Google Sites Template Hacks You Need to Know

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Constructing a website with Google Sites is as simple as creating a blank web page. It is easy, efficient, and, best of all, free. However, what if you could go one step further?

Here are some cool hacks that you can follow to optimise your Google Sites templates and create a unique website.

  1. Play with Layouts

Google Sites provides preset templates, but there should not be any reason to stay within that realm. The steps are:

  • Adapt them through the responsive design tools
  • Rearrange the size of the sections
  • Add backgrounds or place images and text to make the design truly your own.

Play with Layouts

  • Pro Tip: When used appropriately, the contrasting colour will ensure users are drawn to certain areas of a design such as a ‘call to action button.
  1. Embed Third-Party Tools

Want to add pizzazz? Add boxes such as calendars, social networking subscriptions, or online booking forms. Website creation tools such as Canva or Lucidchart allows for easy creation of distinct visuals and flow charts, which can easily blend with it.

Steps to Embed Tools:

  • From the Insert panel, click on “Embed.”
  • Paste the URL or embed code.
  • Adjust size and placement.
  1. Hack Your Header

Headers define the mood of your site. There is no need to limit yourself to these options; use your logo or apply to one of the free online design tools, such as Fotor, to create something that corresponds to your company’s image.

  • Quick Tip: Make sure you add your logo’s transparency on top of your headers to look more professional.
  1. Optimise for Mobile

A larger percentage of traffic is from mobile devices today. In addition, it is always important to preview your site on different devices since your Google Sites templates may not have adapted well. This means avoiding too many items in one design and instead ensuring that any layout created is easily readable.

  1. Experiment with Navigation

Do not rely only on simple types of horizontal menus. If you want to switch to sidebar navigation or to make it look like the website has no scrolling anchor links can be added.

Experiment with Navigation

How to Add Anchor Links:

  • Highlight a heading or section.
  • Select “Insert Anchor Link.”
  • Link it to your menu.
  1. Make the Most of Images

It is hard to convey meaning with visuals – make sure it counts! Always use pictures from such places like Unsplash or Pexels to get the best images. Reduce the size of large image files with TinyPNG or similar to improve their loading speed.

Pexels

  • Bonus Hack: It is also important to inject small moves into your site in the form of GIFs to improve interactivity.
  1. Integrate Analytics

Google Analytics must be linked to track your audience. That way you will be able to see which part of your site gets the most traffic and where people tend to leave.

Integrate Analytics

Steps to Set Up Analytics:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Please, provide your Google Analytics tracking ID.
  • Begin to measure things such as the number of times the page is viewed or how quickly people leave the site.
  1. Collaborate Like a Professional

As it is with other Google services, Google Sites offers the ability to work with your team simultaneously. Assign roles to avoid accidental edits and maintain a cohesive design.

  • Tip for Teams: Continue the discussion of design tweaks in comment threads of the platform.
  1. Use Custom Domains

Get more credibility for your site by linking it to this store with the associated custom domain. It is quite simple to create and immediately brings authority with it.

Use Custom Domains

  1. Keep It Minimal
  • Simplicity wins. Do not crowd your design with many elements
  • White space should be utilised intentionally and applied to direct attention to the most important information to contain.

Conclusion

Using these hacks, you will be able to make your Google Sites templates pop like never before. Be more creative on your website, to break the monotony of probably using another uniform or another shirt with a similar colour and design to the company.