🔥 Get my simple Google Business Profile checklist for more local leads
In this video, I walk you through how to add business categories in your Google Business Profile, plus how to edit them when you realize you picked the wrong fit.
Categories decide what local search terms you’re eligible for, both on Google Maps and in Google Search, so this isn’t a “set it and forget it” bit.
I’ll show you how primary categories work (they carry the most weight), how to use secondary categories without diluting relevance, and how to sanity-check your choices against what you actually sell.
I also explain how categories connect to your Services section so your business profiles look consistent and credible to Google, which helps you earn better search results over time.
You’ll also get the free GPT prompt I use to generate real, invoice-style service names that match your business on Google, without making up fluffy marketing terms.
🔗Helpful links:
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0:00 Optimise categories + services to get more local leads
0:10 Where to find Edit services and what it helps with
0:17 Categories = what you are, services = what you do
0:32 Why sensitive industries (like healthcare) get fewer service suggestions
0:48 Use the free GPT to generate real service names + descriptions
1:05 Live example: sports psychologist category workaround
1:34 Add custom services and write short, keyword-led descriptions
2:26 Vet the suggestions and tweak anything that doesn’t match your actual offers
3:08 My recommended limits: up to 3 categories, up to 12 services each
3:22 Add extra services from keyword research (Ahrefs etc.)
4:13 Choose services people actually type into Google Search and Google Maps
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❓FAQs
Q1. Why do business categories matter in a Google Business Profile?
Business categories tell Google what your business is. They help decide which local search terms you can show in Google Search and Google Maps. Pick the wrong category, and you may miss the searches that actually bring leads.
Q2. What's the difference between a primary category and a secondary category?
Your primary category carries the most weight, so it should describe your main service as closely as possible. Secondary categories are for other real services you offer. They should support your profile, not make it look unfocused.
Q3. How do I add business categories to my Google Business Profile?
Open your Google Business Profile, go to Edit profile, then Business information, then About. From there, you can add or change your primary and secondary business categories. Always choose the closest match Google gives you.
Q4. How many business categories should I use?
Use as few as you can while still being accurate. For most local businesses, one strong primary category and a couple of relevant secondary categories are enough. Adding lots of loose categories can muddy your relevance.
Q5. Can the wrong category hurt my local SEO?
Yes. If your primary category does not match what you actually do, Google may show you for the wrong searches or not show you enough for the right ones. Your category should align with your main offer, website, and services.
Q6. Can keyword research help me choose Google Business Profile services?
Yes, but only use keywords that match real services you provide. A term from Ahrefs, Google Search, or Google Maps is useful when it reflects buyer intent and can be backed up on your website and business profile.
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