Closure of websites created with Google Business Profiles: what does it mean for businesses?

On January 9, 2024, Google announced it would shut down websites created through Google Business Profiles , requiring businesses to rebuild their sites using alternative platforms by March.

Deadline imminent

Starting in March, websites created through Google Business Profiles will be disabled, and visitors who attempt to access them will automatically be redirected to your business profile on Google until June 10th. After this date, visitors will be faced with a “page not found” message .

Need to rebuild the website

Businesses keen to maintain an online presence will need to rebuild their sites using alternative platforms. This migration is essential to avoid disruptions in online access to business information.

Alternative tools recommended by Google

To facilitate this transition, Google has suggested the use of some alternative platforms for creating new business websites .

Recommended options include Wix , Squarespace , GoDaddy , Google Sites , Shopify , and WordPress .

Creating a new site and updating your business profile with the new site address must be completed by the deadline to ensure a smooth transition.

Implications for advertising campaigns

For businesses running advertising campaigns linked to a website from Google Business Profile, it is essential to change the link by March 1st to avoid interruptions in advertising or opt to temporarily suspend campaigns until the new site is operational.

Management of third-party domains

If you have set up a custom domain to drive traffic to your website from Google Business Profile, visitors will be redirected to your business profile until June 10th. To facilitate this transition, it is recommended that you log in to your hosting company’s account and select the “Redirect” option or a similar feature to direct your third-party domain to a different website before the specified date.

Google Statements

A Google spokesperson explained that websites created through Google Business Profiles are essentially basic websites powered by information in the business profile. Business.site and negocio.site domains will be removed from the website field in the business profile in March, encouraging businesses to update their profile with a new website.

In conclusion, the closure of websites created with Google Business Profiles poses a significant challenge for businesses, requiring rapid adoption of alternatives to ensure the continuity of the online presence. The tight timeline requires businesses to act promptly to avoid service disruptions and maintain a robust digital presence.