How to Get Started with Google Sites for 2023: Step-by-Step Tutorial

If you are looking for an easy way to create a website or an intranet for your business or organization for 2023, Google Sites is an ideal option. This powerful tool from Google allows you to quickly and easily create a robust website without needing any coding knowledge. With this step-by-step tutorial, you will be able to quickly get started with Google Sites and create a website that is perfect for your needs. Whether you are creating a portfolio website, a company intranet, or simply a place to showcase your work, Google Sites is easy to use and versatile enough to meet all your needs.

What is Google Sites and why should you use it?

Google Sites is a free website builder that allows you to easily create and publish a professional website for your business or organization. You don’t need any prior knowledge of website design or any special software to create a website. All you need is a web browser (preferably google chrome) with an internet connection and Gmail account, and you are good to go.

Google Sites is the best tool for information sharing and collaboration. If you want to create a website for your organization or business, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of installing, configuring, and maintaining a full-blown website, Google Sites is an ideal solution. Another great thing about Google Sites is that it is completely integrated with Google services, so you can easily use your existing tools and accounts. And, with the recent updates to the tool, you can now create even more robust websites and intranets.

Setting up your Google Sites account

Before you start creating your website, you need to first set up your Gmail account. Gmail is totally free for personal use and can sign up via gmail.com. You would need a cell phone to complete the signing up process.

If you would like further instructions on setting up a Gmail account, please visit gmail.com and follow the step-by-step instructions.

Creating your website in Google Sites

If you already have a Gmail account, then you can login to Google Sites using the same credentials.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to your Google account at https://sites.google.com
   

2. You can start a new site by clicking blank (+ in a box) or choose from the free templates in the gallery. Alternatively, you can buy nice design templates at https://sitestemplates.net if you want some awesome design templates.

Customizing your Google Sites

Once your website is created, you can start adding content to it. Google Sites starts with the default website URL starting at https://sites.google.com/… and this is your editing mode URL and the site is not yet published.

In your Google Sites editing mode, there are three sections.

In the top sections, you'll find Sites name, Undo/Redo, mobile and desktop view modes, sharing, settings, and version history, as well as options to copy and publish.

Secondly, the body section represents your website, and you can add contents to it.

Last but not least, all components, pages, and themes are represented in the right sidebar.

* Also, read: How to Design the Perfect Header and Footer for Your Google Sites - Tips and Tricks

Adding contents and components are pretty straight forward.

Under the ‘Insert’ menu pane, you can find four types of contents: Text, Images, Embed or Drive.

• Text: Add text based contents under the text box.

• Images: Add images to the site.

• Embed: Embed html and javascript code within the site.

• Drive: Choose files from your Google Drive and embed within the site.

When you double-click on Google Sites body, you will notice a circle with options such as Embed, Images, Text, Upload, and From Drive.

• Content Blocks: You can click to add layouts like two columns and four columns.

• Additionally, you can add many components within Google Sites, such as buttons, image carousels, social links, YouTube videos, and Google Calendars.
  

Google Sites is already optimized for mobile devices

The good thing about Google Sites is that you don't have to build a different design or layout for mobile. Contents and components that you created on desktop are automatically optimized and resized for mobile devices. No need to worry about messy looks on mobile screens.

How to publish your website

Once you are done creating your website, you need to publish it. Click the [Publish] button on your upper right corner and enter the public name of the site. It will become your permanent google site name under sites.google.com default link. Once you decide your public site name and then you can connect this site url to your actual domain.

Also, read:

Your Ultimate Guide to Setting Up a Custom Domain on Google Sites

How to prevent your Google site from being mistaken for a phishing site and how to report phishing on Google sites

Troubleshooting tips

The above guide is just the tip of the iceberg and you can find much detailed information on Google's official "Google Sites training and help" page so I will avoid redundancy.

• To learn more about making the most of Google Sites, be sure to read our blog on our website or subscribe to our Medium.

Need help?

For professional pages on Google Sites or for any other issues, you can contact us directly or post your question on our Facebook page.