Add Text Headings and Links in Google Sites
Learning Objectives
- Learn to add and format text headings in Google Sites
- Understand how to create and manage internal and external links
- Enhance the readability and navigation of your Google Sites page
Introduction
Text headings and links are fundamental building blocks for any website. They help organise your content, guide visitors through your site, and make everything easier to read. In Google Sites, adding these elements is straightforward once you know the steps. This chapter will show you exactly how to format headings and create links that work properly, helping you build a well-structured site that visitors can navigate with ease.
Lessons
Adding and Formatting Text Headings
Google Sites gives you several heading options to structure your content. Here's how to use them effectively:
Step 1: Select Your Text
Click on the text box containing your content, or add a new text box from the Insert menu if you're starting fresh.
Step 2: Apply the Heading Style
Highlight the text you want to format as a heading. A floating toolbar appears above your selection. Click on the text style dropdown and choose your heading level:
- Heading 1: Use for main page titles
- Heading 2: Use for major sections
- Heading 3: Use for subsections within those major sections
Step 3: Check Your Formatting
Your text should now appear larger and bolder than regular text. Each heading level has a different size to create a clear hierarchy.
Getting the Best Results
Stick to one Heading 1 per page, and use the other heading levels in order. This creates a logical structure that helps both visitors and search engines understand your content.
Creating Internal Links
Internal links connect pages within your site, helping visitors find related content easily.
Step 1: Highlight Your Link Text
Select the words you want to turn into a clickable link. Choose descriptive text that tells visitors what they'll find when they click.
Step 2: Insert the Link
Click the link icon in the toolbar (it looks like a chain link). A dialog box opens with linking options.
Step 3: Choose Your Target Page
Select "Pages in this site" from the options. You'll see a list of all your site's pages. Click on the page you want to link to, then click Apply.
Step 4: Test Your Link
Click the link to make sure it takes you to the right page. If it doesn't work, go back and check you selected the correct target page.
Best Practices for Internal Links
Link to pages that genuinely help your visitors. A good internal link answers a question or provides useful related information.
Adding External Links
External links connect to other websites, letting you reference helpful resources or additional information.
Step 1: Select Your Link Text
Highlight the text that will become your link. Make it descriptive so visitors know what to expect.
Step 2: Open the Link Dialog
Click the link icon in the toolbar to open the linking options.
Step 3: Add the External URL
Paste or type the full web address (URL) of the site you want to link to. Double-check the URL is correct before proceeding.
Step 4: Choose Link Behaviour
Decide whether the link opens in the same tab or a new one. For external links, opening in a new tab often works better as it keeps visitors on your site.
Step 5: Apply and Test
Click Apply to create the link, then test it to ensure it works properly and goes to the right destination.
Checking External Links
External links can break over time if the target website changes. Check your external links periodically to make sure they still work.
Practice
Create a new page in your Google Sites and try these exercises:
- Add three different heading levels to structure some sample content
- Create an internal link from one of your headings to another page on your site
- Add an external link to a helpful resource related to your topic
- Test all your links to make sure they work properly
This hands-on practice will help you get comfortable with formatting headings and creating reliable links.
FAQs
How do I change a link in Google Sites?
Click on the linked text, then click the link icon in the toolbar. You can edit the URL or change the target page from the dialog box that appears.
Can I style my headings differently on Google Sites?
Google Sites uses preset heading styles that you can't customise extensively. However, you can change the overall theme of your site, which will affect how all headings look.
What should I consider when adding external links?
Make sure the external site is trustworthy and relevant to your content. Check that the link works properly, and consider whether it should open in a new tab to keep visitors on your site.
Why aren't my headings showing up in different sizes?
Make sure you're using the heading styles from the text formatting toolbar, not just making text bold or increasing the font size manually. Only the proper heading styles create the size hierarchy.
Can I link to a specific section on a page?
Google Sites doesn't support linking to specific sections within a page. You can only link to the top of a page, whether it's internal or external.
Jargon Buster
Internal Link: A clickable link that connects to another page within the same website
External Link: A clickable link that takes visitors to a different website entirely
Heading Hierarchy: The system of using different heading levels (H1, H2, H3) to create a logical structure in your content
URL: The web address of a page or website, like https://www.example.com
SEO: Search Engine Optimisation – techniques that help search engines understand and rank your website content
Wrap-up
You now know how to use headings and links effectively in Google Sites. Headings help structure your content and make it easier to read, while links connect your pages together and provide access to additional resources. Remember to use heading levels consistently, make your link text descriptive, and test your links regularly to ensure they work properly.
These skills form the foundation for creating well-organised, user-friendly websites that visitors can navigate easily.