For dental practices, maintaining an accurate and optimized Google Business Profile (GBP) is crucial for local SEO and attracting new patients. One often overlooked aspect of GBP optimization are practice hours/business hours. This article explores why accurately listing your business hours is vital and how it can impact your search rankings and visibility.
The Role of Business Hours in Local SEO
1. Improved Visibility in Search Results
Google’s local search algorithm increasingly prioritizes businesses that are currently open when users search. According to recent updates, “openness” has become a stronger ranking signal for non-navigational queries. This means that businesses that are open during the search query time are more likely to appear higher in search results.
2. Enhanced User Experience
Accurate business hours help potential patients know exactly when they can visit or contact your practice. This reduces frustration and improves the user experience, which can indirectly boost your rankings. When patients see accurate and current hours, they are more likely to visit your practice, leading to higher engagement metrics such as clicks and calls from your GBP.
Why Some Dental Practices Don’t Appear in Searches
1. Listing Inaccurate Hours
If your practice lists inaccurate hours, especially showing as open 24/7 when it is not, Google might penalize your profile by reducing its visibility. This is because Google aims to provide the most relevant and useful information to users, and misleading information can harm user trust.
2. Not Updating Hours for Holidays and Special Events
Failing to update your hours during holidays or special events can lead to confusion. Google allows businesses to set special hours for holidays or temporary changes, and doing so can ensure that your practice remains visible and reliable in local searches during these times.
Best Practices for Optimizing Business Hours
1. Keep Regular Hours Updated
Always ensure your regular hours of operation are accurate and reflect any changes promptly. This includes updates for weekends, early closures, or any specific days off.
2. Set Special Hours
Use the special hours feature to update your GBP for holidays, events, or temporary closures. This helps maintain accuracy and reliability, enhancing your practice’s reputation and search ranking during these periods.
3. Monitor and Adjust Regularly
Regularly review your GBP to ensure all information is up-to-date. Google frequently updates its algorithms, and staying proactive about maintaining your business hours can help your practice stay ahead in local search rankings.
Conclusion
Accurate and up-to-date business hours on your Google Business Profile are more than just helpful information for your patients—they are a critical factor in your local SEO strategy. By ensuring your hours are accurate and regularly updated, you can improve your visibility, enhance user experience, and ultimately attract more patients to your dental practice.
For more information on optimizing your GBP and improving your local search rankings, contact us at Creativedge Marketing. We specialize in helping dental practices grow through effective online marketing strategies.