This new feature therefore allows companies to continue interacting with their customers efficiently and directly through the popular messaging platform.
Google will discontinue the chat feature on the Business Profile, ceasing to numbers in korea exist on the 31st of this month. Therefore, with this change, businesses will no longer be able to receive new messages through chat.
As a result, starting on the 15th, customers will no longer be able to initiate new conversations through this channel. During this transition period, those who are already in communication with companies will be notified about the imminent deactivation of the feature.
Google integrates WhatsApp: A new alternative
With the end of chat on the Business Profile, Google is promoting integration with WhatsApp as a viable and effective alternative.
Therefore, businesses that have a claimed and verified profile can add the WhatsApp or SMS option directly to their business profile.
This change then allows for more direct and immediate communication, taking advantage of WhatsApp's popularity among users.
Google integrates WhatsApp: How to add it to your Business Profile?
Step by step to add WhatsApp
Therefore, to ensure a smooth transition and maintain fluid communication with customers, businesses can follow the steps below to integrate WhatsApp with their Google Business Profile:
Access your profile: Start by accessing your Google Business Profile.
Edit Profile: Click “Edit Profile” and select “Business Information” followed by “Contact.”
Select chat: Click “Chat” and then click the down arrow to open the drop-down menu.
Choose WhatsApp: From the drop-down menu, choose “SMS” or “WhatsApp”.
Add number: Under “Number”, add the phone number that receives text messages or a direct link to your WhatsApp.
Save Changes: Click “Save” to finalize the integration.
For more details on WhatsApp URL guidelines, please refer to the instructions on the official WhatsApp website .