Google Business Profile Websites To Be Phased Out

Google business profile websites phased out

In the rapidly evolving world of digital marketing and online presence, businesses must stay updated with changes in the platforms they rely on. One platform that has been a go-to resource for many businesses is Google Business Profiles (previously known as Google My Business). A recent announcement by Google has made it clear that websites made with Google Business Profiles will cease to exist starting March 2024.

The Shift from Websites to Business Profiles

Google Business Profiles has been an essential tool for businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. It allows companies to create a free profile where they can share information about their business, post updates, respond to reviews, and interact with customers.

However, Google has recently announced that websites created using this feature will be turned off on March 1st, 2024. Customers attempting to visit these websites will be automatically redirected to the respective business’s Google Business Profile instead.

Tips From Google

  • In March, the domains ending with business.site and negocio.site will no longer be featured in the website field on your Business Profile. We advise updating your Google Business Profile to link to an alternate website.
  • Your Business Profile will remain unaffected apart from this. If customers try to access your website created using Google Business Profile, they will be rerouted to your Business Profile.
  • If your website wasn’t created using Google Business Profile, the changes detailed in this document won’t impact you.

What the Change Means for Businesses

The change is significant for businesses that have relied on Google Business Profiles for their primary web presence. While the redirect will effectively guide visitors to the Business Profiles, it’s essential to note that it will only work until June 10th, 2024. After this date, businesses will need to have an alternative website solution in place, as customers will get a “page not found” error when attempting to visit your website.

Businesses should consider this as an opportunity to revamp their online presence. They can either create a new website or enhance their existing Google Business Profile.
The latter can be done by adding more comprehensive information about their business, managing and responding to customer reviews, including photos and videos, and using features like posts to engage with customers.

If you’d like to continue having a website for your business, consider creating a new website using other tools and updating your Business Profile with the new website address. To continue having a website for your business, you could consider using a site builder, such as:

  • Wix
  • Squarespace
  • GoDaddy
  • Shopify
  • WordPress
 

If you’re seeking assistance to build your new website, our web design services will help.

Ads in the Pipeline?

Suppose your advertising efforts involve a site constructed with Google Business Profile. In that case, modifying your ads to point to an alternate website before March 1st, 2024, is crucial to ensure they remain active.

You can educate yourself more about creating a website or a landing page for your ads through this resource. As another option, you have the choice to suspend your campaigns.

Be Prepared for the Changes to GBP Websites

The planned phase-out of websites made with Google Business Profiles is a reminder of the constant evolution in the digital landscape. Businesses need to adapt to these changes to maintain a solid online presence. While the transition may require some initial work and adjustment, businesses can view it as an opportunity to improve their digital footprint and engage better with their customers.

To ensure a smooth transition, businesses should start planning for life after Google Business Profiles websites. Whether that means building a new website or putting more effort into their Google Business Profile, the key is to start early and be ready for the changes ahead.

Key Dates to Remember

March 1st 2024 – Google Business Profile websites feature will be turned off.

June 10th 2024 – Redirect to Google Business Profile will cease, and a 404 error (page not found) will be displayed.

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