Google Business Profile Website Will Be Discontinued Soon.. Now What?

Google has recently announced that the free website tool provided on Google Business Profile will be discontinued in March. However, Google Sites, a free website builder, is still available for use. 

Google sent an email with the subject 'Important Update on Websites Made with Google Business Profiles' to those who use a free website on Google Business Profile. Google Sites is a content management system (CMS) that enables users to create a website for free. You can build the same website as your business profile, complete with images, navigation menus, and even videos and Google Drive contents like docs. 

To help you get started, here are some tips to help you create a website for free on Google:

1. Choose a template: Google Sites provides some templates you can peruse and use. However, we recommend you customize whichever you choose, as it will otherwise be a cookie-cutter site your visitors can find elsewhere on the web. 

2. Customize your site: You can customize your site with copy, images, fonts, headers, footers, and menus. Check our blogs to learn amazing tips about Google Sites and unlock its full potential!

3. Make your site SEO-friendly: Google Sites SEO is a digital marketing strategy used to make your Google Sites website more visible to search engine users. Check this article to explore.

To assist businesses in transitioning to Google Sites, we are now offering free Google Sites templates with layouts similar to those of Google Business Profile sites. You can easily copy and paste your content and photos to the new Google Sites. Additionally, we provide premium Google Sites templates with professional designs and services. Click here to visit our google sites templates.

Remember, Google will turn off your Google Business Profile website in March 2024. After this is turned off, users who try to visit your website will be redirected to your Google Business Profile until June 10, 2024. If you fail to designate a new website after June 10th, users will get a “page not found” error when attempting to visit your website. 

For a while now, Business Profiles websites have been the go-to for many entrepreneurs and small businesses wanting a simple online platform connected to Google. Now, with this change, website owners need to adapt swiftly and consider their next steps. 

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on what to do following the change:

• Check your website setup: Verify if your business actually uses a Google Business Profile website. If your website address ends in ".business.site." consider transitioning to another platform like Google Sites.

• Update your Google Business Profile: After building the website on the new platform, ensure that your Google Business Profile reflects the changes. Make corrections to the website address if necessary so that your customers can find you online as before.

• Communicate the changes to your customers: Use this opportunity to connect with your customers. Announce the revamped website or grand opening with special events, promotions, or new information.

Need help?

For professional pages on Google Sites or for any other issues, you can contact us directly or post your question on our websites or visit our Facebook page.