SEO Blog

On November 10th, 2017 Google updated their smart messaging application called “Google Allo”. This messegner app works on both iPhone iOS and Android smartphones, as well as desktop.

This is a game changer as once again Google makes your brand searches even more important. Google is now making it a little bit easier for people to communicate directly with your brand on mobile devices.

It is a simple idea from Google that allows customers to send a message from their mobile phones to you via SMS (text message) or via Google Allo.

This awesome feature on Google My Business’s platform will go head to head with Facebook’s “Messenger” app. How they differ is important but should be noted that both should not be IGNORED.

The way people are communicating these days are influencing their purchasing decisions just by the ease of technology that is given to them (THINK – 1 button signup, easy to pay buttons, etc).

Consumers these days regardless of age or mobile device choice want to be able to get the “right” information quick and as easy as possible.

This mantra also goes along the lines of what Google looks for when ranking websites.

Does your website answer all your customers questions?

Allowing customers to bypass visiting your website or even picking up the phone to call, makes optimizing your Google My Business listing even more important. If you are not using the GMB’s messaging system you are literally leaving (sales) opportunity on the table.

There could be a million reasons as to why someone won’t click to your website or click to call, but would rather communicate via text. Why is that?

Think about it – It’s easier, less intrusive, and your customers can get an answer (yes / no) a lot faster than any other form of communication..

How to Setup Google My Business Messaging

One of the beautiful things about Google as a company is the ease of use when installing and setting up Google  My Business Messaging.

It should take no more than 10 minutes to download, install, and test your first message using your Google My Business account.

You will need to make sure your Google My Business account is setup, published, and verified before you can add Google’s Messenger.

Step 1:

Log into your Google My Business account and visit the Google listing that you want to add the messenger too.On the control menu on the left hand side you will see a feature that says, “Messaging”. Go ahead and click that button.

Step 2:

After clicking on the Messaging button, the next step is to verify the mobile phone number that you want the messages to go to.

Enter the mobile number where you want to receive messages and Google will send you a verification code.

Submit your code (quickly) and once verified, you will be able to setup your Google messenger chat.

Step 3:

After verifying your mobile number with Google, you are next instructed to add a custom welcoming message to your customers.

With only 120 characters allowed in the welcome message, we decided to use, “Thanks for visiting AMD Supply – How Can We Help You With Your Aluminum Supply Needs in South Florida? “.

On this particular panel you are also able to turn on and off your messaging, change the phone number where the messages go to, the average response time, and the ability to change your welcome message. Hit SAVE.

Step 4:

You are now ready to start receiving messages via SMS (text) through your Google My Business listing directly through your mobile device. For an easier way to use Google’s Messaging App, you can download the Google Allo app. You can find the link here. Download the application to your iPhone or Droid device.

Step 5:

Once Google Allo is installed on your mobile device, your Google My Business page is integrated with the mobile phone number you provided and will start receiving messages from customers. It’s always good to run a test to make sure it works.

Step 6.

To use Google Allo on desktop, simply scan the QR code on the desktop from your mobile phone. The two devices will sync up and you will now be able to use your desktop as a way to communicate via Google Messenger in a cleaner more efficient way. And you are now on your way to communicate with customers through your Google My Business listing!

What is Google Allo?

Google Allo has a lot of great features but for this blog post we are mostly speaking about how it can benefit your business. Google created “Google Allo” as a messenger app that is “smarter” than others and helps you do more. One key benefit to using Allo is their built in Google Assistant that works for you.

Your Google Assistant can suggest restaurants nearby or movies to check out, events or even search results right in your messaging app. All you have to do is just add @google, and your Assistant is ready to help. You can read and learn more about Google’s Allo by visiting this link.