your online business card. The primary category is your job title—what you’re known for. But let’s be real, most businesses aren’t just one thing. That’s where additional categories come in. They tell Google—and potential customers—everything else you’re good at.
You can add up to nine additional categories to your GBP. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Or should you? That’s what we set out to discover.
The Data Dive
Using GMB Fox’s Local Search Grid, we analyzed 1,050 business locations to see if there’s a sweet spot for the number of categories a business should use. Here’s what we found.
Who’s Using the Most Categories?
First off, let’s talk about who’s getting the most out of their GBPs. Department stores are leading the pack, using an average of 4.7 additional categories. Makes sense, right? They sell a bit of everything, so their profile needs to reflect that.
Electricians, however, are playing it safe, with just one additional category on average. This could be because they don’t feel the need to complicate things—after all, if you need an electrician, that’s probably all you care about.
Does It Really Matter?
Now, here’s the juicy part: Does adding more categories actually help your ranking? The short answer is yes, but with a caveat. Businesses that didn’t use any additional categories had the lowest average map ranking of 7.6. On the flip side, those using four additional categories had the highest average ranking of 5.9.
So, the data suggests that adding more categories can help, but there’s a limit. More isn’t always better, especially if those extra categories aren’t relevant to your business.
Industry Insights
Let’s break it down by industry:
Day Spas: Spas using four additional categories performed best, with an average map ranking of 5.4. This makes sense—spas offer a range of services, from massages to facials, and their profiles should reflect that.
Dentists: The results were all over the place. Dentists using just one additional category had the best average ranking of 7.3. It seems less is more in this field.
Lawyers: For law firms, adding one or four additional categories worked best, with average rankings of 5.9 and 6.0, respectively. So, if you’re a personal injury attorney, don’t hesitate to add that as an additional category.
Real Estate Agents: More categories, better ranking. Realtors using three or more additional categories saw the best results. If you’re in real estate, make sure your GBP reflects the full scope of your services.
Department Stores: With an average ranking of 5.3 for those using four additional categories, department stores benefit from showing off their variety.
Electricians and HVAC Contractors: These service-area businesses (SABs) showed mixed results. Electricians had better rankings with fewer categories, while HVAC contractors benefited from using more. It seems the more specialized the service, the less need there is for additional categories.
The Verdict
So, should you load up your GBP with all nine categories? Not necessarily. The data shows that more categories can help, but only if they’re relevant. Think quality over quantity. Your primary category should be spot-on, and any additional categories should directly reflect your business offerings.
Pro Tip
If you’re unsure which categories to choose, do some competitor research. See what the top players in your area are doing and take a page from their playbook. And don’t forget—you can always tweak your categories as your business evolves.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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