How to Make a Website with Google Sites

How to Make a Website with Google Sites

Google Sites lets you build a structured, collaborative website without coding, using templates, drag-and-drop sections, and Google Workspace integration. It is well suited for internal team hubs, classroom pages, portfolios, and small project sites where simplicity and access control matter more than advanced design flexibility.

Getting Started with Google Sites

You need a Google account to begin. Go to sites.google.com and choose a blank site or a template. The editor uses a card-based layout where you add rows, columns, and widgets, then drag them into place. Changes save automatically, and you can preview the site on desktop and mobile before publishing.

Choosing a Template

Templates provide a starting structure for common use cases such as team introductions, event pages, or classroom resources. You can keep the template's layout and swap in your own text and images, or start from scratch for full control over the hierarchy and navigation.

Setting Up Navigation

Google Sites organizes content into pages that appear in the top or side navigation. You can create nested subpages, rename menu items, and reorder them by dragging. Clear navigation helps visitors find information quickly, especially on sites with multiple sections.

Adding and Formatting Content

You can add text boxes, images, embedded YouTube videos, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms directly into a page. Use the built-in formatting toolbar to adjust headings, lists, links, and alignment. For consistent styling, apply the site's theme colors and fonts rather than formatting each element individually.

Embedding Google Workspace Files

Embedding a Google Doc, Sheet, or Slide keeps content live and editable without leaving the site. Viewers see the most recent version automatically. This is useful for dashboards, rosters, and resource lists that multiple people update over time.

Using Images and Videos

Upload images from your computer, select from Google Drive, or insert a web link. You can add alt text for accessibility and adjust image sizing within the layout. For video, paste a YouTube link, and the player embeds directly in the page.

Customizing Design and Settings

The theme panel controls the site-wide look, including header banner, color palette, and font set. You can also adjust the page width, enable or disable the header, and set a custom favicon. Under settings, you control who can view the site, who can edit it, and whether search engines are allowed to index it.

Permissions and Sharing

Sharing options include public, restricted to specific people, or limited to your organization. You can assign view, comment, or edit roles per person or group. For sensitive material, restrict access and avoid embedding files that are set to public by accident.

Attaching a Custom Domain

You can connect a custom domain purchased through Google Domains or another registrar. In the settings, choose "Connect a domain," follow the prompts to verify ownership, and update DNS records if required. Once connected, the site is available at your chosen web address instead of the default sites.google.com URL.

Publishing and Maintaining the Site

When the site is ready, click Publish and choose a URL. You can unpublish or update the site at any time, and changes go live immediately. Google Sites stores each revision, so you can revert to a previous version if needed.

Best Practices for Ongoing Maintenance

• Review permissions regularly, especially after team changes.
• Replace broken image links and outdated embedded documents.
• Keep page names concise and aligned with the navigation structure.
• Preview on mobile before major updates, since layouts shift at smaller screen sizes.
• Use the activity panel to see who made recent edits when multiple collaborators are involved.

When Google Sites Is the Right Choice

Google Sites works best for straightforward, content-focused websites where ease of collaboration and fast setup are priorities. It is less suited for complex e-commerce, highly customized designs, or sites that need advanced SEO controls, integrations, or scalability beyond what a simple page builder can offer.

Google Sites vs Other Builders

Compared with WordPress or Wix, Google Sites has fewer templates and design options, but it integrates directly with Google Workspace and requires no separate hosting or plugin management. For teams already using Gmail, Drive, and Docs, the reduced friction can outweigh the limited design flexibility.

Limitations to Consider

The platform has limited third-party app integrations, basic SEO controls, and no built-in e-commerce functionality. If your project requires advanced analytics, custom code injection, or complex forms with payment processing, a more full-featured website builder may be a better fit.