Does SEO apply to Google Sites?

I know it’s pretty easy to make a page for a product using google sites. It’s not a very high steep learning curve to actually get a site started and you can buy a domain name for pretty cheap if that’s something you’re interested in. The only thing that I haven’t been able to find a definitive answer about is if SEO matters when using Google sites. I’m sure it does, but I just wanted some other opinions on the matter.

Also, are there any other free alternatives to word press that you all have had positive experiences with?