How to Change Business Hours on Google (Without Losing Your Mind)
Let’s face it—updating your business hours on Google shouldn’t feel like defusing a bomb. But here we are, staring at a screen, wondering why Google thinks we’re open at 2 AM on a Tuesday. Whether you’re adjusting for holiday hours, seasonal shifts, or just fixing that typo from 2019 (whoops), we’ve got your back. At Sitelinx Organic SEO Agency in Los Angeles, we’ve handled more Google Business Profile updates than we’ve had oat milk lattes—and trust us, that’s saying something. Let’s break this down step-by-step, toss in some Local SEO wisdom, and make sure your hours are as accurate as your grandma’s Sunday dinner timing.
Why Your Google Hours Matter More Than You Think
First things first: Google Business reviews and accurate hours go together like avocado and toast. Imagine a customer leaves a glowing review about your “late-night service,” but your profile says you close at 5 PM. Confusion leads to frustration, and frustration leads to…well, not becoming their favorite business. Plus, consistent hours boost your Local SEO game. Google loves businesses that keep their info updated, which means better visibility in those “near me” searches.
Pro tip: If you’re using WordPress for your website, double-check that your hours sync with your Google listing. Nothing screams “unprofessional” louder than conflicting info.
Step 1: Accessing Your Google Business Profile
“But where do I even start?”
Don’t panic—we’ve all been there. Here’s the play-by-play:
- Go to Google Business Profile and sign in.
- Select your business from the dashboard.
- Click “Info” in the left-hand menu.
Boom. You’re in. Now, let’s tackle those hours.
Step 2: Editing Your Hours Without Accidentally Summoning a Demon
Under the “Hours” section, you’ll see your current schedule. To edit:
- Click the pencil icon next to your existing hours.
- Toggle days on/off (because nobody needs a “Closed” label for Tuesday if you’re open).
- Adjust opening/closing times.
Watch out for these landmines:
- Special hours: For holidays or one-off changes, use the “Special hours” tab. Forget this, and you’ll have customers knocking on Christmas morning.
- Time zones: Google auto-detects your location, but if you’re part of a multi-city SEO agency, verify this.
Fun fact: At Sitelinx, we once had a client whose hours were set to Mars time. Let’s just say their customers weren’t thrilled.
Step 3: Saving Changes (And Praying to the Google Gods)
Hit “Apply” and…wait. Google can take up to 24 hours to update your profile. If nothing changes, clear your cache or check for pending edits. Still stuck? Contact an SEO specialist—like our team at Sitelinx—to troubleshoot.
Common Google Hours Scenarios (And How to Fix Them)
| Scenario | Solution |
|---|---|
| Regular hours | Update the main hours section. Easy peasy. |
| Holiday hours | Use “Special hours” at least a week in advance. |
| Temporary changes | Set a date range under “Special hours” to avoid confusion. |
| 24/7 operations | Toggle “Open 24 hours” for relevant days. |
“But Wait, What About Local SEO?”
Glad you asked! Accurate hours feed into Google’s trust in your business, which boosts your rankings. Pair this with stellar Google Business reviews and a optimized WordPress site, and you’re golden. At Sitelinx, we’ve seen clients jump 3 spots in local searches just by fixing their hours. Not too shabby, right?
FYI: If you’re managing multiple locations, use bulk editing tools. Unless you enjoy doing the same task 47 times.
4 Burning Questions About Google Hours (Answered)
1. “Can I revert to old hours if I mess up?”
Absolutely. Just re-edit your profile. Google saves previous versions for about 60 days.
2. “What if I have multiple locations?”
Use the bulk edit feature in your dashboard. Or hire the best SEO company (wink) to handle it for you.
3. “Why aren’t my updated hours showing on Google?”
Double-check for pending approvals, clear your cache, or blame Mercury retrograde. If all else fails, reach out to an SEO services team.
4. “Do hours affect my Google reviews?”
Indirectly, yes. Frustrated customers might ding your rating if they show up to a closed store.
Why Overcomplicate It? Let the Pros Handle Your Local SEO
Look, we get it—updating hours isn’t exactly a thrill ride. But here’s the thing: Consistency is king in Local SEO. If you’d rather focus on running your business (or finally taking that vacation), let our team at Sitelinx Organic SEO Agency handle the nitty-gritty. We’re a Los Angeles-based SEO company that lives for this stuff. From syncing your WordPress site to mastering Google’s quirks, we’ve got the caffeine and the expertise to keep your profile sharp.
Final Thought: Updating your Google hours is like flossing—annoying but necessary. Skip it, and things get messy fast. Nail it, and you’ll avoid those “Why are you closed?!” rants. And hey, if you’re ever in over your head, you know where to find us. 😉
Ready to make your Google profile actually work for you? Contact Sitelinx Organic SEO Agency today. Let’s turn those hours (and your rankings) around.
