Starting a new business can be a stressful endeavor, especially in an unfamiliar area. Regardless of the size or industry, business advertising is key to spreading the word about your hours of operation. Before you do this, though, it's important to listen to your customers and choose hours that make sense. Here's a closer look at how to approach this key decision.

How New Businesses Choose Their Hours of Operation

1. Consider the Customers

The most important factor in setting your hours is your customer base. Determine when they're most likely to need your services and aim to set hours that accommodate them. 

If you're a new company, it may take some time to determine what works best, but don't be afraid to ask your customers for their opinion. It's important to be open when you're going to make the most profit, especially if you're solely a brick-and-mortar store.

2. Follow Traditional Hours

If you're having trouble determining the best hours to open your business, just follow what everyone else is doing. Commerce is at its peak between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

You can start with these hours as a template and adjust accordingly. However, if competitors who have been around a while in your industry are open on Saturdays and Sundays, it will likely be beneficial to follow their lead.

3. Be Consistent 

Once you set your business hours, follow them. You need to be consistent in order to build trust and foster loyalty. If your business advertising involves being open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., make sure you're open during those times. 

Unless it's an absolute emergency, don't close early or open late. If you're going to be closed for holidays, update your online information to reflect that, and make sure you have a sign that clearly communicates this with your customers. 

4. Advertise

After you determine your hours, publicize them with the appropriate business advertising strategies. It's important that people know you're open and ready to welcome them into your store or facility, so try to do everything you can to spread the word. 

You can post your business hours on social media, ask your local chamber of commerce to help, or add your operating hours to events bulletins around the town. The more advertising you do, the bigger your customer base has the potential to be. 

If you're starting a new business in the Union City, GA, area, make sure you connect with the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce Inc. This organization works to bring the local community together and will provide you with plenty of options for effective business advertising. They've been serving the community for close to 70 years and offer networking events, mentorship opportunities, and plenty of ways to spread the word about your business hours and operations. To learn more about this local chamber of commerce, visit their website or call (770) 964-1984 to speak with a team member. You can also connect with them on Facebook to stay up to date on local events.