Google My Business (GMB) has been an indispensable tool for businesses to manage their online presence. However, the latest update from Google brings a significant change – the phasing out of the free website feature provided within GMB.
If your business has been relying solely on Google’s website, it’s time to strategize and create your independent online presence.
This blog will guide you through the process of transitioning to your own website or landing page in light of Google’s latest update.
Understanding the Change
Google’s decision to shut down its free website service within GMB means that businesses currently using this feature will need to find alternative solutions to maintain their online visibility. This change emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated website or landing page for your business.
Why You Need Your Own Website
- Credibility and Control: Having your own website gives you complete control over your content and branding, enhancing credibility.
- SEO Benefits: A self-hosted website allows for deeper SEO customization and opportunities to improve your search engine ranking.
- Expanded Functionality: Unlike the basic features of Google’s free website, your own site can include advanced features like e-commerce capabilities, custom forms, and more.
Steps to Create Your New Website
1. Choose the Right Platform
- Options: Consider website builders like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace, which offer user-friendly interfaces.
- Tip: Look for platforms that offer SEO-friendly features and customizable templates.
2. Plan Your Website Structure
- Content Planning: Outline the pages you’ll need, such as Home, About, Services/Product, Blog, and Contact.
- User Experience: Ensure your site structure is intuitive and easy to navigate.
3. Create Engaging and SEO-Friendly Content
- Content Creation: Develop unique and engaging content for your site. Incorporate relevant keywords to boost your SEO.
- Hack: Repurpose content from your GMB profile to get started.
4. Optimize for SEO
- On-Page SEO: Implement SEO best practices, including optimizing title tags, meta descriptions, and header tags.
- Local SEO: Ensure your site is optimized for local search, especially important for small businesses.
5. Integrate with Google Analytics and Search Console
- Tracking Performance: Use Google Analytics and Search Console to track your site’s performance and make data-driven decisions.
Transitioning to a Landing Page
- Landing Page Focus: If a full website isn’t feasible, consider creating a landing page – a single, focused webpage dedicated to a specific aspect of your business.
- Tool Suggestions: Tools like Leadpages or Unbounce can help you quickly create a professional-looking landing page.
The latest GMB update makes it clear that having an independent online presence is more crucial than ever for businesses. Transitioning from Google’s website to your own domain provides not just continuity in your online presence but also opens up a world of opportunities for growth and customer engagement.
Start planning your transition today and take the first step towards a more robust and controlled online presence for your business.
Other helpful links for you:
- Latest Google My Business Update: Auto-Tagging for Enhanced Conversion Tracking
- De-mystifying Local SEO- How it empowers your small local business
- Important Google Update: GMB Page no longer highlights posts after 6 months
- Is Organic Marketing better than Paid Marketing for Small Business?
- Effective SEO Tools Every Small Business Owner Needs
- From Vision to Achievement: How Google Ads Transformed a Small Business’s Journey