GBP Primary Category Change

[luischavez0104]

Hi,
We're looking to update some of the primary categories for one of our clients that has multiple locations across the US. Would there be any penalty from Google if we update some of the locations to test and leave some how they are? Does Google care about category consistency across various GBPs? And how long would be a sufficient amount of time for the category change to run? Could rankings change after a week or two when we update the category or is it longer?
Thanks!

 

[ElizabethRule]

Hi there,

As long as the category is relevant to the services you offer, Google doesn't care what you use across multiple GBPs. So feel free to test away! I would say a week or 2 is solid to check back on impact to rankings after a category change.

 

[luischavez0104]

Hi there,

As long as the category is relevant to the services you offer, Google doesn't care what you use across multiple GBPs. So feel free to test away! I would say a week or 2 is solid to check back on impact to rankings after a category change.

Thank you!

 

[NevenaIvanova]

It's worth mentioning that there has been a surge in Google requiring re-verification when the business owner changes the primary category.

 

[petercanthropus]

Yes, changing the primary category can trigger a re-verification. It happened to me recently.

 

[sarmcl]

We just had 3 suspended bc of this! And best part is we had to change it bc the category was no longer available!