Websites Made with Google Business Profiles Are Going Away

In 2017, Google started offering free (or cheap) small business websites as part of the Google Business Profile program. In less than one year, over 1 million business owners adopted this service, and the most recent estimate suggests there are as many as 22 million users worldwide.

This means that millions of local businesses operating on the tightest budgets will be significantly impacted by Google's decision to shut down this product in March 2024. 

Domains that end with business.site and negocio.site will be removed from the website field in the google Business profile listings.

Fortunately, there are many platforms available so that business owners can recreate their web page after the shutdown. Google makes a few suggestions of their own, but they omitted a fantastic platform called Duda. We researched many website builders when choosing a go-to platform for Local Business First, and Duda proved to be the best for many reasons.

Tips to create a one-page website

1. Design a simple logo using the design program of your choice. Canva is a free program that you can use, and it has been adopted by many for its ease of use. Read our blog on how to use Canva to create FREE images.
   
   
2. Use the header on your page as your unique selling proposition (USP) and be sure to include the name of your city or service region. For instance, the header for a photography company would note that they offer brand photography in Boston, MA.
   
   
3. Create a contact section on the page that includes your complete business name, address (if applicable), phone number, and hours of operation. If you're running a home-based business and prefer not to share your home address, simply include the city and state, but remember to include your phone number!
   
   
4. Feature your best photo on the page, and make sure it is one that clearly showcases what you do. If your business is highly visual, consider making this photo area a slideshow with thumbnails or embedding a video if available.
   
   
5. Use the first paragraph of the main body text to succinctly describe your business, services, and location. You can add more text below, but ensure the first paragraph is engaging enough to capture visitors in a hurry!
   
   
6. List all your services – even if mentioned in the main body text – in a section labeled “Services". If you sell goods, list your most popular items here.
   
   
7. If you have a physical location, embed a map showing where your business is located. For service area businesses (e.g., tree trimmers or plumbers), indicate your service area on the map.
   
   
8. Include reviews or testimonials from satisfied customers if possible. Customer feedback adds credibility to your business. In fact, 92% of consumers trust what previous customers say about brands more than what brands say about themselves. Also remember to embed your Google Reviews in your page.
   
   
9. Provide links to all social media pages and review platforms where customers can connect with you and learn more about your business’ reputation.
   
   
10. Never publish a page without a clear call to action (CTA). Make your CTA big and bold – whether it says “call now,” “buy now,” or “contact us.”