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Google Sites Updates 2025 Shutdown Explained

Confused by Google Sites changes? Learn what’s shut down (GBP websites) and what’s staying (New Sites) in 2025, plus steps to keep your online presence strong.

Digital DaveDigital Dave· 1 min read

Navigating Google’s Website Changes: Google Sites vs. Google Business Profiles

For anyone relying on Google to maintain their online presence, the graveyard of retired tools and forced migrations can feel overwhelming. With updates spanning several years and affecting different Google platforms, a little confusion is completely understandable.

My goal here is to clarify the distinctions between Classic Google Sites, New Google Sites, and websites tied to Google Business Profiles — while bringing you fully up to speed on their current status in 2026. 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

Launched in 2008, Classic Google Sites 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. This revamped version boasts a modern interface, improved mobile responsiveness, and richer features like drag-and-drop design, seamless Google Drive integration, and enhanced collaboration tools.

Here is how the transition played out:

  • Editing Ended: Google stopped allowing edits to Classic Sites back in January 2023.
  • Forced Migrations: Throughout 2023 and early 2024, Google automatically migrated remaining Classic Sites to the new platform as editable drafts.
  • Current Status: Today, Classic Sites are entirely a thing of the past. If you had an old site that was never manually published on the new platform, it is no longer accessible to the public, though a draft version may still be sitting in your Google Drive.

What to Do if You Had a Classic Site

If you haven’t checked your Google Sites dashboard in a few years, log in to sites.google.com and look for any migrated drafts.

  1. Review the Draft: Check that all content (text, images, links) transferred correctly. Some older embeds or complex layouts usually require manual fixes.
  2. Leverage New Features: Experiment with modern tools like embedded Google Forms, YouTube videos, or real-time collaboration options.
  3. Publish or Archive: Once satisfied, hit “Publish” to make it live. If you no longer need the site, consider exporting the content as a backup before deleting it.

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 using your Google Business Profile data (address, hours, photos) and hosted on domains like .business.site or .negocio.site.

They offered a quick, free way for businesses to establish a baseline online presence—but customization was highly limited, and they lacked the robustness of a true website. Google ultimately abandoned this project to push users toward dedicated standalone platforms.

Here is the timeline of their shutdown:

  • Phase Out: In March 2024, Google began shutting down GBP websites, redirecting visitors to the business’s Google Maps/Search profile instead.
  • Redirection Ended: By June 2024, those temporary redirects stopped.
  • Current Status: GBP websites are officially dead. If you still have a .business.site link on your business cards, social media, or directories, it currently results in a “404 – Page Not Found” error, meaning you are actively losing web traffic.

What to Do if You Relied on a GBP Website

If you haven’t replaced your auto-generated site yet, reclaiming your online presence should be your top priority.

  1. Pick a New Platform: Move to a robust website builder. Options like Wix or Squarespace are popular for standard users. For advanced users, my top recommendation is Estage — a powerful platform with deep customization that hit the market in late 2024. For a more complex, all-in-one tool similar to Estage is ideal for marketers and digital entrepreneurs needing extensive CRM integrations. And its new GENESIS AI integration is amazing!
  2. 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.
  3. Update Your GBP: Log into your Google Business Profile, add your new website URL, and verify it. This ensures customers can actually click through to your business from Google Search and Maps.
  4. Redirect Old Traffic: If you owned a custom domain that previously pointed to your old Google site, make sure you set up a 301 redirect to your new platform so you don't lose your SEO value.

Pro Tips for a Stronger Online Presence

  • Prioritize SEO: Whatever platform you choose, optimize it with local keywords (your business name, location, services), fast load times, and a mobile-first design. Built-in SEO features in platforms like Estage or plugins like Yoast make this much easier.
  • Monitor Analytics: Use Google Analytics to track visitor behavior on your new site so you can continually refine your strategy.
  • Claim Your Social Media: It's incredibly important to secure and set up your social media accounts across major platforms—even if you do not have the time to make daily posts right now. Just owning the real estate matters.

By understanding these platform updates and acting proactively, you can turn Google’s forced changes into an opportunity to build a much stronger, future-proof digital footprint.

Have questions about your specific site? Drop them below—I’m here to help!