Uptime is a "stronger" signal in local SEO

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Hours of operation have been confirmed as a “stronger” signal in local ranking systems. Google confirmed these observations, noting that “hours of operation” has recently become a stronger signal for local searches. This change signals the importance of accurately reporting business hours on Google’s platform. Google is likely adjusting its algorithms and ranking signals to better evaluate and display relevant results for search users. Keeping up-to-date hours of operation information is therefore crucial for businesses to ensure visibility in search results and provide reliable information to customers.

Will this update cause false continuous operating hours?
This recent update, which prioritizes businesses that physician data are currently open in search, may encourage some businesses to falsely list their hours of operation to improve their visibility in local search. However, this approach could lead to a poor user experience for visitors who arrive at a business when it is not actually open.


Google has already expressed concerns about this potential manipulation of hours of operation and has responded quickly, advising against the practice and warning that such behavior could result in the termination of a Google Business Account. It has also urged businesses to only list truthful information about their hours of operation to ensure the credibility and reliability of the information provided to search users.