Heads up business owners! As of July 15th, 2024, Google will be disabling the chat functionality on Business Profiles. This means customers won’t be able to initiate new chat conversations with you directly from your Google Search and Maps listings.
Why the Change?
Google is constantly looking for ways to streamline its business tools and focus on features that see the most user engagement. While the chat option offered a convenient way for customers to connect, it appears it wasn’t widely adopted by businesses or consumers.
What This Means for You
Don’t panic! Customers can still find and contact your business through Google Search and Maps. Here’s a quick rundown of the timeline:
- July 15th, 2024: Customers can no longer initiate new chats.
- July 31st, 2024: The chat feature is entirely removed from Business Profiles.
Here are some action steps to take:
- Update your communication preferences: Review your preferred contact methods on your Google Business Profile. Ensure your phone number, website, and email address are clearly displayed.
- Consider alternative options: Explore other ways customers can reach you. Popular options include social media messaging, adding a live chat option to your website, or utilizing messaging features offered by appointment booking services.
- Respond to existing chats: If you have ongoing chat conversations, address them before July 31st. You can also download your chat history from Google Business Profiles for future reference.
Looking Ahead
This change might require a slight adjustment for some businesses. However, it’s an opportunity to explore alternative communication methods that might better suit your customer base and your business operations.
