Let’s talk about an important update from Google that’s going to impact many businesses. This is all about Google Business Profile Websites – those handy, easy-to-create websites that many of you might be using to give your business an online presence.
Google has announced some huge changes that are now only just around the corner. These changes will impact a large amount of businesses with them permanently losing their websites.
But before we dive into the upcoming changes, let’s take a quick look at what Google Business Profile Websites are.
What are Google Business Profile Websites?
Essentially, these are simple, straightforward websites that businesses have previously been able to create directly through their Google Business Profile. They’re designed to be user-friendly, allowing even those with minimal technical skills to establish an online presence, and have a website of their own.
These websites pull information directly from your Business Profile, including details like your business name, location, operating hours, images, and customer reviews. It’s a streamlined way to get your business online, particularly handy for small businesses or those just starting out.
Now, let’s talk about some important changes that are on the horizon for these websites.
What is Google changing? The 2 Distinct phases.
First things first: by March 2024, all websites created through Google Business Profiles will be switched off and no longer exist. This means that if you have one of these websites it will cease to work.
If after March your customers try to visit your old site, they will be automatically redirected to your Google Business Profile instead of your website, but…
And this is a very big but…
This automatic redirection is only a temporary solution and will only remain active until June 10, 2024. In the second phase of this change, after June 10, 2024 any visitors to that site will receive a “page not found error” and there will be no redirection. That means that your website virtually disappears.
What does this mean for you, and how to know if you will be affected?
If your website address ends in business.site or negocio.site, it’s time to make some updates. Starting in March, these addresses will no longer appear on your Business Profile. To stay ahead of the game, you will need to create a new website and then update your Business Profile with your new website address.
Google Business Profile
Now, let’s talk about your Business Profile. Even with these changes, your profile remains a powerful tool. It’s your online storefront, a place where you can showcase what your business is all about. Here, you can share essential info, updates, links to your social media, and attractive photos to draw in customers. Plus, it’s a great way to let customers know how to reach you, whether through messages or by listing your phone number and address.
Wondering what happens after your Google-made website is turned off in March 2024?
When customers try to visit your old site, they’ll be automatically taken to your Business Profile instead. This redirection is a handy way to ensure no one gets lost on their way to finding your business online. But remember, this redirect is only in place until June 10, 2024. After that, if someone tries to visit your old website, they’ll encounter a ‘page not found’ error.
So, what’s the takeaway here?
If having a website is crucial for your business, you’ll need to set up a new one. After creating your new website, don’t forget to update your Google Business Profile with the new address. This way, your customers will always know where to find you online.
If you never had a website made with a Google Business Profile, these changes won’t affect you. But it’s always good to be in the know!
In summary, Google is phasing out websites made through their Business Profile service. Make sure your business stays connected with your customers by setting up a new website and updating your Business Profile. Your Business Profile remains a vital part of your online presence, so keep it looking sharp and up-to-date.
What can you do if you are affected?
If you find out that you will be affected by these changes and don’t know what to do or where to start, book in a 15 minute chat to see how we can help you navigate these changes. It may even be a lot easier than you think.
