Unlock Holiday Success with These Essential Google Business Profile Updates

The holiday rush is a critical time for local businesses. Shoppers are eager and ready to spend, but if your Google Business Profile (GBP) is outdated or missing key holiday details, you risk losing customers to competitors who prepare their profiles early. Your GBP acts as your digital storefront, guiding customers to your door. This season, updating your profile can attract more clicks, calls, and visits during the busiest shopping weeks of the year.

Updating your holiday hours is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve your profile. Many customers rely on GBP to know when you’re open, especially during the holidays when hours often change. This post will guide you through the best ways to update your profile and make this season your most successful yet.

Why Updating Your Google Business Profile Matters During the Holidays

Customers use Google to find local businesses more than ever during the holiday season. They want to know if you’re open, what special services you offer, and how to reach you quickly. If your profile shows outdated hours or lacks holiday information, customers may assume you’re closed or choose a competitor.

Key reasons to update your GBP for the holidays:

• Avoid customer confusion by clearly showing your holiday hours.

• Increase foot traffic by letting customers know about extended or special hours.

• Boost calls and inquiries with accurate contact information.

• Stand out from competitors who neglect their profiles.

  
  

For example, a local café that extended its hours until 9 PM during the holiday season saw a 20% increase in evening visits. This simple update made it easier for customers to plan their visits and boosted sales during peak hours.

How to Update Your Holiday Hours on Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile allows you to set special hours for holidays and other important dates. This feature helps prevent customers from showing up when you’re closed and avoids negative experiences.

Steps to update your holiday hours:

1. Log in to your Google Business Profile account.

2. Navigate to the “Info” section.

3. Find the “Special Hours” option.

4. Add special hours for holidays like Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, and any local celebrations.

5. Double-check your regular hours before and after the holiday period to ensure accuracy.

6. Save your changes and verify that the updates appear correctly on your profile.

   
   

Tips for setting holiday hours:

• Include any days you will be closed entirely.

• Highlight any extended hours to attract more customers.

• Update your hours as soon as possible to give customers time to plan.

  
  
  
  

Adding Holiday-Specific Details to Your Profile

Beyond hours, your Google Business Profile can include other holiday-related updates that help customers find you and choose your business.

Consider adding:

• Holiday promotions or special offers in the business description or posts.

• Photos of holiday decorations or seasonal products to create a festive feel.

• Updates on delivery or pickup options if you offer them during the holidays.

• Event announcements if you host holiday-themed activities or sales.

  
  

These details make your profile more engaging and informative, encouraging customers to visit or contact you.

Monitor and Respond to Customer Questions and Reviews

During the holiday season, customers may have more questions about your hours, services, or safety measures. Use your Google Business Profile to respond quickly to questions and reviews.

• Check the “Questions & Answers” section regularly.

• Provide clear, friendly answers to common holiday inquiries.

• Thank customers for positive reviews and address any concerns promptly.

  
  

Active engagement builds trust and shows that your business is ready to serve customers during the busy season.

Real-World Example: How a Local Bookstore Boosted Holiday Sales

A small bookstore in a busy neighborhood updated its Google Business Profile with special holiday hours and posted about a holiday book sale. They extended their hours on weekends and added photos of festive window displays.

The result:

• A 15% increase in store visits during the holiday period.

• More phone calls asking about gift recommendations.

• Positive reviews mentioning the helpful holiday hours and festive atmosphere.

  
  

This example shows how simple updates can lead to measurable business growth during the holidays.

Final Thoughts on Preparing Your Google Business Profile for the Holidays

Your Google Business Profile is a powerful tool to attract customers during the holiday rush. Updating your holiday hours, adding seasonal details, and engaging with customers can make a big difference in how many people visit your business.

Start by setting your special hours now, so customers know exactly when you’re open. Add festive touches and keep your profile accurate throughout the season. These steps help you stand out and turn holiday shoppers into loyal customers.