How to Design Your Google Site

Section 1: Introduction

Designing your site with Google Sites offers you a wide range of customization options without requiring coding knowledge. However, with great creative freedom comes great responsibility. This document is a full guide on how to design your site responsibly, creatively, and in compliance with applicable copyright and usage policies.

Please read this entire guide before beginning the design process. :)

Section 2: Layout and Structure

2.1 Blank Layout vs. Templates

• Blank Layout: Gives you complete creative control over your website's structure. Recommended for users who want to fully customize their layout.
  
  

• Templates: Offer pre-built designs for specific use cases (portfolios, projects, classrooms, etc.). Recommended for beginners.
  
  

⚠️ Warning: Regardless of your starting point, you are still responsible for modifying or removing any copyrighted elements (like stock photos) that may be pre-loaded into templates.

📌 Note: Google provides templates with licensed assets, but these may not be resold, redistributed, or falsely attributed.

Section 3: Adding and Styling Content

3.1 Text Boxes

You can add headers, subheadings, paragraphs, and more using the "Text box" option.

⚠️ Warning: Do not copy and paste full articles, song lyrics, books, or other copyrighted written content unless you have permission or the content is in the public domain.

📘 Copyright Reminder: You can quote short excerpts with attribution under fair use — but do not overdo it.

3.2 Images and Backgrounds

You may upload images, use Google Images search (filtered for licensed reuse), or choose from pre-installed backgrounds.

⚠️ Warning: Uploading copyrighted images without a license or permission (e.g., celebrity photos, brand logos, memes, NFTs) is a violation of copyright law and Google’s TOS.

📌 Note: Always use images marked for reuse, or use your own original graphics.

✅ Safe Practice: Use Google Sites' built-in image search with "Creative Commons" filter ON, or use royalty-free sites like Unsplash, Pixabay, or Pexels.

3.3 Videos

You can embed YouTube videos by URL or search directly from the "Insert" tab.

⚠️ Warning: Embedding pirated or copyrighted video content (e.g., full movies, unauthorized music uploads) is strictly prohibited, even if the video exists on YouTube.

📌 Note: You are responsible for reviewing the copyright status of the video, especially if you do not own or have created it.

🎬 Best Practice: Embed only videos you own or that are marked clearly as shareable.

3.4 Logos and Branding

You can upload a custom site logo, favicon, and choose brand colors.

⚠️ Strict Prohibition: Do not use any part of Google’s branding (e.g., logos, names, color schemes, or material design elements) in a way that implies endorsement or affiliation.

📌 Trademark Reminder: This also applies to other brand logos (e.g., YouTube, Amazon, Nike, etc.). Logos are often protected by trademark law.

✅ Alternative: Design your own logo using free tools like Canva or Adobe Express, and make sure it’s 100% original.

3.5 Fonts and Typography

Google Sites allows you to choose from a range of web-safe and Google Fonts.

✅ Good News: Google Fonts are free to use, even commercially!

⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to embed custom fonts using third-party code or JavaScript injections. This violates Google Sites’ security and customization policies.

📌 Note: Stick to the built-in font library for full compatibility.

3.6 Navigation Bar & Footer

• Use the Navigation Bar to add and organize pages.
  
  

• Use the Footer to include contact info, legal disclaimers, and links.
  
  

⚠️ Legal Notice: You must include a Privacy Policy and Terms of Use if your site collects any data (e.g., via forms or embeds).

📌 Tip: If your site is educational or informational, adding an "About" and "Credits" section improves transparency.

Section 4: Embedded Content and External Links

4.1 Embeds

You may embed:

• Google Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides
  
  

• YouTube videos
  
  

• Maps
  
  

• Calendar
  
  

• Code (if using a sandboxed widget or iframe)
  
  

⚠️ Security Warning: Do not embed untrusted third-party scripts or links. These may violate Google’s content policies.

📌 Copyright Note: If you embed public documents or media from others, make sure they’ve been shared publicly and you're allowed to reuse them.

4.2 External Links

Linking to other websites is allowed, but you must not:

• Mislead users into clicking harmful links
  
  

• Link to adult, pirated, or scam content
  
  

• Include shortened URLs that hide final destinations (e.g., bit.ly without context)
  
  

🔗 Safe Linking Tips: Always use full, descriptive links and label them clearly. :)

Section 5: Design Consistency & Accessibility

5.1 Colors and Contrast

Use accessible color contrast ratios (dark text on light backgrounds, or vice versa) for readability.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid using neon or clashing color schemes that may cause eye strain or make text unreadable.

5.2 Alt Text and Accessibility

Always provide alt text for images and maintain logical reading order.

📌 Note: This helps users with screen readers and improves SEO.

✅ Best Practice: Add image descriptions that explain their relevance to the content.

5.3 Mobile Responsiveness

Google Sites automatically optimizes for mobile devices.

📱 Reminder: Always preview your site on mobile before publishing. Some elements may shift unexpectedly.

Section 6: Naming and URL Compliance

When you publish your site, you must choose a site name that becomes part of the URL.

⚠️ Prohibited: Do not use "Google," "YouTube," "Gmail," or any trademarks in your site name.
E.g., sites.google.com/view/GoogleFreeStuff ❌

✅ Allowed: sites.google.com/view/MyCoolSite2025 ✔️

📌 Note: Repeated violations can lead to your site being suspended.

Section 7: Final Checklist Before Publishing

• ✅ All images and videos are legally used or original
  
  

• ✅ No copyrighted/trademarked material without permission
  
  

• ✅ Navigation is simple and clear
  
  

• ✅ Fonts, colors, and layout are readable and accessible
  
  

• ✅ You’ve included disclaimers, credits, and contact info as needed
  
  

• ✅ You've reviewed Google’s Terms of Service and Content Policy
  
  

Section 8: Legal Responsibility

As the site creator, you are solely responsible for the content on your Google Site.
Violations may result in:

• Removal of content
  
  

• Account suspension
  
  

• Legal consequences depending on the severity of the violation
  
  

🛑 Reminder: Saying "I didn’t know" is not a valid excuse under copyright or content rules. Please take this guide seriously.

Conclusion

Designing a beautiful, functional, and policy-compliant website on Google Sites is easier than ever — as long as you follow the rules, use your own work or licensed assets, and avoid risky content. :)

Happy building! :D
And don’t forget to share this guide with friends who are designing their first site too! :)