Getting Started with Google Sites
Learning Objectives
- Create a personal branding website using Google Sites
- Build small business sites and team intranets with Google Sites
- Showcase creative portfolios using Google Sites tools
Introduction
Google Sites lets you build websites without needing technical skills. This chapter covers practical uses for Google Sites, from personal branding to small business sites and creative portfolios. You'll learn how to make the most of this platform for your personal or professional projects.
Lessons
Lesson 1: Creating a Personal Branding Website
Google Sites works well for building your online presence. Start by picking a template that matches your personal style or brand.
Step 1: Log into your Google account and open Google Sites.
Step 2: Choose a responsive template that fits your personal brand's tone and style.
Step 3: Customise the template by adding your own text, images, and videos that show your professional background and skills.
Example: For a personal branding website, include a professional biography, resume, and portfolio section that highlights your work or achievements.
Lesson 2: Building Sites for Small Businesses
Small businesses can use Google Sites to create an informative and engaging online presence that explains their services or products.
Step 1: Define your business site's goal first – whether it's for information, lead generation, or customer support.
Step 2: Add pages for services, about us, contact information, and testimonials.
Step 3: Use Google Forms to add customer feedback or inquiry forms directly on your site.
Example: A café might include their menu as a downloadable PDF, a photo gallery of the venue, and an embedded Google Maps widget for directions.
Lesson 3: Showcasing Creative Portfolios
A digital portfolio on Google Sites can easily display your artwork, photography, or design projects to prospective clients or employers.
Step 1: Select a template that offers a gallery view or large image displays.
Step 2: Upload your best work, making sure each piece includes a description and project context.
Step 3: Optimise navigation so visitors can easily browse through different categories or themes.
Example: For a graphic designer, categories might include typography, branding, and digital illustrations.
Practice
Create a simple one-page personal branding site on Google Sites:
- Include a headline with your name and profession
- Add a paragraph about your professional background
- Embed an image that represents your work or personal brand
FAQs
Can I connect a custom domain to my Google Site?
Yes, you can use your own domain with Google Sites by adjusting the settings within the platform.
Is there a cost involved in using Google Sites?
Google Sites is free for anyone with a Google account, although there are storage and feature limitations for free users.
How suitable is Google Sites for a fully operational e-commerce site?
Google Sites has limited e-commerce capabilities. For extensive online selling features, consider other website builders.
Jargon Buster
Template: A pre-designed layout that you can use to structure your website quickly.
Google Workspace: A suite of cloud computing and collaboration tools provided by Google, including Gmail, Docs, and Drive.
Responsive Design: A website design that adjusts smoothly to different screen sizes, ensuring usability on mobile devices, tablets, and desktops.
Wrap-up
Use what you've learned to start your projects on Google Sites, adapting its flexible tools to fit your specific needs. Continue exploring different templates and features available to enhance your website as you grow more confident using the platform. Google Sites is an evolving tool, so keep an eye on updates and new features that can further enhance your site-building experience.
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