Google Sites Layout Design Tips
TL;DR:
- Google Sites offers templates and drag-and-drop customization for quick layout setup
- You can adjust headers, footers, and sidebars without technical knowledge
- Color schemes and fonts are easily changed through the Themes menu
- Keep elements balanced and aligned for a professional appearance
- Consistency across all pages improves the overall user experience
Google Sites gives you solid layout tools that don't require coding skills. Whether you're building a business site or personal project, getting the layout right makes all the difference to how professional your site looks.
Getting Started with Google Sites Layouts
Google Sites works on a simple drag-and-drop system. You start by picking a template, then customize it to fit your needs. The platform handles the technical bits while you focus on arranging your content.
Here's how to pick and apply a template:
- Log into your Google Sites account
- Click 'Templates' to browse available options
- Choose one that matches your content style
- Click 'Select' to apply it to your new site
Preview templates before committing. Each one has different section layouts, and some work better for certain types of content than others.
Customizing Your Layout Elements
Once you have your base template, you can move things around. Google Sites lets you drag elements like text boxes, images, and buttons to new positions. This flexibility means you're not stuck with the original template structure.
Basic customization steps:
- Drag and drop elements to rearrange page sections
- Resize components by clicking and dragging the corners
- Add new elements using the toolbar on the right
- Delete unwanted sections by selecting them and pressing delete
Keep your layout balanced. If you have a large image on one side, balance it with text or another element on the opposite side. Avoid cramming too much into one area of the page.
Working with Headers, Footers, and Navigation
Your header and footer appear on every page, so get these right first. The header usually contains your site title and main navigation menu. The footer is good for contact details, social links, or additional navigation.
To edit these sections:
- Click on the header or footer area
- Use the text editor to change content
- Add links through the link tool in the toolbar
- Adjust colors and fonts using the formatting options
Keep navigation simple. Most visitors expect to find main menu items in the header, so stick to this convention unless you have a specific reason to do otherwise.
Color Schemes and Typography
Google Sites makes it easy to change colors and fonts site-wide. This consistency is what separates professional-looking sites from amateur ones.
To adjust your site's appearance:
- Go to the 'Themes' menu
- Select 'Colors and Fonts'
- Choose from the available color palettes
- Pick fonts that work well together
- Preview changes before applying
Stick to two or three colors maximum. Use one main color for headings and key elements, a neutral color for body text, and perhaps an accent color for buttons or highlights.
Common Layout Mistakes to Avoid
Several layout issues can make your Google Sites look unprofessional:
Too much clutter – Don't fill every inch of space. White space helps visitors focus on your content.
Inconsistent spacing – Keep similar gaps between elements throughout your site.
Poor image sizing – Oversized images slow down loading times and can break your layout on mobile devices.
Weak hierarchy – Use headings, subheadings, and different text sizes to guide readers through your content.
Ignoring mobile users – Google Sites is responsive, but check how your layout looks on phone screens.
FAQs
Can I create custom layouts in Google Sites?
You can't code custom layouts, but you can heavily customize existing templates using the drag-and-drop editor and theme options.
How do I make my Google Sites layout look professional?
Use consistent colors and fonts, maintain proper spacing, create clear navigation, and keep the design clean and uncluttered.
Can I change the layout after my site is live?
Yes, you can modify layouts anytime. Changes save automatically and appear on your live site immediately.
Are Google Sites layouts mobile-friendly?
Yes, all Google Sites templates are responsive and adjust automatically to different screen sizes.
Jargon Buster
Template – A pre-designed layout that provides the basic structure for your site
Responsive Design – Layouts that automatically adjust to look good on different screen sizes
Header – The top section of your website, usually containing your title and main navigation
Footer – The bottom section that appears on every page, often used for contact info and links
White Space – Empty areas in your design that help content breathe and improve readability
Wrap-up
Good layout design in Google Sites comes down to keeping things simple and consistent. Start with a template that suits your content, then customize it gradually. Focus on making your site easy to navigate and pleasant to look at rather than trying to cram in every possible feature.
The drag-and-drop system means you can experiment without breaking anything. Try different arrangements, test how they look on mobile, and get feedback from others before settling on your final design.
Ready to dive deeper into Google Sites? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more detailed tutorials and design resources.