How to Update Your Hours for the Holidays
You're probably on top of your holiday special offers and promotions, but there are a few additional steps to take to be sure that your business is ready for the holidays.
This blog post is an abridged version of the “How to Prepare for the Holidays” formula in my Debug Your Business membership.
The membership includes step-by-step formulas that take the confusion - and overwhelm - out of starting and marketing your business. Members also receive access to website audits, Canva design edits, a 25% discount on my online courses, and more. There's also a place to ask questions!
Now let’s cover an essential holiday task many business owners overlook: updating your business hours!
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Your business hours will likely be different during the holiday season. Whether you are staying open later and/or closing on certain days, it's essential to communicate that to your customers. There's nothing more frustrating than showing up to a business and they're closed, even though their website says they're open.
Main Places Customers Look for Hours
- Your location
- Website
- Google
- Facebook
Your Location and Website
Always post special hours at your location and on your website.
On Google, you can adjust for “special hours,” which is super handy. So let's say your normal hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but from Thanksgiving to Christmas you're staying open until 6, you can adjust your hours for those dates only. As soon as December 26 rolls around, your hours will adjust back to your regular settings.
You can also mark your business as closed on certain days, like Christmas.
Facebook & Social Media
Unfortunately, Facebook doesn't have the special hours feature like Google. (I hope they add it asap.)
In the meantime, if your hours are adjusting for a longer period of time (like in the example above), change your hours for that time, then set them back to your usual time when the special hours end.
Because you can't mark your business as closed on special days, create a post about your special hours and closures and be sure to pin it to the top of your page so it will always be the top post. Unpin when your special hours end.
Be sure to post reminders on Facebook and your other social media channels. Instagram Stories is a great place.
Desktop
Mobile (Business Suite app)
To access the complete “How to Prepare for the Holidays” formula - along with others! - check out my Debug Your Business membership.
It includes step-by-step formulas to take the confusion - and overwhelm - out of starting and marketing your business. There's also a place to ask questions!