In local search, Google Messaging is a function of the Google My Business dashboard which enables business owners to text message with their customers.
What is Google Messaging?
Google Messaging (also known historically as Google My Business Messaging or Google Business Messages) enabled businesses to provide a chat interface directly in their listing. When enabled, a “Chat” or “Message” button appeared in the business profile, allowing users to ask questions, request details, or initiate contact.
This chat feature was asynchronous (not real time like live chat, but people could send and reply to messages), and supported rich features like suggested replies, media sharing, and status indicators (e.g. “typing,” “read”).
From a business perspective, messaging helped lower friction—people could start a conversation without needing to visit the website or call. It improved accessibility, sometimes accelerated responses, and often boosted user experience by offering direct communication.
However, as of July 31, 2024, Google fully discontinued the Google Business Messages service, and the messaging feature is no longer available. All entry points for starting new conversations via Google chat have been disabled. Existing conversations have been wound down.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Google Messaging still available?
No. The messaging feature was officially shut down on July 31, 2024.
2. Why did Google discontinue it?
Google decided to retire Google Business Messages as part of its platform evolution. Existing business messaging capabilities were wound down.
3. What should I do now that messaging is gone?
Remove any chat widgets or reference to “Message” in your listing or site. Instead, provide alternative contact paths—phone, contact forms, email, or messaging platforms you control.
4. Can I still see old message history?
No. After the discontinuation date, new conversations cannot be created and older messaging functionality is disabled.
5. Did messaging influence SEO or visibility?
It was primarily a user engagement tool rather than a direct ranking factor. Its value lay in improving user experience and conversion path.
6. Are there replacements or alternatives Google recommends?
Google encourages using alternative messaging or communication channels (your own chat, website form, social messaging) to interact with customers.
7. Should any mention of messaging still appear on my business listing or site?
No. Any static “chat” or “message us via Google” callouts should be removed to avoid confusing users, since the feature is no longer functional.