Internal team home pages or public company websites … with Google Sites, you can create them easily and effortlessly. The advantages or limitations of this tool and who can get the most out of it are explained here.
Creating your own website: free of charge and without any programming know-how
With new Google Sites, which has been available in the standard version since August 2020, enables websites to be created without any programming or design knowledge. The basic structure is set up in just a few minutes. The only requirement is a Google account. The tool is free of charge.
In line with a modular system, various predefined design options are available from which you can make a selection. Text can be entered directly into the predefined text fields and modules. The entire process is easy and intuitive. However, it makes sense to think about an overall structure, or a sitemap, in advance which sketches out which subpages should be included and where. Once the website has been created, you can publish it either via a free-of-charge URL from Google or via your own purchased company domain.
Good to know: websites created using the traditional previous version of Google Sites will no longer be visible from 1 September 2021 and have to be converted to new Google Sites.
Design options from Google Sites
Compared with other website tools, the range of design options from Google Sites is quite manageable. For small enterprises, various templates are available, for instance for restaurants or hair salons. When decorated with individual pictures and text, the website is finished in no time at all. If external pictures are required, these can be easily found using the integrated search function. It automatically filters out pictures that require the respective usage licences.
All the necessary tools can be found in the side ribbon. Via drag and drop, you can insert the individual components. The layouts provided differ mainly in their colour and font. In addition to text blocks and pictures, company logos, banners, videos and contact forms can be integrated into the website. A link to Google Docs, Google Analytics or Google Maps is also possible.
Who can get the most from Google Sites?
In short, one could say that Google Sites is a solid tool for companies that would like to create an easy website. It is particularly suitable for introducing a company, its products and services, and it offers an opportunity for getting in touch.
When it comes to the design and functions of your website, however, the tool has its limitations. If you would like to integrate a blog or online shop, or work with mobile end devices, you should take a look at more high-performing tools such as Jimdo or Weebly.
