Google is shutting down the websites made with Google Business Profiles. Customers can only visit such websites until March 1, 2024. After that, Google will redirect them to your Google Business Profile listing until June 10, 2024. 

After that, anyone who clicks that listing will get a “page not found” error page.

Here is a little background story to understand why this is even happening in the first place- 

• When businesses created a Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business), they had the option of creating a website through the profile. It was on a subdomain at negocio.site and business.site

• Google Domains is the 4th largest domain name registrar, with about 8 million domain names registered.

• However, Squarespace recently announced that they are acquiring Google Domains from Alphabet. It explains why these websites are being closed.

On January 8, 2024, every business that had created its websites through Google Business Profile received an email from Google stating- 

How Did People React to Google Business Profile Websites Being Shut Off

After Google made its announcement, X (formerly known as Twitter) saw several tweets from renowned names. Let’s take a look at some of those- 

Recommend Actions In Furtherance of Google Announcement of GBP Sites

It is evident from Google’s announcement that the sites local businesses have built using GBP will be removed. To help with the transition, here are the three steps you must take to continue being visible-

1) Build a New Website

If you want to continue having a website for your business, you need a new website. Don’t forget to update your Business Profile with the new website address. You can use the following site builders- 

•Wix

•Shopify

• WordPress

•Squarespace

•GoDaddy

2) Manage Ads Campaign Connected to Your Website

If you are using the GBP website site for your ads campaign, you must update your ads to link to a new website before March 1, 2024, to keep them running. You can also pause your campaigns.

3) Manage Your Third-Party Domains

If you have been using a custom domain name to send traffic to your business.site websites, sign in to your hosting company account and select a “Redirect” option to forward your third-party domain to your newly built website before June 10, 2024.

The reason is that Google will also redirect the customers who will visit your custom domain to your Business Profile until March, and this redirect will only work until June 10, 2024. 

Final Takeaway

In conclusion, the impending shutdown of websites created through Google Business Profiles marks a significant shift in online presence for local businesses.

As businesses adapt, it is crucial to take proactive steps. Building a new website using platforms like Wix, Shopify, WordPress, Squarespace, or GoDaddy is essential. Additionally, optimizing Google Business Profiles, managing ad campaigns, and addressing third-party domain redirection are vital measures for a seamless transition. 

Embracing these actions ensures businesses maintain visibility and functionality in the evolving digital landscape.