What to Know:
– Google has confirmed that the “openness” of a business, including its operating hours, is a local search ranking factor.
– The visibility of a business in local searches and maps can be affected by its operating hours.
– Google uses a variety of signals to determine a business’s “openness,” including the hours listed on its website, Google My Business profile, and other sources.
– Businesses that have accurate and up-to-date operating hours are more likely to appear in local search results.
– It is important for businesses to regularly update their operating hours to ensure maximum visibility in local searches.
The Full Story:
Google has officially confirmed that the “openness” of a business, including its operating hours, is a local search ranking factor. This means that the visibility of a business in local searches and maps can be affected by its operating hours.
In a recent blog post, Google stated that they use a variety of signals to determine a business’s “openness.” These signals include the hours listed on the business’s website, Google My Business profile, and other sources. Google also takes into account the consistency and accuracy of the operating hours across different platforms.
Businesses that have accurate and up-to-date operating hours are more likely to appear in local search results. This is because Google wants to provide users with the most relevant and reliable information about businesses in their area. If a business has incorrect or outdated operating hours, it may not be considered as “open” during certain times and may not appear in local search results.
It is important for businesses to regularly update their operating hours to ensure maximum visibility in local searches. This can be done by updating the hours on the business’s website, Google My Business profile, and other relevant platforms. It is also important to ensure that the operating hours are consistent across all platforms to avoid confusion for users.
In addition to operating hours, Google also takes into account other factors when determining the “openness” of a business. These factors include the availability of services, the presence of staff, and the ability to make appointments or reservations. Google wants to ensure that users have the most accurate and reliable information about a business’s availability and services.
The impact of operating hours on local search visibility can be significant. According to a study by BrightLocal, 82% of consumers use search engines to find local businesses, and 90% of those consumers read online reviews before visiting a business. This means that businesses with accurate and up-to-date operating hours are more likely to attract customers and generate more foot traffic.
In conclusion, Google has confirmed that the “openness” of a business, including its operating hours, is a local search ranking factor. Businesses that have accurate and up-to-date operating hours are more likely to appear in local search results and attract customers. It is important for businesses to regularly update their operating hours and ensure consistency across all platforms to maximize visibility in local searches.
Original article: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-confirms-business-openness-as-local-ranking-factor/504173/