How to Rank Higher in Google Maps Pack

  • May 13, 2024
  • obm
  • 4 min read
How to Rank Higher in Google Maps Pack

Are you struggling to get your business to appear in the local map pack when potential customers search for your services? One critical factor that could be holding you back is not having the correct categories listed on your Google My Business (GMB) listing.

Out of all the Google My Business ranking factors, one of the most crucial is setting up and selecting the right categories. Having the wrong category can prevent your business from ranking at the top, leading to missed opportunities in terms of visibility and quality leads. Today I’ll show how you can choose the right categories to start ranking higher in search results.

Understanding the Importance of Categories

Imagine having the perfect ad campaign but not appearing in local searches relevant to your business. This scenario often arises due to incorrectly set categories. Google has streamlined the process of adding categories to your GMB listing, but understanding the nuances requires a professional touch.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of selecting the right primary and additional categories to improve your local search rankings.

Studies have shown that the primary category is the number one ranking factor in a Google My Business profile, with additional categories also playing a significant role in rankings. Today, we’ll introduce you to two tools—GMB Everywhere and Plepper—that can help you identify and select the right categories for your business.

Using GMB Everywhere

Start by downloading the GMB Everywhere extension, which simplifies the process of finding categories. Input your service and location to see a list of businesses related to your industry. For example, if you’re a plumber in Essex, search for “plumbers Essex.”

gmb everywhere

GMB Everywhere will display the categories these businesses have used to rank. Identify their primary and additional categories, The primary category will have a golden star beside it. Because they are your competitors and provide the same service as you, you can use the same primary category as they have. 

This insight into competitor categories helps you make informed decisions for your own listing.

To add categories, access your GMB profile, navigate to “Edit your business information,” and select “Business categories.” Here, add your primary category and relevant secondary categories, such as “drainage service” for a drainage contractor.

Using Plepper

Another useful tool is Plepper. Start by creating an account, it’s free!

plepper

Under “Tools,” select “Google my business categories full list.” Choose your language and location, then fetch Google business profile categories. Enter your service (e.g., “plumber”) to find related categories like “heating contractor” or “bathroom remodeler.”

Plepper’s detailed categorization helps you explore primary and additional categories related to your business. Use this data to refine your GMB listing accurately by adding additional categories. 

Best Practices and Caution

While adding categories, prioritize relevance over quantity. Irrelevant categories can lead to misaligned search results and irrelevant inquiries, impacting your business negatively.

Bonus Tip

After updating categories, revisit your GMB dashboard later to check for additional category suggestions under “Edit services” and “Add more services.” Here Google will show you additional categories that it thinks might be a good fit for your business. If the suggested categories are relevant then add them to your profile.

Conclusion

Selecting the right categories on your Google My Business profile significantly impacts your local search rankings. By leveraging tools like GMB Everywhere and Plepper, you can ensure your business appears prominently in relevant search results.

Use this guide to optimize your GMB listing with accurate categories and increase your chances of ranking higher in the Google map pack.

Grace

Speak with our GMB Expert

Got a quick question about growing sales of your business
with local marketing? We can help.

Speak to one of our experts today on 01702 668207 or send us a message.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Agency Owners & Freelancers
Fill your calendar with 80+ appointments each month from dream clients. 
Get instant access

    Reliable & predictable lead generation for trades

    Fill your diary with ready-to-buy customers every single week. GUARANTEED!

    • Send us images of your work, we do the rest
    • Leads only go to you
    • Fast and easy set up
    • Receive local leads by next week
    • If you don't get jobs, we don't get paid. As we work on a pay on results basis!

    Send us a message to get started

    OPT out from marketing
    secureYour information is 100% secure

    Archives

    Categories