Creating a Website

Custom Domain: Why It Matters

By default, your site will have a long URL (sites.google.com/view/your-site-name). However, you can purchase a custom domain (e.g., yourname.com) for a more professional appearance.

• A custom domain makes your site easier to remember and share.
• It adds credibility, especially for academic portfolios or business-related websites.
• Services like Google Domains, Namecheap, and GoDaddy offer domain registration.
• Click on gear icon to access Settings and change to your custom domain.

Integrating Google Analytics

If you want to track your website’s traffic, you can integrate Google Analytics to monitor visitor activity, popular pages, and engagement levels. This helps you understand how visitors interact with your site and optimize content accordingly.

Similarly, Google Search Console allows you to monitor how your website appears in Google Search results and optimize its visibility.

• Helps index your site faster, ensuring Google recognizes new content.
• Provides insights on search queries that lead users to your site.
• Alerts you to technical issues (e.g., mobile usability problems).
• Submit a sitemap to improve discoverability.

To use it, visit Google Search Console and follow the setup instructions.

Embedding HTML & Iframes

For more advanced customization, you can embed HTML and iframes to integrate external tools, such as:

• Interactive maps
• Embedded Twitter feeds
• Custom forms

Accessibility Considerations

Ensure your website is accessible by:

• Using alt text for images.
• Choosing readable fonts and high-contrast colors.
• Structuring pages with clear headings.