Have you heard? Websites made with Google Business Profiles are being turned off in March 2024! Google is famous for killing it’s own products periodically. There a dedicated Twitter profile that tracks these things, but I guess when you are such a giant company, you gotta break some eggs. So yes, they are going to take down the websites they asked people to create using their own Google Business Profile.
This might sound alarming, but don’t worry, we are here to guide you through the transition and help you prepare your business for the upcoming changes.
We’ll discuss what’s happening, why it’s happening, and most importantly, what you need to do to ensure your online presence remains strong. So, buckle up and let’s get started!
What’s Happening?
In short, Google is shutting down websites created through Google Business Profiles. Here’s the timeline:
- March 2024: Any website created with Google My Business will be officially turned off.
- March-June 2024: Customers will be temporarily redirected to your Google Business Profile automatically
- June 10, 2024 onwards: Visitors to your website will encounter a “page not found” error.
The reason behind this change is Google’s focus on streamlining the online experience for both businesses and customers. They believe that Google Business Profiles offer all the necessary features for businesses to showcase their online presence effectively.
While Google isn’t offering alternative website options directly, there are plenty of other platforms you can choose from to build your new website.
What Businesses Need to Do:
Now that you know what’s coming, it’s crucial to take action and prepare for a smooth transition. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Back Up Your Website:
Before anything else, it’s essential to back up your website’s content and data. This includes things like text, images, videos, and any other important information you don’t want to lose.
Step 2: Choose a New Website Platform:
There are numerous website builders and hosting platforms available, each with its own pros and cons. Consider factors like your budget, technical expertise, and desired features when making your decision. Some popular options include:
- WordPress
- Wix
- Squarespace
- GoDaddy
- Shopify
- Weebly
Step 3: Build Your New Website:
Once you’ve chosen a platform, it’s time to start building your new website. This might involve customizing templates, adding content, and designing the overall layout. But you don’t have to do it yourself, there’s an easier way, but we’ll get back to it in the end.
Step 4: Update Your Google Business Profile:
Once your new website is up and running, update your Google Business Profile with the new website URL. This will ensure customers are directed to the right place after the June 2024 redirect expires.
Bonus Tip:
Go the extra mile to improve your online presence by optimizing your new website for search engines (SEO) and engaging with customers on social media. This will help you attract more visitors and keep your business thriving online.
While the shutdown of Google Business Profile websites might seem like a challenge, it’s also an opportunity to revamp your online presence and create a website that truly reflects your brand. By following these steps and staying proactive, you can ensure a smooth transition and maintain a strong online presence for your business.
Remember, the key is to take action now and plan ahead. We only have a month left. With the right preparation and the resources available, you can turn this change into a positive step for your business.
Now, if you need help
If you had your website made via GBP and now not sure how to move forward, we at Progressive Bit MediaTech are quite good at solving such problems. We not only build new websites for small businesses regularly, but also are experts when it comes to using SEO to get your website to rank organically for your specific niche in your local area.
Feel free to reach out to us and we will get you set up before this deadline given by Google arrives!!
