How Can I Check the Main Business Category for My Service?

The short answer is you can identify your main business category by going to maps.google.com and searching for your service in your area. The primary category that shows up in the organic search results represents your main business category.

Full Explanation

Understanding your main business category is crucial for correctly positioning your service online. By visiting maps.google.com and typing in the service you offer along with your location, you can observe how Google categorizes similar businesses. The category appearing prominently in the organic results reflects what Google considers the primary category for your service in that geographic area.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Open your web browser and go to maps.google.com.
Enter the name of your service or a keyword describing it, along with your local area or city.
Look at the businesses that appear in the organic search results. Note the category mentioned under or near their names.
The category that appears most often or is shown prominently should be your primary business category.

Real Examples

While specific examples are not provided here, the basic principle is that any generic search for a service in your local area on Google Maps will reveal what category Google assigns to existing businesses. This method helps you understand how Google classifies your type of business without needing additional tools.

Common Mistakes

Not including your local area in the search, which can result in irrelevant or broad category suggestions.
Ignoring the organic search results and focusing solely on paid ads or promoted listings.
Assuming self-assigned categories without verifying how similar services are categorized by Google.

FAQs

Why is it important to identify the main business category?: Choosing the correct category helps your business appear in relevant local searches and improves your visibility online.
Can the category vary by location?: Yes, Google may display different categories depending on the location searched, so checking in your specific area is important.
Is this method free?: Yes, using maps.google.com to check categories is completely free and accessible to anyone.

Key Takeaways

Use Google Maps to search for your service and location to find your main business category.
The category you see in organic results is a strong indicator of the primary business category.
Accurately identifying your category improves your chances of being found by potential customers locally.