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Google Business Profile Categories for Auto Repair Shops

Most auto repair shops should use Auto repair shop as the primary category. We suggest adding only additional categories that match a distinct line of work. Google's help says you choose a primary category and can select up to 9 more (source: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3039617), and that you pick categories from the list Google shows and can't create your own (source: https://support.google.com/business/answer/7249669). The category names on this page are examples only: confirm each one by typing it into your profile's category field and picking it from the list that shows up.

Example additional categories to look for

Only add one if customers can hire you for that work by itself. Google's guidelines say to use as few categories as possible to describe your core business (source: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177). Confirm each example below in your profile's category field before you use it.

• Brake shop
• Oil change service
• Tire shop (only if you sell tires)
• Transmission shop
• Auto body shop (only with a body and paint line of work)
• Auto air conditioning service
• Car inspection station (only if you are a licensed inspection station)
• Mechanic
• Auto electrical service

What goes in Services instead

We suggest listing work that is part of your main offering as services rather than categories. Google's guidelines say categories should describe what the business is, not list every service it offers (source: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177). Examples for auto repair shops: brake repair, oil changes, engine diagnostics, check engine light, alignment, battery replacement, suspension repair, pre-purchase inspection.

Check your categories against competitors

1. Search your main service plus your city in Google Maps.
2. Note which category each of the top three businesses appears to use.
3. If most of them seem to use a different main category than yours, check whether it describes your business more accurately.

Next, check your description with the free GBP description checker.

Tips for auto repair shops

• Google's guidelines use auto repair shops that have a garage and also offer roadside service as an example of hybrid service-area businesses, which can show their storefront address and set a service area (source: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177).
• Google's guidelines also give the example of a dealership's service and parts department using the category Auto Repair Shop, plus Auto Parts Store (source: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177).
• Add specialty categories such as transmission or body work only if they are real, separate lines of work.

Before you save

• Google's help says that if you add or edit a category, you might be asked to verify your business again (source: https://support.google.com/business/answer/7249669). Make category changes when you can respond to a verification request.
• Google says not to use categories solely as keywords or to describe features of your business (source: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3039617).
• If the specific category you want isn't available, Google suggests selecting a general category that describes your business (source: https://support.google.com/business/answer/7249669).

If you want us to check it

Our Google Business Profile Audit compares your categories, services and listing against three local competitors and gives you a written fix list. We work from your public listing; no login needed.

Free: score your listing yourself with our 10-minute Google Business Profile checkup (no signup to use). We are independent and not affiliated with Google.

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