Google Places and Pre-Selected Categories

[ElaineE]

I want to add a Google Place for my company (a BtoB company) but none of the categories match. You must  select at least 1 category that matches suggestions as you type. Are there any work arounds? Is this even worth pursuing as a BtoB company?

[Adam.Whittles]

You could try this Google Places Category Tool.

Adam.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Elaine, If your company is local (rather than virtual) than having a local presence in Google is almost always going to be of some benefit to you. To qualify, you must do face-to-face business with your customers, and must have a business name, dedicated street address (not a P.O. Box, virtual office, etc.) and dedicated local area code phone number (not a toll free or call tracking number). If your business meets these criteria, then you qualify. There is, however, no workaround for having at least 1 (preferably 2-3) pre-set categories. You haven't mentioned what, precisely, your business does, but I would recommend that you utilize Mike Blumenthal's category tool to find the best possible match: http://blumenthals.com/index.php?Google_LBC_Categories Then, use the additional fields to create your own custom categories. *Remember, acceptable categories describe what your business is rather than what it does; so, plumber vs. plumbing, carpet cleaning company vs. carpet cleaner, etc. Best of luck!

[ElaineE]

Based on this, I don't think we're a fit! Really appreciate your help so thank you!

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Elaine,
Glad that helped you to clarify your options. BTW, your comment double posted accidentally. I took care of deleting the duplicate. Thanks for using Q&A!

Miriam