How to: Update your Business Hours
Have your business hours changed due to COVID-19? Given the present times, it’s more important than ever that customers know when you are open and how to contact you. Make sure that the information your customers find is accurate. Even if your “open” sign is off at your business, current and potential customers are most likely checking your hours online before they head downtown. We recommend checking and updating your hours regularly by:
Posting your hours on your storefront (and hanging a flag when open!)
Updating your Facebook Business Page
Updating your Google My Business Listing
Revising your Website (if applicable)
Letting us know if we need to update your Downtown business listing
What happens when a Rutland resident or a tourist visits your business and you’re closed, but Google says you’re open? They leave — feeling frustrated — and less likely to return.
Storefront Displays
Display your hours prominently on your door or a window to let passersby know when you’re open!
Write your hours on paper and hang them
Create a poster for free on Canva using this Downtown Rutland template
Request a free laminated sign by emailing nikki@downtownrutland.com
Facebook Business Page
A majority of people in Rutland County use Facebook regularly. Reach a wide audience that already “like” your social media presence by maintaining your hours on your Facebook Business Page.
The easiest way to update your hours is by going to your business page and clicking “Edit Page Info” in the left hand menu.
Updating Temporary Service Changes in Page Settings
Businesses can access this feature by going to Page Settings > Page Info > Hours > Select “Temporary Service Changes”. There, they can either indicate that your business is “Temporarily Closed”, or select from multiple options under “Open with Service Changes”, like:
Online Services
Delivery or Pickup
Other Changes
Businesses that choose “Other Changes” are encouraged to post about special hours for the elderly, access to gift card purchases or similar options. Learn more about sharing temporary service changes on a Facebook Page.
Google My Business
Did you know your business automatically appears on google? Your business can be added by the public, but you have to claim it and update it to make sure the info is accurate.
Google My Business (GMB) is a free online tool for business owners that allows you to create, verify and edit a business listing in Google. Your Google My Business listing manages your presence across a number of sites, including Google Search, Mobile Search, Local Search and Google Maps. You can provide updates about your business to customers such as:
Your adjusted hours of operation, for instance if you close early.
Add “More hours” that describe other business operations such as delivery, takeout, and drive-through.
Extra services you are providing for the community.
If your business is "Temporarily closed". The updates will show on your Business Profile on Google Search and Maps.
Still need to claim your Google My Business listing? Read this blog post on how to set it up.
Need to update your Downtown Rutland business listing? Email Nikki at nikki@downtownrutland.com with changes to hours, additional services being offered, pictures of your business, and more.
Need a website? Google My Business offers a free website building tool that automatically populates with information from your Google listing.