Google has decided to discontinue the chat feature in Google Business Profile. The changes will take effect on July 15, 2024, and the service will be permanently closed until July 31, 2024. The decision was conveyed to businesses through an email, acknowledging the potential hurdles and focusing on Google’s commitment to being a supportive business partner.
Key Dates:
July 15: No new chat conversations will be begun.
July 31: Permanent end of chat functionality.
Here is a comment on this from Google’s Ad Liaison:
Jason Brown shared a screenshot on X of the email he received from Google regarding this news. Here is the screenshot:
Google Emails to businesses
“We are trying to delay the launch of the Google chat feature on Google Business Profiles by July 31, 2024. We recognize that this can be problematic—as we continue to improve our tools, we do so from time to time. There are tough decisions to be made that can affect Debt businesses and partners with whom we work. It is important to us that you remain a Google Assistant Partner in charge of your business, and we are committed to this task.
Google will stop creating new chats after July 15, and the chat functionality will be discontinued on July 31. Please note that customers can still search and interact with your business through Google Search Maps – and a link to your website. Learn more about yourself from there -job descriptions, pictures, and anything else you share on your Business Profile.”
Impact on Businesses and Customers
- Customers will be signaled of the phase-out.
- Businesses can be reached through Google Search and Maps.
- Business information will be accessed via website links, business descriptions, photos, and more.
Google’s Decision
The discontinuation is an initiative to streamline its offerings. To help in the transition, Google offers:
Chat and Call History Download: You can download your chat and call history from Google Business Profiles to store them safely. Keep in mind that Google will eventually delete these histories.
Alternative Chat Solutions: Businesses must invite customers onto other chat platforms.
Background
Google Business, formerly Google My Business, enables businesses to manage their online presence across Google services. Despite removing the chat feature, Google supports businesses in handling their online presence and customer engagements.
Conclusion:
Things can be daunting for businesses without the Google Business Profile Chat features. But, they can take the first step towards offering and maintaining effective customer interactions. By incorporating innovative chat solutions and enhancing their online presence, businesses can continue to boom and interact with customers.
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