Small businesses have always faced the challenge of standing out in an increasingly competitive market. Local businesses must leverage every tool at their disposal to remain competitive. Google Business Profiles (GMB) has long been a valuable resource for businesses seeking visibility, and with its recent launch of the Chat feature integrated with Text and WhatsApp, the potential for turning searches into actual sales has expanded.

1. Google Business Profiles Launches Chat with Text & WhatsApp in the US: Recently, Google announced that it has rolled out a new feature for Google Business Profiles (formerly known as Google My Business) in the United States—the ability to chat with potential customers directly via Text and WhatsApp. This update is a game-changer for small businesses, particularly those that rely heavily on local customers.

Previously, businesses had to rely on phone calls or emails to engage with customers. With the new chat functionality, customers can now send a direct message to businesses via the platform they use most. Whether it’s a quick query about a product, service, or business hours, businesses can respond promptly, creating an instant connection with their customers.

This feature not only adds convenience for the customers but also increases engagement for the businesses. The more interaction a business has with customers, the higher the chances of turning those interactions into conversions.

2. How GMB Helps Small Businesses, Especially Locally: For small businesses, especially those in local markets, Google Business Profiles is an invaluable tool for driving traffic and boosting visibility. By providing accurate and up-to-date information about a business—such as its hours of operation, location, website, reviews, and photos—GMB helps customers find and engage with businesses more easily.

Local businesses can also take advantage of features like reviews and Google Posts to maintain active engagement with their audience. However, one of the most crucial advantages of GMB is its ability to show up in Google’s search results, particularly in the local pack or map results. This visibility is essential for businesses competing in a crowded marketplace.

With the addition of chat functionality, businesses can now interact with customers right when they need them, further increasing the likelihood of turning a search result into an actual customer. By responding quickly to inquiries, business owners can build stronger relationships with potential clients and stay ahead of the competition.

3. Turning GMB Searches Into Sales for Small Business Owners: So, how can small business owners make the most out of the new chat feature and turn their GMB searches into sales? Here are a few strategies:

• Quick Response Times: The key to conversion is response time. By being prompt in answering customer inquiries via chat, businesses can demonstrate their attentiveness and willingness to assist, which builds trust and can prompt a purchase or appointment.
• Personalized Communication: Personalizing the conversation goes a long way in building rapport. Small businesses should tailor their responses to meet the specific needs of the customer, showcasing how their product or service can solve the customer’s problem.
• Utilize Google Posts: Regularly posting updates, promotions, or special offers can attract more customers to your profile. Make sure to include a call to action (CTA) that encourages users to initiate a conversation via the chat feature.
• Encourage Reviews and Feedback: Having good reviews on your GMB profile can increase credibility. Happy customers are likely to share their positive experiences, and this can make future interactions smoother.
• Follow-Up: Even if a customer doesn’t make an immediate purchase, business owners should follow up with a quick message offering assistance or additional information. A simple follow-up can be the nudge a customer needs to convert.

Conclusion: Google’s new chat feature is more than just a tool for communication; it’s a powerful way for small businesses to convert online searches into real-world sales. By embracing the new functionality and implementing strategies that focus on customer engagement, small businesses can see a substantial growth in their sales and visibility. For local businesses looking to expand their reach, this is an opportunity they can’t afford to miss.