Google Business Profile Chat will be discontinued on July 31, 2024

Google has announced that it will discontinue the chat feature in Google Business Profiles, impacting how businesses interact with customers via Google Search and Maps. This decision is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to streamline its services and enhance its product offerings.

Timeline and Details

July 15, 2024: Google will stop the creation of new chat conversations. Customers will no longer be able to initiate new chats with businesses from this date.
July 31, 2024: The chat functionality will be completely phased out. Businesses will no longer receive new chat messages, and the chat feature will be removed from Google Business Profiles.

Google Business Profile Chat Feature to Be Discontinued

Google acknowledges that this change might be challenging for businesses that have relied on the chat feature to communicate with their customers. Businesses are advised to consider alternative communication methods to maintain customer engagement. Here are some recommendations:

Adding a Phone Number: Ensure your business listing includes a phone number so customers can still contact you directly.
Updating Business Profiles: Regularly update your Google Business Profile with relevant information, including links to your website, business description, photos, and other contact details.

Related Changes: Website Decommissioning

In addition to the chat feature shutdown, Google is also decommissioning the websites created with Google Business Profiles. Starting in March 2024, these websites will be turned off. Visitors will be redirected to the corresponding Google Business Profile until June 10, 2024. After this date, they will encounter a “page not found” error. Businesses using Google Business Profile websites are advised to create their own new business websites using other tools and update their Google Business Profile with the new URL.

Why the Change?

Google’s decision to phase out the chat feature aligns with its broader strategy to consolidate and improve its service offerings. By focusing on richer communication experiences, such as RCS (Rich Communication Services) Business Messaging, Google aims to provide more comprehensive and integrated solutions for businesses and customers alike.

What Should Businesses Do Next?

Businesses that have been using the chat feature should take proactive steps to prepare for this transition:

Download Chat History: Ensure you download any important chat history before the feature is completely phased out.
Communicate the Change to Customers: Inform your customers about the upcoming changes and provide them with alternative ways to contact you.
Explore Other Communication Tools: Look into other messaging and communication platforms that can integrate with your existing business systems.

What Should Desserts Corner’s Customers Do Next?

To stay connected with Desserts Corner after the chat feature is discontinued, customers can use the following contact methods:

Mobile Number: Reach Desserts Corner directly at 09237419117.
Facebook Messenger: Contact them via Facebook Messenger at http://m.me/thedessertscorner.

Website Contact Form: Use their website contact form at https://dessertscorneronline.com/contact.

Conclusion

While the discontinuation of the chat feature in Google Business Profiles marks the end of a convenient tool for many businesses, it also opens the door for new opportunities to enhance customer engagement through other channels. By adapting to these changes and updating their contact methods, businesses can continue to provide excellent customer service and maintain strong connections with their clientele.