Let’s be real. If you run a local business and aren’t paying attention to Google My Business (GMB), you’re basically playing SEO on hard mode while your competitors are coasting on easy. Ranking high on Google Maps is the holy grail of local SEO. It’s like getting prime real estate in the busiest part of town—except instead of paying ridiculous rent, you just need to outsmart your competition (which, lucky for you, isn’t that hard if you know what you’re doing). One of the best ways to do that? Find out exactly what GMB categories your competitors are using. In today’s blog post I will show you exactly how to find competitors google my business listing categories and not just that but also how to rank #1 on local seo with your google my business page.
Why GMB Categories Matter More Than You Think
Google My Business categories are like SEO cheat codes. They tell Google what kind of business you run, which determines where you show up in search results. Pick the right ones, and you’ll get in front of more potential customers. Pick the wrong ones, and you might as well be invisible.
Most businesses only select a primary category and call it a day. That’s a mistake. Google lets you choose multiple categories, and your secondary categories play a big role in how often your business appears in searches.
So, if your competitors are outranking you, there’s a good chance they’ve chosen better categories. Fortunately, you can easily find out what they’re using—no fancy tools required (although I’ll introduce you to one later that makes life even easier).
The Old-School Method: Finding Competitor GMB Categories Manually
If you like doing things the hard way, here’s how you can find your competitors’ GMB categories the old-fashioned way:
- Open Google Maps.
- Search for your competitor’s business.
- Click on their listing.
- Place your cursor next to their primary business category (it’s right under the business name).
- Right-click and select “View Page Source.”
- Press CTRL + F (or CMD + F on Mac) to open the search function.
- Type in their primary business category.
- Scroll through the highlighted text to find their secondary categories.
Boom. Now you know exactly what categories they’re using.
The downside? It’s a bit tedious. And if you’re researching multiple competitors, you’ll start feeling like a hacker trapped in the matrix. That’s where automation comes in.
The Smarter Way: Using OttoSEO to Spy (Ethically) on Your Competitors
If you want to save time and avoid getting lost in endless lines of code, OttoSEO is your new best friend. It’s a powerful tool designed specifically for local SEO domination, and it takes the guesswork (and manual labor) out of finding competitor GMB categories.
Here’s what OttoSEO can do for you:
1. Find Competitor Categories Instantly
Instead of manually digging through page source code, OttoSEO pulls competitor GMB categories for you. Just enter their business name, and the tool does the rest. Fast, easy, and no coding required.
2. See Which Keywords You Can Realistically Rank For
It’s not just about knowing what categories your competitors use—it’s about knowing which ones give you the best shot at ranking higher. OttoSEO analyzes ranking potential based on your competition and location, so you can choose the best categories for your business.
3. Get Your Business Listed in Apps & GPS Services
Most people focus on Google Maps, but did you know there are tons of other apps and GPS services that influence local search rankings? OttoSEO pushes your business into platforms like Data Axle, Neustar, YP Network, and major GPS networks, increasing your visibility beyond just Google.
4. AI-Powered Content for Your GMB Profile
Managing your Google My Business profile is a headache. With OttoSEO, you get AI-generated content, including:
- Images optimized for local search
- Captions that drive engagement
- Scheduled posts to keep your profile fresh
5. Automated Review Responses (Because Who Has Time for That?)
Good reviews help you rank higher, but responding to them takes time. OttoSEO’s AI chatbot automatically replies to Google reviews in a way that sounds professional (and human), so you can maintain engagement without lifting a finger.
6. Q&A Management for Your GMB Profile
Ever notice how some businesses have a “Questions & Answers” section on their GMB profile? That’s another ranking factor. OttoSEO helps you generate and manage Q&A content to make your listing look more complete and trustworthy.
How to Use This Info to Outrank Your Competitors
Alright, so now you know how to find your competitors’ GMB categories—what’s next? Here’s how to put this intel to work:
Step 1: Compare Your Categories
Look at your competitors’ categories and compare them to your own. Are they using categories you haven’t thought of? Are they ranking higher than you for certain searches? If so, add those categories to your listing (assuming they’re relevant).
Step 2: Optimize Your GMB Profile
Your categories are just one piece of the puzzle. Make sure your business profile is fully optimized:
- Add high-quality photos (Google loves active profiles)
- Fill out all business details (hours, services, etc.)
- Use Google Posts to stay active
- Respond to every review (or let OttoSEO do it for you)
Step 3: Get Listed on Other Platforms
Don’t just rely on Google Maps. Use OttoSEO to push your business into apps, directories, and GPS services to get more visibility.
Step 4: Monitor & Adjust
SEO isn’t a one-time thing. Keep an eye on your rankings and tweak your strategy as needed. OttoSEO can help track your progress and suggest improvements over time.
Final Thoughts: Do This & Watch Your Business Grow
Finding and optimizing GMB categories isn’t rocket science—it’s just something most businesses don’t bother doing. That’s why it’s such an easy way to get ahead. By taking a few minutes to spy on your competitors and tweak your own listing, you can increase your visibility, attract more customers, and dominate local search results.
And if you want to make your life easier? OttoSEO is the ultimate shortcut. From uncovering competitor strategies to automating your local SEO, it’s a game-changer for small and medium-sized businesses.
So go ahead—start digging into those competitor listings and give your business the boost it deserves. Your future customers (and your bank account) will thank you.