WordPress or Google Sites?

I make websites with WordPress and Google Sites. Both give excellent outcomes, but which is best for you? Use my ready reckoner to help you decide

Contact me

When to use WordPress, when to use Google Sites

Google Sites and WordPress are both really solid content management platforms for building websites, and both have strengths and limitations. I often help clients choose which is their preferred platform, so I thought I'd document the deciding factors I use to help influence which way I go.

Here is a feature list comparing the new Google Sites to WordPress. Where I think one is better than the other, or a key advantage, I've highlighted it.

WordPress key features

Easy to edit - Somewhat
Blogging engine - Yes
Photo gallery / slideshow - Yes, requires 3rd party plugin
Newsfeed (RSS) - Yes
Media (images, videos, etc.) - Yes
Customisable - Yes
Add-on modules - Yes
Help forums - Yes
Page Load Speed - Slow
Integrated Google Apps - Yes, 3rd party plugin
Secure - No
Scalable - Yes
Responsive design - Yes, 3rd party theme
Search engine optimized - Yes, requires 3rd party plugin
E-commerce capability - Yes, requires 3rd party plugin
Development time - Moderate
Hosting costs - £15-50/month
Themes - Plentiful via 3rd party
Customisation - Extensive, via 3rd party plugins and theme
Upgrade process - Can be fiddly

Google Sites considerations

Ease of use: New Google Sites offers a simple and intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for users to create basic websites without technical knowledge. It provides a straightforward way to add text, images, and other content elements.

Customisation: While Google Sites allows some customisation, like choosing themes, colours, and fonts, it does have limitations. You do have to work within certain constraints but impressive results are possible.

Flexibility and features: Google Sites focuses on simplicity and ease of use but lacks some advanced features and functionality. It is suitable for standard websites, portfolios, or small business sites. Still, it may not meet the needs of more complex websites with extensive features or e-commerce capabilities.

Ownership and hosting: With Google Sites, your website is hosted on Google's servers. The infrastructure, security, and updates are done for you.

Integration with other services: Google Sites seamlessly integrates with other Google services like Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Docs, and more. It's easy to embed content from these services into your site.

WordPress considerations

Ease of use: WordPress has a steep learning curve but offers a more powerful and flexible platform but requires some familiarity with web design and content management systems.

Customisation: WordPress is highly customisable, offering thousands of themes and plugins that allow you to modify the design, layout, and functionality of your website. You can create custom themes, add custom code, and fully control the appearance and behavior of your site.

Flexibility and features: WordPress is a complex content management system (CMS) with many features. It supports blogs, portfolios, business websites, e-commerce stores, forums, membership sites, and more. Its extensive plugin ecosystem allows you to add almost any feature or functionality.

Ownership and hosting: WordPress is a self-hosted platform, which means you have complete control over your website's hosting environment.

Integration with other services: WordPress has a large plugin ecosystem that allows integration with a wide range of services and platforms. You can connect your website with email marketing services, social media platforms, analytics tools, payment gateways, and other third-party services.

In my experience ....

More of my clients choose Google Sites, unless they have a rather unique reason which would pont me towards WordPress. For example, if you want an obespoke branded site or a content heavy blog - I'd go wordPress.

if you need a high performing, cost effective and zero hassle option to advertise your business or service online, go Google Sites.

Article adapted from this original article by Maiden Web Design.

Still not sure which one's for you?

If you're having trouble deciding, or have a specific ask, drop me a line.

I'm happy to talk and answer any questions, and there's never an obligation. I won't sell you something you don't need.