Google Website Builder: Your Shortcut to Free Sites

When working with Google website builder, Google’s free drag‑and‑drop platform that creates sites without coding. It’s also called Google Sites, and it bundles hosting, templates, and instant integration with Google Workspace.

This tool Google website builder includes a visual editor, so you can drop text blocks, images, and maps without touching HTML. It requires a Google account, which means login is instant and your site inherits Google’s security. Because the service lives in the cloud, any changes you make are saved automatically – a simple semantic triple: Google website builder requires a Google account, and offers real‑time saving. The platform also integrates Google Forms, Calendar, and Maps, letting you embed interactive elements that boost visitor engagement. If you’re looking to launch a personal project or a small business landing page, the built‑in SEO settings let you add meta titles, descriptions, and custom URLs without extra plugins.

One common question is whether you get a real web address. That’s where the custom domain, a personalized URL like yourname.com that you can attach to a Google site comes in. Google Sites gives you a free subdomain (yoursite.**google.com**), but mapping a custom domain is just a few clicks: you verify ownership in Google Search Console, update your DNS records, and your site instantly shows the new address. This mapping enhances professional branding and improves search visibility – another triple: custom domain enhances professional branding, and improves SEO performance. The process works with any registrar, so you keep the domain you already own and still enjoy Google’s free hosting.

How does Google website builder stack up against other website builder tools, platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress.com that offer site‑building features? Those tools often charge for premium themes, e‑commerce add‑ons, or higher traffic limits. Google’s offering stays completely free, but it’s more limited in design flexibility and e‑commerce support. If you need a straightforward brochure site, a portfolio, or an event page, Google’s simplicity wins. For complex blogs or online stores, you might look at dedicated blogging platforms such as WordPress or Medium, which provide richer plugins and monetization options. Understanding these trade‑offs helps you pick the right tool for your goal.

Below you’ll find a hand‑picked collection of articles that dive deeper into each of these points. From step‑by‑step domain mapping guides to comparisons of free blogging platforms, the posts give you actionable steps, real‑world examples, and tips you can use right now to get the most out of Google website builder.