Web application development has become quite popular in recent times. When someone thinks about building a website for a business, they usually desire a strong online presence, expand their business, and reach their active customers. But if you are a complete beginner in website development, there is a likely chance that you’ll start with the basics. Today, we will be focusing on the basics. We will learn how to build a website on Google for free and why you should consider it as a startup.
Let’s get started!
Google Sites is a free platform by Google that allows users to build web applications. Although it’s a free platform, you can expect a decent and professionally designed website with different themes and templates. Why choose Google Sites? Users can develop basic, visually appealing websites with no coding expertise required. It has an easy-to-use interface with various templates, themes, and tools for customizing the look and feel of your site.
Simply put, if you need more technical experience and want to design your first website online, Google Sites is your thing to try. Since no HTML or CSS coding is required, writing, editing, and adding images are the only tasks you need to do. If you prefer, you can directly alter the code using advanced options. The “embed from the web” feature allows you to embed HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Apps Script.
There are several platforms for website development. What’s unique about Google Sites is that you must be thinking. The main benefit of creating websites from Google Sites vs. WordPress or other site builders is its simple and easy process. You do not have to build anything from scratch, and it’s as simple as using a word processor like Google Docs. You can easily create informational websites, bio sites, portfolios, blog pages, etc.
Still, needs to be satisfied? Read the benefits of building a website from this free Google tool.
Easily Integrates With Google Workplace
If you use any other Google platform for business, such as Gmail, Google Drive, etc., you can easily integrate them with your website. This means you can quickly incorporate papers, spreadsheets, and presentations into your website, making it a one-stop shop for all your business material. Collaboration on website material becomes easier because several users can access and edit the site simultaneously. This simplifies the process of establishing and maintaining your internet presence.
Simple And Intuitive Interface
As discussed earlier, Google Sites provides a simple and easy-to-use web design and development process. With just a few clicks, you can effortlessly add images, text, audio, and video links. Google Sites includes several pre-designed templates and themes to help you get started quickly. These templates set a solid basis for your website, saving you time and work.
Gets Easily Optimized
Another benefit of designing websites on Google is its mobile optimization feature. Once you create a website on Google, they are automatically optimized for mobile devices. This is critical in today’s mobile-first environment when more and more individuals access the internet via their smartphones.
Well Equipped With SEO Features
Google Sites provides basic SEO features like meta descriptions and key optimization tools so that you can rank higher in SERPs (Search Engine Result Pages). Although it’s not advanced compared to other SEO tools, one can expect solid score information for the basic foundation.
Budget-Friendly In Comparison To Other Platforms
One of the best things of all. Google Sites are free. This means you are paying nothing for what you will be building and designing. Sounds cool. One can develop a decent functioning website without additional costs or investments. This becomes a perfect option for those who need more technical knowledge and are under a budget.
Secure And Reliable Process
As a Google product, Google Sites benefits from Google’s dependable and secure infrastructure. This implies that your website will be hosted on a reliable platform, reducing downtime and protecting your data.
Here are simple ways you can follow and learn how to build a free website on Google. The steps are as follows:
Sign In To Google Sites
To start building your website, go to sites.google.com, where you can sign in with your Google account or create one by following the instructions on the screen.
Select A Template That Suits Your Needs
There are multiple templates from where you can get started. You’ll find all the themes at the top of the right men. Google Site provides a “Template Gallery” from which you can choose tailored templates like portfolio, event, project, etc. You can select a template that aligns with your needs, personalize it, and add your brand content.
Add Relevant Content Using “Create” Button
Once you have chosen your desired template, click the “Create (+) button” to add a new page. You can organize and customize these pages like “About us,” “Blog,” and “Contact” pages. Google Site Editor allows you to add a variety of content in the form of text, images, videos, links, layouts, etc.
To add a text box, click the “Text” button. Click the “Image” button to upload an image from your computer or Google Drive. To embed a YouTube or other platform video, click the “Video” button. To include a link to another website or page on your website, click the “Link” button.
Choose And Edit From Multiple Layout Options
To give your website a basic structure, such as the arrangement of pages and elements, you can choose from multiple site layouts by clicking or adding them to your website. Customize your layouts by rearranging or removing them. You can also change the color, layouts, fonts, and size to match your brand.
Sync Your Website With Other Google Apps
As discussed above, google users can integrate their website with other platforms like Gmail, Google Drive, Google Maps, etc. Use the “Insert” button on the right menu to add elements of Google to your site.
Preview And Publish Your Site
Coming to the last step, it’s finally time to publish your dream website to the world. But wait, use the “Preview” button at the top right corner to see how your website looks on different devices. This will determine how your website operates on other devices, its overall look and design, and whether any additional changes are required.
So far, we have covered all the fundamentals of Google Sites and how you can effectively build your website. But as they say, every coin has two sides: positive and negative. Let’s quickly read what are the advantages and disadvantages of developing a website on Google:
Pros
- Google Sites has a simple drag-and-drop interface, allowing anyone to create a website without technical knowledge.
- It is free of cost, and premium features are budget-friendly for users.
- It seamlessly integrates with other Google platforms you synchronize on your website.
- It operates well on all devices like desktops, tablets, smartphones, etc.
- Google Sites has basic SEO features that allow you to track your website’s overall progress and ranking.
Cons
- It lacks an advanced level of customization options compared to other site builders.
- If you wish to develop an Ecommerce website, Google Sites may only be able to help you a little. It does not have e-commerce functionality, so you must find another platform for that purpose.
- Google Sites provides limited storage for files. If your website contains a large amount of content, you must look for other storage alternatives.
- Lastly, Google Sites is a Google product, which ultimately means your website depends solely on this platform. If Google discontinues Google Sites, your website may be impacted.
To summarize today’s overall blog, Google Sites is an outstanding beginner platform. If you are a small business or under a tight budget, it is the only option you need to get started with. Today, having an online website represents one’s commitment to professionalism and higher popularity among many people.
Hiring a website development company can be another go-to alternative if you want to take your website to another level. Hire us today or directly connect with our business executive to get all kinds of web development solutions and get a free consultation!
FAQs- How To Build A Website On Google For Free
Can I create a website on Google for free?
Yes, you can use Google Sites, a free tool offered by Google, to create a simple website. It’s user-friendly and requires no coding skills.
What do I need to start building a Google Site?
You only need a Google account. Log in, go to Google Sites, and you can start building your site immediately.
Can I customize my Google Site?
Yes, Google Sites provides templates, drag-and-drop features, and the ability to add text, images, videos, and even Google Drive files for easy customization.
