In a significant move, Google has announced the discontinuation of its free website creation feature within Google Business Profiles, scheduled for March 1, 2024. This development has a profound impact on Australian small businesses that have come to rely on this service as a fundamental component of their online presence.
Come March 1, 2024, Australian businesses currently utilising the free website creation feature within Google Business Profiles will no longer be able to access their existing Google websites. Before the date, business owners will need to update their website address on their Google Business Profile, Localsearch Business Profile, paid advertising and anywhere else it appears online. For businesses who are late to change update website address there will be a temporary redirection plan in place. From March 1 to June 10, visitors attempting to access the old website will be automatically redirected to the corresponding Google Business Profile listing. However, post-June 10, any attempt to access the old website will get a “page not found” error.
“Maintaining a robust online presence is crucial for businesses in our increasingly digital world. A well-designed website serves as the digital storefront for a business, allowing customers to discover services, gather information, and engage with the brand at their convenience. With Google phasing out websites created through Google Business Profiles, it’s imperative for businesses affected by this change to act swiftly.”
– Daniel Stoten, Localsearch Executive Chairman
I have a website made by a Google Business Profile, what do I do?
If you have a website created with a Google Business Profile, you should take the following steps to ensure your online presence remains uninterrupted:
1. Select an alternative website solution (if you already have a website, skip to step 2.)
A reliable and up-to-date website is crucial for small businesses, serving as a digital storefront and key customer touchpoint. So if you do not have another website, it may be time to invest in one.
When selecting a new website provider, it’s important to consider ease of use, cost, integration with marketing tools, security features, search-engine compatibility, and the provider’s track record for reliability.
2. Update your Google Business Profile & other online platforms:
Once your new website is ready, update your Google Business Profile, Localsearch Business Profile, social media and any other online presence profiles you may have with the new site address. This should be done before the deadline to avoid any disruption to your online presence.
3. Adjust your ad campaigns.
If you have any Google Ads or social media campaigns linking to your Google Business Profile website, update the URLs in your ads to the new website. This should be done before 1 March to prevent any impact on your ad performance.
4. Inform your customers.
Communicate with your customers about the change in your website address so they know where to find you online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a Google Business Profile Website?
All impacted websites should have already received email communications from Google, to the email address linked to the website.
What will happen to ad campaigns linked to a website from Google Business Profile?
If your Ads campaign is linked to a website from Google Business Profile, you should change the link before March 1 to keep your ads running. Alternatively, you can choose to pause your campaigns until your new website is up and running.
When will websites made with Google Business Profiles be turned off?
These websites will be turned off on 1 March. Customers attempting to visit your website will be redirected to your Business Profile until 10 June, after which they will encounter a “page not found” error.
If you have any questions or concerns, our team is always here to help.