Google Business Profile categories by trade: roofers, plumbers, HVAC and more
The primary and secondary Google Business Profile categories we'd pick for each home service trade, and the categories that look right but cost you calls.
Your primary category is one of the strongest signals in local search, and most contractors pick it once, in a hurry, and never look again. Here's what we'd choose for each common trade.
Google lets you pick one primary category and up to nine additional ones. The primary category does most of the work. Additional categories help you show up for related searches, but only for work you actually do. For the reasoning behind each choice, see our guide to choosing Business Profile categories.
Category names change from time to time, so check the exact wording in your profile before you save.
Roofing
- Primary: Roofing contractor
- Secondary, if you do the work: Gutter cleaning service, Siding contractor, Skylight contractor
- Avoid: General contractor as primary. It puts you in a much bigger, vaguer race.
More in our roofer's Business Profile guide.
Plumbing
- Primary: Plumber
- Secondary: Drainage service, Water heater installation service, Septic system service (only if you pump or repair septic)
- Avoid: Emergency plumbing categories you can't actually staff at 2 a.m.
HVAC
- Primary: HVAC contractor
- Secondary: Air conditioning repair service, Furnace repair service, Heating contractor
- Note: In hot states, "Air conditioning contractor" can earn its place as a secondary category. Pick by what your calls are actually about.
Electrical
- Primary: Electrician
- Secondary: Lighting contractor, Electrical installation service, Generator shop (only if you sell and install generators)
Cleaning
- Primary: House cleaning service, or Janitorial service if most of your revenue is commercial
- Secondary: Carpet cleaning service, Window cleaning service, Commercial cleaning service
Lawn and landscaping
- Primary: Lawn care service, or Landscaper if design and installs are most of the work
- Secondary: Landscape designer, Tree service, Irrigation equipment supplier only if you sell parts
Pool
- Primary: Swimming pool repair service or Pool cleaning service, by what pays most
- Secondary: Swimming pool contractor (builds and remodels), Pool deck work under Concrete contractor if you do it
Pest control
- Primary: Pest control service
- Secondary: Termite control service, Wildlife and animal control service
Remodeling
- Primary: Remodeler, or Kitchen remodeler / Bathroom remodeler if one dominates
- Secondary: Kitchen remodeler, Bathroom remodeler, Cabinet maker if you build them
The test for every secondary category
Before you add one, ask three questions:
- Do we do this work every month?
- Is there a page on our site about it? A category with no matching page sends searchers somewhere that doesn't answer them.
- Do we have photos and reviews that mention it?
Three yeses, add it. Otherwise, leave it out. Extra categories you can't back up dilute the profile instead of growing it.
Check what competitors use
Search your main service and town, open the top three map results, and note their primary categories. If they all lead with a category you don't use, that's worth a look. Tools that show competitors' categories exist, but a few manual checks get you most of the way.
Next step
Open your profile, confirm the primary category matches the service most of your revenue comes from, and remove any secondary category that fails the three questions. Then make sure each remaining category has its own page on your site. Our local SEO checklist covers the rest of the profile.
Frequently asked questions
How many categories can a Google Business Profile have?
One primary category and up to nine additional ones. The primary category carries the most weight, so it should be the service most of your revenue comes from.
What is the best Google Business Profile category for a roofer?
Roofing contractor, as the primary category. Add secondary categories such as gutter cleaning service or siding contractor only if you really do that work.
Can I add a category for a service I want to start offering?
Wait until you do the work. Categories you don't support with real jobs, photos and reviews tend to win clicks that go nowhere, and they can get the profile edited or flagged.
