Create a Blog on Google Sites Easily
Google Sites can handle basic blogging, though it works differently from dedicated blogging platforms. You'll create individual pages for each post rather than using a traditional blog structure. Here's how to set it up properly.
TL;DR:
- Google Sites doesn't have a built-in blog feature but you can create blog-style pages
- Add a main blog page then create individual post pages underneath it
- Use consistent formatting and navigation to make it feel like a proper blog
- Limited customisation options compared to dedicated blogging platforms
- No scheduling or monetisation features available
- Mobile responsive by default
Setting Up Your Blog Structure
Start by creating a main blog page that will act as your blog homepage. Go to your Google Sites dashboard and click the Pages panel on the right. Click the + button to add a new page and name it "Blog" or whatever you prefer.
This main page should introduce your blog and list your recent posts. You'll need to manually update this page each time you publish a new post, which is one of the limitations of using Google Sites for blogging.
For each blog post, create a new subpage under your main blog page. Click the + button next to your blog page to create a subpage, then give it a descriptive name that matches your post title.
Creating Your First Blog Post
Click on your new post page to start writing. Use the text tool to add your content. Google Sites treats each post as a regular webpage, so you'll use the same tools you'd use for any other page.
Add your post title using a large heading format. Then add your content using the text blocks. You can include images by clicking Insert and choosing Image, then uploading from your computer or Google Drive.
Keep your formatting consistent across posts. Use the same heading styles, text formatting, and layout structure for each post. This makes your blog look more professional and helps readers know what to expect.
Managing Your Blog Content
Since Google Sites doesn't have automatic blog features, you'll need to manually maintain your blog structure. Update your main blog page each time you publish a new post by adding a link and brief description.
Consider creating an archive page where you organise posts by date or topic. This helps readers find older content and makes your blog more user-friendly.
You can collaborate with others by sharing your site and giving them editing permissions. Multiple people can work on the same page simultaneously, which is handy for content teams.
Adding Media and Links
Google Sites integrates well with other Google services. You can embed YouTube videos, Google Drive documents, and Google Photos albums directly into your posts.
To add an image, click Insert then Image. You can upload directly or choose from Google Drive, Google Photos, or the web. Images automatically resize to fit your page layout.
For videos, use Insert then YouTube to embed videos directly. This keeps your pages loading quickly since the video stays on YouTube's servers.
Design and Customisation Options
Google Sites offers limited design customisation compared to dedicated blogging platforms. You can choose from several themes and customise colours and fonts, but you can't completely change the layout structure.
Pick a theme that works well for reading longer content. Some themes work better for blogs than others, so test how your posts look in different themes before settling on one.
Your blog will automatically work on mobile devices. Google Sites handles mobile responsiveness automatically, so you don't need to worry about how your posts look on phones and tablets.
Understanding the Limitations
Google Sites lacks many features that dedicated blogging platforms offer. You can't schedule posts to publish automatically, add categories or tags, or include comment systems without third-party tools.
There's no built-in way to monetise your blog through ads or subscriptions. If making money from your blog is important, you'll need to use external services or consider a different platform.
Search engine optimisation options are basic. You can add page titles and descriptions, but you won't have the detailed SEO controls that blogging platforms typically offer.
FAQs
Can I make my Google Sites blog look like a traditional blog?
You can create a blog-like experience by organising pages well and using consistent formatting, but it won't have the automatic features of dedicated blogging platforms like post feeds or category pages.
How do I let people comment on my blog posts?
Google Sites doesn't include a comment system. You'll need to embed third-party comment tools or use Google Forms to collect feedback from readers.
Can I import an existing blog into Google Sites?
There's no automatic import feature. You'll need to manually copy and paste your existing blog posts into new Google Sites pages.
Is there a limit to how many blog posts I can create?
Google Sites has a 100MB storage limit per site. Text posts use very little space, but images and videos count towards this limit.
Jargon Buster
Subpage – A page that sits underneath another page in your site structure, creating a hierarchy
Embed – Adding content from another service (like YouTube) directly into your page so it displays without leaving your site
Mobile responsive – A website that automatically adjusts its layout to work well on different screen sizes
SEO – Search Engine Optimisation, the practice of making your content more discoverable in search engines
Wrap-up
Google Sites can work for simple blogging needs, especially if you're already using other Google services. The integration with Google Drive, Photos, and YouTube makes it easy to add rich content to your posts.
However, the manual nature of managing posts and limited customisation options mean it's not ideal for serious bloggers. It works best for occasional blog posts as part of a larger website, rather than as a dedicated blogging platform.
If you need more advanced blogging features, consider starting with Google Sites to test your ideas, then moving to a dedicated blogging platform once you outgrow its limitations.
Ready to dive deeper into website building? Join Pixelhaze Academy for comprehensive training on all major website platforms.