Google is adding the ability for customers to message businesses directly from Google Maps. This means that if you find a business on Google Maps you’ll be able to message them without leaving the app. Which sure beats contacting them by phone or email.
You have been able to message businesses through Google since 2017. However, this was limited to the U.S. and required you to find their Business Profile on Google Search. Now, it’s being integrated into Google Maps, and rolled out to more countries.
How to Message a Business Through Google
To message a business, whether on Google Search or Google Maps, you just need to find their Business Profile. This will appear after you have either searched for a specific business or clicked on a business you’ve located through Maps.
Messaging a business is as simple as clicking Message on their Business Profile. This will open a message thread where you can message back and forth with the business. Perhaps to find out if they’re open on a certain day or to book a table or place an order.
We know you love supporting your local businesses. Now, they’re using the new Google My Business app to bring you even more helpful info.
It’s all good in the neighborhood. https://t.co/dPX3DiOuBg pic.twitter.com/Pmo6RoWX0T
— Google Maps (@googlemaps) November 14, 2018
You can also now see all of the messages you’ve sent to businesses using Google. Simply click on the hamburger menu located in the top left-hand corner of Google Maps, and then click on Messages. Here, you’ll be able to see what you’ve sent to who and when.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to message every single business by default. Instead, businesses interested in communicating with their customers in this way need to install the new Google My Business app and sign up to enable the messaging feature.
Google Maps Is Starting to Feel Bloated
Google Maps has added lots of new features to Maps recently. And while most of them are useful in their own right, there’s a definite risk of Google Maps becoming bloated. After all, most of us still just want to use Google Maps to get directions from A to B.
For more on Google Maps’ newest features, check out how Google Maps uses landmarks for directions, how Google Maps helps you explore your local area, how Google Maps helps you plan group events, and how Google Maps helps you find EV charging points.
Image Credit: J_Lai/Flickr
Read the full article: You Can Now Message Businesses Using Google Maps
