Google has recently announced that it will shut down websites made with Google Business Profiles in March 2024. This decision is expected to impact many businesses that rely on these websites for their online presence.
Starting from March 2024, websites made with Google Business Profiles will be turned off. Customers who attempt to visit these sites will be redirected to the respective Business Profile. However, this redirection will only be active until June 10, 2024. After this date, customers will encounter a “page not found” error when visiting these websites.
What you need to know about the update:
Redirection to Business Profiles: From March 1, 2024, customers visiting websites made with Business Profiles will be redirected to the associated Business Profiles until June 10, 2024. After this date, visitors will encounter a “page not found” error.
Time for Transition: Businesses are encouraged to create a new website using alternative tools before March 1, 2024, to ensure a smooth transition. Google has recommended using website builders such as Wix, WordPress, Shopify, Google Sites, or Squarespace for creating a new website.
Ad Campaigns: If your ad campaign is linked to a website from Google Business Profile, you must change the link before March 1, 2024, or pause your campaigns.
Third-Party Domains: If you have set up a custom domain to direct traffic to your Google Business Profile website, visitors to this domain will be redirected to your Business Profile until June 10, 2024. To manage this transition, log in to your hosting company account and select the “Redirect” option or a similar feature to reroute your third-party domain to a different website before the specified date.
What Should Businesses Do?
Google suggests businesses create new websites using alternative tools and update their Business Profiles with the new website address. Domains ending with business.site and negocio.site will be removed from the website field on Business Profiles.
Next Steps for Businesses
Businesses affected by this change should start planning for the transition as soon as possible. This might involve researching alternative website platforms or seeking professional advice on the best way to maintain their online presence. Here are some steps to follow:
- Create a new website using alternative tools before March 1, 2024.
- Update your Business Profile with your new website address.
- Change the link for your ad campaign before March 1, 2024, or pause your campaigns.
- Manage the transition for third-party domains by logging in to your hosting company account and selecting the “Redirect” option or a similar feature to reroute your third-party domain to a different website before June 10, 2024.
Google’s decision to shut down Business Profiles websites will impact businesses that have created websites using this feature. By planning for the transition and creating a new website using alternative tools, businesses can ensure a smooth transition and avoid any disruption in their online presence.
