The comparison between Google Sites vs Wix deserves serious consideration. If your goal is to manage your own website while keeping costs low until your business model is proven, choosing the right platform is essential.
For many small business owners, creating a website is one of the first major steps toward establishing credibility. Unfortunately, it is also where many overspend far too early. I am a professional website developer who typically builds websites using WordPress, WooCommerce, and Shopify.
So I regularly encounter new clients who have committed to ongoing Wix fees when a simpler, free solution would have been far more appropriate at the outset.
What Is Google Sites?
Google Sites is a free website builder included with every Google account. It enables users to create clean, functional websites with no hosting fees, no plugins, and no technical setup. Hosting, security, and updates are fully managed by Google.
From a performance and SEO perspective, Google Sites benefits directly from Google’s infrastructure. Pages load quickly, SSL is enabled automatically, and integration with Google Workspace tools, such as Docs, Sheets, Maps, and Forms is seamless.
For new business owners, Google Sites offers complete control without commercial pressure. There are no upsells, no confusing pricing tiers, and no forced upgrades.
Customisation is intentionally simple.
You can edit your homepage by clicking on the header area to enter your site name or slogan, choose a header style (Cover, Large Banner, Banner, or Title Only), and adjust fonts and colour schemes to match your brand.
What Is Wix?
Wix is a commercial website builder heavily marketed toward small businesses. While it offers a free plan, most users quickly encounter limitations such as Wix branding, restricted features, and persistent prompts to upgrade.
Wix’s main strength is visual flexibility. Its drag-and-drop editor allows far more creative freedom than Google Sites. However, this flexibility comes at a cost: increased complexity, slower performance, and ongoing monthly fees once essential business features are required.
In practice, many small business owners begin paying for Wix long before their website generates any revenue, committing to recurring costs without a clear return on investment.
Google Sites vs Wix – Cost and Hosting: The Key Difference
If your goal is to pay €0.00 for website hosting, Google Sites is the clear winner. It remains free indefinitely, with no forced upgrades.
Wix, by contrast, should be viewed as a paid platform with a trial-style free tier. To use a custom domain, remove ads, or unlock basic business functionality, you must subscribe to a paid plan.
For start-ups and side projects, these costs accumulate quickly and often deliver little value at an early stage.
Google Sites vs Wix – Ease of Use for Beginners
Upload images from Google Images or from your own Google photos
Google Sites is deliberately simple. You are unlikely to break layouts, install unnecessary features, or over complicate your website. For first-time business owners, this simplicity is an advantage rather than a limitation.
Wix’s editor, while impressive, often encourages beginners to focus on design rather than outcomes. More features do not automatically result in a better or more profitable website.
The Professional Growth Path
From a long-term perspective, neither Google Sites nor Wix should be considered a permanent solution for a growing business. A sensible progression looks like this:
- Start with Google Sites to validate your business idea at zero cost.
- Generate real demand and revenue.
- Invest in a professionally built WordPress website once the business justifies it.
WordPress offers full ownership, advanced SEO capabilities, scalability, and integration with WooCommerce or Shopify. It is the strongest long-term option, when the timing is right for you.
In the meantime, tools such as Gmail and Google Workspace apps can comfortably support the operational needs of most small businesses.
How to Build Your First Website with Google Sites
Google Sites Cheat Sheet
Step 1: Create a Free Gmail Account
- Create a Gmail account dedicated solely to your business project.
- Keep the address short and professional (e.g. virtualhelpnz@gmail.com).
- Start here: https://workspace.google.com/gmail
Step 2: Choose a Website Template
- You can start your website from:
- https://sites.google.com/new
- https://www.kirksvillewebdesign.com
- https://workspace.google.com/products/sites
- Refer to Google Sites FAQ below for guidance:
- https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9310491
- Free widgets here: https://elfsight.com/google-sites-plugins/
Step 3: Prepare Your Homepage
- Aim to create: 10 or more pages about you and your business
- At least 10 blog posts covering your expertise
Step 4: Buy a Domain Name (When Ready)
- When you’re ready to purchase a domain, consider OVH:
- From €5.99 per year at https://www.ovhcloud.com/es-es/domains/
- Keep domains short and clear (e.g. virtualhelpnz.es, virtualhelpuk.es).
- Avoid providers such as GoDaddy, Arsys, IONOS, or Namecheap.
Step 5: Go Live Using Your Own Domain Name
- Once your homepage and core business pages are complete, you are ready to publish.
Step 6: Set Up Cloudflare
- Create a free Cloudflare account to manage DNS settings: https://dash.cloudflare.com/sign-up
- Cloudflare is a reliable solution for connecting your custom domain to a Google Site.
- Read how to configure your own business website domain for your Google site here
Google Sites Template Examples
- Professional Services: https://sites.google.com/view/susan-personal-site
- Private Teacher Website: https://sites.google.com/view/professor-template-kwd
- School Teacher Website: https://sites.google.com/view/teacher-template-kwd
- Shop Products Website: https://sites.google.com/view/satisfy-soaps-kwd
- Beauty Salon Website: https://sites.google.com/view/the-salon-sample
- Restaurant Website: https://sites.google.com/view/maxwell-restaurant
- Coffee Shop Website: https://sites.google.com/view/fratelli-coffee-kwd
- Photography Website: https://sites.google.com/view/photo-template-kwd
- Parents Support Website: https://sites.google.com/view/parents-template-kwd
- Wedding Invite Website: https://sites.google.com/view/wedding-template-kwd
- Business Intranet Site: https://sites.google.com/view/loremipsum-co
Live Google Sites – Business Examples
- https://www.hotelflanders.com
- https://www.kirksvillewebdesign.com
- https://www.avoxarchitects.co.za
- https://www.cssfmcg.com
- https://www.franchiseaustralasia.com
- https://www.plansaveinvest.com
- https://www.andrewplumbingandgas.co.nz
- https://www.restonent.com
- https://www.bestofbarcelona.com
- https://www.filiprzepka.com
Final Verdict: Google Sites vs Wix
Google Sites is the clear winner for early-stage small businesses. If you want a free website with no hosting costs, minimal complexity, and no financial risk, Google Sites is the smarter choice. Wix may appear attractive, but for most beginners it introduces unnecessary expense far too early. Build simply. Prove your business. Then invest properly. Start with Google Sites here: https://sites.google.com/
When you are ready to upgrade to WordPress, you may wish to explore themes such as Blocksy: https://creativethemes.com/blocksy/
Get the most out of your Gmail to access the below list of free services
- Direct from your inbox at https://mail.google.com
- Website Analytics https://analytics.google.com/analytics/web
- Website Search Console https://search.google.com/search-console
- Website Data Studio https://datastudio.google.com
- Website Business (Maps) https://business.google.com
- YouTube https://www.youtube.com
- Google Marketing Platform https://marketingplatform.google.com/about
- Google Digital Garage https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage/course/digital-marketing
- Think with Google https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com
- Google Trends https://trends.google.com/trends/?geo=NZ
- Google Alerts https://www.google.co.nz/alerts
Contact Kent if you have any questions.
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