Free Google Sites To Be Turned Off In March 2024: Where Does That Leave Customers?
In the digital era, small business owners in Sydney have had a free tool at their disposal – the Google Site.
This free service is essential for enhancing online visibility and engaging with customers through a DIY website, hosted by Google for service based businesses.
Starting on March 1st, if you had a free Google website, it will redirect to your Google Business Profile until June 10, 2024. After that, visitors will see a “page not found” error – DISASTER!
What is a “free” Google Site?
As a small business owner in Sydney, you may have started with a free Google Site.
Basically, it’s a simple free website builder (and hosting service) that allows you to create and share webpages through your Google Business Profile account.
There are limited layout options or you can build it from scratch – the choice is yours.
Free Google Site Limitations
While this is a great starting point, you should probably consider upgrading to a professionally designed website.
A custom WordPress website can offer:
- Enhanced functionality
- Customised design, tailored to your brand
- Improved customer experience and engagement
- Greater flexibility and scalability as your business grows
What will happen when customers try to visit my Google Site after March 2024?
For the next few months Google will be redirecting all traffic from your free Google site to your Google Business Profile.
Customers will still be able to see your details and contact you but you won’t have a standalone website anymore – that will be gone.
In June, anybody who visits your website will see a Page Not Found error and it definitely won’t be found organically via Google – they’ll remove it too.
What is a Google Business Profile?
To set up a free Google site, it had to be created via a Google Business Profile.
Google Business Profiles (formerly Google My Business) are more than just an online listing – it’s a platform allowing businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps and connect with potential customers.
By verifying and editing your business information, you can really help customers who are actively looking for you, or the product/service that you can provide them.
And if you’re a cafe owner in Parramatta, or a retail store operating out of the growing Hills District of Sydney and you don’t know what a Google Business Profile is, well, get in touch!
Solution 1: Optimising Your Google Business Profile
To stand out in the competitive Sydney market, it’s crucial to optimise your profile.
This includes accurately listing your business name, address, and hours of operation, as well as adding photos and updates about your products or services – but this all takes time.
Regularly updating your profile can improve your visibility and attract more local customers.
Solution 2: Creating An Optimised Website With Leadlly Digital
This is especially important if you have a Google Site and an outdated Google Business Profile with no time on your hands to optimise it yourself.
We can build any service based website with WordPress. Our highly-qualified team of website designers, content writers and SEO specialists can create the perfect online shopfront for your local business.
We can customise absolutely everything including colours, layouts, hero sections, CTA’s (call to actions) and more!
Our Final Thoughts
Your free Google website was a fantastic website builder option for small local businesses already using a Google Business Profile.
However, as your business evolves, you should consider transitioning from a free Google Site to a professionally designed website, particularly since Google is removing these free Google websites in the coming months.
Having a custom built website that’s already SEO optimised can significantly amplify your online presence, attract more customers, and ultimately drive your business forward in Sydney’s competitive market.
For assistance in creating an affordable and functional website for your business, feel free to reach out. Together, we can build a digital presence that truly represents the unique spirit of your business.
