Sorry if I read it wrong, I just saw you suggest Google services... Maybe it was in sarcasm?
What is wrong with the net today? Google API services... Even ICANN was bitten by the bug and will not let their site fully function without Google services. That means Google indirectly owns the ICANN domain registry along with every site on the net that uses their services.
It can absolutely be done without Google, Been running a domain and website for ten years without it no problem.
I was just suggesting google ads, if the OP wanted advertising. Which I think the OP didn’t want to use. I just know they are fairly easy to implement for a novice. But your point is well taken.
What is wrong with the internet indeed. You can’t even own your own domain. Reminds me of the story - there was a guy who’s name was Nissan so he locked up Nissan.com early in the game. Idiot refused a very big offer from Nissan motors. 7 figures. I think he wanted 8 figures. Nissan just registered themselves a different domain, then sued Nissan for promoting cars on his website. So what is wrong with the internet, same thing that is wrong with the world I guess.