Google to Close Down Websites Created Using Business Profiles
Companies seeking to uphold their digital presence must reconstruct their websites using an alternate platform
In March, Google will deactivate websites created with Google Business Profiles. Visitors attempting to access these sites will be automatically redirected to the respective Business Profile until June 10. After this date, users will encounter a “page not found” error, according to Google.
For businesses seeking to maintain an online presence, the imperative is to develop a new website using alternative tools and update the Business Profile with the new site address before the deadline for a seamless transition. Google recommends platforms such as Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, Google Sites, Shopify, and WordPress for this purpose.
Concerning advertising campaigns linked to a website from Google Business Profile, businesses are advised to either change the link before March 1 to keep ads running or opt to pause their campaigns.
For those utilizing third-party domains to direct traffic to their Google Business Profile website, visitors will be redirected to the Business Profile until June 10. To manage this transition, users are instructed to log in to their hosting company account, and select the “Redirect” option, or a similar feature, to reroute the third-party domain to a different website before the specified date.
According to a Google spokesperson, websites made with Google Business Profiles are basic sites powered by information from the associated Business Profile. Domains ending with business.site and negocio.site will be removed from the website field on Business Profiles in March, prompting the recommendation to update the Google Business Profile with a new website address.
