Google Business Profile Websites Going Away and What You Can Do About It
April 5, 2024
Reading Time: 1.9 Minutes
Google’s recent announcement regarding the shutdown of Business Profile websites has significant implications for businesses relying on this platform for their online presence. With redirects set to stop working soon, it’s crucial for businesses to take action and transition to alternative website building platforms. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the latest developments, the impact on businesses, and alternative tools recommended by Google for creating new websites.
The Change
As of March 5, 2024, websites created and hosted on Google Business Profiles are no longer accessible, and visitors are redirected to the corresponding Business Profile listing on Google Maps. This change was implemented as part of Google’s plan to phase out Business Profile websites by March 1, 2024. The redirect functionality will continue until June 10, 2024, after which visitors will encounter a “Page not found” error when attempting to access these websites.
Why It Matters
The transition away from Google Business Profile websites underscores the importance of maintaining an updated online presence. Businesses that fail to pursue an alternative website option or choose to hire a developer to build one, risk losing potential customers and online visibility. It’s crucial to act promptly to avoid disruptions and ensure that your business remains accessible and visible to your target audience.
Alternative Tools Recommended by Google
Google has suggested several alternative site builder platforms for businesses to create new websites:
- Wix
- Squarespace
- GoDaddy
- Google Sites
- Shopify
- Durable
- Weebly
- Strikingly
- WordPress
What You Should Do
If you haven’t already done so, it’s imperative to explore options for creating a new website that can replace the existing Google Business Profile site. By taking proactive steps, you can mitigate the impact of the Google Business Profile website shutdown and maintain a strong online presence for your business.
The transition away from Google Business Profile websites underscores the dynamic nature of digital platforms and the importance of staying updated with industry changes. Don’t wait until the redirects stop working; act now to ensure a seamless transition and uninterrupted online visibility for your business.