Last updated on November 25, 2025
If you’ve ever wanted to build a website but felt overwhelmed by all the complicated tools out there, trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve tried so many site builders over the years, and honestly, some of them felt like they expected me to be a full-time designer. But Google Sites is different — it’s simple, clean, and honestly one of the easiest ways to get a website online without headaches.
You don’t need coding. You don’t need hosting. You don’t even need to worry about updates or maintenance. If you’ve ever used Google Docs or Slides, you can make a website with Google Sites. That’s how friendly it is.
So let’s walk through the whole process together. I’ll show you what to click, what to avoid, and the small things I personally learned from using it again and again.
1. Sign in to Google Sites
The first step is super simple. All you need is a Google account. If you have Gmail, you’re already good to go.
Go here:
Once you’re inside, you’ll see a clean dashboard with templates and your existing sites (if you’ve created any before). The moment you land here, you can actually feel how minimal and straightforward it is — nothing confusing, nothing hidden.
2. Choose a Template (Or Start with a Blank Page)
This part is where your creativity kicks in a bit. Google Sites gives you several templates — business, personal résumé, project site, portfolio, event page, etc.
To be fair, the templates aren’t flashy like those big website builders with hundreds of designs. But that’s the point — they’re simple, organized, and easy to work with.
If you’re unsure, here’s what I’d do:
- For something professional: choose the “Project” or “Team” templates.
- For something personal: go with “Portfolio.”
- If you want full control: select “Blank.”
I honestly pick “Blank” most of the time because I like arranging things my way, but templates save time if you’re new.
3. Add a Title and Theme
When your new site opens, Google Sites automatically places a header section on top. You can just click and type to change the title. It’s that simple — no panels or popups.
You can also click “Themes” on the right to pick a color style and font. The font choices are limited, yes, but they’re clean and readable. Sometimes fewer options keep things from looking messy.
A small tip:
Choose a theme first before adding more content — changing themes later might shift spacing or colors in ways you don’t like.
4. Add Content Blocks (Text, Images, Buttons, etc.)
This is the part I enjoy the most. Google Sites lets you drag and drop blocks just like playing with Lego pieces. You can add text boxes, images, buttons, dividers, or entire sections with preset layouts.
To insert anything:
- Click Insert on the right panel.
- Choose the element you want.
You can drag items around, resize them, or place them side-by-side. And guess what? Everything automatically adjusts for mobile. You don’t have to fix anything manually.
What you can add:
- Images
- Text
- Buttons
- Collapsible groups
- Image carousels
- Embedded Google Forms
- Google Maps
- YouTube videos
- Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Drive files
If you’re deep into Google’s ecosystem, Google Sites just feels natural. Embedding documents is literally a one-click thing.
5. Rearrange Sections with Drag-and-Drop
You’ll probably play around with layouts until the page starts looking like something you’re proud of. One thing I really like is how forgiving Google Sites is — you can move everything around freely without breaking the design.
If you drop a block in the wrong place, just move it again. It’s almost impossible to “mess things up,” and that’s honestly a big relief compared to other builders.
6. Add More Pages
Most websites need more than one page. Maybe an About page, a Contact page, or a simple Services page. In Google Sites, adding pages is unbelievably easy.
To add a page:
- Click Pages on the right.
- Click the + button.
- Name your page.
Google Sites automatically adds the page to your navigation menu. And you can reorder pages by dragging them, which updates the menu instantly. No coding, no menus to configure — it’s done for you.
7. Customize Navigation (Top or Side Menu)
Your site navigation is one of those things you want to get right from the beginning. Google Sites gives you two simple choices: top navigation or side navigation.
I usually go with top navigation for professional websites and side navigation for documentation or school-related projects. Try both and see which one feels right for your audience.
8. Add a Custom Domain (Optional)
If you’re building something serious — maybe a business site or a portfolio — you might want your own domain. You can connect a domain you already own or buy a new one from Google Domains (or another provider).
This part is optional. Google Sites already gives you a free link, but it’s a little long. A custom domain just feels more polished.
To add a domain:
- Click Settings (the gear icon).
- Select Custom domains.
- Follow the connection guide.
Everything is step-by-step, so it’s not as intimidating as it sounds.
9. Preview Your Site on Mobile and Desktop
The preview button at the top lets you see your site instantly in different device sizes. This is helpful because a layout that looks great on desktop may feel cramped on mobile.
I always check mobile before publishing — most visitors browse from their phones these days.
10. Publish Your Google Sites Website
This is the moment everything becomes real. When you’re happy with your design, hit the big “Publish” button at the top. Google will ask you to choose a web address.
Your free address will look something like:
https://yoursitename.sites.google.com
Once you publish, the site goes live instantly. The best part? You can keep updating it even after it’s published. Just hit “Update” anytime you make changes.
11. Share Your Site or Restrict Access
One thing that makes Google Sites unique is its sharing options. You can make your site public for everyone or restrict it to specific people — just like sharing a Google Doc.
This is perfect if you’re creating:
- A school project
- A private team site
- A work documentation portal
- A training site for employees
You’re in full control over who sees it.
12. My Honest Thoughts About Google Sites
I’ve built websites using WordPress, Wix, and a bunch of other builders, but Google Sites still surprises me with how effortless it feels. Is it the most powerful builder in the world? No. But that’s not the point.
It’s perfect for people who want something clean, fast, and stress-free. You’re not going to get overwhelmed by features you never asked for. Everything is just enough — no more, no less.
If you’re someone who wants a simple site up and running without technical drama, Google Sites is a great place to start.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to create a website but didn’t know where to begin, Google Sites is honestly one of the easiest starting points I’ve ever used. It’s friendly, predictable, and surprisingly powerful for something so simple. And once you get the hang of it, you might even enjoy building more than one site — it becomes a little addictive.
Take your time with it, play around with layouts, and make it feel like you. When you’re done, you’ll look at your site and think, “Wow… I actually built this.” And that feeling never gets old.