HOW TO DELETE A GOOGLE WEBSITE
In today’s digital age, having a website is essential for businesses, organizations, and individuals alike. With the rise of Google as the most popular search engine, having a website indexed by it can lead to increased exposure and visibility. However, there may come a time when you no longer need or want to keep a Google website and need to delete it. In this comprehensive guide, we will go through the step-by-step process of how to delete a Google website and ensure its removal from search results.
Before we dive into the steps, it is essential to understand the difference between a “Google website” and a regular website. A Google website, also known as a “Google My Business website,” is a free website provided by Google to businesses and organizations listed on Google My Business. It is a simple and easy way for businesses to create an online presence and provide essential information to potential customers. With that in mind, let’s start with the deletion process.
Step 1: Remove Website from Google My Business
The first step in deleting a Google website is to remove it from your Google My Business account. To do so, log in to your Google My Business account and select the website you want to delete. Once on the website’s dashboard, click on the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner and select “Remove website.” Confirm the action by clicking “OK.” This step will not permanently delete the website, but it will take it offline.
Step 2: Access Google Sites
Next, you need to access Google Sites by clicking on the following link: https://sites.google.com/ Alternatively, you can visit the Google homepage, select “More” from the top menu, and click “Sites” under the “Products” section. This will redirect you to the Google Sites dashboard, where you will see the list of websites associated with your Google account.
Step 3: Log In and Select Website to Delete
Log in to your Google account if you haven’t already, and select the website you need to delete from the dashboard. Once on the website’s page, click on the “Settings” button (icon in the top right corner represented by a gear symbol). From the drop-down menu, select “Manage site.” This action will open a new page with the website’s settings and management tools.
Step 4: Access the Manage Site Menu
On the website’s settings page, click on the “Manage site” menu, located on the left side of the screen. This menu contains all the options you need to manage and customize your Google website.
Step 5: Go to “General” Settings
Under the “Manage site” menu, click on “General” to access the website’s general settings.
Step 6: Delete the Site
On the “General” settings page, scroll down to the bottom, and click on the “Delete site” button. You will be prompted to confirm the action, and upon confirmation, the site will be permanently deleted.
Step 7: Inform Google about the Deletion
Now that the website has been deleted, it is crucial to inform Google about the removal. This step will ensure that the website is taken down from Google’s search results. To do so, visit Google’s removal request page at https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/removals, and follow the instructions provided. This step may take some time, but it is crucial for the website’s complete removal.
Step 8: Redirect Users to a New Website (Optional)
If you have a new website or online presence, it may be worthwhile to redirect users to it when they visit your old Google website. To do this, under the “Settings” menu, click on “Site layout” and select “Add to custom URL.” Enter the URL you want to redirect visitors to and click “Save.” This step ensures that visitors who land on your old Google website are seamlessly directed to your new website.
Congratulations! You have successfully deleted your Google website and ensured its removal from Google’s search results. However, it is essential to note that the removal process may take some time to complete and for the website to disappear from search results entirely.
In conclusion, deleting a Google website may seem like a daunting task, but the process is relatively simple and straightforward. By following the above steps, you can easily delete your Google website and ensure its removal from search results. Remember to inform Google about the deletion and redirect visitors to a new website (if applicable). With this guide, you can easily manage and delete your Google websites as needed.