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The small guys always seem to have it tougher than their larger counterparts, be it in life or in business.
Just take the case of small businesses.
They rely heavily on building a strong online presence to compete with more established players. But they can’t afford to break the bank doing it.
Google Business Profile (GBP) used to offer a simple solution to this problem.
It allowed businesses to build a basic website directly from their Google listing. This feature pulled data from their Business Profile to automatically create a website that was straightforward and easy to manage.
Unfortunately, Google recently discontinued this feature. Starting 5 March 2024, businesses that relied on GBP to host websites must find new platforms to maintain their online presence.
The announcement comes as a blow to small businesses that counted on this free tool.
Thousands of small businesses used GBP websites as their primary online presence. It gave them SEO advantages and a chance to build credibility and customer engagement.
And now, Google has pulled the plug.
What Does it Mean for Small Businesses?
Let’s understand the full impact of Google’s decision on small businesses:
- Budget impact: Finding a new platform might mean extra costs, something small businesses typically want to avoid.
- SEO concerns: Switching platforms could disrupt your search rankings and affect online visibility.
- Time investment: Building a website takes time—something small business owners don’t always have.
- Customer confusion: Any downtime during the transition could confuse or inconvenience customers.
Fortunately, all is not yet lost!
You can still find plenty of alternative service providers offering cost-effective and dependable options for domain registration, web hosting, and website building.
In this article, we explore in depth what Google’s website shutdown means for small businesses and offer alternative solutions.
Impact of Google’s Website Service Shutdown on Small Businesses
The Google Business Profile website service was a game-changing tool for small businesses around the world. It’s no surprise, therefore, that the shutdown has led people to voice their concerns across platforms like Reddit and X.
The reality is that building and maintaining a website is no small feat.
According to a survey by Web FX, 53% of businesses spend $501 – $5,000 per year on web design, while 50% spend $1,001 – $10,000 per year on web development. That’s a big investment for businesses that are often working with limited resources.
You can lean on social media, for sure, but there’s no substitute for a website that provides a lasting online presence.
Here’s what you can do next:
- Build a new site: Use site builders like NiceJob, Wix, Squarespace, WordPress, or even Google Sites. They offer easy setups and customization. You can also use them to register a domain and pick a new hosting service.
- Update your info: Once you have a new site, update your Google Business Profile with the new URL. This way, when customers search for your business online, they can be directed to your new website.
- Consider social media: Relying on Facebook or Instagram as a stopgap is an option. But it’s not a long-term solution. A dedicated website gives you a stronger, more professional presence.
Some small businesses are already exploring these options.
There’s chatter on Reddit about switching to Wix or WordPress, though some users mention running into a few hurdles with these services. Every business must eventually choose a solution that fits their needs the best.
Comparing Service Providers to Build Your New Website
So you've decided to build a new website from scratch!
There are plenty of options out there. The choice comes down to what your business needs, your budget, and your goals for the website.
To help you make the right decision, here’s a straightforward comparison of the top options you must consider.
1. NiceJob: The Sales-Driven Website Builder
NiceJob is an excellent choice for small businesses focused on lead generation. NiceJob websites are built for you based on your specifications and are fully optimized for search engines, so your business can be discovered more easily.
Plus, their websites feature NiceJob widgets that automatically showcase your latest 5-star customer reviews, boosting trust for potential customers.
Another standout feature is the dedicated website manager. This means you get top-tier support and ongoing site improvements whenever you need them—at no extra cost.
You don't have to think about all of the technical stuff, NiceJob does that for you.
If you want a hassle-free, lead-generating website that’s always up to date, NiceJob is a must-consider.
2. Wix: Power and Flexibility
Wix is another strong contender that offers a powerful website builder combined with business management tools.
It’s built for growth, making it a solid choice for businesses planning to scale. Wix’s platform provides fast loading times, SEO tools, and enterprise-grade security to ensure your site is both visible and secure.
What makes Wix unique is its flexibility. You can design your site with a full suite of intuitive tools and AI assistance. It gives you the freedom to create exactly what you envision.
With pricing options ranging from basic plans to business elite packages, Wix has something for every budget.
3. Squarespace: Straightforward and Functional
Squarespace stands out for its beautifully designed templates and easy-to-use features. If aesthetics are a priority for your business, Squarespace has you covered.
It lets you create stunning websites, set up an eCommerce store, or schedule appointments—all on a single platform.
Squarespace also excels in marketing tools, offering on-brand email campaigns and social media integration to help grow your customer base. The pricing is accessible, but you do have to put in some elbow grease yourself to get it up and running.
If you want a visually appealing site with built-in tools for selling and marketing, Squarespace is a solid choice.
4. WordPress: The Industry Giant
WordPress is the undisputed biggie among the lot, powering 43.4% of all websites.
It is awesome for its flexibility and endless customization options. Whether you run a blog, an eCommerce store, an online services platform, or even a simple business landing page, WordPress can be tailored to fit your exact needs.
One of its key strengths is the unrestrained ability to scale. With unmetered bandwidth and flexible storage, your site can grow as your business does.
Security is another strong point, with firewalls, encryption, and DDoS protection plugins. Although WordPress requires a bit more hands-on work compared to other builders, the level of control it offers is unmatched.
Pricing ranges from affordable basic plans to premium options for businesses needing more features.
5. Google Sites: The Easy DIY Builder
If you're in the Google ecosystem and want a hassle-free website builder, Google Sites is your go-to. It's perfect for folks who want to create websites without getting into the nitty-gritty of design or coding.
Google Sites lets you build websites, project pages, or event websites effortlessly. Responsive web design options make your website look good on any device—desktop, tablet, or smartphone.
The best part of it is the ease of use and simplicity. The platform lets you pull in content from Google Drive, Google Docs, and shared Calendars with just a few clicks.
Google Sites is free to build, host, and maintain with a Google or Gmail account. The cost is rolled into your user license fee.
Keep in mind, however, that if you're using Google Sites with Google Workspace, the hosting and additional features might not be as extensive as those offered by dedicated hosting services.
Now that we’ve reviewed the features and benefits of multiple website builder options, it’s time to reflect.
Ask yourself what you want your website to do for you. Is it just for digital presence, or do you need it to be a lead generator? Are you trying to build an online community with it, or use it to sell products or services?
Once you figure out your objectives, you can choose the provider that best fits them the best.
What Makes NiceJob a Great Alternative to Creating Your Website
Consumers feel more positive about a business when they see glowing reviews. With NiceJob, you can automatically showcase your latest 5-star ratings and reviews directly on your site.
NiceJob offers all that you need to enhance credibility and draw in more leads.
Need an affordable website for your business?
A website built by NiceJob guarantees to increase lead generation by at least 10% within three months—or it’s free.
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