When a potential customer searches for your business on Google, what happens next can make or break the sale.

They might like your reviews, check out your photos… but if there’s no easy way to message you instantly, they’ll often move on to the next business.

It’s not about interest — it’s about convenience.
Today’s customers want quick, familiar ways to connect.

That’s why Google has rolled out a powerful new update — one that gives small businesses a whole new way to engage customers and capture leads faster.

And when you manage it all through your Stand Out From The Pack (SOFTP) account, it becomes even easier.

💬 What’s New: Messaging & Social Channels for Google Business Profile

You can now add WhatsApp, Text (SMS), and your social media channels — including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, X (Twitter), and Pinterest — directly to your Google Business Profile (GBP).

That means when someone finds your business on Google Search or Maps, they’ll see instant ways to reach out — whether by sending a text, tapping a WhatsApp message, or visiting your social media pages.

If you’re managing everything directly in Google, you can do this by editing your Business Profile settings manually.

But here’s the thing — if you’re already using Stand Out From The Pack, you can do it right inside your account, in just a few clicks.

No switching tabs. No manual copy-paste. No waiting around.
Everything’s connected and synced automatically.

⚡ Why This Matters for Small Businesses

This new feature might seem small, but for local businesses, it’s a big opportunity.

Here’s why:

✅ More trust: When customers see that you’re available on familiar platforms like SMS, WhatsApp or Instagram, it signals responsiveness and reliability.

✅ More leads: Giving people more ways to contact you reduces friction and increases inquiries.

✅ More efficiency: When managed through your SOFTP CRM, every message flows into one central inbox — ready for follow-ups, automations, and lead tracking.

The end result?
Less chasing, more closing.

💡 Real-World Example

Let’s say you run a local salon.

A new customer searches “hair salon near me” on Google and finds your profile. They see a “Message on WhatsApp” button and send:

“Hey! Any appointments available tomorrow?”

If you’ve connected that number through your SOFTP account, the message lands directly inside your CRM.

The system automatically replies, offers your available times, and books the appointment — while you focus on running your business.

That’s not just convenient — it’s smart automation that builds relationships and saves hours every week.

⚙️ How to Set It Up

If you want to connect these channels manually, here’s how you can do it directly on Google:

1️⃣ Sign in to your Google Business Profile.
2️⃣ Click Edit profile → Contact → Add phone number or social links.
3️⃣ Add your WhatsApp number, Text/SMS number, or links to social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.
4️⃣ Save and wait for Google to approve the updates.

But if you’re using Stand Out From The Pack, there’s a faster, more integrated way:

1️⃣ Log in to your SOFTP account.
2️⃣ Go to Settings → Integrations → Google Business Profile.
3️⃣ Select your connected GBP page.
4️⃣ Add Messaging Channels (WhatsApp or Text) and choose your CRM-linked number.

• If you use a number outside SOFTP, a quick note will remind you that automations and syncing won’t apply.
  5️⃣ Add your Social Channels — Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, X, or Pinterest — using the guided input fields.
  6️⃣ Click Save, and you’re done.

Everything connects automatically, and messages start flowing right into your SOFTP Conversations inbox.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep It Unified

Even though Google allows you to add social links and messaging options manually, the real magic happens when you manage them from your all-in-one CRM.

Inside SOFTP, you can:

✅ View and respond to Google messages, texts, and WhatsApp chats from one unified inbox.
✅ Automate follow-ups (like appointment reminders or review requests).
✅ Track which channels bring in the most leads.
✅ See the full customer journey — from Google search to booking — in one place.

This not only saves time but ensures no conversation falls through the cracks.

💪 A Small Change That Builds Big Trust

Adding messaging and social channels to your Google Business Profile isn’t just a quick win — it’s a shift toward a more connected, customer-friendly experience.

When you make it easy for people to reach you, you earn trust faster.
When you handle those conversations efficiently inside SOFTP, you grow smarter.

That’s how you stand out from the pack.

🌟 Ready to See How Easy Growth Can Be?

If you’d love to see how the right tech, strategy, and support can help you grow with less stress and more consistency — come along to our next free SOFTP Workshop.

You’ll discover:
⚙️ How to simplify your systems
💬 How to automate your marketing
📈 How to turn everyday conversations into predictable growth

👉 Join the next free workshop here: https://standoutfromthepack.com.au/workshops

Because when you’ve got the right tools and systems working for you, standing out from the pack becomes effortless.