Additional category

An additional category is an optional Google Business Profile category that describes a relevant department or service beyond the primary category. Google says to use a few categories from its list for special departments or services, not one for every product or service.¹²

Google's bulk-upload guidance puts the ceiling at 9 additional categories for a single profile, but 9 is a maximum, not a target. Categories should represent what the business is, not what it has.² Its IS-versus-HAS test asks whether a category completes “This business IS a,” rather than “This business HAS a,” and describes the business holistically.³

For example, a bicycle repair shop that also sells helmets might consider Bicycle shop only if the business itself operates as a bicycle retailer. Adding it merely because helmets are on the shelves would describe what the shop has, not what it is. This is an original application of Google's test, not a Google example.³

To add one, open the Google Business Profile, select Edit profile, edit Business category, choose Add another category, enter and select a listed option, then select Save.¹ After a category is added or edited, Google says it might ask the business to verify again, so verification may follow the edit.¹

If the preferred category is unavailable, Google's bulk-upload guidance says to choose the next best available category. That fallback appears in its Primary category section, so it is not a special rule for additional categories. To request a new category, select More > Support > Send feedback.²

An independent, public-facing department that is separately owned and operated within the location should have its own Business Profile, not its category added to the main profile.¹ For the wider choice between category types, read choosing the right Google Business Profile categories. The category dilution entry covers that separate concept.

Sources

1. Google Business Profile Help, "Manage your business category": https://support.google.com/business/answer/7249669?hl=en (read 2026-09-29)

2. Google Business Profile Help, "Create a bulk upload spreadsheet for Business Profiles": https://support.google.com/business/answer/3370250?hl=en (read 2026-09-29)

3. Google Business Profile Help, "Guidelines for representing your business on Google": https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177?hl=en (read 2026-09-29)