In a significant update, Google has announced the deactivation of websites built with Google Business Profiles, slated for March. This move prompts businesses to explore alternative website builders recommended by Google to ensure a smooth transition.
Table of Contents
Google’s decision to shut down websites created with Google Business Profiles in March 2024 necessitates a quick response from businesses relying on this platform. The impending discontinuation is a crucial development for those seeking an online presence through Google.
Until June 10, 2024, redirects to Google Business Profiles will be in place, allowing users to access their Business Profiles seamlessly. This intermediary measure aims to provide users with a grace period to adjust to the upcoming changes.
Google, recognizing the need for alternatives, recommends various website builders, including Wix, WordPress, and Shopify. This diverse range caters to businesses of all sizes, offering distinct features to suit individual needs.
Determining Your Status: Do You Have a Google Business Profile Website?
To determine if your business is affected, a simple Google search for your business name can reveal whether you have a website made with Google Business Profile. Editing your profile and checking the contact section will provide clarity on your website status.
If your business has a Google Business Profile site, it will be explicitly stated: “You have a website created with Google.” However, if it doesn’t, you’ll have the option to add the link to your website, ensuring a seamless online presence.
Exploring Alternatives: Choosing the Right Website Builder
Considering the imminent discontinuation of Google Business Profile websites, businesses are urged to explore alternative website builders. Google recommends platforms such as Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, Shopify (for e-commerce), Durable, Weebly, Strikingly, and WordPress.
While some alternatives, like WordPress, offer a free website builder with generative AI features, it’s essential to note that user content may reportedly be used as training data unless users opt out. Assessing the Core Web Vitals, WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace have demonstrated significant improvements in performance.
It’s crucial to consider the impact on SEO when choosing a platform. While Google Deepmind used a Google Sites website to introduce Genie, its new AI model, Google Sites may not be the optimal choice for maintaining or enhancing your website’s search engine visibility.
Adapting to Changes: Updating Ad Campaigns and Third-Party Domains
For businesses with Google Ads campaigns linked to Google Business Profile websites, a crucial update is needed before March 1, 2024, to avoid disruptions. Failure to do so will result in a pause of ad campaigns until the website link is updated.
Ensuring a seamless experience for website visitors post-June 10, 2024, requires timely updates to your business website. If a new website builder or hosting service is yet to be selected, careful consideration of reviews is recommended to find the most reliable, affordable, and optimized solution for your business.
Navigating Redirects and Domain Changes: Ensuring a Smooth Transition
Once the changes are implemented, visitors attempting to access your website will be automatically redirected to your Business Profile until June 10. After this date, a “page not found” error will be encountered, according to Google’s announcement.
Businesses keen on maintaining their independent websites must create a new site using alternative tools. This involves updating their Business Profile with the new site address before the looming deadline, ensuring a seamless transition for both businesses and visitors.
Google’s Recommendations: Insights from a Spokesperson
A Google spokesperson emphasized that websites made with Google Business Profiles are basic websites powered by the information on the Business Profile. Domains ending with business.site and negocio.site will be removed from the website field on Business Profiles in March. The recommendation is to promptly update your Google Business Profile, pointing to a new website.
In conclusion, the impending deactivation of Google Business Profile websites calls for proactive measures from businesses. Adhering to Google’s recommendations and embracing alternative website builders will enable businesses to navigate this transition smoothly, ensuring a robust online presence beyond the March deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Google Business Profile Website Shutdown
Why is Google deactivating websites built with Google Business Profiles in March?
Google has announced a significant update, deciding to shut down websites created with Google Business Profiles in March 2024. This move encourages businesses to explore alternative website builders recommended by Google for a smoother transition.
How can I check if my business has a Google Business Profile website?
To check your business’s status, perform a simple Google search for your business name. If you have a Google Business Profile site, it will be explicitly stated in the contact section. Otherwise, you’ll have the option to add the link to your website.
What are the alternatives recommended by Google for website builders?
Google recommends various alternatives, including Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, Google Sites, Shopify, and WordPress. These options cater to businesses of all sizes, offering distinct features to suit individual needs.
What considerations should I keep in mind when choosing an alternative website builder?
While selecting an alternative, consider factors like features, pricing, and user feedback. For instance, some platforms, like WordPress, offer a free website builder with generative AI features, but users should be aware that their content may be used as training data unless they opt out.
How do I update my Google Business Profile with a new website?
If you have a Google Business Profile website, promptly update your profile with the new website address to ensure a smooth transition. This step is crucial for businesses wanting to maintain their independent websites beyond the March deadline.
What happens to Google Ads campaigns linked to Google Business Profile websites?
Google Ads campaigns linked to Google Business Profile websites will stop running on March 1, 2024, unless the website link is updated. It’s essential to make this update in a timely manner to avoid disruptions in your ad campaigns.
What about third-party domains directing traffic to Google Business Profile websites?
If you’ve set up a custom domain to direct traffic to your Google Business Profile website, visitors to this domain will be redirected to your Business Profile until June 10. Ensure a smooth transition by managing this redirect through your hosting company account.
What happens if I don’t update my business website before June 10, 2024?
Beyond June 10, 2024, visitors attempting to access your website will encounter a “page not found” error. It’s crucial to update your business website in a timely manner to avoid this inconvenience.
What are the repercussions of using Google Sites for SEO?
While Google Deepmind used a Google Sites website to introduce Genie, its new AI model, Google Sites may not be the best choice for maintaining or enhancing your website’s search engine visibility. Consider the impact on SEO when selecting an alternative platform.
What does Google recommend regarding domains ending with business.site?
Google recommends updating your Google Business Profile promptly, pointing to a new website, as domains ending with business.site and negocio.site will be removed from the website field on Business Profiles in March.
