Changes to Google Business Profiles

Google has recently announced that it will discontinue the business.site websites associated with Google Business Profiles (formerly Google My Business). Businesses that have relied on this feature for a basic online presence must act quickly to maintain their visibility and ensure a seamless transition.

What’s Changing with Google Business Profiles?

Effective March 1, 2024, any business.site websites will redirect to their respective Google Business Profile listings. Customers visiting a business’s subdomain at business.site will be automatically redirected to the Google Business Profile page. This redirection will remain in place until June 10, 2024, after which the business.site websites will no longer be available.

Why is Google Making These Changes?

The discontinuation of business.site websites is part of a broader strategic shift by Google, following the recent sale of Google Domains to Squarespace. This move aligns with Google’s focus on streamlining its services and partnering with well-established platforms in the domain and website-building space.

What Businesses Need to Do

Businesses that have relied on business.site websites need to act promptly. The first step is to update the Google Business Profile by linking it to an existing website or creating a new one. We recommend website builders like Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, Shopify, or WordPress, as they offer robust features and are well-suited to businesses looking to expand their digital footprint.

For businesses that do not have a website, this is an ideal time to establish one. These platforms provide enhanced functionality and customisation options that can elevate your online presence, offering more than the limited features of the business.site website.

Conducting Backlink Audits

If your business has engaged in link-building efforts targeting the business.site domain, it’s essential to conduct a backlink audit using tools like Majestic. Updating these backlinks to direct to your new website will help maintain the SEO value that has been built over time and ensure you don’t lose any online visibility.

Moving Forward

With Google ending support for business.site websites, it’s essential for businesses to update their Google Business Profiles and transition to a new website. The shift presents an opportunity to embrace more advanced and flexible website-building options that will not only help businesses stay visible but also offer enhanced features for growth.

Partner with Oceania Marketing Group for Seamless Website Transitions

For businesses facing the upcoming changes to Google Business Profiles and the end of business.site websites, Oceania Marketing Group is here to assist you through the transition. We are equipped to help businesses update their Google Business Profiles and create a professional, branded website that reflects your business’s identity.

By partnering with Oceania Marketing Group, you can ensure a smooth migration, protecting your SEO efforts and maintaining your online presence. Connect with us today to discuss how we can support your business in adapting to this change and establishing a resilient, long-term digital strategy.