Short answer: pick the most specific primary category for your main service: Painter, Roofing contractor, Plumber, HVAC contractor or Electrician. Then add secondary categories for the other services you really offer, copying the ones the top-ranked businesses in your area use.
Your primary category was the #1 Google Maps ranking factor in Whitespark's 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors survey, and additional categories ranked #8. It's the single highest-impact setting on your profile, and it takes two minutes to change.
What top-ranked contractors use
On September 24, 2026 we pulled the categories of the top 10 Google Maps results for one search in each trade.
| Trade (search, city) | Primary category in top 10 | Most common secondary categories |
|---|---|---|
| Painters ("house painter", Queens NY) | Painter (9 of 10) | Painting (6), Dry wall contractor (5), Plasterer (2) |
| Roofers ("roofing contractor", Dallas TX) | Roofing contractor (10 of 10) | General contractor (2), Gutter service, Waterproofing service, Skylight contractor |
| Plumbers ("plumber", Phoenix AZ) | Plumber (9 of 10) | Water softening equipment supplier (7), Drainage service (7), Hot water system supplier (4), Water filter supplier (4) |
| HVAC ("hvac contractor", Atlanta GA) | HVAC contractor (10 of 10) | Air conditioning repair service (7), Heating contractor (7), Air conditioning contractor (7), Furnace repair service (5) |
| Electricians ("electrician", Charlotte NC) | Electrician (10 of 10) | Electrical installation service (6), Electric generator shop (4), Lighting contractor (4), Electrical repair shop (3) |
How to choose yours
- Primary: the service you most want to be found for. Use the exact category Google offers. Start typing it in your profile editor and pick from the list.
- Be specific, not broad. "Contractor" or "Construction company" as a primary category makes it harder to rank for "roofer" or "painter". Sterling Sky documented an HVAC business that dropped from #1 to #31 in the local pack after switching its primary category to a broader one.
- Add secondary categories only for services you actually offer. A painter who also does drywall repair should add "Dry wall contractor". One who doesn't, shouldn't.
- Match your local market. Secondary categories vary by city. In hard-water Phoenix, plumbers add water-treatment categories. Check the top three in your own area before you decide.
- Back each category up on your website with a dedicated page for that service. Google looks for your website to confirm what your profile claims.
How to check a competitor's categories
Google Maps shows only a business's primary category, under its name. To see the secondary ones, you need a tool. Browser extensions like GMB Everywhere do it, or ask us for a free map scan and we'll send you the full category list for the top businesses in your area.
Frequently asked questions
How many categories can I add to my Google Business Profile?
One primary category and up to nine additional categories. More isn't better: add only the ones that describe services you really provide.
Will changing my category hurt my ranking?
It can move your ranking either way, which is why you should copy what's working for the top businesses in your area rather than guess. Changing your category can also trigger a re-verification, so make the change once and then leave it.
Should a remodeler use General contractor as the primary category?
Only if general contracting is what you most want to be found for. If most of your work is kitchens and bathrooms, "Kitchen remodeler" or "Bathroom remodeler" will match those searches better.