How to Create Your Website Using Google Sites

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Google Sites is Google's website creation platform. As we know, creating a website is essential for anyone who wants to be present on the internet, whether it's to promote a business, present a portfolio, or even have a personal blog. When it comes to building a website, many people may feel intimidated, thinking that it's a complex task that requires advanced technical knowledge.

However, Google Sites is a free and simple tool that allows you to create websites quickly and easily. If you want to create your own website using Google Sites, this article is for you. Here, we will show you step by step how to create your website using this platform, in a simple and practical way.

Step 1: Go to Google Sites

The first step is to access Google Sites. So, just access the address sites.google.com and sign in to your Google account. If you don't already have an account, you can create one for free.

But before you start creating your website, it’s important to define what its main purpose is. So, ask yourself: Do you want to sell products or services? Do you want to share information about a specific topic? Or do you just want to showcase your work to potential clients? Having a clear idea of the purpose of your website will help you define the design, content, and functionality it should have.

Step 2: Choose a template

Website design is one of the most important factors in ensuring a good user experience. It should be attractive, functional and in line with the purpose of your website.

When you access Google Sites, you’ll see a screen that gives you options for creating a new website. You can choose between two types of templates: “Blank Site” or “Template.” “Blank Site” lets you create a website from scratch, while “Template” offers ready-made templates that you can customize.

Step 3: Customize the template

If you choose to use a template, choose the one that best suits your needs and goals. Then, customize it to your liking. You can change the design, colors, fonts, and page layout. To customize your template, simply click on the options available in the toolbar.

You can expand the functionality of your website using the Google Sites Plugins, helping to improve the appearance of the site and including various tools.

Step 4: Add content to Google Sites

Once you’ve customized your template, it’s time to add content to your website. In this sense, content is what makes your website relevant to users and Google. Remember to use relevant keywords and write texts that answer your users’ questions and needs. Also, use images and videos to complement your content and make it more attractive.

In Google Sites, simply click “Add” in the toolbar and choose the option you want. You can add text, images, videos, links, buttons, forms, and more.

Step 5: Create pages

A website is usually made up of several pages, and Google Sites is no different. To create a new page, simply click “New Page” in the toolbar. You can create content pages, navigation pages, ad pages, and more.

Step 6: Organize the navigation menu

The navigation menu is the part of the website that allows the user to access the different pages. In Google Sites, you can organize the navigation menu according to your preferences. To do this, simply click on “Manage menu” in the toolbar and drag the pages into the desired order.

Step 7: Publish the website

Once you’ve created your website, it’s time to publish it. To do this, simply click “Publish” on the toolbar. If you haven’t chosen a name for your website yet, now is the time to do so. Choose a name that’s easy to remember and that represents the content of your website well.

Step 8: Configure sharing options

When you publish your site using Google Sites, you can set up sharing options. You can choose who has permission to view your site and who can edit its content. You can share your site using a link or via email.

Step 9: Track statistics

Once you've created and published your website on Google Sites, it's important to track your analytics to understand how your visitors are interacting with your content and identify areas that need improvement.

Fortunately, Google Sites offers a few tools to help you monitor your website’s traffic. Here’s how:

Step 1: Access Google Analytics

The first step is to access Google Analytics. If you don't already have an account, you can create one for free. Just go to analytics.google.com and sign in to your Google account.

Step 2: Add the website

Once you’re signed in to Google Analytics, click “Administration” at the bottom of the screen. Then, select the account you want to add the website to and click “Create Property.” Enter your website’s information and click “Create.”

Step 3: Add the tracking code to Google Sites

Once you’ve created your property, copy the tracking code. To do this, click “Property Setup” and then “Tracking Information.” Copy the tracking code that appears.

To add the tracking code to Google Sites, go back to your website page and click “Settings” in the sidebar. Then, scroll down until you find the “Google Analytics” section. Paste the tracking code you copied earlier into the box provided and click “Save.”

Step 4: Verify that Google Sites data is being collected

Once you’ve added your tracking code, it’s important to verify that the data is being collected correctly. To do this, go back to Google Analytics and click on “Real-time tracking” in the sidebar. Open your website in a new window and you’ll see the data being collected in real time.

Step 5: Analyze the statistics

With the Google Analytics Once you’ve set it up correctly, you can start analyzing your website’s statistics. To do this, go back to the main Google Analytics dashboard and click on “Reports.” You’ll see a variety of reports that can be helpful in understanding your visitors’ behavior, including:

• Overview: Displays the number of visitors, sessions, pages viewed, and more.
• Traffic Sources: Shows where your visitors are coming from (Google searches, social media, etc.).
• Visitor Behavior: Shows how visitors are interacting with your website content (which pages they are visiting, how long they are spending on each page, etc.).
• Conversions: Displays the number of visitors who took a specific action on your website (such as filling out a form or purchasing a product).

Step 6: Use the data to improve your website

Analyzing your website’s statistics can help you identify areas that need improvement. For example, if you notice that most of your visitors are leaving your site after visiting a certain page, you can adjust it to keep visitors and drive them to other areas of your site.

In short…

Creating a website on Google Sites may seem like a complex task, but with the right tools and information, as well as good planning, it is possible to build an attractive and functional website in a short time.

Remember to define the purpose of your website, create an attractive and functional design, produce relevant content, and optimize your website for Google. This way, your website will be ready to attract visitors and provide the information your target audience is looking for.

Image: Freepik