Google Sites in 2025: Shutdowns, Transitions, and Next Steps
For anyone relying on Google Sites to maintain their online presence, recent changes might feel overwhelming. With updates spanning years and affecting different Google tools, confusion is understandable.
My goal here is to clarify the distinctions between “Classic Google Sites,” “New Google Sites,” and websites tied to Google Business Profiles—while updating you on their current status as of March 2025. Whether you’re a small business owner, a hobbyist, or a digital marketer, this guide will help you navigate these shifts and keep your online presence intact.
The Evolution of Google Sites: Classic vs. New
The Evolution of Google Sites: Classic vs. New
Classic Google Sites, launched in 2008, was a simple, user-friendly platform for creating basic websites. It served its purpose well for over a decade, but by 2020, Google rolled out New Google Sites, a revamped version boasting a modern interface, improved mobile responsiveness, and richer features like drag-and-drop design, seamless Google Drive integration, and enhanced collaboration tools.
Here’s what’s happened since:
Editing Ended for Classic Sites: Google stopped allowing edits to Classic Sites in January 2023. If you had a site on this platform, you could no longer tweak it directly.
Migration to New Sites: Throughout 2023 and into 2024, Google automatically migrated remaining Classic Sites to New Sites as editable drafts. This process preserved your content and structure, though some formatting adjustments were often needed due to platform differences.
Current Status (March 2025): By now, most Classic Sites have been fully transitioned or archived. If your site hasn’t been migrated, it’s likely inaccessible to the public but may still exist in your Google account as a draft or archived version.
What to Do if You Had a Classic Site?
If you haven’t checked your Google Sites dashboard lately, log in to
Review the Draft: Check that all content (text, images, links) transferred correctly. Some older embeds or complex layouts may need manual fixes.
Leverage New Features: Experiment with New Sites’ modern tools—think embedded Google Forms, YouTube videos, or real-time collaboration options.
Publish or Archive: Once satisfied, hit “Publish” to make it live. If you no longer need the site, consider exporting it as a backup before letting it fade into the digital ether.
The Fate of Google Business Profile Websites
The Fate of Google Business Profile Websites
Separate from Google Sites, Google Business Profile (GBP) websites were a different beast entirely. These were auto-generated, single-page sites built from your GBP data (e.g., address, hours, photos), hosted on domains like .business.site or .negocio.site.
They offered a quick, free way for businesses to establish an online presence with minimal effort—but customization was limited, and they lacked the robustness of a full website.
Here’s the timeline and current reality:
Shutdown Initiated: In March 2024, Google began phasing out GBP websites. Visitors were redirected to the business’s Google Business Profile page instead.
Redirection Ended: By June 10, 2024, the redirects stopped. Since then, typing a .business.site URL into a browser results in a “404 – Page Not Found” error.
March 2025 Update: As of now, GBP websites are officially defunct. If you relied on one, it’s no longer accessible, and any traffic it once drew has evaporated unless you’ve taken action.
What to Do if You Had a GBP Website?
If you haven’t replaced your GBP site yet, it’s not too late to reclaim your online presence. Here’s how:
Pick a New Platform: Move to a robust website builder. Options like
Wix (drag-and-drop simplicity),Squarespace (stunning templates), orWordPress (endless flexibility) are popular. For advanced users, my recommendation isEstage (a newcomer with powerful customization, launched in late 2024). Then for more complex but all-in-one tool just like Estage isGoHighLevel (ideal for marketers with CRM integration).Build Your Site: Transfer key info from your GBP (hours, contact details, services) and enhance it with visuals, customer testimonials, and a blog to boost engagement and SEO. I have a program where I will build your website for you. Check out
my Website Optimization offer here!Update Your GBP: Log into your Google Business Profile at
business.google.com , add your new website URL, and verify it. This ensures customers find your new site via Google Search and Maps. Need yourGoogle Business Profile optimized ?Redirect Old Traffic: If you own a custom domain previously linked to your .business.site, set up a 301 redirect to your new site to retain any lingering traffic or SEO value.
Key Differences and Why It Matters
Google Sites (Classic & New): Aimed at personal, team, or educational websites, these remain active (via New Sites) and are unrelated to GBP. They’re not shutting down—just evolving.
GBP Websites: Tied to local business listings, these were a stopgap solution that Google has now abandoned, pushing users toward standalone platforms.
Why the changes? Google seems to be streamlining its offerings. New Sites aligns with its broader ecosystem (Docs, Drive, etc.), while GBP websites likely saw low engagement and couldn’t compete with dedicated builders in functionality or SEO potential.
Pro Tips for a Stronger Online Presence in 2025
Pro Tips for a Stronger Online Presence in 2025
SEO Matters: Whatever platform you choose, optimize it with keywords (e.g., your business name, location, services), fast load times, and mobile-friendly design. Tools like Yoast (for WordPress) or built-in SEO features in Estage can help.
Monitor Analytics: Use Google Analytics to track visitors to your new site and refine your strategy.
Stay Ahead: Keep an eye on Google’s ecosystem—rumors suggest more integrations for New Sites in 2025, potentially enhancing its appeal.
Social Media: It's important to start setting up your social media accounts even if you do not want or have the time to make posts. I have a great offer for my followers that would like my company help build or optimize your social media accounts. Check out
my SMO offer here !
By understanding these updates and acting proactively, you can turn Google’s changes into an opportunity to build a more dynamic, future-proof online presence. Have questions? Drop them below—I’m here to help!
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