It has recently been announced that Google will be allowing certain accounts based in the US and Canada to keep track of phone calls from your customers on Google Search and Maps with call history. To help you respond to missed calls and stay engaged with your customers, call history keeps your calls all in one place.
These calls may make it easier for you to connect with customers who found your business through Google. Any calls you get from your Business Profile will start with a short message that lets you know theyโre from Google.
How Does Call History Work?
When a customer uses the โCallโ button on your Business Profile, their calls show up in the โCallsโ tab in Google My Business. From this tab you can find recent calls, missed calls, and more.
Once call history is on, customers connect to you through a forwarding number instead of through the number on your profile. At the start of a call, youโll get an automated message that says, โCall from Google.โ
Turn on call history
- On your computer, sign in to the Google Account you used to sign up forย Google My Business.
- To find your Business Profile, search on Google for your exact business name.ย You can also search for โmy business.โ
- If needed, to open your Business Profile, selectย View profile.
- On the “See call history” card, clickย Get startedย
ย Turn on.
Turn off call history
- On your computer, sign in to the Google Account you used to sign up forย Google My Business.
- To find your Business Profile, search on Google for your exact business name.ย You can also search for โmy business.โ
- If needed, to open your Business Profile, select View profile.
- Clickย Customersย
- Click the 3-dot menuย
ย
- Turn offย Turn on call history.
About Google forwarding number
On your Business Profile, customers can find your business number. When they use the โCallโ button on your profile, their call is forwarded to a unique number to reach you. This number is different from the one on your profile.
The Google forwarding number varies based on the location in which itโs dialed, which includes its area code or prefix number. When possible, the forwarding number shares the same area code or prefix number as your business. Otherwise, a local number in your geographic region is used. If these numbers arenโt available, a toll-free Google forwarding number is used.
Tip:ย It’s rare that the toll-free number is needed.
Additional information
- Calls are kept for 45ย days in the โCallsโ tab.
- If you opted in to call history, you can’t turn off the automated message you receive when a customer calls you.
- You can’tย track texts in call history. Call history only tracks phone calls. You can text customers withย theย Messaging feature in the GMB app.
- If a customer callย reaches your voicemail, itย is categorized as “Answered Calls” in the Calls tab.
Click here for more information.
Further Information
If youโd like to speak to us regarding any of our services, including our online marketing services, please give us a call on 01883 372488 or contact us viaย Facebookย and weโll be happy to talk you through your options.
