When will Google Business Profile websites be turned off?

Google is shutting down basic websites created with Google Business Profiles in March 2024. If you have a website ending in business.site or negocio.site, it will be affected. From March 1, visitors to these sites will be automatically redirected to your Google Business Profile. This solution is temporary and will last until June 10, 2024. After this date, anyone trying to visit your Business Profile website will encounter a "page not found" error.

Google advises business owners to update their Google Business Profile with a new website address. If you want to keep a website for your business, you should create a new one using different tools. Remember to update your Business Profile with your new website's address.

Additionally, if you have Ads campaigns or third-party domains linked to your current website, you'll need to manage these changes.

A Google Business Profile is useful for sharing updates, links to websites and social media, photos, and contact information. Google recommends several website builders, including Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, Google Sites, Shopify, and WordPress. Notably, Squarespace, which Google sold its Domains business to in 2023, is one of the recommended options. Google has been directing its Domains customers to Squarespace since the sale.

Google Business Profile website alternatives

Business Profile websites have been popular among entrepreneurs and small businesses for their simplicity and Google integration. With this upcoming change, it's crucial to act quickly and plan your next steps. These are some of the best alternatives if you’re currently using a Google Business Profile website.

Wix

Wix is most suitable for small and medium-sized eCommerce businesses, given its plethora of eCommerce tools that help entrepreneurs manage their online storefronts. In one platform, users can choose from more than 900 templates to customize their website, leverage over 80 payment solutions, and gain insights from built-in site analytics. Overall, Wix is free and offers an easy-to-use interface, making it convenient for beginner sellers to use to expand their online visibility. 

Squarespace

Squarespace is another website builder that’s geared toward sellers who want to bring their stores to the digital space. Squarespace conveniently provides entrepreneurs with the tools they need to sell their products, grow their online store, and attract more customers. Some of the eCommerce capabilities it offers include flexible shipping options, convenient payment and checkout, tax tools, and even order management features. Squarespace also offers integrations with other tools like PayPal and UPS. 

B12 

B12 is a website builder that comes with a wide variety of AI solutions that empower small businesses to establish a solid online presence. With B12, users can generate a free website draft in 60 seconds, which reflects their branding and industry specifications. The platform offers an intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to utilize all its features. From email marketing and online scheduling to client intake forms and convenient payments, B12 makes it effortless for businesses to operate online. Another big plus is that B12 allows users to launch their site for free.

GoDaddy

GoDaddy is an ideal option for those who want an efficient way to set up their online stores. This platform comes with pricing plans that are cost-effective, making it useful for small businesses or users who want to create a professional-looking website. With a straightforward interface, hosting, convenient store setup, and marketing tools, users can quickly create and launch their digital store. GoDaddy offers hundreds of templates that suit various industries and even enables users to add an online appointment page to their site.

Migrating my Google Business Profile website

Step 1: Check your website setup

First, see if your business uses a Google Business Profile website. If your URL ends in .business.site, you'll need to prepare for this change.

Step 2: Launch a free B12 site

With Google Business Profile websites shutting down, you'll need a new user-friendly website builder to create an online presence. The website builder alternatives above are a great starting point, but B12 is the easiest for drafting your new AI website in 60 seconds for free.

Step 3: Build your new website

Choose the right platform and start building your new website. This is a great chance to improve and update your online presence to better engage with your audience. B12.io offers a unique approach, combining AI with expert designers to create your website efficiently and effectively. With B12, you can easily reuse or get help rewriting the text on your Google Business Profile website.

If you already have a domain, you can read our guides on connecting your custom domain to your B12 website. 

Step 4: Update your Google Business Profile

Make sure your Google Business Profile is up to date. Add your new website link so customers can easily find you online. You wouldn’t want customers to click on an outdated link and be disappointed when they encounter an error. Accurate information helps boost your credibility and lets you connect easily with your audience. 

Step 5: Inform your customers

Communicate with your customers about these changes. Use emails, social media, or updated business cards to inform them about your new website, ensuring a smooth transition.

Launching your new website

This update may be concerning for small business owners and entrepreneurs. However, it's also an opportunity to enhance your online presence with a more personalized website. By starting this process now, you're not only ensuring a seamless transition for your business but also staying ahead in the competitive market. 

With B12, you can launch your online presence with confidence and gain access to tools that help you run your small business more easily. Generate your website draft now in just 60 seconds.