How to Turn On Messaging and Bookings in Google Maps
Step by step: enable chat from your profile and, if available, appointment booking — without leaving leads unanswered.
In this article
If messaging is turned off on your profile, you're losing customers who don't want to call. Turning it on is easy; answering on time is the hard part — and it's what Google pays attention to.
What you can turn on
- Messages (chat) from Search/Maps.
- Calls via the phone button.
- Appointments / bookings, if your category and provider support it.
- WhatsApp in some markets (if it's available on your listing).
Turn on messaging
From business.google.com or the Google Business Profile app.
- 01
1. Sign in as owner/manager
Profile → Menu → Messages (or Customers → Messages).
- 02
2. Turn on messaging
Accept the terms and set up email/app notifications.
- 03
3. Add a welcome message
Your response hours + what info to share (address, service, photos).
- 04
4. Connect the right person's phone
Make sure someone gets push notifications; don't leave chat on a desktop that's turned off.
- 05
5. Bookings (if available)
Under Integrations or Bookings, connect a supported provider or whichever system Google offers for your category.
Mistakes
- Turning on chat and not checking it for 3 days.
- Replying "ok" without asking for job details.
- Promising a visit without qualifying the budget or area.
“An unanswered message is worse than having no message button at all.”
Key takeaways
- Turn on notifications.
- Use a clear welcome template.
- Track your first-response time.
Messages + hours + photos: a complete profile.
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