Google Business Profiles Sites to Shut Down in March

Google will end its service for websites created through Google Business Profiles in March 2024. After this date, the websites will no longer be operational, but redirects to Google Business Profiles will continue to work until June 10, 2024. To help users transition, Google suggests using alternative website builders such as Wix, WordPress, and Shopify. These platforms offer robust features and are well-suited for building and managing professional websites.

If your local business website was created through Google Business Profiles, it’s time to start planning for a change. Google has announced that it will be shutting down all websites created through this platform in March.

This means that if you currently use Google Business Profiles to manage your website, you will need to transition to a new website solution before the deadline. Failing to do so could leave your business without an online presence.

To ensure a smooth transition, it is important to start exploring alternative website builders. Google has recommended several options, including Wix, WordPress, and Shopify, as suitable replacements for your current site.

In addition, Google will implement redirect to Google Business Profiles until June 10, 2024, to help manage the transition. However, it is crucial to move to a new website platform as soon as possible to avoid any disruption to your online presence and business operations.

Websites created through Google Business Profiles will be redirected to Google Business Profiles until June 10, 2024.

Starting in March 2024, Google will deactivate websites created through Google Business Profiles. These websites, which are basic and rely on the information from your Business Profile, will no longer be available.

After the shutdown, visitors to these sites will be redirected to your Google Business Profile page. This redirect will be in place to ensure users can still find your business details even though the website itself is no longer active.

The redirection will continue until June 10, 2024. This gives you time to update your online presence and make necessary changes before the redirect ends.

It’s essential to find an alternative website solution before the shutdown occurs to avoid any disruption in your online visibility. Consider setting up a new website with other recommended builders to maintain your online presence effectively.

How To Find Out If You Have A Google Business Profile Website

To determine if your business has a website created using Google Business Profile, start by searching for your business name on Google. This search should bring up your Google Business Profile in the results.

Once you find your profile, click on it to open the detailed view. Navigate to the contact section of your profile. Here, you should look for any mention of a website associated with your listing.

If your business has a website created through Google Business Profile, you will see a notification stating, “You have a website created with Google.” This indicates that your website was built using the Google Business Profile tool.

If you do not see this message, it means that either your website was not created with Google Business Profile or the website link has not been added. In such a case, you will have the option to add or update the link to your website within the contact section.

Choosing An Alternative Website Builders For Small Businesses

Google recommends several website builders as alternatives to replace Google Business Profiles sites. Suggested options include Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, Google Sites, Shopify for ecommerce, Durable, Weebly, Strikingly, and WordPress.

Some platforms, like WordPress, offer free website building tools with generative AI capabilities. However, users should be aware that their content may be used by OpenAI and Midjourney for training data unless they opt out.

In terms of performance, WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace have shown notable improvements in Core Web Vitals.

It’s also important to consider that while Google DeepMind used Google Sites to showcase its new AI model, Genie, Google Sites might not be the best option for SEO purposes.

Updating Ad Campaigns

If your Google Ads campaign currently links to a website created through Google Business Profiles, be aware that the ads will cease to function starting March 1, 2024. This is because Google will be shutting down these websites, and your ads will not have a valid destination until you update the website link in your campaign.

To avoid disruption, it’s essential to act quickly and transition to a new website solution. You have until June 10, 2024, to make this change. After this date, visitors who click on links to your old Google Business Profile website will encounter a 404 error page, which could negatively impact your business’s online presence and user experience.

If you haven’t yet selected a new website builder or hosting service, now is the time to start evaluating your options. Take the time to research and review different website builders to find a solution that is reliable, cost-effective, and well-optimized for your business needs. Consider factors such as ease of use, performance, and customer support to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain a professional online presence.