How to Make a Website Without Google Sites: Top Alternatives and Steps
How to Make a Website Without Google Sites: Your Ultimate Guide
If you’re trying to figure out how to make a website without Google Sites, you’re in the right place. While Google Sites is free and simple, it lacks the customization, scalability, and functionality needed for many modern websites. Whether you’re a small business owner, creative professional, student, or entrepreneur, building a site that reflects your brand is essential—and Google Sites alternatives give you more power and freedom.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to make a website without Google Sites, including tools that work like Google Sites, comparison tables, expert tips, and detailed tutorials for U.S.-based creators who want to own their web presence.
Step What You Need to Do Tools / Platforms Difficulty Real-World Application 1 Define website type and goals Notion, pen & paper, Trello Easy Helps you choose the right non-Google Sites platform 2 Choose a website builder Wix, WordPress, Squarespace, Carrd, Weebly Easy–Moderate Allows flexibility, better design, and SEO features 3 Register a domain name Namecheap, Google Domains, GoDaddy Easy Gives your site a custom and professional URL 4 Select and customize a template WordPress themes, Wix Editor, Squarespace templates Easy–Moderate Personalizes your site for branding and function 5 Add and format content Text, images, videos, CTAs Platform editors (Wix, WordPress, Carrd) Moderate 6 Enable security (HTTPS) Let’s Encrypt, host settings Easy Secures your site and boosts user trust 7 Optimize for SEO Yoast SEO (WordPress), built-in SEO tools Moderate Helps your site rank in search results 8 Compare platforms See feature comparison table This article’s summary table Easy 9 Publish and promote site Social media, newsletters, business listings Facebook, LinkedIn, Mailchimp Easy–Moderate
🚀 Why Learn How to Make a Website Without Google Sites?
Let’s be honest: Google Sites is convenient, but it’s extremely limited. It’s like building a house out of cardboard. If you want a site that:
- Ranks on Google
- Loads quickly
- Looks professional
- Converts visitors into leads or customers
… then learning how to make a website without Google Sites is the smartest move you can make.
Limitations of Google Sites:
- Minimal SEO features
- Limited themes
- No third-party integrations
- No built-in analytics or eCommerce options
- Clunky navigation for larger websites
This article will walk you through alternatives like Google Sites that offer more functionality without needing to code.
🧠 Step 1: Decide the Type of Website You Want
Before you choose a platform, identify your website’s purpose. This helps you pick the best tools like Google Sites but with advanced functionality.
Website Types & Goals:
| Purpose | Recommended Platform |
|---|---|
| Personal Portfolio | Wix, Carrd, WordPress.com |
| Business Website | WordPress.org, Squarespace |
| Blog | Ghost, Medium (for writing), WordPress.com |
| eCommerce | Shopify, BigCommerce, Square Online |
| Landing Page | Carrd, Unbounce |
Each of these platforms supports how to make a website without Google Sites in a more flexible and scalable way.
⚙️ Step 2: Pick a Platform That’s Not Google Sites
If you’re looking for sites like Google Sites, here are the best options categorized by use case.
Best Alternatives to Google Sites:
| Platform | Best For | Features | Free Plan? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | Beginners, drag-and-drop design | 900+ templates, App Market | ✅ |
| WordPress.com | Bloggers, personal brands | Themes, plugins, Jetpack tools | ✅ |
| Squarespace | Design lovers, business sites | Stunning templates, analytics | ❌ |
| Carrd | Single-page websites | Lightning-fast, simple UI | ✅ |
| Weebly | Small businesses | eCommerce, drag-and-drop builder | ✅ |
🔗 Try Wix if you want an intuitive interface with more design freedom than Google Sites.
Knowing how to make a website without Google Sites means choosing tools that let your creativity flow.
🛠️ Step 3: Buy a Domain Name
No matter which platform you use, you’ll need a custom domain for a professional look.
Where to Buy:
💡 Tip: Choose a domain that reflects your brand, is easy to spell, and ends in .com if possible.
This is a critical part of how to make a website without Google Sites—ownership and branding.
🎨 Step 4: Choose a Template and Customize It
Unlike Google Sites, platforms like Google Sites offer dozens to thousands of customizable templates.
What to Look For:
- Responsive design (mobile-friendly)
- Fast loading speeds
- Clean navigation
- Visual hierarchy
- SEO-ready structure
Customization is key in how to make a website without Google Sites that doesn’t feel like a template.
✍️ Step 5: Add Your Content
Whether you’re creating a portfolio or a product page, content is king.
Content to Include:
- Homepage: Who you are and what you offer
- About Page: Story, mission, vision
- Contact Page: Email, form, location
- Blog: For SEO and trust-building
- Service/Product Pages: Details + CTAs
Unlike sites like Google Sites, most modern builders allow rich content like video backgrounds, animations, and embedded forms.
🔐 Step 6: Secure Your Site with HTTPS
All platforms like Google Sites support HTTPS, but it’s important to ensure your site is secure.
- Platforms like Wix and Squarespace offer SSL for free.
- On WordPress.org, you’ll need to enable SSL via hosting.
Security is a big part of how to make a website without Google Sites that users trust.
📈 Step 7: Optimize Your Website for SEO
If no one finds your site, what’s the point? Unlike Google Sites, other builders offer full SEO control.
SEO Must-Haves:
- Title tags and meta descriptions
- Image alt text
- Fast load times
- Mobile-friendly design
- Sitemaps and robots.txt access
Use Yoast SEO or Rank Math with WordPress for easy optimization.
Mastering SEO is central to how to make a website without Google Sites that ranks.
📊 Table: Google Sites vs. Other Platforms
| Feature | Google Sites | Wix | WordPress.org | Squarespace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEO Tools | ❌ Minimal | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Full control | ✅ Built-in |
| Templates | ❌ Basic | ✅ 900+ | ✅ Thousands | ✅ Designer-grade |
| eCommerce | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Integrations | ❌ Limited | ✅ App Market | ✅ Plugin ecosystem | ✅ Marketing tools |
| Analytics | ❌ Basic | ✅ Google & native | ✅ GA, plugins | ✅ Built-in |
📲 Step 8: Go Live and Share Your Site
Hit that publish button! Then promote your site using:
- Social media (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook)
- Email newsletters
- Google Business Profile
- Blogging and SEO
This is the exciting final part of how to make a website without Google Sites—launching your vision.
🧩 Bonus: Sites Like Google Sites for Specific Use Cases
Need a simple landing page?
Try Carrd. It’s free, fast, and perfect for one-page resumes or personal sites.
Want a blog-centric site?
Use WordPress.com or Ghost.
Need a design-heavy portfolio?
Go with Squarespace or Webflow.
You don’t have to settle for less. There are tons of tools like Google Sites that do more.
✅ 15 SEO-Optimized FAQs for “How to Make a Website Without Google Sites”
1. Why would someone want to learn how to make a website without Google Sites?
Many people search for how to make a website without Google Sites because while Google Sites is free and easy to use, it lacks many advanced features required for modern websites. Things like search engine optimization (SEO), advanced design controls, eCommerce, analytics, and third-party app integrations are extremely limited.
That’s why users look for tools like Google Sites, but with more flexibility and customization. For growing businesses, bloggers, and online stores, moving beyond Google Sites offers professional credibility and performance.
2. Are there other platforms like Google Sites that are also free?
Yes! Several platforms like Google Sites offer free versions, though with some limitations:
-
Wix: Drag-and-drop builder with hundreds of templates
-
WordPress.com: Offers a free tier with blogging features
-
Carrd: Ideal for single-page sites or landing pages
-
Weebly: Includes basic eCommerce and design tools
-
Zoho Sites: Another free builder with integration options
If you’re learning how to make a website without Google Sites, starting with these free platforms is a great way to test functionality before committing.
3. How do I choose the best alternative to Google Sites?
Choosing a platform depends on your website’s purpose. If you’re building a portfolio, Carrd or Wix may be ideal. For blogs, go with WordPress.com. For eCommerce, Shopify or Weebly works better. Each option offers unique strengths, making them great sites like Google Sites—but with added flexibility.
When exploring how to make a website without Google Sites, always consider design freedom, SEO tools, mobile responsiveness, and ease of use.
4. What are the SEO limitations of Google Sites compared to its alternatives?
Google Sites has almost no SEO tools. You can’t edit title tags or meta descriptions easily, you don’t get access to schema markup, and URL structures are basic. On the other hand, platforms like Google Sites—such as Wix and WordPress—offer complete SEO control.
For those trying to rank in search engines, it’s essential to understand how to make a website without Google Sites using platforms that allow custom URLs, image alt tags, and SEO plugins.
5. Can I use my own domain name without using Google Sites?
Yes! Nearly every website builder allows you to use your own domain name—even the free ones (though you may have to upgrade for full access). In contrast, Google Sites gives you URLs like sites.google.com/view/yoursite, which looks unprofessional.
Learning how to make a website without Google Sites also means understanding domain ownership, which is crucial for branding and trust.
6. Is WordPress a better platform than Google Sites?
Absolutely. WordPress (especially WordPress.org) is one of the best answers to how to make a website without Google Sites because it’s scalable, customizable, and SEO-friendly. You get access to thousands of themes, plugins, and design elements.
While it does require a bit of a learning curve, it’s far superior to Google Sites for anyone serious about growing a blog, brand, or business online.
7. Can I build an online store without using Google Sites?
Yes. In fact, Google Sites doesn’t support native eCommerce functionality at all. You can’t process payments, track orders, or manage products.
If you’re looking for platforms like Google Sites but built for eCommerce, consider:
-
Shopify – full-featured eCommerce
-
Square Online – free with low transaction fees
-
Weebly – great for beginners
-
Wix eCommerce – drag-and-drop plus selling features
This is a huge reason why many people search for how to make a website without Google Sites to launch a shop.
8. Do I need coding skills to make a website without Google Sites?
Not at all. In fact, platforms like Google Sites are specifically built for non-coders. Tools like Wix, Squarespace, and Carrd use drag-and-drop interfaces. Even WordPress has visual builders like Elementor and Divi that make design simple.
So, if you’re exploring how to make a website without Google Sites, rest assured that coding is entirely optional.
9. Are websites made without Google Sites mobile-friendly?
They can be—even more so than Google Sites. Platforms like Google Sites usually offer responsive themes that automatically adjust to screen size. This is a must-have feature if you want to improve user experience and SEO.
Learning how to make a website without Google Sites ensures your site will be mobile-optimized across all devices.
10. What’s the difference between sites like Google Sites and custom-built websites?
Sites like Google Sites are easier to use and require less setup, while custom-built websites offer complete design and feature control (at the cost of time and budget).
If you’re a beginner, using platforms like Google Sites gives you a great head start without hiring a developer. Advanced users may choose WordPress or Webflow for more customization.
11. How much does it cost to make a website without Google Sites?
You can start for free with most sites like Google Sites, but premium features like custom domains, more storage, and analytics often come with paid plans:
| Platform | Starting Cost | Custom Domain? |
|---|---|---|
| Wix | Free – $16/mo | ✅ |
| WordPress.com | Free – $8/mo | ✅ |
| Squarespace | $16/mo | ✅ |
| Carrd | Free – $19/yr | ✅ |
| Shopify | $39/mo | ✅ |
So, while how to make a website without Google Sites can be free, investing a little often delivers far better results.
12. Can I migrate content from Google Sites to another platform?
Manually, yes. You can copy text, download images, and recreate layouts. Some platforms also let you import content through plugins or file uploads (like WordPress). However, there’s no direct “migrate” button.
If you’ve outgrown Google Sites, making a website without Google Sites from scratch on a better platform is often quicker than trying to convert everything perfectly.
13. Are websites made with tools like Google Sites secure?
Yes—if you choose reputable platforms. Most builders like Google Sites come with SSL encryption, user authentication, and regular updates. Be sure to use HTTPS, strong passwords, and avoid shady plugins or extensions.
Security is a core part of how to make a website without Google Sites that users can trust.
14. What analytics tools can I use on sites like Google Sites?
While Google Sites only supports limited tracking via Google Analytics, alternatives allow for more robust insights. On WordPress, you can use plugins like MonsterInsights. Wix and Squarespace offer built-in dashboards. You can also integrate Hotjar, Facebook Pixel, and UTM tracking.
These insights are essential if you’re serious about how to make a website without Google Sites that grows with your audience.
15. What’s the easiest platform for beginners who don’t want to use Google Sites?
The top beginner-friendly platforms are:
-
Wix – Easy drag-and-drop and stylish designs
-
Carrd – Great for single-page sites
-
Weebly – Simple layout options and fast setup
-
WordPress.com – Excellent for blogging
If you’re looking for how to make a website without Google Sites that’s fast and fun to build, start with one of these.
✅ Final Thoughts: Why You Should Learn How to Make a Website Without Google Sites
Learning how to make a website without Google Sites gives you:
- Better design tools
- SEO control
- eCommerce features
- Professional branding
- Growth scalability
Whether you’re looking for sites like Google Sites or want to elevate your online presence, the tools and tips in this guide will take you there.
Next Step: Pick your platform and start building today. Want a side-by-side checklist of all the tools covered here? Just let us know!
