With such a diversity of web design tools available, Google Sites seems to be an intuitive and easy-to-use platform. The system allows you to launch free websites without the need for coding knowledge or web design experience. Due to its integrated drag-and-drop editor, the process of launching a project becomes simple and hassle-free for beginners and experts in web design.
Included in the Google Suite package, the site builder web is initially oriented towards the needs of first-timers. The service is quite convenient and understandable for all categories of users and has a lot to offer to each and every web designer. The only thing you need to take care of in advance is a Google account that you can register for free. If you already have one, you can contact the website builder to continue building your project at any time.
What is Google Sites?
Google Sites: It’s a website creator, which presents ease-of-use and convenience, being initially oriented to the requirements and skills of beginners. The platform uses the WYSIWYG editor by default, though its interface also works well for users who intend to manually edit the website’s code for a unique result.
With Google Sites, you can Easily create and manage interactive and dynamic projects with just a couple of clicks. No programming knowledge or web design experience is needed to work with the system – just follow the advice it generates and explore the dashboard to continue the website development process.
If you are thinking of starting If you are a website with Website Builder, you should know that Google has recently announced its intention to stop supporting the current version of Classic Sites as of September 1, 2021. Therefore, you will need to launch a project on the new version. of the software and this is what we will discuss. below. Here is a detailed tutorial to help you figure out the steps required to start a website for free with Google.
Choose the website name and template
As soon as you log in to your account from Google and launch the website builder, you will be redirected to the control panel. Here are the steps that need to be completed there:
- Specify your company name – click on the title to do so;
- Change the header image – you have the opportunity to choose one of the stock images offered by Google Sites or upload your own;
- Choose a suitable header style (Front Page, Large Banner, Banner, Title Only);
- Select a template: access the “Themes” section available in the detailed menu found in the rich part of the screen;
- Choose the color of the header and the style of source here – Available options are provided in the “Themes”.
Speaking of templates, Google Sites does not offer a default template for new websites that allows users to gain full control over your projects. Instead, the website builder lets you choose one of the existing themes from the gallery. As for the variety of themes, it’s not that impressive, but There’s still plenty to choose from here.
Edit Website Design
As you work on developing your website, you will have the opportunity to choose and edit the design of your website:
- Go to the “Layouts” section in the menu on the right screen;
- Choose the preferred option, in total, There are 6 variant layouts to choose from, these include one, two, three, and four column layouts;
- Click the one that matches your needs to replace the default layout;
- Get Started to edit the block: enter the text, upload images.
You can add as many images as you need to provide the content related to the niche, that’s easy, uncomplicated and fast, just make sure you choose a suitable layout that presents all the required information.
Adding and customizing pages
As soon as you are done with the choice of design, it is time to add new website pages. Google Sites allows you to add an unlimited number of pages that differ in their implications and types. To add a page, complete the following steps:
- Switch to the “Pages” tab in the menu on the right side of the control panel;
- Click “+ ” available below;
- Name the page or/and specify the custom path to insert it;
- Click the “Done” button;
- Add as many pages as needed or duplicate existing ones to save you time and effort. You can also hide the page from the navigation;
- If necessary, add subpages to existing pages and assign them special properties.
You can create and add standard web pages to present your content and attach documents, banners to post company news and updates, home pages, list pages, and cabinets to store, manage, and share files.
Upload content
Once you’ve customized your pages, it’s time to move on to one of the slowest, most responsible, and most voluminous parts of the entire website building process: loading content . For this purpose, you should do the following:
- Go to the “Insert” tab in the control panel;
- Select the type of content you want to add. The choice of the most suitable option will depend on the font in which the files are initially stored;
- The “Text Boxes” section will allow you to add and edit texts (set styles and font parameters , insert links, etc.);
- The “Images” section is where you can upload your own image files or select from the system collection;
- The option “Embed” allows you to embed content via code integration;
- “Drive” allows you to upload files from the device you use;
- Select the type of content to upload to the Web page – “Insert” button reveals many of variants that cover the prevailing number of user needs: index, image carousel, button, divider, YouTube, map, calendar, documents, slides, sheets, forms, and charts. Whichever element you choose, you’ll be able to further customize it to the specialization of your website;
- Select and integrate standard “gadgets” (if necessary): calculators , news feeds, Google Search Console for better search engine optimization of out-of-the-box projects, Google Analytics, etc.
As a Google-powered website builder, Sites allows Integrate any G Suite extension that you consider important and necessary for your project. Note that no third-party add-ons or plugins are needed to integrate the required elements – just take a look at the set of extensions and choose the ones you currently need (Google Docs, Drive, Collections, Jamboard, Blogger and so on).
Review the website administration options
Before you present your new project to the world, you should establish and configure some of the elements most critical and website management options.
- Go to the “Settings” section to connect site analytics, upload or select logo/favicon images, explore viewer tools, adjust custom website URLs, set banner ad, assign website sharing rights, etc.
- If there’s still something you don’t understand here, just hit the “Take a tour” button to see what behind the system settings.
- In case you plan to work on the creating websites with a team of web developers, the system allows adding multiple collaborators to the project. You can also subscribe to recent project changes to stay on top of all edits and changes made to the website.
Whatever settings you intend to make, they’re all within your reach , either in the corresponding “Settings” section or in the project control panel.
Choose a domain name
There is one more thing to do before making it accessible in the web. You need to choose the domain name for your project.
- If you already have a domain name, you can publish a website under this name.
- Another option is to get a name brand new Google domain name: go to the “Custom Domains” tab available in the “Settings” section and enter the name you would like to have for your project.
Please note that your The domain name must be noticeable and easy to remember. It should not only be associated with your business niche, but it should also be unique and memorable to the target audience. However, do not make it too long to avoid bulky URLs.
Adjust website access
There is a convenient opportunity to share the ready-made project with other users.To set the access right, please do the following:
- Go to the “Share with others” tab in the control panel;
- Select Draft Mode to leave your unpublished website while it is under construction;
- Select the “Private” option to prevent other users from accessing your project;
- Choose individual users or groups of people, who will have the right to edit the project;
- Publish the project so that it is accessible to everyone;
- If you want to invite someone to edit the website with you, the system allows you to do so by specifying the emails from these people and send them invitations;
- In case you want to protect your project, you can check the button that allows you to prevent other editors from publishing the project, change access rights and add new people without your knowledge;
- Use the Preview option before the final publication of the project to ensure that it is seen correctly on desktop, tablet and mobile device screens.
Everything that Ultimately, the website sharing feature is very convenient for people who work in teams or for those who users who are involved in the development of custom websites for clients.
Connecting Google Analytics
Google Sites makes it possible to connect Google Analytics to your ready project. That’s a must-have feature, if you want to stay on top of the main parameters of your project and the factors that affect its performance, as well as SEO rating. To connect your website to a Google Analytics account and get information/metrics about project usage, please complete the following steps:
- Go to the Settings section;
- Choose “Analytics ”;
- Enable analytics by entering the appropriate measurement/tracking account ID.
Google Analytics integration will help you understand the flow and traffic fluctuations, the number of users visiting your website during the specified time period, conversion rates, traffic destinations and sources, website abandonment rates, and many other crucial parameters that can eventually make or break all performance Knowing about these features will help you fix potential problems in time to avoid more serious consequences.
Adjust SEO settings and publish the website
There is a most essential thing to do before you make your website be available online. We talk about search engine optimization now. Google Sites allows you to adjust the main SEO parameters to ensure a high search engine ranking for your newly created project:
- Go to the “Settings” section;
- Look for the SEO tab;
- Fill in the main fields that are related to the SEO positions of your website and double check the information;
- It is recommended to connect Google Search Console which will make it easier for search engines to index your project.
Now that your website is 100% ready for publishing, just click the “Publish” button and see the result.
Google Sites too Difficult for me: what can I use instead?
Google Sites is not a difficult website builder, but it can take time and effort to explore and master. The functionality of the service is also quite iffy, especially for users who intend to set up feature-laden projects.
If you’re having trouble working with Google Sites and need a quality alternative, consider using the following platforms.
WordPress
WordPress – is the world’s most popular content management system now used to create, manage and customize all kinds of simple to complex content. web projects. Google Sites, on the other hand, allows you to configure projects with restricted functionality only.
The software was initially built with a blogging focus in mind, and therefore offers a wide range of tools to run with all the functions. blogs The same can’t be said for Google Sites, which doesn’t have a blogging engine at all.
Using WordPress requires coding proficiency and basic web design experience. You need time and skills to learn how to work with it, but the result is definitely worth it. The detailed review of Google Sites vs WordPress will provide more information on the systems.
One of the most distinctive and impressive highlights of WordPress is the opportunity for plugin integration. This allows you to add required functionality to any website regarding its type and specialization.
WordPress has many plugins in stock, but hundreds of them are available online. The same goes for templates. They are free and paid. Keep in mind that free samples are always less secure than premium ones as they can come with malicious code and put your project performance at risk.
Customization of WordPress layouts also requires proficiency and skills. However, the CMS has recently introduced its Gutender Editor. The process of working with it is similar to that of using website builders. This allows non-techies to use WordPress for their website development needs.If for some reason you don’t like the editor, you can always switch to standard mode to continue working there.
As an open source CMS, WordPress requires hosting and domain name choice. In fact, you can choose any host to view your plans and select the best option. The final cost of your WordPress powered website will include the price of hosting/domain name, integrations, template and additional maintenance/SEO.
Squarespace
Squarespace – – is another SaaS popular website builder that you can use instead of Google Sites. It can be used to set up all kinds of web projects, but it is mainly aimed at entrepreneurs and creatives. Thanks to the built-in blogging and eCommerce engines, you can set up, manage and run blogs and feature-rich digital stores.
An intuitive WYSIWYG editor is understandable by everyone, making the web creation process be simple. and fast. A rich collection of templates grants access to multiple customizable themes, which are responsive, niche-specific, and free. There are plenty of designs here for restaurants, cafes, and other niche businesses.
Along with extensive design customization options, Squarespace has a lot to make up for in terms of project promotion and user engagement. If you plan to share website related content on social media, downloading the Unfold app will help you create engaging stories for further sharing online. Google Apps has nothing to offer in terms of social media promotion except the opportunity for social link integration.
As a business owner, you’ll also appreciate Squarespace’s scheduling feature. Allows you to add and manage schedules online to schedule appointments, book classes, schedule meetings/conferences, make payments, add/update calendar plans/events when needed.
Multilingual support and Logo Maker tool are available. available here as Good. Using these features allows you to create multi-language versions of your project and embed a brand logo on a website, if necessary.
Squarespace’s pricing is also cost-effective. After testing the system on a 14-day free trial, you’ll be able to upgrade to one of their premium subscriptions. Pricing starts at $12/month.
Weebly
Weebly: Another quality alternative to Google Sites, it is included in the list of the most popular contemporary web design systems. The website builder can generally be used to create various types of projects for commercial and non-commercial use.
However, it has recently gained recognition as one of the most comprehensive eCommerce systems. This happened after the platform merged with Square, a reputable payment processing platform. As a result, Weebly has become a full-featured software for setting up small and large online stores.
In addition to a powerful eCommerce approach, Weebly also stands out from the crowd due to its functionality. advanced blogging . This is not surprising, as blogging was the website builder’s initial specialization.
Weebly stands out from the crowd due to its extensive integration options. There are plenty of widgets and apps to choose from here. These include slideshows, image collections, media files, maps, search boxes, and more. However, the integration of external elements is possible by using the “Embed Code” feature.
If you are planning to set up a business website, then using the Weebly Promotion tool will contribute to your marketing and further promotion. . The tool comes with a convenient drag-and-drop email builder, availability of various email types, and other email marketing tools.
In addition, Weebly offers two video hosting options: integration with YouTube and standard video hosting/uploading. Choose any option that meets your current web design needs and proceed to add video files to your project.
Weebly’s pricing is moderate to fit any budget. Along with a free plan, there are several premium subscriptions. Its cost starts at $6/mo. Interested in learning more about the systems? Then continue reading the detailed review of Weebly vs Google Sites.
Wix
Wix – is the most popular, intuitive and feature-packed cloud website builder. Unlike Google Sites with its complicated project editing process, Wix comes with two options. These include a standard editor suitable for web design professionals and Wix ADI powered by artificial intelligence. This allows you to set up a website in automated mode.
While Google Sites does not provide the opportunity to create blogs and web shops, Wix comes with built-in blogs and eCommerce engines.
Wix also boasts one of the most extensive template collections, including over 800 free mobile-ready themes divided into various categories based on the type of project you need. Other distinctions between the platforms are available in the detailed Wix vs Google Sites review.
Along with a rich collection of layouts, Wix grants access to an impressive catalog of free/paid extensions.It is available in your App Market, which allows you to choose and integrate quality widgets regarding your type of project and specialization.
Do you need a business website? The Wix Ascend platform connection will certainly be a practical solution. This is an advanced business platform, which includes more than 20 professional tools for professional marketing and management of your business project.
In addition, the website builder offers multilingual support and a Logo Maker. Both functions can improve the performance of your business project. You can make your website accessible in multiple languages and design/embed a logo to enhance your brand reputation.
Finally, Wix has two types of affordable subscriptions, each with more detailed plans. They are applicable for standard websites and for commercial/e-commerce projects. Cost starts at $22/mo. If you need time to test the system, a free and unlimited trial is also available here.
Conclusion
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced coding developer who is willing to make a website on Google, you will easily master it with the help of Google Sites. It is a fairly functional system, although it has a minimalist design. No special programming knowledge is required to start and manage projects with Google Sites. The control panel is intuitive and easy to navigate, while the result is worth the effort in the long run.
The website builder allows you to create only simple web pages with rather limited functionality. It works well for small projects, while launching full-featured websites will hardly be possible. If you intend to continue working on further development and promotion projects, it makes sense to choose a quality, feature-rich website builder from the start. Wix, Squarespace, Weebly or even CMS like WordPress will easily handle any task. It all depends on your skills and experience in web design.
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