Google site is a free website builder that allows users to create and publish simple, yet effective websites. It was originally launched in 2008, and has undergone several updates and revisions since then. Google site offers a straightforward approach to website creation, with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for anyone to build a website without any coding knowledge.
In this article, we’ll explore the features of Google site, the benefits of using it, and how to get started building a website using the platform.
Features of Google site
Google site offers a range of features that make it an attractive option for building a website. Some of the key features include:
- Simple interface – Google site offers a simple, user-friendly interface that makes it easy for anyone to create a website. The drag-and-drop interface allows users to add and rearrange content easily, without needing to know any coding.
- Customizable templates – Google site offers a range of customizable templates that users can choose from to create their website. These templates are designed to be visually appealing and responsive, meaning they will look great on any device.
- Collaboration tools – Google site allows multiple users to collaborate on a website, making it easy for teams to work together on a project. Users can share access to their website with others, and allow them to edit and contribute content.
- Integration with other Google services – Google site is fully integrated with other Google services, such as Google Drive and Google Analytics. This means that users can easily add content from these services to their website, and track their website’s performance using analytics.
- Mobile-friendly – Google site is designed to be mobile-friendly, meaning that websites created using the platform will look great on smartphones and tablets.
Benefits of using Google site
There are several benefits to using Google site to create a website:
- Cost-effective – Google site is a free platform, which makes it a cost-effective option for creating a website. Users can create and publish a website without needing to pay for expensive web hosting or design services.
- Easy to use – Google site is designed to be easy to use, with an intuitive interface that makes it easy for anyone to create a website. Users don’t need any coding knowledge or experience to get started.
- Collaborative – Google site allows multiple users to collaborate on a website, making it easy for teams to work together on a project. Users can share access to their website with others, and allow them to edit and contribute content.
- Mobile-friendly – Google site is designed to be mobile-friendly, meaning that websites created using the platform will look great on smartphones and tablets. This is important in today’s mobile-first world, where more and more people are accessing the internet using mobile devices.
- Integration with other Google services – Google site is fully integrated with other Google services, such as Google Drive and Google Analytics. This means that users can easily add content from these services to their website, and track their website’s performance using analytics.
How to get started with Google site
Getting started with Google site is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a website using the platform:
- Go to Google site – Go to the Google site website at sites.google.com.
- Sign in – Do google account sign up process
- Choose a template – Choose a template for your website. Google site offers several templates to choose from, or you can start with a blank template and create your own design.
- Customization of the website – Customize the website by adding text, images/pictures and other content which you think is neccessary. Use the drag-and-drop interface to arrange your content, and customize the look and feel of your website using the built-in tools.
- Publish your website
- Preview your website – Preview your website to see how it looks on different devices. Google site offers a preview mode that allows you to see how your website will look on desktop and mobile devices.
- Add more pages – Add more pages to your website by clicking on the “Pages” button in the top navigation bar. You can create as many pages as you like, and arrange them in a hierarchy to create a navigation menu.
- Customize your site settings – Customize your site settings by clicking on the “Settings” button in the top navigation bar. Here you can change the site name, add a description, and customize other settings such as the site language and search engine visibility.
- Add collaborators – Add collaborators to your website by clicking on the “Share” button in the top right corner of the screen. You can share your website with others by adding their email address, and choose whether to allow them to edit or view the website.
- Publish your website – Once you’re happy with your website, click on the “Publish” button in the top right corner of the screen to make it live on the web. Your website will be hosted on Google’s servers, and you’ll be given a unique URL that you can share with others.
Tips for creating a great website using Google site
- Keep it simple – Google site is designed for simple, straightforward websites. Don’t try to create a complex, multi-page website with lots of advanced features. Keep it simple and focus on providing useful content to your visitors.
- Use high quality non copyright images – Use high-quality copyright free images that are relevant to your content. Avoid using stock images that look generic or out-of-place.
- Make it mobile-friendly – Make sure your website is mobile-friendly, as more and more people are accessing the internet using smartphones and tablets.
- Use headings and subheadings – Use headings and subheadings to break up your content and make it easy to read. Use bold and italic text sparingly, as it can be distracting.
- Use bullet points and lists – Use bullet points and lists to present information in a clear and concise manner.
- Add links – Add links to other pages on your website, as well as external websites that are relevant to your content.
- Test your website – Test your website on different devices to make sure it looks and functions correctly.
- Conclusion
Google site is a powerful, yet simple platform for creating websites. It offers a range of features that make it easy for anyone to create a website, without needing any coding knowledge or experience. Whether you’re creating a personal blog or a business website, Google site is a cost-effective and easy-to-use option. By following the tips in this article, you can create a great website that looks great and provides value to your visitors.
In addition to the tips mentioned above, here are some more tips to help you create a great website using Google site:
- Use clear and straightforward language – Use clear language that is easy to understand for the audience. Avoid using technical jargon or complex words that your audience may not be familiar with.
- Use call-to-actions – Use call-to-actions throughout your website to encourage your visitors to take action. For example, you can add a call-to-action button to encourage visitors to sign up for your newsletter or make a purchase.
- Optimize for search engine rankings – Optimize the website for search engine rankings by using relevant keywords in content and meta descriptions which will help the content to be indexed and ranked faster in search engines. This will help your website rank higher in search engine results pages, and attract more organic traffic.
- Social Media – This will help you connect with your audience on social media, and increase your reach.
- Google Analytics – Use Google Analytics to track your website performance over the internet. This will give you insights into your website’s traffic, visitor behavior, and other important metrics that can help you improve your website over time.
- Update your website regularly – Update your website regularly with fresh content to keep your visitors engaged and coming back for more. This can include blog posts known as articles, news updates if you have necessary updates, or product announcements if you want.
- Get feedback – Get feedback from your visitors to understand their needs and preferences. You can use surveys, feedback forms, or social media polls to gather feedback and make improvements to your website.
By following these tips, you can create a great website using Google site that is user-friendly, engaging, and effective. Remember, creating a great website takes time and effort, but the end result is well worth it.