Google Sites Review: Is Google Website Builder Any Good for Business?

If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur looking for a reliable website builder, you’ve probably come across Google website builder, but is using Google Sites for business smart? In this Google Sites review, we’ll look closely at this tool.

Google Sites promises ease of use, sleek websites, seamless integration with Google’s suite of tools, and more. Let’s examine those promises and see if Google Sites makes a good choice for individuals and small businesses looking for a good website builder.

Google Sites Review 2023: Is Using Google Sites for Business a Good Idea?

As we will see in this comprehensive Google Sites.com review, this website builder offers a simple and affordable way for businesses to create a website. Still, the question remains: how good is Google Sites? It’s a good option for small businesses because of the many benefits. 

But, do keep in mind Google Sites is not for everyone. If your business needs a more advanced website builder, you may want to consult our list of best website builders on the market. We’ll elaborate on this in just a bit!

However, if you’re looking for a website builder that doesn’t require technical skills, opt for Google Sites. Crafting a website with this builder is a breeze, thanks to the drag-and-drop interface. This means that even small businesses with limited resources can create a modern website without needing a dedicated web developer.

Additionally, Google Sites is free! So, it’s perfect for businesses that want to keep costs low. The tool’s integration with other Google services is a huge plus.

Google Sites is part of the G Suite of tools. So, it can be easily integrated with other Google products, such as Google Drive, Google Analytics, and Google Calendar. This integration can help businesses streamline their workflow and increase efficiency.

However, using Google Sites for business has a few downsides.

One of the main drawbacks is the limited customization options. While the drag-and-drop interface is easy to use, it also means limited options for customizing the look and feel of your website. This can make it difficult for businesses that want a more unique or branded website.

Another potential disadvantage is the need for more advanced features. Google Sites is a simple website builder. Therefore, it doesn’t have all the features that businesses need, such as e-commerce functionality, complex forms, advanced search engine optimization tools, etc.

So, is using Google Sites for business a good idea? It depends on your specific needs and priorities.

If you’re looking for a simple and cheap website, don’t have technical skills, and don’t mind the lack of customization options and advanced features, then Google Sites could be a good choice for your business.

However, if you need a more unique or branded website with more advanced features, consider other website builders offering more customization options and features.

So, What is Google Sites Good for?

You may be wondering: why use Google Sites over other website builders? Well, this tool can help you create a website quickly and easily without any technical expertise.

While it’s not loaded with all the features of more advanced website builders, it’s still good for many things, such as the following:

• Simple websites: Google Sites is perfect for creating simple websites quickly and easily. The drag-and-drop interface of this tool makes it easy to add text, images, and other elements to your website, even without coding or technical expertise.

• Internal websites: Google Sites can be a great tool for creating internal websites for your business. For example, you could use Google Sites to create a company intranet where employees can access important information, company policies, and other resources.

• Collaboration: Google Sites makes collaborating with others on your website easy. You can share your website with others and give them editing rights, meaning multiple people can simultaneously work on the same website.

• Integration with Google Services: Google Sites is part of the G Suite of tools, so it integrates seamlessly with other Google services, such as Google Drive, Google Analytics, and Google Calendar. This integration can help businesses streamline their workflow and increase efficiency.

• Cost-effective: Google Sites is a free tool, which means that it’s a cheap option for businesses that want to create a website without spending much money.

• Mobile optimization: Google Sites automatically optimizes your website for mobile devices, which means that your website will look great on smartphones and tablets without any additional effort.

Overall, Google Sites is a versatile tool useful for various purposes, including creating simple websites, internal websites, and collaborating with others.

Moreover, it’s budget-friendly, offers seamless integration with other Google services, and optimizes your website for mobile devices.

While it doesn’t have all the features of more advanced website builders, Google Sites is still a powerful tool you can add to your business toolkit.

Review of Google Sites Pricing: Are Google Sites Free to Use Really?

Many people can’t believe that they’re getting Google Sites for free. But is Google Sites really free for individuals or small businesses, or does Google Sites cost money in ways that you might not initially have thought about? Let’s find out!

Google Sites is 100% FREE. However, if you want a custom domain name instead of sites.google.com/view/yoursite, that will cost you money.

Google Sites won’t charge you for using a custom domain, but you should buy a domain name, which will cost you around $10 annually if you use a cheap domain provider.

Also, did you know that the storage of your websites made with Google Sites is directly connected to your overall Google account? If you didn’t know, you do. This is important because that’s the same storage in Google Drive and Google Docs.

The good news is that most websites won’t take up much space, but if you have used up most of your overall Google account storage limit and want to upload large files, you might need to pay a few bucks monthly to increase storage.

So how much would a Google site cost as you use up more storage in your Google account? Let’s review Google Sites prices by looking at things through that lens.

Google Sites Features List (Google Website Builder Review)

Google Sites is a free website builder with many features to help small business owners create a professional-looking website quickly and easily.

Some of the key features of Google Sites include:

• Drag-and-drop interface

• Google Sites templates and themes

• Responsive design

• Collaboration tools

• Integration with Google services and apps

• Security

• Embedding options

• Analytics

• Custom domain name

Now, let’s look closely at each feature:

1. Drag-and-Drop Interface

Google Sites has a simple, intuitive drag-and-drop interface allowing users to add text, images, videos, and other elements to their website without coding or technical skills.

2. Google Sites Templates and Themes

Google Sites offers a range of customizable themes that allow users to change their website’s color scheme, fonts, and layout to match their brand or personal preferences.

3. Responsive Design

Google Sites automatically optimizes your website for mobile devices, meaning it will look great on smartphones and tablets without additional effort.

4. Collaboration Tools

Google Sites allows multiple users to work on the same website simultaneously, making collaborating with others on your website easy.

5. Integration with Google Services and Apps

Google Sites is part of the G Suite of tools. So, it integrates seamlessly with other Google services such as Google Drive, Google Analytics, and Google Calendar.

6. Security

Google Sites is hosted on Google’s servers, known for their high levels of security and reliability. This means that your website and data will be safe and secure.

7. Embedding Options

Google Sites allows users to embed content from other websites, such as YouTube videos, Google Maps, and Google Forms, making adding functionality to your website easy.

8. Analytics

Google Sites offers built-in analytics that allows users to track visitor traffic and behavior on their website, providing valuable insights that can be used to improve the user experience and increase engagement.

9. Custom Domain

If you wish, you can use a custom domain name bought from a domain provider rather than a generic Google Sites URL.

Google Sites Pros and Cons

Like any website builder, Google Sites isn’t perfect. Here’s a summary of Google Site’s pros and cons you should consider when choosing:

Google Sites Advantages

• Easy to use: The simple, intuitive interface is one of the biggest benefits of Google Sites. It makes it easy for users to create a website quickly and easily without technical expertise.

• Google website builder cost: Google Sites is a free tool, which means it’s a budget-friendly option for businesses and individuals who want to craft a website without spending much money.

• Integration with Google Services: Google Sites is one of the tools in the G Suite, so it integrates seamlessly with Google Drive, Google Analytics, Google Calendar, and other Google services.

• Collaboration: Google Sites allows multiple users to work on the same website simultaneously, making it easy to collaborate with others on your website.

• Customizable: Google Sites offers a range of customizable themes and templates and the ability to add custom CSS, making it easy to create a website that matches your brand or personal preferences.

• Mobile-friendly websites: Google Sites automatically optimizes your website for mobile devices. So, your new website will look great on smartphones and tablets without additional effort.

Google Sites Limitations

• Limited features: Google Sites doesn’t have all the features of more advanced website builders. So, it has limited functionality, which can be a deal-breaker for some users.

• Limited customization: While Google Sites offers many customizable themes and templates, users can find their options for customization somewhat limited.

• Limited SEO optimization: Google Sites doesn’t offer as many options for search engine optimization as other website builders, which may make it harder for users to rank high in search engine results.

• No eCommerce: Google Sites has no built-in eCommerce platform, so it’s unsuitable for selling products or services online. This is one of the biggest cons of Google Sites.

• Limited analytics: Google Sites offers built-in analytics, but these can be limited compared to other website builders.

Google Sites Complaints & Praise (Google Sites Reviews from Real Customers)

Like any other website builder, Google Sites has received criticism and praise. Here’s a breakdown of common Google Site reviews.

Complaints

Most people complain about this tool’s limited customization options, especially regarding design and layout. Users have also complained about lacking advanced SEO optimization tools and eCommerce capabilities.

Some users claim that Google Sites lacks advanced features that other website builders provide. There have also been reports of issues with mobile responsiveness, with some elements not scaling correctly on mobile devices.

But enough of the negative Google website builder reviews. Let’s see why so many trust Google Sites with their first business website despite the shortages.

Praise

Despite these complaints, there’s a list of things that most users appreciate about Google Sites. For one, the platform is easy to use, with a simple and intuitive interface that allows even non-technical users to create a website quickly and easily.

Another benefit’s that Google Sites is free, making it a popular option for businesses and individuals looking to build a website without spending much money.

Collaboration is another feature that many users like about Google Sites. The platform allows multiple users to work on the same website simultaneously, which is especially useful for companies with multiple team members working on the website.

Finally, users appreciate the customization options available on Google Sites.

The platform offers a range of customizable themes and templates and the ability to add custom CSS, allowing users to create a website that matches their brand.

In summary, Google Sites has flaws and strengths, and whether or not to use it for your business will depend on your specific needs and preferences as a website owner.

Review of Google Sites Support

Google Sites support is provided through various channels, including help center articles, community forums, and email support. Here’s a closer look at the support options available to Google Sites users:

Help Center Articles

• The Google Sites Help Center is a comprehensive library of articles and tutorials that cover a wide range of topics related to using the platform.
• Users can search for answers to common questions, read step-by-step tutorials, and troubleshoot issues they may encounter while using the platform.

Community Forums

• Google also offers community forums where users can post questions, share tips, and seek advice from other users.
• They’re moderated by Google staff, who guide and support users when needed.

Email Support

• Users who need more personalized support can contact Google support via email. Response times can vary, but Google generally responds within 24-48 hours.

Google Site Blog

• Google has a blog dedicated to Google Sites where users can find information, updates, and tips on using the platform.
• The Google Sites blog covers various topics, including new features and updates, case studies and success stories, and tips and tutorials for using the platform.
• Users can access the Google Sites blog from the Google Workspace Updates blog, the main blog for all Google Workspace products.
• You can find Google Sites-specific posts by filtering the posts by product or searching for “Google Sites” in the blog’s search bar.

While Google Sites offers support through various channels, some users have reported that the support isn’t as responsive or helpful as they would like.

Sometimes, users have had to search for solutions independently or turn to third-party support resources. However, for basic issues or questions, the help center articles and community forums can be a helpful resource for users.

Is Google Sites Worth it? Our Conclusion

So, is Google Sites.com website builder worth it? In our opinion, it’s worth it because it’s reliable and FREE. You can’t beat the fact that it’s a free website builder for people and businesses who want to create a basic website quickly and easily.

The integration with other Google tools and simple interface makes this tool popular for many users. Still, you should consider other Google Sites alternatives if your business requires more advanced features or customization options, such as WordPress or Wix.

Ultimately, whether to use Google Sites or another website builder will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
 

Our Final Google Sites Rating

We would give Google Sites a rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Google Sites FAQs

Is sites.google.com Legit?

Yes, sites.google.com is a legitimate website owned and operated by Google. It’s the domain used for creating and hosting websites using Google Sites. This website builder is completely legit as it is offered by Google as part of its Google Workspace suite of productivity tools.

With Google Sites, you can create a simple website without coding or technical skills. There’s a wide selection of templates and customization options.

So, you can easily customize your website’s design, layout, and content using a simple drag-and-drop interface.

When using Google Sites, your data is stored securely on Google’s servers and is protected by industry-standard security measures. Google also regularly updates and maintains the platform for maximum security and protection.
 

How Much Does Google Sites Cost?

Google Sites is a free website builder offered by Google. It’s included as part of the Google Workspace suite of productivity tools, a subscription-based service offering a range of tools and services for businesses and organizations. Several different Google Workspace plans include different features and pricing.

The most basic plan, Google Workspace Essentials, includes access to Google Sites and other tools like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Meet.

Businesses and organizations with more advanced needs should consider other plans, such as Google Workspace Business and Google Workspace Enterprise.

These plans offer extra features and capabilities, such as increased storage space and more advanced security and administrative controls, but also have a higher price tag.
 

Do You Have to Pay for Google Sites Web Hosting if You Want Your Own Domain?

No, you don’t have to pay for web hosting when using Google Sites with your custom domain. When you create a website using Google Sites, you can use a free subdomain (e.g., yoursite.sites.google.com) or your custom domain (e.g., yoursite.com).

To use your custom domain with Google Sites, you must buy a domain name from a domain registrar, such as GoDaddy or Namecheap. Once you have bought your domain name, you can connect it to your Google Sites website.

When you connect your domain to your Google Sites website, Google will automatically handle the web hosting for your site. You don’t need to pay for separate web hosting services, as Google will host your site for free.
 

Is sites.google.com Safe from Hackers?

Google Sites isn’t hacker-proof. No online platform is. However, you can trust Google Sites security, as a wide range of integrated security measures helps protect user data and prevent unauthorized access. Those measures include encrypted connections, two-factor authentication, automatic updates, user access controls, and security monitoring.

No system can be 100% safe, but Google’s extensive security measures and ongoing security improvements help make Google Sites a relatively safe platform.
 

Is Google Sites Easy to Use?

Looking for an easy-to-use website builder? Google Sites is a user-friendly website builder suitable for users of all levels of technical skill and website-building experience. The platform offers a range of features that make it easy to create and customize professional-looking websites without coding or design skills. 

The drag-and-drop editing interface, customizable templates, built-in collaboration tools, and seamless integration with other Google products are some of the main features that make Google Sites easy to use.

The platform is designed to be accessible to anyone and offers a simple, intuitive interface that makes website creation and customization a breeze.
 

Can You Use Google Sites for a Small Business?

Is Google Sites good for small businesses? Google Sites is great for small businesses who want a basic website without the need for technical skills. The site builder has tools that can be easily used to build a website that displays the business’s products, services, and brand in real-time.

Overall, Google Sites is a decent website builder for small business owners who want new Google sites for free.