In a recent move, Google has announced Google Business Profile websites will be shut down. This means that the basic websites powered by the information provided in your Business Profile will no longer function in coming months. This is likely to impact many small business owners and entrepreneurs who had built their online presence using Google Business profile websites.
Google is shutting down websites made with Google Business profile starting March 2024. After this, if customers visit your websites, they will be redirected to your business page. And if there is no action taken by June 10, 2024, visitors will encounter a ‘page not found’ error.
Who will be impacted by this change?
This change will affect anyone who:
- Own website made with Google Business profile or Google My Business account.
- A site address ending with business.site and negocio.site will be removed from website field on your Business profile.
What should you do if you will be impacted?
If you also have websites made with Google Business profile, it’s important to take proactive steps to keep your online presence intact. First, look for a reliable web hosting company that also allows you to create custom domain name for your new website. Other factors to consider are server reliability, customer support, security, uptime and more.
Once you have your new website ready, log in to your hosting account and set up a domain redirect or similar feature in the settings. This will ensure that the visitors attempting to access your Google Business profiles website are automatically redirected to the new one.
Manage Ads campaign connected to your website
If you have linked Ads campaign to your Google Business Profile website, then it’s best to link your ads with a new website or temporarily pause the campaigns before March 1, 2024, to avoid any disruptions.
Important dates to know
Here are the two important dates to keep in mind:
March 2024
Starting March, the websites created using Google Business Profiles will be deactivated. And the customers attempting to access your website will be redirected to your associated Business profile.
June 10, 2024
After June 10, all redirection services will be shut down. So, when your visitors try to access your website made with Google My Business, they will encounter a ‘page not found’ error instead of your associated business profile.
Why consider a WordPress website with Bluehost
Bluehost has been a leading WordPress hosting provider since 2005, offering a comprehensive solution for small businesses looking to create a full-fledged website with ease.
Bluehost WooCommerce hosting plan comes with pre-installed Wonder Theme and YITH-powered plugins, such as bookings & appointments, gift cards, wishlists, and more. You also get access to WonderSuite, an AI-powered site builder tool that helps you quickly set up a professional website and customize its looks within seconds.
Additionally, Bluehost offers a complimentary SSL certificate and a free domain for the initial year, allowing you to minimize costs while ensuring your online store is secure and accessible.
Google is shutting down websites made with Google Business profile starting March 2024. Consider making the switch to Bluehost now to ensure a smooth transition.