How many categories can I add?

Google's category and guidelines pages state no limit. They do say to use as few categories as possible.

Can I make up my own category?

No. If nothing specific fits, pick a general one.

Do categories affect my ranking?

Google says the categories you select affect your local ranking, but it gives no weighting. Its ranking page says local results are mainly based on relevance, distance and popularity.

Will changing my category make me verify again?

It may. Google says editing categories can trigger re-verification.

Can I add my city or service to the business name?

Only when it is part of your real business name. Google doesn't allow extra information in the name.

Google Business Profile categories: how to pick

Pick the most specific category that says what your business is, and make it your primary one. Add more categories only when they describe real services you offer. You can't invent your own category.

Google says to use as few categories as possible to describe your core business, and not to add one for every product or service. Categories affect your local ranking, but Google gives no weighting and publishes no cap on additional ones.

The catch for a niche trade like pet waste removal is the label. Type your trade into the Primary category box and read every suggestion Google offers before you pick one.

Which category should be my primary one?

Choose the most specific category that best describes your business. Google's own example is "Nail salon" rather than "Salon".

You can't create your own category. If nothing specific fits your trade, pick a general one that comes closest.

Start typing in the Primary category box and Google shows suggestions. Read them all before you settle. For a niche service, that box shows you what's actually on offer.

Can I add more categories, and how many?

You can add categories for special departments or services. Google says not to select a category for every product or service.

Google's category and guidelines pages state no limit, so treat any number you've been quoted as someone else's. They do say to use as few as possible and never to use categories only as keywords.

A department with a separate owner and operation needs its own profile. Don't add its categories to yours.

Can I put my service or city in the business name instead?

Only if it is part of your real name. Google says your name should reflect your business's real-world name, as used consistently on your storefront.

Extra information like services, taglines or location descriptors isn't allowed in the name. A city is fine when it is part of the name you actually use.

How do I change my categories?

Select Edit profile, add, edit or remove your categories, then save. Google says editing categories may trigger re-verification, so expect a possible second check. The verification guide covers what that looks like.

Categories sit beside the other basics, so read how a service area business sets up on Google while you are in the editor.

What do I do next?

Open your editor, type your trade and note the labels. Nobody can pay for a better local ranking, so skip anyone who sells it. Google says local results are mainly based on relevance, distance and popularity.

Once your categories are set, ProveWorth gives your business a free page of its own with your customer reviews on it. You can get your free page or see how it works.

How do you choose Google Business Profile categories?