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How to Connect a Custom Domain to Your Google Site

Ditch the long "sites.google.com" web address. Learn how to connect a professional .com or .co.uk domain to your Stride template in five simple steps.

Turn Your "Project" Into a "Business"

When you first publish your site, Google gives you a free address that looks like this: sites.google.com/view/your-business-name

It works, but it doesn't look professional on a business card. To build trust, you need a custom domain (like www.yourbusiness.com).

Many people think connecting a domain requires an IT degree. It doesn't. You are essentially just pointing a digital signpost from your new domain name to your Google Site.

Here is the jargon-free guide to making the switch.

Step 1: Buy Your Domain

If you haven't already, purchase your domain name. You can use registrars like Porkbun, GoDaddy, or Squarespace.

Cost: Usually $10–$15 / £10–£12 per year.

Step 2: Start the Setup in Google Sites

Open your website editor in Google Sites.
Click the Settings icon (the gear/cog ⚙️) in the top right corner.
Select "Custom Domains" from the menu.
Click "Start Setup".
Select "Use a domain from a third party" and click Next.

Step 3: Verify You Own It

Type your domain into the box (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com).
Google might ask you to verify ownership. If so, click the "verify" link. It will take you to Google Search Console.
Select your domain provider (e.g., GoDaddy) and log in to verify.

Note: If your provider isn't listed, choose "DNS Provider" and follow the instructions to add a TXT record. It sounds scary, but it’s just copy-pasting!

Step 4: The "CNAME" Record (The Important Part)

Once verified, go back to the Google Sites screen. It will ask you to update your DNS records. This is the "digital signpost."

Log in to where you bought your domain (e.g., Namecheap/GoDaddy).
Find the "DNS Settings" or "Manage DNS" section.
Look for an existing record named "www". If it exists, edit it. If not, create a new one.
Type: Select CNAME.
Host/Name: Type www.
Value/Target: Paste this exact text: ghs.googlehosted.com.
Save the record.

Step 5: Publish & Wait

Go back to your Google Sites tab and click "Done."

Important: Changes to DNS records can take anywhere from 1 hour to 48 hours to work across the internet (this is called "propagation"). If it doesn't work instantly, go make a cup of tea and check back later!