As Google aims to help enterprises and businesses integrate seamlessly on the web, Google has added a newly built "Google Sites" into its roster of tools and applications in the Google apps suite. The upgraded site may also include real-time site editing so that users will be able to collaborate better with their team.
According to Google's blog, the new Google Sites upgrade is now open to all after undergoing an Early Adaptor Program, a beta test where Google worked with several people to help revamp the application and fine tune it for better experience.
Launched in 2008, unlike the new Google Sites upgrade, the former Google Sites was aimed at making web development easy for users, especially those who do not have good knowledge in web development codes. But since then, other website generators have outpaced Google sites, opting Google to rebuild the Google feature.
In the new Google Sites upgrade, users can utilize Google's "Google Analytics" to measure site engagement and performance. With this, users will be able to see what works for their site to attract more traffic. Google also added more customization options for users to utilize to give their site a better appearance. The new Google Sites upgrade users will have six highly customizable themes to choose from to make the site more appealing. The new themes and layout are also programmed to fit different screen sizes, whether the site is being viewed through a desktop or smartphone.
Build beautiful and functional pages using Google Sites, optimized for every screen: https://t.co/M5zZXE6RmH pic.twitter.com/1IyRovKTQW
— G Suite (@gsuite) November 23, 2016
With the new Google Sites upgrade, users will also be able to collaborate better with their team through real-time site editing, a feature similar to Google's "Google docs" and Google Sheets. Through the use of real-time editing, users will see edits being made by others without the need of being together.
Also, the new Google Sites upgrade will give even nontechnical Google sites users the ability to build their website without the need to write any HTML or program-language code. Users can simply drag-and-drop elements they need into the site.
Users of the new Google Sites upgrade will be able to use other Google apps into the site as well. Google docs, sheets, maps, and drive will be available for integration into the new Google Sites upgrade, making it easier for users to add content into the site.
Currently, as per Techcrunch, the existing Google sites will have a hard time importing to the new Google Sites upgrade and utilize the new features, but Google is working on it and will hopefully add an option to move to the new Google Sites upgrade in 2017.
