Google is Shutting Down Sites: Where and how to transfer your website safely?

February 22nd, 2024
Google sites alternative: Webnode

In early 2024, Google announced that it will be shutting down websites created using Google Business Profiles. If your website uses the Google Business Profiles website builder, you will need to migrate it to another platform. Thankfully, there are alternatives to Google sites, such as Webnode, that will make this transition a breeze.

When will Google shut down accounts? 

Google will shut down websites created using Google Business Profiles on March 1, 2024. After that, your site will redirect anyone visiting it to your Google Business Profile. However, this will only be in effect until June 10, 2024 – after which point, visitors will receive a “page not found” error message. To avoid losing your website, you will need to migrate your Google site to another website builder.

Google sites alternative

If you’re looking for a free Google Site alternative, Webnode is a great solution. Transferring your Google Business Profiles websites to Webnode is quick and easy. Plus Webnode:

  • is free with an unlimited number of pages,
  • is a drag-and-drop website builder, 
  • speaks 24 languages, and provides outstanding customer service,
  • is easy to use, and offers a wide range of features and integrations,
  • has plenty of customizable website templates,
  • advanced SEO capabilities.

Migrating a website can also be a great opportunity to update it or give it a new look. Webnode’s website templates are created by professional designers and help you create a visually appealing website that will catch the attention of your audience and grow your business.

How to transfer Google Site to Webnode

While there’s no magic button to instantly copy your entire Google Site to any other platform in just one click, with Webnode’s AI Migration Tool transferring your new website is simple, very fast, and for free!

We recommend you first backup the content of your Google Business Profiles websites by saving it locally on your hard drive:

  • Log into your Google Site  
  • Copy all text into a text document. 
  • Download all images and your logo (right click → ‘save as’) 

Take Action Promptly

With the shutdown of Google Business Profiles websites approaching, it’s crucial to act promptly to avoid any disruptions to your online presence. Start the migration process well in advance of the shutdown date to ensure a smooth transition to Webnode.

Migration tool to Webnode

Follow these steps to migrate your site in minutes: 

  1. Enter your current website URL into Webnode’s AI Migration Tool
  2. You will be prompted to create an account with Webnode (it only requires your email)
    • The website project name is automatically taken from your current URL
  3. Select a template or let the AI wizard help you.
    • The wizard will automatically generate a fitting text, font and template.
  4. Define your page structure by adding pages (if needed) or customizing existing ones 
  5. Adjust your content by copy-pasting your saved text onto the new pages 
  6. Upload your logo and photos
  7. Change the SEO settings of your site by updating the page title, URL, and meta description 
  8. Publish your site.

Congratulations! 

When you publish your website on Webnode, it initially uses a Webnode subdomain like mybusiness.webnode.page. However, you can give your site a professional touch by registering your own domain. 

Keep in mind that Google subdomains like xxx.business.site cannot be transferred to Webnode. Instead, register a new domain name with us. If you prefer to keep the .site extension, it’s available for purchase at just 35 USD.

Plus, with a Mini Plan or higher, your domain registration is free for the first year. You can change your Premium Plan anytime. We recommend starting with the Standard Package and upgrading if necessary.

Don’t let the shutdown of Google Business Profiles websites hold you back. Get started with Webnode now and see the difference for yourself.