Google to Shut Down Websites Built with Google Business Profile in 2024: What You Need to Know
In a recent announcement, Google has set its sights on discontinuing Google Business Profile websites, sending ripples through the online business community. This change, scheduled to take effect in March 2024, will have a significant impact on small business owners and entrepreneurs who have utilized Google Business Profile websites to establish their online presence.
What does this mean for website owners? Starting in March 2024, websites created using Google Business Profiles will be deactivated. When visitors attempt to access these websites, they will be automatically redirected to the associated Business profile. However, if no action is taken by June 10, 2024, visitors will encounter the dreaded ‘page not found’ error.
So, who will be affected by this change? Essentially, anyone who owns a website made with Google Business Profile or a Google My Business account will feel the effects. If your site’s address ends with business.site or negocio.site, be prepared for it to be removed from the website field on your Business profile.
But fear not, there are steps you can take to safeguard your online presence. Firstly, consider finding a reliable web hosting company that allows you to create a custom domain name for your new website. Factors to consider when choosing a hosting service include server reliability, customer support, security, and uptime.
Once you’ve got your new website up and running, make sure to log in to your hosting account and set up a domain redirect or a similar feature in the settings. This ensures that visitors trying to access your Google Business Profiles website will seamlessly land on the new one.
Additionally, if you have linked any Ads campaigns to your Google Business Profile website, it’s advisable to either link your ads with your new website or temporarily pause the campaigns before March 1, 2024, to prevent any disruptions.
In summary, Google’s decision to discontinue websites created with Google Business Profile underscores the importance of adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape. Business owners should act swiftly to secure their online presence, exploring new web hosting options and ensuring a smooth transition to avoid potential disruptions as the March 2024 deadline approaches. This change serves as a reminder that in the world of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for maintaining a successful online presence.
If you need assistance with moving your website over to new hosting or managing your ads on a new platform please contact us for help at EcoTek Social and we will be happy to assist you.