Imagine this.
You're out running errands, and your phone buzzes. You realize you’re almost out of dog food, so you quickly check Google for the nearest pet store. Their Google Business Profile says they’re open. You make the drive, only to find that the store is closed. Now you're frustrated, your dog is hungry, and you’ve wasted time and gas.
Now, flip the script. You’re the pet store owner, and that customer just left you a one-star review online. All because your opening hours were wrong. You might not just lose that one customer, but everyone they share that negative review with.
Seems like a small oversight, right? Wrong. This is business 101 in the digital age. Your opening hours on Google aren’t just info—they’re a promise to your customers.
Why Keeping Your Google Business Hours Updated Is Critical
Customers want reliability. “Trust is earned, not given,” as the old saying goes. When you provide accurate information, your business looks reliable. But when your hours are off, even by a little, that trust starts to crack.
Imagine someone Googling “coffee shop open now” and your business pops up. Your hours say you're open, but when they arrive, your doors are locked. That’s not just a missed sale—that’s a potentially lost customer for life.
How to Change Your Business Hours on Google
Updating your hours on Google Business Profile is easier than most people think. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:
1. In-SERP Editing
This is the simplest way if you're a small business with one or two locations. Just search your business on Google, click "Edit Profile," and update your hours. Google will handle the rest.
2. Via Bulk Upload
Running multiple locations? You can bulk upload hours for all your locations. Just make sure you’re accurate across the board—Google doesn’t mess around when it comes to consistency.
3. Third-Party Tools
If you’ve got fancy software managing your business data, you can sync it directly with Google Business Profile. Just ensure it stays up to date!
Special Hours? No Problem.
Your regular hours are set, but what about holidays or special events? Google lets you add "special hours" to account for those rare days when your hours differ. Just be sure you plan ahead so customers aren’t left guessing.
And pro tip—if you’re closing for an extended period (seven days or more), mark your business as temporarily closed. That way, Google’s algorithms don’t think you’ve ghosted.
The Power of “Open Now” Searches
Here’s where things get interesting. Ever searched for something like “open now near me”? You're not alone. The rise of these searches is staggering, especially since people expect instant results. If your business is open when someone Googles you, you’ve got a better chance of ranking higher.
This isn’t just a game of convenience. It’s a game of conversions. Longer opening hours mean more opportunities to meet a customer’s immediate needs. But don’t fake it—if you can’t actually be open, you’re better off being honest. Deceiving customers is the fastest way to turn them away for good.
Keep It Consistent Across Platforms
Consistency is key. If your hours on Google don’t match Yelp, Facebook, or your website, you risk confusion. And trust me, confusion kills conversions.
So, make sure your hours are synced everywhere. Tools like BrightLocal can help keep your listings consistent across the web. When Google detects that your hours have been changed by a third party, you’ll get notified—letting you take control before any damage is done.
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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