How to Handle Temporary Closures on Google My Business 2024

Temporary closures are an inevitable part of running a local business. While closing shop for a short time can be unavoidable, it’s important to properly communicate these closures to customers and Google to avoid confusion and suspension of your Google My Business listing.

Why Temporary Closures on Google My Business Matter for Local SEO

There seems to be some conflicting information floating around about the impact of temporary closures on Google My Business (GMB) listings and local SEO. Here’s the current understanding:

Previously (during the pandemic):

• Google stated that marking your business as “Temporarily Closed” did not negatively impact your ranking or visibility. This was to support businesses affected by COVID-19.

Currently:

• The latest information suggests that marking your business as “Temporarily Closed” might hurt your local SEO ranking and visibility.

However, it’s important to consider several factors:

• Source of information: Some sources may be outdated or based on personal opinions rather than concrete evidence.
• Severity of impact: Even if there’s an impact, it might be relatively small and temporary, especially for short closures.
• Alternative options: Using “Special Hours” instead of “Temporarily Closed” might be a better option for short closures as it maintains your regular hours and only reflects the specific closure period.

Therefore, the decision of whether or not to mark your business as “Temporarily Closed” should be based on your specific situation:

• Length of closure: For short closures, consider using “Special Hours” instead.
• Severity of impact: If ranking is crucial, research the potential impact to make an informed decision.
• Transparency: Regardless of the impact, prioritizing customer information and transparency is key.

Additional tips:

• Keep your GMB listing updated with accurate information, including any closure details and reopening date.
• Utilize other communication channels like social media to inform customers about the closure.
• Focus on maintaining positive online reviews and engagement even during the closure.

Remember, staying informed and making strategic decisions based on your specific needs will help you minimize the impact of temporary closures on your local SEO.

Also Read – The Complete Guide to Improving Accessibility on Google My Business 2024

Also Read – The Complete Guide to Managing Holiday Hours on Google My Business 2024

How to Temporary Closures on Google My Business Listing

Here’s how to temporarily close your Google My Business Listing:

Method 1: Using Google Search or Maps:

1. Find your Business Profile: Search for your business name on Google or open the Google Maps app. Click on your business listing.
2. Edit profile: Click on “Edit profile” located on the left side of the screen.
3. Update business information: Near the top, select the “Hours” tab.
4. Mark temporary closure: Next to “Hours,” select “Edit.” Choose “Temporarily closed” from the options and confirm the decision.
5. Save changes: Click “Save” to apply the changes.

Method 2: Using Business Profile Manager:

1. Sign in to Business Profile Manager: Go to https://business.google.com/ and sign in with your Google account associated with your business.
2. Choose the business: From the list of businesses, select the one you want to mark as temporarily closed.
3. Access actions: On the top toolbar, click “Actions.”
4. Mark as temporarily closed: Choose “Mark as temporarily closed” from the options and confirm.

Additional Tips:

• Consider using “Special Hours” instead of “Temporarily Closed” for short closures to retain your regular hours and reflect only the specific closure period.
• Update your reopening date regularly if it changes.
• Provide a brief explanation for the closure in your business description or through a Q&A post.
• Use social media and other channels to inform customers about the closure.
• Monitor your reviews and respond to any inquiries during the closure period.

Remember: Marking your business as temporarily closed might have a slight impact on your local SEO ranking, especially for longer closures. Weigh the pros and cons based on your specific situation and consider alternative options like “Special Hours” for minimal impact.

How to Reopen Your Google My Business Listing

Effective communication is key when closing something, whether it’s a business, service, event, or even just a temporary store location. Here are some best practices to ensure your message is clear, transparent, and respectful:

Before the Closure:

• Plan: Don’t wait until the last minute to announce the closure. Give people ample notice, especially if it will significantly impact them.
• Identify your audience: Tailor your message to the specific groups affected by the closure, such as customers, employees, suppliers, or partners.
• Choose the right channels: Use a mix of channels to reach your audience effectively, such as email, website postings, social media, in-person announcements, or press releases.

In Your Message:

• Be clear and concise: State the fact of the closure upfront. Avoid being vague or using euphemisms.
• Explain the reason: Briefly explain the reason for the closure without going into unnecessary detail. Be honest and transparent.
• Provide key information: Include crucial details like the effective date and time of the closure, any alternative arrangements available, and contact information for questions or concerns.
• Be empathetic: Acknowledge the impact the closure might have on people and express your understanding.
• Offer solutions: If possible, offer alternative solutions or resources to help people cope with the closure.
• Express gratitude: Thank your audience for their understanding and support.

Additional Tips:

• Be consistent: Use the same message across all communication channels.
• Be timely: Update your message if any information changes.
• Be prepared for questions: Anticipate potential questions and concerns and have answers ready.
• Respond promptly: Address any inquiries or feedback promptly and professionally.
• Consider follow-up: If appropriate, send a follow-up message once the closure is complete.

By following these best practices, you can communicate closures effectively and minimize any negative impact on your stakeholders. Remember, clear, transparent, and respectful communication is essential to building trust and maintaining positive relationships.

How to Avoid Suspension When Reopening After a Long Closure

While the specific details will depend on the context of your closure and the platform you’re referring to (e.g., Google My Business, Social Media platforms), here are some general best practices to minimize the risk of suspension when reopening after a long closure:

Before Reopening:

1. Update Your Information: Ensure your online profiles (GMB, social media, website) reflect your reopening date and accurate business information (hours, contact details, services offered).
2. Communicate Clearly: Announce your reopening clearly through multiple channels, explaining the reason for the closure and expressing your excitement to be back.
3. Address Potential Issues: If your closure was related to complaints or violations, demonstrate how you’ve addressed them to prevent future issues.
4. Comply with Platform Guidelines: Review and adhere to any relevant platform policies and guidelines to avoid potential suspension triggers.

During Reopening:

1. Focus on Quality: Deliver excellent service and maintain high-quality standards for your offerings.
2. Engage with Customers: Respond to messages, reviews, and inquiries promptly and professionally.
3. Monitor Activity: Keep an eye on your online presence and address any negative feedback or concerns proactively.
4. Build Trust: Gradually rebuild trust and a positive reputation through consistently good service and engagement.

Additional Tips:

• Consider a soft launch: Start with limited hours or offerings initially to avoid overwhelming yourself and ensure smooth operations.
• Run promotions or offers: Encourage customers to return with special deals or discounts.
• Stay active online: Regularly post engaging content, updates, and announcements to maintain presence and visibility.
• Seek support: If you require additional assistance, reach out to the platform’s support team or professional consultants.

Remember: The severity of potential risks and best practices can vary depending on the reason for your closure and the platform you’re using.

For specific guidance, consider mentioning the platform you’re concerned about (e.g., Google My Business) and any details regarding the reason for your closure. This will help tailor the advice to your unique situation.

Also Read – A Beginner’s Guide to Google My Business and Search Console 2024

Also Read – Accessing Your Google Business Profile Dashboard: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

FAQs About Common Temporary Closure Scenarios