As we approach March 2024, businesses utilizing Google Business Profile websites are facing a significant change. Google has announced the shutdown of over 20 million Google Business Profile websites, a service that provides a quick way to generate a website using information from your Google Business Profile. While Google Business Profiles themselves will continue to function as usual, the associated websites will be discontinued.
Concerned business owners may be wondering how to adapt to this change and ensure their online presence remains strong. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the shutdown and provide guidance on finding alternatives to your Google Business Profile website.
Details of the Shutdown:
Scheduled for March 2024, Google will terminate over 20 million Google Business Profile websites.
Visitors clicking on your website domain will be redirected to your Google Business Profile until June 10, 2024, after which they will encounter a 404 error message.
Domains ending with business.site or negocio.site will be removed from the website field on your Google Business Profile.
Google advises updating your Google Business Profile to point to a new website.
Do I Need a Website?: While Google Business Profiles are invaluable for local SEO, having a dedicated business website offers numerous advantages:
Get Listed in Business Directories: Submit your website to directories, enhancing your online visibility and ensuring accurate business information across the web.
Boost Online Visibility: A business website contributes to your business’s prominence, a key ranking factor for local searches.
Reassure Shoppers: Having a website, alongside your Google Business Profile, instills confidence in potential customers, with around 76% of shoppers checking online presence before visiting.
How Do I Replace My Google Business Profile Website?: Considering the cost-effective options, we recommend leveraging WordPress, a versatile and widely-used platform. Here are two approaches:
Get a WordPress Website from a Web Host: Choose a WordPress-friendly web host like SiteGround or Hostinger, offering one-click WordPress installations and a range of free themes.
Use a WordPress Website Builder: Opt for beginner-friendly WordPress website builders like SeedProd, Avada, WPBakery, or DIVI. These tools provide intuitive drag-and-drop editors and a plethora of pre-built designs, enabling quick website creation without any coding knowledge.
In summary, while the shutdown of Google Business Profile websites presents a challenge, it also opens doors to explore more robust and customizable website solutions. Embracing WordPress and its associated tools ensures a seamless transition and empowers businesses to maintain a strong online presence in the ever-evolving digital landscape.