What are Google Profile Sites?
This free resource has allowed businesses to have an online presence without the hassle of hosting and designing and everything else that goes along with owning a website. They follow a standardized format with sections for a featured image, hours, testimonials, a photo gallery, map, and contact information. Businesses have been able to update their accent color and upload their logo.
But, as it goes away, the question remains, “What next?”
We are excited to share another free resource that offers a similar solution: WhirLocal.
How WhirLocal can replace your Google Business Profile website
WhirLocal is an online magazine for your neighborhood or community. You can create a business listing by importing your Google Business Profile or entering your information one time. From that moment on, you have a permanent place on the internet to call yours.
Now, instead of sending people to company-name.business.site you can send them to your WhirLocal listing. Note: For the overachievers, you can also buy a domain name like yourbusiness.com and set it up to redirect visitors to your WhirLocal listing. This means you can have yourbusiness.com on any marketing materials, social media, business cards, etc, and still use a completely free listing to house all the good stuff.
Benefits of WhirLocal
- A place to direct customers online: Just like your business profile site, you can include the same sections like contact, hours, reviews, posts, etc.
- Quick Setup: If you have a brick and mortar location, you can automatically create a listing from your Google Business Profile in as little as 30 seconds!
- Rank Higher: Search rankings have improved for several businesses using WhirLocal.
- Get Connected: Connecting with other local businesses and community members in your area is easy peasy.
- Increase Impressions: You can become a neighborhood sponsor for even more exposure!
WhirLocal Examples
- DataVision has done a great job of building their page out and using the news & updates feature—plus, it automatically pulls in Google reviews!
- We’ve been focusing a lot of energy on spotlighting local businesses like yours, and you can see those here. P.S. If you want us to write a spotlight article on you, fill out this form.
- Sean from Country Financial uses his as a way to create an online presence specific to his agency.
If you want to learn more about how the WhirLocal platform can help you reach your audience online, contact Jeremy at 503.602.9074.
What about a full website?
What if you’re thinking, “I’m ready to upgrade to a full website now that my Google profile site is being shut down. What are my options?” Great question!
We have several template layouts built using one of the top website themes in the world with a drag-and-drop builder and endless possibilities. Even starting with a layout nearly identical to your Google site can open the door to adding more pages, your own blog, and other features and functions moving forward. But, let’s not get too into the nitty gritty here. To start a conversation about website options, give us a call today and ask for Jeremy. 503.602.9074