How to Change the Primary Category on Google My Business

Your Google Business Profile's primary category is one of the single most important factors in determining who finds your business through local search. Get it right, and Google connects you with relevant customers, get it wrong, and you're practically invisible. This guide will walk you through exactly how to choose the best primary category for your business and provide a clear, step-by-step process to change it on Google My Business.

Why Your Google My Business Primary Category Matters So Much

You might think of your business category as just a small detail in your profile, but it’s a powerful signal to Google about what your business actually does. It directly influences your visibility in local search results, affects how you show up on Google Maps, and even dictates which special features are available for your profile. Here’s a closer look at why it’s worth your attention.

1. It Defines How You Appear in Search

When a user searches for "italian restaurant near me" or "bike repair shop," Google relies on the primary category to decide which businesses to show. If your primary category is "Restaurant," you're competing against every type of eatery. But if it's "Italian Restaurant," you’ve told Google exactly which customers you serve. The more specific and accurate your category, the more likely you are to appear in relevant, high-intent searches.

2. It Unlocks Special Profile Features

Your primary category isn't just a label, it’s a key that unlocks platform features designed for your specific business type. Here are a few examples:

• Restaurants and Cafes: Get access to menu tabs, online ordering buttons, and reservation booking links.
• Service-Based Businesses: Can display a list of services (like plumbing or consulting) complete with descriptions and pricing.
• Hotels: Can display star ratings, lists of amenities, and booking availability.

If you have an incorrect category, you might be missing out on valuable features that help customers choose you over a competitor.

3. It Sets Customer Expectations

Your primary category is often the first piece of information a potential customer sees. It instantly communicates what they can expect from you. If a user is looking for a hair salon and finds a business listed as a generic "Beauty Salon," they might not know if you offer the specific services they need. A clear, accurate category like "Hair Salon" or "Nail Salon" removes any guesswork and builds immediate trust.

Primary vs. Additional Categories: What’s the Difference?

Google allows you to set one primary category and up to nine additional categories. Understanding the distinction between them is essential for optimizing your profile correctly.

Your primary category is your main descriptor. It carries the most weight in Google's algorithm and is the most visible to customers. This should be the single best classification for your core business offering. What is the one thing you want to be known for? That's your primary category.

Additional categories are there to add context and help you appear in broader searches. Think of them as supporting keywords. They describe other services you offer or aspects of your business that aren't covered by your primary category.

For example, a high-end coffee shop might set its primary category as "Coffee Shop." But if they also bake their own pastries and host live music, they could add additional categories like "Bakery" and "Live Music Venue" to capture customers searching for those terms, too.

How to Choose the Right Primary Category

Selecting the perfect category isn’t always obvious. Google has a predefined list of nearly 4,000 categories, and you have to pick from what’s available. Here’s how to find the best fit.

Think from Your Customer's Perspective

How would a customer describe your business? Don't use internal jargon or overly creative language. Think about the exact words someone would type into Google to find a business like yours.

Be Specific Over Broad

Always choose the most specific category possible. Instead of "Professional Services," choose "Marketing Consultant." Instead of "Store," choose "Shoe Store" or "Book Store." Specificity reduces your competition and increases your chances of attracting highly qualified customers.

Spy on Your Competitors

Look up your top-ranking local competitors on Google Maps. What is their primary category? You can usually find it listed right under their business name. If several successful competitors are using the same category and it accurately describes your business, that's a very strong signal that it’s the right one for your industry.

Start Typing &, See What Google Suggests

Google doesn't let you create your own category. When updating your profile, start typing your service (e.g., "lawn care"). Google will auto-populate a dropdown list of available categories. See which official categories match what you do. Sometimes the best official term might be "Lawn Care Service" or "Landscaper," and seeing the options helps you choose the most accurate one.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Changing Your Primary Category on Google My Business

Ready to make the switch? The process only takes a few minutes. You can do it from either a desktop or the Google Maps app on your phone. Changes may take some time to be reviewed and go live.

Instructions for Desktop (via Google Search)

Google has moved most of the profile management features directly into the search results page. Here’s how to access them:

1. Sign In and Find Your Business: Open Google, make sure you are signed in to the Google account connected to your Business Profile, and search for your exact business name.
2. Open the Editing Panel: You should see your Business Profile management panel at the top of the search results. Click the button labeled "Edit profile."
3. Go to the Business Information Section: In the editing window that appears, look for the 'Business Information' section and click on "Category".
4. Edit Your Primary Category: The first category listed is your primary category. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit.
5. Select Your New Category: Start typing your desired category. Google will show you a list of available options. Select the one that best fits your business.
6. Adjust Additional Categories (Optional): While you're here, you can add or remove any additional categories to better reflect your full range of offerings. Your primary category should always be listed first.
7. Save Your Changes: Once you're finished, click the "Save" button. Google will review the changes, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of days to go live.

Instructions for Mobile (via The Google Maps App)

If you're managing your profile on the go, the Google Maps app is the easiest way to make changes.

1. Open Google Maps: Launch the app and ensure you’re logged into the correct Google account.
2. Access Your Business Profile: Tap your profile picture or initial in the top-right corner. From the menu that appears, tap "Your Business Profiles" and select the business you want to edit.
3. Enter the Editing Mode: You'll see several management shortcuts. Tap the button that says "Edit profile."
4. Navigate to 'Business information': Find the "Category" field and tap on it. Your primary category will be at the top of the list.
5. Change the Primary Category: Tap the pencil icon next to your primary category. Start typing a new category and select the most appropriate option from the dropdown list.
6. Review and Save: Confirm your new primary category and make any other necessary adjustments to your additional categories. Tap "Save" in the top-right corner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Changing your category is simple, but a few missteps can negatively impact your visibility. Here’s what to look out for.

• Changing It Too Often: Constantly switching categories can confuse Google's algorithm and might look like suspicious activity, potentially leading to a temporary suspension. Pick the right category and stick with it unless your business model fundamentally changes.
• Category Stuffing: Don't add additional categories for services you don't actually offer just to rank for more keywords. This practice is against Google’s guidelines and will ultimately mislead customers, resulting in bad reviews and a lack of trust.
• Forgetting to Update Other Info: If your new primary category unlocks new features (like a 'Services' tab or a 'Menu' link), be sure to fill them out. An accurate category paired with a complete profile sends strong trust signals to both Google and customers.

Final Thoughts

Optimizing your Google Business Profile is one of the fastest ways to impact your local search ranking, and choosing the right primary category is a foundational step. By being specific, accurate, and customer-focused, you're telling Google exactly who to send your way, making it easier for the right people to find and choose your business.

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