Should I Turn On Chat for My Business?

Short Answer: Yes, you should turn on chat for your business. Activating chat features, especially through Google services, can enhance your engagement and positively influence your online presence. Just make sure that either you or a designated person has the Google Business Profile or Google Maps app on your device with notifications enabled, so you can promptly respond to customer inquiries.

Full Explanation

Enabling chat for your business is a smart move because the more interactions you have through Google’s platforms, the better it reflects on your business’s visibility and ranking. Being active in communication channels signals to Google that your business is responsive and engaged with customers. However, it’s not enough to just turn on chat. You need to ensure that either you or a dispatcher is adequately equipped to manage incoming messages.

This means having the Google Business Profile or Google Maps app installed on a device and enabling notifications. Without this setup, messages may go unnoticed, leading customers to cancel inquiries. Such cancellations can negatively affect how your business is perceived and may have adverse effects on your online ranking.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Turn on chat: Activate the chat feature on your Google Business Profile or relevant platform.
2. Set up responsible personnel: Designate yourself or a dispatcher to monitor chat messages.
3. Install necessary apps: Have the Google Business Profile or Google Maps app installed on your device.
4. Enable notifications: Turn on app notifications to get alerts instantly when a customer messages you.
5. Respond promptly: Answer and engage with incoming messages automatically or quickly to maintain customer interest.

Real Examples

When a business has chat enabled with prompt responses, customers feel valued and are more likely to continue the conversation, leading to potential sales. Conversely, businesses that ignore or miss chat messages risk customers cancelling their inquiries, which can harm the business’s reputation and search ranking.

Common Mistakes

• Turning on chat but failing to install or use the necessary Google apps for notifications.
• Not assigning anyone to monitor and respond to chat messages on time.
• Ignoring incoming chat inquiries, causing customers to cancel and possibly damaging the business’s ranking.

FAQs

Q: Why is it important to have notifications enabled for Google Business Profile or Maps?
Because notifications alert you immediately when a customer sends a message, enabling you to respond quickly and keep customers engaged.

Q: What happens if chat messages are not answered?
Unanswered messages may lead customers to cancel their inquiries, which can negatively impact your business’s reputation and search rankings.

Q: Can I handle chat personally or should I have a dispatcher?
Either is fine, but it’s important that someone is available to monitor and respond to chat messages promptly.

Key Takeaways

• Turning on chat improves customer engagement and business visibility on Google.
• Ensure either you or a dispatcher is set up with the necessary apps and notifications enabled to respond quickly.
• Prompt responses prevent cancellations and protect your business’s search ranking and reputation.