Frequently Asked Questions

It’s much simpler than a standard website installation. Once you purchase a Stride template, you will receive an email with a special access link.

When you click that link, you will access a secure folder. Right-click on the template file and select "Make a copy".

A fully editable version of the website will instantly appear in your own Google Drive. It is now yours to keep forever.

What you get is exactly what you see in the template demo. We've had to replace the stock photos with placeholders (as we don't hold the copyright), but there is an Information Page in the template with links to the images we've used, should you want to use them yourself.

You can buy Stride in two flavours, "Master" and "Business Edition".

Stride Master is the default version of Stride: you will need to edit all text and images to customise it for your business.

Stride Business Edition is a pre-prepared version of the template, with industry info already populated and an appropriate colour scheme. All you need to do is tweak to suit your individual details.

Both versions are 100% editable. Check our design resources to see useful websites to help you customise your website.

No! This is the best part about using Google Sites. Your website is "hosted" in your Google Drive, just like a Google Doc. Google does not charge you a monthly fee to keep your site online, no matter how many people visit it.

All you need is a free Google (Gmail) account. If you already have an email ending in @gmail.com, you have everything you need. You do not need to pay for Google Workspace (the business version) to use these templates, although they work perfectly with that too

Stride was created by I Make Templates, a Google Sites software specialist. We've used our years of experience and knowledge of Google Sites to create (what we think) is the simplest, most cost effective and high impact template for small businesses who just want a website that works. We hope you like it!

We keep our license simple and fair. When you buy a Stride template, you are purchasing a license to use it for one website.

• For Your Use Only: You can use the template to build a website for your own business or personal project.

• No Resale: You cannot resell, redistribute, or give away the template itself to others. (e.g. You cannot buy it, change the colours, and then sell it as your own template).

• One Purchase = One Site: If you have two different businesses and want a website for each, please purchase two copies of the template.

• Content Standards: You must not use our templates for any content that is unlawful, offensive, or harmful. Since your site is hosted on Google, you must also adhere to Google’s standard Terms of Service.

We can do everything for you, if you prefer. Simply email us with your request and we will provide a price. Our one time fees are:

• Website setup (add your content): £99

• Custom domain setup (e.g., connect to your Google Site): £99

• Custom theme to match your branding: £59

• Google Analytics install: £59

Yes, absolutely. You do not have to use the long sites.google.com address.

You can buy a domain from any provider (like Porkbun, Namecheap, or Google Domains) and connect it to your new site.

• How to do it: Google has a simple built-in wizard. Go to Settings > Custom Domains inside the editor.

• Need help? Read Google’s official guide on connecting custom domains here.

Your Google Site is just a website—it doesn't include email hosting.

To get a professional email address, we recommend signing up for Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) or purchasing email hosting from your domain provider (like Porkbun or GoDaddy). You can then link that email address to the contact form on your website.

If you can edit a Microsoft Word document or a PowerPoint slide, you can edit this website.

Google Sites uses a "drag and drop" editor.

• To change text: Just click on the words and type.

• To change an image: Click the image, select "Replace," and upload your own (or choose from Google’s free library).

• To move things: Just click and drag blocks around.

Yes. Stride templates come with a pre-set professional design, but you can change everything to match your brand.

Inside the editor, click on the "Themes" tab on the right-hand side. You can create a custom theme to select your exact brand colours and choose from hundreds of Google Fonts.

• Learn more about changing themes and fonts here.

Of course. While Stride is designed as a high-converting "One Page" site, you are free to add as many extra pages as you like (e.g., a Blog, a 'Meet the Team' page, or a detailed Pricing page). The navigation menu will update automatically.

Yes. Google Sites are built by Google, so they are clean, fast, and easy for search engines to read.

However, "ranking" depends on your content. You need to write good descriptions of your services and ensure your site is useful to visitors.

• Top Tip: Use the "Alt Text" feature on your images and make sure your page titles are clear.

• Read Google’s SEO Starter Guide for beginners here

• Read the Google Sites SEO Guide here

Yes. You can connect Google Analytics to your site for free. This will show you how many people are visiting, where they are coming from, and which buttons they are clicking.

• You simply paste your "Measurement ID" into the Settings panel in Google Sites. No coding required.

• Read the Google guide on using Analytics with Google Sites