When optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) profile for local SEO, choosing the right categories and attributes is essential for increasing your visibility in local search results. These two elements help Google understand what your business offers and match it with relevant search queries. By carefully selecting the appropriate categories and attributes, you can improve your chances of appearing in search results for potential customers who are looking for your specific products or services.
Why Choosing the Right Categories Matters
Categories are one of the most critical ranking factors in Google My Business. They tell Google what type of business you operate, what products or services you offer, and where you should appear in search results. If you choose the wrong category or fail to select all the relevant categories, you could miss out on appearing in searches where your business should be featured.
Primary Category
The primary category is the most important category you will select because it has the biggest impact on your local search ranking. It should closely reflect your core business. For example, if you run a bakery, your primary category should be “Bakery.” This will ensure that when users search for “bakeries near me,” your business has a good chance of appearing in the results.
Secondary Categories
After selecting a primary category, you can choose additional secondary categories that describe other aspects of your business. For example, if your bakery also offers catering services, you could add “Catering” as a secondary category. Google allows you to add up to 10 categories, but it’s essential to only add relevant categories that truly reflect what your business offers. Overloading your profile with irrelevant categories can confuse both Google and potential customers.
Avoid Overstuffing Categories
Some business owners make the mistake of adding too many categories, thinking it will help them rank higher in more search results. However, this strategy can backfire. Adding irrelevant or loosely related categories can dilute your local SEO efforts, confuse users, and reduce the relevance of your business to Google’s algorithm. Always focus on accuracy and relevance over quantity.
Using Attributes to Enhance Your GMB Profile
Attributes are additional details that describe specific services, features, or qualities of your business. These attributes allow customers to know more about your business at a glance and can influence their decision to visit your store or website.
Popular Attributes
Attributes can vary depending on the type of business, but common examples include:
- “Wheelchair accessible”
- “Free Wi-Fi”
- “Outdoor seating”
- “Pet-friendly”
These attributes help differentiate your business from competitors and provide useful information that can attract more customers. For example, if a customer is specifically looking for a pet-friendly café, having that attribute selected on your profile can help you stand out in the search results.
COVID-19 Specific Attributes
Google also offers a range of COVID-19 related attributes, such as “Mask required,” “Curbside pickup,” and “Delivery available.” These attributes are especially important now as they provide essential information about safety protocols that can influence a customer’s decision to visit your business.
How to Choose the Right Attributes
When selecting attributes, be honest about what your business offers. Adding inaccurate attributes can lead to negative customer experiences, which could result in bad reviews and hurt your local SEO ranking. Review your business operations and services carefully to ensure you are selecting attributes that truly apply to your business.
Conclusion
Choosing the right categories and attributes is a critical step in optimizing your Google My Business profile for local SEO. By selecting the correct primary and secondary categories, you ensure that your business appears in relevant local search results. Adding attributes that reflect your business’s unique qualities can further enhance your profile and attract more customers. Taking the time to get these elements right will help improve your visibility and local SEO success.
