Who This Is For / When to Use
This article is for account owners and team members who:
Manage Google Business Profiles.
Want to enable messaging instead of phone-only contact.
Need to configure WhatsApp or SMS visibility on GBP listings.
Use this feature when customers prefer messaging over phone calls.
What This Feature Does
WhatsApp and Text Message contact options:
Appear directly on the Google Business Profile.
Allow customers to message from Google Search or Maps.
Improve profile completeness and engagement.
If both WhatsApp and Text Message are configured, Text Message is shown as the primary contact method on the GBP listing.
Where to Find WhatsApp and Text Message Settings
Open your Kyrios account.
Go to Reputation.
Select GBP Optimization.
Scroll to the section below Phone Number.
You will see the Chat (WhatsApp/Text Message) section.
Adding WhatsApp or Text Message Contact Options
Click the edit icon in the Chat (WhatsApp/Text Message) section.
Select one or both of the following:
WhatsApp
Text Message
Choose an existing number or add a new one.
Click Save.
If both options are added, Text Message takes priority on the live GBP listing.
Adding a New Text Message Number
Open the Text Message dropdown.
Click Add New Text Message Number.
You will be redirected to the Phone settings to complete setup.
After saving, the number becomes selectable for GBP messaging.
Removing WhatsApp or Text Message Options
Click the edit icon in the Chat (WhatsApp/Text Message) section.
Remove the selected WhatsApp or Text Message option.
Confirm removal when prompted.
Once removed, customers will no longer see messaging options on the GBP listing.
How Messaging Appears on Google Business Profile
WhatsApp Enabled
When WhatsApp is enabled, a WhatsApp contact option appears on the Google Business Profile.
Text Message Enabled
When Text Message is enabled, a Text Message contact option appears on the Google Business Profile.
If both are enabled, Text Message is shown instead of WhatsApp.
Common Issues and Fixes
Messaging option not visible on Google
Ensure at least one option (WhatsApp or Text Message) is saved.
Allow time for Google to sync changes.
Confirm the phone number is valid and active.
Wrong contact method showing
If both WhatsApp and Text Message are added, Text Message will display first.
Remove Text Message if WhatsApp should be primary.
FAQ
Can I enable both WhatsApp and Text Message?
Yes. You can enable both, but Text Message will appear as the primary contact option on Google.
Where do messages go after a customer clicks them?
Messages are sent directly to the configured WhatsApp number or SMS-enabled phone number.
Can I change the number later?
Yes. You can edit or replace WhatsApp and Text Message numbers at any time from GBP Optimization.
Does this replace the phone call option?
No. Phone calls remain available unless removed separately.