FAQ

Frequently asked questions about migrating your existing website to Google Sites.

Learn more about moving your website to Google Sites

Want to find out more about moving your website to Google Sites? I've written up the most commonly asked questions, but please don't hesitate to contact me if there's anything else you want to know.

What are the main benefits of moving my website to Google Sites? 

Moving to Google Sites offers cost savings, easier website management and integration with the Google ecosystem, providing a seamless user experience. Here's our top ten reasons to move your website to Google Sites.

Is Google Sites suitable for all types of websites? 

Mostly yes, Google Sites can accommodate various types of websites, including personal blogs, small business sites, and even simple e-commerce platforms. If you need a heavyweight publishing solution or a busy ecommerce store, Google Sites might not be for you.

Will my website's design remain the same after migration? 

Wherever possible I will endeavour to preserve your website's design during migration. If there are changes to be made, or things to consider, I'll tell you at the outset. Google Sites isn't all thing to all people and there are some potential compromises to be made for the benefit of simplicity and cost effectiveness. I will point these out and explain them to you.

What about SEO? Will my website's search rankings be impacted? 

With proper migration techniques and best practices, your website's SEO rankings can be maintained or even improved on Google Sites. I can help you understand some basic good practice to help improve your website's on-site and off-site SEO.

How long does the migration process take? 

The timeline for migration varies depending on the complexity and size of your website, but typically for a website of less than 8 pages I'd expect to complete your project within three weeks.

Will my website experience any downtime during the migration? 

I will strive to minimise downtime during migration, ensuring that your website remains accessible to users throughout the process. There may be a few hours outage as the domain redirects to Google, but I will try and do this overnight to minimise impact on UK based customers. (Or tyyou can tell me your preferred 'window').

Can I still use third-party integrations and plugins on Google Sites? 

While Google Sites offers native integrations, some third-party plugins may not be directly compatible. Wherever possible I will find suitable alternatives or workarounds for to meet your needs.

What happens to my website's data during migration? 

Your website's data, including images, text, and files, will be securely transferred to Google Sites without loss or compromise. This will all be in your Google Drive, accessible by you.

Do I need technical expertise to manage my website on Google Sites? 

No, Google Sites is designed to be user-friendly with an extremely short learning cycle. I can provide support to make sure you don't get stuck.

Can I have multiple contributors and editors for my Google Sites website? 

Yes, you can invite multiple contributors to collaborate on your website within Google Sites' permissions system. Simply use the 'share' option to grant access to anyone with a Google account. (And remove it just as simply). There's more information in this blog article.

Is Google Sites suitable for larger, more complex websites? 

Google Sites is best suited for smaller to medium-sized websites. For more complex sites, I can recommend alternative platforms that align with your needs. 

Will my website be backed up on Google Sites? 

Yes, Google Sites automatically backs up your website data, ensuring the safety and security of your content. Your website content, style and structure is all stored in your Google drive, so it's always accessible.

Can I track website analytics on Google Sites? 

Yes, you can integrate Google Analytics with your Google Sites website to monitor visitor data and insights

What happens if I encounter issues after the migration? 

If required I can provide ongoing support and assistance to address any post-migration issues promptly.

Does Google Sites offer e-commerce capabilities for online stores? 

While Google Sites has limited e-commerce features, we can help integrate third-party e-commerce solutions if needed.

Can I maintain my website's blog on Google Sites? 

Google Sites doesn't have a built in blogging feature, so if you're a hardcore blogger  its probably not the solution for you. If you do write the occasional article to publish on your website then Google Sites is a good fit. (See the blog section on this website).

Are there any additional costs associated with using Google Sites? 

Google Sites offers a free plan, but there may be additional costs for custom domains, advanced integrations, or increased storage needs. Typically our clients only incur the annual cost of their domain - everything else is free. Hosting, updates, storage etc - it's all buck-shee.

Can I migrate my website from another website builder to Google Sites? 

Yes, I can migrate websites from various platforms to Google Sites, ensuring a smooth transition. I have worked with WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Carrd, Duda, static HTML and many bespoke solutions.

How do I get started with migrating my website to Google Sites?

All you need to do to get the ball rolling is to contact me. Give me as much detail as you can and I'll explain the art of the possible to you.

Is there a case where Google Sites wouldn't suit my needs?

Yes. Google Sites is not all things to all people and it does have some limitations. If you have a significant e-commerce requirement, need specialist functionality (e.g., plugins) or need custom coding capability, Google Sites may not be the best option for you. Please contact me to discuss your requirement and I'll help you decide whether it's the option (or not) for you.

Ready for the next step?

If you have questions or want to find out more, contact me and I'll help where I can. I don't work for Google, but I am an advocate of their software and if it can work for you, I'll help you understand how and why.