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Categories in Services

Create, edit, share, delete, and reorder service categories in GHL Customer Care. Understand how Categories organize your services, making it easier for your clients

4 min read820 words12 explained imagesUpdated Thu, 11 Sep, 2025 at 3:38 PM
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On this page
  1. Key Benefits of Categories
  2. Default Category
  3. Creating a New Category
  4. Assigning a Service to a Category
  5. Editing a Category
  6. Sharing a Category
  7. Deleting a Category
  8. Reordering Categories
  9. Best Practices
  10. Frequently Asked Questions
  11. Related Articles

Make your booking page effortless to browse with clearly labeled categories. This article covers how to use Categories to create, edit, share, delete, and reorder groups of related services so clients find what they need faster.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What are Categories?

Categories are used to group similar or related services, making it easier for customers to navigate your offerings. Categories appear on your booking page as organized sections, with each service listed under its assigned category.

For example, a spa might have categories like Massage, Hair, Skin, and Salon, with multiple services listed under each.

Key Benefits of Categories

Understanding these benefits keeps your booking page tidy and ensures customers see the right services in the right place.

  • Organization: Group services into named sections that appear on the booking page.
  • Faster Discovery: Help customers quickly scan to the services they care about.
  • Direct Sharing: Use a Category URL (slug) to share a link that shows only that category’s services.
  • Control Display Order: Control the order the categories are in on the customer‑facing booking page.
  • Built‑in Fallback: A Default Category exists so deleted categories’ services (and unassigned new services) remain bookable.

Default Category

Every account starts with a Default Category, which:

  • Cannot be deleted (but it can be renamed).
  • Any new service that isn’t assigned a category will be placed into the Default Category by the system.
  • If a category is deleted, all its services will be moved into the Default Category to ensure they remain bookable.

This way, every service always belongs to a category, keeping your booking page organized and functional.

Default Category (image 1 of 12) What this shows This way, every service always belongs to a category, keeping your booking page organized and functional. What this shows Illustrates the "Default Category" section of "Categories in Services". This screenshot appears in the "Default Category" section of "Categories in Services". The text alongside this image reads: This way, every service always belongs to a category, keeping your booking page organized and functional. Immediately after, the guide continues: Set up a category to group related services and generate a shareable link for that category. Image 1 of 12 What this coversThis way, every service always belongs to a category, keeping your booking page organized and functional. Next stepSet up a category to group related services and generate a shareable link for that category.
All 3 steps in this procedure
  1. Cannot be deleted (but it can be renamed).
  2. Any new service that isn’t assigned a category will be placed into the Default Category by the system.
  3. If a category is deleted, all its services will be moved into the Default Category to ensure they remain bookable.

Creating a New Category

Set up a category to group related services and generate a shareable link for that category.

  1. Navigate to Calendar > Calendar Settings > Services.
  2. In the left sidebar, click + New Category.
    Step 2 of 5: In the left sidebar, click + New Category What this shows Step 2 of 5: In the left sidebar, click + New Category. What this shows Shows where to go for step 2 of 5 in the "Creating a New Category" section of "Categories in Services". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 5 in the "Creating a New Category" section of "Categories in Services". At this point in the walkthrough you in the left sidebar, click + New Category. The navigation path used here is Calendar > Calendar Settings > Services. The next step is to enter a Category Name. Step 2 of 5Path: Calendar > Calendar Settings > ServicesImage 2 of 12 Where to goIn the left sidebar, click + New Category.
    Buttons and menus referenced + New CategoryCalendarSettingsServicesCreate Category
    Next stepEnter a Category Name.
    All 5 steps in this procedure
    1. Navigate to Calendar > Calendar Settings > Services.
    2. In the left sidebar, click + New Category. this image
    3. Enter a Category Name.
    4. Define the Category URL (slug) — this creates a direct share link for the category.
    5. Save your changes by clicking the blue Create Category button.
  3. Enter a Category Name.
  4. Define the Category URL (slug) — this creates a direct share link for the category.
  5. Save your changes by clicking the blue Create Category button.
    Step 5 of 5: Save your changes by clicking the blue Create Category button What this shows Step 5 of 5: Save your changes by clicking the blue Create Category button. What this shows Shows how to confirm for step 5 of 5 in the "Creating a New Category" section of "Categories in Services". This screenshot accompanies step 5 of 5 in the "Creating a New Category" section of "Categories in Services". At this point in the walkthrough you save your changes by clicking the blue Create Category button. The navigation path used here is Calendar > Calendar Settings > Services. Step 5 of 5Path: Calendar > Calendar Settings > ServicesImage 3 of 12 How to confirmSave your changes by clicking the blue Create Category button.
    Buttons and menus referenced Create CategoryCalendarSettingsServices+ New Category
    All 5 steps in this procedure
    1. Navigate to Calendar > Calendar Settings > Services.
    2. In the left sidebar, click + New Category.
    3. Enter a Category Name.
    4. Define the Category URL (slug) — this creates a direct share link for the category.
    5. Save your changes by clicking the blue Create Category button. this image
     
If you already have services created, you can assign them to this new category after creation.

Assigning a Service to a Category

Place each service under the right category so it appears in the correct section on your public booking page. Unassigned services live in the Default Category, and services from a deleted category are moved there automatically. You can reassign them whenever needed.

  1. Click the three-dot menu next to a Service.
  2. Select Edit.
    Step 2 of 4: Select Edit What this shows Step 2 of 4: Select Edit. What this shows Shows what to choose for step 2 of 4 in the "Assigning a Service to a Category" section of "Categories in Services". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 4 in the "Assigning a Service to a Category" section of "Categories in Services". At this point in the walkthrough you select Edit. For context, this section explains: Place each service under the right category so it appears in the correct section on your public booking page. Unassigned services live in the Default Category, and services from a deleted category are moved there automatically. You can reassign them whenever needed. The next step is to use the Category dropdown to select the category the service will be assigned to. Step 2 of 4Image 4 of 12 What to chooseSelect Edit.
    Buttons and menus referenced Editthree-dot menuCategorySave Changes
    Next stepUse the Category dropdown to select the category the service will be assigned to.
    All 4 steps in this procedure
    1. Click the three-dot menu next to a Service.
    2. Select Edit. this image
    3. Use the Category dropdown to select the category the service will be assigned to.
    4. Save your changes by clicking the blue Save Changes button in the top right.
  3. Use the Category dropdown to select the category the service will be assigned to.
  4. Save your changes by clicking the blue Save Changes button in the top right.
    Step 4 of 4: Save your changes by clicking the blue Save Changes button in the top… What this shows Step 4 of 4: Save your changes by clicking the blue Save Changes button in the top right. What this shows Shows how to confirm for step 4 of 4 in the "Assigning a Service to a Category" section of "Categories in Services". This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 4 in the "Assigning a Service to a Category" section of "Categories in Services". At this point in the walkthrough you save your changes by clicking the blue Save Changes button in the top right. Step 4 of 4Image 5 of 12 How to confirmSave your changes by clicking the blue Save Changes button in the top right.
    Buttons and menus referenced Save Changesthree-dot menuEditCategory
    All 4 steps in this procedure
    1. Click the three-dot menu next to a Service.
    2. Select Edit.
    3. Use the Category dropdown to select the category the service will be assigned to.
    4. Save your changes by clicking the blue Save Changes button in the top right. this image

Editing a Category

Rename a category or adjust its shareable URL as your offerings evolve.

  1. Click the three-dot menu next to a category.
  2. Select Edit.
    Step 2 of 4: Select Edit What this shows Step 2 of 4: Select Edit. What this shows Shows what to choose for step 2 of 4 in the "Editing a Category" section of "Categories in Services". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 4 in the "Editing a Category" section of "Categories in Services". At this point in the walkthrough you select Edit. For context, this section explains: Rename a category or adjust its shareable URL as your offerings evolve. The next step is to update the Category Name or Category URL (slug). Step 2 of 4Image 6 of 12 What to chooseSelect Edit.
    Buttons and menus referenced Editthree-dot menu
    Next stepUpdate the Category Name or Category URL (slug).
    All 4 steps in this procedure
    1. Click the three-dot menu next to a category.
    2. Select Edit. this image
    3. Update the Category Name or Category URL (slug).
    4. Save changes.
  3. Update the Category Name or Category URL (slug).
  4. Save changes.
    Step 4 of 4: Save changes What this shows Step 4 of 4: Save changes. What this shows Shows how to confirm for step 4 of 4 in the "Editing a Category" section of "Categories in Services". This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 4 in the "Editing a Category" section of "Categories in Services". At this point in the walkthrough you save changes. For context, this section explains: Rename a category or adjust its shareable URL as your offerings evolve. Step 4 of 4Image 7 of 12 How to confirmSave changes.
    Buttons and menus referenced three-dot menuEdit
    All 4 steps in this procedure
    1. Click the three-dot menu next to a category.
    2. Select Edit.
    3. Update the Category Name or Category URL (slug).
    4. Save changes. this image

Sharing a Category

Categories have their own shareable booking link. This is useful if you want to promote a specific category (e.g., “All Hair Services”).

  1. Click the three-dot menu → Share Booking.
    Step 1 of 2: Click the three-dot menu → Share Booking What this shows Step 1 of 2: Click the three-dot menu → Share Booking. What this shows Shows what to click for step 1 of 2 in the "Sharing a Category" section of "Categories in Services". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 2 in the "Sharing a Category" section of "Categories in Services". At this point in the walkthrough you click the three-dot menu → Share Booking. The next step is to share the link so customers see only the services within that category. Step 1 of 2Image 8 of 12 What to clickClick the three-dot menu → Share Booking.
    Buttons and menus referenced three-dot menuShareBooking
    Next stepShare the link so customers see only the services within that category.
    All 2 steps in this procedure
    1. Click the three-dot menu → Share Booking. this image
    2. Share the link so customers see only the services within that category.
  2. Share the link so customers see only the services within that category.
    Step 2 of 2: Share the link so customers see only the services within that category What this shows Step 2 of 2: Share the link so customers see only the services within that category. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 2 of 2 in the "Sharing a Category" section of "Categories in Services". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 2 in the "Sharing a Category" section of "Categories in Services". At this point in the walkthrough you share the link so customers see only the services within that category. Step 2 of 2Image 9 of 12 What this coversShare the link so customers see only the services within that category.
    Buttons and menus referenced three-dot menuShareBooking
    All 2 steps in this procedure
    1. Click the three-dot menu → Share Booking.
    2. Share the link so customers see only the services within that category. this image

Deleting a Category

Remove categories you no longer need while keeping services accessible to customers.

  • Categories (except the Default Category) can be deleted.

  • When deleting a category:

    • All services in that category automatically move to the Default Category.

    • You can reassign those services to another category if needed.

Follow these steps to to delete a category:

  1. Click the three-dot menu → Delete.
    Step 1 of 2: Click the three-dot menu → Delete What this shows Step 1 of 2: Click the three-dot menu → Delete. What this shows Shows what to click for step 1 of 2 in the "Deleting a Category" section of "Categories in Services". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 2 in the "Deleting a Category" section of "Categories in Services". At this point in the walkthrough you click the three-dot menu → Delete. For context, this section explains: Remove categories you no longer need while keeping services accessible to customers. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to confirm the deletion by clicking the red Delete button. Step 1 of 2Image 10 of 12 What to clickClick the three-dot menu → Delete.
    Fields in this part of the guide When deleting a category:
    Buttons and menus referenced three-dot menuDeleteDefault Categoryservices in that categorymove to the Default Categoryreassign
    Next stepConfirm the deletion by clicking the red Delete button.
    All 2 steps in this procedure
    1. Click the three-dot menu → Delete. this image
    2. Confirm the deletion by clicking the red Delete button.
  2. Confirm the deletion by clicking the red Delete button.
    Step 2 of 2: Confirm the deletion by clicking the red Delete button What this shows Step 2 of 2: Confirm the deletion by clicking the red Delete button. What this shows Shows how to confirm for step 2 of 2 in the "Deleting a Category" section of "Categories in Services". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 2 in the "Deleting a Category" section of "Categories in Services". At this point in the walkthrough you confirm the deletion by clicking the red Delete button. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. Step 2 of 2Image 11 of 12 How to confirmConfirm the deletion by clicking the red Delete button.
    Fields in this part of the guide When deleting a category:
    Buttons and menus referenced DeleteDefault Categoryservices in that categorymove to the Default Categoryreassignthree-dot menu
    All 2 steps in this procedure
    1. Click the three-dot menu → Delete.
    2. Confirm the deletion by clicking the red Delete button. this image

Reordering Categories

Control the order your customers see categories on the booking page for a better browsing experience.

  • Drag and drop categories in the left sidebar to reorder them.
  • The new order will automatically reflect on the customer-facing booking page.
Reordering Categories (image 12 of 12) What this shows Drag and drop categories in the left sidebar to reorder them. What this shows Illustrates the "Reordering Categories" section of "Categories in Services". This screenshot appears in the "Reordering Categories" section of "Categories in Services". The text alongside this image reads: Drag and drop categories in the left sidebar to reorder them. The new order will automatically reflect on the customer-facing booking page. Immediately after, the guide continues: Use meaningful category names (e.g., “Massage” instead of “Wellness”). Consider renaming the Default Category to something specific for your business. Share category-specific booking links for promotions or targeted campaigns. Image 12 of 12 Where to goDrag and drop categories in the left sidebar to reorder them. The new order will automatically reflect on the customer-facing booking page. Next stepUse meaningful category names (e.g., “Massage” instead of “Wellness”). Consider renaming the Default Category to something specific for your business. Share category-specific booking links for promotions or targeted campaigns.
All 2 steps in this procedure
  1. Drag and drop categories in the left sidebar to reorder them.
  2. The new order will automatically reflect on the customer-facing booking page.

Best Practices

  • Use meaningful category names (e.g., “Massage” instead of “Wellness”).
  • Consider renaming the Default Category to something specific for your business.
  • Share category-specific booking links for promotions or targeted campaigns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I change a category’s URL (slug) later?

Yes. Use Edit from the three‑dot (⋮) menu to modify the Category URL (slug).

Q: Do I need to enable Services before using categories?

Yes. Enable Services for the sub‑account to access the Services panel, create categories, and share booking links. You can enable Services for one or multiple sub‑accounts from the Agency view.

Q: Do Private services appear when I share a Category link?

No. Private services are hidden from public category pages. If you need to share a Private service, copy and share the direct link.

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