Google recently announced the discontinuation of its Business Site service, leaving entrepreneurs with a new task to add to their New Year’s goals: find another solution for their small business website.

In an email sent to Google Business Profile account holders, the tech giant revealed that websites created through the Google Business Profiles feature would be turned off starting March 1, 2024.

If this move affects your small business, don’t worry! We’re here to offer guidance on how businesses can smoothly navigate this transition and get a new website setup in no time.

Google Will Setup a Temporary Redirect to Your Google Business Profile

According to the email sent by Google, customers who visit your business.site will be redirected to the corresponding Google Business Profile starting on March 1st, 2024.

Redirecting visitors to your Business Profile will allow them to continue to easily find your business information, such as business hours, contact information, and reviews.

However, this redirection period will only last until June 10, 2024, after which the business.site will display as unavailable. This timeline gives businesses a window of opportunity to transition their websites to another platform, update their online profiles accordingly, and ensure that customers can still find their business information easily online.

Next Steps to Make Sure Your Business Can Still Be Found Online

Businesses affected by the discontinuation of Google Business Site can take these next steps to make sure that they stay connected with their customers:

1. Update Your Google Business Profile:
   Take the time to review and update your Google Business Profile. Ensure that all essential information is accurate and up-to-date, including business hours, contact details, and service offerings.
2. Explore Alternative Website Solutions:
   Unfortunately, you cannot export your existing business.site and upload it to another platform…your website will need to be rebuilt. Don’t let this thought overwhelm you…there are plenty of easy-to-use website builders out there, or if you’re looking for a partner to handle the process for you, then we’re here to help! Our website packages start at as little as $185 per month, and we can have your new website online in as little as 7-days.
3. Communicate with Customers:
   Inform your customers about the upcoming changes to your website via your social media channels, email newsletters, and any other communication channels you use. Provide them with the new link to your Google Business Profile and/or new website.
4. Back Up Content:
   If you have content on your current business.site that you wish to retain, make sure to back it up before the June 10, 2024 deadline! This ensures that you have a copy of any valuable information or media that you might want to reuse on your new website.

Use This Opportunity to Level Up Your Online Business Presence

While the discontinuation of Google Business Site may seem daunting for business owners who enjoyed its simplicity, it also presents an opportunity to explore more efficient and scalable website solutions.

By proactively updating your information and business profiles, revisiting what your business looks like online, and engaging with customers, you can smoothly navigate this transition and stay connected with your target audience!