Say Goodbye to Google Business Profiles Website Functionality

Google has recently revealed that it will be discontinuing the website functionality of Google Business Profiles, signalling the end of an era. This major change in the tech giant’s business tools is expected to happen in March 2024. The change, aimed at simplifying Google’s business services, will have significant consequences for businesses worldwide that have depended on these features for their online presence and operations.

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What Should You Do?

Although this is relatively short notice for announcing the closure of a service like this, you should have enough time to make the transition to set yourself up for success.

Step 1: Create Your New Business Website

With sites ending in March and redirects only working for approx. 3 months after that, it’s essential to prioritise designing your website on another site builder. You can either take this project on as a DIY using site templates from Wix.com, Drupal, Shopify, WordPress, or others. Alternatively, you can hire a professional web designer in your local area.

Pros and Cons of DIY Website Creation

Creating a website on your own can be a cost-effective and customisable venture, but it does come with its challenges.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Choosing DIY website creation often comes with lower upfront costs compared to hiring a professional web designer. Site builders like Wix and Squarespace offer affordable plans that suit various budgets.
• Complete Control: You have the liberty to adjust every aspect of your site and make it truly your own. You can experiment with layouts, colours, and content without having to communicate or negotiate with a third party.
• Flexibility: Most site builders are user-friendly and allow for modifications at any time. You can constantly update your website as your business evolves without incurring additional costs.

Cons:

• Time-Consuming: Building a website from scratch can be time-consuming, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. This could result in time being taken away from running your business.
• Limited Design Skills: Without a background in web design, your site may lack the professional look and functionality that a skilled designer could offer.
• SEO Knowledge: A well-optimized website for search engines is vital for online visibility. Without knowledge of SEO best practices, your DIY website might not rank as well in search results.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Web Designer

Hiring a professional web designer can offer a host of benefits that can potentially outweigh the cost. Here are some convincing reasons for considering a professional for your web design needs:

Professional Expertise and Creativity

Web designers have both the technical expertise and the creative talent to bring your vision to life. They know what works and what doesn’t, and they can create a site that not only looks great but also functions flawlessly.

Time-Saving

With a professional taking care of your website creation, you can dedicate more time to running your business. The web designer will handle everything, from the layout to the content and everything in between.

SEO Optimisation

A professional web designer knows the importance of SEO and will build your site with this in mind. They can help ensure your website ranks higher in search engine results, increasing your visibility and potential customer reach.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

Many professional web designers offer ongoing support and maintenance services. This means that your website will always be current, relevant, and in line with the latest design trends and technological developments.

Higher Quality Design

A professional web designer can offer a higher-quality design compared to DIY site builders. They can create a unique, personalised design that helps your business stand out from the competition.

Hiring a professional web designer in 2024 may be more affordable than you think. Contact us today for a free quote and consultation.

Need Help?

I can expedite your transition by launching your new website in just 2–3 weeks. I am an expert web designer and would work relentlessly to understand your vision and turn it into a reality. I offer a streamlined process that involves a carefully planned design phase, a development phase, and a thorough testing phase to ensure everything works perfectly before launch. Contact me if you have any questions.