Optimise Google Sites with Buttons and Navigation
Learning Objectives
- Understand how to insert and customise call-to-action buttons on a Google Site
- Learn how to modify the placement of your site's navigation menu effectively
- Explore ways to improve user engagement and site navigation with practical enhancements
Introduction
Navigating through a website should be smooth and intuitive, and buttons play a crucial role in guiding visitors towards desired actions. This chapter shows you how to effectively use call-to-action buttons and customise navigation menus in Google Sites. These features enhance your site's functionality and improve the overall user experience.
Lessons
Lesson 1: Adding Call-to-Action Buttons
Call-to-action buttons direct users to your most important content or actions, such as signing up or making purchases.
Step 1: From your Google Site editor, click on "Insert" in the top menu.
Step 2: Select "Button" from the options provided.
Step 3: Input the desired button text and link it to the relevant URL.
Step 4: Customise the button's colour and style according to your site's design.
Lesson 2: Customising the Navigation Menu
Effective navigation ensures users find what they're looking for quickly and easily.
Step 1: Access your site's layout options.
Step 2: Choose whether to place your navigation menu at the top or on the side of your page.
Step 3: Add or remove pages from your menu to keep it organised and relevant to your site's content.
Lesson 3: Aligning Buttons and Navigation Aesthetically
Consistency in design is crucial for maintaining a professional appearance.
Step 1: Match the style and colour of your buttons with the overall theme of your site.
Step 2: Ensure the navigation menu's font and colour palette complement each other.
Remember This: A well-placed call-to-action button and a neatly organised navigation menu can significantly enhance user experience and site functionality. Keep styling consistent and focus on user-friendliness.
Practice
Try adding a "Contact Us" button to your site's homepage and position your navigation menu at the top. See how these changes might influence user interactions.
Roll your sleeves up and experiment with different button colours and positions. This is the bit most people miss – testing how your changes look on mobile devices as well as desktop.
FAQs
How do I add a call-to-action button on Google Sites?
Click on "Insert," select "Button," and then customise its text, link, and appearance.
Can I customise the placement of the navigation menu on my Google Site?
Yes, within the site layout options, you can choose to place your navigation menu either at the top or on the side.
Are there any design limitations for buttons on Google Sites?
The design options are somewhat basic, with limitations on styles and sizes compared to other website builders.
Jargon Buster
Call-to-Action Button: A button that prompts users to take a significant action, critical for conversions.
Navigation Menu: The part of a website that guides users to different sections or pages smoothly.
URL: Uniform Resource Locator, commonly known as a web address.
Wrap-up
Today, you've learned how to add and customise buttons and navigation on your Google Site, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Practice integrating these elements with your site's current layout. Experiment with different styles and positions to find what works best for your content and audience.
Here's the quick version: buttons guide users to take action, and good navigation helps them find what they need. Get both right, and your site becomes much more effective.
Keep exploring Google Sites' features to further refine your web design skills.