Step 7: Category Framing

Fresh

Overview

This is the core of the method. You need to research and select a starting category that will not trigger video verification or suspension, then plan your ladder path up to your target category.

Procedure

1. Research Categories with Plepper

1. Go to Plepper.com and log in ($10/month)
2. Click the hamburger menu
3. Go to Tools then GBP Categories
4. Click Fetch Google Business Profile Categories (United States)
5. Search for your target category (e.g., "Roofing Contractor")
6. Click Related Categories
7. Review the list of related categories

2. Choose a Starting Category

Look for a category that is:

• Not on Google's spam radar
• Not a home service/trade category
• Easy to get live without video verification

Categories That Will NOT Work as Starters

• Anything containing "contractor"
• Anything containing "cleaning"
• Installation categories
• Construction categories
• Carpenter and trade categories
• Roofing Supply Store (treated the same as roofing)

Good Starting Categories

• Repair Service — low risk, often works
• Building Consultant — not on this list but works well
• Restoration Service — another good option

3. Plan the Ladder Path

Map out your steps from easy to target:

Example for Roofing Contractor:

Repair Service → Contractor → Roofing Contractor
   (easy)          (medium)       (target)

Example for Plumber:

Repair Service → Building Consultant → Plumber
    (easy)           (medium)           (target)

Trial and Error

There is trial and error involved. If you are unsure about a category path, reach out for guidance. Different categories may need different starting points.

Tools Used

Tool	Purpose
Plepper	GBP category research and related categories

Output

At the end of this step you should have:

• A safe starting category selected
• A planned ladder path from easy to target
• Understanding of which categories to avoid

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Next Step: Step 8: The Ladder Method