In this guide for small local businesses, I am going to guide you through the creation of a free Google Business Profile website for your business.
Google knows that websites help businesses gain trust and customers prefer local businesses with websites but many small local businesses don’t have the resources (money and/or know-how) to create their business’ website.
So Google built an easy way for businesses to create a simple one-page website that is responsive (works well on smartphone devices) and uses automatically much of the information and photos of your Google Business Profile.
I am starting with how to create the free Google Business Profile website for your business, then what you can edit, how to manage it, and in the last part, I included many FAQs.
I hope this article helped you.
If you need further help, I am here for you. It does not matter if it’s your business or you are a professional that wants help with a client case:
How to create a free website with Google Business Profile
You have 2 ways of creating the website, depending if you already claimed or not your Google Business Profile.
Step 1a – Create your site during your Business listing setup
If you haven’t claimed yet your listing, please check my article guiding you through the process: Add My Business To Google – Guide. When you’re claiming your Business Profile, in one of the last steps of your registration process, you’ll have the option to create a free website based on your information.
Step 1b –You already have a Google Business Profile
If you already claimed your business listing, you need to sign into your Google Business Profile. In the menu on the left, click the Website tab to create your website.
Step 2 –Edit Your New Website
Edit your website, using the panel on the left side of the screen to select which part of your site to edit. See more about editing in the next section.
Step 3 –Publish your Google Business Profile Website
After, you finish editing. Click the Publish button on the top right of the screen
Step 4 –Your site is published and on the World Wide Web!
Get ready to receive online visitors
How can you edit your Google Business Profile Site?
The changes to your website need to be performed in the “Website” section of your account and you will need to use the panel on the left side of the screen to select which part you wish to edit.
However, much of the information will be fed from your listing info: address, phone number, posts, reviews, etc, and automatically are updated whenever you update your business details or post or receive new reviews… Good thing as it takes much of the pain in making sure your website is kept updated.
You still can add and change things in your site, just go to the website section and let’s start editing your site through the special menu:
Then you go through each option on the website special menu and edit, add, and change as you like :
It’s now published
As you can see, it is not very difficult to change and create a Google Business Profile’s Website. Even though you cannot change much or have the freedom to arrange sections or add new sections, products, or services. Its simplicity can be actually good for very small local businesses or new businesses to start their online presence without the initial cost.
This site is responsive and modern so it will elevate your business online presence, however, it should not be seen as a substitute for a good custom website. If you can now or further down the line, you should invest in creating your own custom website or pay someone to do it.
If you already have a website, I recommend publishing the GBP site as it will not hurt your ranking, it can actually improve your chances.
Hopefully, Google will release more options and give more freedom when creating a site through Google Business Profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Pros of the Google Business Profile Website?
It’s free, simple, and clean structure, aesthetic pleasing, easy to edit, updates automatically with the changes done to the listing, and responsive (works well in Smartphones, Tablets, and PCs).
What are the Cons of the Google Business Profile Website?
You cannot change sections order, add sections, add services or add products.
The themes are limited, which in turn also limits the colors and fonts available, so not as much freedom as you can when building your own site.
You cannot sell directly from the site, in other words, you cannot receive payments or create an eCommerce site. But as Google Shopping features are ramping up, Google may release such features.
What is updated automatically?
If you change or add items in your Google Business Profile, it will automatically update the following:
– Business name
– Address /Map position
– Phone
– Operation hours
– Reviews
– Posts
– Photos
– Menu (Restaurants/Bars)
Is Google Business Profile Website really free?
Yes, it is, at least for now. You can buy a custom domain if you wish so, check here.
My Google Business Profile website is not showing?
You should check if it is published:
1. Sign in to Google Business Profile Manager
2. Click on “Website” from the menu on the left
3. Click the Publish button on the top right of the screen
Can I use a previously bought domain for my Google Business Profile Site?
Yes, you can. Check here more about this.
How can I add the website link to the listing?
If the website is not linked already, follow these steps:
1. Sign in to Google Business Profile Manager
2. Click on “Website” from the menu on the left
3. Copy your site URL address at the top of the page
4. Then, click on “Info” from the menu on the left
5. Go to the “Website” section, press the edit button
6. Paste your site URL into the pop-up box and click apply
Where do I find the URL address of my Google Business Profile website?
To get the URL address, follow these steps:
1. Sign in to Google Business Profile Manager
2. Click on “Website” from the menu on the left
3. Your site URL address is at the top of the page and should be something like your-business-name.business.site
Can you sell your products/services through Google Business Profile site?
No, you cannot as there is no facility for payments or showing the products/services. But as Google Shopping features are ramping up, Google may release such features.
How to show my products/services on your Google Business Profile site?
Check question above
