Google Sites vs Zenfolio: guide for 2024

Final verdict

Google Sites vs Zenfolio: Both platforms cater to different user needs, with Google Sites excelling in ease of use and collaboration, while Zenfolio shines in ecommerce and design functionalities for photographers.

Google Sites (Overall Grade: 5.6/10)

is a user-friendly website builder ideal for team projects, personal portfolios, and small business websites. It offers seamless integration with Google services, making it easy to create and manage websites without coding knowledge. However, it lacks built-in ecommerce features and advanced design customization options. Google Sites is best suited for users who prioritize ease of use and collaboration over extensive ecommerce capabilities.
Zenfolio (Overall Grade: 6.4/10)

is a comprehensive platform designed specifically for photographers and visual artists. It offers a range of customizable templates, integrated ecommerce capabilities, and tools for marketing, client proofing, and secure photo storage. While it may have a steeper learning curve and less flexibility in design outside of photography-specific needs, Zenfolio is ideal for users looking to showcase, share, and sell their work online.

	Overall grade: 5.6	Overall grade: 6.4
Design functionalities & templates	4.9	6.8
Ease of use	8.3	6.3
Ecommerce	1.8	6.3
Website editors	7.0	7.6
Product testing options	6.9	8.4
Price	8.1	8.2
Hosting quality	8.2	5.7
Website speed optimization	3.3	5.2
Plugins/extensions and integrations	6.4	6.5
Marketing features	2.6	6.1
Customer support	7.2	6.7
Website security	9.3	8.0
AI capabilities	0	2.4
User management	7.8	2.8

Best for ecommerce

1.8

6.3

Verdict

: Zenfolio is the clear winner for ecommerce, offering robust features tailored for photographers, while Google Sites lacks built-in ecommerce capabilities and relies on third-party integrations.

Google Sites

: Google Sites is not designed for ecommerce. It lacks built-in ecommerce features, but users can integrate third-party tools or widgets to add ecommerce functionalities. This makes it less suitable for businesses looking for a seamless ecommerce experience.
Zenfolio

: Zenfolio excels in ecommerce, especially for photographers and visual artists. It offers integrated ecommerce capabilities, including multiple currency support, discount coupons, order management, and secure payment options. This makes Zenfolio a comprehensive platform for selling products online.

Best for informational & business websites

7.2

6.9

Verdict

: Google Sites is better suited for general informational and business websites, while Zenfolio excels in providing specialized features for photographers and visual artists.

Google Sites

: Google Sites offers a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Google services, making it an excellent choice for creating simple, collaborative informational websites. Its drag-and-drop functionality and ease of use score of 8.3 make it accessible for users with no coding experience. Google Sites is ideal for team projects, personal portfolios, and small business websites that require straightforward design and functionality.
Zenfolio

: Zenfolio, with a score of 6.9, is tailored specifically for photographers and visual artists. It provides elegant, customizable templates and integrated e-commerce capabilities, allowing users to showcase and sell their work online. While it may not offer the same level of versatility for general informational websites, Zenfolio’s specialized tools for marketing, client proofing, and secure photo storage make it a powerful platform for managing and growing a photography business.

Detailed comparison

4.9

6.8

🏆

Winner: Zenfolio.

Zenfolio offers a more comprehensive platform for photographers and visual artists, with a higher score in design functionalities and templates.

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, Google Sites might offer less variety in templates and design customization options.

Google Sites Themes

On the other hand, Zenfolio offers a variety of customizable templates and features specifically tailored for photographers, with a focus on showcasing and selling their work. While it provides several customization options, including blocks for different layouts and styles, it may not offer as much versatility outside of photography-specific needs.

Zenfolio Themes

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!

Generate Your Website

No credit card required

8.3

6.3

🏆 Winner: Google Sites

. Scoring 8.3, Google Sites offers a user-friendly interface that allows individuals with no coding experience to create and publish websites easily. Zenfolio, with a score of 6.3, offers a specialized platform for photographers, but it has limitations in design flexibility and a complex dashboard. If ease of use is a priority, Google Sites is the clear winner in this category.

Learning Resources

🏆 Winner: Google Sites

. Google Sites offers a wide array of learning resources, spanning from practical guides for educators to comprehensive digital skill development programs for the wider public. Zenfolio’s learning resources are somewhat limited and users have expressed a desire for more comprehensive learning resources.

Learn Google Sites

Learn Zenfolio

1.8

6.3

When it comes to ecommerce, Zenfolio clearly outperforms Google Sites. Zenfolio is designed specifically for photographers and visual artists, offering integrated ecommerce capabilities for selling prints, digital downloads, and other products directly through their website. Google Sites, on the other hand, is a simple website builder that doesn’t have built-in ecommerce features, but it allows for the integration of third-party tools and widgets for ecommerce functionalities.


Ecommerce themes and templates	0.0	7.0
Product page customization	0.0	7.2
Payment processing and commissions	1.0	6.5
POS capabilities	0.0	3.0
Payment gateways	2.0	6.8
Product numbers	0.0	5.0
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.

Zenfolio ecommerce features:

Multiple Currency Support
Discount Coupons
Order management
Gift Certificates
Tax management

Ecommerce themes & templates

Google Sites does not have any ecommerce templates. On the other hand, Zenfolio provides customizable website templates with integrated e-commerce features for photographers, designed to showcase and sell their work across various genres. These templates include essential online selling tools such as secure payment options, product management, and marketing integrations, making it an all-in-one platform for photographers aiming to display and market their creations effectively.

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. In contrast, Zenfolio allows users to detail their product pages with descriptions, images, and options such as size or color. This allows for each product page to be adjusted to clearly display its unique attributes. Placing products in specific galleries or categories helps organize the site and improve navigation. The platform also supports customization in pricing and shipping settings, allowing sellers to cater to various needs effectively.

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.

Zenfolio supports Stripe and PayPal for payment processing, integrating them seamlessly into its platform designed for photographers to sell their work online. The platform charges a commerce fee of 7% per order (excluding tax and shipping) and a payment processing fee for transactions through Stripe or PayPal. While Zenfolio offers robust e-commerce functionalities for online sales, including setting up price lists for prints and digital downloads, it does not explicitly mention POS capabilities for in-person sales, suggesting its services are tailored primarily towards online transactions.

7.0

7.6

🏆

Winner: Zenfolio

. Zenfolio, with a score of 7.6, offers an intuitive, no-coding-required website builder tailored for photographers, featuring drag-and-drop customization, a wide array of templates, and a powerful Custom Layout block for personalized designs. Its integrated eCommerce capabilities enable selling both digital and physical photography products, supported by comprehensive security features for protecting photographers’ work. Additionally, Zenfolio provides tools for SEO, marketing, photo and video hosting, client booking, and management, backed by award-winning customer support.

Zenfolio editor

Google Sites, scoring 7.0, offers 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 provides 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.

Google Sites editor

Mobile editor/app

8.5

🏆

Winner: Zenfolio

. Google Sites does not offer a mobile editor app, which can be a significant drawback for users who prefer to manage their websites on the go. On the other hand, Zenfolio provides a mobile editor app that allows users to manage their websites and galleries directly from their mobile devices.

The app includes features for receiving notifications, managing galleries, handling sales-related tasks, and showcasing photos through a client presentation mode. Additionally, the app supports uploading and editing photos, as well as accessing various tools for reports, CRM, bookings, and blog management. However, some features may still necessitate desktop use for full functionality.

In summary, Zenfolio’s mobile app offers a more comprehensive set of features compared to Google Sites, which lacks a mobile editor altogether.

6.9

8.4

Overall Result

:

Zenfolio Wins

. Zenfolio scores 8.4 in product testing options, outperforming Google Sites which scores 6.9. Zenfolio offers a 14-day free trial, during which users can test premium features. Additionally, Zenfolio provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving users a longer period to evaluate the platform. Google Sites, on the other hand, offers a free version and a 14-day free trial, but does not provide a money-back guarantee.


Free Plan	Yes	No
Trial Duration	14 days	14 days
Testing Premium Features	Limited within trial period	Available during free trial
Money-Back Guarantee	No	Yes (30 days)

8.1

8.2

Google Sites and Zenfolio have similar price scores, but their pricing structures are quite different.

Google Sites’ pricing is per user and offers a discount for annual billing, while Zenfolio offers fixed-price plans with significant discounts for annual billing. Google Sites also offers enterprise plans for large organizations, while Zenfolio does not.

	Offerings	Offerings
$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	Portfolio ($9.00/month): Basic entry-level with 15 GB photo storage, HD video, single-page website. Value for price: 6.0
$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-$30	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	PortfolioPlus ($23.00/month): Balanced features with 150 GB photo storage, HD video, single-page website. Value for price: 7.5
$40+	No offering at this amount.	ProSuite ($40.00/month): Extensive features for photo and video, multi-page websites, blog, templates, and more. Value for Price: 9.0

In some cases companies have different prices based on various components like a
location. As a result in rare cases the prices displayed here can differ from the ones you see on their
websites.

8.2

5.7

Winner: Google Sites

. Google Sites offers cloud-based managed hosting with a 99.9% uptime guarantee and operates 21 data centers globally. Zenfolio also offers cloud hosting but does not disclose any information about its uptime statistics or the locations of its 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, from 15GB to unlimited storage, with possibility to backup website’s content manually
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	Zenfolio does not disclose the locations of its data centers
Type of hosting:	Cloud based managed hosting	Cloud Hosting
Uptime:	99.9%	Zenfolio does not disclose any information about its uptime statistics
Uptime Guarantee:	Yes, 99.9%	Zenfolio does not have an uptime guarantee

3.3

5.2

🏆 Winner: Zenfolio

Both Google Sites and Zenfolio have strategies in place for website speed optimization. However, Zenfolio has a higher website speed optimization score, making it the winner in this comparison.


Focus	Automated Optimization, CDN, Mobile Optimization, Browser Caching, Code Minification, Use of AMP	Mobile responsive design
Performance Tools	Google Lighthouse, PageSpeed Insights	Not specified
Key Strategies	Automated Optimization, CDN, Mobile Optimization, Browser Caching, Code Minification, Use of AMP	Mobile responsive design
Load Times	Google does not disclose statistics about website Page Speed scores, or load times	Load times and PageSpeed scores vary depending on optimization and website complexity
Page Speed Scores Range	Not disclosed by Google	Varies depending on optimization and website complexity
Core Web Vitals Improvement	Emphasis on LCP, FID, CLS improvements	Zenfolio does not provide any information on their Core Web Vitals improvements

Google Sites uses a variety of strategies for speed optimization, including automated optimization, CDN, mobile optimization, browser caching, code minification, and the use of AMP. However, Google does not disclose statistics about website Page Speed scores or load times. They do place an emphasis on improving Core Web Vitals, specifically LCP, FID, and CLS.

Zenfolio, on the other hand, focuses on mobile responsive design for speed optimization. The load times and PageSpeed scores can vary depending on the optimization and complexity of the website. Zenfolio does not provide any information on their Core Web Vitals improvements. Despite this, Zenfolio 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!

Generate Your Website

No credit card required

6.4

6.5

🏆 Winner: Zenfolio.

Zenfolio edges out Google Sites with a score of 6.5, offering a focused set of plugins and integrations specifically designed for photographers. Google Sites, scoring 6.4, offers a wide array of plugins and extensions to enhance website functionality, but Zenfolio’s specialized offerings for photographers give it a slight advantage.

Google Sites Applications

Common Ninja Google Sites plugins

2.6

6.1

🏆

Overall Winner: Zenfolio

. Zenfolio stands out for its more comprehensive marketing tools, especially in email marketing, blogging, and ads and promotions. Google Sites, while offering basic SEO and analytics, lacks in email marketing, blogging, and ads and promotions.


SEO Tools	Basic SEO settings	Limited SEO tools
Email Marketing	No	Yes
Blogging	No	Yes, on higher plans
Social Media Integration	Yes, basic social media links and widgets	Yes, sharing via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest
Analytics and Reporting	Google Analytics integration	Basic built-in analytics, Google Analytics integration
Ads and Promotions	No	Yes, custom discount coupons and automated marketing

7.2

6.7

🏆 Winner: Google Sites

. In the comparison of Google Sites vs Zenfolio, Google Sites takes the lead with a customer support score of 7.2. Google Sites offers a robust support system primarily through self-service resources like a Help Center and community forums. For Google Workspace customers, direct support options such as phone, email, and live chat are available, with 24/7 support for critical issues depending on the subscription tier. This makes Google Sites a reliable choice for users seeking comprehensive support.

Zenfolio, with a customer support score of 6.7, provides support through email 365 days a year, LiveChat from Monday to Thursday, and phone support for Advanced plan subscribers during specific hours. While Zenfolio’s Support Center is rich with self-help resources, its limited live support hours and restricted phone support availability may not meet the needs of all users, particularly those requiring immediate assistance outside of the specified hours.

9.3

8.0

🏆

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 Sites’ infrastructure provides DDoS protection and data redundancy, ensuring a secure environment for website creators and visitors.

Zenfolio, scoring 8.0 in security, also emphasizes security with SSL encryption for all its websites, watermarking, password-protected galleries, and cloud backup. However, it falls slightly short compared to Google Sites in terms of overall security measures.

2.4


AI Builder
AI Ecommerce features		PhotoRefine.ai for efficient photo management
AI content generation
Additional AI features

🏆 Winner: Zenfolio

. Zenfolio, with a score of 2.4, offers AI-driven eCommerce features aimed at enhancing the online selling experience for photographers. Its AI tool, PhotoRefine.ai, streamlines the process of sorting, grouping, and selecting photos. This tool utilizes artificial intelligence to assist photographers in quickly and efficiently managing their photo collections, making it easier to prepare and sell their work online.

Google Sites, with a score of 0, does not have any AI features. It does not offer any AI-driven eCommerce features, AI content generation features, or any additional AI features.

7.8

2.8

🏆 Winner: Google Sites

. Google Sites and Zenfolio have different approaches to user management.

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.
Zenfolio, on the other hand, allows only one user to edit and manage a website. This might limit the flexibility and collaborative possibilities, especially for larger projects or teams.

Unfortunately, there are no detailed user roles and access levels tables available for both platforms.

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

User Feedback

Google Sites

42,340 reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars

Zenfolio

3 reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars

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.

Users appreciate Zenfolio for its elegant and affordable site/portfolio designs, highlighting the platform’s suitability for photographers looking to showcase and sell their work online. The Starter plan is praised for its value, though some users express a desire to upgrade to the Pro plan for its enhanced client interaction features and customizable marketing tools. Criticisms include dissatisfaction with the platform’s handling of photo albums and a desire for more privacy and faster loading times. Overall, Zenfolio is valued for its ability to organize and share professional photographs and files, despite some navigational and performance issues.

The making of this blog

We followed a clear, step-by-step process to write and research this article.

Our Ranking Criteria

FAQ

Which platform is better for photographers, Google Sites or Zenfolio?

Zenfolio is the clear choice for photographers and visual artists. It offers specialized templates, integrated ecommerce capabilities for selling prints and digital downloads, and tools for marketing and client proofing. Google Sites, while versatile, lacks the specific features and customization options that photographers require.

Can I sell products on both Google Sites and Zenfolio?

Yes, but Zenfolio provides a more comprehensive solution with integrated ecommerce capabilities designed specifically for selling photography and art online. Google Sites can integrate third-party ecommerce tools, but it doesn’t offer built-in ecommerce features, making Zenfolio the superior option for online sales.

Which platform offers better templates for creating a website?

Zenfolio offers better templates for photographers and visual artists, focusing on high-quality, customizable, and mobile-friendly designs. Google Sites provides a range of templates for various purposes, but they are more basic and less focused on visual arts.

Is Google Sites or Zenfolio easier to use for beginners?

Google Sites is generally easier for beginners due to its simple, drag-and-drop interface and integration with other Google services. Zenfolio, while also user-friendly, targets a more specific audience and may require a slight learning curve to make the most of its photography-focused features.

Which platform is more affordable, Google Sites or Zenfolio?

Both platforms offer competitive pricing, but Google Sites might be more affordable for basic use since it includes a free version. Zenfolio’s plans are priced based on the features and storage needed, making it potentially more costly but also providing more value for photographers with its specialized tools.

Can I use Google Sites and Zenfolio for a team project?

Google Sites is designed for collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on a site simultaneously, making it ideal for team projects. Zenfolio is more focused on individual photographers and doesn’t offer the same level of collaborative features as Google Sites.

Which platform offers better customer support?

Google Sites provides a comprehensive support system with various channels, including a Help Center, community forums, and direct support options for Google Workspace customers. Zenfolio also offers solid customer support, including email, live chat, and phone support for advanced plan subscribers, but Google Sites has a slight edge in this category due to its broader support options.

How do Google Sites and Zenfolio compare in terms of website speed and optimization?

Zenfolio has a higher score in website speed optimization, focusing on mobile responsive design. Google Sites uses automated optimization strategies, but Zenfolio is specifically tailored to ensure fast loading times and a smooth browsing experience for photography websites.