Selecting Google Custom Categories in Local Business

[newcitymoving]

This post is deleted!

[Gyi]

I'd start here: Categories should say what your business is (e.g. Hospital), not on what it does (e.g. Vaccinations) or things it sells (e.g. Sony products or printer paper). This information can be added in your description or as custom attributes. Categories should not contain location-based information (for example, Dog Walker Los Angeles is not permitted). Only one category is permitted per entry field. Do not “stuff” entry fields with multiple categories. http://support.google.com/places/bin/answer.py?hl=en&cbrank=3&cbid=-wzuex3urz26r&ctx=cb&answer=107528&src=cb I'd also see what google search suggests. Here are some possibilities: Moving companies Movers I'd also consider adding descriptions or custom attribute (if applicable): Moving truck rental Moving boxes Moving supplies I don't think there's a lot of value in repeating singulars and plurals. My 2 cents.

[mozalbin]

I would go for a keyword like "Moving Company" or "Moving Services" (what ever is the most searched or relevant one). In that way, you'll get "Moving" for free. You don't have to build links with anchor text just "Moving" if you build more long-tail or multiple keywords in anchor text.

Happy holidays and good luck with your business

[RobertFisher]

You want to stay within your category - the first is mandated - but expand it to fit your keyword structure for your site and product. So, You have Movers as the Places required category, do not use mover variations over and over. If you do Cross country put Cross Country Movers or moving (best keyword), then go for Packing Service if you do such. If your site is set up based on what people search on it will typically be what would be correct for Places. (Don't forget Bing Business Portal or Yahoo). I would stay with about 5 key categories and that is it. 
Also, when you do photos for Places take pictures of packing, long haul trucks, local moving trucks, etc. Try to get your photos to fit your categories and also geotag them.

[MiriamEllis]

I've just endorsed Gyi's answer, but would also like to recommend that you use at least 2 of Google's pre-set categories if possible and follow these up with custom categories of your own choosing. And do stick to that rule of describing what you are instead of what you do. Good luck!