Big news from GMB (Google My Business)! As of the 15th of July, GMB will begin phasing out its Messenger feature, with the service officially being removed on 31st July.
This change is set to affect many businesses that rely heavily on GMB Messenger to communicate directly with their customers.
Why Is This Happening?
While Google hasn't provided a specific reason for removing the Messenger feature (are we shocked? A little!) we believe it might be part of a broader strategy to possibly introduce new, and more integrated communication tools in the future. This move could be a positive step towards preparing for a more unified platform that enhances user experience and business interactions… or it might not - we’re yet to find out!
Who Does This Affect?
If you’ve been using GMB Messenger to chat with your clients, this update is for you. Small businesses, local shops and service providers who find the Messenger feature a quick way to receive and respond to inquiries will need to find another way...
Why Should You Care?
If you rely on GMB Messenger, without it, you might you will miss out on valuable customer interactions. But don’t worry—there are steps you can take to maintain communication with your customers.
What Can You Do About It?
Update Your Contact Details
Make sure your phone number and email address are up-to-date on your GMB profile. If a potential customer lands on your GMB profile and has a quick question, they’ll be able to get hold of you.
Consider Other Communication Tools
Adding a WhatsApp chat facility to your website can be a great alternative for quick, real-time communication. You may also want to consider linking other messaging apps like Facebook Messenger or LiveChat.
Add a Contact Form to Your Website
Need a contact form on your site? At Website Success we’re here to help all our web and marketing clients! Just give us a shout, and we’ll get it set up for you.
Find out more about the removal of GMB’s Messenger feature
If you’re feeling a little lost by these changes or need assistance with any of your digital marketing, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Contact our Chichester office today on 01243 684661 or click here to book a chat in the diary.