Business.site Google
Created a free one-page website from a Google Business Profile, then retired in March 2024 with all URLs now redirecting to the profile itself.
If you still treat a business.site address as your main website, you are sending visitors to a redirected page that shows your Google Business Profile, not a managed site.
Key points
- Do not rely on Business Site as an active website platform; the feature was retired and legacy URLs redirect.
- Keep your Google Business Profile complete and accurate, as it is now the primary local presence Google uses.
- Use the profile’s website field to link to your real website, not a legacy business.site subdomain.
- Verify any third-party guide that mentions the Business Site builder; for Google My Business, it is likely outdated.
- For local SEO, profile completeness and guideline compliance matter more than what was once on a Business Site page.
- Update printed or online references that list a business.site URL to point to your actual website.
The plumber who lost his only website
A plumber in Leeds verified his Google Business Profile in 2022 and let Google auto-generate a Business Site because he had no other website. After the retirement in March 2024, his business.site URL now redirects to his profile. Visitors land on the profile, see hours, reviews, and a 'Website' button – but that button is empty because he never set a custom website field. He now has to build a proper site or rely entirely on the profile to attract more visitors to his Google Business Profile.
Three mistakes to avoid
- Treating it as active The feature was retired; business.site URLs now redirect to the Google Business Profile. Do not expect to edit or manage content on the site itself.
- Confusing it with a CMS Business Site was auto-generated from profile data, not a content management system that can replace a proper owned website for local SEO.
- Following outdated tutorials Older guides still describe the Business Site builder as active. Always verify the publication date before citing instructions for setting up a business.site page.
What changed in March 2024
- End of support announced Google announced the retirement of Business Site in early 2024, providing business owners a window to update their online presence before the feature was fully discontinued in March 2024.
- URLs now redirect All business.site and negocio.site addresses now redirect to the related Google Business Profile, not to a standalone page.
- Content frozen You can no longer edit the site’s content; only the underlying Google Business Profile controls what appears after the redirect.
Four ways to handle the change
- Update your references Change any printed materials, email signatures, or online listings that still use a business.site URL to your real website.
- Set the website field In your Google Business Profile, ensure the 'Website' field points to your actual site – not a legacy Business Site URL. This is a critical step for seo for builders.
- Build a proper site If you never had a website, consider building one. For seo for builders, a Google Business Profile alone is not a substitute for an owned site in local SEO.
- Focus on the profile Profile completeness, accurate categories, and responding to reviews now drive local visibility. Treat the profile as your primary Google presence.
Common questions
Can you still use a business.site address?
The URL exists but redirects to your profile; you cannot edit content on the site itself. It is no longer a standalone website.
Is Business Site Google still active?
No, Google retired the feature in March 2024. All legacy URLs now redirect to the associated Google Business Profile.
Should you create a Business Site for a new business?
No, the feature is no longer available. Instead, focus on completing your Google Business Profile and building a proper website.
Sources
- Google Business Profile guidelines Official Google guidelines for maintaining a business profile, including profile completeness.
- Search Engine Journal Article covering the retirement of Business Site and its impact on local SEO.
- Google Business Profile Help General help centre for Google Business Profile, including updates on retired features.