Day 5 - Turn On Google Messaging + Auto-Reply

PART 1 - Turn On Google Messaging

You can do this from desktop or the Google Maps / Search app on your phone.


OPTION A: On Desktop (Google Business Profile Manager)

  1. Go to https://business.google.com

  2. Log in with the account connected to your business

  3. Select your business location

  4. Look for the “Messages” option in the menu

    • If you don’t see it, it may be under “Customers” → “Messages”

  5. Click Messages

  6. Look for a toggle or button that says “Turn on messaging” or “Activate”

  7. Turn it ON


OPTION B: On Mobile (Google Maps / Google Search App)

Using Google Maps:

  1. Open Google Maps

  2. Make sure you’re signed into the account that manages your business

  3. Tap your profile picture (top right)

  4. Tap “Your Business Profile”

  5. Scroll to find “Messages”

  6. Turn Messaging ON

Using Google Search:

  1. Open Google

  2. Type your business name (while logged into the owner account)

  3. Tap “View profile” or “Manage profile”

  4. Look for “Messages” or “Messaging” in your options

  5. Turn it ON


PART 2 - Set Up Your Auto-Reply Message

The auto-reply is what customers see immediately when they message you.
It’s your “we’re on it” signal.

It should:

  • Thank them

  • Tell them you’ll respond soon

  • Ask for helpful details (like photos)

✅ Recommended Auto-Reply Template

You can copy one of these and tweak it:

Option 1 — Simple & Friendly

“Thanks for reaching out! We’ve got your message and will reply shortly. For a faster quote, please send photos and a brief description of what you need help with.”

Option 2 — Professional & Clear

“Thanks for contacting [Business Name]. We’ve received your message and will respond as soon as possible. To help us give an accurate quote, please include photos and a short description of the job.”

Option 3 — After-hours Friendly

“Thanks for reaching out to [Business Name]! Our team may be away from the phone right now, but we’ve received your message and will respond as soon as we’re back. For faster help, send photos and details of what you need.”


How to Add Your Auto-Reply

On Desktop (Google Business Profile):

  1. In your business profile dashboard, go to Messages

  2. Look for “Settings” or a gear icon ⚙️

  3. Find “Welcome message”, “Auto-reply”, or “Greeting”

  4. Paste your chosen auto-reply message

  5. Save

On Mobile (Google Maps / Search):

  1. Go to your Business Profile

  2. Tap Messages

  3. Tap the three dots (…) or Settings

  4. Look for “Welcome message” / “Edit welcome message”

  5. Paste your message

  6. Save


PART 3 - Check Your Notifications

You’ve turned messaging on - now make sure you actually see new messages.

On your phone:

  1. Go to your phone Settings

  2. Find Google Maps or Google Business

  3. Make sure Notifications are turned ON

  4. Allow:

    • Alerts

    • Banners / pop-ups

    • Sounds (if you want)

You can also enable email notifications for new messages from your Google Business dashboard.


Quick Trust Checklist

You’re done for the day when:

✔ Messaging is turned ON
✔ A friendly auto-reply is set
✔ You’ve tested it (message yourself from another account/phone)
✔ Notifications are enabled so you don’t miss leads

Now, when a customer messages you, they’ll see:

“Thanks for reaching out! We’ll reply shortly — send photos for a faster quote.”

Instant trust.
Instant professionalism.
No more silent inbox.


Day 5 Complete!

You’ve just fixed one of the biggest hidden leaks in local businesses:

👉 Customers reaching out…
👉 Hearing nothing…
👉 And going elsewhere.

From today on, no one who messages you will feel ignored.