How does the choice of business category in Google Business Profile affect keyword targeting?

The choice of business category in Google Business Profile significantly affects keyword targeting by influencing the types of searches for which the listing appears and the relevance of the business to those searches. The primary category tells Google what the business *is*, and it's the most important factor in determining the types of searches the business will match with. Google uses the business category to understand the services or products offered and to match the listing with relevant search queries. For example, if a restaurant selects 'Italian Restaurant' as its primary category, it will be more likely to appear in search results for queries like 'Italian restaurants near me' or 'best Italian food'. Selecting additional categories allows you to further refine keyword targeting and capture a wider range of relevant searches. Choose categories that accurately reflect the various aspects of the business. If a business selects irrelevant or inaccurate categories, it can negatively impact its visibility in search results. Users searching for those categories may not find the business relevant, leading to lower click-through rates and reduced engagement. Regularly review and update the business categories to ensure they accurately reflect the current offerings and target the most relevant keywords.