Categories

Categories are a way to group products with common attributes. Because every directory uses a unique taxonomy, category naming often differs between platforms—what one calls "CRM," another might call "Sales Automation."

Category selection represents a critical strategic decision in directory optimization. The right categories determine where a product appears in browse experiences and which comparison sets include the solution. However, the lack of standardization across directories creates complexity—each platform maintains its own taxonomy with different levels of granularity and classification logic.

A product might fit into "Project Management" on one directory, "Work Management" on another, and "Collaboration Software" on a third. This variability parallels the broader challenge of Taxonomy that directories use to organize their entire catalog. Understanding why Capterra might reject category assignments is crucial for successful submissions.

The choice also impacts SEO, as directory pages often rank for category-specific search queries. Vendors should be ready to select multiple relevant categories where allowed, balancing specificity with traffic volume, and regularly review category performance to optimize placement over time. Optimizing category placement for AI visibility has become increasingly important as AI systems use category classifications to recommend solutions.

Important note: not all directories allow vendors to self-select categories. Major platforms like Capterra and G2 assign categories according to their own rules and algorithms. They may reject submissions because certain features they deem necessary for a category are missing. In these cases, vendors can always appeal the decision and provide additional context about their product's capabilities. Understanding each directory's category assignment process and being prepared to justify category placement is essential for successful Submissions.

The assignment process varies significantly by platform. Some directories use automated systems that analyze product descriptions and feature lists to suggest categories. Others employ manual review by category experts. Still others use hybrid approaches combining algorithmic suggestions with human verification. When facing rejection, vendors should carefully review the stated category requirements, identify specific features or capabilities they possess that meet those requirements, and prepare detailed justification for their appeal.

Category optimization connects directly to broader Ratings and Rankings, as proper categorization ensures products appear in relevant comparison sets where they can compete effectively. The strategic approach involves researching which categories have the most buyer traffic, understanding competitive intensity within each category, identifying categories where the product offers genuine differentiation, and monitoring performance metrics to refine category selection over time.

Best practices include maintaining consistency across directories where possible (while respecting each platform's unique taxonomy), documenting justification for category selections to use in appeals, regularly reviewing new categories as directories expand their taxonomies, and ensuring product features genuinely align with selected categories to avoid rejection or poor performance after approval.