When you set up your Google Business Profile, you choose a primary category. It is one of the most important choices you make, because it tells Google what kind of business you are.
Primary category
Pick the category that best describes your main work, not the broadest one. For a roofer, “Roofing contractor” is better than “Construction company”. A plumber who mainly fixes boilers might choose “Heating contractor” or “Boiler repair service” over a general trade term. Choose the one customers would search for.
Secondary categories
You can add extra categories for other work you do. Add the ones that are accurate and leave out the rest. Adding a long list of categories you barely cover can dilute the profile and confuse customers.
Look at the competition
Search for the main thing you do and see which category the top businesses in the map results use. Many tools and browser extensions show a profile’s categories. If several well-ranked firms use the same one, it is a good sign that it fits the search.
Match your website
Your website should reflect your category. If your profile says “Roofing contractor”, your site should have clear roofing service pages. Google compares the two. See one page per service.
Services and attributes
After choosing categories, list your services under them, with a short description for each. Add attributes that apply to you, such as “Free estimates” or “Online appointments”. These are free, helpful details.
Do not keyword-stuff
Do not add keywords to your business name or invent categories. Google’s guidelines say your name should be the one you use in real life, and breaking this can get your profile suspended.
Review it occasionally
Google adds and renames categories from time to time. Check your profile every few months to make sure yours still fits.
Pick the most specific accurate primary category, add honest extras and keep your website in line with them.
See also Google Business Profile setup.