Google’s new “action buttons” let customers take action straight from the search results
When it comes to mobile users and the internet, there is nothing more important than speed. Every step between the first click and the final conversion gives users the opportunity to set their phone down, get a call, or just get bored.
That’s why Google is doing everything it can to help businesses streamline the process, including this week’s launch of new “action buttons” that allow people to take action with your business straight from your Google My Business listing.
The new buttons allow you to add links to specific actions, including a variety of options for businesses from a number of industries – most notably service industries like restaurants and retailers. These links will then appear on your GMB listings anytime users see them in the search results.
Possible action URLs can include:
- Booking an appointment
- Placing an order
- Reserving a table
- Searching for items
- Viewing the menu
Adding an action button to your own GMB listing is easy and just takes a few steps:
- Sign in to Google My Business.
- Choose the listing you want to edit.
- Click into the URLs section.
- Enter your URLs in the appropriate fields.
- Click Apply.
There is only one minor catch to these buttons. Google says in some cases it will add non-editable, third-party links into these listings when the link relies on a third-party system. The search engine says these links are added because “Google works with select third-party providers that provide booking and ordering services for local businesses.”
In most cases, these links are completely unable to be edited or removed. Google says you can reach out directly to the third-party provider and request the link be changed or removed, but I’d imagine they will be unlikely to comply.
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