Table Of Contents
Introduction
Let’s say you run a cozy bakery that opens at 6 AM during the week but sleeps in a bit on Sundays. Imagine a customer showing up at 6 AM on Sunday, disappointed to find the doors still locked. That’s a missed opportunity, and worse, a frustrated customer. Why did it happen? Most likely, your Google Business Profile wasn’t updated to reflect your correct Sunday hours.
Accurate business hours on Google aren’t just a nice-to-have; they’re essential. They help your customers know when to reach you, boost your credibility, and even improve your local search rankings. Whether you’re adjusting for holidays, seasonal changes, or permanent schedule shifts, keeping your hours current can make a noticeable difference in foot traffic and phone calls.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to update your hours quickly and without hassle, and we’ll also address some common problems people run into while making changes. Even if you aren’t tech-savvy, you can do this with ease. Ready? Let’s get into it.
Step 1: Sign In to Your Google Business Profile
Before anything else, you need access to your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business). If you haven’t claimed your listing yet, that’s the first step. But assuming you already have control, follow these simple steps:
- Go to google.com/business
- Click “Manage now”
- Sign in with the Google account associated with your business
Once you’re signed in, you’ll land on your dashboard where you can view all the businesses you manage. Select the one you want to edit.
Step 2: Navigate to Business Information
From your profile dashboard, locate the menu on the left-hand side or the tabs at the top (depending on the layout Google is currently using). Find and click on “Edit profile.”
This will bring up a section where you can edit your business info. Here, you’ll see several options, including name, location, contact details, and hours. Click on the pencil/edit icon next to “Hours.”
Tip:
If you’re using the mobile app, the process is similar but might look slightly different. Tap on “Profile,” then “Edit hours.”
Step 3: Update Your Business Hours
When you click to edit your hours, a weekly calendar will appear. Here you can set opening and closing times for each day of the week. Here are some common situations:
- Same hours every day: Enter your hours once, then copy across.
- Different hours on weekends: Customize per day.
- Closed certain days: Toggle off that day entirely.
Examples:
- A salon open from 10 AM to 6 PM Tuesday through Saturday
- A cafe that opens early on weekdays (7 AM) and later on weekends (9 AM)
You can also set split hours (e.g., 9 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM) for businesses with lunch breaks.
Don’t forget to hit “Save” after making any changes. Once submitted, it might take a few minutes or up to a few hours for updates to appear live on Google Search and Maps.
Step 4: Add Special Hours for Holidays or Events
Changing your regular hours doesn’t cover everything. If you’re closing for a public holiday or staying open later for a special event, you’ll want to set Special Hours.
Here’s how:
- In the same dashboard, go to “Edit profile”
- Find the “Special hours” option under your regular hours
- Click “Add special hours”
- Choose the date and enter the hours (or mark as closed)
Google often prompts you to confirm holiday hours as those dates approach. It’s easy to overlook, but confirming these can boost your credibility with both users and the algorithm.
Step 5: Double-Check How It Appears on Google
Once you’ve saved your hours, you should check how your listing appears to the public. Simply search for your business name on Google and see what shows up in the business panel on the right side of the screen (on desktop) or at the top of the search results (on mobile).
Make sure your hours reflect accurately and there are no unintended changes. If something doesn’t look right, go back into your profile and make the necessary adjustments.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Even though changing business hours is generally simple, a few problems can pop up. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
1. Changes Not Showing Immediately
Google sometimes takes time to process updates. If you’ve saved your changes and they don’t show right away, give it a few hours. Still not showing? Try these steps:
- Clear your browser cache or check from another device
- Ensure you’re logged into the correct Google account
- Confirm the changes were actually saved
2. Wrong Time Zone Settings
If your business is showing incorrect hours, double-check that your time zone is correct in your business settings. Incorrect time zones can offset your hours by several hours and confuse customers.
3. Edits Reverted or Denied
Sometimes Google may revert your changes or flag them. This can happen if:
- Your edits conflict with existing data from other sources
- The listing has limited trust due to low activity or unverified status
- You have pending ownership verification
To fix this, make sure your business information is consistent across all platforms and try again. You can also reach out to Google Business support if needed.
Why Accurate Business Hours Matter More Than You Think
Let’s break it down with a simple real-world example:
A local gym had complaints about its hours being inconsistent. It opened early on weekdays but didn’t update that on Google. New members kept showing up too late or too early. After updating their profile correctly, not only did the complaints stop, but their walk-in traffic increased by 12% over the next three months.
Another example: a dental clinic updated its hours to reflect evening availability. This helped it rank higher for “dentist open late” searches, which brought in more after-work appointments.
In short, when your hours are correct:
- Customers trust your business more
- You get better local SEO visibility
- You reduce the risk of negative reviews from misinformation
Conclusion
Updating your business hours on Google is one of the simplest yet most important ways to stay connected with your customers. Whether it’s a permanent shift or a temporary tweak for a holiday, keeping your profile current ensures people find you at the right time.
Just a few minutes of effort can prevent missed opportunities, boost your reputation, and even improve your search presence. Think of it as a small routine maintenance task – quick, easy, and totally worth it.
So, the next time your hours change, don’t put it off. Log into your Google Business Profile and make the update. Your future customers will thank you for it.
FAQs
1. How do I update my business hours on Google?
To update your business hours on Google, sign in to your Google Business Profile, go to the “Edit profile” section, click on “Hours,” and adjust the hours for each day of the week. Save your changes afterward.
2. Can I set special hours for holidays on Google?
Yes, you can set special hours for holidays. Go to “Edit profile,” select “Special hours,” and enter your holiday schedule. Mark the days you’re closed or specify adjusted hours to avoid confusion.
3. How long does it take for changes to my business hours to appear on Google?
It may take a few minutes to a few hours for updates to show on Google. However, if changes aren’t reflected, check your settings or clear your browser cache and try again.
4. Can I set different hours for each day on Google?
Yes, Google allows you to set different hours for each day. Simply select the day in the calendar view and input the desired opening and closing times, then save your changes.
5. What happens if I don’t update my business hours on Google?
If your hours aren’t updated, customers may show up at the wrong time, leading to frustration and negative reviews. Accurate hours can improve your credibility and help your business rank better in local search results.
6. Why are my business hours not updating on Google?
If your business hours aren’t updating, ensure that you’re logged into the correct account, check for time zone errors, and confirm you clicked “Save.” Sometimes Google may take time to process changes.
7. How can I ensure my business hours are visible to customers?
After updating your hours, search for your business on Google to confirm the correct hours appear. You can also ensure accuracy by updating your hours on your website and other platforms for consistency.
8. Can I update business hours from the Google mobile app?
Yes, you can update your business hours via the Google Business Profile app. Tap “Profile,” select “Edit hours,” and adjust the times as needed. Be sure to save the changes afterward.
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