You may have noticed that in 2022, Google began to allow live chat through your local Google Business Listing (previously known as "Google My Business").
Setting this us can seem to be an unnecessary task, in that it relies upon a third party integration AND the constant availability of a live agent. Although seeming like an inconvenience, it may still provide benefits you've yet to discover.
Firstly, many of the people searching for your business online may be new patients seeking information. In an environment when convenience, immediate gratification is expected, integrating live chat on your Google Business Listing can help you to increase your conversion rates (percentage of leads converted to actual new patients) and therefore enhancing the results of your marketing.
Much like online scheduling when paired with Google ads increases conversion, live chat when paired with SEO will have a similar effect.
How do we go about this?
Step 1: Choose and Subscribe to a Google Live Chat Partner: https://businessmessages.google/partners/
You will need to download the third party app and keep it up open in order to field communication requests from patients and prospective patients.
Step 2: Email us the link to add to your Google Business Listing to the appropriate field on your Google Business Listing. (Reminder: DO NOT set up a new listing.)
Step 3: Test it. Make sure when a message is sent, you receive it and have the ability to respond to it. Make sure your team logs in daily and is ready to help your community members seeking your services.