Google is deprecating the chat feature in Google Business profiles

Google will begin the process of decommissioning chat in Google Business Profiles on July 15th, and the feature will be completely disabled on July 31st. An email was sent to the companies in which Google acknowledged the potential difficulties associated with this decision and emphasized its commitment to remain a useful partner in business management.

"We're writing to let you know that we're shutting down the Google Business Profile chat feature on July 31, 2024. We understand that this can be difficult news - as we're constantly improving our tools, we sometimes have to make tough decisions that can affect the businesses and partners we work with. It's important to us that Google remains a helpful partner in managing your business, and we remain committed to that mission. Google will stop create new conversations after July 15, and chat will be completely disabled on July 31. Please note, customers will still be able to find and connect with your business through Google Search and Maps - and learn more about you from your website links, business description, photos, and more that you share in your business profile.”

Starting July 15, customers will no longer be able to initiate new conversations with companies through Google. Customers who are already engaged in chat conversations will receive a notification informing them that the chat feature is about to end. 🚀

• 📌 Despite this, customers will still be able to find and connect with businesses using Google Search and Maps, as well as receive information through website links, business descriptions, photos and other elements posted on business profiles.

Google says the decision to stop chat is part of an ongoing effort to optimize its services. To help businesses with the transition, Google has provided guidance on the following steps: 🚀

• 📌 Chat History Download: Businesses that want to keep a record of their past conversations on their business profile can download their chat history with customers using Google Takeout.
• 📌 Alternative chat solutions: Google encourages companies to invite customers to alternative chat solutions to continue the conversation without interruption.