How to Change Business Hours on Google?

Is your business getting negative reviews due to inaccurate hours on Google? Maintaining up-to-date business hours online is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. With 86% of consumers using the internet to find local businesses, ensuring your hours are correct on Google can make or break your customer interactions. This guide will show you how to change business hours on Google effectively, all while enhancing your customer service and improving your business's online presence.

Table of Contents:

Understanding Google My Business
Why Accurate Business Hours Matter
Setting Up Google My Business
How to Change Business Hours on Google

Step-by-step Guide

Troubleshooting Common Issues
Using Google My Business App
FAQs about Google Business Hours
Conclusion: Keep Your Customers Informed

1. Understanding Google My Business

Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool provided by Google that allows business owners to manage how their business appears on Google Search and Maps. It provides a platform to post updates, engage with customers, and most importantly, adjust business information including your operating hours. Accurate and updated information helps in enhancing SEO rankings and improving customer satisfaction.

2. Why Accurate Business Hours Matter

Nothing frustrates a potential customer more than showing up at your location only to find it closed. Inaccurate business hours can lead to a breakdown in trust and turn potential clients away. Statistics show that up to 75% of people have consulted a business's online listing to make a decision about visiting a store, making it vital to maintain current operating hours.

3. Setting Up Google My Business

Before you can change business hours on Google, you need to claim and verify your Google My Business listing. Here’s how:

Sign in to Google My Business: Visit Google My Business and sign in with a Google account.
Claim Your Business: If your business is already listed, search for it and claim it. If it isn’t listed, create a new business profile.
Verify Your Business: Google will prompt you to verify your business either through mail, phone, or email.

4. How to Change Business Hours on Google

After setting up your GMB account, follow these steps to update your business hours:

Step-by-step Guide

Log in: Go to your Google My Business account.
Select Your Business: Click on your business name.
Edit Information: Click the ‘Info’ tab from the menu.
Update Hours: Locate the ‘Add Hours’ option and click. You can adjust the current hours or add new ones.
Special Hours: If you have special hours for holidays or events, be sure to update those as well under 'Special Hours.'
Save Changes: Don’t forget to save the changes made. Your new business hours will be updated on Google Search and Maps within minutes to a few days.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

While updating business hours, you may run into issues. Here’s how to solve some common problems:

Verification Issues: Sometimes, Google will require re-verification if significant changes are made. Follow the verification steps again if prompted.
Delayed Updates: Ensure internet connectivity and try clearing your browser cache. Changes usually show within 3 days.
Conflicting Information: Check if your business details appear differently on other platforms. Consistency matters in digital branding.

6. Using Google My Business App

Google My Business also has a mobile app which offers flexibility to manage business information on the go. You can easily update your business hours directly from your smartphone, making it straightforward and convenient to keep all information current.

7. FAQs About Google Business Hours

Q1: How long does it take for changes to show on Google's search results?

A: Changes are usually reflected within three days, but it may take longer sometimes. Be patient and check back periodically.

Q2: Can I set different hours for different days of the week?

A: Yes, Google My Business allows you to have varying hours for each day, ensuring precise customer communication.

Q3: How do I update special hours for holidays?

A: Use the "Special Hours" feature located under the ‘Info’ tab to specify hours that differ due to holidays or specific events.

Q4: Is it possible to close temporarily and reflect that on Google?

A: Yes, mark the business as ‘Temporarily Closed’ and update your reopening dates when necessary.

Q5: What if I manage several business locations?

A: You can add and manage different locations under one Google My Business account, updating their details individually.

8. Conclusion: Keep Your Customers Informed

Knowing how to change business hours on Google is key to maintaining a reliable online presence that converts potential customers into actual clients. Regularly reviewing and updating your business hours on Google Search and Maps ensures accuracy and reliability, fostering trust in your brand. By following these steps, you can guarantee your business information is current and ready to meet customer needs.

Summary:

Use Google My Business to manage your business hours.
Accurate hours enhance customer satisfaction.
Update using the desktop or mobile app.
Handle verification or delay issues efficiently.
Inform customers about special and temporary changes.

Implement these strategies and see the difference precise communication can make in attracting more customers to your business.