Your Google Business Profile (GBP) categories directly influence your visibility in local search results and on Google Maps; Google uses these to understand *exactly* what services you offer and match you with relevant customer searches. As of early 2026, Google’s algorithms are increasingly sophisticated in understanding nuanced business offerings, making accurate categorisation more crucial than ever.
- Primary Category: This is the most important. Choose the *single* category that best defines your core business.
- Additional Categories: Current systems include the ability to add up to nine additional categories. Use these to reflect secondary services or product lines.
- Attribute Selection: Now features detailed attributes within categories (e.g., “Wheelchair Accessible”, “Free Wi-Fi”). These further refine your profile.
- Service Areas: Crucially, define your service areas accurately. In 2026, Google prioritises businesses serving specific postcodes and regions.
In the Australian context, consider the specific industry regulations and common search terms. For example, a ‘Mobile Mechanic’ should also select categories like ‘Car Repair’ and potentially specific vehicle brands they service. Google’s local search algorithms are increasingly sensitive to regional variations in terminology – what customers *actually* search for in Perth might differ from Sydney. Furthermore, compliance with Australian Consumer Law requires accurate representation of your services, and incorrect categorisation could lead to misrepresentation issues.
Rather than navigating such complex technicalities yourself, you can simply reach out to our team. At ROI growth agency, we specialise in optimising Google Business Profiles for maximum visibility and return on investment. Visit https://lp.roi.com.au/contact-us/ to get started. We can take care of all this for you.
