Google discontinuing Business Profile websites
Google recently announced its plan to discontinue websites developed using Google Business Profiles starting on March 1, 2024. The tech giant aims to shift its focus towards enhancing Google My Business, offering small businesses more comprehensive tools to manage their online presence. Users are advised to update their business information and migrate their websites to other platforms before the deadline to avoid disruptions in service.
Redirects and transition period
Until June 10, 2024, websites created through Google Business Profiles will be redirected to the corresponding Google Business Profile listings. This transition aims to streamline the user experience and consolidate important business information in a single platform. By integrating the two services, business owners gain a more efficient and effective means to manage their online presence, while users can access relevant information and interact with businesses more easily.
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After the deadline, users attempting to visit these listings will encounter a “page not found” error message. Google is currently notifying users who have built websites with the Google Business Profile website builder. The company is providing resources and support to guide users in migrating their content to an alternate website builder, aiming to minimize disruption to businesses and maintain a seamless online presence for their customers.
Notification and support
Google is sending a series of emails detailing its plan to redirect these sites to the respective Business Profiles from March 1, 2024. These emails stress the similarities in the information displayed and offer support in ensuring a smooth transition for affected users.
Reasons for discontinuation
A Google spokesperson attributed the platform’s closure to low user engagement, stating: “The primary goal of this shift is to streamline user experience and concentrate our efforts on enhancing the widely-used Business Profiles.” Businesses are encouraged to optimize their Google Business Profiles to ensure discoverability and continued online presence after the transition.
Google’s commitment to small businesses
“Small businesses are an essential part of the online ecosystem, and we are committed to building products every day to help them grow and thrive. By providing innovative solutions and resources tailored to their unique needs, we aim to empower small businesses to harness the power of digital technology effectively. Consistently focusing on emerging trends, evolving customer preferences, and industry best practices, we strive to deliver a seamless experience that drives long-term success for these vital enterprises.”
Maintaining website connections
While Google will wind down Business Profile websites, businesses can modify their Google Business Profiles to connect them to an alternative website of their choosing. This transition aims to promote more personalized and appealing websites, showcasing businesses’ unique selling points and fostering better customer interaction. Google offers tools and resources for creating and maintaining engaging, user-friendly websites.
Impact on users
This change particularly affects users that have created websites using a Google Business Profile. These users must adapt their strategies to ensure their websites remain discoverable and visually appealing. Google is likely to continue updating its features, requiring businesses to stay informed and prepared for further adjustments.
Mixed reactions to the change
The news has received mixed responses, with some individuals expressing concern over the short timeframe for redirects and the inability to connect these to personally owned domain names. However, others view this development as a necessary step to regulate URL distribution and hold users more accountable for their online presence. Critics argue that a balance must be struck between convenience and security to ensure a safe and efficient browsing experience for all internet users.
First Reported on: seroundtable.com
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Google discontinue Business Profile websites?
Google will discontinue websites developed using Google Business Profiles starting on March 1, 2024.
What will happen to the websites created through Google Business Profiles?
Until June 10, 2024, websites created through Google Business Profiles will be redirected to the corresponding Google Business Profile listings. After the deadline, users attempting to visit these listings will encounter a “page not found” error message.
How are users being notified of the change?
Google is sending a series of emails detailing its plan to redirect these sites to the respective Business Profiles from March 1, 2024. The company is providing resources and support to guide users in migrating their content to an alternate website builder.
Why is Google discontinuing Business Profile websites?
Google is discontinuing the platform due to low user engagement and to shift its focus on enhancing the widely-used Google My Business, offering small businesses more comprehensive tools to manage their online presence.
What can users do to maintain their online presence after the discontinuation?
Users should update their business information and migrate their websites to other platforms before the deadline. They can also optimize their Google Business Profiles and connect them to an alternative website of their choosing to ensure discoverability and continued online presence after the transition.
What has been the reaction to this change?
The news has received mixed responses, with some individuals expressing concern over the short timeframe for redirects and the inability to connect these to personally owned domain names. However, others view this development as a necessary step to regulate URL distribution and hold users more accountable for their online presence.
