Messaging

Google Business Profile has a messaging feature.

This allows potential customers to message you – without visiting your website.

Based on the research, Profiles which enable this feature and have response times of less than 12 hours – are rewarded with better visibility.

Update: If your response time is longer than 24 hours, Google may revoke this feature from your Profile.

Your Profile will have message buttons added:

Note: Google is always testing how to display its features. This may look different for your Profile.

Enable Messaging on Desktop

#1 Click the Messages button

#2 Toggle Messaging to on

#3 Add a Welcome Message

We want to do everything we can to encourage users to message us – since this helps engagement rates.

  • First – click the Messages button – and then select Chat Settings:

  • Customize your welcome message:

  • This welcome message has been very effective:
Have any questions? We’re online!

Enable Messaging with the Maps App

If you’re on a mobile device, your Business Profile can now be managed through the Google Maps app.
  • Open the Google Maps app (make sure you’re signed into the correct Google account).
  • Tap the Updates tab.
  • Tap the Messages tab and then the Business tab.

  • Tap the button in the top right corner.

  • Then tap Manage Chat.

  • Turn on Chat.

You can also toggle read receipts on/off – and edit your welcome message.