Google Business Messages Are Shutting Down: What To Use Instead

With Google announcing that it is shutting down its Google Business Messages service, it’s time to find a new solution – and we’re here to help.

Let’s take a look at the details of Google’s announcement, what it means for businesses who have previously used the product, the best alternatives to use and when you’ll need to make the switch. We’ll also explain why WhatsApp Business is a great replacement, and how you can set up a new account with a second virtual mobile number from YourBusinessNumber.

What was Google Business Messages?

Google Business Messages was the chat feature hosted within Google’s Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business). It allowed customers to get in touch with a brand via links in Google Search, Maps, Ads, and on the brand’s own channels.

What did Google’s latest announcement say?

Google has said that it will discontinue its Google Business Messages product after July 2024.

Google has advised businesses using brand-managed entry points, including URLs or web widgets, to remove or replace the entry point with another messaging platform.

When do I need to remove or replace Google Business Messages?

Google’s changes will come into effect from 15th July 2024, when it will no longer be possible to create new conversations.

You should transition over to an alternative messaging solution by 31st July 2024, when the chat feature will end entirely.

What should I replace Google Business Messages with?

WhatsApp Business is a great replacement for Google Business Messages. By directing customers to your WhatsApp Business number, you can ensure you never miss out on valuable sales leads. With so many customers already choosing to use WhatsApp to contact their favourite brands and companies, it’s likely to be popular with your customer base.

What are the benefits of having a Google My Business listing?

Google My Business account offers numerous advantages, such as increased visibility for your company, customer reviews, comments, photos, and abundant information available in Google’s search engine. Here are the benefits of having a Google My Business account:

1. Greater visibility in Google searches and a better digital presence. 
2. Improved strategic positioning in local business searches.
3. Enhanced contact with potential customers.
4. Better strategic geolocation of your business.
5. Stronger customer loyalty built through visible reviews.
6. Sharing of relevant business information and contact details.
7. Direct contact from customers through WhatsApp Business.

Why should I link Google My Business with WhatsApp?

Combining WhatsApp and Google provides a powerful formula to boost business growth, increase sales, and strengthen customer loyalty. Here’s why merging these two platforms is such a good move for your company’s comms strategy.

Add a personal touch

By linking Google My Business with WhatsApp Business, you can offer a more personalised service channel. Google My Business drives traffic to your business listing in Google’s search engine, while WhatsApp allows you to respond to messages in a customised way, creating a harmonious blend of new traffic and customer service.

Leverage familiarity

Most customers are already familiar with WhatsApp, and many use it as their primary method of communication with friends, family and other brands. By providing this option, customers are more likely to want to message your team.

Boost your Google ranking

Adding your WhatsApp Business contact details can improve your business page’s ranking on Google. The more business information you provide for customers, and the more people engage with your profile, the higher your company is likely to rank against your competitors.

Encourage engagement

WhatsApp Business offers more opportunities for direct customer engagement. As Google My Business Messaging will soon be discontinued, WhatsApp Business offers an ideal replacement to keep the lines of communication open with your customers.

How to add WhatsApp Business to your Google My Business account

So, how exactly do you add WhatsApp Business to your Google My Business account? This option hasn’t been rolled out for everyone yet, but we would expect it to become available in the next few weeks as Google winds down its Business Messages service.

If it is currently available for your account, follow these steps to add your WhatsApp number to your Google My Business account:

1. Sign into your Google My Business account.
2. Choose the location that you want to add the WhatsApp Business number to.
3. Go to the Info tab on the left-hand menu.
4. Scroll down to ‘Add phone number’ and click on the pencil icon to edit.
5. Choose ‘WhatsApp’ as the phone number type.
6. Enter your WhatsApp Business number.
7. Select ‘Apply’ to save the changes.

How to add WhatsApp Business as a sticky widget on your website

Another way to get leads straight into your WhatsApp Business inbox? Adding a widget to your website that directs customers to get directly in touch with your team.

Try these two popular and affordable options to embed a widget:

• Elfsight: WhatsApp Chat Widget for websites
• GetButton: Floating Chat Widget for websites

You can also embed a link which will automatically put the user through to your WhatsApp Business account. Use the link below as a template, but put your own WhatsApp Business number instead of the YourBusinessNumber Customer Service number (replacing ‘4420802285’ in the URL).

https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?app_absent=0&phone=442080502285&text 

How to activate WhatsApp as the primary messaging channel in Google My Business

To set up WhatsApp as the main messaging channel, go to the Contact tab in your Google My Business profile and navigate to the Chat section. Here, you can select WhatsApp or SMS as the preferred method of contact.

Note: your business must be verified in Google My Business before you can activate WhatsApp or SMS.

How to set up WhatsApp Business with YourBusinessNumber

Do you want to create a WhatsApp Business account but already use WhatsApp Messenger for your personal conversations? We have the perfect solution. You can effortlessly set up your business on WhatsApp Business without the need for a second phone or an expensive extra phone plan.

By using a second virtual business number, you can install and verify the WhatsApp Business app on the same phone as WhatsApp Messenger. This enables you to maintain a clear separation between personal and professional contacts, achieve a better work-life balance, and take advantage of all the marketing tools offered by the WhatsApp Business app.

With YourBusinessNumber, you can generate a second virtual phone number in just a few clicks. We provide flexible, affordable subscriptions, giving you full control.

So, you don’t have to wait a moment longer! Start using your new WhatsApp Business number today!