Google has a free one-page website builder designed for small businesses.
any have Google Business Profile Websites can be created and edited in minutes on desktop or mobile using this tool.
Since Google’s website builder is an extension of the Google Business Profile, you need to have the full list to use it.
The information and photos from your Google Business Profile are automatically pulled to create a basic website that you can customize with a theme, images, and text.
Whenever you update your Google business profile, these changes will also apply to your website.
How to create and publish your website
When you first claim your Google Business Profile, you have the option to create and publish an auto-generated website.
When you claim your profile, Google prompts you to create an accompanying website.
If you have already claimed your profile, follow the steps below to create a website.
To create your website:
- Log in to Business Profile Manager.
- Open the profile you want to manage.
- click website menu to create your website.
Follow the on-screen instructions. When you’re satisfied, you can go ahead and publish it for the world to see.
Most of the content will be pre-populated, but you can customize it to your liking.
You can edit these elements of your website:
- theme: Choose from a range of preset options.
- text field: as title and description.
- call-to-action button: Select the main action you want the customer to perform, such as request a quote.
- photo: Select a cover photo.
- business information: Update your company name and contact information.
- Links to external websites: Links to other related URLs.
- Menu Item: Restaurants can list menu items on their website.
You can go back and edit the above sections of your website at any time.
How to link others to your website
After publishing your website, you will no doubt want to share it with your customers, and make some links.
By default, sites created with Google Business Profiles will follow the following domain structure: “yourcompanyname.business.site”.
If you want a more shareable URL, you can purchase a custom domain from your account’s Settings menu. Google will automatically associate your website with the domain name you purchased.
To buy a custom domain for a website created through your business profile on Google, publish your website and click “Buy Domain” when prompted (or from your account’s Settings menu).
Then, you can search for domains and buy them.
If you choose not to purchase a custom domain, there is no charge for using Google’s website builder. Hosting a website is free with or without a custom domain.
Once your website is published, updating it is as easy as updating your Google Business Profile. Updates to your business information will be automatically applied to your website.
Google’s website builder is limited by design and lacks many of the features you’ll find in more robust content management systems.
However, this is the trade-off you get with a free, user-friendly tool that also comes with free hosting. It’s not a perfect solution, but arguably better than no website at all.
For more information, see Google Help Center.
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Featured image: Cameron Prince/Shutterstock
