Operation Hours Or Operating Hours – Which is Correct? (And Why It Matters!)

Have you ever been frustrated by a business listed as open online, only to arrive and find the doors locked? Or maybe you’ve seen businesses list their opening times as “Operation Hours” while others use “Operating Hours”? This simple difference is more important than it seems. This post will definitively answer the question of “Operation Hours” vs. “Operating Hours” – which is correct? – and explain why using the right term matters for your business’s online presence, user experience, and overall credibility.

Key Takeaways

“Operating Hours” is the grammatically correct and preferred term for business hours.
Using “Operating Hours” is crucial for SEO and helps customers find your business more easily.
Accuracy builds trust and presents a professional image.
Always check and update your online listings to reflect the correct term and accurate times.
Incorrect terminology can lead to confusion and frustration for potential customers.

The Definitive Answer: “Operating Hours” is the Correct Term
Why Accuracy Matters
Practical Tips for Accurate Business Listings
Addressing the Exception (If Applicable)
Conclusion
FAQ

The Definitive Answer: “Operating Hours” is the Correct Term

The grammatical rule is quite simple: “Operating Hours” is the correct term because “operating” functions as an adjective modifying “hours.” It describes the type of hours – the hours during which the business is operating.

Operating is a present participle (a verb form used as an adjective). To understand this, think about other examples: we have “running shoes” (shoes for running), “reading glasses” (glasses for reading), or a “working dog” (a dog that is working). Operating describes the hours in operation.

“Operation Hours,” on the other hand, is grammatically incorrect when used to describe business hours. The word “operation” in this context is a noun, not an adjective. While the operation of a business involves many things, the phrase “operation hours” doesn’t clearly define when the business is open.

Examples:

Correct: “Our Operating Hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.”
Incorrect: “Check our Operation Hours on our website.”

Using “Operating Hours” is not just about being grammatically correct; it’s about clear communication and presenting your business in a professional light. This also aligns with the usage on sites like OperatingHours.co.za.

Why Accuracy Matters

Why does this tiny distinction matter so much? The answer lies in its impact on SEO, user experience, and the overall perception of your business.

SEO Impact

Using the correct term can significantly impact your search engine optimization (SEO). It helps search engines understand what your business does and, crucially, when it’s available.

Keyword Optimization: When people search for “business hours,” “opening hours,” or even phrases including “operating hours,” using the correct term increases the chances that your business listing will appear in the search results.
Search Engine Understanding: Search engines prioritize accurate and consistent data. Consistent use of “Operating Hours” signals to search engines like Google that your listing is trustworthy and reliable. Search engines like Google are constantly improving, but it is important to provide as much clear and concise data as possible.
Google My Business (GMB) Ranking: Correct usage boosts your chances of ranking higher in Google Maps. Businesses that provide accurate and up-to-date information are favored by the algorithm.

User Experience (UX)

Clear and concise language enhances the user experience.

Clarity and Comprehension: Using “Operating Hours” immediately conveys the purpose – when your business is open – making it easier for potential customers to find the information they need.
Avoidance of Confusion: Incorrect terminology can lead to confusion, frustration, and a negative customer experience. It can result in a customer visiting your business only to find it closed, leading to lost sales and a poor impression of your brand.

Professionalism and Trust

Attention to detail builds trust, demonstrating that you care about accuracy.

Building Credibility: Consistent and accurate information builds trust with potential customers. They are more likely to trust businesses that present themselves professionally online.
Impact on Brand Image: Your online presence is a reflection of your brand. Consistency and accuracy contribute to a strong brand identity. Correcting such a small detail can present a positive image of the brand.

Practical Tips for Accurate Business Listings

Now that you understand the importance of using “Operating Hours,” here’s how to ensure your business listings are accurate and consistent.

Check Your Listings

Take these steps to ensure your listings are up to date:

Step 1: Log in to your Google My Business (GMB) profile.
Step 2: Locate the “Info” or “Business Information” section.
Step 3: Carefully review the “Operating Hours” field.
Step 4: Confirm that the times are correct and, most importantly, ensure you’re using “Operating Hours.”
Step 5: Check and update the information on all other platforms: Yelp, Facebook, industry-specific directories, and any other places your business is listed. This is a great guide to improve your operating hours.

Update Your Website

Making sure your website reflects your operating hours is just as important:

Step 1: Log in to your website’s content management system (CMS). (e.g., WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace)
Step 2: Go to the “About Us” or “Contact” page, or wherever your hours are listed.
Step 3: Edit the text to reflect “Operating Hours” and ensure the times are accurate.
Step 4: If your website pulls data from Google My Business (GMB), verify that the data is syncing correctly.

Consistency Across Platforms

Ensuring that your information is the same everywhere is the key to accuracy.

Emphasis: Ensure the information is identical across all online platforms.
Why It Matters: Inconsistency can confuse customers and negatively impact your SEO.

Example of a Correct Business Listing

Here’s a great example of how to format your listing:

Business Name: “Example Cafe”
Address: 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA
Phone Number: (555) 123-4567
Website: www.examplecafe.com
Operating Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday Closed.
Google Reviews: (Display your average rating and number of reviews)

By using this template, you can ensure that you’re showcasing your business hours to the world, as well as a listing example.

Addressing the Exception (If Applicable)

While “Operating Hours” is the standard, there’s a specific context in which you might see the phrase “Operation Hours.”

The term “Operation Hours” might be used in very specific, technical industries or fields that deal with the logistics or workings of something. However, this should never be the case when simply displaying business hours. For any general business use, stick to “Operating Hours.”

For more insight into this, check out this article about “Operation” vs. “Operating”. This demonstrates the core message: For business listings and general use, “Operating Hours” is the only correct term.

Conclusion

In summary, “Operating Hours” is the grammatically correct and preferred term for business listings. Ensuring you use the right term helps improve your SEO, enhances the user experience, and builds trust with potential customers.

Now, take action to correct any inconsistencies you find! Make sure your listings are up-to-date, and remember that accuracy is key to a successful online presence. If you are in need of more advice, check out Google Business Profile optimization.

Call to Action

Review your current online listings and ensure your hours are up-to-date.
Share this post with other business owners and marketing professionals.
Leave a comment below if you have any questions!

FAQ

Why is “Operating Hours” the correct term? “Operating” is a participle acting as an adjective, and “operation” is the process itself.
Does using the wrong term really matter? Yes, it impacts SEO, user experience, and your brand image.
Where should I check my business hours? Check all online listings, including Google My Business, Yelp, Facebook, and your website.
What if I see “Operation Hours” used somewhere? This is most likely incorrect unless in a very specific, technical context.
How can I improve my SEO with “Operating Hours?” Using the correct term helps search engines understand your business and prioritize it.
How important is consistency across platforms? Consistency is essential to avoid confusing customers and helping with SEO.
Can I just ignore it? No. Ignoring these seemingly small details can lead to a negative customer experience and decreased trust.

Operation Hours Or Operating Hours