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Google to pull plug on Helpouts due to slow growth

Remember when Google launched Helpouts back in 2013? [No, us neither – ed.] After almost two years in existence, the giant search engine has announced that it’s shutting down its advice and tips service because it didn’t become quite as popular as they’d originally hoped. Come 20th April, Google will be pulling the plug on Helpouts.

“Since launching in 2013, Helpouts has been a home for people to connect with experts on topics they want to learn about or seek advice and solutions to everyday problems,” the company said in a statement.

“The Helpouts community includes some engaged and loyal contributors, but unfortunately, it hasn’t grown at the pace we had expected. Sadly, we’ve made the tough decision to shut down the product.”

The major selling point of the service at the time of launch was that it would help you cut down on the time it took to sift through regular Google search results and provide you with trusted expert advice… but at a price tag of around R220 to R400 per 30 minute session, it may have been too high a price to ask if you could rather slug it out yourself in search.

“We want to thank our community for all their support — both the providers who shared their expertise with the world, and the people who needed some extra help or advice along the way. You’ve had a lot to contribute — and we’ve loved learning alongside you,” Google said.

While the service itself has just two months left, Google has mentioned that users will still be able to watch archived Helpout videos using Google Takeout until the 1st of November this year.

[Source – Google Support via Forbes, Image – Google Helpouts]

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