Google’s decision of shutting down business profile websites has left many business owners wondering about the best way forward. If you’ve created a basic website for your business using Google’s free Business Profile tool, it’s time to start planning your transition.
Google recently announced they will be shutting down this website builder feature starting in March 2024. While your Business Profile listing will remain unaffected, the changes mean business owners must take action to maintain an online presence. In this article, we will explore the implications of this change, provide key statistics, and offer solutions for business owners to adapt and excel in the evolving online landscape.
How Google my Business shutting down affects local businesses?
Google’s announcement regarding the shutdown of websites made with Google Business Profiles has prompted business owners to re-evaluate their online strategies. According to data from Oberlo, an estimated 30% of small businesses in the United States have used Google’s website builder since its launch in 2020.
For many sole proprietors and micro-businesses, it provided an easy free solution to establish at least a simple one-page site connected to their Google search and Maps listing. This shift will affect a significant number of entrepreneurs, underscoring the importance of taking proactive steps to adapt.
However, Google states these sites have limitations and they want to push businesses toward more full-featured and customizable solutions. Starting next year, any sites created through Business Profiles will no longer function for visitors.
How to Identify if Your Website Was Created with Google Business Profile
One of the primary indicators of a website built with Google Business Profile is the URL structure. Typically, websites created using this service will have a domain that includes “business.site” or “negocio.site”. If your website’s URL matches this pattern, it is likely that it was created with Google Business Profile.
Example: “your-website-name/business.site”
1- Website Content and Design
Websites built with Google Business Profile often exhibit certain characteristics in terms of content and design. These websites tend to have a clean and straightforward layout, with limited customization options compared to other website builders.
2- Google Branding
Another clue to identify if you made your website with Google Business Profile is if it has Google branding elements present. Websites built with this service may display the Google logo or have a footer section that includes references to Google’s terms of service or privacy policy.
3- Website Administration
If you have administrative access to your website, you can easily determine if you created it with Google Business Profile. Websites built using this service are typically managed through the Google Sites interface, where you can edit, publish updates, and access various settings.
Key Statistics: the Online Landscape
To comprehend the significance of this transition, let’s delve into some key statistics:
- 81% of consumers research businesses online before making a purchase decision. Having a well-designed and functional website is essential in capturing their attention and driving conversions.
- Mobile commerce is on the rise, with 87.2% of online sales being made through smartphones. This highlights the importance of optimizing websites for mobile devices to provide a seamless user experience.
- Online food ordering has experienced tremendous growth, with the industry projected to reach $473.50 billions by 2027. The demand for convenient and contactless ordering options has surged due to changing consumer preferences.
Since Google is shutting down business Profile websites, business owners must adapt to the evolving online landscape. Business owners take proactive steps to create an effective online presence crucial for attracting customers and driving growth.
From March through June 2024, users will be redirected from the old site to the basic Business Profile instead. After June, the sites will return a “page not found” error.
What should business owners do to prepare for Google shutting down Business Profile Websites?
First, you’ll need to create a new website using an alternative platform. Be sure to claim your business on these platforms and fully optimize the new site for search engines.
Consider how you can incorporate other digital capabilities to attract more customers online. One option is offering online ordering or delivery. Enter iPos, a leading provider of point of sale software. iPos offers business owners a seamless and tailored online ordering website that caters specifically to their needs at no extra cost. Meet the demands of today’s consumers.
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You’ll later need to log into your Google Business Profile and update the website URL field with the address of your new site. This ensures anyone searching for your business or following links from your profile directs them to the right online home. Take care of this by March 2024 to avoid any disruptions.
Another important step – if you currently run Google Ads targeting your old Business Profile site, you’ll need to update those campaign URLs and settings as well. Many local business owners have found success driving new customers through search and display ads. Take time to fully optimize your new website and profiles on all relevant directories and platforms before the transition deadlines.
Why not use google sites?
If you are currently using Google Sites to create your website, it’s important to note that Google Sites is a separate service from Google Business Profiles. The changes announced by Google specifically pertain to websites made with Google Business Profiles, not Google Sites.
Therefore, if you created a website with Google Sites, you will not affect it with the upcoming changes mentioned in the article. You can continue using Google Sites as your website creation tool without any issues.
Currently, Google Sites does not have built-in e-commerce features. Although you can create product listings using images, text, and buttons, you cannot accept payments directly through Google Sites. If you need a comprehensive e-commerce solution, you would need to use another platform in conjunction with Google Sites.
It’s important to consider your specific needs and requirements when choosing a website builder.
Conclusion
The digital transformation presents both challenges and opportunities for business owners. By leveraging solutions like iPos, entrepreneurs can stay ahead of the curve and ensure their online presence remains robust and customer-centric.
The shutdown of Google’s basic website builder leaves many small businesses and local merchants scrambling to create alternative online presences. While it will require time and effort, developing a more robust digital strategy will help future-proof your business and open up new revenue opportunities.
Don’t wait until the last minute – start planning your new site transition now. Where will your business be online after June 2024?
