The one-sentence test
Google’s guidelines give a test that settles most category questions: the category should complete the statement “This business IS a,” not “This business HAS a.” A dentist IS a Dentist. It HAS a parking lot, a children’s play area, maybe a payment plan. Those last three are not categories.
Google also wants the most specific option available. Its own example: choose Nail salon rather than Salon. Specific categories tell Google and customers exactly what you do, and Google says categories affect how you show in local search and your local ranking.
How the examples in Google’s guidelines play out
Google’s guidelines walk through a few real brands, and they’re worth borrowing as patterns:
- A pizza chain that only does takeout and delivery uses Pizza Delivery and Pizza Takeout, not Delivery Restaurant.
- A credit union uses Federal Credit Union, not Bank.
- A motel with a pool uses Motel, not Hotel or Swimming Pool.
- A burger chain uses Fast Food Restaurant and Hamburger Restaurant, not Dessert Restaurant, even though it sells desserts.
The pattern: describe the business, not every product on the menu.
Secondary categories
The extras are for notable departments or services, not for every item you sell. A hardware store with a key-cutting counter might add Locksmith only if locksmithing is a real part of the business. Google’s edit page allows up to 9 additional categories, and its guidelines say to use as few as possible. Stacking categories as keywords breaks the guidelines and can get edits rejected.
If a department is run independently and serves the public on its own terms, Google says it should have its own profile rather than a category on yours.
Features that come with categories
Categories can change what you’re able to add. Google lists examples: hotels can show class ratings and amenities, restaurants can add online ordering, reservation and menu links, and health and beauty businesses can add a booking button and services. If you expected a feature and don’t see it, check whether your category supports it.
Because adding or editing a category may mean verifying again, settle your categories before you start verification. Adjusting them afterward can send you back through it.
If it doesn't work
- Your exact trade isn't in the list: pick a broader category that still describes you. Google doesn't create custom ones.
- Google asks for verification after the change: that can happen when categories change. Complete it with documents that match your profile.
- A department runs on its own with separate staff: Google says it should have its own profile instead of a category on yours.
- You can't decide between two primary categories: pick the one that names what most customers come to you for, and add the other as a secondary.
Questions owners ask
How many categories should I use?
As few as possible, according to Google's guidelines, and as specific as possible. The edit page allows a primary plus up to 9 more, but that is a ceiling, not a target. Many small businesses are fully described by one to three.
Where do amenities like a pool or Wi-Fi go, if not in categories?
In attributes, which you set in the same Edit profile screen. That keeps your categories short and specific, and still lets customers filter for the amenity. Our attributes guide covers how to add them.
Can I add the category of the store next door or the mall I'm in?
No. Google says not to use categories for nearby or containing businesses. A bookstore with a coffee shop inside shouldn't add Coffee Shop if the coffee shop is a separate business.
Sources
- Choose a business category (support.google.com)
- Guidelines for representing your business on Google (support.google.com)
- Edit your Business Profile (support.google.com)
Checked 13 Nov 2026. When the platform changes its process we update this page and log it in What changed.