Google confirms Google Sites are not ideal for SEO purposes

John Mueller's Insights on Google Sites and SEO

John Mueller, from Google, recently shared his thoughts on Google Sites and their suitability for SEO:

“Taking a step back, websites created on Google Sites can and do get indexed in Google Search.”“However, the URLs used in Google Sites are a bit hard to track since the public version can be different from the URL you see when logged in.” “To be blunt, while it’s technically indexable, it’s not ideal for SEO purposes, and can be complex for tracking in Search Console.”“If SEO is your primary consideration, it might be worthwhile to explore other options and check the pros and cons before committing.”

What are Google Sites?

If you’re not familiar with Google Sites, it's a website builder, similar to WordPress and Wix. It has the advantage of being free to use and extremely simple to manage, but this simplicity comes with limitations. The scope of functionalities offered is extremely limited, to the point where you can't customize much.

My first website was made with Google Sites. The builder and the hosting were free and it was easy to use. However, it didn't work out for me. The reason I wanted a personal website was to tinker with technical SEO, customize meta descriptions, add structured data, and other technicalities, but none of that was possible on Google Sites. I eventually switched to a more traditional approach, serving my content through a static website.

Should You Build Your Website with Google Sites?

The answer to this question, as is for all things SEO, is: It depends! Let me explain.

• If you’re just starting out as a freelancer, a small business owner, or someone who wants a simple online presence on a budget, then yes, Google Sites is a great option to consider.
• In a similar vein, if you’re someone who doesn’t care about the nitty-gritty details of web development and SEO, then Google Sites is a perfect solution.
• On the other hand, if you’re someone who wants to practically learn SEO, web development, or prefers more control over everything, then Google Sites is not meant for you. You’ll be better off choosing alternatives like Webflow, WordPress, Wix, etc.

Google Sites are Used for Stacking

Besides the lack of functionalities and control, Google Sites are not ideal for SEO purposes for another reason. They are frequently used for a technique called "Google Stacking."

Summary

John Mueller's insights emphasize that while Google Sites can be indexed by Google Search, they may not be the best choice for SEO purposes, especially if you require advanced customization and control over technical aspects. Your decision to use Google Sites or other website builders should align with your specific goals and technical requirements.

Want to hea it from Jhon Mueller himself ? Listen to the full episode here