Google Is Shutting Down Business Profile Websites

Thomas Higgins • January 13, 2024

Attention Business Owners: Your Free Google Website Might Be Disappearing Soon!

Remember those simple websites Google automatically created for your Business Profile? They're getting the boot. That's right, Google is shutting down these websites in March 2024. Don't panic, though. You have until June 10th to find a new online home for your business.


What were Google Business Profile websites?


Google Business Profiles allowed you to handle your business info on Google Search and Maps. They also offered a simple website option created from your profile details. These websites were a quick way to get online, but they weren't great for SEO or design.


So, what's happening now?


Google is phasing out these basic websites to focus on improving core Business Profile features. Here's the timeline:


  • March 2024: The websites themselves will be turned off.
  • June 10, 2024: Visitors to your old website will be temporarily redirected to your Google Business Profile.
  • After June 10th, your old website will be gone for good, replaced by a "page not found" error.


Why Does It Matter?


Here's why this matters:


  1. Lost Visibility: Your website is your digital storefront, your online playground. It's where you showcase your unique offerings, build patient or customer trust, and capture vital leads. Losing it can mean vanishing from search engine results, cutting off a crucial marketing channel, and hindering customer access.
  2. Navigation Nightmare: Imagine a patient who needs to contact you quickly. A 404 error only frustrates them, potentially driving them straight to your competitors.
  3. Brand Disconnect: Your website extends your brand identity. Losing it creates a jarring disconnect between your offline and online presence, eroding trust and professionalism.


The bottom line? Ignoring this shutdown is like closing your physical clinic without telling anyone. Taking action is non-negotiable if you rely on your website for patient engagement, sales, or brand building.


What Should You Do?


If you want to maintain your online presence, here are your options:


  • Build a new website from scratch: This gives you the most control over design and functionality but requires more effort and technical know-how.
  • Use a website builder: Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress offer easy-to-use tools and templates to get you online quickly.
  • Consider Clinician Box: If you're a medical professional, Clinician Box build custom, responsive websites with the SEO infrastructure to get you ranking higher and a team specifically for doctors, dentists, and other healthcare providers.


Don't wait until the last minute. Start planning your new website today to ensure a smooth transition and avoid losing valuable online traffic.


Conclusion


Your new website will be entirely yours, unlike Google's basic "business.site" platform. You'll have full control over its design, functionality, and content, allowing you to truly showcase your brand and engage your audience on your terms.

So, don't wait for the Google curtain to close on your "business.site". Seize the opportunity to create a website that genuinely reflects your unique value and propels your business forward. And if you’re a medical practitioner, contact Clinician Box to generate an SEO-friendly responsive website that looks professional.


FAQs

  • What is happening to Google Business Profile sites?

    Google has announced that it is shutting down the website builder feature within Google Business Profiles. This means businesses will no longer be able to create or edit websites through Google Business Profile.

  • When will Google Business Profile sites be shut down?

    In March 2024, the business.site websites will be turned off and on June 10, 2024, visitors to the website will be redirected to the users Google Business Profile. After June 10, the old website will be replaced by a "page not found" error.

  • Why is Google discontinuing the business profile websites?

    Google periodically updates and changes its services portfolio based on user engagement and strategic direction. The exact reasons for discontinuing business profile websites have not been publicly disclosed.

  • Will my Google Business Profile itself be deleted?

    No, only the website builder feature is being discontinued. Your Google Business Profile, which includes your business information on Google Search and Maps, will remain active.

  • What should I do if I have a website with my Google Business Profile?

    You should start looking for alternative website hosting platforms to migrate your content. Make sure to back up all your data before the shutdown date. Clinician Box builds professional medical websites for doctors, dentists, chiropractors, and more.

  • Can I redirect my current Google Business Profile site URL to a new domain?

    Yes, you can set up a redirect from your current Google Business Profile website URL to a new domain. Instructions for this should be available in your Google Business Profile settings or support pages.

  • Will the shutdown affect my business's search ranking on Google?

    The shutdown of the website builder feature should not directly affect your search ranking; however, if you do not replace your website with a new one, losing web presence could potentially impact your online visibility.

  • Is there a way to preserve the SEO value of my current Google Business Profile site?

    Maintain SEO value by implementing 301 redirects to your new website, preserving URL structure where possible, and updating any backlinks to point to your new domain.

  • What alternatives to Google Business Profile sites do you recommend?

    There are many website hosting platforms to choose from, such as Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, WordPress, and Shopify. Consider Websites by Clinician Box is you are a healthcare professional needing a professional, responsive medical website.

  • Will I be able to use the same custom domain I used for my Google Business Profile site?

    In most cases, yes. You can transfer your custom domain to a new website hosting provider. Check with your domain registrar for details on how to do this.

  • How can I inform my patients and customers about the change of my website?

    Update your business information on all platforms, send out notifications via email or social media, and consider using banners or pop-ups on your existing site to inform visitors about the move before the shutdown.

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