google sites vs github pages
A neutral guide to choosing between Google Sites and GitHub Pages for a small business web presence — plus when a managed, SEO-focused service may be a better fit.
If you're building a simple online presence, both Google Sites and GitHub Pages are popular, low-cost options. This comparison explains their strengths and limits for small businesses, covering setup, customization, SEO, maintenance and long-term suitability.
How Google Sites and GitHub Pages work (brief)
Google Sites
Google Sites is a WYSIWYG site builder included with Google Workspace accounts (and free with a Google account). It offers drag-and-drop page creation with templates, simple embedding for Docs/Maps/Drive, and automatic hosting on a Google domain. No code required.
Typical use cases: internal pages, event microsites, simple brochure sites, rapid prototypes.
GitHub Pages
GitHub Pages hosts static websites directly from a Git repository. You push HTML/CSS/JS (or a static site generated output) to a branch and the site is published. It supports Jekyll out of the box and allows custom domains and HTTPS.
Typical use cases: developer blogs, documentation sites, static landing pages, project pages.
Google Sites — Pros
- Extremely easy for non-technical users (drag-and-drop).
- Tight integration with Google Workspace, Drive, Docs and Maps.
- Automatic hosting on Google infrastructure with built-in reliability.
- No configuration or deployments—fast to get a basic page live.
- Free option suitable for temporary or internal pages.
Google Sites — Cons
- Very limited design control and layout flexibility.
- Limited SEO controls (no fine-grained meta control or advanced schema by default).
- Not built for marketing funnels or conversion optimisation.
- Hard to migrate complex content away without manual work.
GitHub Pages — Pros
- Free static hosting with custom domains and HTTPS.
- Full design control: you can deploy custom HTML/CSS/JS or static site generators.
- Version control and collaboration via Git commits and PRs.
- Low hosting overhead and predictable behaviour for static content.
GitHub Pages — Cons
- Requires developer skills (Git, build tools, static site generators) for anything beyond basic HTML.
- Not ideal for dynamic server-side features (forms require third-party services).
- SEO requires careful setup (meta tags, sitemaps, structured data are manual).
- Maintenance is code-centric: updates happen via commits, not simple editor changes.
Technical comparison at a glance
| Feature | Google Sites | GitHub Pages |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Minutes for a basic page (no code) | Minutes to hours depending on repo and build tooling |
| Technical skill | No-code (beginner friendly) | Developer oriented (Git, CLI, static site generators) |
| Design flexibility | Limited templates and layouts | Full control with HTML/CSS/JS |
| Custom domain & HTTPS | Supported (via Google Sites settings) | Supported with custom domains and automatic HTTPS |
| SEO control | Basic (page titles) but limited advanced options | Full control, but manual setup required |
| Forms & dynamic features | Simple Google Forms embedded; limited dynamic features | Requires third-party services or serverless APIs |
| Maintenance model | Edit in editor; easy for non-technical users | Commit-based updates; CI/CD optional |
| Cost | Free tier; Google Workspace adds cost for business features | Free for public repos; private/advanced usage may need paid GitHub plan or external services |
| Best for | Simple brochure pages, internal guides, rapid prototypes | Documentation, developer blogs, static marketing sites with dev control |
SEO, performance and ongoing maintenance — what to expect
For small business websites the most important outcomes are: being found in local search, converting visitors into enquiries, and keeping the site secure and up to date. How Google Sites and GitHub Pages handle these needs differs.
Google Sites
- Pros: fast to publish content, minimal maintenance, Google hosting reliability.
- Cons: limited control over meta tags, structured data and sitemap behaviour — all important for SEO.
- Local SEO: must rely on Google Business Profile and on-page content; limited technical SEO options.
GitHub Pages
- Pros: full control over SEO elements, ability to generate sitemaps and structured data, and to optimise performance.
- Cons: requires technical knowledge to implement SEO best practices, configure analytics and manage third-party integrations.
- Local SEO: good if you add proper schema, local pages and link to a Google Business Profile — but setup is manual.
Bottom line: Google Sites trades control for simplicity; GitHub Pages offers control at the cost of developer time. For a local small business that needs leads, the difference in SEO and conversion optimisation can be material.
Who should pick each option?
Choose Google Sites if...
- You're non-technical and need a clean page fast.
- You already use Google Workspace and want a simple site for events, menus or internal info.
- You don't need advanced SEO or conversion tracking right away.
Choose GitHub Pages if...
- You (or your contractor) are comfortable with Git and static site tooling.
- You want fine-grained SEO control, fast static performance and full design flexibility.
- You don't mind managing deployments and integrations in code.
Consider a managed service if...
- You want professional design, local SEO and predictable lead generation without learning tooling.
- You value unlimited content updates and analytics without developer overhead.
- You prefer a single predictable monthly price that includes hosting, domain, SSL and ongoing optimisation.
Migration, ownership & portability
Ownership of content and the ability to move are important considerations for any small business.
- Google Sites: You own the content in Drive, but migrating a site layout to another platform is manual — expect some rebuild work.
- GitHub Pages: Your site code and content live in a Git repo, which is portable. Moving to another static host is straightforward, but dynamic features may need rework.
- Managed services: Reputable providers let you keep your domain and content; ask how they handle site exports and ownership before signing up.
Cost and time — realistic expectations
Typical cost profile
- Google Sites: Free for basic usage; Google Workspace plans (if used) start from a per-user monthly fee.
- GitHub Pages: Free for public repos; small costs if you use external build services, CDNs, or premium DNS.
- Hidden cost to consider: Time. If you need professional copy, local SEO setup, analytics, and conversion optimisation, developer or consultant time adds up quickly.
Time to launch
- Google Sites: Minutes to a few hours for a simple page.
- GitHub Pages: Minutes for a basic repo, hours to days for a polished site and build pipeline.
- Managed service: Professional services can deliver a polished site in 24–48 hours, and handle content, SEO and analytics setup for you.
When a managed, all-in-one service can deliver better results
Both Google Sites and GitHub Pages are useful tools, but for a local small business that relies on online enquiries, the site is part of a marketing system — not a one-off task. A managed approach can combine design, local SEO, hosting, analytics and unlimited updates so your website actively drives leads.
Where manual options fall short
- Limited or manual SEO setup means slow or unpredictable search visibility.
- Design and conversion optimisation require specialist knowledge to implement effectively.
- Ongoing updates or content changes become a time sink if they require code commits or complex editor work.
What an all-in-one managed service offers
- Professional, mobile-first design tuned for conversions and trust.
- Local SEO, meta tags, structured data and sitemap management handled for you.
- Hosting, SSL, domain setup, and security monitoring included — predictable monthly fee.
- Unlimited updates: change text, prices or specials without developer time.
- Actionable analytics so you can see which pages and services generate enquiries.
Neutral note: If you have the time and technical skills, GitHub Pages gives you absolute control. If you need speed, predictability and SEO that drives customers, a managed service removes the technical burden and focuses on results.
Real business scenarios — which option fits best?
Local tradie
Needs quick contact details, service list and map. Prioritises leads over design control.
Developer-owned product
Wants full design control, documentation and versioned updates.
Small café
Needs menu, opening hours, photos and local search visibility.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for SEO out of the box?
Can I use a custom domain with both?
Are there hidden costs?
Which option is easiest to update?
Make the choice that fits your business
If you want absolute control and have developer resources, GitHub Pages is a strong, low-cost option. If you need a no-code quick page, Google Sites works well. If your priority is predictable enquiries, local SEO and zero technical overhead, a managed all-in-one service delivers the best long-term results.
No technical jargon, no long contracts — just predictable pricing and ongoing optimisation for businesses that need results.
