Google Is Shutting Down Business Profile Websites. Here’s How You Can Save Yours.
Google has killed products that have been around for a long time and that people loved in the past. The tech giant has killed so many products that there is a website dedicated to showcasing them. Or is it honoring their passing? Regardless, Google is about to do the same thing to another beloved product; websites built using Google Business Profiles.
The Looming .business.com Blackout
Google used to allow business owners to create websites using their Google My Business profiles (the service was renamed Google Business Profile in 2022). Under this arrangement, business owners would establish their online presence and get a free “.business.com” domain name.
In a move that has caught many business owners using the service unawares, Google is shutting down websites made with Business Profiles in March 2024. This means that any website that ends in .business.com will no longer work. Businesses that currently have a website through Google Business Profiles will need to create a new website on a different platform.
Why Is Google Making This Change?
Google says this move is part of a broader shift in its strategy. The company says discontinuing this service will allow it to focus on its core products. This includes providing tools and services that help businesses manage their online presence, such as Google Business Profiles and Google Search.
Many experts also theorize that the company wants to make it easier for businesses to create and manage their websites. According to their assessment, Google believes other websites and tools are better at helping them create and manage their websites, such as WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace.
WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace are all great options for your new website.
Lastly, Google has been emphasizing the need for high-quality websites over the past few years. This move makes it seem like the company has realized that the websites made with Business Profiles are not high quality. For this reason, they deem discontinuing the service and forcing business owners to create better, higher-quality websites as the best option for everyone.
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
Once Google discontinues businesses using the .business.com domain name and is built using Business Profiles, users will be redirected to your Business Profile until June 10th.
After that, the redirect will no longer work, and your visitors, users, or customers will be met with a “Not Found” error when they visit your .business.com domain. This will also happen if you have a separate domain name that currently redirects to your Business Profile website.
Please note that your Business Profile will not be affected in any way. The only change you will need to make is editing your profile to add a new website.
What Can You Do About It?
If you already have a separate website with a domain that does not redirect to your Business Profile website, there is nothing to do. You already have an established online presence elsewhere, and you can let Google shut down your other website.
However, businesses with a redirected domain or do not have a separate website will have to take the following steps.
- Choose a new platform. There are numerous website platforms available, so you will need to research to pick the one that is right for you.
- Export your data. You will need to export your data from your Business Profile website so that you can import it into your new website.
- Create your new website. Once you have picked a platform and exported your data, you can start creating your new website. I can help you create a one- or multi-page website to import your data into and use as your new online headquarters.
The Impact and Next Steps
If you use a Business Profile website as an affordable way to maintain an online presence, you might not have the option past March 1st, 1024. Taking action and getting ahead of these changes will help you stay ahead of competitors will not. At least not fast enough. Think about it; the sooner you have a new website up, the sooner you can start marketing it and doing SEO before your competitors get back up or catch up.
