SEO news · Google Business Profile
Three Google Business Profile changes in October: a WhatsApp button spotted in search results, a Business Home dashboard for the US and UK, and new ordering controls for restaurants.
The news in 30 seconds
On 7 October Search Engine Roundtable reported Google showing WhatsApp buttons in business panels in search, “in place of chat or in addition to the other action buttons”. Google hasn’t announced it. On 22 October Google opened a closed beta of Google Business Home, but only for some business types in the US and UK. On 28 October restaurants got the option to switch off individual third-party ordering providers.
What happened
| Date | Change | In Ireland? |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Oct | WhatsApp button seen in the business panel in Google Search | Not stated. Google hasn’t confirmed it |
| 22 Oct | Google Business Home dashboard, closed beta | No: US and UK only |
| 28 Oct | Restaurants can switch off individual third-party ordering providers | Not stated |
The WhatsApp button builds on an earlier change. Google first asked businesses to add a WhatsApp number to their profile, then added numbers itself for some businesses.
What it means for Irish businesses
Plenty of customers would rather send a quick WhatsApp than make a call. If Google adds a WhatsApp button to your profile, that’s one more easy way for them to reach you.
The catch: it only works if your profile has a WhatsApp number that someone actually answers.
What to do now
- Add your WhatsApp Business number to your Google Business Profile
- Check the number is right and someone replies quickly in working hours
- Use WhatsApp Business so you can set an away message
- Track WhatsApp clicks on your website as enquiries
Guide Google Business Profile guide →Set up and optimise your profile step by step
Service Local SEO in Dublin →Get found on Google Maps and in local searches
Sources
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