Key takeaways:
- Google has shut down websites created through its Google Business Profiles as part of a strategy to streamline services.
- When selecting a replacement for Google Business Profile, you should consider performance, ease of use, SEO capabilities, and other important factors.
- A secure, high-performing website is essential for giving your site visitors a good user experience and reducing bounce rates.
Google shut down websites created through Google Business Profiles as part of a larger strategy to streamline its services. While this decision aligns with Google’s business goals, it affects small businesses that have been relying on this platform.
This left many businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, in a challenging position. It prompted them to switch to other platforms to maintain and grow their online presence lest they risk losing their hard-earned customer base.
If you’re one who needs such an alternative, then this article is for you!
We’ll guide you by offering a list of Google site alternatives along with key factors to consider when you decide.
Key factors to consider when choosing an alternative
The modern website-building space offers various options, but you’ll want something with the right tools and features to stay competitive. If you’ve only used Google Business Profile, choosing which one best fits your needs might be difficult since you don’t know what other options there are.
High performance
When you move from Google Business Profiles, ensure your new platform delivers high-quality performance. Think of it as the engine that powers your website.
A high-performance platform means:
- Faster load times
- Robust server response
- Efficient high-traffic handling
Speed and reliability are very important on the internet. They keep visitors engaged and reduce bounce rates. A high-performance site also enhances user experience and builds trust among your audience.
Google ensured that your site consistently performed at the highest level, so you need to find something equal to, if not better than, what they provided.
Ease of use
The ideal platform should be user-friendly, allowing you to manage and update your website with zero to minimal technical know-how. It’s all about making things easy so you can focus on your business, not spend hours figuring out how to make things work on your website.
Google made things simple, so you didn’t need to be a technical expert to create a cool website. You need a platform that’s just as straightforward.
SEO capabilities
Now that Google Business Sites has shut down, it’s important to pick a platform with good SEO tools. Search engine optimization (SEO) helps improve your website’s ranking on search engines. The right platform has the tools to increase your online visibility and make you more discoverable than one that isn’t optimized for search engines.
Scalability
Your chosen platform should accommodate your business’s growth. Scalability means your website can expand its capabilities as you add more features and functionalities for your growing business.
Beyond simply adding new pages, your new platform must be able to handle:
- Increasing traffic
- More complex eCommerce functionality
- Larger content structure
- Add-on app integration without compromising performance
Look for providers that offer robust hosting solutions and can upgrade server or storage capacity. Functionalities like forums, customer portals, and multilingual support are good-to-haves for a scaling website.
Platforms that can change as your business needs evolve ensure your website is always a step ahead, ready to support and drive your growth.
Security
You should unquestionably choose a platform with strong security. A secure platform protects your website from intruders and keeps your and your customer’s data safe.
Look for platforms with secure socket layer (SSL) in their packages. It’s also much better if they offer other security tools such as malware protection and website backup on top of it.
Customer support
Having good customer support for your new website platform is a trusty safety net. Good customer support means having a team of knowledgeable technicians help answer your questions and fix issues as they arise. When you’re new to a platform, nothing feels more reassuring than to have an extra pair of hands to assist you.
Top alternative platforms to Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile was popular for its ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem. You should look for something that offers comparable or enhanced features.
We’ve compiled a list of top alternative platforms that deliver a comprehensive suite of tools to power your website:
| Platform | Highlights | Limitations | Ideal for |
| Network Solutions | AI-driven website builder tools Reliable hosting performance with integrated security features Offers online marketing services Strong customer support | Less customization options for advanced users Limited free features | Small to medium-sized business (SMBs) who want a one‑stop solution for domain registration, hosting, and website building |
| WordPress | Customizable with thousands of themes and plugins Open-source with full control over design and functionality SEO-friendly with plugins like Yoast SEO Scalable for growing websites | Steeper learning curve than drag-and-drop builders Requires technical knowledge to use all features Needs regular updates for security and performance | Tech-savvy bloggers and business owners who demand extensive customization and complete control over their websites |
| Wix | Beginner-friendly drag-and-drop editor AI-powered builder creates personalized layouts Over 800 templates for various industries Mobile optimization for smooth cross-device experience | Advanced features often require premium plans May lack the depth of customization found in other platforms | Creative entrepreneurs and design-oriented business owners |
| GoDaddy | Step-by-step guide for website creation Built-in marketing tools for promotion Fast hosting for optimal performance Easy eCommerce setup for small businesses | Frequent prompts to purchase additional services Templates may seem outdated with limited customization | SMBs, freelancers, and professionals who need a polished, functional website without a steep learning curve |
| Squarespace | Beautifully designed templates Strong eCommerce and blogging tools in one dashboard Automatically optimized for mobile Comprehensive SEO controls and performance analytics | Adding advanced features can be more expensive Limited freedom to create your own design | Entrepreneurs, designers, photographers, and other creative professionals who prioritize a visually stunning online presence |
Network Solutions
Network Solutions is a trusted name in the digital space, offering a straightforward approach to building and hosting websites. Initially known for domain registration services, it evolved to provide comprehensive website-building tools with integrated hosting, security, and online marketing capabilities.
Our established reputation makes us a dependable choice for businesses like you that value stability and long‑term support.
Key features:
- Domain registration expertise. Leverages decades of experience to provide easy, integrated domain registration services.
- AI website builder tools. Utilizes advanced AI to simplify website creation with a highly customizable interface and templates.
- Integrated hosting and security. Delivers reliable hosting performance along with essential security features such as SSL certificates and regular backups.
- Marketing solutions. Offers services for SEO, business directories, and online advertising to enhance your site’s visibility.
- Customer support. Provides dedicated assistance and resources backed by decades of industry expertise.
| Highlights | Limitations |
| AI-driven website builder tools Reliable hosting performance with integrated security features Offers online marketing services Strong customer support | Less customization options for advanced users Limited free features |
Ideal for:
Network Solutions is best suited for small to medium-sized business owners who want a one‑stop solution for domain registration, hosting, and website building. It’s an excellent choice for those who value reliability and long-term stability.
WordPress
WordPress is a powerhouse in website building and content management. As an open‑source platform, it offers exceptional flexibility and customization options through thousands of themes and plugins. While WordPress’s learning curve is steeper than many drag‑and‑drop builders, its robustness and extensive community support make it an industry favorite.
Key features:
- Flexibility. Customize every aspect of your website with thousands of themes and plugins in its vast repository.
- Open‑source platform. Gain complete control over your website’s design and functionality through an actively supported community.
- Robust content management system. Manage large volumes of content efficiently with powerful editing and organizational tools.
- SEO-friendly. Optimize your site’s search engine performance using built‑in SEO options and plugins like Yoast SEO.
- Scalability. Seamlessly scale your website from a small blog to a large eCommerce store as your business grows.
- Integration capabilities. Easily integrate with third‑party tools and services to enhance functionality, from e‑commerce to social media integration.
| Highlights | Limitations |
| Highly customizable with thousands of themes and plugins Open-source and provides complete control over design and functionality SEO-friendly with plugins like Yoast SEO Scalable to accommodate growing websites | Steeper learning curve compared to drag-and-drop builders Requires more technical knowledge to fully utilize all features Requires regular updates and maintenance to ensure security and optimal performance |
Ideal for:
WordPress is ideal for tech-savvy bloggers and business owners who demand extensive customization and complete control over their websites. Although it’s a bit harder to learn, its unmatched flexibility and scalability ultimately pay off, empowering you to build a tailored, dynamic online presence that grows alongside your business.
Wix
Wix is another Google Site alternative with a versatile and user-centric design, making it a favorite among creative and design-savvy entrepreneurs. Its advanced AI website builder simplifies the design process by quickly generating a personalized layout based on your input. It also provides an enormous collection of modern templates, many of which are available at no extra cost.
Key features:
- Intuitive drag‑and‑drop editor. Create custom layouts without any coding knowledge.
- AI website builder tool. Get a personalized website quickly by answering a few simple questions.
- Extensive template library. Access hundreds of professional and free templates to match your brand’s style.
- App market. Enhance your site with eCommerce, booking systems, and live chat functionalities.
- Mobile optimization. Ensure your website automatically looks and functions well on any device.
| Highlights | Limitations |
| Beginner-friendly drag-and-drop editor AI-powered website builder creates personalized layouts quickly Provides over 800 templates for various industries Mobile optimization ensures a smooth experience across devices | Advanced features often require premium plans May lack the depth of customization found in other platforms |
Ideal for:
Wix is a beginner-friendly website builder platform suitable for creative entrepreneurs and design-oriented business owners.
GoDaddy
GoDaddy Website Builder has built its reputation on simplicity and speed. The platform offers a step-by-step guide that makes launching a website easy. It integrates essential marketing tools into the setup, helping you to create your site and promote it from day one.
Key features:
- Step‑by‑step guided setup. A user-friendly walkthrough that simplifies the site creation process.
- Integrated marketing tools. Built‑in tools to boost your online presence.
- Responsive templates. Mobile‑friendly designs that automatically adjust for different devices.
- Fast performance. Reliable hosting that keeps your site’s loading times fast.
- eCommerce capabilities. An easy-to-set-up online store with essential features like product listings and shopping carts.
| Highlights | Limitations |
| Step-by-step guide for website creation Built-in marketing tools for quick promotion Fast hosting for good web performance Simple eCommerce setup for small businesses looking to sell online | Users may experience frequent prompts to purchase additional services Templates may appear less modern with minimal customization options |
Ideal for:
GoDaddy Website Builder is well-suited for small business owners, freelancers, and professionals who need a polished, functional website without a steep learning curve. Its guided approach and integrated marketing tools make it an excellent option for those who want to establish and promote a professional-looking online presence.
Squarespace
Squarespace is known for its beautifully designed templates and seamless all‑in‑one platform. It offers a refined experience for brands that value aesthetics and simplicity. If you’re looking for a visually captivating website design and effortless site management, Squarespace will not disappoint.
Key features:
- Elegant, professional templates. Provides beautifully designed themes that emphasize visual storytelling and brand impact.
- All‑in‑one platform. Has integrated hosting, SSL certificates, and performance tools that remove the need for third‑party add‑ons.
- Robust eCommerce and blogging tools. Offers the capability to manage products, inventory, and content in one unified dashboard.
- Responsive designs. Automatically optimized for mobile devices for a consistent look and functionality across all screen sizes.
- Comprehensive analytics and SEO controls. Gives detailed performance analytics along with robust SEO settings to help enhance search rankings.
| Highlights | Limitations |
| Beautifully designed templates Strong eCommerce and blogging tools in one unified dashboard Automatically optimized for mobile devices Comprehensive SEO controls and detailed performance analytics | Adding advanced features can be more expensive Limited freedom to create your own design |
Ideal for:
Squarespace is best for entrepreneurs, designers, photographers, and other creative professionals who prioritize a visually stunning online presence.
Switch to a better alternative
The phasing out of Google Business websites presents a unique opportunity for you to explore other platforms that may better align with your business’s evolving needs.
Each alternative on our list has its own distinct strengths, so consider your specific requirements to find the perfect match. Consider exploring these options to begin your journey with a new partner for growing your business online.
Visit Network Solutions and discover how you can effortlessly transition your website to a more capable website builder with all the tools and services you need without the hassle.
