📍 What are Secondary Categories in GBP?
Secondary categories in Google Business Profile (GBP) allow businesses to specify additional services or products they offer. These categories help increase a business’s visibility for a wider range of relevant searches, as they offer more specific insight into all that a business provides beyond its primary category.
⭐ Why are Secondary Categories Important in Local SEO?
Proper use of secondary categories can significantly boost your local SEO by enhancing your relevance signals. They can help your business appear in searches it might otherwise miss, attract more local customers, and increase your overall visibility in local search results.
⚙️ How Do Secondary Categories Work?
- A business selects secondary categories in their Google Business Profile settings.
- These categories allow the business to appear in search results related to those additional categories.
- When users search for terms matching any of these categories, the business profile is more likely to be served.
- This strategy complements the proximity and relevance signals, broadening your potential customer base.
📌 Examples of Secondary Categories Usage
- A restaurant with a primary category of 'Italian Restaurant' might use secondary categories like 'Pizza Restaurant' or 'Cafe'.
- A legal practice primarily listed as 'Lawyer' may add 'Personal Injury Attorney' and 'Family Law Attorney' as secondary categories.
- A health clinic listed as 'Medical Center' could add 'Pediatrician' and 'Dermatologist' to accurately reflect the services offered.
✅ Best Practices for Using Secondary Categories
- Limit secondary categories to only those that truly apply to your business.
- Ensure that all categories chosen are accurate reflections of the services or products you offer.
- Regularly review and update your categories to ensure they align with any new services provided.
- Dont overuse categories that could mislead potential customers or violate Google's guidelines.
⚠️ Common Secondary Category Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding irrelevant categories that do not accurately reflect your services.
- Overloading with too many secondary categories, causing potential confusion.
- Neglecting to update categories when services change.
- Ignoring Google’s guidelines, which can lead to listing suspension.
🛠️ Useful Tools for Managing GBP Categories
- Google Business Profile Manager – for setting and updating profiles.
- BrightLocal – local SEO tool that helps monitor and optimize GBP profiles.
- Yext – comprehensive platform to manage local listings and profiles.
📊 Quick Facts About Secondary Categories
- There are over 4,000 business categories available on Google Business Profile.
- Businesses using relevant secondary categories can see up to a 40% increase in visibility.
- Updating categories to reflect current offerings can boost local ranking signals.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Secondary Categories in GBP
Can I use multiple secondary categories in my GBP listing?
Yes, you can, but they should be relevant to your business offerings.
How often should I review and update my secondary categories?
Regular reviews are recommended, especially if your business offerings change.
Do secondary categories impact my primary business category?
No, they support but do not alter your primary category, helping to enhance search relevance.
🔍 Related Local SEO Terms
📚 Learn More About Secondary Categories
📝 Key Takeaways
- Secondary categories enhance your business's relevance and visibility in local searches.
- They provide better insights into the range of services or products your business offers.
- Regularly updating categories to reflect your current offerings is crucial for maintaining relevance in search results.