Google Sites Page and Section Planning

Learning Objectives

1. Learn how to map the main pages of your Google Site
2. Understand how to organize content into clear, logical sections
3. Develop skills for creating easy site navigation
4. Identify tips for optimizing site structure for better user experience

Introduction

When creating a website with Google Sites, planning how your pages are laid out makes the difference between a confusing mess and a professional site that works. A well-structured website helps visitors find what they need quickly and gives your site a polished feel.

This chapter guides you through the basics of outlining your pages and sections in Google Sites. You'll learn practical steps to create a site structure that makes sense for both you and your visitors.

Lessons

Lesson 1: Understanding Google Sites Structure

Before you start outlining pages, get familiar with how Google Sites organizes content. Google Sites uses a simple page-based structure where you can add, rearrange, and organize pages through the sidebar.

Step 1: Create a new Google Site or open your existing one.

Step 2: Look at the sidebar on the right – this is where you'll manage all your pages.

Step 3: Click the "Pages" tab to see your current page structure.

Review how pages appear in the sidebar and consider how you might group related content together. The order you see here is exactly how visitors will navigate your site.

Lesson 2: Mapping Your Main Pages

Start by deciding what main pages your site needs. Think about the key areas of content that matter most to your audience.

Step 1: Write down the main topics or services your site will cover.

Step 2: Create a main page for each essential area using the "+" button in the Pages panel.

Step 3: Give each page a clear, descriptive name that tells visitors exactly what they'll find.

Example: A bakery site might have pages for 'Home', 'Our Breads', 'Cakes & Pastries', 'About Us', and 'Contact'.

Lesson 3: Breaking Pages Into Sections

Once your main pages exist, break them down into smaller sections that make scanning easier. Good sections help visitors find specific information quickly.

Step 1: For each main page, list what subtopics or information it needs to contain.

Step 2: Use headings to create clear sections within each page.

Step 3: Organize sections in logical order – put the most important information first.

Example: Your 'Our Breads' page might have sections for 'Daily Baked Loaves', 'Speciality Breads', and 'Ordering Information'.

Practice

Create a simple outline for your site's structure. Start by listing 4-6 main pages your site needs, then choose one page and break it down into 3-4 sections. Write this out on paper or in a document before building anything in Google Sites.

Test your outline by asking yourself: "If I were visiting this site for the first time, would I know where to find what I need?"

FAQs

How many main pages should my Google Site have?
Aim for 5-7 main pages maximum. This keeps your site focused and prevents navigation confusion.

Can I rearrange pages after creating them?
Yes, drag and drop pages in the sidebar to reorder them. Your navigation menu updates automatically.

How do I know if my site structure makes sense?
Ask someone unfamiliar with your content to look at your page list. If they can predict what they'll find on each page, your structure works.

Should I create subpages in Google Sites?
Google Sites allows subpages, but keep the hierarchy simple. One level of subpages is usually enough for most sites.

Jargon Buster

Google Sites: Google's free website builder that creates simple websites without coding

Site Navigation: The menu system that helps visitors move between pages on your website

Page Hierarchy: How pages are organized and nested within your site structure

Subpages: Secondary pages that sit under main pages in your site structure

Wrap-up

You now know how to plan and structure pages in Google Sites effectively. Good structure starts with understanding your audience's needs and organizing content logically.

Practice these steps by planning your own Google Site structure before you start building. Remember that clear navigation helps both visitors and search engines understand your content.

Ready to build your professional website? Join Pixelhaze Academy for step-by-step guidance: https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership