As a restaurant owner, you are likely always looking for ways to increase visibility and attract more customers. In today’s digital age, one of the most effective ways to do this is through local search engine optimization (SEO). Local SEO involves optimizing your online presence to appear higher in search results related to your location. One key factor in local SEO is your business hours. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of accurate business hours for local SEO, based on recent findings by Google.
Local Search: Openness
Google has confirmed that “openness” has become a stronger ranking signal for local search. This means that businesses that are open and have frequently updated operational hours are more likely to appear higher in local search results. Conversely, businesses that appear as closed or have inconsistent hours may be significantly less visible in local search results. This highlights the importance of maintaining accurate business hours on all of your online profiles, particularly your Google Business Profile.
Increase visibility in local pack
According to recent studies, maintaining accurate operational hours on your Google Business Profile can increase visibility in local pack rankings and help attract more customers. Local pack rankings are the three listings that appear at the top of local search results, above regular organic search results. By ranking higher in local pack rankings, your restaurant is more likely to be seen by potential customers who are actively searching for a restaurant in your area.
Don’t do this!
It is important to note that manipulating business hours to improve local search visibility is not recommended and may result in suspension. Google’s algorithms are advanced enough to detect fraudulent behavior, such as changing your hours to appear open during peak hours, and this can result in suspension or even removal from local search results altogether. It is always best to keep your hours accurate and up-to-date to ensure the best possible ranking and customer experience.
Google: Q&A
One way to ensure accurate business hours is to use Google’s Q&A feature. This allows customers to ask questions about your business, such as operating hours, and for you to respond with accurate information. By doing so, you can improve your visibility in search results and provide a positive customer experience.
Website hours
Another way to improve your local SEO is to include your business hours on your website. This not only improves visibility in search results but also provides a convenient and clear way for customers to know when you are open. Be sure to keep your website updated with any changes in hours, and make it easy for customers to find your operating hours on your homepage or contact page.
Keep everything up to date
In conclusion, maintaining accurate business hours is essential for local SEO and can significantly impact your restaurant’s visibility and customer base. By ensuring that your operating hours are accurate and up-to-date on all of your online profiles, using Google’s Q&A feature, and including your hours on your website, you can improve your local pack rankings and attract more customers. Remember to avoid fraudulent behavior and always provide the best possible customer experience. By doing so, you can increase your restaurant’s visibility and grow your business.
Oh, and if you don’t want to be bothered with any of this, we have a pretty cool product for you. Essentially, we are able to tap into your Google Business Page and make sure it is always up to date. We can even lock it so no one else makes any changes to it. Check out our services here.
