Choosing the right categories and services for your Google Business Profile (GBP) is crucial for local SEO, especially if you’re an electrician. When you accurately list all the relevant services you offer, Google can better match you with customers searching for those specific solutions. Below, we’ll walk you through how to find and set these categories and services, plus provide a curated list to streamline the process.
Why Categories and Services Matter for Electricians
- Improve Local Search Rankings
By selecting accurate categories (e.g., “Electrician,” “Lighting Consultant”) and listing your services (e.g., “Electrical panel upgrade,” “EV charger installation”), you signal to Google the scope of your work. - Reach Targeted Leads
Customers looking for a specific electrical service—such as “generator installation”—will find your profile if you’ve added it under your services. - Stand Out from Competitors
A detailed profile showing all your capabilities can help you outshine electricians who only list a few generic services.
Step 1: Identify Potential Categories and Services
Method 1: Using a GMB / GBP Category Tool (e.g., GMB Everywhere)
- Run a Competitor Search
- In Google, type “electrician near me.”
- Use a browser extension like GMB Everywhere or a similar tool to view competitors’ categories.
- Compile Categories
- Note which categories appear for top-ranking competitors. Common electrician categories might include:
- Electrician (primary)
- Electrical Installation Service
- Lighting Consultant
- Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installer (not the station itself, but the installation service)
- Note which categories appear for top-ranking competitors. Common electrician categories might include:
- Check Services
- Tools like GMB Everywhere often show recommended services for each category. Copy these into a document, removing any you don’t provide.
Method 2: Reference a Curated Services List
To save time, you can use a pre-compiled list of electrician categories and services (like the one provided in our description). Copy them into a spreadsheet or document, then remove any that don’t apply to your company.
Step 2: Add / Change Categories in Your Google Business Profile
- Access Your GBP
- Go to Google Business Profile Manager and sign in.
- Find Categories Section
- From the left-hand menu, select Info or Edit Profile.
- Scroll to Business Categories.
- Add Additional Categories
- Click Add another business category, search for terms like “Electrician,” “Lighting Consultant,” “Electrical Installation Service,” etc.
- Choose relevant categories only.
Note: You can have one primary category, so pick the one most crucial to your business (usually Electrician). Additional categories support other services you perform.
Step 3: List Services Under Each Category
- Locate Services
- In your GBP dashboard, under Info (or Edit Services), find each category you’ve added.
- Use Google’s Suggestions
- Google might suggest common services like “Outlet repair” or “Ceiling fan installation” under “Electrician.”
- Add Custom Services
- If you provide a service not listed, click Add custom service (e.g., “Backup generator installation,” “Security lighting setup”).
- Keep It Accurate
- Only list services you genuinely offer. Listing irrelevant services may confuse customers or violate Google’s guidelines.
Example Services for Electricians
- Under Electrician
- Outlet Installation / Repair
- Circuit Breaker Replacement
- Electrical Panel Upgrades
- Wiring for New Construction
- Emergency Electrical Repair
- Generator Installation / Maintenance
- Under Lighting Consultant
- LED Retrofit Services
- Landscape Lighting Design
- Security Lighting Installation
- Chandeliers and Pendant Lighting
- Under EV Charging Station Installer
- Residential EV Charger Installation
- Commercial EV Charger Maintenance
Add or remove services based on your business offerings.
Step 4: Verify and Optimize
- View Your Updated Profile
- Check that your changes appear on the public version of your GBP.
- Encourage Reviews
- Ask satisfied customers to mention the specific service performed (e.g., “They installed a new panel at my home.”). This further validates your expertise for that service.
- Monitor Insights
- Track whether the new categories/services correlate with an increase in calls or direction requests.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Category Not Found: If Google doesn’t have a matching category, pick the closest one and add services.
- Delayed Updates: Google may take a few days to reflect new categories/services.
- Service Limit: Not all services may display publicly, but it’s still beneficial to list them in your dashboard.
- Data Inconsistency: Keep your info consistent. Discrepancies can hurt SEO and confuse customers.
Best Practices
- Stay Relevant
- List only the categories/services you truly offer. Overloading your profile with irrelevant ones can backfire.
- Maintain a Master Document
- Keep a master list of categories and services (like the curated one we provide), ensuring consistency across all your online listings.
- Regular Updates
- Revisit your profile periodically to add new services or remove those you no longer provide.
Conclusion
Optimizing your GBP with the right electrician categories and services is a powerful move for local SEO. Whether you use a curated list or leverage competitor insights with a tool like GMB Everywhere, accurate categories and service listings make it easier for customers and Google to recognize your expertise. Stay consistent, keep your content relevant, and regularly review your settings to maintain a competitive edge in local search results.