google enhances click-to-message ads with email forwarding and auto replies

Included in the announcement are features that will make it easier for advertisers to manage incoming messages generated by click-to-message ads..   In the coming weeks, Google is rolling out the following new features to click-to-message ads.   Email forwarding Sends text messages to email inbox, so advertisers do not need to provide number to use message extensions.   Responding to the email will send text back to the customer..   Automatic reply Sends message back to the customer as soon as they message advertiser.   Google is also expanding the ways that advertisers can measure the performance of their click-to-message ads..   Advertisers will be able to define the number of user-initiated exchanged needed to qualify as conversion..   To help businesses take action on Google's store visit data, those insights being brought to data-driven attribution and Smart Bidding..   Also, in the coming weeks, Store Visits Google Analytics will start rolling out to eligible advertisers..   This will allow businesses to connect store visits to other marketing efforts that bring customers to their website and then to their offline storefront..   Read more