Getting Started with Google Sites

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:

• Understand what Google Sites is and what it can do for you
• Create your first website using Google Sites
• Add content and integrate Google services into your site
• Customise your site's appearance and publish it online

Introduction

Google Sites is a free website builder that makes creating websites surprisingly simple. You don't need any coding skills or design experience to build something useful.

If you've ever used Google Docs or Google Drive, you'll feel right at home with Google Sites. It works the same way – you can create, edit, and share your website with just a few clicks. This makes it perfect for personal projects, small business sites, or sharing information with a group.

Here's what makes Google Sites particularly handy: it connects seamlessly with all your other Google tools. Need to add a document from Google Drive? Done. Want to embed a Google Form? Easy. This integration saves you time and keeps everything in one place.

Lessons

Getting familiar with Google Sites

Google Sites is a drag-and-drop website builder that lives in your web browser. Think of it as Google Docs, but for websites instead of documents.

Step 1: Go to sites.google.com and sign in with your Google account
Step 2: Click the plus button to create a new site
Step 3: Choose whether to start with a blank site or pick a template

The interface has three main areas:

• The canvas in the middle where you build your site
• The insert panel on the right for adding content
• The pages panel on the left for managing your site structure

Building your first page

Every website needs a good homepage. This is where visitors land first, so it should clearly explain what your site is about.

Step 1: Click in the main content area of your page
Step 2: Add a heading by typing and selecting the text, then choosing "Heading" from the formatting options
Step 3: Click below your heading and add some text explaining what your site is about
Step 4: Use the insert panel on the right to add an image or other content

When adding images, you can upload from your computer or choose from Google Drive. Google Sites automatically resizes images to fit your page layout.

Adding Google services to your site

This is where Google Sites really shines. You can embed content from other Google services directly into your website.

Step 1: Click where you want to add content on your page
Step 2: Open the insert panel on the right
Step 3: Choose what type of content you want to add (Google Drive files, Maps, Calendar, etc.)
Step 4: Select the specific item you want to embed

Popular options include:

• Google Drive files (documents, spreadsheets, presentations)
• Google Forms for contact forms or surveys
• Google Maps for location information
• Google Calendar for event listings

Customising your site's appearance

Google Sites gives you several ways to change how your site looks without getting too complicated.

Step 1: Click "Themes" in the top menu
Step 2: Browse through the available themes and click one to preview it
Step 3: Choose colours and fonts that match your preferences
Step 4: Use the "Style" options to adjust spacing and layouts

You can also customise individual pages by changing background colours or adding background images. Keep in mind that simpler designs usually work better, especially on mobile devices.

Publishing your website

Once you're happy with your site, it's time to make it live on the internet.

Step 1: Click "Publish" in the top right corner
Step 2: Choose who can view your site (anyone on the internet, people with the link, or specific people)
Step 3: Customise your site's web address if you want to
Step 4: Click "Publish" to make your site live

Google Sites gives you a free web address that looks like sites.google.com/view/yoursite. If you want a custom domain name (like yoursite.com), you'll need to upgrade to Google Workspace.

Practice

Create a simple personal homepage with the following elements:

• A clear heading with your name or your project's name
• A brief paragraph explaining what the site is about
• At least one image
• A Google Form asking visitors for their feedback

Use the preview function to see how your page looks on desktop and mobile devices. Then publish your site and share the link with a friend to get their thoughts.

FAQs

Can I use a custom domain name with Google Sites?
Yes, but you'll need a Google Workspace account (which costs money) to connect a custom domain. The free version gives you a sites.google.com address.

Is Google Sites really free?
Yes, Google Sites is completely free with any Google account. You get plenty of storage and all the basic features you need to create a website.

What types of websites work best with Google Sites?
Google Sites is perfect for simple websites like personal portfolios, project documentation, team sites, and informational pages. It's not ideal for online shops or complex business websites.

Can I collaborate with others on my website?
Absolutely. You can share editing access with other people, just like you would with a Google Doc. Multiple people can work on the same site at the same time.

Will my website look good on mobile phones?
Yes, Google Sites automatically makes your website mobile-friendly. However, it's still worth checking the mobile preview to make sure everything looks the way you want it to.

Jargon Buster

Google Sites – A free website builder that works in your web browser and connects with other Google services

Template – A pre-made website design that you can use as a starting point for your own site

Embed – Adding content from one service (like a Google Form) directly into your website

Custom domain – A web address that you own (like yourname.com) instead of using the free Google Sites address

Google Workspace – Google's paid business service that includes additional features like custom email addresses and domain names

Wrap-up

You now know the basics of creating websites with Google Sites. The platform's strength lies in its simplicity and integration with other Google services.

Start with something simple – maybe a personal homepage or a project site. As you get comfortable with the basics, you can experiment with more advanced features like custom themes and complex page layouts.

Remember, the best way to learn is by doing. Don't worry about making everything perfect right away. You can always edit and improve your site later.

Ready to take your website building skills further? Join our community of learners at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership