Ghosted by Google My Business? Time for a new website design

Fay Roe

Google are disruptors. Just as you get comfortable with your digital and online marketing, a spanner is thrown into the works. True to form, Google deactivated all free websites made with Google Business Profiles and website visitors directed Business Profile instead. The abrupt switch off on 5th March 2024, has left some small business owners scrambling to maintain their digital presence.


What was a Google My Business website

Google My Business websites were simple one-page sites created for free through a Google Business profile. The sites offered basic like preset layouts and customisable content sections automatically generated from the information provided in the profile.


How do I know if my Google My Business website was affected?

Google My Business websites have URLs ending in '.business.site' or '.negocio.site'. If your website has been taken down, when you access it, you’ll be redirected to your Google profile (until 10th June 2024, after this date you’ll get a dreaded 404 page not found message). 



A person is typing on a laptop computer with a 404 error on the screen.

5 Steps to website recovery

If your Google My Business website has disappeared into the ether, Google recommends affected users create new websites using alternative tools. The tools they recommend are DIY website builders. The recommended web design and development websites simplify the process of building a website.


  • Step 1: Choose a website builder to work on
  • Step 2: Choose a template to align with your business and brand’s aesthetics and goals. Explore different fonts, colours, overlays, and titles etc.
  • Step 3: Tailor the website design by adding relevant pages, content and images.
  • Step 4: Test the website, use it as if you were a customer. Can you find products intuitively, is checkout easy? Is there a map of where your brick-and-mortar store is?  Is it a responsive website design able to display its features on a variety of screen sizes?
  • Step 4.5: Make changes to the website layout, add features, retest.
  • Step 5: Test the website, use it as you would during a standard working day. Are you able to get the information you need? Can you see booked appointments? Are email addresses being collected from new customers?
  • Step 5.5: Make changes to the website layout, add features, retest
  • Step 5.75: Repeat steps 4 to 5 until satisfied. Press publish. 


A person is typing on a laptop computer.

A helpful alternative to DIY website design

The shutdown of Google My Business sites may have turned the air blue, yet it’s the ideal opportunity to kickstart business growth and exploit digital marketing to generate leads and deliver a healthy ROI.


Digital Presence is a Christchurch web design company, and we specialise in helping businesses make the most of being online and their marketing budget. We take the pressure out of website design and development. With a monthly website subscription package, your company has a professional branded website, tailored search engine optimisation (SEO) and marketing tools to attract new customers to your website, and the latest algorithm and security updates. We can even help you with your Google Ads campaigns.



Digital Presence are a jargon free company and offer a free no-obligation consultation to learn more about your business. If you would like to learn more about Digital Presence and how we help businesses thrive online, contact Simon today by clicking here

Get a free consultation

Share

A person is holding a red and white magnet in their hand.
by Simon Mullinger 2 April 2025
Master the art of designing a website for lead generation. Boost your service-based business with a user-friendly, conversion-focused design strategy.
A woman is using a laptop computer and holding a sign that says seo.
by Simon Mullinger 2 April 2025
Boost your local search rankings with website design. Learn key strategies like mobile optimisation, structured data, and user-friendly layouts.
A city tour trolley is parked in front of a building.
by Simon Mullinger 2 April 2025
Learn how to leverage Google Ads to effectively attract local customers in Christchurch, boost your visibility, and drive sales with targeted campaigns.
A computer monitor with a rocket flying out of it.
by Fay Roe 1 April 2025
Get expert insights on launching a new website design. Follow best practices to maintain SEO rankings, improve performance, and engage your audience.
Mobile responsive websites image
by Simon Mullinger 27 March 2025
It's important to know how well each page performs because it helps you to identify which content needs to be improved, updated or even removed. Read more!
A laptop computer is sitting on a desk next to a vase of flowers.
by Simon Mullinger 27 March 2025
Discover your dream website design with our free homepage mock-up service. See your ideas come to life without any commitment. Get started today!
A man is sitting in front of a laptop computer covering his face with his hands.
by Fay Roe 3 March 2025
Click happens! These 7 web design mistakes could be driving customers away. Learn how to optimise your site for better user experience & sales.
A red , yellow , and green smiley face on a blue background.
by Fay Roe 20 February 2025
Outdated web design can hurt your business. Learn how modern, pixel-perfect design enhances user experience, SEO, and conversions. Contact us now!
A tablet with the year 2025 on it is surrounded by paint brushes and paint.
by Fay Roe 6 January 2025
Redesign your website in 2025 to reboot your business. Achieve a fresh, modern look that drives growth for your business. Visit us to engages your audience.
A laptop computer is sitting on a desk next to a vase of flowers.
by Fay Roe 3 December 2024
Discover how exceptional web design can transform your business. Learn tips to improve user experience, boost conversions, and drive growth today!
Show More