Google Business Profile categories for contractors: how to choose
Why categories matter
Your primary category tells Google what you are. It strongly influences which searches you appear for in the map pack.
Rules of thumb
- Primary: the most specific category for your main revenue.
- Secondary: only services you actually offer.
- Fewer accurate categories beat many loose ones.
- Don’t change your primary category often.
Common choices for trades
- Roofers: Roofing contractor.
- HVAC: HVAC contractor; secondary such as Furnace repair service or Air conditioning contractor where they fit.
- Plumbers: Plumber; secondary such as Drainage service or Water heater installation service where available.
- Electricians: Electrician; secondary such as Lighting contractor.
- Home inspectors: Home inspector.
- Renovators: General contractor or Remodeler, depending on your main work.
Category names change over time; pick from what Google’s list shows today.
Check your competitors
Look at the businesses ranking top three for your main search. Free browser tools can show their categories. If they all use a more specific category than you, test it.
Not sure your category is right?
It is the first thing we check in a free audit. See our local SEO service.
Sources
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