What is Google Sites: Navigating the Discontinuation of Google Business Profile Websites and Planning Your Next Steps

Jan 12, 2024 | Advertising & Marketing, Business, News, Web Development

Google recently announced that they will shut down Websites made with Google Business Profiles (GBP). While the announcement has come as a shock to many, it's important to understand the details of the transition.

Google has set a deadline of March 1, 2024, which means that any websites made with Google Business Profiles will stop working and will only redirect to the Google Business Profile listing until June 10, 2024. Unfortunately, after this date, any attempts to access the listing will result in a “page not found” error.

This raises a crucial concern for businesses currently leveraging this feature: how to maintain visibility in the digital space? There are two primary options to consider here—establishing a Google Site or hiring the services of professional web designers and developers. If you're uncertain about your next step, fear not. In this blog post, we will delve into the discontinuation of GBP websites and clarify “what is Google Sites?”.

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How to Migrate Your Google Business Profile Site

Transitioning your existing Google Business Profile site to a new Google Site can seem intimidating, particularly if you lack expertise in web development. Yet, maintaining an efficient and updated business site is crucial. Google understands this dilemma and recommends transitioning your GBP site to an alternative site builder, such as Google Sites, to ensure uninterrupted online presence – but always be sure to make it available to the public!

Using the Google Sites platform to create a website can be incredibly convenient thanks to the variety of Google tools and features offered by Google. Google Sites offers a multitude of benefits, including site support, low cost, and great functionality. While moving your old GBP website to the new Google Sites is straightforward, it may not fully meet your business requirements or exude the desired level of professionalism. This is where the expertise of a professional website builder becomes invaluable.


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By entrusting your website migration and development to a professional, you ensure a customized solution that aligns with your business, operates seamlessly, and has aesthetic appeal. This approach not only alleviates your workload but also assures meticulous attention to all aspects, from hosting to design.

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Will Google Sites Support Assist in Migrating My GBP Website?

If you're considering migrating your GBP website using Google Sites, you may be wondering whether the site's support services will be effective in helping you through the process. While Google products do offer multiple ways to seek help, such as forums and troubleshooting guides, it's important to keep in mind that these resources can only go so far in addressing complex issues.

For a more personalized touch, it's best to reach out to a professional web developer who can work with you one-on-one to ensure a smooth transition. With their expertise and guidance, you can feel confident in moving your website to a new home with ease.

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How Does the Expiration of Google Business Profile Sites Affect My Business Profile?

If you're currently using a domain that ends with business.site or negocio.site for your Google Business Profile, you should be aware of an upcoming change. These domains will be removed from the website field on your Google Business Profile in March. But don't panic! The only thing you need to do is update your website URL to point to a new domain.

If you don't update your GBP domain, customers who visit your website made with Google Business Profile sites will be redirected to your Business Profile. However, this redirect is only scheduled to last until June 10, 2024. After this date, any attempts to access the listing will result in a “page not found” error. This fact emphasizes the importance of migrating your old GBP site ASAP.

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Exploring the Benefits of Google Business Profile Sites

If you’re a small business owner looking to establish a strong online presence, Google Business Profile Sites may have caught your attention. With the ability to create a free, customizable website in mere minutes, it’s no wonder why so many entrepreneurs have taken advantage of this convenient tool.

Not only was it mobile-friendly and equipped with useful features like creating a custom domain name, but it also allowed you to easily manage and update your site right from your phone. Despite these benefits, the time has come for Google Business Profile Sites to bid farewell. Fortunately, numerous alternatives are available to help you create a digital footprint for your business. One such strategy worth considering is the creation of a new Google Site.

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What is Google Sites?

Google Sites, nestled within the Google Workspace platform, may ring a bell if you're accustomed to Google's ecosystem. But what does the term “Google Sites” imply? Essentially, Google Sites is a user-friendly website creation tool within the Google Workspace, designed for businesses, organizations, or personal users alike.

At first glance, Google Sites and Business Profile Sites might seem similar, but if you dig deeper their distinct functionalities become apparent. Business Profile Sites primarily served businesses as a space to present their products and services. These sites allowed businesses to create a streamlined online presence, giving potential customers valuable insights into what they offer.

On the other hand, Google Sites offers a more comprehensive and flexible platform for creating websites. Not limited to businesses, anyone can use Google Sites for diverse purposes, personal or professional. This versatility makes Google Sites suitable for a wide array of uses – be it a digital portfolio for an individual, a collaborative project for a team, or a functional website for a community or an organization.

However, it's worth noting that the functionality of Google Sites, while commendable, is limited. This constraint becomes evident when compared with the proficiency and efficiency that professional web developers bring to the table.

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New Google Sites vs. Classic Google Sites: Changes to Consider

Google Sites, with its completely free interface, provides a simple solution for crafting pages and structuring content. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with other Google services, such as Google Docs, Google Calendar, Google Forms, and Google Drive, making it a convenient choice for teams that need to work together on a project.

In addition to providing seamless integration with other Google apps, Google Sites also offers a vast array of free templates that enable users to kick-start their website building process without the need for professional design skills. Google Sites templates range from simple and clean layouts suitable for personal blogs or portfolios, to more complex and interactive designs suitable for businesses or educational institutions.

However, it's crucial to remain aware of the changing nature and constraints of this website builder. For instance, the new version of Google Sites has a restriction of allowing only up to five subpages per site. This is a significant shift from the classic version, which allowed users to publish an unlimited number of subpages. Furthermore, certain features that could augment user interaction and customization, such as unique page permissions and visitor comments, are currently unavailable in the new version of Google Sites.

Consequently, while Google Sites remains a practical tool for basic website creation, its limited functionality and ever-changing nature may prompt businesses with more comprehensive needs to explore professional web development services.

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Benefits of Hiring our Professional Web Designers and Developers to Create Your Website

While Google Sites free website services may be a viable option for small businesses looking for a free, simple solution to establish an online presence, they simply cannot compete with the quality and functionality of a professionally developed website.

Our professional web designers and developers are seasoned experts when it comes to building top-notch websites that are optimized for Google and other search engines. We understand that your website is the face of your business online and that’s why we only use the latest tools and technologies to create eye-catching designs that stand out in a crowded digital space.

To help your business stay ahead of the curve, we are committed to continuous learning and adapting to new strategies and technologies. This commitment allows us to deliver innovative solutions that keep your website fresh, engaging, and optimized for search engines.

At Priceless Consulting, we believe that your growth is our growth. Which is why we work with a long-term perspective, nurturing a fruitful partnership that results in the continuous success of your online presence. Broaden your reach, engage effectively with your audience, and drive your business growth with us. Get in touch today, and let us help you navigate the digital world with confidence and ease.

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Site Support from our Professional Web Developers

Running an online business can be challenging, but with personalized site support from professional web developers, businesses can make quick changes and receive assistance with any trouble they encounter. Our team of professional web developers can help you with anything from adding a YouTube video to uploading a time-sensitive background image or image carousel for your website.

With our 24/7 tailored support and site maintenance, businesses can focus on their core operations while feeling confident that their website is in good hands. The added peace of mind that comes with expert support means businesses can stay on top of their online game and offer their customers the experience they expect. With the help of the professional web developers at Priceless Consulting, businesses can easily create websites that are optimized to perform their best, leading to happier customers and a healthier bottom line.

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Conclusion

With the discontinuation of Google Business Profile websites in 2024, business owners need to start thinking about the best way to maintain their online presence. While building a Google Site is an excellent option for those on a tight budget, hiring our professional website designers and developers is the best option for businesses that require a unique website design, advanced functionalities, and 24/7 website support.

Ultimately, the best website choice depends on your budget, branding needs, and website goals. Whichever option you choose, it is essential to start your transition now and ensure you are ready for this upcoming change and understand how it could impact your business.

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About Priceless Consulting: Your Custom Website Destination

At Priceless Consulting, we position ourselves as more than just a service provider. We are your strategic partner in carving out a dominant online presence for your business. Our strength lies in creating stunning, SEO-optimized websites that align with your unique needs and adhere to the highest industry standards.

Our team of experienced professionals works diligently to ensure your website not only resonates with your target audience visually but also achieves high rankings in search engine results. This dual approach brings about a surge in organic traffic, leading to increased business growth. So, whether you use Google sites or need a brand-new site built for you, we invite you to leverage our expertise and transform your online presence into a powerful business tool. Reach out to us today to discover how we can aid you in building an effective website from the ground up.

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