Google has announced that it will be shutting down websites created using Google Business Profiles. This change is set to take effect from March 1, 2024, when these websites will start redirecting to the associated Google Business Profile listings. After June 10, 2024, the websites will become completely unavailable, resulting in a “page not found” error for anyone attempting to access them.
This decision by Google comes as part of their ongoing efforts to streamline their services. The websites being shut down were created as a simple online presence for businesses, hosted on a subdomain at business.site. However, Google has cited low engagement with these sites as a reason for their discontinuation. Business owners are now encouraged to transition to other website-building platforms, like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify, to maintain an online presence. It’s also recommended that businesses update their Google Business Profiles with links to their new websites.
This move by Google has sparked various reactions in the SEO and small business communities. While some view it as a practical step towards eliminating underused services, others express concern over the short timeframe provided for businesses to adjust to these changes.
For detailed insights and further information, you can refer to the official statement from Google here.
