The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Google Business Profile offers different ways for customers to reach or act with a business: call, message with WhatsApp or text where available, visit the website, or follow an eligible booking, ordering, or other action link. Choose based on what the customer needs and what the business can reliably handle—not on an assumed conversion advantage. Google publishes no universal performance comparison for these channels.
How the contact options differ
| Option | Best suited to | What the customer does | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone call | A quick conversation, question, or request that benefits from a direct answer. | Calls the business using the number shown on its profile. | The profile can show a primary number and up to two additional numbers. The owner can also choose to hide the phone number. Google’s profile-editing guidance explains phone-number management. |
| WhatsApp or text | A written conversation when the business can monitor and answer messages. | Opens WhatsApp or sends a text, depending on the configured option. | Only claimed and verified profiles qualify, the feature is available in select regions and may not appear on every profile. If both WhatsApp and text are entered, Google displays only the text option. Google’s chat setup guidance describes availability and setup. |
| Website link | Self-service information, such as details a customer wants to review before contacting the business. | Visits the business’s site. | The business needs a suitable website destination. This is distinct from a link for a specific transaction or action. |
| Action link | A defined next step, such as booking an appointment, making a reservation, or placing an order. | Goes to a page where the customer can complete the named action. | Availability depends on business eligibility and category. The destination must meet Google’s link policies; see Manage your local business links and Business links policies & guidelines. |
These paths are not interchangeable. Calls and messages start a conversation; a website link sends the customer to the business’s own site; an action link is intended to complete a specific task. Google may also show some links through third-party providers. There is no official comparative statistic establishing that one option gets more calls, messages, bookings, or sales than another.
Choose the option that fits the customer’s next step
Use calls when a live answer matters
A phone button is a direct route for customers who want to speak with someone. It is most useful when the business can answer or return calls and when questions are easier to resolve aloud. Google allows a primary phone number and up to two additional numbers, and the owner may hide the number from the profile. Keep displayed numbers current so customers do not reach the wrong person or location. Google’s editing instructions cover profile phone details.
Use WhatsApp or text for written conversations
Messaging can suit customers who prefer to write, or businesses that can handle questions asynchronously. It still requires someone to monitor the channel and respond; adding the option does not create or restore a Google-hosted inbox. Google ended its Business Profile chat and call history feature on July 31, 2024. Customers can still call businesses from Search and Maps, and eligible profiles may offer WhatsApp or text as alternatives. See Google’s notice about the chat and call history change.
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#1 Best Overall
- Quick and easy installation: Connect the main console to analog lines via RJ11; cordless handsets/desksets pair wirelessly with one-touch DECT 6.0 technology—no professional wiring or assistance needed for fast small office setup.
- Expandable to 10 stations: Grow your 4-line small business phone system seamlessly by adding up to 9 cordless handsets or desksets—ideal for scaling operations without replacing equipment.
- Professional auto attendant per line: Automatically answers calls on each of the 4 lines, offers company directory access, routes to extensions, and records voicemail for efficient, polished call management.
- Reliable digital answering system: Captures up to 180 shared minutes of incoming messages, announcements, and memos—ensuring no important calls are missed during busy hours.
- Enhanced productivity features: Full-duplex speakerphone for natural conversations, extra-large display, caller ID/call waiting, 100-name phonebook, 32 speed dials, cordless headset support, intercom, and customizable music-on-hold via 2.5mm jack.
Use a website link for information customers can browse themselves
A website link is appropriate when visitors need more context than a short profile entry can provide—for example, to review the business’s offerings or details before deciding what to do. It takes customers to the site rather than directly opening a conversation. If the desired outcome is a booking or order, use an eligible action link to the relevant completion page instead of treating a general website link as the same thing.
Use action links for supported transactions
Depending on the business and region, local business links can include a menu or services list, appointment booking, reservations, food orders, or shopping orders. Google does not make every link type available to every business. The destination must be a dedicated page for the business and let customers complete the action named by the link. Messaging-service links are not permitted as local business action links. Review the link-management guide and the policy requirements before adding one.
Rank #2
- [5" Color Base Display for ease of menu operation] - Manage your communication with this ultra-clear 5" color base display. Soft keys on the side & bottom of the screen make it easy to access the functions of the phone. The extra-large display makes it easy to operate the menu and provides clear viewing of the features.
- [Personalized Feature Shortcuts] - Assign one-touch shortcuts on the large base display for quick access to the most important features like contact, messages, call history, timer, and more.
- [Conference and Intercom] - Streamline your communication experience with conference calling between an outside line and up to 4 cordless handsets, along with intercom functionality between handsets and the base unit.
- [Unsurpassed Range with DECT 6.0] - Experience the best in long-range coverage and clarity, provided by a unique antenna design and advances in noise-filtering technology.
- [Smart Call Blocker and One-touch Block] - Say goodbye to unwanted calls. Robocalls on your landline are automatically blocked from ever ringing through—even the first time. Instantly blacklist any incoming number with one touch. Store up to 1000 names and numbers to your block list.
What you need before adding messaging
- The Business Profile must be claimed and verified.
- The WhatsApp or text feature must be available for the profile and region; Google says availability is limited and some profiles will not show the option.
- For WhatsApp, have a WhatsApp click-to-chat URL ready. For text, use a number that can receive messages.
- Decide which channel you want customers to see. If you configure both WhatsApp and text, only the text option is displayed.
- Plan who will monitor incoming messages and how quickly they can respond.
Add or edit WhatsApp or text messaging
- Open the business’s claimed and verified Business Profile in Google Search or the Maps app.
- Select Edit profile, then Contact.
- Next to Chat, select the edit option, then choose WhatsApp or Text message.
- Enter the WhatsApp click-to-chat URL or a text-capable phone number, as appropriate.
- Save the change. Google’s chat setup instructions provide the current steps.
Google also supports profile editing through Search or Maps, but some management features differ by device or operating system, and a business may need to verify before editing. See Edit your Business Profile for general editing guidance.
If the option will not save or does not appear
- Check verification: messaging requires a claimed and verified profile.
- Check availability: Google limits messaging to select regions and does not guarantee that it appears on every eligible-looking profile.
- Check what you configured: if both WhatsApp and text are present, only text is displayed.
- Confirm the destination: use a valid WhatsApp click-to-chat URL or a number that can receive text messages.
- Try the supported editor: edit through Search or the Maps app, bearing in mind that available controls can vary by device or operating system.
A missing WhatsApp option is not, by itself, proof of a general product defect; Google documents selective availability. A Business Profile Community post reports a case where a user added the setting but still could not see WhatsApp in Search, but that individual report does not establish how common the issue is. See the community discussion.
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Rank #3
- [5" Color Base Display for ease of menu operation] - Manage your communication with this ultra-clear 5" color base display. Soft keys on the side & bottom of the screen make it easy to access the functions of the phone. The extra-large display makes it easy to operate the menu and provides clear viewing of the features.
- [Personalized Feature Shortcuts] - Assign one-touch shortcuts on the large base display for quick access to the most important features like contact, messages, call history, timer, and more.
- [Conference and Intercom] - Streamline your communication experience with conference calling between an outside line and up to 4 cordless handsets, along with intercom functionality between handsets and the base unit.
- [Unsurpassed Range woth DECT 6.0] - Experience the best in long-range coverage and clarity, provided by a unique antenna design and advances in noise-filtering technology.
- [Smart Call Blocker and One-touch Block] - Say goodbye to unwanted calls. Robocalls on your landline are automatically blocked from ever ringing through—even the first time. Instantly blacklist any incoming number with one touch. Store up to 1000 names and numbers to your block list.
Action-link requirements and review
Action links are subject to eligibility and Google’s policies. A profile must be verified, and a link must lead to a dedicated page for the business where customers can complete the named action. Google’s verification systems must be able to access a functioning page; Google may remove links that it cannot access or that do not comply. A WhatsApp or other messaging link cannot be used as a local business action link. For current details, consult Google’s business link policies.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [5" Color Base Display for ease of menu operation] - Manage your communication with this ultra-clear 5" color base display. Soft keys on the side & bottom of the screen make it easy to access the functions of the phone. The extra-large display makes it easy to operate the menu and provides clear viewing of the features.
- [Personalized Feature Shortcuts] - Assign one-touch shortcuts on the large base display for quick access to the most important features like contact, messages, call history, timer, and more.
- [Conference and Intercom] - Streamline your communication experience with conference calling between an outside line and up to 4 cordless handsets, along with intercom functionality between handsets and the base unit.
- [Unsurpassed Range with DECT 6.0] - Experience the best in long-range coverage and clarity, provided by a unique antenna design and advances in noise-filtering technology.
- [Smart Call Blocker and One-touch Block] - Say goodbye to unwanted calls. Robocalls on your landline are automatically blocked from ever ringing through—even the first time. Instantly blacklist any incoming number with one touch. Store up to 1000 names and numbers to your block list.
Rank #4
- 2-line operation: Conference between an outside line and up to 2 cordless handsets, expandable up to 12 handsets
- Digital answering system with voice guide records up to 13 minutes
- 50 name and number caller ID history
- Intercom between handsets and base unit
- Trilingual prompts: Choose between English, Spanish and French
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
