Websites created using Google Business Profiles will no longer be accessible as of March 5, 2024. Users visiting your website will be redirected to your Business Profile.
Until June 10, 2024, users will be sent to your Business Profile. After that, they will get an error message such as “Page not found” when attempting to access your website. You can use other tools to establish a new website if you would still like to have one for your business. Then, add the new website address to your Business Profile.
Please take note that Google Business Profiles will be working normally. The profiles will not shut down. You should maintain your Google Business Profile as it provides important local SEO(Search Engine Optimization) benefits.
Shutdown Details
The following is the information that Google has provided on the shutdown of Google Business Profile websites:
- Google Business Profile websites will shut down in March 2024.
- Clicking on the domain name of your website will take visitors to your Google Business Profile (GBP).
- On June 10, 2024, the redirects will also end. After that date, users will get a 404 error notice when they click on the URL of your website.
- Websites having domains “business.site” or “negocio.site” will be removed from the website field on your Google Business Profile. You need to know this if your website is ending with such domains.
- Google advises you to “Update your Google Business Profile to redirect it to a new website”
Maintaining your Google Business Profile is important. These profiles are considered to be the main determining factor for local businesses.
Maintaining your Google Business Profile is important. These profiles are considered to be the main determining factor for local businesses.
Why Do You Need a Website?
Most individual thinks if they need a website when they already have Google Business Profiles. Then, the answer is yes. Having a business website is essential to your search engine ranking. The following are some additional reasons for having your business website:
Get Listed in Business Directories: Having a business website allows you to submit it to business directories. These listings are well-known ranking factors and ensure the information about your company is correct everywhere on the Internet, even in car GPS systems.
Boost Online Visibility for Your Business: When ranking a local business, Google considers directory listings as part of its evaluation of the business’s “importance.”
Shoppers for Reassurance: Approximately 76% of clients review a business’s online presence before making a physical visit. Therefore, a company’s Google Business Profile, directory listings, and website all work together to draw in clients.
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How can I find out if I Have a Google Business Profile Website?
Do a Google search for my business or your business name to see whether any websites for your business use Google Business Profile. After finding your Google Business Profile, update it and check if the contact section has your website. If you have a Google Business Profile website, it will state, “You have a website created with Google.” If not, you can add the website URL.
How Can I Replace My Google Business Profile Websites?
Websites made with Google Business Profile that are being shut down were free earlier. So, you might be searching for a free or inexpensive alternative for your business website. There are a lot of website builders available, but some require you to use their integrated web hosting. If your website loads poorly, you cannot move to a new web host.
A website builder is a software that makes it simple for beginners to develop websites. You do not need deep coding knowledge. There are many website builders platform like –
- Google Sites (For basic sites without SEO)
- IONOS
- WIX
- SquareSpace
- Weebly
- Dorik
- Webflow
- WordPress (For medium size business)
Help With WordPress
We recommend using WordPress as speed affects your results. WordPress has been the industry standard for creating user-friendly websites for decades. It is so well-established that you can access hundreds of plugins to improve the functionality of your website. Moreover, WordPress provides “themes.” You can activate these pre-made visual designs by just clicking on a button. You can also switch up your theme anytime you want. Hiring a website designer is not required.
However, if you ever need to hire someone to work on your WordPress website, you will know that it is one of the most common skills among website experts.
Use a WordPress Website Builder
This is an alternative. WordPress website builders are easy-to-use solutions for building your WordPress websites. Each includes a variety of pre-built designs. This beginner-friendly alternative allows you to rapidly create your website without any coding knowledge.
Optimize Your Website For Local SEO
It is essential to optimize your Google Business Profile website for search engines after changing it. The easiest way to do it is to use a WordPress SEO plugin. After analyzing your pages, these plugins offer suggestions for improving your SEO. This eliminates a lot of guesswork in the process. It also makes it easier to learn by doing.
are you ready to rank your business on top?
We look forward to ranking your website at top of search engine repositories in your targeted market.
Final Thoughts:
Many entrepreneurs and small-business owners are now worried about where their online presence will go due to this change. It can take some time to adjust to this shift, but it is also a chance to improve your online visibility with a website that’s customized to your needs.
Taking this action immediately ensures you an effortless change for your business. You are giving yourself a benefit over the competition.