Categories & services optimization
Optimize your Google Business categories and services for better local search rankings. Choose the right primary category, add services, and improve visibility.
Overview
Your Google Business Profile categories and services are critical ranking factors that tell Google what you do and when to show your business in search results. Choosing the right categories can dramatically increase your visibility for relevant local searches.
Prompt Reviews helps you select optimal primary and additional categories, manage your service offerings, and structure your profile for maximum local SEO impact.
Key Features
Primary Category Selection
Choose the most accurate primary category for your business. This is the single most important category—it defines your business type and affects which searches you appear in.
Additional Categories
Add up to 9 additional categories to capture related services. Each category helps you appear in more relevant searches without diluting your primary focus.
Service Management
Define specific services you offer with descriptions. Services appear in your profile and help customers understand exactly what you provide.
Category Performance Insights
Track which categories drive the most visibility and customer actions. Optimize your category strategy based on real search performance data.
How It Works
Access Category Settings
From your Google Business integration, navigate to categories. You'll see your current primary and additional categories.
Research Category Options
Search Google's category list to find the most specific match for your primary service. More specific categories often perform better than broad ones.
Set Primary Category
Choose one primary category that best represents your core business. This cannot be changed frequently without affecting ranking.
Add Related Categories
Add up to 9 additional categories for secondary services. Focus on categories that match actual customer searches, not just services you offer.
Best Practices
Be Specific with Primary Category
Choose the most specific category available. "Italian Restaurant" beats "Restaurant," "Personal Injury Attorney" beats "Lawyer." Specific categories face less competition and match more qualified searches.
Balance Breadth and Relevance
Add additional categories strategically. Too many unrelated categories dilute your profile. Stick to services you actively promote and can deliver well.
Match Competitor Categories
Research top-ranking competitors in your area. If they use certain categories consistently, those categories likely drive local traffic. Match or beat their category strategy.
Add Detailed Service Descriptions
For each service, write a clear 2-3 sentence description with relevant keywords. Service descriptions help Google understand context and may appear in search results.