Navigate Google Sites: Dashboard and Tools Overview
Learning Objectives
- Identify key components of the Google Sites dashboard
- Understand how to navigate through various Google Sites tools
- Learn to locate and use the basic features needed for starting a site
Introduction
Starting a new website can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to web design tools. Google Sites simplifies this process with its straightforward interface and intuitive design. This chapter will help you become familiar with the Google Sites dashboard and show you where to find essential building tools to get your website up and running.
Lessons
Lesson 1: Familiarising Yourself with the Google Sites Dashboard
The Google Sites dashboard serves as your command centre. Here's how to get comfortable with it:
Step 1: Sign in to Google Sites using your Google account.
Step 2: You'll see the main dashboard. Here, you can view recently edited sites or start a new project.
Step 3: Browse the 'Templates' section if you want to use a pre-designed layout to modify.
Each section is designed to be user-friendly, guiding you smoothly through your site creation process.
Lesson 2: Using the Sidebar for Navigation
The sidebar in Google Sites is your primary tool for adding and managing content:
Step 1: Click on the 'Pages' tab to add or rearrange your website's pages.
Step 2: Use the 'Themes' tab to change the overall look of your site with different fonts and colour schemes.
Step 3: The 'Insert' tab lets you add text boxes, images, and Google Drive files directly to your pages.
Lesson 3: Understanding Tool Locations and Shortcuts
Knowing where everything is can save you time:
Step 1: Familiarise yourself with the top menu for settings like sharing permissions and custom domains.
Step 2: Check the more options menu (three vertical dots) for additional settings and features.
Practice
Create a simple homepage:
- Use a template from the Google Sites gallery to start
- Add a title, a welcoming paragraph, and embed an image from your Google Drive
- Preview your changes before moving to the next step
FAQs
Can I connect a custom domain to my Google Site?
Yes, you can connect a custom domain through the site settings menu, allowing a more professional presence.
How do I password-protect a page?
Navigate to the 'Share with others' setting in the page options to set up access restrictions.
Where can I find themes for my site?
Themes are located under the 'Themes' tab in the sidebar, offering various aesthetic choices.
Is Google Analytics integration possible on Google Sites?
Google Sites does not have native Google Analytics integration. However, you can still track site traffic using Google Tag Manager or other third-party analytics tools.
Are there e-commerce capabilities on Google Sites?
Google Sites does not offer built-in e-commerce functionalities. Users seeking to create online stores may need to explore other platforms that specialise in e-commerce.
Jargon Buster
Google Drive: A cloud storage service provided by Google that allows users to store, share, and collaborate on files and documents online.
Custom Domain: A unique web address (e.g., www.yourwebsite.com) that you can purchase to replace the default Google Sites domain for a more professional online presence.
Themes: Pre-set design templates in Google Sites that define the visual appearance of your website.
Google Analytics: A web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic, providing valuable insights into user behaviour and site performance.
CSS: Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) is a coding language used to style the appearance of websites, including layout, colours, fonts, and more.
Wrap-up
You should now be comfortable navigating the Google Sites dashboard and using its tools to start designing your website. The sidebar is your main workspace for adding content and styling your pages, while the dashboard is your starting point for managing sites and accessing templates.
Roll your sleeves up and experiment with what you've learned. The essential tools for your site are mainly found in the sidebar, so spend some time getting familiar with each tab. Remember, the more you practice, the more natural it becomes.
Continue with the next lesson to deepen your understanding of more advanced features and further develop your website's functionality.