Google has announced that the chat feature in its Google Business Profile service will no longer be available after 31 July 2024. It will be phased out next month in two stages:

• 15 July 2024: New chat conversations can no longer be created by customers from Google Business Profile. Existing chat users will be informed of the impending closure.
• 31 July 2024: Complete removal of the chat functionality. Customers cannot create new messages.

Google is keen to stress that customers will still have various means to contact your business without this feature: they can use Google Search and Maps to find contact information and learn more about you through website links, descriptions, photos, etc. in the profile.

Records of past chat conversations can be downloaded, if required, via Google Takeout before 30 August 2024.

Please get in touch if you need assistance with using Google Takeout or establishing alternative communication channels.