Google Adds Highly Requested Feature to Google Business Profiles 

It was recently announced that Google would be adding a new feature to Google Business Profiles.
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Now, you can include an option for customers to get in touch via WhatsApp or through text messaging - making it even easier for customers to contact you.
 

Google Business Profile announced the news on X:
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The new feature isn’t available worldwide yet - it only appears to be available in some regions of the US. However, Google is working on expanding its availability.
 

If it’s accessible for you, here’s how to update your settings to make use of the new feature:
 

• Log in to your Google Business Profile 
• Click ‘Edit profile’
• In here, choose ‘Business information’, then the ‘Contact’ tab
• Select ‘Chat options’. There will be a drop down with a choice between text message or WhatsApp
• Enter your phone number or WhatsApp URL
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You can use the same WhatsApp URL for multiple GBPs. However, at this time, performance metrics aren’t available for this feature. 

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Why This is Important

Adding WhatsApp to Google Business Profiles is something that business owners have been requesting for a long time.
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More and more businesses are relying on services such as WhatsApp for customer communication. This is because it’s faster and more readily available than other forms of communication, such as email or contact forms. 

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What Do You Think of This New Feature? 

Google Business Profiles are an invaluable tool, particularly for local businesses, and this additional option of communicating is a great step for business owners.
 

If you don’t have a Google Business Profile set up, we highly recommend doing so. Not only does it contribute to your local SEO strategy, but it also offers users an overview of your business, quick access to essential information such as opening times, and makes it easy for customers to reach out to you.
 

If you want help setting up a GBP or developing a local SEO strategy, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experts today.