The Google My Business mobile app for both Android and iOS is no longer available or supported by Google. The apps no longer allow you to manage your profile or communicate with your customers, analytics and data are also unavailable.
This was announced back in November by Google that the app would be retired in favour of Google Maps and Search. The Google Maps app will be used to send notifications directly to the user, so this would be worth installing if you’re a business owner.
The Google Maps app will be the best place to reply to your customer’s messages but you can also respond to messages on Google Search using your business profile.
If you’re a regular user of the Google My Business app then this news may not come as a surprise. Google has notified users of the app several times via email to let them know the app will be no longer available.
How Do You Manage Your Business Profile and Messages Now?
One of the biggest uses of the Google My Business mobile app is to use it for messages. This feature is still available but only through Google Maps as of now.
Once you turn on the chat feature on your business profile, customers will be able to message you through the now available chat button. Any messages will be alerted to the user through notifications and a custom welcome message can be set for when customers first interact with you.
Messages are stored in your account and can be saved or exported if needed in the future.
To find the messages your business has received, you need to open the Google Maps app on your Android or iOS device. Once opened navigate to Updates > Messages > Business each business owned will have a separate inbox.
Setting a welcome message to potential customers is a good idea as it gives them realistic expectations as to when they will receive a message back from you. To set this on your profile you need to open the Google Maps app on your Android or iOS device. Then navigate to Updates > Messages > Business then tap Settings > Allow messages. Here you will see the ‘Welcome message’ option where you need to press the edit icon and enter your welcome message, once this is done press save.
To transition from the Google My Business app to the Google Maps app you must first install on the device you are going to use. The same account you’ve previously used for your business profile needs to be used to login to Google Maps.
The features you’ve been used to on the now discontinued Google My Business app will still be available on Google Maps. Features which can still be used include:
- Adding and claiming businesses so it shows up on Google Maps.
- Editing your business’ information such as opening times and address.
- Setting up notifications for your connected devices.
- Replying to messages from customers.
As you can see, transitioning between the two apps should be seamless and hassle free with all of the features you’re familiar with still being available.
We hope you’ve found this blog post useful for your business. If you have any issues and would like help with your Google Maps listing then please contact us and we would be happy to help.