Introduction

In an era where first impressions are forged within seconds and online visibility can make or break businesses, this development brings forth a sense of urgency unlike any other. Picture this scenario: potential customers searching for your services online are met not by the polished facade of your website but by the streamlined simplicity of your Google Business Profile. The implications are clear - adapt or risk fading into obscurity in the vast expanse of cyberspace. Google's recommendation to refresh and revamp your Business Profile with a new website serves as both a lifeline and a call to arms for those who understand the pivotal role digital presence plays in today's competitive market landscape.

Overview of Google My Business websites

Google My Business free websites was a tool launched by Google to help small businesses establish an online presence quickly and easily. Through this service, businesses could create a basic website for free, using information already listed on their Google My Business profile. This feature allowed businesses that may not have the resources or expertise to build their own website to still have an online presence, enhancing their visibility in search results.

The simplicity and convenience of Google My Business free websites made it a valuable asset for small businesses looking to increase their online presence without the complexity of traditional website building. By leveraging information directly from their Google My Business profile, businesses could ensure consistency across all platforms while also ensuring that important information such as contact details and opening hours were readily available to potential customers. Although this service has been discontinued, its impact on simplifying the process of creating a website for small businesses cannot be understated, highlighting the importance of accessible tools in today's digital landscape.

Reasons for removal

A Google spokesperson told us. "Due to low engagement, we are winding down websites made with Business Profiles, which previously created basic, templated websites based on Business Profile information. Small business owners will continue to have access to Business Profiles, as well as ads landing pages if they don’t maintain a website, and other resources to connect with potential customers online,"

Impact on businesses

While the removal of Google My Business may pose challenges for your company, it also presents an opportunity to harness the potential of your website as the primary platform for advertising. When you use your website content to promote your business, it stays visible for longer than just a few hours, days, or even a week. This makes it a super affordable way to get the word out about your product or service. The website is the only place you have complete control over what you say and how you express your point of view. By consolidating information about services and products onto your website, you can optimize your message to enhance search engine visibility and engage visitors effectively.

Alternatives for businesses

  • Rescue
  • $49
    per year
  • Commercial Noise was able to grab all of your information on your Google My Business website and save the content on our online storage.
  • Original Google My Business website content.
  • Your website is operational again.
  • More attractive layout than the Google site.
  • Only change necessary is to change the link in Google Maps to the website.
  • Buy Now
  • Commercial Noise Basic Website
  • $34
    per month
  • Website templates to create at visually appealing advertising space online. Beyond being pretty they are structured to basic SEO for search engines cataloging your information.
  • Visually Attractive layouts.
  • Basic structure for online visibility. Helps search engines catalog your content.
  • Ability to edit your own text and photos.
  • Three or five page websites to feature your main product or service.
  • Buy Now
  • Custom Website Development
  • From $799
    consultation required
  • A custom website provides the opportunity to tailor every aspect to fit the brand identity and business goals.
  • Our research shows a custom website brings in as much as ten times the traffic you would get from a Google My Business website.
  • Customer definition to focus your content to the right market segment.
  • Keyword research before content creation based on the typical client or customer.
  • Analtics to contantly improve website results.
  • Buy Now

Why have a website?

Having a website for your business offers numerous advantages that can greatly benefit both you as the business owner and your customers. With a website, you have the opportunity to showcase your products or services in an attractive and organized manner, making it easier for customers to find what they are looking for. Additionally, having an online presence allows you to educate a wider audience beyond your current client base. Education is a key to expand your business. Potential customers need to know why your business is the solution to thier problem. Having a digital footprint allows customers to conveniently browse through your offerings at any time of the day, leading to increased sales and revenue for your business. Another advantage of having a website is the ability to provide detailed information about your products or services, allowing customers to make informed decisions before making a purchase. Furthermore, having a website enables you to engage with your customers through features such as live chat support or online contact forms, providing excellent customer service and building trust with your audience. Overall, having a website enhances the credibility and professionalism of your business while offering convenience and accessibility to your customers.

Do it yourself options

Facebook or Instagram

These platforms offer features like business profiles, messaging capabilities, and e-commerce integrations that can serve as effective alternatives to traditional websites. Leveraging social media allows businesses to tap into existing user bases and engage with customers in a more interactive way compared to static websites. Posts scroll of the screen in a matter of hours. Never to be seen again.

Squarespace

Provides user-friendly templates and drag-and-drop features that make customization a breeze. Squarespace has user friendly drag and drop interface to create your own design. With a premade template you will need to provide your pictures and text. Perfect if you have the time and are skilled at ad layout that converts new prospects to customers.

Wix

One of the key features of Wix is its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, which allows users to easily customize their websites without needing any coding knowledge. This flexibility enables customers to create unique and professional-looking websites that cater to their specific needs and branding. If you already have a barnd book, colors and themes for your product line or services Wix provides the starting point. The text and photos to capture a prospects interest are up to you.

WordPress

Over 40% of websites are created with the WordPress content management system. There are thousands of free and paid templates to use as a base sturcture. Along with 60,000 plugins that add features to a website. WordPress has developed from a blogging platform to the most used website building tool available.

The Google timer is ticking. On June 10 your website links will just show and error.

Don't miss out on potential customers and revenue! This is the push you needed to move your online presence forward. Act now before Google sends your website link to a non-existent page error on June 10, 2024. Take control of your online presence and ensure that every click leads to success - act fast and optimize your website today!

Steps to take

  • Pick a new home for your website.
    • Commercial Noise has one ready for you at $49/yr.
  • Do you need a domain name?
    • Register a name that identifies your product or service
    • Yes, we can help with that at Commercial Noise.
  • Create the new website.
  • Update your Google Maps listing before June 10, 2024.

Reactions to the removal of websites

The recent decision by Google to remove its My Business websites feature has sparked notable reactions across the digital marketing landscape. While some argue that this move will streamline the online presence management process, others express concerns about losing a free and convenient website-building option. From an academic standpoint, it is crucial to analyze how this removal may impact businesses' visibility on the search engine results page as well as their overall online credibility

The reaction to this move highlights the reliance that businesses placed on Google My Business websites as a convenient and cost-effective way to establish their online presence. With the removal of this feature, businesses must now adapt quickly to ensure they are still able to connect with customers and drive traffic to their sites. This change has prompted calls for businesses to diversify their digital marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of not relying solely on one platform for online visibility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the removal of Google My Business websites has sent shockwaves through the business community worldwide. But Commercial Noise created a safety net for your website. This gives you some time to determine the best next step for your business online. Establishing a place that you own sets up your business for success. A place that is not subject to a large corporation’s decisions gets you back in control of your online image. There are unexpected costs to free websites.