Unlock Local SEO Power with GBP Website Creation & Optimization

The GBP website landscape underwent a significant change in March 2024, when Google officially discontinued its Google Business Profile website feature. Overnight, millions of businesses lost their automatically generated GBP websites.

The silver lining? Having a dedicated, well-optimized website linked to your GBP is now more critical than ever for visibility and local SEO success.

This is where tools like GBPGM step in, offering a smarter, more flexible website creation solution that delivers far more than Google’s old version ever did.

In this blog, we’ll explore why a GBP-linked website remains essential for local SEO, how you can build one without hosting hassles, and how GBPGM makes the process fast, cost-effective, and performance-driven.

Why a Google Business Profile Website is Essential for Local SEO

Think of your GBP as your digital storefront. When a customer searches for “café near me,” your GBP is their first impression. A complete, optimized profile can make all the difference.

• Increased Trust and Credibility: A fully populated GBP makes customers 2.7 times more likely to trust your business. This trust is the foundation of customer relationships.
• More Visibility and Engagement: Businesses with complete profiles get 7 times more clicks. With nearly half of all Google searches (46%) having local intent, optimizing your profile is crucial for showing up in local search results and on Google Maps
• A Hub for Customer Actions: An optimized profile gives customers multiple ways to engage with you. They can call, get directions, visit your website, or even book an appointment directly from your listing.

Example:
A local dentist in New York without a website linked to their GBP saw 42% fewer website visits and 27% fewer calls within two months after their Google auto-site disappeared.

After switching to a GBPGM-built site, visits and calls returned and surpassed previous levels.

Having a dedicated website is the next logical step. It provides a more comprehensive home for your brand, where you can share detailed information, display your portfolio, and convert visitors into loyal customers.

For more on why these sites are important, check out our related article: Google Business Profile Sites.

What Makes GBPGM’s Website Creation Different

Unlike the old Google version, GBPGM’s website creation feature is custom-built for modern local SEO.

Here’s what it offers:

• No hosting fees: You don’t need to buy separate hosting.

• Local SEO-first design: Geo-targeted keywords, schema markup, and mobile optimization baked in.

• AI-assisted content: Pre-optimized service descriptions and headlines.

• Easy GBP linking: Your site is seamlessly connected to your GBP listing.

• Visual-rich templates: Modern layouts that convert visitors into customers.

• Integrated GBP tools: Post scheduling, review management, keyword tracking, and more.

Learn more: Revive Your Free Google Business Profile Website with GBPGM

How to Build a Powerful GBP Website with GBPGM

Since Google’s free website feature is gone, you need a new solution. The GBPGM (Google Business Profile Growth Manager) tool is a modern and effective alternative. It’s a fantastic way to create and manage a website that integrates directly with your Google Business Profile, all without the hassle of hosting fees.

• Login: Sign in to your GBPGM account to start creating your Google Business Profile (GBP) website.

• Go to Tools: From the dashboard, open the “Tools” section.

• Select GBP Site: Choose “GBP.site” to begin website creation.

• Input Subdomain: Enter a desired subdomain (e.g., businessname.gbpgm.site) and check availability.

• Enable Site: Activate your site for public access.

• Save: Publish your basic website. (Stop here for the free version.)

• Activate Premium: Upgrade with a GBPGM premium plan for advanced features.

• Customize Menus: Enable/disable extra menus like FAQ, Events, Offers, and Blog Posts.

• Add Mandatory Pages: Quickly generate AI-powered pages like Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

• Add Contact Info: Include extra details like email, WhatsApp, and social media links.

• Google Search Console & Tracking Codes: Integrate Google Search Console, Analytics, Ads, and receive an XML Sitemap.

• Additional Settings:

  • Add or buy a custom domain.

  • Enable Push Magnet notifications.

  • Show multiple branch addresses.

  • Change site color themes.

  • Set SEO-friendly blog slugs.

• Remove Site: Option to delete your website entirely (all settings and content will be lost).

If you want the step-by-step guide in detail to create a premium GBP website, here is the full Steps to Create a Premium Google Business Website using GBPGM Tool

Optimization is Key: Ranking Higher in Local Search

Creating a website is only the first step. To ensure it ranks well, you need to optimize it for local search. Here are some key strategies for GBP website optimization:

1. Complete Your Business Information: Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all online platforms, including your GBP and your new GBPGM site. Inconsistent information can confuse search engines and hurt your rankings.
2. Add High-Quality Visuals: Profiles with more photos get stronger engagement. Use high-quality images and videos of your business, products, and team.
3. Manage Reviews Actively: Reviews are a critical local ranking factor (Source: Search Endurance). Respond to every review, both positive and negative. This shows customers that you value their feedback.
4. Incorporate Local Keywords: Use phrases like “best café in [Your City]” and “plumber near [Your Landmark]” in your website content and GBP posts. This hyperlocal targeting helps you show up in more specific searches.
5. Focus on User Experience (UX): A fast, mobile-friendly website is more likely to rank well. Ensure your GBPGM site is easy to navigate and provides a seamless experience on any device.

Real-World Example: Filling the Gap After Google’s Website Shutdown

Case Study:
A local café in London lost its GBP auto-website in March 2024.
Result: 30% drop in website visits, 18% fewer map direction requests.

Solution:

• Built a GBPGM-powered site with optimized menu pages and event updates.

• Linked it to GBP and local directories.

• Used GBPGM’s post scheduler to keep GBP fresh.

Outcome:

• Map Pack ranking improved from #7 to #2 in 2 months

• Website visits increased by 55%

• Online orders up by 21%

Final Takeaway

Don’t let the discontinuation of Google’s free website builder hold you back. Now is the perfect time to create a new, powerful website that truly represents your business. With the GBPGM tool, you can build an optimized site quickly and easily, without any technical hassle or hosting costs.

Take control of your online visibility. Start your GBP website creation journey today and unlock the full potential of local SEO.