How to create a website for business on Google

Google's website builder (Google Sites) is one option, but for most service providers recommending to clients, you'll likely point them toward more robust solutions. Google Sites works fine for simple informational sites—it's free, integrates with Google Workspace, and requires no technical knowledge. You access it through Google Drive, choose a template, add pages and content, and publish. It's adequate for small local businesses that just need an online presence without e-commerce or complex functionality. The tradeoff is limited customization and basic SEO capabilities.

For clients needing something more professional, Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is essential but isn't a replacement for a website—it's a complement. You create a free Business Profile through Google Search Console or Maps, verify your business, and add your location, hours, contact information, photos, and posts. This appears in Google Search results and Maps, making it crucial for local SEO. Many small businesses mistakenly think a Google Business Profile is their website when it's really just a business listing that drives people to your actual site or contact information.

For actual website creation, most agencies recommend WordPress with proper hosting, Wix, Squarespace, or other platforms that give you more control over design, SEO, functionality, and scalability. WordPress dominates because it's customizable and has superior SEO capabilities through plugins like Yoast or Rank Math. If you're building for clients, avoid positioning Google Sites as your primary recommendation unless they're truly budget-constrained and have minimal needs.

The workflow is typically this: help clients set up a Google Business Profile for search visibility, then build their actual website on a more capable platform. If they insist on free options, Google Sites works, but set expectations that they'll eventually outgrow it. The combination of a proper website plus an optimized Google Business Profile gives you the best foundation for organic search visibility and customer acquisition. Don't let the simplicity of Google's tools prevent you from recommending platforms that will actually serve your clients' long-term growth.