Stop, You’re Losing Your Google Business Profile Websites
Stop what you’re doing; we’ve got some important news to share with all you business owners who’ve been using Google Business Profile websites. Next month, Google will shut down over 20 million of these websites. If you’re scratching your head wondering what this means for you, don’t worry; we’re here to break it down.
Business Google Profile Websites
If you’re unfamiliar, Google Business Profile Websites are single-page websites that Google offers for free when you create a Google Business Profile (GBP.) You might have used them to give your customers basic business information, like location, contact details, and opening hours.
These websites end in “business.site” or “negocio.site” and should not be confused with Google sites displayed in organic search results.
But starting March 2024, these websites will stop existing. Instead, when people try to visit your old website, they’ll be redirected to your GBP profile. That’s fine for a while, but come June 10, 2024, anyone accessing the website will find a “page not found” error.
What Should I Do Next?
Google Business Profile websites with a domain ending with “business.site” or “negocio.site” will be removed from the website field on your Google Business Profile. Confusing, we know. But don’t worry; we’re here to help you navigate these changes.
So, what should you do next? Well, Google recommends updating your Google Business Profile to point to a new website. That means it’s time to start thinking about creating a new website for your business if you haven’t already done so.
To summarize:
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- Google will shut down over 20 million Google Business Profile websites in March 2024.
- Users will be redirected to their Business Profile page until June 10, 2024.
- After June 10, visitors will see a “page not found” error on the previous website.
- Google recommends updating your Business Profile to point to a new website.
The Power Of Websites
There’s always a positive in these situations. While it may seem inconvenient to have your Google Business Profile website shut down, it presents a valuable opportunity for your business. Many users who relied solely on these free Google websites might not have realized that they didn’t truly own a domain or a website that’s building equity online.
When you only use the Google Business Profile Website, you rent space on Google’s platform. You don’t have ownership or control over your domain, and you don’t have the flexibility to fully customize your website to reflect your brand identity and unique services.
Having Your Own Domain
Having your website with your own domain name is crucial for establishing credibility and trust with your audience. Plus, the age of your domain matters with credibility for SEO, so the sooner you can have an actual domain for your website, the better.
It gives you a professional online presence that sets you apart from competitors. Plus, owning your website means you have complete control over its content, design, and functionality.
We get it. Change can be daunting, especially involving something as important as your online presence. That’s why we’ve put together a handy video to walk you through the following steps. Just sit back, relax, and let us guide you through this transition.
