Google Announces Shutdown of Websites Created Through Business Profiles

If your current website is created using a Google Business profile, you might have already been notified or seen recent announcements that these websites are going to be discontinued shortly.

The closing down of websites hosted on Google Business Profile will greatly affect your online presence. With your website gone, people will only find your business through your Google Business profile. It’s important to act now to find other ways to showcase your business online.

In this article, we’ll cover the shutdown of Google My Business websites and what steps businesses need to take to deal with it

What is a Google Business Profile Website?

A Google Business Profile Website is a simple, effective tool provided by Google that allows businesses to create their own website easily. It uses the information from its Google Business Profile, like operating hours and contact details, to help businesses quickly establish an online presence.

Additionally, business owners can personalize their sites with various themes, texts, and photos, enhancing their online visibility with minimal effort.

When Will Google Business Profile Websites Be Shut Down?

Google recently announced the planned closure of Business Profiles websites, set for March 2024.

After this date, accessing these websites will lead users directly to the relevant Google Business Profile, but this will only continue until June 10, 2024.

If you don’t set up a new website by June 10th, people will see a “page not found” message if they try to visit your site.

The Impact on Small Businesses :

The closure of these websites is more than just a technical hiccup; it’s a disruption of the online identity for many small businesses. For instance, a survey by BrightLocal revealed that 64% of consumers have used Google Business Profiles to find contact details for local businesses. This underscores the reliance of both businesses and consumers on these platforms for information and connectivity.

What Choices Do Website Owners Have Going Forward?

Businesses need not worry about losing their online presence with the closure of Google Business Profile websites, as there are numerous alternatives available:

• Google recommends various platforms for creating new websites, such as

1.  Wix
2. Squarespace
3. GoDaddy
4. Google Sites
5. Shopify
6. WordPress

• Businesses need to update their Google Business Profile with the new website address ahead of the deadline to ensure continuity.
• For those who use custom domains linked to their Google Business Profile website, they should transition smoothly by logging into their domain hosting account and setting up a redirect to their new website before the cutoff date.

Ad campaign issues.

If your ads are linked to a Google Business Profile website, you’ll need to:

1. Change Ad Links: Update the website link in your Ads campaign before March 1 to keep your ads active.
2. Pause Campaigns: Optionally, you can choose to pause your ad campaigns during this transition.

For custom domains:

1. Redirect Custom Domains: If you have a custom domain pointing to your Google Business Profile website, it will redirect to your Business Profile until June 10.
2. Manage Domain Transition: Log into your domain hosting account and use the “Redirect” feature or something similar to point your domain to a new website before the deadline.

Essential Points for Website Owners to Keep in Mind

1. Switch to a Different Website Platform: To keep your business online, explore other website builders such as WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, Wix, or SquareSpace.
2. Update Your Online Profiles: After choosing a new website, quickly update your Google Business Profile and other online listings like Localsearch Business Profile, as well as your social media accounts, with the new web address: Make these updates before March 1 to avoid any gaps in your online presence.
3. Change Ads to New Website: If you use Google Ads or have ads on social media that link to your Google Business Profile website, change these to your new website URL. Complete this before March 1 to keep your ads running smoothly.

4. Update Ad Links Before March 1: For ads linked to Google Business Profile websites, switch the link to your new website to avoid disruptions.
5. Option to Pause Campaigns: If needed, you can pause your ad campaigns until your new website is ready.
6. Notify Your Customers: Share updates about your website change with customers using email newsletters and social media. It’s an effective way to quickly introduce your new website.

Conclusion

In short, businesses must act swiftly in response to the Google Business Profile website shutdown. This involves choosing a new website platform, updating online information, and adjusting ad campaigns. It’s also important to communicate these changes to customers. Taking these steps will help ensure a smooth transition and maintain your online business presence.

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