Error Checking Google Sites Before Publishing

Learning Objectives

• Master the manual inspection process for Google Sites pages
• Learn to identify and fix broken links and typos across your site
• Understand how to verify all content displays correctly before going live

Introduction

Before your Google Site goes live, you need to check it thoroughly for errors. This chapter shows you how to manually review your pages for typos, broken links, and missing content. A clean, error-free site makes you look professional and keeps visitors happy.

Lessons

Lesson 1: Setting Up Your Error-Checking Process

Google Sites makes it easy to review your pages systematically. Here's how to start:

Step 1: Log into your Google account and open your Google Site.

Step 2: Click on "Pages" in the left sidebar to see all your site's pages.

Step 3: Open each page individually for detailed review.

Step 4: Scroll through slowly, checking text and layout for problems.

Step 5: Use the "Preview" button to see how each page appears on desktop, tablet, and mobile.

The preview feature is crucial – it shows problems you might miss in edit mode. Check each device view because content can behave differently on different screen sizes.

Lesson 2: Finding and Fixing Broken Links

Broken links frustrate visitors and make your site look unprofessional. Here's how to check them:

Step 1: Click every hyperlink on your site to test it works.

Step 2: For broken links, either update the URL or remove the link completely.

Step 3: Check that external links open in new tabs (this keeps visitors on your site).

Step 4: Verify internal links take visitors to the correct pages.

Keep a simple spreadsheet of all your links. Note the page they're on and where they go. This makes checking faster and helps when you need to update links later.

Lesson 3: Spotting and Correcting Text Errors

Even small typos can damage your credibility. Follow this process:

Step 1: Read all text content carefully, word by word.

Step 2: Use your browser's spell-check (right-click on red underlined words).

Step 3: Copy text into a word processor like Google Docs for grammar checking.

Step 4: Check for consistent terminology and style throughout your site.

Step 5: Verify all headings, buttons, and navigation text are correct.

Ask someone else to review your content. Fresh eyes often catch errors you've missed. This is especially important for contact details, prices, or dates.

Lesson 4: Content Display Verification

Make sure all your content appears as intended:

Step 1: Check all images load properly and appear sharp.

Step 2: Verify videos play correctly and audio works.

Step 3: Test all forms and buttons to ensure they function.

Step 4: Check that text formatting (bold, italic, lists) displays correctly.

Step 5: Ensure all embedded content (maps, calendars) works properly.

Pay special attention to how content appears on mobile devices. Text might wrap differently, and buttons might be harder to tap on smaller screens.

Practice

Pick one page from your Google Site and work through the complete error-checking process. Create a simple checklist:

• Links tested and working
• Text checked for errors
• Images loading correctly
• Mobile view reviewed
• Content displays as intended

Time yourself doing this process. This helps you plan how long you'll need to review your entire site.

FAQs

How can I check for broken links in Google Sites?
Google Sites doesn't have automatic link checking. You must manually click each link to test it. This takes time but helps you understand your site's structure better.

Is there a spell-check feature in Google Sites?
No built-in spell-check exists in Google Sites. Use your browser's spell-check or copy text into Google Docs for checking.

Can I hide pages whilst reviewing them for errors?
You can't hide pages directly, but you can restrict access through the sharing settings. Set pages to private whilst you review them.

How often should I check my site for errors?
Check thoroughly before publishing, then review monthly or whenever you add new content. Set a reminder to check quarterly at minimum.

What's the biggest mistake people make when checking their sites?
Not testing on mobile devices. Over half your visitors will use phones or tablets, so always check the mobile view.

Jargon Buster

Google Sites: Google's free website building tool that uses templates and drag-and-drop editing

Broken Links: Hyperlinks that don't work, leading to error pages or nowhere at all

Spell-Check: A feature that finds spelling mistakes in your text

Preview Mode: A view that shows how your site will look to visitors before you publish it

Responsive Design: How your site adapts to different screen sizes automatically

Wrap-up

Checking your Google Site for errors before publishing is essential for a professional result. Work through each page systematically, test every link, and review all content carefully. The time you spend checking now saves embarrassment later and keeps your visitors happy.

Remember to check your site regularly after publishing too. Links can break over time, and content needs updating. Make error-checking part of your regular site maintenance routine.

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