Buy a Domain Name
Getting a custom web address is the rite of passage for many new businesses. Get a .com .net .org or other TLD to publish your Google Site live on the web.Ā
Why Register a Custom Domain?
Google Sites by default have a sites.google.com web address that can be lengthy or difficult to remember. Here are some reasons to consider purchasing a domain to launch your website:
It creates a memorable brand for visitors
It indicates a professional, legitimate business
It helps with SEO to have your own primary domain instead of a subdirectory of sites.google.com
It's honestly really cheap ($0-$20/year on average)
It's easy to add one to your Google Sites
You'll want one anyway for business email addresses (user@yourdomain.com)
How to Connect a Custom Domain to Your Google Sites
There are two paths for adding a unique domain to Sites. Google support connecting a domain URL via non-Google Workspace accounts and Google Workspace accounts.
Instructions for using a free personal Google or Gmail account
Go to your Google Site location from sites.google.com or drive.google.com, you should be in edit mode on the site. Note: only site owners can connect a domain.
Click Settings āļøĀ > Custom domains
Start setup to configure the settings to link the domain to your Site. If you haven't validated your domain ownership via Google Search Console, you will be required to complete that first.
Click next until the setup is complete. Note: if you had to first validate your domain, you will need to close and restart the setup wizard in Sites.
Confirm your site's Publish settings and Sharing settings. Only Google Sites websites accessible to the public will map the custom URL.
Instructions for using a Google Workspace account and Google Site located within a Google Workspace domain
The format for Google Sites properties within a Google Workspace domain is sites.google.com/domain.com/siteURL or sites.google.com/a/domain.com/siteURL in the case of a migrated Classic Google Site. Custom mapping of Google Sites requires admin inputs in the Google Workspace admin console.
Open your Google Site and take note of your published URL
Then open the Google Workspace admin console. Navigate to Apps > Google Workspace > Sites
Expand Custom URL
Review existing Google Sites custom URLs and delete any conflicting configurations
Click ā to add a new property URL. Enter your Sites URL per the suggested formatting: sites.google.com/domain.com/siteurl
Click next and add your subdomain, such as www or wiki
Confirm your entry is valid and complete. Sometimes letters may be cut off if you moved too quickly through the previous screen.
Help with DNS Settings - Assigning a custom URL domain web address
If you are having trouble navigating DNS settings, nameservers or web hosting configurations, you can contact your domain registrar for support. While speaking with their support representatives, keep in mind you don't need a A record or IP address for Google Sites. It operates purely on a subdomain with a CNAME entry. For example, the host/subdomain www mapped to the data ghs.googlehosted.com. You cannot directly map the root, or naked domain, to Google Sites. For this reason, many choose to forward that naked domain using DNS forwarding settings.Ā
Here are the official Google Sites instructions on using a custom domain for your site. This should help you troubleshoot any issues with the connection process.
Squarespace Domains customers, please review this particular domain registrar's guidance on connecting a website using their DNS. The user experience may be different from Google Domains which you were familiar with.
Support by Registrar
Searching for help connecting your Google Site according to a specific domain name registrar? DNS settings, forwarding options and website connection services different between company.
FAQ
Do I need to buy hosting for my site?
No. Your Google Site is hosted by Google in Google Drive at ghs.googlehosted.com.
Does Google sell domains?
No. You can't buy a domain directly from Google anymore. Google Domains changed hands to Squarespace.Ā
Do I need to buy an SSL certificate?
No. Google Sites comes with its own native SSL certificate and third-party certificates are not supported.
How do I connect a primary and secondary domain address to Google Sites?
Do you get a domain with Google Sites?
This is a separate transaction that can be completed with any vendor selling domains. There is no longer an option to buy and connect a Google Domains domain with Sites directly.
How to create a URL for Google Sites?
When you hit the publish button for the first time, you are required to enter an extension of your long Google Sites URL.
How to complete verification of a domain for Google Sites?
This is a process completed with Google Search Console. You can login to many domain hosts via this interface or upload a TXT record to verify your ownership.
What to do if you domain isn't working?
Troubleshoot your issue with domain registrar support, support articles or other DNS tools like MXtoolbox.
How do I setup domain forwarding for URL without www?
If you website isn't loading without www that is because you need to set up domain forwarding. Typically this option is available within DNS configuration and forwarding settings for your domain in your registrar account dashboard. Search for information about forwarding the root domain, naked domain or 301 redirecting a domain.
Do I get a free domain with Google?
Technically you get a free domain, but it is only a subdirectory of sites.google.com. The format is sites.google.com/view/published-address and therefore URLs can become particularly long and hard to remember, seeming unprofessional.Ā
Google doesn't sell free or paid domains any longer since the acquisition of Google Domains by Squarespace. So if you want a custom domain, you'll need to buy one and begin the configuration and installation process. There is no checkout process for a domain through Google Sites, but there is for Google Workspace via their partner Squarespace.
What do I do since my domain transferred to Squarespace?
There should be no need to take action to your Google Sites settings if your domain moved from Google Domains to Squarespace domains. All DNS records are transferred automatically, including CNAME records. Reviewing your forwarding rules just in case, which is managed in the "Website" settings page.
What is the format of Google Sites default URLs?
sites.google.com is the default format, followed by /view or /yourdomain.tld depending on properties within or without Google Workspace. Sites always receive a default domain to access the site via Google Sites or Google Drive. This allows editors to access the site via pencil icon in the bottom right.
According to user feedback, what is the best registrar to use to connect to a Google Site?
We have heard overwhelmingly positive comments about the ease of using Namecheap for Google Sites hosting. Overall, the user experience across registrars and their support of domain forwarding is very similar. Therefore, it you like your old registrar just fine, then consolidate all your domains their for simple DNS management.
Is there special support with Squarespace on Google Sites since they bought out Google Domains?
No. The streamlined connection process that was previously available between Google Sites and Google Domains was taken offline. This was a disappointment to many who enjoy the quick setup procedure that used to be contained right in the custom domain settings of Sites.
How do I connect a domain I purchased through Google Workspace to Google Sites?
If you purchased a domain when registering for Google Workspace, it would be through a third party vendor like Squarespace or eNom that your DNS is actually managed. Here are the instructions to access the advanced DNS:
Login as a super administrator to Google Workspace
Go to Domains and select your domain name. It can be primary or secondary.
On the right panel click the link to manage the domain using your same Google account
Depending on your registrar now, refer to general set up guidelines
How do I access my Google Domains account?
Use your Google account to login to Squarespace Domains. All your account and sign in information was transferred to Squarespace. This is all part of the customer transition. When you log into Squarespace, use the "Continue with Google" option and select the domain owning account.
If you purchased your domain with Google Workspace, you will see the domain owner's account mentioned within the admin console's domains, advanced DNS panel. Here are the levels of access available:
Manage DNS records like CNAME, A, TXT, MX, etc.
Create forwarding rules for domains and subdomains
Cancel your Google Domain subscription
Renew your domain and manage billing
How much does it cost to buy a domain for Google?
Most domains are sold for $10-$20. Popular generic .com or .net TLDs without prior authority or premium status usually fit within this price range. However, some registrar promotions and TLDs may result in cheaper domain prices, even $0.99. Other TLDs are more expensive for industry specific extensions.Ā