If you’ve ever checked Google to see if your business is showing up, you might have noticed an alarming message: “This business is closed.” It can be confusing and frustrating, especially if your business is very much open. But why does Google show this message, and what can you do about it?
In this article, we’ll break down why Google sometimes says your business is closed, what causes it, and how to fix it. We’ll also share tips to make sure your business profile stays accurate.
Understanding Google My Business
Before diving into why Google says your business is closed, it’s important to understand what Google My Business (GMB) is.
GMB is a free tool that allows business owners to manage their online presence across Google, including search results and Google Maps. When customers search for your business on Google, your GMB profile is often the first thing they see. This profile shows important details like your:
- Business name
- Address
- Phone number
- Website link
- Reviews
- Operating hours
Google uses this profile to share key information with people looking for businesses like yours. So, if your business hours are incorrect or if there’s an issue with your listing, it can affect how customers view your business.
Why Google Might Say Your Business Is Closed
There are a few common reasons why Google might display the message “This business is closed.” Some are easy to fix, while others might take a bit more time to resolve.
Incorrect Business Hours
One of the most common reasons Google might say your business is closed is due to incorrect business hours listed on your profile. If your hours aren’t updated or have errors, Google will assume your business is closed when it should be open.
- Holiday Hours: Sometimes, businesses close for holidays or special events. If you forget to update your hours during these periods, Google might show your business as closed even though you’re still open on regular days.
- Temporary Changes: If your business temporarily adjusts its hours (due to COVID-19, for example), it’s important to keep Google’s records up-to-date. Otherwise, Google may display the wrong information.
Google’s Algorithmic Errors
Google uses complex algorithms to gather and display information about businesses. Sometimes, these algorithms get things wrong. Errors can happen due to:
- A sudden change in business details (like a phone number or address).
- A mismatch in business hours across different platforms.
- An issue with the automatic updates in Google’s system.
These errors can cause Google to mark your business as closed, even if there’s no reason for it.
Unverified or Suspended Listings
To ensure that your business is legitimate, Google requires businesses to verify their listings. If you haven’t completed the verification process or if your listing gets suspended for violating Google’s guidelines, your business could be flagged as closed.
Suspensions can happen for several reasons, including:
- Listing misleading or incorrect information.
- Posting reviews that violate Google’s policies.
- Not following other Google My Business guidelines.
If your account gets suspended or unverified, it can result in Google marking your business as closed until the issue is resolved.
Conflicting Information on the Web
Google gathers information from many sources on the internet, including third-party websites and directories. If your business hours or status on another site contradict what’s listed on your GMB profile, Google might show your business as closed.
For example, if your hours are correct on your GMB profile, but a directory site says you’re closed on weekends, Google might display your business as closed due to the conflicting data.
How to Fix It: Steps to Correct Your Google Business Listing
If Google is saying your business is closed, don’t panic. There are clear steps you can take to fix the issue.
Check and Update Business Hours
First, review your business hours on Google My Business. Make sure they reflect your actual hours, including any temporary changes or special hours for holidays. Here’s what to do:
- Sign in to your Google My Business account.
- Go to the Info section.
- Look for the “Hours” section and update any incorrect details.
- Double-check for special hours or exceptions.
After updating, Google should automatically reflect the changes, but it may take a few days for the updates to appear on search results and Google Maps.
Verify Your Listing
If your business isn’t verified yet, it’s important to complete this process. Verification helps ensure that your information is accurate and that Google trusts your business. Here’s how to verify your listing:
- Sign in to Google My Business.
- On the dashboard, select Verify Now.
- Follow the instructions. Google may send a postcard with a verification code to your business address, or offer other methods like phone verification or email.
After verification, your business will be marked as legitimate and open.
Resolve Any Suspension Issues
If your business has been suspended, you’ll need to address the problem before your listing can be restored. Here’s what you can do:
- Check your email for any messages from Google explaining the suspension.
- Review Google’s guidelines and ensure your listing doesn’t violate any rules.
- If you believe the suspension was a mistake, you can appeal it via the Google My Business support page.
Once the suspension is lifted, your business will no longer appear as closed.
Make Sure Your Website Matches Google Info
Google pulls data from many places on the web, including your website. If the information on your site doesn’t match what’s on your GMB listing, this can confuse Google.
- Ensure that your business hours on your website match what’s listed on Google.
- Make sure your address and phone number are the same on your website and Google profile.
Consistency is key for accurate information.
Additional Tips for Managing Your Google Business Profile
To keep your Google My Business profile in top shape, here are some additional tips.
Encourage Reviews
Positive reviews can help boost your credibility and improve your rankings on Google. Make sure to ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on your profile. The more recent and relevant your reviews, the better.
- Respond to both positive and negative reviews to show you care about customer feedback.
Respond to Customer Feedback
Engagement with your customers is important. If you see questions or comments on your GMB profile, reply to them. This shows that you’re active and engaged.
- Answer questions about your services or products.
- Apologize and explain if there’s any confusion about your business hours.
Keep Information Consistent Across Platforms
Ensure that your business information is consistent on other platforms, such as Yelp, Facebook, or your website. Google pulls information from many sources, so if there are discrepancies, it could affect how your business is shown.
- Check that your hours, address, and phone number are the same everywhere.
- Use the same business name across all platforms to avoid confusion.
Why It’s Important to Stay Updated on Google My Business
Keeping your Google My Business profile up to date is crucial for your business. Here’s why:
Improve Visibility and Trust
Accurate business information helps your customers find you more easily. It also builds trust. If your GMB profile says you’re open, and you’re showing the right hours, customers will feel more confident that they can rely on your business.
Boost Customer Engagement
An updated profile encourages more customer engagement. When your hours are accurate, customers can visit or call without issues. The more often people interact with your profile, the more likely you are to appear in relevant searches.
Prevent Loss of Business
Incorrect or misleading information can lead to lost customers. If your hours are wrong or if your profile shows you’re closed, people may give up and go elsewhere. Keep your information updated to avoid this.
Conclusion
If Google says your business is closed, there could be many reasons behind it. But don’t worry! With a few steps, you can fix the issue and make sure your customers see the correct information.
- Double-check your business hours and make sure they’re up to date.
- Verify your business to ensure it’s recognized as legitimate.
- Address any suspension issues or conflicting data.
- Keep your website and other online profiles consistent.
By keeping your Google My Business profile accurate, you’ll improve your visibility and reputation. So take the time to manage your listing, and you’ll see the benefits in no time.
