In a surprising move, Google has announced the shutdown of its Business.Site websites, leaving local businesses in a scramble to adapt before the impending closure on March 1, 2024. The decision impacts those who utilized Google’s feature to create a website through their Business Profile, formerly known as “Google My Business.
Transitioning from business.site to Business Profile
Local businesses were given the option to have Google generate a subdomain website for them, such as localbizname.business.site. However, in an email sent out today, Google declared the complete shutdown of these business.site websites. Starting March 1, 2024, existing websites will be redirected to the associated Google Business Profile listing. Subsequently, by June 10, 2024, these websites will be entirely inaccessible.
This move may not come as a complete surprise, given Google’s recent sale of Google Domains to Squarespace. The email sent to Google Business Profile accounts stated, “Websites made with Google Business Profiles will be turned off soon. Starting from March 1, 2024, customers will be redirected to your Business Profile when they visit these websites.”
The Transition Process
Google aims to facilitate the transition by redirecting customers visiting the business.site websites to the respective Google Business Profiles. Businesses are encouraged to leverage the Business Profile to showcase information about their services and add social media links for customer engagement. This redirection will remain in effect until June 10, 2024, after which the websites will be permanently marked as unavailable.
The email also provides guidance on updating Business Profiles to link to alternative websites. Businesses are advised to consider popular site builders like Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, Google Sites, Shopify, or WordPress for creating new websites.
Recommendations for Businesses
For businesses currently linked to a Business.Site address, the recommendation is clear—set up a new website using platforms like Wix or Squarespace before the March 1 deadline. While many businesses already use their own domain names, those who engaged in link building for their business.site addresses are urged to use Majestic.com to assess and update the links before the closure date.
This transition signals a significant shift in how local businesses present themselves online, urging them to reconsider their web presence strategy. As the digital landscape evolves, adapting to these changes becomes crucial for businesses to maintain their online visibility and effectively engage with their customers
Thanks and Regards
Prince Barve