Google Sites: Summary of Reddit Comments

Pros of Google Sites:

• Easy to Use: Many users find Google Sites to be user-friendly and easy to navigate.
• Free: Being a free platform, Google Sites is a cost-effective option for creating websites.
• Integration: Seamless integration with other Google products for users already within the Google ecosystem.
• No-code site builder: Ideal for those who do not have coding skills but want to create a website.
• Custom Domain: Users have the option to use a default Google Sites URL or a custom domain for their site.

Cons of Google Sites:

• Limited Design Control: Users have restricted design customization options and can only select from available themes/templates.
• Search Ranking Issues: Some users report their Google Sites not showing up in search engine results, which may affect online visibility.
• SEO Challenges: Difficulties in linkages and search engine optimization specially for commerce and ranking purposes.
• Perception: Some users feel that sites built on Google Sites may not look as professional or serious as those created on other platforms.
• Malware Concerns: Instances of scams and malware hosting on Google Sites that might lead to links being spammed on social platforms.

Other Product Options and Comparisons:

• Dreamhost: Recommended as an alternative to Google Sites for web hosting, WordPress, and creating websites, providing more features and flexibility.
• Namecheap: Suggested for domain registration due to affordability and bundled WHOIS privacy protection.
• Blogger: Some caution against using Blogger for building websites due to potential issues with indexing on search engines.
• WordPress: Comparisons made between Google Sites and WordPress, with some users preferring Google Sites for simplicity and reliability over WordPress's complexity.

Reddit Comments on Google Sites Usage:

• Users have shared their personal experiences using Google Sites for various purposes, such as creating business pages, author websites, and digital portfolios.
• Some users have successfully implemented features like PayPal integration and external linking on their Google Sites.
• Recommendations are made for incorporating SSL certificates on Google Sites for secure browsing.
• Users have highlighted the challenges of SEO, UI/UX design, and custom domain linkage when using Google Sites for commercial purposes.

Overall, while Google Sites is praised for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, users also acknowledge its limitations in design customization, search ranking issues, and potential SEO challenges. For basic informational websites or personal portfolios, Google Sites can be a suitable option, but for more extensive features and professional appearances, other platforms like WordPress or Dreamhost may be preferred.