A simple way to keep customers happy (and avoid holiday headaches).
Every December, people scramble. They’re searching for hours, services, gift ideas, last-minute availability, and places that are actually open when Google says they are. And every year, someone in the community ends up with frustrated customers because their online info didn’t match real life.
A two-minute check of your Google Business Profile can save you from those awkward “I thought you were open…” phone calls, bad reviews, or missed business. This is one of the easiest ways to protect your visibility and keep customers confident choosing you.
Here’s a quick, practical checklist to get you holiday-ready.
1. Update Your Holiday Hours (your customers really depend on this)
If your hours are changing even slightly for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day, make sure those hours show up in your Google Business Profile.
Google calls these “Special Hours.” They take seconds to set and prevent:
- angry customers
- unnecessary phone calls
- someone standing outside your door wondering why they bothered leaving home
Consistency = trust.
2. Post a Holiday Update (Google loves fresh activity)
You don’t need to be fancy.
A quick holiday post shows Google your business is active and helps customers get answers right from Search.
Post ideas:
- “Here are our holiday hours”
- “Last day to order for Christmas delivery”
- “Gift certificates available”
- “We’re open for emergencies over the holidays”
- “Holiday specials now live”
One simple post can give your listing a visibility nudge.
3. Double-check your contact info (this is the season for phone calls)
Phones ring more during December. People are rushed and often calling from the car.
Quick check:
- Is your phone number correct?
- Is your website link working?
- Is your map pin accurate?
- If you’re service-area based, is your Service Area still correct?
Small mistakes = big frustration.
4. Add a few fresh photos (Google notices this instantly)
Photos help your listing perform better, and customers love seeing something current.
Easy ideas:
- A quick shot of your storefront with holiday décor
- A team photo
- A product highlight
- A seasonal service in action
- A festive “hello” graphic you made in Canva
Fresh photos = more clicks.
5. Review your services (customers won’t book what they can’t see)
If you added something new this year, updated pricing, launched a package, or changed how you deliver services, make sure those updates are reflected in your GBP.
Accurate services help you show up in the right searches.
You want Google matching your business with your actual customers.
6. Ask for a few end-of-year reviews (December is the perfect time)
People are in a reflective, generous mood this month.
A simple ask goes a long way.
Try this:
“If you’ve enjoyed working with us this year, a quick review on Google would mean a lot and helps local customers find us.”
More reviews now = stronger visibility going into January.
7. Make sure you’re not accidentally set to ‘Temporarily Closed’
You’d be surprised how often this happens after renovations, short-term closures, or updates earlier in the year.
Take five seconds and confirm:
- Status: Open
- Hours: Accurate
- Categories: Still correct
One small glitch can cost you customer traffic.
8. Give your Profile a 10-second scan
After all the edits, look at your listing the way a customer does.
Check for:
- spelling errors
- outdated photos
- old posts that mention expired promos
- seasonal services that should be highlighted again
A quick review keeps you ahead of any surprises.
Your online presence should support your holidays — not make them stressful
Your Google Business Profile is one of the most important tools you have, especially during the busiest season of the year. A few quick updates help customers find you faster, trust you more, and choose you over someone who forgot to keep things current.
If you want me to give your GBP a quick holiday tune-up or check anything for accuracy, I’m always happy to help. Let’s make sure your business looks great online while you enjoy the season.
