Google has announced upcoming changes to websites created through Google Business Profiles, which will impact users starting from March 2024.

Websites made with Google Business Profiles, featuring domains ending in business.site and negocio.site, are scheduled to be turned off. Instead, customers attempting to visit these websites will be automatically redirected to the associated Business Profile until 10th June 2024.

It’s important to note that if one doesn’t have a website created with a Google Business Profile, these changes won’t affect them. However, for those with existing Google Business Profile websites, there are key actions to consider:

1) Domain removal: Domains ending with business.site and negocio.site will be removed from the website field on one’s Business Profile in March. It's advisable to update the Google Business Profile to reference a new website.

2) Redirection to Business Profile: When customers try to access a website made with Google Business Profile, they will be redirected to the associated Business Profile instead. This redirection will be active until 10th June 2024.

3) Post-10th June 2024: After 10th June 2024, customers attempting to visit the website will encounter a "page not found" error. To maintain an online presence, businesses are encouraged to create a new website using alternative tools and update their Business Profile with the new website address

4) Ads campaign management: For businesses utilising a website made with a Google Business Profile for Google Ads campaigns, it's crucial to update ads with a different website link before 1st March 2024 to ensure continuity. Alternatively, campaigns can be paused.

5) Third-party domains: If a custom domain is being used to forward traffic to a website made with Google Business Profile, visitors to this domain will also be redirected to the Business Profile by 10th June 2024. Users are advised to sign into their hosting company accounts and implement a "redirect" option or a similar solution to forward their third-party domain to a different website before the specified date.

Businesses should proactively address these changes to avoid disruptions in online visibility and user experience. Updating information on the Google Business Profile and considering alternative website creation tools are essential steps to ensure a smooth transition.

Ben Pace Lehner, Managing Director at Rocksteady Digital Agency Ltd, commented: “At Rocksteady, we specialise in crafting dynamic and impactful websites tailored to your unique business needs.”

Start a web project with Rocksteady!

Rocksteady is the dedicated partner in creating unique and customised website designs, working collaboratively with clients to bring their visions to life. Its approach goes beyond mere aesthetics, crafting bespoke websites that serve as powerful tools in driving business success. Through personalised online strategies, Rocksteady seeks to ensure not just increased visibility, but also delivers qualified leads and measurable results.

With Rocksteady, the digital journey is not just about technological innovation, but it is about achieving tangible, business-driven outcomes.

1) Cutting-edge user interface: Rocksteady's commitment to excellence is showcased in its flagship front-end user interface. Meticulously designed, developed, and curated in-house, it serves as a customisable web template, embodying the essence of tailored and bespoke projects for clients.

2) Mobile-optimised, visible, and secure: Rocksteady prioritises comprehensive website projects built on mobile-first responsive web design, ensuring visibility and accessibility across devices. Their commitment to search engine-friendly designs is complemented by the incorporation of SSL certificates and robust integrated security features, guaranteeing a secure online environment for the audience.

3) Measurable success with Google Analytics: Clients can embrace measurable success through Rocksteady's incorporation of analytical and listening tools, such as Google Analytics, Semrush and Hotjar, to name a few. This enables in-depth tracking and analysis of client’s online website traffic, competitor analysis and user behaviour. These essential tools empower clients to refine their trade, implement new strategies, and shape the trajectory of their success.

“We have the formula to take your small business global, capture your audience’s attention, generate new leads, and ultimately maximising ROI in both time and money,” Rocksteady Digital Agency Ltd Managing Director Alan Cini said.

Rocksteady describes itself as the “preferred tech partner” for clients, developing their business strategy and setting up their online digital experience. The digital agency aims to facilitate the development of attractive, cutting-edge, and user-friendly online platforms for small and established businesses.

If you are thinking of doing it alone and starting a new business, but think it’s all too complicated, let Rocksteady help you take off your idea. Start a web development project with Rocksteady by clicking here.