Google has announced the discontinuation of basic websites created with Google Business Profiles, specifically those ending in business.site and negocio.site, effective from March 2024. After this date, Google will automatically redirect visitors from these sites to the respective Google Business Profiles. The temporary redirect will be in place until June 10, 2024, giving business owners less than six months to update their online presence.
After June 10, customers attempting to visit Business Profile websites will encounter a "page not found" error. Google recommends that business owners update their Google Business Profiles with new website addresses if they wish to maintain an online presence. The company also suggests considering other website-building tools for creating new websites.
In addition to the public-facing changes, Google advises business owners to manage Ads campaigns connected to the website and handle third-party domains associated with their Google Business Profiles.
Google Business Profiles serve as a platform for businesses to share updates, links to websites and social media, photos, and contact details. As part of its suggestions for alternative website builders, Google ranks Squarespace second after Wix, followed by GoDaddy, Google Sites, Shopify, and WordPress. Squarespace was acquired by Google in 2023 after the sale of its Domains business to Squarespace, and Google has been redirecting Google Domains customers to Squarespace since then.