Adding Social Media Icons to Your Google Site
TL;DR:
- Social media icons make your Google Site look professional and boost engagement
- You can add icons anywhere on your site using the drag-and-drop editor
- Icons need to be linked to your actual social media profiles to work
- Regular link checks keep everything working smoothly
- Customise icon appearance to match your site's design
Adding social media icons to your Google Site connects visitors to your other online platforms and makes your site feel more complete. Here's how to set them up properly.
Getting Started with Social Media Icons
First, decide which social platforms you want to showcase. Only include platforms where you're actually active – there's no point sending visitors to an abandoned Instagram account.
Google Sites makes adding icons straightforward. Open your site editor and navigate to the page where you want the icons to appear. Most people put them in the header, footer, or create a dedicated "Connect with Us" section.
Adding Icons to Your Site
In the Google Sites editor, look for the "Insert" menu and select "Image" or use the image icon from the toolbar. You can upload your own social media icons or use Google's built-in options.
Once you've added an icon, click on it and select the link option (it looks like a chain link). Paste the URL of your social media profile here. Make sure you're linking to the correct profile – copy the URL directly from your browser when you're on your social media page.
Repeat this process for each social platform you want to include.
Making Your Icons Look Good
Size matters with social media icons. Make them large enough to click easily on mobile devices, but not so large they dominate your page. Keep all icons the same size for a clean, professional look.
Position your icons logically. If you put them in the header, visitors will see them immediately. Footer placement works well for contact information sections. Some people prefer a sidebar or dedicated social media section.
Consider your site's colour scheme when choosing icons. Many sites work well with simple black or white icons, while others benefit from the brand colours of each platform.
Keeping Everything Working
Social media links can break when platforms change their URL structure or you update your username. Check your links monthly to make sure they still work.
If you need to update a link, click on the icon in your site editor and modify the URL. Changes save automatically in Google Sites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't link to your platform's homepage instead of your profile. Visitors should land on your actual account, not Facebook's main page.
Avoid cluttering your site with too many social icons. Stick to the platforms where you're most active and engaged with your audience.
Make sure your icons actually look like icons. Tiny, unclear images won't encourage clicks.
FAQs
Can I add social media icons to multiple pages on my Google Site?
Yes, you can add icons to any page. You'll need to add them manually to each page where you want them to appear.
What if I don't have custom social media icons?
Google Sites provides basic social media icons, or you can find free icon sets online. Just make sure you have the right to use them.
Can I make my social media links open in a new tab?
Yes, when you add the link to your icon, look for the option to "Open in new tab" and tick that box.
How do I remove social media icons I no longer need?
Click on the icon in your site editor and press the delete key, or right-click and select delete.
Jargon Buster
Google Sites Editor: The interface where you build and modify your Google Site, accessed when you click "Edit" on your site.
URL: The web address of your social media profile, starting with https://
Insert Menu: The section in Google Sites where you add new elements like images, text boxes, and other content.
Wrap-up
Social media icons give your Google Site a professional finish and make it easier for visitors to find you elsewhere online. The setup process is simple, but the impact on your site's connectivity and professional appearance is significant. Keep your links current and your icons consistent, and you'll have a more engaging site that works harder for your online presence.
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