If you’re a small business or organization like a club or team needing a basic website, you can download Google Sites for Windows to create a custom website. Google Sites is a helpful option for those lacking technical website-building experience and who just need basic features. Read on to find out whether Google Sites is right for you.

What can I do with Google Sites?

Primary features

Google Sites provides simple web hosting software. It is a great resource for those with zero experience building or creating websites, but it has limitations regarding website functionality sophistication. However, Google Sites users who bundle it with Google Workspace can augment Google Sites’ capabilities with apps by Google and third parties. Some of Google Sites’ best features include the following:

• Availability in over 70 different languages.
• 17 varied templates for different website purposes, with others available via app extensions.
• Change colors, fonts, and your site’s text and image layout. 
• A user-friendly interface and intuitive guidance.

If you’re just starting out with building a website, Google Sites can help take you from zero online presence to a functional landing site. 

Key features of Google Sites

Comprehensive tools

While Google Sites does not come with any live support, Google does provide support documents for common issues or questions, should an issue arise with your website functionality. Actual error messages you may receive are covered, and details are provided for each option, giving you step-by-step instructions on how to resolve the issue. Google Workspace users of Google Sites receive 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support.

Pre-integrated

If you’re a Google user, you already have access to Google Sites, which is automatically included with all accounts. Each function and feature is free, except for 24/7 support, even with personal accounts. However, the free version of Google Sites allocates only 100 MB of storage per site. Sites needing more storage require upgrading to the paid version available from Google Workspace.

Your own domain

Google Sites pairs with Google Domains, making it simple to create a custom domain with your site, should your organization require it.

User experience and performance

A drag-and-drop interface simplifies editing, making web development possible for those with no experience. Google Sites also offers guidance for the content blocks as a Google services integration. Users of Google’s key suite of applications will appreciate how Google has created yet another easy-to-use software application for a common need. 

System requirements:

Google Sites can be used on a computer, tablet, or phone. Editing must be done on a computer.

The following browsers can be used to view your site, provided it is with one of the two most recent versions: 

• Chrome
• Safari
• Firefox
• Microsoft Edge
• Internet Explorer

Site editing requires Chrome version 24 or later or the latest versions of Safari and/or Firefox.

Cookies and JavaScript must be turned on.

While Google Sites does not incorporate common features like contact forms, password protection on web pages, or blogging capabilities, its ease of use makes it a great first option for those who have never published a website. Small businesses will benefit from upgrading Google Sites to the Google Workspace version for the added project management and communication features, which can combine with additional and/or third-party extensions to serve your needs as your organization develops.

Google Sites: A go-to for your first website 

User friendly

Google has built a strong reputation for the depth and breadth of its application capabilities, and Google Sites is yet another free and useful tool that Google provides. Follow the prompts, and you can have a website online quickly and easily without training or tutorials.

Build out functionality

Integrating Google Sites with a Google Workspace account offers many free or paid integrations in the app marketplace for Google Sites. As Google thrives at connecting all of its software and products, you can incorporate features like directly searching Google Images or YouTube via Google Sites, which allows you to link those images or videos within your site.

If you’re in need of a website, but you’re unsure how to create one or even where to start, Google Sites is a top tool to utilize. 

If you need to publish standard written text web fare, such as contact information and a biography, Google Sites can have your site up and running in no time. This offers more privacy than some web hosting sites, and Google Sites is automatically included with your Google account. For small businesses or other groups, this is a helpful time saver. 

Google Sites has an intuitive user interface, so it doesn’t require training or tutorials for new users. Available support documents can help guide you through common issues, and Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides users will find Google Sites similar.

Best of all, Google Sites is free, with the same features as in the paid version. That makes it a great product to try out if you’re uncertain of how robust your site needs to be. If you need more features of Google Sites, you can experience the full range of features with a 14-day Google Workspace free trial. 

The bottom line is that Google offers a top website creation application that is waiting for you to explore its many uses and features, allowing your organization to initiate traction online simply and easily.