Free, Simple & Easy: Unlocking Your Web Presence with Google Sites
Vikas Upadhyay
Entrepreneur | Digital Marketing Expert | Dreamer | Perpetual Learner | PMP
Introduction
Hey there, solopreneurs, small business owner!
Fed up with tech headaches for your website? Dreaming of reaching new customers without the tech fuss??
How about an free, simple and (easy) DIY solution with Google Sites? While many website tools come with a cost and learning curve, Google Sites offers a free, user-friendly alternative.
Let’s kick off the journey to understanding Google Sites.
Please note, this is not an in-depth how-to guide but rather an overview of Google Sites, covering what it is, what it can do, and a sneak peek into getting started.
1. The Basics of Google Sites
Google Sites is yet another FREE tool from Google. You just need a Google account.?
Go to https://sites.google.com and use your Google (Gmail) login credentials to access your own Google Sites tool.
As the name suggests, Google Sites helps you create websites.?Don't get confused with the name, it looks plural but you can use it to make one website too ????
You can begin with Blank Site or you can choose any template from the template gallery.
2. Key Features and Benefits
Curious, what does Google Sites have to offer?
Simple and easy drag & drop editing makes website development a breeze for people with limited or no tech skills. If you've used Google Docs or Google Sheets, creating website pages is just as straightforward. This saves you time and money, eliminating the need for a developer. Easy site editing ensures a quick response time for changes.
And, I must confess, I lied to you earlier ??- it's not always drag & drop. In some cases, it's click & click. But, believe me, that's as easy as drag & drop.
No need to start from scratch. Ready-made templates save time for a DIY approach. Quickly get your website by using a template and editing it as per your needs.
Your website looks good on almost all devices (as far as I checked). No worries about modifying it for mobile or tablets. With the increasing use of mobile devices, this ensures a positive user experience.
Once you log in to your Google Site account, access Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, Google Forms, and all other tools. There is a seamless integration.
You know, your website is in Google’s secure hands. This means, you can focus on your business instead of worrying about the website security.
Similar to other Google tools, Google Sites allows permission-based control and collaboration. Create a website accessible only to your group or team, ensuring privacy & greater control.
Google Sites and Google Analytics work well together. You can easily connect Google Analytics to gain insights into your website's visitors. You can know who's visiting, what they're clicking, and make data-driven decisions to skyrocket your online presence.
You can easily embed YouTube videos, PDFs, or any Google Drive content into your Google Sites website. You can even embed another site/page by providing the address – easy-peasy!
It costs absolutely ZERO to have a Google Sites website for yourself. How much more affordable can it get?
Unlike other free options with URLs like mywebsite . example. com (remove spaces), you can have blueumbrellaventures.com
Enjoy a professional custom domain for your website.
3. Getting Started with Google Sites
Ready to dive into the world of website creation using Google Sites? Below is a brief guide to help you kickstart your journey.
Please note, this isn't an exhaustive tutorial, but a high-level overview - get ready to get your hands dirty and unleash your creativity. Don't worry; Google Sites is designed to be user-friendly, so trust yourself to explore and experiment!
a) Desktop Setup
To start, make sure you're on a desktop - Google Sites creation isn't available on mobile.
Visit https://sites.google.com . If you're logged into any Google App, no additional login is needed. But if prompted, simply use your Google (Gmail) ID.
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b) Template Gallery
Explore the "Template Gallery" at the top, offering various ready-made templates for your convenience.?
c) Choose your style
Choose a template that suits your style or, if you're feeling adventurous, opt for a Blank Site.
d) Controls & Toolbox
In the image below, I've used Class template.?
Take a look on the top and the right side of your screen, that’s your website toolbox.
On top, you’ll find website-related controls and on the right the items are related to the current page.
Click on any item (on the right), like a text box or image, to add it to your website page.
You can even add new pages, change color/icons (using themes), and customize the menu.
e) Exclusive Access (Optional)
Want to keep things private or share with a specific group? No problem! Just below the publish button, you'll find the "Who can view my site" option. Enter the Gmail IDs of those who you want to invite.
f) Go Live
Hit the Publish button to make your website live. The address will be like:
https : //sites. google. com / view / <name you give>
(Spaces are just to ensure, the above link is not clickable. Your website address will not have spaces.)
And, in case you don't like this address, use the gear icon on the top bar & custom domains option gives you the opportunity to use your own domain.
Remember, this is just the beginning. Google sites provides a world of possibilities. Explore freely, experiment and enjoy creating your website with Google Sites!
4. Cons of using Google Sites
While Google Sites offers a lot of perks, it’s essential to know there are few drawbacks too. Here are a few points to keep in mind:
Knowing the limitations sets you free!
By understanding these limitations, you can make informed decisions about whether Google Sites aligns with your specific needs and goals.
5. Google Sites Potential
Blogs and corporate websites are effortless on Google Sites, but with a little jugaad (Hindi slang for a clever workaround), you can create membership sites, Learning Management Systems (LMS), even internal intranets for your company! The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.
Conclusion
Ready to launch your online presence?
Well, if you've dabbled in Google Sites, share your experience in the comments.
For simpler needs, Google sites is a breeze. But, if you crave for all the bells & whistles, Google Sites might not be the perfect fit.
That's where I come in!
Whether you need some Google Sites guidance, a more feature-packed website solution, or just general inputs, shoot me a message or schedule a no-obligations meeting with me. Let's make your online vision a reality!
Your web journey starts here!
PS: This article wouldn't exist (in current form) without the help of the awesome Bard (not the traditional bard, but the modern day Bard by Google) & ChatGPT (sorry for this boring name. Looks like they did not consult with ChatGPT while naming it).
Thank you guys, you rock ??
Creative Director at Genpact
9 个月I am sure this will help a lot of startups and entrepreneurs with their web presence.