Google Will Remove Websites Created from Business Profile

Removal of Business Profile Websites

Google announced that simple websites created through Google Business Profile will cease operation as of March 2024.

This means that starting in March 2024, visitors accessing these types of websites through the domain business.site or negocio.site will encounter a "page not found" message, or error 404. The redirect message will apply until June 10, 2024, before the website is completely removed.

This could have negative implications for the continuity of online businesses as customers will have difficulty finding important information about products or services from these websites.

For business owners who want to maintain their websites, Google suggests building a new website and migrating to another platform. Thus, in March 2024, they can still be found by users.

Why Google Made This Decision?

The decision to remove Business Profile websites is based on several factors:

• Simple websites: Business Profile websites have limited features and are less flexible for complex business needs.
• Better alternatives: Many third-party website platforms offer better features and customization than Business Profile websites.

Tips for Dealing with Website Removal

Although the websites will be removed, Google does not leave business owners without solutions. Here are some steps that can be taken to address this change:

• Migration to a new website: Google recommends that business owners create a new website using third-party platforms such as WordPress, Wix, GoDaddy, Google Sites, or Squarespace. Make sure your new website contains all the important information that was previously on the Business Profile website, from business descriptions, operating hours, to contact and location details.
• Update Google Business profile information: After having a new website, don't forget to update the Google Business profile information.
• Add website links: In addition to profile information, new website links also need to be added. This can help direct visitors to more comprehensive pages.
• Update ad links before March 1, 2024: Make sure ad links lead to the newly created website.
• Temporarily pause campaigns: If you haven't had time to create a new website, website owners are advised to temporarily pause ad campaigns.
• Set up third-party domain redirection: Choose the "Redirect" option or similar settings to redirect third-party domains to the new website before June 10, 2024.

With proactive steps and a little creativity, business owners can use this change as an opportunity to strengthen branding and expand business reach through more comprehensive websites.