"If you’re not paying attention to how busy you are on Google, you might be missing out on a major ranking boost."
In the fast-paced world of local SEO, every detail counts. Just when we thought we had the formula down, something new shakes up the game. Remember last year when we found out that your business hours could influence local rankings? Well, it looks like Google’s ‘Popular Times’ feature might be the next big thing to watch out for.
The Power of ‘Popular Times’ in Local Search
First off, what’s the deal with ‘Popular Times’? For those who aren’t familiar, it’s that little bar graph on Google that shows how busy a place usually gets at certain times of the day. If you’ve ever tried to avoid the lunch rush at your favorite café, you’ve probably checked this feature. But here’s the kicker—there’s growing evidence that these popular times might actually be affecting your local search rankings.
"Could 'Live, Busier than usual' on Google Maps actually mean your business is getting a ranking boost?" asks Claudia Tomina, Chief Product Officer at Reputation ARM. Claudia’s deep dive into Google’s API suggests that businesses marked as “hot” during these busy times might be seeing a bump in their search visibility. This isn’t just speculation—she’s got the data to back it up.
Claudia Tomina’s Case Study: The Data Doesn’t Lie
In her latest study, Claudia ran ranking reports on two businesses and compared them with their Google ‘Popular Times’ data. The results? As those popular times increased, so did the businesses’ keyword rankings. One restaurant even managed to outrank a major chain simply because it was “As busy as it gets” according to the popular times graph.
But here’s where it gets interesting—this isn’t just about peak hours. Claudia found that even during off-peak times, when competitors’ popularity dips, there’s still an opportunity for other businesses to shine. “At 8 PM, when most places were winding down, one business saw a ranking boost simply because there was less competition,” she explains. It’s not just about being busy; it’s about being busy when others aren’t.
What Does This Mean for Your Business?
So, what do you do with this info? While you can’t directly control how busy your business appears on Google, being aware of this trend is crucial. Start by monitoring your popular times graph and see how it correlates with your local rankings. Understanding these patterns can help you better time your promotions and even tweak your operating hours for maximum impact.
And if you’re serious about leveraging this to your advantage, consider running targeted promotions during those quieter times to boost traffic and potentially snag that ranking boost.
Scheduling Your Local Ranking Reports with GMB Fox
In light of these revelations, we’ve got something new at GMB Fox to help you stay ahead of the curve. We’ve updated our Local Search Grid and Local Rank Tracker tools, so you can now schedule your ranking reports during specific hours. Want to see how you’re ranking during your busiest times? Or maybe during the quiet hours when you’re trying to push a new promotion? You can do that now.
Just head over to your report settings, select your preferred three-hour window, and you’re set. This feature ensures that your ranking data is as accurate and relevant as possible, giving you the insights you need to stay on top.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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