Google lets companies talk to customers via Allo or SMS

Google has made it possible for companies to talk to customers via text message or chat service Allo. In their My Business page, companies can set a telephone number where they can be reached, so that the customer has to set up the contact himself.

Search Engine Land reported the arrival of the new functionality, after which a spokesperson for Google confirmed this. For now, however, it seems that chatting with customers via SMS or Allo will only be made possible for American companies, and it is still unclear when Europe will receive support.

By setting a phone number on the company page within the Google environment and turning on the chat function, customers are given the opportunity to contact them. To chat via Allo, an SMS must first be sent to a proxy number. Google then ensures that the message reaches the correct company, whereby the company can choose whether this is done via SMS or Allo.

Google had already confirmed that it was working on a chat feature for businesses and customers within Allo. Incidentally, a desktop version of the chat app should also be released soon.