How to create a business website on Google for free

You can still make a website on Google for free, but not the way many owners remember it. The free websites Google built from Business Profiles were switched off in March 2024, so today the free route is a Google Sites page, a complete Business Profile, and a WhatsApp catalogue, each with real limits.

Lots of owners still search for this, often because an old business.site link stopped working. This guide explains what happened, how to make a free Google Sites page step by step, and when a proper site on your own domain is worth paying for.

Picture a tailoring shop in Shyambazar or a home tutor in Garia (examples, not clients). Both want something to send customers that isn't just a phone number. Here's what they can do without spending a rupee.

What happened to Google Business Profile websites?

Google's help page said that as of March 5, 2024, websites made with Google Business Profiles were no longer available (Google, archived). Visitors were sent to the Business Profile instead, but only until June 10, 2024. After that, they got a "Page not found" error.

Google suggested making a new site with another tool, such as Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, Google Sites, Shopify or WordPress, and then putting the new address on your profile. Search Engine Journal reported the same shutdown dates at the time (SEJ).

Google has since taken that help page down, which is why we link an archived copy. If your Business Profile, visiting card or Instagram bio still shows a business.site address, replace it now. It leads nowhere.

Can I still make a website on Google for free?

Yes, with Google Sites. It works with the Google account you already have, and Google's help describes building and publishing a site with no payment step, as of November 2026 (Sites Help).

1. On a computer, open sites.google.com/new.
2. Under "Start a new site", pick a template.
3. Add your text and photos.
4. Click Preview to check it before anyone else sees it.
5. Click Publish, enter a web address for your site, and publish.
6. Next to "Published site", choose Public, so anyone can see it (Sites Help).

Your site will live on a sites.google.com address. Don't tick the option asking search engines not to show your site, or Google may leave it out.

You can connect your own domain, such as yourshop.in, from Settings, then Custom domains (Sites Help). The domain itself costs money every year. Buying one through Google needs a paid Google Workspace plan, but you can connect one bought elsewhere, and Google says changes can take up to 48 hours to show.

What to put on a free Google Sites page

Keep it to one page that answers what customers ask on the phone. A short, true page beats a long one nobody updates.

• Name, address and a landmark, such as "opposite the Garia bus stand".
• Phone and a WhatsApp chat link, so people can message you in one tap.
• Hours, including your weekly holiday.
• Services and prices in rupees, like "Blouse stitching from ₹350".
• Five or six real photos of the shop, your work and you.
• How to pay, such as UPI, cash or card.

Use exactly the same name, address and phone as on your Google profile. Matching details mean nobody calls an old number.

Your Business Profile already works like a free page

For many local businesses, the Business Profile is the "website" most customers see first. Google says you can add or claim one at no charge (Google).

Once verified, you can add hours, photos, services, a description of up to 750 characters and a website link (Google). Some categories can add links for orders, reservations or appointments. In some regions, customers can also message you on WhatsApp straight from the profile.

Our guide to setting up your Google Business Profile covers claiming, verifying and what gets profiles suspended.

The free options compared

Each free option does one job well. Here's how they compare.

If most of your orders already come over WhatsApp, a catalogue may be all you need. Our guide on WhatsApp catalogue or a website helps you decide.

When a site on your own domain is worth it

A free page is a good start. It stops being enough at a few clear points.

• Strangers need to find you on Google for searches like "physiotherapist near Tollygunge", not just your name.
• You want customers to act online, by booking a slot, ordering food or paying a deposit, without calling.
• You want an email address on your own domain, like info@yourshop.in, instead of a Gmail address.
• You're quoting bigger jobs, where a proper site makes you look established.

Then you pay for a domain every year, plus building and looking after the site. As one example, Pixelvile's Starter plan is ₹12,000 to ₹18,000 to build and ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 a month, before GST, as of November 2026 (our prices). If a free Google Sites page does the job for you, keep it.

If you'd like help

If you're not sure whether a free page is enough, ask for a free audit and we'll tell you honestly, or WhatsApp us on +91 62918 31815.