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Google Sites


Q1. How to use Google Sites to create a websites?

To use Google Sites to create a website, follow these steps:

  1.  Visit the Google Sites homepage: Go to https://sites.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
  2.    Click on the "+" button to create a new site: You'll see a red "+" button in the bottom right corner of the page. Click on it to start creating your website.
  3.   Choose a template: Google Sites offers various templates to choose from. Pick a template that suits your website's purpose or start with a blank slate if you prefer to design from scratch.
  4.   Customize your site: Once you've selected a template, you can start customizing your website. Google Sites provides a simple drag-and-drop interface that allows you to add and arrange different elements like text, images, videos, and more. You can also change fonts, colors, and other design elements to match your preferences.
  5.  Edit pages and add content: You can add new pages to your website and edit the existing ones. Click on the "Pages" tab on the right side of the screen to manage your site's pages. To edit a page, simply click on it and start adding text, images, or any other content you want to include.
  6.  Organize and structure your site: You can use the navigation menu on the left side of the screen to create a hierarchical structure for your website. This allows visitors to easily navigate between different pages and sections.
  7.   Configure site settings: Click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the screen to access the site settings. Here, you can configure options such as sharing settings, permissions, and site visibility. You can choose to make your site public, private, or only accessible to specific individuals.
  8.   Preview and publish your site: Before publishing your website, you can preview how it looks by clicking the eye icon in the top right corner. Once you're satisfied with the design and content, click on the "Publish" button to make your website live on the internet.
  9.   Customize your domain (optional): By default, your website will have a URL in the format of "sites.google.com/your-site-name." If you prefer a custom domain, you can purchase one through a domain registrar and link it to your Google Site. Google provides instructions on how to do this within the Google Sites settings.

That's it! You've created a website using Google Sites. You can continue to edit and update your site as needed, adding new content and adjusting the design whenever necessary.


Q2. How to link custom domain settings in Google sites?

To link a custom domain to your Google Site, follow these steps:

  1.    Purchase a custom domain: First, you'll need to purchase a custom domain from a domain registrar. There are several domain registrars available, such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. Follow the registrar's instructions to purchase and set up your custom domain.
  2.    Access your Google Site settings: Go to your Google Site and click on the gear icon in the top right corner to access the site settings.
  3.    Select "Custom domains": In the settings menu, select the "Custom domains" option.
  4.    Click on "Add a custom domain": You'll see the option to "Add a custom domain." Click on it to start the domain linking process.
  5.    Enter your custom domain: In the dialog box, enter your custom domain name and click on the "Continue" button.
  6.    Verify domain ownership: Google will provide you with a TXT record or a CNAME record that you need to add to your domain registrar's DNS settings. This step verifies that you own the domain. Keep this page open or copy the information as you'll need it in the next steps.
  7.   Access your domain registrar's DNS settings: Log in to your domain registrar account and navigate to the DNS management or DNS settings section. This might vary depending on your registrar's interface.
  8.   Add the DNS records: In your domain registrar's DNS settings, add the TXT record or CNAME record provided by Google. The exact steps may vary depending on your registrar, but look for an option to add DNS records or manage DNS settings. Follow your registrar's instructions to add the records correctly.
  9.   Verify the DNS records: After adding the DNS records, go back to the Google Sites settings page where you left off. Click on the "Verify" button next to the DNS record information. Google will check if the DNS records are correctly configured. It may take a few minutes for the changes to propagate.
  10.   Set your custom domain as primary (optional): Once the verification is successful, you have the option to set your custom domain as the primary domain for your site. This means your site will be accessible directly through your custom domain instead of the default "sites.google.com" domain.
  11.   Save and publish: After completing the verification and any other desired settings, click on the "Save" button to apply the changes. Your custom domain should now be linked to your Google Site.

Note: It may take some time for the DNS changes to propagate throughout the internet. This process usually takes a few hours, but it can occasionally take up to 48 hours.

Once the domain linking is complete, your Google Site will be accessible through your custom domain, and visitors can reach your website using the URL you specified.


Q3. How to change http custom domain from Google Sites to https as registered domain?

To link an HTTP custom domain from Google Sites to HTTPS using GoDaddy as the domain registrar, you'll need to follow these steps:

Obtain an SSL/TLS certificate: Before proceeding, make sure you have an SSL/TLS certificate for your custom domain. You can obtain a certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) or consider using free services like Let's Encrypt. This certificate enables the HTTPS encryption for your website.

 Access your Google Sites settings: Go to your Google Site and click on the gear icon in the top right corner to access the site settings.

  Select "Custom domains": In the settings menu, select the "Custom domains" option.

 Click on "Add a custom domain": Choose the option to "Add a custom domain" and enter your custom domain name (e.g., www.xyz.com).

 Choose the "HTTP" option: When prompted to choose the type of custom domain, select "HTTP" instead of "HTTPS." This will temporarily set up the domain as HTTP.

 Obtain the GoDaddy DNS settings: In the Google Sites settings, you'll see a DNS record information section specific to GoDaddy. Take note of the information provided, such as the CNAME record or A record details.
  Access your GoDaddy account: Log in to your GoDaddy account and navigate to the DNS management section for your domain.
  
Add the DNS records: Add the DNS records provided by Google Sites to your GoDaddy DNS settings. This typically involves adding a CNAME record or
an A record with specific values. Follow GoDaddy's instructions for adding DNS records, and make sure to save your changes.

Wait for DNS propagation: It may take some time (usually a few hours) for the DNS changes to propagate throughout the internet. During this period, the changes made to your DNS records will gradually take effect.


 Enable HTTPS in Google Sites: After the DNS changes have
propagated and the domain is accessible via HTTP, go back to the Google Sites settings for your site.

Select "Custom domains" again: In the settings menu, choose the "Custom domains" option.
   Click on "Edit" next to your custom domain: You'll see the option to edit your custom domain settings.
    Choose the "HTTPS" option: Switch the setting from "HTTP" to "HTTPS" to enable HTTPS for your custom domain.
Save the changes: Click on "Save" to apply the changes in Google Sites.
Verify HTTPS functionality: Test your custom domain by accessing it with "https://". If everything is set up correctly, your site should load over HTTPS with a valid SSL/TLS certificate.

By following these steps, you can link your HTTP custom domain from Google Sites to HTTPS using GoDaddy as your domain registrar. Remember to renew your SSL/TLS certificate periodically to ensure continued HTTPS functionality.