When managing your business, setting the correct office hours is essential, as customers might visit your store at inconvenient times. Adjusting your business hours is a crucial step in effective business management. To ensure customers visit your shop during specific times, you need to update your opening and closing times.
For local businesses, specifying accurate working hours on Google is vital for local SEO. Properly managing google business hours helps improve visibility on Google Maps and Google Search.
Wondering how to change hours on Google, especially during festivals or local holidays? The process is straightforward. Learn how to update your business hours on Google to reflect any changes and optimize your Google Business Profile for better customer engagement and local search visibility.
Different Types of Hours in Google My Business
Explore the Three Types of Business Hours in Google My Business:
Main Business Hours
These are the standard hours of operation for your business, like opening and closing times on weekdays.
More Hours
Add Extra Hours: Include lunchtime, takeout meals, and more!
Note: Additional hours won’t display until regular hours are set first.
Special Hours for Events: Adjust regular hours for Christmas and other occasions.
If you’re hosting a special event, like Christmas, and need to modify your regular hours, simply edit this section.
Working Hours Categories
Updated Hours of Operation
If you need to change your shop’s timing, it falls under this category. For example, if your shop previously operated only during daylight but now opens in the afternoon, update your hours under this section.
Temporarily Closed
Under this category, make changes if your shop or business is closed for a full day or longer. For example, if you’re unavailable for several days and need to close your business, update the status here.
Permanently Closed
The term is self-explanatory. If you are closing your business permanently, this is the category to select.
Combination
This category is for a blend of business hours and closing days changes. Use this when adjusting your business hours and days as needed.
For example, during a lockdown, we had to adjust our business timing and close the shop on weekends. You can make these changes under the Combination category for similar adjustments.
By providing accurate information, you assist both yourself and your customers. Additionally, you can adjust timing according to your plans and goals.
How to Change Hours on Google My Business
To Update or Change Your Business Hours on Google Maps
Visit the Google Maps site where your Google Maps listing is managed through Google My Business. To update hours on Google Maps, follow these steps:
Step 1: Log in to Google My Business.
Step 2: Navigate to your Google My Business profile and verify if your business is listed. If not, refer to this article for guidance.
Step 3: Go to the navigation bar, search for the info option, and click on it.
Step 4: Set the hours under the relevant category, such as Changed Business Hours. Click the clock icon next to the existing hours to edit and apply changes.
If you need to make changes for a temporary or permanent closed status, look to the right of the screen and click the button that matches your situation.
There are three methods to add your business to Google, and today we’ll cover the simplest and quickest method. Follow these steps to learn how to add your business on Google:
- Open Google Maps on your desktop or computer.
- Enter your business name in the search bar.
- Click on your business name and select your business type.
- Click Claim this business and choose the “Manage now” option.
- Google requires verification for information changes, so select your preferred verification method.
Tip: Double-check all information you’ve entered to ensure accuracy.
Top 3 Essential Tips for Local Business SEO
To improve your local SEO and rank higher in SERPs for local customers, consider these effective strategies:
Use Photos with Text Content
Google Lens can read text in images and favors informative content. Regularly add updated photos with text to enhance your local SEO.Add an About Us Page
With Google My Business (GMB), you get a free website. Utilize this for ranking factors by including an About Us page. This helps Google understand your business better and can increase your chances of appearing in top search results.Implement Call to Action
Update your business hours for special events or occasions in the Special Hours category. Regularly adjust these hours as needed to ensure Google has accurate and updated information. This practice improves your visibility and relevance in search results.
Conclusion
Effectively managing business hours on Google is crucial for enhancing your local SEO and improving visibility on Google Maps and Google Search. By accurately setting and updating your opening and closing times, including special hours for events and temporary or permanent closures, you ensure that your Google Business Profile reflects the most relevant and current information. Whether adjusting business hours during festivals or making regular updates, following these steps will help optimize your local search presence and better engage with your customers. Emphasize how to change hours on Google, and implement these LSI and YAKE keywords strategies to maintain an effective and visible online presence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. How do I update my business hours on Google Maps?
Ans: Log in to Google My Business, go to your profile, and update your business hours in the info section. Edit your opening and closing times as needed.
Q2. What types of business hours can I set on Google My Business?
Ans: You can set:
- Main Business Hours: Regular weekdays hours.
- More Hours: Additional hours for special services like lunchtime.
- Special Hours: For events or holidays.
- Temporarily Closed: For short-term closures.
- Permanently Closed: For business closure.
- Combination: For mixed hours and closing days.
Q3. Why is specifying accurate working hours important for local SEO?
Ans: Accurate working hours improve your local SEO by enhancing visibility on Google Maps and Google Search, ensuring customers find and visit your business during the correct times.
Q4. How can I ensure my business hours are accurate on Google?
Ans: Regularly update your business hours on Google My Business and check your listing to ensure all opening and closing times are correct. Update for special events or closures to keep information accurate.
Q5. How do I add my business to Google and manage its hours?
Ans: Open Google Maps, search for your business name, and select Claim this business. Verify your business, then use Google My Business to manage and update your business hours.