Tips for Success Using Google Apps Sites Maker

It took three tries until finding success when I first tried to work with Google Apps' site creator. I was fortunate to have purchased the domain name from a different source, Bluehost, for only $10 per year. However, I had to try to get the Google Apps to communicate with the domain.

At first I thought this would be an easy process, as the instructions on the screen seemed rather straight forward. The domain I owned, www.michigantaxconsultants.com could be used either with or without the "www" in front at Bluehost, so when I set up my account through Google, I did not use the "www." This was a big mistake, as later I learned that in order to redirect the Google site I was making to the correct address, I needed to input "www" as part of the name. The only solution was to delete the account that I had through Google, wait at least a week, and sign up again later using the "www". Hopefully by reading this article you will not run into this problem!

A second strategy for finding success through Google Apps is to use their templates as a structure, but make them your own. Change the default background into one of your own company's color scheme or design.

Also, understand that Google's "News" applications work like a blog's RSS feed. As the site's owner, you can post news or updates as a blog entry on a sub-page. After saving, a small version of the blog will show up on the homepage if the news postings were part of the original template.

A great benefit of using Google's Apps site creator is the complete control you have as a web designer. I have the ability to modify every part of the content, including whether or not comments or attachments are allowed. The color selections are great, and the Google applications easy to insert. I have the freedom to insert an image and simply click a button for word wrap, rather than trying to remember tricky .html code.

All in all, Google Apps' site creator has been easy to use. If you follow the directions on the screen and use a little creativity, your site should be up and running in no time!