Do you want to skip the read and get right to my pick in this Google Site vs WordPress comparison? The better website builder for most people is WordPress.
Introduction to our Google Site vs WordPress Comparison?
Google has practically taken over the internet and it was only a matter of time until it had its own website building platform. And now that Google Sites has undergone a gradual overhaul, we can’t help but wonder how it holds up to the website building powerhouses, starting with WordPress.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at how Google Site vs WordPress pans out in this website builder showdown.
Overview:
Wait – let's first grab a snapshot of each of our competitors in this Google Website vs WordPress battle.
Google Sites:
Creating websites with Google Sites has been going on since 2016. True, it may still be relatively new, but the simplicity of its process has captured the attention of many Internet users. Plus, since it's from the makers of Gmail, Google Docs, and just about every productivity tool out there – expectations are high with this platform.
WordPress.com:
Speaking of expectations, WordPress has taken the lead in website building for years now. It has built itself as an authority in the industry and an undeniable trust from entrepreneurs, freelancers, bloggers, and other professionals.
To clarify, there are two WordPress iterations out there – the self-hosted open-source CMS platform WordPress.org and the fully-hosted website builder WordPress.com. In this comparison, we are doing a head-to-head evaluation of the like for like Google Website vs WordPress.com.
Ease of Use:
How does Google Sites vs WordPress stack up in terms of ease of use? Which between them demands a lower learning curve?
Google Sites:
If you have a Google account, you can easily build a website through Google Sites. The process of putting up your pages is painless and straightforward. If your background in website building is within absolute zero, then within Google Website vs WordPress, Google Site might just be the platform for you.
WordPress.com:
Building functional and professional websites is what WordPress does best. Its developers have made strides in making the platform user-friendly – and they have succeeded. Still, if you don’t have sufficient knowledge about WordPress, navigating to your dashboard might become a challenge. Nonetheless, once you get the hang of it, the features are optimised to your satisfaction.
Winner – Google Sites! Within our ‘Ease of Use’ Google Site vs WordPress comparison.
Features and Flexibility:
Out-of-the-box:
How do you compare Google Site vs WordPress in terms of built-in features?
Google Sites:
A key marketing point for Google Sites is its integration in the Google Suite along with other tools that enhance work functionality. Best of all, the platform is also free and gets immediate recognition from Google as a search engine.
WordPress.com:
WordPress is often dubbed the champion of website building. Its features are regularly updated to fit business and personal needs in relation to creating astonishing and SEO-friendly websites. As a highly functional software as a service (SaaS), its eCommerce features rely on the WooCommerce plugin.
Google Sites vs WordPress Themes and Templates:
Google Sites:
One downside of Google Sites is that it only has 13 templates. Nonetheless, it compensates for this limitation through its flexibility and a drag-and-drop editor.
WordPress.com:
You can choose from more than 250 templates that WordPress has to offer. If you have higher plans, you can access premium templates. Therefore, if you’re into stunning template designs, WordPress allows you the freedom to execute your aesthetic.
Needless to say, between Google Website vs WordPress, the latter has the edge in themes and templates.
Customisation Tools:
Google Sites:
Google Sites design is customisable. The basic editor is simple to use, although they may come limited compared to WordPress.
WordPress.com:
There is no doubt that WordPress has mastered customisation with its block-based editor and the integration of plugins. You can sprinkle your brand on the different elements of your web pages.
Google Sites vs WordPress 3rd Party Integrations:
What about apps integrations for greater website functionality? Who wins between Google Sites vs WordPress?
Google Sites:
Your only choice of apps and programs for your Google website are those that are part of the Google Suite. You won’t be able to add any other third-party plugins. However, you can add widgets on your site from outside platforms.
WordPress.com:
When it comes to Google Website vs WordPress, the latter still takes the lead when it comes to third-party integrations. You can choose from an array of plugins proven to boost your website's design and performance.
Hosting:
Hosting is free with Google but you will have to buy your own domain. Meanwhile, WordPress.com is a fully-hosted platform and does not need a third-party service.
Backups:
Google Sites take full advantage of cloud-based storage, specifically its very own Google Drive. You can export sites through programs available in the Google Suite. Comparatively, backup plugins are readily available in WordPress to automate data storage and retrieval.
Migration:
Google Sites:
From Google Site to WordPress, the migration process can be easy since the database is stored in the Google Drive.
WordPress.com:
Migrating to WordPress is almost painless. You will be guided by specific directions until the process is executed successfully.
Winner – WordPress! Within our ‘Features and Flexibility’ Google Site vs WordPress comparison.
SEO and Mobility:
Should you choose Google Website vs WordPress to help your website pull rank?
SEO:
Google Sites:
Google Sites has basic SEO tools. Although they are not elaborate, they certainly correspond to what the search engine is looking for considering it understands full well how ranking works.
WordPress.com:
There are plenty of SEO tools, both in-house and integrated as plugins, in WordPress. However, they require a Business or ECommerce plan subscription. It features the popular SEO tool Yoast to edit page titles, meta descriptions, slugs, and others.
Mobile:
Google Sites:
Google Sites templates and themes are designed to fit all types of screens, whether desktop or mobile.
WordPress.com:
WordPress is mobile-responsive. Moreover, you can use your smartphone to manage your website on the go.
Pagespeed:
Google Sites:
Since Google understands the value of loading time, its pagespeed is often faster than other websites.
WordPress.com:
Based on our own tests, WordPress websites are incredibly fast. Likewise, plenty of resources provide sufficient suggestions to improve your page speed.
Winner – WordPress! Within our ‘SEO and Mobility’ Google Site vs WordPress comparison.
Google Sites vs WordPress eCommerce Tools:
Google Sites:
eCommerce tools are limited in Google Sites. If you want to add several buttons that will help you manage your store, you will need third-party services more of the time. Hence, it may not compete against WordPress as much as other platforms like Wix.
WordPress.com:
WordPress WooCommerce is one of the best in the eCommerce field. The platform has grown its eCommerce arsenal especially with the integration of plugins for online stores such as point of sale (POS), inventory management, marketing, payments, and more. Take note that you need to be subscribed to the Business or eCommerce plan to access WooCommerce.
Winner – WordPress! Within our ‘eCommerce Tools’ Google Website vs WordPress comparison.
Support and Resources:
Google Sites:
Google Sites seemed to have settled with its Help Centre where guides are available. You can check its “How-to articles” for detailed guidance. However, it doesn’t seem to have live chat, email, or phone support.
WordPress.com:
WordPress has plenty of resources like blogs and tutorials within its Support Centre. Likewise, WordPress community forums and blogs also come in handy. You can reach their support staff via live chat 24 hours from Mondays to Fridays.
Winner – WordPress! Within our ‘Support and Resources’ Google Site vs WordPress comparison.
Google Sites vs WordPress Pricing:
Google Sites:
If you have a Google account, you can start building your website because Google Sites is free. But since you don’t have to pay a pence, the tools and features are obviously limited.
WordPress.com:
WordPress also offers a free plan but most of its powerful features come with the higher-tier plans. All the packages come with a free domain. To make use of greater functionality, plan prices can vary fas shown below;
A 14-day money-back guarantee applies to all paid subscriptions as per their Terms of Service page.
Winner – WordPress! Within our ‘Pricing’ Google Site vs WordPress comparison.
Comparison Winner: Google Site vs WordPress
It’s crystal clear – WordPress is Comparison Winner. It is leaps and bounds ahead of Google Sites. But then again, this is pretty much expected considering how far ahead WordPress is when it comes to development.
Conclusion and Recommendations to our Google Sites vs WordPress Comparison Test:
To wrap up our Google Site vs WordPress comparison;
What is Google Sites best for?
Google Sites is extremely ideal for beginners. It’s simple and easily understood with features presented similar to other programs familiar to almost every internet user.
What is WordPress.com best for?
WordPress is best for professionals, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and others who aim to create stunning and functional websites.
Google Sites vs WordPress Alternatives:
Here's a list of the best Google Sites vs Wix vs WordPress alternatives to create a an online website:
| Rank | Key Features | Price (Basic Paid Plan) | My View | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Squarespace | Beautiful Professional design templates, blogging tools, powerful marketing tools, great eCommerce features for small to medium-sized stores | Starts at $12/month Check Pricing | Perfect for creatives and small businesses needing a visually stunning site | Try For Free |
| 2. Webflow | Visual CSS design, CMS features, eCommerce capabilities | Starts at $12/month Check Pricing | Best for designers and developers wanting deep customization | Try For Free |
| 3. Weebly | Easy-to-use, eCommerce capabilities, range of templates | Starts at $6/month Check Pricing | Good for small businesses and e-commerce | Try For Free |
| 4. Shopify | Comprehensive eCommerce tools, large app store, SEO features | Starts at $29/month Check Pricing | Best for creating an online store | Try For Free |
| 5. Wix | Drag-and-drop builder, wide range of templates, App Market | Starts at $14/month Check Pricing | Great all-around website builder with flexibility and features | Try For Free |
| 6. Wordpress.com | Blogging tools, large theme selection, good for large sites | Starts at $4/month Check Pricing | Best for blogging and larger sites | Try For Free |
| 7. Carrd | Simple, one-page sites, ideal for personal profiles and resumes | Starts at $19/year Check Pricing | Best for simple, one-page sites | Try For Free |
| 8. Jimdo | AI-powered builder, eCommerce tools, SEO features | Starts at $9/month Check Pricing | Ideal for beginners with its easy-to-use interface | Try For Free |
| 9. 1&1 IONOS | Wide range of templates, marketing and eCommerce tools | Starts at $5/month Check Pricing | Good all-rounder with a focus on business websites | Try For Free |
| 10. GoDaddy | GoCentral ADI, email marketing, eCommerce tools | Starts at $9.99/month Check Pricing | Easy-to-use, but limited in terms of design customization | Try For Free |
Google Website vs WordPress Final Word:
Google Sites may have fallen behind from WordPress, but it doesn’t mean that it’s not worth the try. Why not go for its free use? However, if your heart is set on a professional-looking website, best to go ahead and proceed with WordPress.
FAQ:
Is WordPress beginner-friendly?
Yes, WordPress is beginner-friendly. The platform has enough guides and articles to help you out.
How do I move from Google Sites to WordPress?
If you have your data stored in Google Drive, you can easily upload it in WordPress. You can follow through with the step-by-step process laid out.
That’s all for now:
If you've read our Google Site vs WordPress comparison review up to here, we are grateful. Remember always to keep abreast of the latest developments on website builders, eCommerce, and other articles, such as the ones below;
- Best website builder programs
- Best website builders for authors
- Best website builder app
- Best website builder for affiliate marketing
- Best website builder in UK
Please share any comments below!