As of the 28th of May 2024, Google has announced that the chat feature in Google Business Profile will be discontinued, starting on 31 July 2024. As mentioned in this notification, this update is part of Google's ongoing efforts to improve its tools and services.
When will Google Remove the Google Business Chat Feature?
15 July 2024: New chat conversations can no longer be initiated.
31 July 2024: Chat functionality will fully end.
What This Means for Your Online Business
While the chat feature will be discontinued, customers can still contact your business through Google Search and Maps, and learn more via your Business Profile. However, you will no longer have the option to use the chat feature of embed this chat onto your website.
We recommend going to your chat history and downloading all chat information you may need for future reference. This could be useful if you need to review a customer request, product enquiry or other information that will help you to communicate with existing clients.
What To Do Next?
Download Chat History: Use Google Takeout to save past customer conversations.
Transition to New Solutions: Encourage customers to use alternative chat solutions for ongoing conversations. This could be chat features directly on your website or chat and messaging tools from your social media platforms. Although this feature will no longer be available, you still want to make it as easy as possible to communicate with your customers. We would also recommend to let your customers know how they can communicate with you, whether by phone, by email, or by visiting your business location. The more they know, the easier it is to do business with you.
Staying informed about these changes will help you adapt and continue providing excellent customer service. If you need assistance with this transition or other web design and SEO strategies, feel free to get in touch with us today to help you out.
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