In the ever-evolving landscape of SEO, businesses are always on the lookout for platforms that can give them an edge in search engine rankings. One such platform is Google Sites, a free website builder offered by Google. However, recent insights from Google’s John Mueller suggest that Google Sites may not be the best choice for SEO-conscious businesses. In this blog post, we’ll delve into why Google Sites may not be ideal for your SEO strategy and what alternatives you should consider.
The Allure of Google Sites
Google Sites offers a simple, user-friendly way to create a website. With a Google account, you can quickly set up a site under a sites.google.com domain or even opt for a custom domain name. The platform is particularly appealing for small businesses and individuals who want a hassle-free way to establish an online presence.
The SEO Dilemma
Despite its ease of use, Google Sites has some significant drawbacks when it comes to SEO. John Mueller, a Webmaster Trends Analyst at Google, recently clarified that while Google Sites can technically be indexed by Google Search, they are “not ideal for SEO purposes.”
Tracking Challenges
One of the issues Mueller pointed out is the complexity of tracking Google Sites in Google Search Console. The URLs used in Google Sites can be difficult to monitor, especially since the public version of the URL can differ from what you see when logged in.
Limited SEO Capabilities
Moreover, Google Sites lacks advanced SEO features that other platforms offer. If SEO is a primary consideration for your business, Mueller suggests exploring other options and weighing the pros and cons before committing to Google Sites.
The Misconception of “Google Stacking”
Some marketers have been using a tactic called “Google Stacking,” where they create interlinked pages on Google Sheets, Google Docs, and Google Sites, believing that this would transfer “authority” and “trust” from Google’s subdomains to their sites. However, this is a misconception. Mueller clarified that there is no such “trust” factor that gets transferred from one site to another through links.
Alternatives to Consider
If SEO is crucial for your business, it’s advisable to look for platforms that offer robust SEO features. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace provide more comprehensive SEO tools, including meta tags, sitemaps, and analytics, which can significantly improve your site’s visibility on search engines.
While Google Sites may be an easy and cost-effective way to create a website, it falls short in meeting the SEO needs of a business. If you’re serious about SEO, it’s worth investing in platforms that offer specialized SEO features. At Synergy Eleven, we can help you make the right choice for your business and ensure that your website is optimized for search engines. Contact us today to learn more!
