How to Change Business Type on Facebook

Trying to change your business type on Facebook can feel surprisingly complicated, especially when the setting seems buried under layers of menus. Getting this detail right is more than just housekeeping - it directly impacts how potential customers find and understand your brand. This guide breaks down exactly how to update your Page category and template step-by-step, troubleshoot the most common problems you might encounter, and choose the right identity for your business on the platform.

Why Your Facebook Business Type Matters More Than You Think

Before jumping into the "how," let's quickly cover the "why." Your Facebook Page category isn't just a label, it’s a crucial tool for visibility and functionality. An accurate business type tells both Facebook's algorithm and your audience exactly who you are and what you do. This directly influences several things:

• Discoverability: When users search for "cafes near me" or "local graphic designers," Facebook uses your category to serve up relevant results. The wrong category means you're invisible to your most qualified audience.
• Page Features and Layout: Your business type determines the default features on your Page. A "Restaurant" template gets a "Menu" tab, a "Services" template highlights what you offer, and a "Shopping" page is optimized for e-commerce. Changing your category can unlock new tools to help you connect with customers.
• Audience Expectations: Is your business a brick-and-mortar shop or an online-only store? Are you a B2B service or a public figure? The category sets the right expectations from the moment someone lands on your Page, reducing confusion and building credibility.

Imagine a local band still listed as a "Local Business." They're missing out on the "Events" or "Music" features that could be a better platform to share tour dates or new tracks. Or a brick-and-mortar boutique labeled as an "E-commerce Website," causing confusion for locals who want to visit in person. Getting it right is a foundational step in your social media marketing.

Category vs. Template: Understanding the Two Key Settings

A common point of confusion is knowing what to change. Facebook gives you two primary ways to define your business: the Page Category and the Page Template. They work together, but control different things.

• Page Category: This is the public-facing label that appears under your Page name. It directly influences your visibility in search results. You can choose up to three categories, with the first one being your primary identifier. This is mostly about helping people discover you.
• Page Template: This controls the structure and layout of your entire Facebook Page. It dictates which tabs appear by default (e.g., Services, Reviews, Shop, Events) and in what order. Changing your template is all about optimizing the experience for visitors once they've found you.

Often, you’ll want to update both. Changing your category tells Facebook what you are, and changing your template tailors your page to best serve that purpose.

How to Change Your Facebook Page Category (Step-by-Step)

This is the most common change businesses need to make. Facebook's "New Pages Experience" has moved this setting, so if your last update was a few years ago, you might struggle to find it. Just make sure you are logged in using a profile that has Full Control or Admin access for your business page, then follow the instructions below.

Step 1: Go To Your Facebook Business Page

From your personal Facebook account, switch to your Business Page’s profile. To do this, click the circular profile icon in the top-right menu (near your notification and message icons) and select the Business Page you wish to edit.

Step 2: Access Your Page’s “About” Section

Once you've switched to the Business Profile you want to update, navigate to the main profile page or feed for your brand. In the horizontal menu under your page name, which includes options like "Posts," "Mentions," etc., click on “About”.

Step 3: Edit Your Category Details and Save

In the "About" section, find the “Contact and Basic Info” area on the left navigational sidebar. Here, you will see your Page’s Category listed. Click the pencil icon next to "Category" to edit it. You must select a primary category and can add up to two optional secondary categories.

Start typing your desired business type and select the best match from the suggested options in the dropdown menu. Remember, you can't create a custom category, you must choose from the preset list. Click "Save" to apply the changes. Your new category will appear on your page immediately.

That's it! Your outward-facing category has now been updated for brand page visibility.

How to Change Your Facebook Template for a Custom Layout

To get more control over your Page’s layout and features, you should update your template. This allows you to prioritize what visitors see by rearranging tabs like "Posts," "Reviews," and "Shop." For instance, if you start selling products, you can switch to a template that prominently features a Shopping tab. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Navigate to Settings

On your Page profile, click on your profile image in the top right, then select "Settings & Privacy." From there, click on "Settings."

Step 2: Find "Templates and Tabs."

In the left-hand settings menu, click on "Templates and Tabs."

Step 3: Choose and Apply a New Template

You will see your current template listed. To change it, click the "Edit" button. Facebook will display a list of available templates, such as "Services," "Business," "Restaurants & Cafes," and "Shopping." Each option shows you which tabs and buttons are included. Find the template that best matches your business objectives and click "Apply Template."

Step 4: Review and Customize Your Tabs

After applying a new template, your page's tabs will be rearranged. You can further customize the order of the tabs by dragging and dropping them in the "Tabs" section. You can also turn certain tabs off if they don't apply to your business. Once you're done, the changes are saved automatically.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes changing your category or template doesn’t go as planned. Here are some of the most common hiccups - and how to handle them.

Problem: My category is greyed out or I can't save changes.

First, ensure you have an "Admin" role or "Full Control" over the Page. An "Editor" role is not sufficient. If permissions aren't the issue, the problem might be a temporary platform glitch. Try refreshing the page, clearing your browser's cache, or trying a different browser.

Problem: I can't find a category that's specific enough for me.

Facebook's category list is comprehensive but doesn't include every niche term. If your ideal category isn't available, think more broadly. How would a customer describe your business? For example, if "Artisanal Charcuterie Board Maker" isn't an option, try broader categories like "Deli," "Gourmet Food Shop," or "Food & Beverage."

Problem: I updated my business type, but nothing changed on my page.

This often happens when you only update the category but not the template. For example, your Page might be categorized as a "Restaurant" but is still using the generic "Business" template. To get the features you want (like a "Menu" tab), you need to change the template to align with your new category.

Choosing the Best New Type for Your Company

Choosing your new business type is a strategic decision. Don't just pick a general term, be as specific and accurate as possible. Think about the search terms your customers would use. For instance, "Boutique Bakery" is more descriptive than just "Bakery." It's also wise to look at your competitors. See what categories they use - this can provide valuable insight into effective strategies and keywords you might have missed.

Final Thoughts

Changing your Facebook business type is more than a small fix, it's a strategic move to help potential customers quickly understand what you offer. By updating both your page category and template, you can maximize your discoverability and take full advantage of the features Facebook provides for businesses.

Maintaining brand consistency across all your pages becomes more challenging as your team grows and content creation scales. That's why we built Postbase - a tool designed to simplify social media management. Our visual planner helps you schedule content for all your platforms, like Facebook, TikTok, and more, ensuring your team stays on track. Instead of manually handling each account, you can plan and automate your posts, saving time and eliminating the frustration of managing your brand's presence.