Google Sites vs SITE123: Final verdict
Google Sites vs SITE123: Both platforms offer unique advantages, but they cater to different needs and user preferences.
-
Google Sites (Overall Grade: 5.6/10)
is ideal for users seeking a simple, collaborative website builder with seamless integration with Google services. It excels in ease of use and learning resources, making it a great choice for team projects, personal portfolios, and small business websites. However, it lacks built-in ecommerce features and advanced customization options, which may limit its appeal for more complex website needs. -
SITE123 (Overall Grade: 6.5/10)
offers a more versatile platform with a wide range of customizable templates, ecommerce capabilities, and advanced SEO tools. It is well-suited for individuals and businesses looking to create professional-looking websites without coding skills. While it may not match Google Sites in terms of ease of use and integration, SITE123 provides more robust features for those seeking deeper customization and ecommerce functionality.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Design functionalities & templates |
4.9 |
7.2 |
Ease of use |
8.3 |
8.1 |
Ecommerce |
1.8 |
7.0 |
Website editors |
7.0 |
7.0 |
Product testing options |
6.9 |
6.4 |
Price |
8.1 |
6.2 |
Hosting quality |
8.2 |
7.0 |
Website speed optimization |
3.3 |
5.8 |
Plugins/extensions and integrations |
6.4 |
7.1 |
Marketing features |
2.6 |
6.0 |
Customer support |
7.2 |
7.3 |
Website security |
9.3 |
7.5 |
AI capabilities |
0 |
2.8 |
User management |
7.8 |
6.3 |
Which one is the best for ecommerce: Google Sites or SITE123?
Verdict
: SITE123 is a more suitable choice for ecommerce compared to Google Sites, offering a comprehensive set of features tailored for online selling.
-
Google Sites
: Google Sites is not designed for ecommerce. It lacks built-in ecommerce features, and users must rely on third-party tools or widgets to add ecommerce functionality. This makes it less ideal for businesses looking to sell products or services online. When comparing Google Sites vs SITE123, Google Sites falls short in providing a seamless ecommerce experience. -
SITE123
: SITE123 offers a range of ecommerce features, including product management, payment gateways, and customizable templates. It is designed to support businesses in creating professional online stores with ease. SITE123’s ecommerce capabilities make it a more robust and versatile platform for online selling.
Which one is the best for informational and business websites?
Verdict
: When it comes to creating informational and business websites, SITE123 slightly edges out Google Sites due to its wider variety of templates and better customization options. However, Google Sites offers seamless integration with Google services, making it a strong contender for users already within the Google ecosystem.
-
Google Sites
: Google Sites is a structured web page-creation tool included in the Google Workspace package. It enables users to build websites easily without having to know how to code, using a drag-and-drop interface. Users can integrate various Google services, such as Google Drive, Maps, and Calendar, directly into their websites. It’s designed for collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on a site simultaneously, making it a popular choice for team projects, personal portfolios, and small business websites. With a score of 7.2, Google Sites is a solid option for those looking for simplicity and integration with Google services. -
SITE123
: SITE123 is a user-friendly website builder that allows individuals and businesses to create professional-looking websites without any coding or design skills. With a wide range of customizable templates and drag-and-drop functionality, users can easily create and customize their websites to suit their needs. SITE123 also offers various features such as ecommerce capabilities, SEO tools, and mobile optimization, making it a versatile platform for creating stunning websites. Scoring 7.4, SITE123 offers a slightly better experience for informational and business websites, thanks to its extensive template options and customization capabilities.
Google Sites vs SITE123: Detailed comparison
Design functionalities & templates
Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:
- Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
- Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
- User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
- Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
🏆
Winner: SITE123.
SITE123 offers a wider variety of templates and designs, more customization flexibility, and better mobile responsive design than Google Sites.
Google Sites offers a limited number of templates suitable for various purposes, from personal blogs to business websites. These templates are designed for user engagement, simplicity, and functionality, allowing for customization to meet specific needs. However, compared to other website builders like 10Web or Squarespace, Google Sites might offer less variety in templates and design customization options.
On the other hand, SITE123 offers a wide variety of templates and designs for their website builder, with over 180 options to choose from. Their templates are organized by industry and category, making it easy to find the perfect design for your website. SITE123 also allows for customization of templates, giving users the ability to make their website unique and tailored to their brand.
Get a head start on website creation with AI
Create a custom website tailored to your business needs 10X faster with 10Web AI Website Builder!
Ease of use
Ease of useReflects the platform’s overall user-friendliness.Score
Components:
- Learning curve (40%): Quickness and ease of getting started.
- Interface design (30%): Simplicity and intuitiveness of layout.
- User guidance (20%): Quality of tutorials and support.
- Flexibility (10%): Adaptability to various user skills.
🏆 Winner: Google Sites
. With a score of 8.3, Google Sites slightly edges out SITE123, which scored 8.1. Google Sites offers a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Google services, making it an efficient tool for creating basic websites. SITE123, on the other hand, is praised for its simplicity and user-friendliness, but its features may be somewhat limiting for those seeking deep customization.
Learning Resources
🏆 Winner: Google Sites
. Google Sites offers a wide array of learning resources, from practical guides for educators to comprehensive digital skill development programs. SITE123 also provides well-structured learning resources, but Google Sites’ extensive offerings give it the edge in this category.
For ecommerce
EcommerceMeasures the platform’s effectiveness in supporting online business activities.Score Components:
- Ecommerce themes and templates (20%): Variety and design of templates.
- Product management (25%): Ease of managing and organizing products.
- Payment options (25%): Variety and convenience of payment methods.
- Ecommerce features (20%): Features for managing an ecommerce store.
- Integration (10%): Compatibility with external e-commerce tools and services.
When it comes to ecommerce, SITE123 clearly outperforms Google Sites. Google Sites lacks built-in ecommerce features, and users must rely on third-party tools or widgets to add ecommerce functionality. SITE123, on the other hand, offers a range of ecommerce features, making it a more suitable choice for businesses looking to sell products or services online.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Ecommerce themes and templates |
0.0 |
6.5 |
Product page customization |
0.0 |
6.8 |
Payment processing and commissions |
1.0 |
6.0 |
POS capabilities |
0.0 |
5.0 |
Payment gateways |
2.0 |
7.0 |
Product numbers |
0.0 |
6.0 |
Additional ecommerce features |
0.5 |
6.5 |
Google Sites ecommerce features:
Google Sites itself does not have built-in eCommerce features. However, you can integrate eCommerce functionalities into a Google Sites website by embedding third-party tools or widgets, linking to an external eCommerce platform, or using buttons that link to payment processors.
SITE123 ecommerce features:
- Product Management
- Payment Gateways
- Shipping and Tax Configuration
- SEO tools
- Analytics
- Social Media Integration
Ecommerce themes & templates
Google Sites does not offer any ecommerce templates. On the other hand, SITE123 provides a variety of ecommerce templates suitable for various types of businesses. These templates are designed to be professional and user-friendly, ensuring that your products stand out and that customers have a seamless shopping experience.
Product page customization
Google Sites lacks any product page customization features, as the products can be listed with embedding third-party platforms, all the customization can be done within the mentioned platforms. SITE123, however, offers extensive customization options for ecommerce product pages, suitable for both physical and digital goods. Products can be organized into categories for better navigation. Detailed product pages can include essential information like product name, description, images, videos, pricing options, SKUs, brands, and additional descriptions, with customizable SEO settings to improve online visibility.
Payment processing
You can integrate payment gateways into Google Sites using external tools or links, not through native features. This can be done by embedding HTML code for payment buttons from services like PayPal, Square, or Stripe, or by linking to an external checkout page. Third-party eCommerce widgets also offer a way to add payment functionalities. However, Google Sites doesn’t offer the comprehensive eCommerce capabilities that dedicated platforms provide.
SITE123 supports various payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and Amazon Pay, enabling seamless online transactions without charging sales commissions. Users can expect payment processing fees around 3%, which are standard across ecommerce platforms. The platform offers a 14-day money-back policy on certain package purchases, with detailed terms around invoicing, taxes, and refunds.
Website Editors
Website EditorsEvaluates the platforms’ website building and editing capabilities.Score Components:
- Customization tools (40%): Range and power of editing features.
- Editor usability (30%): User experience within the editor.
- Design flexibility (20%): Freedom in layout and design changes.
- Update and maintenance ease (10%): Simplicity of updating and maintaining the site.
🏆
Winner: Tie
. Both Google Sites and SITE123, with a score of 7.0, offer comparable levels of functionality and user-friendliness in their website editors.
Google Sites provides a user-friendly website builder editor that allows users to create and design websites without needing coding knowledge. With its drag-and-drop interface, users can easily add, customize, and arrange elements such as text, images, and videos on their web pages. It also offers a variety of templates and design options to help users get started quickly and ensure their site looks professional. Additionally, Google Sites integrates seamlessly with other Google services, enabling the incorporation of Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Maps directly into the website.
On the other hand, SITE123 is a straightforward and user-friendly website builder designed for individuals without coding or design expertise. It emphasizes ease of use and efficiency in creating and customizing websites. SITE123 offers a selection of ready-made templates, mobile responsiveness, free hosting, and SEO tools, alongside ecommerce capabilities for users willing to subscribe to higher plans. However, customization is somewhat limited due to the inability to access template source codes or integrate external templates, and advanced features may incur additional costs.
Mobile editor/app
🏆
Winner: SITE123
. Neither Google Sites nor SITE123 offer a dedicated mobile app for website editing. However, SITE123 allows users to edit their websites on a mobile browser, which gives it an edge over Google Sites. This feature can be particularly useful for users who need to make quick changes to their website while on the go. Therefore, despite the lack of a dedicated mobile app, SITE123 offers more flexibility in terms of mobile editing compared to Google Sites.
Product testing options
Product Testing OptionsAssesses the options for trying out platform features before commitment.Score Components:
- Trial quality (40%): Extent and usefulness of the trial or free version.
- Feature accessibility (30%): How many features are available to test.
- Trial duration (20%): Length of the trial period.
- Ease of transition (10%): Smoothness of moving from trial to paid plans.
Overall Result
: Google Sites scores slightly higher than SITE123 with a score of 6.9 against 6.4. Both platforms offer a free version, but Google Sites also provides a 14-day free trial where some premium features can be tested. SITE123, on the other hand, does not offer a trial version but allows testing of premium features during a 14-day refundable period.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Free Plan |
Yes | Yes |
Trial Duration |
14 days | No trial, 14-day refundable period |
Testing Premium Features |
Some features during free trial | During 14-day refundable period |
Money Back Guarantee |
No | No |
Price
PriceLooks at the cost-effectiveness and value for money of each platform.Score Components:
- Plan value (40%): What each pricing tier offers.
- Transparency and clarity (30%): Clearness of pricing structures.
- Flexibility of plans (20%): Range of options to suit different budgets.
- Hidden costs (10%): Additional expenses not included in the plan.
Google Sites and SITE123 offer different pricing structures, with Google Sites charging per user and SITE123 offering a free plan and a single premium plan.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Free |
No offering at this amount. |
Free ($0/month): 250 MB storage, 250MB bandwidth, SITE123 branding, basic SEO for homepage. This plan allows to manage 1 website and there is no limitation on number of pages. It offers hosting with 250MB storage and bandwidth. However, it does not offer ecommerce features, has limited templates and does not have AI website builder. |
$0-$10 |
Business Starter ($7.20/month): This plan includes basic features suitable for individuals or small businesses, offering professional email through Gmail, 30GB of storage per user, and video meetings for up to 100 participants. It allows to manage 1 website and there is no limitation on number of pages. Value for price: 6.0 |
Premium ($7.8/month): 3 GB storage, 3 GB bandwidth, connect your domain, remove SITE123 floating tag. This plan allows to manage 1 website and there is no limitation on number of pages. It offers hosting with 3GB storage and bandwidth. However, it does not offer ecommerce features, has limited templates and does not have AI website builder. Value for price: 6.5 |
$10-$20 |
Business Standard ($14.40/month): Suitable for growing businesses, this plan provides 2 TB of storage per user, video meeting capacity for up to 150 participants with recording features, and access to smart booking pages and shared drives. It allows to manage 1 website and there is no limitation on number of pages. Value for price: 7.5 |
No offering at this amount. |
$20+ |
Business Plus ($21.60/month): Designed for larger businesses needing more robust capabilities, offering 5 TB of storage per user, advanced security options, and video meetings for up to 500 participants. It allows to manage 1 website and there is no limitation on number of pages. Value for price: 8.5 |
No offering at this amount. |
location. As a result in rare cases the prices displayed here can differ from the ones you see on their
websites.
Hosting quality
Hosting
qualityExamines the reliability and performance of the hosting solutions.Score Components:
- Uptime (40%): Consistency and reliability of website availability.
- Speed (30%): Loading times and performance.
- Bandwidth and storage (20%): Sufficiency of resources provided.
- Data centers (10%): Quality and distribution of hosting infrastructure.
🏆
Winner: Google Sites
Google Sites offers cloud-based managed hosting with a 99.9% uptime guarantee and operates 21 data centers globally. SITE123 also offers managed hosting with a 99.9% uptime guarantee, but does not disclose information about their data centers. This lack of transparency gives Google Sites the edge in this category.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Do they offer hosting? |
Yes, basic storage with 100MB free per site, can be increased by upgrading to Google Workspace |
Yes, 250MB storage and bandwidth on free plan, and 3GB on premium plan |
Data Centers: |
Google operates a total of 21 data centers across the globe: 2 in Asia, 5 in Europe, 13 in US and 1 in South America |
Information not disclosed |
Type of hosting: |
Cloud based managed hosting |
Managed Hosting |
Uptime: |
99.9% |
99.9% |
Uptime Guarantee: |
Yes, 99.9% |
Yes, 99.9% |
Website Speed Optimization
Website Speed OptimizationEvaluates optimization of website loading timesScore Components:
- PageSpeed Score (30%): Google’s score indicating performance optimization.
- Loading Time (30%): The average time until a website is fully interactive.
- Mobile Optimization (15%): Optimization effectiveness for mobile devices.
- Resource Optimization (15%): Optimizing images, scripts, and other heavy resources.
- CDN Usage (10%): Use of CDN to enhance speed across geolocations.
🏆 Winner: SITE123
Both Google Sites and SITE123 have strategies in place for website speed optimization, but SITE123 has a higher website speed optimization score.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Focus |
Automated Optimization, CDN, Mobile Optimization, Browser Caching, Code Minification, Use of AMP |
CDN, Image Optimization, Caching, Minification of CSS, JavaScript, and HTML, Use of Asynchronous Loading, Database Optimization |
Performance Tools |
Google Lighthouse, PageSpeed Insights |
Google PageSpeed Insights Integration |
Key Strategies |
Automated Optimization, CDN, Mobile Optimization, Browser Caching, Code Minification, Use of AMP |
CDN, Image Optimization, Caching, Minification of CSS, JavaScript, and HTML, Use of Asynchronous Loading, Database Optimization |
Load Times |
Google does not disclose statistics about website Page Speed scores, or load times. |
Both load times and Page speed scores varies widely, depending on the optimization and user’s location. |
Page Speed Scores Range |
Google does not disclose statistics about website Page Speed scores, or load times. |
Both load times and Page speed scores varies widely, depending on the optimization and user’s location. |
Core Web Vitals Improvement |
Emphasis on LCP, FID, CLS improvements |
Site123 does not disclose any information about Core Web Vitals improvements |
Google Sites, a structured web page-creation tool, focuses on automated optimization, CDN, mobile optimization, browser caching, code minification, and the use of AMP for website speed optimization. However, Google does not disclose statistics about website Page Speed scores or load times. It emphasizes on LCP, FID, CLS improvements for Core Web Vitals.
On the other hand, SITE123, a user-friendly website builder, uses CDN, image optimization, caching, minification of CSS, JavaScript, and HTML, use of asynchronous loading, and database optimization as strategies for website speed optimization. The load times and Page speed scores vary widely, depending on the optimization and user’s location. However, SITE123 does not disclose any information about Core Web Vitals improvements. Despite this, SITE123 has a higher website speed optimization score compared to Google Sites.
Get a head start on website creation with AI
Create a custom website tailored to your business needs 10X faster with 10Web AI Website Builder!
Plugins and integrations
Plugins and integrationsMeasures the range and effectiveness of additional plugins and integrations.Score Components:
- Variety of options (40%): Range of available add-ons.
- Integration smoothness (30%): Ease of integrating plugins into the site.
- Quality of plugins (20%): Functionality and reliability of the options.
- Custom integration capabilities (10%): Support for custom or third-party integrations.
🏆 Winner: SITE123.
SITE123 scores 7.1, offering a wide range of plugins and extensions to enhance the functionality of your website. With over 250 apps available, you can easily add features such as social media integration, ecommerce capabilities, and SEO optimization. Google Sites, with a score of 6.4, also offers a wide array of plugins and extensions to enhance website functionality, but SITE123’s robust integration with over 6,000 apps through Zapier gives it the edge.
Marketing Features
Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:
- Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
- Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
- User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
- Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
🏆
Overall Winner: SITE123
. SITE123 offers a wider range of marketing features, including email marketing, blogging, and advanced SEO tools. Google Sites, while offering basic SEO and analytics, lacks in areas like email marketing and blogging.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
SEO Tools |
Basic SEO settings | Advanced SEO tools |
Email Marketing |
No | Yes |
Blogging |
No | Yes |
Social Media Integration |
Basic linking with social media accounts | Advanced integration with social media platforms |
Analytics and Reporting |
Google Analytics integration | Basic analytics with detailed insights on higher plans |
Ads and Promotions |
No | Limited direct marketing tools |
Customer Support
Customer supportEvaluates the quality and availability of support options.Score Components:
- Response time (40%): Speed of support responses.
- Support quality (30%): Effectiveness and helpfulness of the support.
- Availability (20%): Range of support channels (phone, chat, email).
- Resource richness (10%): Quality of self-help and educational materials.
🏆 Winner: SITE123
. Comparing Google Sites vs SITE123, SITE123 edges out Google Sites with its 24/7 online support chat available in English and additional support in 16 other languages during business hours. This extensive language support ensures that users from various regions can receive assistance in their preferred language, making it a versatile option for global users.
Google Sites offers customer support primarily through self-service resources like a Help Center and community forums. Direct support, including phone, email, and live chat, is available to Google Workspace customers, with the level of support varying by subscription tier. While Google Sites provides 24/7 support for critical issues to eligible customers, free users have limited access to direct support, relying mainly on self-help resources.
Security
SecurityLooks at the platforms’ security measures and data protection.Score Components:
- Data protection (40%): Safeguards for user and customer data.
- SSL and encryption (30%): Implementation of secure connections.
- Compliance (20%): Adherence to industry security standards.
- Regular updates (10%): Frequency of security updates and patches.
🏆
Winner: Google Sites
. Google Sites, with a security score of 9.3, offers robust security measures including SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and automatic malware scanning. It also benefits from Google’s regular security updates and compliance with international data protection standards. Google Workspace ensures private data storage and protection through data encryption in transit and at rest, strict access controls, and adherence to international data protection regulations like GDPR.
SITE123, with a security score of 7.5, also prioritizes website security and functionality through SSL/HTTPS encryption and modern firewalls. It provides free domain privacy protection to shield registrants’ personal information from public internet access. However, it falls short when compared to the comprehensive security measures offered by Google Sites.
AI Capabilities
AI capabilitiesMeasures the effectiveness of AI-driven features and tools.Score Components:
- Automation efficiency (40%): Impact of AI on streamlining processes.
- Personalization (30%): AI-driven customization for users or customers.
- AI-Assisted design (20%): Role of AI in website design and functionality.
- Data analysis (10%): Use of AI in interpreting user data and analytics.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
AI Builder |
|
|
AI Ecommerce features |
|
|
AI content generation |
|
SITE123’s AI-powered content generation feature simplifies the process of creating website content, offering users a way to quickly generate text for various sections of their site. This tool is designed to produce SEO-friendly, relevant content that aligns with the user’s industry and needs, enhancing the website’s visibility and appeal. Users can customize the AI-generated content to ensure it matches their brand’s voice, making website creation more efficient and accessible. |
Additional AI features |
|
|
🏆 Winner: SITE123
. Although both Google Sites and SITE123 have limited AI capabilities, SITE123 has a basic AI-powered content generation feature, which gives it an edge over Google Sites. This feature simplifies the process of creating website content by generating text for various sections of the site. The AI-generated content is SEO-friendly and relevant, and users can customize it to match their brand’s voice. Despite this, SITE123’s AI capabilities are not extensive.
User Management
User ManagementAssesses the platforms’ capabilities in managing user roles, permissions, and accessibility.Score Components:
- Role Customization (40%): Flexibility in creating and defining user roles and
permissions. - Ease of Management (30%): User interface and tools for managing users.
- Access Control (20%): Effectiveness of access control measures for different user
levels. - Scalability (10%): Ability to manage a growing number of users efficiently.
🏆 Winner: Google Sites
. Both Google Sites and SITE123 allow multiple users to collaborate on website building, but they offer different roles and permissions.
- Google Sites allows multiple users to collaborate with different roles, including Owners, who have full control, and Editors, who can modify content but not site settings. There’s no strict limit on the number of users who can edit a site, allowing flexibility in management and development. Viewers can only see the site, with no editing permissions. This structure supports collaborative website building with varied levels of access and control for different users.
- SITE123 allows multiple users to have two different roles: Admin and Contributor, each with its own set of permissions. However, there is no mention of limitations on the number of users who can edit the website on SITE123.
Additional Features
|
|
|
---|---|---|
SSL Certificate |
|
|
Custom Domain |
|
|
Free Custom Domain Included |
|
|
International Domains |
|
|
Mobile Responsive |
|
|
Page Speed |
|
|
Website Builder Mobile App |
|
|
Convert a Website To An App |
|
|
Website Analytics |
|
|
Multilingual Sites |
|
|
Multiple Users |
|
|
Google Sites vs SITE123: User Feedback
Users consistently praise Google Workspace, particularly Google Sites, for its seamless integration, ease of use, and collaborative features, making it a go-to solution for various professional and educational needs. The platform’s simplicity and user-friendly interface are lauded, enabling effortless website creation and sharing of information within organizations. While some users desire more customization options and additional features, overall, Google Workspace remains highly valued for its versatility and streamlined workflow facilitation.
SITE123 seems to offer a user-friendly platform with drag-and-drop features, making website building quick and easy. Users appreciate its wide library of free images and templates, mobile responsiveness, and excellent customer support. However, some users find its customization options limited, especially in the free version, and wish for more robust features like additional plugins and payment methods tailored to different regions. Overall, SITE123 appears beneficial for those seeking to create professional-looking websites without extensive coding knowledge, though it may lack certain advanced functionalities for more specialized needs.
The making of this blog
We followed a clear, step-by-step process to write and research this article.
Google Sites vs SITE123: FAQ
Which platform is better for ecommerce, Google Sites or SITE123?
Can I use Google Sites and SITE123 for creating informational business websites?
How do Google Sites and SITE123 compare in terms of ease of use?
Which platform offers better website speed optimization?
How do the website editors of Google Sites and SITE123 compare?
Which platform has better customer support, Google Sites or SITE123?
Are Google Sites and SITE123 secure platforms for building websites?