Looking to build a new website or give your current site a makeover? Google Sites let you quickly create and customize websites with an accessible and easy-to-use platform.

If you’re an experienced website builder or consider yourself particularly tech-savvy, Google’s framework provides plenty of web development and deployment options to leverage at your leisure.

Meanwhile, if you’d prefer a more step-by-step approach, we’ve got you covered with this in-depth guide to Google Sites.

Google Sites is a free webpage creation and publishing platform. Its “classic” version looked a lot like Google Docs, while the new iteration of Sites works more like Google Forms with the ability to add different elements to the page via a straightforward "what you see is what you get" interface.

If you’ve got a Classic site already up and running, it’s a good idea to make the switch — the new Google Sites design framework is much easier to use thanks to drag-and-drop design elements and the ability to quickly insert text, images, and videos.

1. Open Google Sites.

2. Open the Google Sites Support Page.

3. Add layouts, text, and images.

4. Use free or paid templates to help your site stand out.

5. Click “Publish” when you’re done.

6. Let others view or edit your website.

Not sure how to get your Google Site off the ground? Start with our step-by-step guide.

Let’s look at each of these steps in more detail.

1. Open Google Sites.

Head to Google Sites to start creating your new website. Click the "+" in the bottom corner to get started.

2. Open the Google Sites Support Page.

Since you’ll probably have some questions during the process, it’s worth opening the Google Sites Support Page for a list of some of the most common Google Sites functions. Keep this tab up as you build your website.

3. Add layouts, text, and images.

Using the right-hand sidebar, you can add layouts, text, images, and videos to any Google Sites page.

4. Use free or paid templates and themes to help your site stand out.

Free templates are available directly from Google, allowing you quickly change things like fonts, color schemes, or layouts. You can also purchase and install new themes and templates.

5. Click "Publish" when you’re done.

Choose a new URL or link your site to a domain name you already own.

6. Allow others to view or edit your site.

Just like Google Docs, you can get a shareable link to let others view your site or edit your site.

Seems easy, right? It is — for the most part — thanks to Google’s efforts in streamlining the creation and publishing process. But let’s dig a little deeper; here’s a step-by-step guide for how to make a website for free on Google.

1. Open Google Sites.

2. Name your Google Site.

3. Title your first web page

4. Choose your Site layout.

5. Create additional pages.

6. Expand your Site content.

7. Choose and add a theme.

8. Publish your Google Site.

9. Choose your web address and set viewing rights.

10. Incorporate your own URL.

1. Open Google Sites.

Head to Google Sites to get started. Click on the multicolored “+” button in the bottom right.

2. Name your Google Site.

In the top-left of the screen click Enter Site Name and choose a name for your new website.

3. Title your first web page.

Click on Your Page Title and enter a title for your page. You can change the font size, add bold or italic text, and include links.

4. Choose your Site layout.

On the sidebar, you’ll see multiple options for page layouts including single images with text, multiple images, and more. Click on the layout you prefer or drag-and-drop it into your new website.

5. Create additional pages.

As you create more web pages, add titles and body text in the Click to edit text area, then click on the “+”. This brings up a menu that lets you upload media — an image from your computer or Google Drive, a video from YouTube, or a Google Maps image.

6. Expand your Site content.

Add additional context and content using the menu on the bottom-right of the screen. Here, you’ll find options to include collapsible text menus, tables of contents, image carousels, and even buttons.

7. Choose and add a theme.

Click Themes and choose from six available free themes with multiple color schemes and fonts.

8. Publish your Google Site.

When you’re happy with your site’s layout and content, click Publish in the upper-right hand corner.

9. Choose your web address and set viewing rights.

You can now select a web address and select viewing or editing rights for your site, allowing visitors to simply view your site or make changes.

10. Incorporate your own URL.

If you prefer to use a URL you already own, visit this Google Support page and follow the steps listed — you’ll need to verify you own the URL, point your URL to your Google Site through your hosting provider’s platform, and then directly assign your custom URL. You can also register a new domain name for your Google Site.

Want to make your Google Site stand out from the crowd? We’ve got you covered with some great site-building tips.

1. Build CTA buttons.

If you’re looking to capture visitor attention and drive sales or service conversion, you need a strong call to action (CTA) that clearly communicates what your brand is about and what you offer. Along with compelling copy for your CTA, it’s also a good idea to add CTA buttons that let users click through to newsletter signups or download pages that offer immediate value.

2. Create a table of contents.

For pages that have a substantial amount of content, it’s a good idea to create a table of contents (ToC) that makes it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for with a single click. Here’s why: If you make users scroll and scroll and scroll to find specific information, they’ll simply take their business elsewhere.

3. Take advantage of Google tools.

Slow pages frustrate users and make it hard to capture attention. As a result, it’s a good idea to leverage tools like Google Page Speed Insights to see how your site is performing and where it can be improved.

4. Improve your contact page.

It’s also a good idea to boost the impact of your contact page. This means going beyond basic email addresses to offer multiple ways for customers to get in touch. Where possible, include a contact form, email address, phone number, and social accounts to cast the broadest net possible.

5. Streamline navigation.

Keep your site simple to encourage repeat visits. This means keeping on-screen links to a minimum — while one CTA button may be compelling, seven or eight are irritating. It’s also a good idea to choose one organizational structure and stick with it.

For example, you might choose top-bar menu navigation or opt for a side-bar approach. Both are workable — but pick one to ensure streamlined navigation.

Get Started with Google Sites

Google Sites is an easy-to-use website-building platform that lets you quickly create and publish new sites. While it can’t compete with some more in-depth, paid, and freemium alternatives — such as Squarespace or Wix — it’s a great way to get your site up and running without the costs of professional design and development.