In the digital age, where the internet is the first stop for most consumers looking for products and services, ensuring your business ranks high on Google’s search results is paramount. Recent developments have shown that Google is now factoring a business’s operating hours into its ranking algorithm. This means that if your business isn’t open at the time a potential customer conducts a search, it’s less likely to appear in the search results. This shift has led some businesses to adopt a 24/7 operating hours strategy online, aiming to achieve peak visibility. But what does this mean for small businesses, and how should they navigate this new landscape?
The Appeal of 24/7 Listings
At first glance, the strategy of listing your business as open 24/7 online is an attractive one. By ensuring that your Google Business Profile suggests you are always open, you theoretically maximize your visibility regardless of when someone is searching. This approach can lead to significant increases in customer engagement. For example, one of our clients has observed a 235% increase in calls after adjusting their listed hours to reflect non-stop operation.
Small businesses, in particular, can find the 24/7 listing strategy appealing for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a straightforward way to boost their search result rankings, and in our experience, it produces results quickly. Secondly, it promises more customer inquiries, which can be crucial for growth, especially for those still establishing their market presence.
Beware The Risks of Overpromising
However, this seemingly simple strategy is not without its pitfalls. The most significant risk comes from the potential mismatch between listed hours and actual availability. If customers are led to believe you’re open 24/7 and reach out during off-hours only to find no one available, it can lead to frustration and damage your business’s reputation. This jilted customer could leave you a bad review, or they may even report your Google Business Profile and get it suspended! Trust is a crucial currency in the online world, and it’s difficult to regain your customers’ trust once you’ve lost it.
If you’re thinking of editing your small business’s online listings to show 24 hour operations, it’s important to weigh the exciting immediate benefits against the potential long-term consequences. If you choose to list your business as operating 24/7, but are not actually able to provide 24/7 customer service, we urge you to implement measures to manage your customers’ expectations. This could include clear communication on your website about response times or using automated systems to handle inquiries during off-hours.
Ultimately, the decision to list your business with 24/7 hours should be made with a clear strategy for maintaining customer trust and satisfaction. It’s also wise to stay informed about changes in Google’s policies and adjust your practices accordingly. In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is essential for business growth. Listing your business as open 24/7 on Google emerges as a forward-thinking strategy to significantly boost your visibility and enhance customer engagement. The potential for increased calls and interactions is substantial, with businesses experiencing remarkable growth in customer inquiries following the switch to round-the-clock operations. With the right approach, the shift to 24/7 operations can open the door to unparalleled visibility, increased calls, and a deeper connection with your customers.
