What are ‘special hours’ on Google Business profile?

Short Answer: Special hours on a Google Business profile refer to specific operating hours set for special dates, such as holidays. These hours allow businesses to display different opening and closing times for certain days that deviate from their regular schedule.

Full Explanation

Google Business profiles are designed to provide accurate information about a business to potential customers. One important aspect of this is the operating hours that show when the business is open. However, for special occasions like holidays or other notable dates, regular hours may not apply. This is where special hours come into play. By specifying special hours, businesses can update their profiles with alternative opening and closing times for these unique dates, ensuring customers have the correct information.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Identify special dates: Determine any special occasions such as holidays where your business hours differ from usual.
Access your Google Business profile: Log in and navigate to your profile settings.
Add special hours: Enter the alternative operating times for these specified dates to inform customers.
Save changes: Make sure to update your profile so the special hours are reflected online.

Real Examples

Imagine a retail store that closes earlier on Christmas Eve or opens late on New Year’s Day. By using the special hours feature, this store can list those adjusted times clearly on its Google Business profile. This prevents confusion and helps customers plan their visits effectively.

Common Mistakes

Failing to set special hours for holidays, leading to customer frustration when the business is unexpectedly closed or has different hours.
Not updating special hours in a timely manner, causing outdated information to appear online.
Assuming the regular hours automatically apply to all dates, including holidays and special events.

FAQs

Can I add special hours for any date? Yes, you can set special hours for any date that has different operating times from your regular schedule.
Will customers see my special hours easily? Yes, special hours are shown on your Google Business profile so customers know exactly when you are open on those dates.
Do special hours replace regular hours permanently? No, they only apply to the specific dates you set.

Key Takeaways

Special hours allow businesses to display different operating times for holidays and other special dates on their Google Business profile.
Setting these hours helps keep customers well-informed and reduces inconvenience.
It’s important to update and manage these special hours regularly to maintain accurate online business information.