Google Business 101: Operating Hours
Want to know one of the most important parts of your Google Business Profile? If you’ve already guessed it by reading the title of the blog post then yes, it’s operating hours.
When you are googling a local business what information are you looking for? You are likely either looking for the address or the hours of operation. How many times have you googled a business to check if they are open? And how mad do you get when those hours end up being incorrect?
It’s so simple, but oh-so crucial. Having up-to-date operating hours will help bring in customers because they know when you are there to serve them.
Setting Normal Business Hours
If you operate a business you likely have normal operating hours that don’t change much week-to-week. You can set these by going to the “Info” link on the main navigation bar on the left side of the screen. Scroll to the business hours section and click on the pencil to add or edit them. Be sure to double check that they are correct before saving.
If you ever have a major change in hours (like many businesses did during COVID) remember to come back here and edit them. You can also add COVID hour changes and information to make sure your profile is as up-to-date as possible.
Special Hours
Here’s where operating hours get even more important. When holidays roll around people often turn to Google Search to see if a business is open like on Christmas Eve or Veteran’s Day. Setting these is important because you don’t want people showing up when you are closed and then no longer choosing to do business with you again.
If you are in the hours editor you will see the option titled “Special Hours.” Here you can set special hours for specific dates. Your best bet is to grab a calendar and add in the hours to all of the holidays you know your business will be closed or operating on an adjusted schedule. Don’t assume you will remember to add the dates as they roll in!
Why Does It Matter?
If people can’t figure out if you are open they will go to your competitors - full stop. Few people will pick up the phone and call to ask, and few will search for your business on another site to see if your hours are there. If people are certain your competitor is open and uncertain that you are, guess who they will choose? Not you.
Having the correct operating hours is crucial when your business shows up in search. If someone searches “pizza near me” at 10pm and you are the only one open in your area they won’t know it unless your operating hours are up-to-date and active.
Likewise if your business is closed but it says it is open you will have some angry customers showing up at your door. And why burn those connections if you don’t have to? In this economy a small business can’t afford to lose customers over that kind of simple miscommunication.
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