Update Google, Apple Maps, and Your Website

How to Update Google, Apple Maps, and Your Website for the Christmas and New Year Holidays

Image of Santa sitting by the christmas tree, with the caption "Update your hours for the holidays, To ensure your customers know when your open!"

The festive season is one of the busiest and most crucial times of the year for businesses you need to make sure you update Google for your customer’s convenience.

Whether you’re a retail shop extending hours for last-minute Christmas shoppers or a service provider adjusting schedules for employee holiday leave, keeping your operating hours up to date across online platforms is essential. This ensures you’re providing accurate information to your customers, improving their experience, and avoiding the frustration of them showing up when you’re closed.

This guide will walk you through updating your business hours on Google Business Profile (GBP), Apple Maps, and your website.

Step 1: Update Google Business Profile (GBP)

Google Business Profile is often the first place customers look for your hours. Follow these steps to ensure your information is current:

Access Your Google Business Profile

Select Your Business Listing

  • Choose your business name to access the profile dashboard.

Update Your Hours of Operation

  1. Go to the “Edit Profile” section.
  2. Select the “Hours” tab.
  3. Click the pencil icon next to “Special Hours.”
  4. Choose the specific dates you want to update.
  5. Adjust the hours or mark the business as closed.

Save and Verify

  • Review the changes for accuracy.
  • Click “Save” to finalise the updates.

Best Practices for GBP:

  • Use the “Add More Hours” feature for seasonal services like late-night openings.
  • Add a holiday-specific update to your GBP posts section with promotions or special events.
  • Pro Tip: Share similar updates on your social media platforms for consistency.

Update Google Holiday Hours

Step 2: Update Your Apple Maps Listing

Many customers use Apple Maps to locate businesses, so ensuring your hours are updated here is equally important.

Access Apple Maps Connect

  1. Sign in at Apple Maps Connect using your Apple ID.
  2. Click on “Locations” and select the business listing you want to update.

Update Your Business Hours

  1. Edit the “Hours” section with your holiday operating times.
  2. Use the “Special Hours” feature for any non-standard schedules or closures during the holiday period.
  3. Save the changes to ensure they are reflected on Apple Maps.

Best Practices for Apple Maps:

  • Keep your hours consistent with those listed on other platforms to avoid confusion.
  • Include specific holiday closures or extended hours to provide accurate information.

Claim your Apple Maps Listing

Step 3: Update Your Website

Your website is a key source of information for your customers, so don’t overlook these updates:

Homepage Banner or Pop-Up

  • Add a noticeable banner or pop-up that highlights your holiday hours. This will catch your visitors’ attention immediately.

Contact Page

  • Ensure your contact page reflects accurate holiday hours and is consistent with your updates on Google and Apple Maps. Clearly state any closures or special operating times.

Updating your business hours on Google, Apple Maps, and your website is a simple but crucial step in preparing for the holiday season. By ensuring your hours are consistent and visible across all platforms, you’ll keep customers informed, enhance their experience, and help your business thrive during the festive period.