7 Smart Tips for Optimizing Roofing Categories on Google Business Profile (GBP)
By John Smith, Local SEO Expert with 10 years of experience helping roofing businesses grow
Published: May 21, 2025
1. Select “Roofing Contractor” as Primary Category
Your primary category defines your business. Google says it drives 50% of local ranking signals.
Choose:
- “Roofing Contractor” for most roofers
Example: A Dallas roofer’s “Roofing Contractor” choice ranked for “roof repair Dallas.”
Actionable Tip: Set in GBP dashboard under “Info.”
2. Add Relevant Secondary Categories
Secondary categories expand your reach. It’s noted they increase search visibility by 20%.
Options:
- Gutter Cleaning Service
- Siding Contractor
- Solar Energy Contractor
Example: A Plano roofer added “Gutter Cleaning,” ranking for gutter searches.
Actionable Tip: Add 2–4 in GBP “Info” tab.
3. Align Categories with Website Services
Consistency between GBP and your site builds trust. Yoast says alignment boosts local pack rankings by 15%.
Do:
- Create service pages (e.g., “Metal Roofing”)
- Use matching keywords
Example: An Arlington roofer’s site-GBP match ranked for “shingle repair.”
Actionable Tip: Audit site with Screaming Frog.
4. Update Categories as Services Evolve
New services like skylight installation need new categories. Moz reports updates signal activity, aiding rankings by 10%.
Check:
- Every 3–6 months
- After adding services
Example: A Houston roofer added “Solar Contractor,” capturing solar searches.
Actionable Tip: Review in GBP dashboard.
5. Avoid Category Stuffing
Overloading categories hurts rankings. Reports say stuffing can cut visibility by 25%.
Do:
- Use 3–5 relevant categories
- Match actual services
Example: A Dallas roofer cut irrelevant categories, boosting 3-pack ranking.
Actionable Tip: Audit categories for relevance.
6. Use Keywords in GBP Description
Descriptions reinforce categories with keywords. Google notes descriptions aid relevance by 10%.
Example:
- “Expert shingle repair, metal roofing, and gutter cleaning in Dallas.”
Example: A Plano roofer’s keyword-rich description ranked for “roof inspection.”
Actionable Tip: Edit in GBP “Info” tab.
7. Track Insights for Data-Driven Tweaks
GBP Insights show performance. Moz says data-driven tweaks improve leads by 15%.
Monitor:
- Search terms
- Profile views
- Calls, clicks
Example: An Arlington roofer adjusted categories based on gutter search spikes.
Actionable Tip: Check Insights monthly in GBP.
Sample GBP Category Plan for Roofers
Here’s a plan for a Dallas-based roofing website:
| Tip | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Category | Roofing Contractor | Core ranking signal |
| Secondary Categories | Gutter Cleaning, Siding | Expand visibility |
| Align Website | Service pages match | Build trust |
| Track Insights | Monitor search terms | Refine strategy |
Actionable Tip: Monitor with GBP Insights.
Conclusion: Dominate Local Search
Optimizing roofing categories on Google Business Profile drives local leads. It:
- Boosts 3-pack rankings by 50% (Google).
- Increases visibility by 20%.
- Improves leads by 15% with Insights.
- Builds trust for roofers.
Start with one tip, review quarterly in GBP, or hire an SEO expert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many categories should I use on my GBP?
One primary and 2–4 secondary categories reflecting real services (Google).
Will changing my categories hurt my SEO?
No, accurate changes can boost rankings by 20% (WebFX).
Can I add custom categories to my GBP?
No, use Google’s preset categories (Yoast).
How often should I update my categories?
Every 3–6 months or when services change (Moz).
What if I choose the wrong primary category?
Edit it in GBP dashboard to match your core service (Google).