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Don’t hit that blue button just yet! Follow this 5-minute professional audit to ensure your Stride template is polished, accessible, and ready for your first customer.
The Google Sites Pre-Flight Checklist: 7 Steps to a Pro Launch
You’ve swapped the photos, updated the text, and your new Stride template looks incredible. The finish line is in sight! But before you share your new URL with the world, there are a few "hidden" settings that separate the amateurs from the pros.
Think of this as your pre-flight inspection. Run through these 7 steps to ensure your site is ship-shape.
1. Replace the "Google Sites" Icon (The Favicon)
You know that tiny icon that appears in a browser tab? By default, it’s a blue Google Sites logo. Replacing this with your own logo (or a simplified version of it) makes your site feel like a custom-built brand.
How: Go to Settings (Gear Icon) > Brand Images > Favicon and upload a square version of your logo.
2. Add "Alt Text" to Your Images
Google’s search bots can’t "see" images; they read the descriptions. Adding Alt Text helps your SEO and makes your site accessible to people using screen readers.
How: Click an image on your site, click the three dots (⋮), and select Add alt text. Briefly describe what is in the photo.
3. The Mobile Preview Audit
Most of your customers will find you on their phones. What looks great on a desktop might need a tiny tweak for a smaller screen.
How: Click the Preview icon (top menu) and toggle between the Laptop, Tablet, and Phone icons. Ensure your text is readable and your buttons are easy to tap.
4. Audit Your Navigation
Does your menu make sense? If you have more than five links in your top bar, it can get crowded on smaller screens.
How: Use the Pages tab to nest related pages (like "Services") into a drop-down menu. Ensure your most important page (usually "Contact" or "Book Now") is easy to find.
5. Verify Your Links (The "Click Test")
There is nothing more frustrating for a customer than a "broken" button.
How: In Preview mode, click every single button on your site. Do they go to the right page? Do your social media icons link to your profiles instead of the platform homepages?
Pro tip: You can also use free online services like brokenlinkcheck.com
6. Connect Your Custom Domain
While sites.google.com/view/business works, www.yourbusiness.com builds instant trust.
How: Go to Settings > Custom Domains. (If you get stuck here, check out our detailed Domain Guide).
The Final Step: Hit Publish!
Once you’ve checked these off, you are officially ready. Click Publish, set your web address, and tell the world you’re open for business.
Useful Official Link: Google’s Guide on Reviewing & Publishing Your Site
Related articles:
Adding a new page is as easy as adding a slide to a presentation. Here is your confident quick-start guide.
Learn how to link your Stride template to your Google Business Profile to dominate local search
Learn the dead-simple way to connect Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to your Stride website
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