Google shutting down websites made with Google Business Profiles. Here’s What to Do About It.

 Are you a small business owner who relied on your Google Business Profiles to create your website?

It’s time for you to adjust your strategy as Google recently announced it plans to deactivate websites made with business profiles in March 2024, leaving many business owners wondering what to do next.

 In this article, we’ll provide actionable steps to ensure that your online presence remains strong. Let’s find out how your business can navigate this transition smoothly.

Google Business Profile Changes

– Google is shutting down websites made with Google Business Profiles (business.site websites) in March 2024.
– Customers visiting these websites will be redirected to the Google Business Profile until June 2024.
– Domains ending with ‘.site’ will be removed from the website field on Business Profiles.
– To continue having a website for your business, consider using other website building tools such as Strikingly, or approach a local web designer.

Understanding the Changes

Starting from 1 March 2024, websites created using Google’s business website builder linked to the Google Business Profiles will be turn off. These websites end with business.site and negocio.site URL suffixes.

From 1 March, customers attempting to visit your website will be redirected to your Business Profile. This redirect will be in effect until June 10, 2024, after which they will be unavailable. Customers attempting to visit your old website will encounter a ‘page not found’ error.

These websites, made with Google Business Profiles, are basic websites powered by the information on your Business Profile.

Google hasn’t explained why this is happening, it’s likely about  streamlining their services and encouraging businesses to fully utilise their Google Business Profiles.

These changes won’t affect your Business Profile itself. You can still showcase your business, share important information on your business profile, post updates, and even add links to other social platforms.

If you’re running Ads campaigns connected to your Google Business website, make sure to update your ads to link to a different website before March 1, 2024, to keep them running smoothly. Alternatively, you can pause your campaigns if needed.

Update Your Google Business Profile

You will need to update your Business Profile to point to your new website. To update your Business Profile, follow these simple steps.

First, log in to your Google My Business account using your Google credentials. If you don’t have an account yet, sign up to claim ownership of your business on the platform.

Once you’re logged in, navigate to the ‘Info’ tab and locate the ‘Website’ field in the ‘Info’ section. Click the pencil icon to edit, and enter your website’s URL. Finally, click ‘Apply’ to save your changes. Congratulations, your website is now connected to your Google My Business profile!

But what if you don’t have an alternative website to link to your Google Business Profile? You don’t need to worry.

Work with a web designer

If you’re looking to create a new website for your business, consider working with a professional web designer like LeadGen Digital Services.

LeadGen Digital Services is a Canberra-based digital agency providing high-quality web design, search engine optimisation (SEO), digital marketing and content writing services for up-and-coming small businesses.

Every website can be an asset that draws in customers 24/7 and shows why they should choose your business.

LeadGen’s custom websites are always built with speed, user experience and search engine optimisation in mind to ensure your website outshines your competitors. They take pride in website projects that embrace the latest technology and design trends, but are fast and easy-to-use.

Take a moment to visit our website and share your contact details. From there, we’ll connect with you to discuss your options for a modern, professional and high-converting website for your business or project.

Use a website builder

With Google Business Profiles websites being turned off soon, it’s important to find a reliable alternative.

Google recommends that if you wish to continue having a website for your business, consider creating a new website using other tools such as Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, Google Sites, Shopify, or WordPress.

However, if you wish to go down the ‘do it yourself’ route, consider using a tool like Strikingly to create a new website for your business.

Strikingly is a great option to build a professional and user-friendly website. Strikingly offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to easily customise your website to fit your brand and showcase your products or services. With a wide range of templates and design options, you can create a website that stands out and captures the attention of your target audience.

Additionally, Strikingly provides responsive design, ensuring that your website looks great on any device, whether it’s a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. This is crucial in today’s mobile-driven world where more and more people are accessing websites on their phones.

Furthermore, Strikingly offers a variety of features to enhance your website’s functionality, such as e-commerce integration, blog capabilities, and social media integration. These features can help you engage with your audience, promote your products or services, and drive conversions.

Click here to learn more about Strikingly’s features.

Conclusion

Don’t let the upcoming changes to Google Business Profiles affect your online presence. Take action now to update your Business Profile and create a new website using a professional web designer, or an easy-to-use DIY site builder like Strikingly.