Definition
Categories, attributes, and photos are three essential elements for optimizing a Google Business Profile. The primary category is the most important local ranking factor according to Whitespark studies: it determines which queries your listing can appear for. Secondary categories allow expanding visibility. Attributes are specific business characteristics (patio, WiFi, wheelchair accessible, contactless payment, etc.) that serve as user filters. Photos (interior, exterior, team, products) increase engagement and trust. Listings with 100+ photos receive 520% more calls than average according to Google.
Key Points
- Primary category is the #1 Local Pack ranking factor
- Add all relevant secondary categories (up to 10)
- Photos and attributes increase engagement and conversions
Practical Examples
Category optimization
A Japanese restaurant chooses 'Japanese restaurant' as primary category and adds 'Sushi restaurant', 'Ramen restaurant', 'Delivery restaurant' as secondary categories. Visibility increases for all these local queries.
Photos and engagement
A hotel adds 200 quality photos (rooms, restaurant, pool, view, events) to its GBP listing. Interactions (directions requests, calls, website clicks) increase by 200% compared to the previous period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research your competitors' categories in the Local Pack (visible via tools like GMBspy or Pleper). Choose the category that most precisely matches your main business. Test different primary categories for a few weeks to measure impact on visibility.
Google recommends at minimum one exterior photo, one interior, team, and products/services. Aim for at least 25 quality photos to exceed the average. Top-performing businesses have 100+ photos and regularly add new images.
Go Further with LemmiLink
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Last updated: 2026-02-07