Starting Your First Google Site

Learning Objectives

• Understand the basic steps to create a new Google Site
• Learn how to choose and apply a name for your website
• Set up and finalise your custom web address

Introduction

This chapter covers how to set up a new website using Google Sites. The platform offers a straightforward approach to website creation, even if you've never built a site before. We'll walk through creating your first site, naming it properly, and setting up your web address.

Lessons

Lesson 1: Creating Your New Google Site

Here's how to get your first site up and running:

Step 1: Go to sites.google.com in your web browser
Step 2: Sign in to your Google account if you haven't already
Step 3: Click the 'Blank' template or choose from the available templates
Step 4: Your new site opens in editing mode, ready for customisation

Lesson 2: Naming Your Google Site

Your site name creates the first impression for visitors, so choose wisely:

Step 1: Find 'Untitled Site' at the top left of the editor
Step 2: Click on it and type your chosen site name
Step 3: Press 'Enter' to save the name

Your site name should clearly describe what visitors will find on your site. Keep it short enough to remember but descriptive enough to understand.

Lesson 3: Setting Up Your Web Address

A professional web address makes your site look more credible:

Step 1: Click the 'Settings' gear icon in the top right corner
Step 2: Select 'Custom URLs' then click 'Manage'
Step 3: Choose either a free Google Sites address (ending in sites.google.com/view/yourname) or connect your own custom domain

Practice

Try this exercise to cement what you've learned:

1. Create a new Google Site using the blank template
2. Name it after a hobby or interest you have
3. Set up a web address that matches your chosen name
4. Save your work and preview how it looks

This is the bit most people miss – always preview your site to see how visitors will experience it.

FAQs

Q: How do I pick the perfect name for my Google Site?
A: Choose something that clearly describes your site's purpose. Make it easy to remember and spell. Avoid trendy words that might not make sense in a few years.

Q: Can I use a custom domain with Google Sites?
A: Yes, Google Sites supports custom domains. You can either connect a domain you already own or register a new one through Google.

Q: What happens if my preferred site name is already taken?
A: Try variations that still make sense for your content. Add descriptive words or consider a different approach that captures the same meaning.

Q: Can I change my site name later?
A: You can change your site's display name anytime, but your web address cannot be changed once it's set. Choose your web address carefully from the start.

Jargon Buster

Google Sites: Google's free website building tool that requires no coding knowledge

Custom Domain: A unique web address you own (like yourname.com) instead of using the free Google Sites address

Template: A pre-designed layout that gives you a starting point for your website design

SEO: Search Engine Optimisation – techniques that help your website appear in search results

Wrap-up

You now know how to create a new Google Site, give it a proper name, and set up a web address. These fundamentals form the foundation of your website. The next step is adding content and pages to make your site useful for visitors.

Roll your sleeves up and start building – the best way to learn Google Sites is by doing.

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