Google recently announced that they will be discontinuing the chat feature in Google Business Profile, adding to their list of services in the “Google graveyard.” This chat feature was specifically designed for businesses but will no longer be available after July 31, 2024.

Here are some key points to keep in mind about this change:

– The chat feature in Google Business Profile will stop working on July 15, 2024.
– Customers can still find and contact businesses through Google Search and Maps.
– Businesses are advised to explore alternative chat channels to continue conversations with their customers.
– Businesses can download past Business Profile chats through Google Takeout until August 30, 2024.
– Existing chat conversations will receive notifications about the deprecation of the feature starting July 15, 2024.

As part of their ongoing efforts to streamline their services, Google is making these changes to better align with their business goals. It’s important for businesses using this feature to start looking into other communication options to ensure a smooth transition for their customers.