Your Google Business Profile Said "Open", But Your Lights Were Off: Starting Your Business Right in 2026
- SEEN MKTG
- Jan 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 23
I hope everyone in the Tri-Cities had a wonderful holiday season! My family and I spent a few evenings driving around looking at the Christmas lights—from the Speedway in Lights to neighborhoods in Kingsport and, of course, Main Street in Jonesborough. It really is one of the best times of year in our region. But while we were out trying to grab a hot chocolate and find a place for a late dinner, I noticed something frustrating that I see too often. We drove to another spot that Google said was open, only to find the lights off and the door locked. Conversely, we pulled up to a business that looked open, kind of, but their Google profile said "Closed." and the parking lot was empty, so we left.
Even worse, we passed a few local shops that looked charming from the road, but when I pulled out my phone to check them out, they didn't exist online at all. No profile, no hours, no reviews.
In 2026, when a customer can’t find you on their phone, they don't assume you're "old school"; they assume you’re out of business.
As we kick off this new year, let's make sure you aren't leaving money on the table just because of a digital clerical error. Here is your checklist to ensure your business starts 2026 on the right foot, along with a look at where marketing is heading this year.
The "Starting Your Business Right in 2026" Google Business Profile Checklist
1. Set Your Hours for the Whole Year (Right Now)
Don't wait until July 3rd to think about your July 4th hours. Take twenty minutes today to log into your Google Business Profile and update your "Special Hours" for every major holiday in 2026. This simple step prevents the dreaded negative review that says, "Drove all the way here and they were closed!"
2. The Post-Holiday Photo Refresh
If your profile photos still show pumpkins or Christmas wreaths in March, it signals neglect. Snap a few fresh photos of your storefront, your team, or your current inventory. It tells the search algorithms (and your customers) that you are active and ready for the new season.
3. The Review Audit
Look back at 2025. Did you miss responding to any reviews? It’s never too late to reply. Go back and thank the people who left you 5 stars in December. A late response is better than silence, as it re-engages those customers just as the new year begins.
4. Subscribe to Receive Monthly Insight Guides & Strategy Briefs
We'll walking with you throughout the year to offer promotional tips, marketing trends, local insights, and access to special tools to help you monitor your business's digital standing.
2026 Marketing Trends: What to Watch in SW VA & NE TN
You don't need to chase every internet fad, but you do need to know which way the wind is blowing. Here is what matters for our region this year:
The Rise of "Zero-Click" Searches: Customers are getting answers without ever visiting a website. AI tools (like Siri or Google's AI Overviews) are reading your Google Profile to answer questions like "Who is the cheapest plumber in Bristol?" directly. Insight: Your Google Profile data must be perfect because it is often the only thing the customer sees.
Authenticity Over Polish: The days of overly produced, TV-commercial-style videos are fading. In 2026, customers in Kingsport and Johnson City want to see real people. A shaky 15-second video of you explaining a product on your phone often builds more trust than a glossy ad. Don't be afraid to be human.
Voice Search is the New Keyboard: More people are driving and asking, "Hey Google, find a hardware store near me." These voice searches rely heavily on proximity and accurate hours. If your digital house isn't in order, the voice assistant will skip you and suggest your competitor.
Let’s Make 2026 Your Best Year Yet!
The start of the year is the perfect time to fix the little things that have been slipping through the cracks. You focus on restocking the shelves and greeting the customers; let us handle the digital details. If you aren't sure if your business is "voice-search ready" or if you're invisible to the holiday crowds, reach out to SEEN MKTG. Let’s ensure that when the lights go on this year, your customers know exactly where to find you. Happy New Year!
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