Hey there! Big news in the SEO world – Google's tweaking its local search game. Ever since the November 2023 core update, something's been cooking in the algorithm kitchen.
You know those business hours you see on Google? It turns out they're now VIPs in the local search scene. Joy Hawkins from Sterling Sky spilt the beans – closed businesses are taking a hit in visibility.
Guess What? Google's Search Liaison Confirmed It
They said, "Openness" just got promoted in the local ranking hierarchy. It's like Google telling us, "Hey, we've always cared about this, but now it's a big deal, especially for non-navigational queries."
But, There's A Twist…
Sherry Bonelli raised her hand in the discussion and pointed out a potential flaw. What if businesses start fibbing about being 24/7 open just to get noticed? Google's got that covered. They said, "Don't play with fire," because the openness signal is like a chameleon – always changing.
Now, here's your golden nugget – update your business hours on Google like you're sharing the latest gossip. It's a must, especially during the holidays. Why? Because Google's watching, and accurate hours could be your ticket to local stardom.
Think about it. You, as a customer, want smooth sailing during your last-minute shopping. Imagine the frustration if Google says a store's open, but it's not. Ouch! And for businesses, this isn't just about making customers happy. It's about rising up the local rankings, especially when your competition is snoozing.
So, The Game Plan?
Keep those hours up-to-date, folks. It's not just a Google thing; it's a customer thing. You want to shine in the local pack rankings, especially when others are closing shop.
Stay open, stay visible, and let Google do its local magic. Cheers to more customers finding you, especially when the others are saying, "Sorry, we're closed!"
