Build your own website

1. Do I need any experience building websites?

Not at all. The template is designed to give you a head start, with the basic pages and layout already in place. If you're comfortable using a computer and editing documents, you'll probably find Google Sites fairly straightforward.

You don't need to know how to code or have any previous web design experience. A little patience and a willingness to have a go will go a long way!

Try the free version to check it out.

2. What exactly do I get when I buy the template?

You'll get access to a ready-made Google Sites website that you can copy into your own Google account and customise.

It includes a selection of pre-built pages and layouts to help you get started. You can change the wording, replace the images, update the colours, add your own details and remove anything you don't need.

It's a starting point for your own website, not a finished website with someone else's business information left in it.

3. How do I get the template into my Google account?

Once you've purchased the template, you'll receive instructions explaining how to make your own copy.

You'll open the example website, follow the copying instructions and save your own version in Google Drive. From that point onwards, you'll be working on your own website, leaving the original template untouched.

Google has its own guide explaining how to copy an existing Google Site.

4. Do I need to pay for Google Sites?

No. Google Sites is free to use with a Google account.

There is no separate monthly hosting charge for your Google Sites website, which makes it a good option if you're trying to keep your business running costs down.

You'll still need to pay for a domain name if you want a personalised web address, such as www.mybusiness.co.uk. Other optional services may also have their own costs.

5. Can I use my own domain name?

Absolutely. You can start with the free Google Sites web address and connect your own domain when you're ready.

For example, instead of using a Google Sites address, you could have www.yourbusiness.co.uk.

Connecting a domain involves a little configuration, including updating DNS records with your domain provider. If that sounds a bit daunting, I can help you get it set up.

Google explains the process in its guide to using a custom domain with Google Sites.

6. Can I change the design and add my own pages?

Yes. That's the whole idea.

You can change the colours, fonts, images, text and layout to suit your business. You can also add new pages, remove existing ones and rearrange the navigation.

You're not locked into the original design. Make it as simple or as detailed as you need.

Google has some useful guidance on adding, deleting and organising pages.

7. Will my website work on mobile phones and tablets?

Yes. Google Sites automatically adapts your website layout for different screen sizes, including mobile phones and tablets.

It's still worth checking how your pages look on different devices before publishing, particularly after changing images, text or page layouts.

Google Sites includes a preview option so you can see how your website will appear on different screen sizes.

8. Can I use my own photographs, logo and business information?

Of course. In fact, I'd encourage you to do so.

Your own photographs, logo, wording and business details will help make the website feel like yours rather than a generic template.

You can upload your own images or use suitable images from other sources, provided you have permission to use them.

9. Can I add contact forms, maps and other features?

Yes, Google Sites allows you to add a range of useful features, including Google Forms, maps, YouTube videos, calendars and other embedded content.

You can also link to external services if you need something more specialised.

Some features, such as online payments, bookings or more advanced functionality, may require a separate service.

Google explains how to add files, videos and other website content.

10. Can I connect Google Analytics to see how many people visit my website?

Yes. You can connect Google Analytics 4 to your Google Sites website to collect information about visitors and how they use your pages.

You'll need a Google Analytics account and an Analytics property for your website.

If you haven't used Analytics before, I can help create the account, configure it and connect it to your site.

See Google's guide to using Analytics with Google Sites.

11. Will my website appear on Google?

Google can discover and index Google Sites websites, just as it can other websites. However, publishing your website doesn't guarantee that it will immediately appear in search results or rank highly.

You'll need to think about your page titles, content, headings and the words potential customers might use when searching for your services.

Google Search Console is also useful for monitoring how your website performs in Google Search.

If you'd like a hand with the basics, I can help with that too.

You can find out more in Google's Getting Started with Search Console guide.

12. What if I get stuck or need help setting everything up?

That's absolutely fine. You don't have to work everything out yourself.

If you need help connecting your domain, configuring Analytics, improving your content or checking everything before launch, I can help with individual tasks.

Just get in touch, explain what you'd like help with and I'll let you know what's involved and how much it will cost before doing any work.

13. Do I have to use you for additional services?

No. Once you've made your own copy of the template, it's your website to manage.

You can make all the changes yourself, find help elsewhere or ask me to take care of particular jobs. There's no obligation to buy anything else from me.