Primary Category Rules
Pick the most specific category that exactly describes your core revenue activity. Specific beats general almost every time. A pizza place ranks better as Pizza Restaurant than Restaurant. A criminal defence firm ranks better as Criminal Justice Attorney than Lawyer. Your primary category becomes your strongest ranking and eligibility signal.
Secondary Categories Expand Eligibility, Not Strength
Secondary categories make you eligible for additional queries but never carry the same weight as primary. Add only categories you genuinely serve. Adding inaccurate secondary categories can flag the profile for review and reduce trust.
Attributes That Convert
Attributes such as wheelchair accessible, free wifi, outdoor seating, online appointments, and Black-owned business surface as filters in search. They do not move ranking directly but materially influence click-through and call rates from search results.
Periodic Reaudit
Google adds new categories and attributes throughout the year. Reaudit every 90 days to capture new options. Many high-conversion attributes did not exist a year ago and are still missing on most profiles in your category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but expect a temporary ranking dip whilst Google revalidates. Make category changes carefully and only when justified.
Most profiles benefit from three to five accurate secondary categories. More than that often dilutes relevance signals.
Use a category list site like PleperLocal or GMBspy to see categories competitors use, then add the ones that genuinely apply.
Most attributes do not affect ranking directly but improve filter visibility and conversion rate from impressions.
Pick the nearest specific match, then use services and products fields to clarify your offering.