Google will stop its chat feature in Google Business Profiles from July 15 onwards, with full functionality stopping by July 31. This decision was relayed to businesses via email, recognizing potential challenges and underlining Google’s dedication to being a supportive business partner.
Important Dates
- July 15: No new chat conversations can commence.
- July 31: Complete cessation of chat functionality.
Impact on Businesses & Customers
- Customers will receive notifications about the phase-out.
- Businesses can still be reached through Google Search and Maps.
- Essential business information like website links, descriptions, and photos will remain accessible.
Reasoning Behind Google’s Decision
This discontinuation aligns with Google’s efforts to streamline its offerings. To aid in the transition, Google offers:
- Chat History Download: Businesses can retrieve chat histories via Google Takeout.
- Alternative Chat Solutions: Businesses are encouraged to migrate customers to other chat platforms.
