We’ll set the scene. A certain holiday is on your radar, and you’d like to adjust your business hours accordingly. Maybe you’d like to give your employees some time with their families, or you recognize you won’t be as busy due to the holiday. So, you ask yourself, “Is it important to set my holiday hours online?” The short answer: yes, absolutely!

Some directories, like Google, will display special messages on holidays.  For example, when Easter (or any holiday) is within the next seven days, Google will display one of two messages:

1. “Holiday Hours” will show if you have set your holiday hours. This message confirms to customers that the hours displayed come directly from your business.
2. “Easter Day may affect these hours” is the message that will show if you have not set your holiday hours.

Why does this messaging matter? 44% of customers have visited a closed location as a result of inaccurate business hours. When that happens to your business, trust is lost. Keep reading to find out why updating your holiday hours is always the best option.

A Better Customer Experience

First, it is important to set your holiday hours because it makes for a better customer experience. A recent study showed that 73% of respondents indicated that they are unlikely to return to a business if it's listed as open online, but turns out to be closed upon arrival. We already mentioned the special messaging Google shows leading up to holidays and how it can create a confusing experience for potential customers. If you’re making sure those planning to visit your location don’t have to do any guesswork about your hours being affected, they have more trust in your business.

Google Gains Confidence in Your Business

When you choose to set your holiday hours, not only is it a better experience for your customers, but it’s also a better experience for Google. Setting new hours gives Google another data point they can use to verify that you’re an active business. This in turn gives them more confidence in your company’s listing and in showing you as a top search result. We all know how important those top few results can be. Update your hours and stay on Google’s good side.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your business’s operating hours as accurate as possible during the holidays is a simple way to remain trustworthy. When both customers and Google can rely on you for the most up-to-date information, everyone wins.

RevLocal helps small business owners like you easily keep your hours up-to-date by pushing those hours to over 70 directories that list business hours. It’s just one of the ways we can help you achieve your digital marketing goals. If you’d like to learn more about this service and more, contact our expert consultants today.