google website builder

Google Website Builder: Create Your Site Easily

Did you know you can make up to 5 subpages on Google Sites1? This feature shows why Google Sites is great for those new to web design1.

Google Sites is easy to use and lets you make professional websites quickly1. It works well with other Google tools, making it perfect for work, personal projects, or team sites1. You can use it to show off your work, work with colleagues, or share your brand online.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Sites offers a user-friendly website builder with a range of customizable templates and tools.
  • The platform seamlessly integrates with other Google Workspace applications, making it a convenient choice for various projects.
  • Users can create up to 5 levels of subpages and add elements such as collapsible text, buttons, and image carousels.
  • Google Sites provides options for pre-made and custom themes, allowing users to personalize the look and feel of their website.
  • The platform offers a range of storage and coding options, ensuring users can build and publish their sites with ease.

Get Started with Google Sites

Creating a new website is easy with Google Sites. It lets users make professional-looking sites from scratch or use templates2. With over 1 billion websites online, Google Sites is a great way for people and businesses to get online2.

Create and Name Your Site

To start, go to Google Sites from the Google Workspace homepage or Google Drive. You can begin with a blank page or pick a template2. When making a site, give it a document name for the back end and a catchy site title for visitors2.

Add a Site Title

The site title is key to making your website easy to recognize2. It’s the first thing visitors see, showing what your site is about2. Google Sites makes it simple to customize and reflect your brand or style23.

Google Sites offers tools for both new and template-based sites3. You can add text, images, HTML code, and link with other Google apps32.

Google Sites also lets you work with others on your site22. You can share editing duties and preview changes before going live223.

Add and Organize Pages

Google Sites makes it easy to add and organize pages on your website4. You can have up to 5 levels of subpages for a clear navigation. Also, when you hide the main page, Google Sites hides the subpages too4.

Add a New Page

To add a new page, click on “Pages” in the right panel and choose “New page”. You can then customize it with your content and settings4.

Move and Organize Pages

It’s easy to move and organize pages in Google Sites. Just drag and drop them to create a clear hierarchy4. This way, you can organize google site pages for a better user experience and site structure.

You can also move pages google sites by dragging them to where you want. This makes it simple to add google site page and change your site’s layout for better navigation4.

Feature Description
Page Paths Page paths in new Google Sites are limited to 1024 characters4.
Subpages Users can create up to 5 levels of subpages in new Google Sites4.
URL Customization Custom paths created for pages in Google Sites could affect data tracking with Analytics4.
Subpage Visibility New Google Sites automatically hide subpages when the main page is hidden from navigation4.
Page Renaming Users can create a custom path for page URLs in new Google Sites, but renaming a page will affect the URL4.
Header and Footer Users can add header and footer content to their Google Site pages4.
Dropdown Menus New Google Sites allow users to create dropdown menu sections by nesting pages4.
Page Title Limits Page titles and menu section titles need to be shortened in new Google Sites if page path character limits are exceeded4.
Hidden Page Visibility When hiding a page in new Google Sites, subpages are automatically hidden as well4.
Analytics Impact Custom paths to pages in new Google Sites could potentially affect data tracking accuracy if site viewers reject cookies for usage tracking4.
Table of Contents The table of contents in a Google Site automatically updates when changes are made to page titles and headings4.

With Google Sites’ powerful tools, you can organize google site pages and move pages google sites easily. This ensures your website is structured well and easy to use4.

“Google Sites allows you to easily add, move, and organize pages, creating a seamless and intuitive navigation for your website.”

Add Content to Pages

Google Sites lets users make websites that are fun and full of information5. You can add many types of files and content, like YouTube videos, calendars, and maps5. You can also use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Google Docs, and more from Google Drive5. To make your site look good, you can add images in .jpg, .png, or .gif formats5.

Add Text and Headings

Google Sites has many text and heading styles to help you structure your content well5. You can make your site look great and easy to use with these options5.

Insert Images

Adding pictures to your site is a great way to grab your audience’s attention5. You can add images from your computer, Google Drive, or the web5. This makes your site more engaging and fun for visitors5.

In the new Google Sites, it’s best to share documents through Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides first5. On the classic Google Sites, you can add tables and tables of contents too5. For more control, you can add HTML, CSS, or JavaScript code in the new version5.

“Google Sites empowers users to create engaging and informative websites by providing a variety of tools to add content to their pages.”

Use Section Layouts

Google Sites has many pre-designed6 section layouts that make adding content easy. These layouts make your content look good and organized. You can use columns, image carousels, or collapsible text sections6. This way, you can make professional websites without needing a lot of design skills.

The new Google Sites interface makes it easy to customize these layouts with a drag-and-drop design6. You can see changes before you publish and make sure your site works well on mobile devices6. Plus, you can add a Cloud search box to your site for better user experience6.

Google Sites has lots of templates for different needs, like business, small businesses, personal use, and education6. These templates help you start building your site easily. For businesses, there are templates for event homepages, help centers, project websites, and team websites6. For small businesses, you can choose from a dog walker site, holiday party home page, portfolio website, restaurant website, or salon website6.

For personal use, templates include a family update site, digital portfolio, or wedding website6. Educational templates are available for graduates, professors, classes, clubs, or students6.

But, Google Sites might not be the best choice for complex websites6. In such cases, it suggests using a more detailed Content Management System (CMS) for your project6.

Feature Google Sites Elementor
Cost Free7 Free and paid plans
Templates Pre-designed templates for various purposes7 Wide range of customizable templates
Web Address Free web address (sites.google.com/view/yourwebsitename)7 Custom domain name required
Customization Preset color palettes for easy customization7 Extensive design control and customization options
eCommerce and Membership Limited features for online stores and membership areas7 Robust eCommerce and membership capabilities
Performance Potential limitations in handling sudden traffic surges and providing advanced SEO control7 Optimized for high performance and fast loading speeds

Google Sites is a great tool for building websites with pre-designed layouts6. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of design knowledge6. But, remember it might not work well for complex sites. For those, consider using Elementor or a more detailed CMS67.

In Google Sites, you can make up to 5 levels of subpages1. You can add many elements like collapsible text, buttons, search bars, image carousels, social media links, and more1. You can also create custom themes with specific colors, fonts, and your own logo and banner image1.

“Google Sites is a powerful and user-friendly platform that allows users to create professional-looking websites with minimal design expertise.”

Remember, Google, Google Workspace, and their logos are trademarks of Google LLC1. But, editors without a Google account can only view a site’s draft in Google Sites, not edit it1.

Customize Your Site’s Appearance

Google Sites lets users change how their website looks. They can use pre-made themes or make their own8.

Apply Pre-Made Themes

Google Sites has many pre-made themes for users to pick from. These themes come with different colors, fonts, and designs. This makes it easy to make your site look better9.

Create Custom Themes

For more control, Google Sites lets users create custom themes. You can change colors, fonts, and designs to match your brand or taste8.

To make a custom theme, start by picking colors and fonts8. You can also add a logo and banner image8. Changing the font style is easy with pre-made themes by clicking on the Font style option8.

In the classic Google Sites, you can change the site background by saving your changes8. You can also change the font style, color, or size under “Themes, Colors, and Fonts.”8

Custom themes let you customize a lot, like setting default text styles and adding brand images or favicons8. You can also adjust site properties like buttons and image carousels8. Most custom themes let you change the site width9.

About half of the themes are pre-made by Google, and the other half can be imported from other sites9. Adding brand images or favicons can help businesses stand out. Most sites use the recommended site width for the best look9.

“Customizing the appearance of a Google Site is a powerful way to create a unique and visually appealing online presence that aligns with your brand or personal style.”

Using Google Sites’ customization options, you can make a website that shows off your brand or style. This makes the site look better and improves the user experience89.

Preview Your Site

Before publishing, users can use Google Sites’ preview mode to see how their site looks on different devices and sizes10. This feature helps them make sure their site looks good and works well on desktops, tablets, and phones10. Once they’re happy with the preview, they can publish their site for everyone to see.

The preview mode is key in building a website11. It lets users spot any problems or design issues before the site goes live10. By checking their site in preview mode, users can fix things to make their site look better and work better before it’s live.

Google Sites’ preview mode also shows how the site will look on different devices10. With more people using mobile devices, it’s important for sites to work well on all screens10. Previewing on different devices helps users make sure their site works great for everyone, no matter the device.

In short, the preview mode in Google Sites is a must-have for fine-tuning a website before it’s published10. By checking the site in preview mode, users can make sure it looks good, is easy to use, and works well on all devices. This makes for a great experience for their visitors.

Feature Details
Device Preview Google Sites lets users see their site on different devices like desktops, tablets, and phones10. This ensures it looks good and works well on all screens.
Content Adjustments The preview mode lets users tweak their site’s content, layout, and design before it goes live11. This makes sure the site is easy to use and looks nice.
Responsiveness Optimization Previewing on different devices helps users make sure their site is great for mobile users10. This improves search rankings and keeps visitors happy.

google site preview

Previewing a website before publishing is a big deal with Google Sites10. It helps users create sites that look good and work well on all devices10. Using this feature, users can make sure their site matches their online goals before it goes live.

Collaborate and Share

Google Sites makes it easy to work together and share your website with others. You can invite people to check out and help improve your site. By giving them editor access, your team can edit the site together in real-time12. This way, everyone can see each other’s changes right away.

This teamwork makes sure your website is always up-to-date and reflects everyone’s ideas12.

Allow Others to Review

Google Sites lets you control who can see and change your website. You can set permissions so some can just view, others can comment, and a few can edit12. This keeps your site safe and organized, making teamwork smooth12.

It also works well with other Google tools like Drive, Docs, and Calendar12. This means your team can work on the website from the apps they’re already using. It saves time and cuts down on email and file-sharing hassles12.

Plus, you can access Google Sites from anywhere with internet12. This is great for teams working remotely or across different places. It lets everyone contribute to the site, no matter where they are12.

Google Sites and its connection to other Google apps make teamwork easy for creating websites and content12. This teamwork leads to a better website that meets everyone’s needs12.

Collaboration Feature Description
Real-time Editing Multiple team members can work on the same page simultaneously, with changes visible in real-time12.
Customizable Permissions Site owners can control which team members have access to view, comment, or edit specific areas of the website12.
Google App Integration Google Sites seamlessly integrates with other Google tools like Drive, Docs, and Calendar for enhanced collaboration12.
Cloud-based Access The cloud-based nature of Google Sites allows for access from anywhere with an internet connection, benefiting remote teams12.

Using Google Sites’ strong sharing and teamwork tools helps teams work better together12. This teamwork makes your website better and more engaging for everyone12. It also makes team members feel more connected and proud of their work12.

google website builder

In today’s digital world, having a strong online presence is key for both people and businesses13. Google’s website builder, Google Sites, makes creating websites easy, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.

Google Sites has many customizable templates to help users make attractive websites fast13. It also connects well with other Google tools like Google Sheets, Slides, and more. This lets users make websites that meet their exact needs.

Google Sites is great because it works well with many other tools13. The Google Workspace Marketplace has over 5,000 apps to choose from. You can add lots of features to your site. Plus, tools like Google Analytics help you understand how your site is doing.

Google Sites might not have as many templates as some other builders13. But it’s still a great choice for many users, from individuals to small businesses14. It’s easy to use, works well with Google tools, and is affordable.

Looking to make a personal site, a team page, or a small business website? Google Sites is a great choice14. It’s fast, secure, and easy to use, making it a top pick for today’s digital users.

Publish Your Site

After designing and creating your website with Google Sites, it’s time to make it public15. Google Sites is free and lets you make both personal and business websites15. It also helps with keeping your site up-to-date and running smoothly15.

To share your Google Site, pick a web address (URL) you like15. You’ll need to buy a domain name and set up DNS settings15. After that, confirm your site goes live for everyone to see15. You can share it by sending the URL to search engines and social media.

15 To get more people to visit your site, work on its SEO and update content often15. Also, make sure it works well on mobile devices to improve user experience.

Keeping your site running smoothly is key15. Make sure it loads fast, works well with hosting, and doesn’t have coding issues1516. Use tools like “Site:Sitename.com” and Google Search Console to check and improve your site’s performance.

16 To get your site on Google, verify your site in Search Console and submit a sitemap or indexing request16. Using Fetch as Google can help new pages get indexed faster, bringing in visitors and conversions quickly.

17 Google Web Designer is great for making sites but doesn’t let you publish directly to a domain17. People often ask how to share their sites made with Google Web Designer17. The best way is to move your site files to a hosting service, like FileZilla, to share it with the world.

“Publish your Google Site and showcase your work, promote your brand, or communicate information to a wider audience.”

Change Site Settings

Google Sites lets users manage site settings like renaming their website and changing the site’s URL18. This control helps users shape their website’s identity and visibility19.

Rename Your Site

To rename a Google Site, click the “Publish” button and then select “Publish settings.” There, users can enter a new name for their website. This makes it easier to update branding and match their online goals19.

Change or Reuse URL

Changing or reusing a Google Site’s URL is easy. Users go to the “Publish settings” and change the web address as needed19. This lets users keep a consistent online presence or change the URL to fit their new needs20.

Using the google site settings, users can rename google site and change google site url. These tools help make sure their website matches their branding and online strategy. They give Google Site users the power to customize their online presence and boost their website’s visibility and impact181920.

Copy or Delete Sites

Google Sites lets you make copies of websites. This is great for testing new designs or keeping backups. You can easily make a copy by going to the “More” menu and picking “Make a copy”21. You can copy the whole site or just pick certain pages21.

Make a Site Copy

Making a site copy is easy. Just click on “Make a copy” to copy your website. This keeps all your content and layout the same. It’s great for backups or trying out new designs safely21.

Delete Selected Pages

Google Sites also lets you delete pages or the whole site if you need to. Remember, deleted pages can be brought back from earlier versions4. This means you can change your site without worrying about losing important stuff21.

Need a site backup or want to remove pages? Google Sites has the tools for it. These features help you manage your website better, keeping it tidy and up-to-date21.

Being able to copy and delete sites and pages in Google Sites is very useful. It helps you control your online space, protect your content, and try new things safely21.

Classic vs New Google Sites

Google Sites has changed a lot over the years. Now, it comes in two versions: Classic Google Sites and New Google Sites. The new version is more modern and easy to use, with better features and more integration with other Google tools22.

The new Google Sites have a clean and easy-to-use interface. This makes making and managing websites simpler. Usability was a big focus, offering a straightforward way to build websites that the classic version didn’t have23. It also includes new design features like image carousels and collapsible text that were missing before23.

The new Google Sites are also very mobile-friendly. Users can easily make their websites work well on phones and tablets, something the classic version didn’t offer23. Plus, they always use a secure HTTPS web address, unlike the classic Sites which used HTTP, making them safer23.

The new Google Sites work better together with other tools. Google Domains integration lets users easily add a web address, a feature the classic version didn’t have23. But, the classic Sites let users set page-level permissions, a feature the new version doesn’t have23.

When it comes to working together and sharing, the classic Google Sites let users leave visitor comments, a feature the new version doesn’t have. On the other hand, the new Sites have editor comments, a way to work together that the classic version is still improving23.

Another big difference is in Drive integration. The new Sites work well with Google Drive, and they don’t use up your Drive storage. This wasn’t true for the classic version23. The new Sites also give users access to the Drive API, letting them do more with files and set permissions, things the classic Sites couldn’t do23.

The new Google Sites also have cool features like Vault integration, which helps with keeping data safe and managing it. These features weren’t in the classic Sites23.

By August 2020, the new Google Sites became the main choice for making websites in Google Workspace24. By March 2021, admins could check their classic Sites and move them to the new version24. By May 2021, making new classic Sites stopped, and by January 30, 2023, editing classic Sites will stop, with Google moving any left classic sites to the new one24.

In short, the new Google Sites are more modern and have more features than the classic version. Users should think about what they need and want before choosing which one to use22.

Conclusion

Google’s website builder, Google Sites, is easy to use for both individuals and teams. It lets you create professional-looking websites without needing a lot of design or tech skills25. It’s great for personal, work, or team projects, making it easy to focus on your site’s content and message.

Google Sites is perfect for freelancers, creators, writers, and small businesses wanting a simple online presence26. It’s free, easy to learn, and works well with other Google tools2526. But, it might not be the best choice for complex or online store sites because of its limited design and SEO options26.

The end of Google’s old website builder is a chance for small businesses to improve and beat their competitors online27. By updating their online look and investing in professional design, businesses can grow their online presence, gain trust, and attract more customers27. In today’s digital world, having a well-made, SEO-friendly website is key for any business to succeed online27.

FAQ

How do I create a new site in Google Sites?

To start a new site in Google Sites, go to the Google Workspace homepage or Google Drive. You can either begin with a blank site or pick a template.

How do I add new pages to my Google Site?

Adding new pages to your Google Site is easy. Just click on “Pages” in the right panel and then “New page”. You can also move and organize pages to make your site easy to navigate.

What content can I add to my Google Site pages?

You can add text, headings, and images to your pages. Choose from various text and heading styles. You can also upload images from your device, Google Drive, or the web.

How can I customize the layout of my Google Site?

Use pre-designed section layouts to customize your pages. These layouts help organize your content nicely, like creating columns or image carousels.

How do I customize the appearance of my Google Site?

Customize your site’s look by using pre-made themes or creating your own. These themes come with color palettes, fonts, and designs. You can also make your own theme to match your brand or style.

How can I preview my Google Site before publishing?

Preview your site on different devices using the preview mode in Google Sites. This ensures your site looks good on desktop, tablet, and mobile.

How can I collaborate and share my Google Site?

Collaborate and share your site by inviting others to review and edit it. Grant editor access for real-time co-editing with multiple collaborators.

How do I publish my Google Site?

Publish your site by selecting a web address and confirming the publication. This makes your site accessible to everyone.

How can I manage my Google Site’s settings?

Manage your site’s settings by clicking on the “Publish” button and selecting “Publish settings”. Here, you can rename or change your site’s URL.

How can I copy or delete my Google Site?

Create a site copy for backup or replication. Delete pages or the whole site if needed. Remember, deleted pages can be restored from a previous version.

What are the differences between Classic Google Sites and New Google Sites?

Google Sites comes in Classic and New versions. New Google Sites has better features, a modern look, and works well with Google Workspace tools. Choose the version that fits your needs best.

Source Links

  1. Create your first site with Google Sites – https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9310491?hl=en
  2. How to Create a Website Using Google Sites (with Pictures) – https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Website-Using-Google-Sites
  3. What is Google Sites? And how to use it – https://zapier.com/blog/google-sites-tutorial/
  4. Add, delete & organize pages – https://support.google.com/sites/answer/98216?hl=en
  5. Add Google files, videos, website content, & more – https://support.google.com/sites/answer/90569?hl=en
  6. The Ultimate Google Sites Tutorial [20+ Templates & Examples] – https://blog.hubspot.com/website/google-sites-tutorial
  7. Google Sites: How To Create A Free Website With It? – https://elementor.com/blog/google-sites/
  8. Redesign your Google sites – Sites Help – https://support.google.com/sites/answer/6372865?hl=en
  9. Redesign your Google sites – Sites Help – https://support.google.com/sites/answer/6372865?hl=en-uk
  10. Google Sites – Complete Guide to the Google Website Builder – https://www.epidemic-marketing.com/google-sites-a-complete-guide-to-the-new-google-website-builder/
  11. How to create a website with Google Sites – https://www.techradar.com/how-to/how-to-create-a-website-with-google-sites
  12. How to Collaborate on Google Sites | Kha Creation – https://resources.khacreationusa.com/how-to-collaborate-on-google-sites/
  13. Google Sites Builder Website Builders Review 2023: Pros, Cons, and Pricing | Sonary – https://sonary.com/b/google-llc/google-sites-builder website-builders/
  14. Google Sites Review – Should I Use This Free Website Builder? – https://larryludwig.com/google-sites-review/
  15. Create & Publish Your Free Website with Google Sites – https://webupon.com/blog/can-i-publish-my-website-on-google-for-free/
  16. How to Submit Your Website to Google (And Why It Matters) – https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/submit-website-google
  17. Publishing and hosting – https://groups.google.com/g/gwdbeta/c/4Um5f7yZ-Ic
  18. Change site settings permissions – Android – https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/114662?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=Android
  19. How Do You Publish a NEW Google Site? – https://teachercast.net/technology-integration/google-sites-publishing-settings/
  20. New Google Sites Overview | ITS Documentation – https://documentation.its.umich.edu/node/922
  21. Create, name, delete, or copy a site – https://support.google.com/sites/answer/98081?hl=en
  22. PDF – https://www.iwla.org/docs/default-source/chapter-docs/google-sites/how-to-transform-your-old-google-site-into-a-new-google-site.pdf?Status=Temp&sfvrsn=4
  23. Compare new Sites & classic Sites – https://support.google.com/sites/answer/7176163?hl=en
  24. Transition from classic Sites to new Sites – https://support.google.com/a/answer/9958187?hl=en
  25. Pros And Cons Of Google Website Creator You Should Know – https://mockitt.wondershare.com/website-builder/google-website-creator.html
  26. Google Sites Pros and Cons: for Businesses and Individuals – https://www.ecwid.com/blog/google-sites-pros-and-cons.html
  27. Google’s Website Builder Shutdown: What Now for Small Businesses? | RapidWebLaunch – https://rapidweblaunch.com/blog/google-website-builder-shutdown/