Last November, Google began testing a messaging feature for Google My Business customers. As of this week, Google has rolled out this feature to all U.S. businesses.
The chat feature enables you to live chat with customers via Google’s search results. For this to function, you must set up a texting-enabled phone number or a Google Allo account. Google has an auto-response feature you can use to begin the conversation with a customer, at which time you will then be sent into your messaging app to chat.
Google’s support website provides this tip for businesses who choose to activate the chat feature:
Customers rely on your prompt replies—people don’t want to wait a long time for a response to their questions. During your listed business hours, respond as quickly as possible to messages from customers.
To learn how to use this new messaging feature, visit Search Engine Land.
