Did you know there are over 4,000 Google My Business categories in the United States? This number grew to 4,103 by December 15th, 2024. Knowing how to find your competitors’ categories is key. It helps you pick the best ones to increase your visibility.
Why are these categories so important? They help Google find your business in local searches. By watching your competitors, you can make better choices. This helps you shine in the local 3-Pack.
Key Takeaways
- Over 4,000 categories await your selection
- Competitor research uncovers valuable category insights
- Primary and secondary categories shape local visibility
- Your profile can rank higher by fine-tuning categories
- Learning how to find competitors google my business listing categories offers a strategic edge
- Small category adjustments can drive more local traffic
Understanding Google My Business Categories
Choosing the right Google My Business listing categories is key. It lets you reach people who are looking for what you offer. With over 4,000 categories, picking the right ones helps you find your audience.
Why GMB Categories Matter
Categories help Google know when to show your listing. You can pick one main category and up to nine more. This makes your business look good to people searching locally.
When people see your listing, they might trust you more. This trust can make more people click on your listing. It helps you stand out in a crowded market.
- They define your business focus
- They highlight secondary services
- They align your listing with customer search behavior
Impact on Local Search Rankings
Being clear about your categories makes you more visible. Local rankings look at how well your listing matches what people search for. When your categories match, Google sees you as a good fit.
This means you get seen more in searches. You also have a better chance of beating local rivals.
Preparing Your Tools for GMB Category Research
Success in local searches starts with finding competitors’ GMB categories. You need the right tools to gather data on main and secondary categories. This is key because there are over 3,000 listings on PlePer, updated every three days.
Categories like “Gym,” searched 823,000 times monthly, or “fitness center,” searched 33,100 times, show how a category can boost visibility. Picking the right category is important for your local rank. But, changing it too often can cause problems. For more info, check this post about avoiding generic labels.
For e-commerce tips, look at category optimization tips. The right tools help you stay organized and avoid getting suspended. This is even more important for Service Area Businesses, which face higher spam risks.
| Tool | Key Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Phantom – GMB Audit Tool | Rapid insights | Speeds competitor category checks |
| PlePer | Over 3,000 categories, updated frequently | Tracks emerging options and trends |
| Moz Local | Syncs multiple directories | Strengthens consistency across platforms |
How to Find Competitors Google My Business Listing Categories
You have over 4,000 Google My Business categories to choose from. Competitors pick specific niches to be noticed. They can pick one main category and up to nine secondary ones to get more seen.
Being consistent in directories helps your local SEO and builds trust.
Choosing the right categories helps you show up in search results. Health categories let you book appointments. Restaurant categories show menus or let you order online.
To see a rival’s hidden categories, right-click on their profile. Then, choose “View Page Source.” Use “CTRL+F” or “CMD+F” to find “category.” This will show you categories they use that you might not.
Step-by-Step Approach to Identifying Competitor Categories
Find a competitor near you in Google Maps. Open their listing panel. Right-click and choose “View Page Source.”
Use “CTRL+F” or “CMD+F” to find “category.” List the categories they use. Then, check if you’re missing any. This guide explains more.
Key Tools to Make Your Search Easier
Tools like GMB Spy (363 users) or GMB Everywhere (4.8 stars from 69 ratings) make research easier. PlePer suggests popular categories. Moz Local helps keep your listings the same everywhere.
These tools might work with other SEO solutions too.
| Tool | Avg Rating | Users |
|---|---|---|
| GMB Spy | 4.0 (45 ratings) | 363 |
| GMB Everywhere | 4.8 (69 ratings) | N/A |
| PlePer | 3.4 (32 ratings) | N/A |
| GMB Scraper | 5.0 (1 rating) | N/A |
Using Local Map Search to Discover Competitor GMB Categories
Your local map results can show you who’s leading. Try searching with your city or area name. For example, “Seattle coffee shop” or “New York bakery.” This way, you can find out what categories your competitors use.
Google Business Profile lists a main category and up to nine more. Picking the right ones can boost your visibility. With about 4,000 categories, pick only what you really offer.
Finding Business Listings Near You
Look at the top results for your search. See what category each business is listed under. This helps you understand who you’re up against.
Extracting Category Insights from Map Results
Pay attention to the top three results. Their ranking often shows they chose good categories. Use these insights to find categories for your own profile. This can help you improve your local search ranking.
Analyzing Multiple Competitors for Better Insights
Looking at many rivals together helps you see more. Some businesses do well offline, while others are great online. By checking Google My Business (GMB) categories, you find patterns in ratings and reviews.
Studying GMB categories shows what works for others. Places like Shopping or Travel get more visitors. By matching your categories with what people search for, you can rank higher.
Looking at reviews helps you understand what customers like. This info helps you make your GMB categories better. It can bring more people to your page.
Refining Your GMB Listing Category Strategy
You can choose from over 3,000 Google My Business categories. The right choice can help more people find you. With 31.7 million small businesses in the U.S., finding the right category is key.
Choosing the right categories is important. Pick your main category first. Then add others that show what you offer locally. This helps both customers and search engines see what you do best.
Aligning with Competitor Analysis Results
Look at how similar businesses are listed. Note what categories they use. This can show you new ways to stand out locally.
Choosing Primary and Secondary Categories
Start with a main category that shows what you do best. Then add more categories for what else you offer. This makes your business easier to find.
- Identify key services customers seek
- Scan top competitors for relevant listings
- Confirm only accurate categories to avoid confusion
| Category Insight | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Primary Category | Main driver for ranking signals |
| Secondary Categories | Broader reach in local searches |
| Competitor Analysis | Reveals trending and effective labels |
Tracking and Monitoring GMB Competition Categories
Keep a regular schedule to watch GMB competition categories. They change over time. This lets you see new services or seasonal changes.
Local searches show 64% of businesses check their Google Business Profiles. Many get over 1,803 views each month. By checking updates, you might find new products or prices before they do.
Looking at local data is easy. You can find rivals on Google Maps quickly. This gives you fast insights.
Studying competitors helps you find market trends. It shows you your next move. Check out this guide for tips to improve your search ranking.
“Watching your rivals helps you stay ahead in tight markets,” said Moz local SEO.
- Set reminders to check competitor categories.
- Look for seasonal or new service updates.
- Use free audits to see category changes.
| Key GMB Insights | Average Values |
|---|---|
| Verified Business Profiles | 64% |
| Monthly Views | 1,803 |
| Yearly Calls | 595 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid in GMB Category Research
A good Google My Business listing can help local businesses stand out. It can increase engagement by up to 25% if it matches the right categories. This way, you connect with the people you want to reach.
Staying focused on your category strategy is key to attracting the right customers. Some businesses lose by picking the wrong categories or not updating when others do. These mistakes can make your listing less effective.
Overlooking Local Market Patterns
Your community might have special needs or preferences. Not knowing what they expect can make you less noticeable. Choosing the wrong categories can lead to fewer clicks and less quality leads.
Ignoring Category Updates and Trends
Google often updates its GMB category list. Not keeping up with these changes can hurt your strategy. Stay informed and pick active categories that match current search trends.
| Mistake | Effect | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Poor Category Selection | Lower Visibility | Choose Relevant Categories |
| Ignoring Local Patterns | Fewer Local Clicks | Analyze Neighborhood Insights |
| Not Updating Categories | Missed Trends | Monitor Google Announcements |
Staying Compliant with GMB Guidelines
Your listing gets better when you follow the rules. Share real services and a true location. A business with a real address is more trusted, as it meets customers face-to-face.
Choose the right categories for your business. Pick no more than 10 that match what you offer. The first one is key for better ranking.
Don’t use wrong labels. It could lead to penalties or even suspensions. A bad example is when a competitor used a gas station address to trick people.
Update your hours, share good photos, and verify your business fast. This shows you’re in charge and stops confusion. It keeps your online reputation strong and your spot in local searches safe.
Conclusion
Your competitor analysis shows important Google My Business options. These options help your business show up in local searches. Many businesses pick three options: one main and two close ones.
If a competitor’s code says “null”, they didn’t pick any extra options. This could be a chance for your business to shine.
Check your own Google My Business setup often. Too many options can confuse people. It’s better to pick a few that make sense.
When trying new areas, keep your main service as your top choice. This way, your listing will attract the right people in your area. For better results, look into quarterly SEO insights. They make tracking your performance easier and help improve your local search presence.
Keep your profile updated regularly. This keeps it strong and relevant to your community.
FAQ
Why should you research your competitors’ Google My Business listing categories?
Knowing your competitors’ Google My Business listing categories helps you see how they show up in local searches. By seeing their categories, you can make your GMB profile better. This can help you get more customers in your area.
How do you find competitors’ GMB categories quickly?
Start by searching on Google Maps for local businesses like yours. Open the listing panel, right-click, and select “View Page Source.” Then, use “CTRL+F” or “CMD+F” to find category references. This way is good for finding competitor GMB categories.
Are there automated tools to find competitors GMB categories?
Yes! There are Chrome or Firefox extensions and local SEO platforms that can scan and show categories. These tools save time, which is great if you have to track GMB competition categories for many competitors.
How does analyzing multiple competitors impact your GMB category choice?
Looking at many competitors shows you common categories. This can help you find special areas to focus on. By doing competitor analysis GMB, you pick the best categories for your local customers.
What should you focus on when refining your GMB category strategy?
Choose the most accurate primary category first. Then, add secondary categories that really match what you offer. This GMB listing category strategy helps Google understand your business. It also makes it easier for people to find you.
Why is ongoing category tracking important for local rankings?
Competitors often change their categories for seasonal trends or new services. By watching these changes, you can compete with GMB listing categories better. You can also update your profile to stay relevant in local searches.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when doing GMB category research?
Don’t stuff categories, ignore local details, or not update categories with trends. Always do thorough GMB category research. Make sure your categories match what you really offer to avoid problems.
Can using the wrong GMB categories affect your search performance?
Yes. Wrong or too broad categories can hide your business from the right users. But, choosing the right, accurate categories can help you find competitors GMB categories that bring more people to your listing.
How do you stay compliant with Google’s rules when selecting categories?
Always pick categories that really show what your business offers. Don’t use misleading or unrelated categories, as this can cause penalties. Following Google’s rules keeps your listing trustworthy and ensures good GMB category research results.
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