Why I switched to Google Sites

(sorry about the quality of the video. I'm still working through the growing pains of a new Descript workflow)

I found myself paying way too much for static website content. In some instances, I find myself paying for websites that are no longer in use, costing a significant amount of money. Late last year, I discovered that Google Sites had transformed from a mediocre platform into a powerful and user-friendly website generator. However, to connect a custom domain, one must use Google Workspace.

My company, Altuit, has a Google Workspace which includes the ability to create a Google Site website. The catch is that it can only utilize the altuit.com domain. To add my other domains to the workspace would cost $18 per month for each domain in a rather convoluted manner – somewhat defeating the purpose of cutting costs.

So recently, I found a way to assign my existing domains to a Google Website without continuous payment. The video above explains how I did it. You may wonder why I chose Google Sites; while I have used it for years, its new version offers impressive features and easy website editing.

While not finished, here's a link to a site I'm working on: https://www.chippwalters.org

Here's a really good video that demonstrates creating your own Google website – one of the best I've come across.

https://youtu.be/1G51dz5Gt-g?si=WfGET6C8f9uQtFf6

Additionally, I want to share a video with some good ideas for a website's front page, whether selling products or services. These concepts are crucial in structuring the home page effectively.

At first glance, these front page recommendations may seem obvious; however, upon closer inspection, they reveal intriguing structural components. Since I took notes on this topic, I will share them with you here.

Here's the video, and my notes on what it says:

https://youtu.be/WgXU7XAZYmQ?si=6utqQ4rrueqgCI3y

Effective Website Front Page Content Guide: 7 Sections of the Home Page

1. Hero Section: This section should have a strong message to quickly convey the purpose of the website. It typically includes:

a. A headline emphasizing the value, result, or transformation.

b. A sub-headline explaining the provided solution.

c. A call-to-action button and a list of three different results from the product or service.

2. Problem Solution Section: This section addresses the main pain point and agitates it with examples. It consists of three parts:

a. A larger text discussing the main pain point.

b. Smaller text with examples to agitate the issue.

c. Introduction of your solution in smaller text.

Including a video here can increase conversion rates by 86%.

3. Benefit Section: Introduce three main benefits of your product or service, differentiating them from features. Each benefit should have a headline and an explanation of the features that make it possible.

4. Testimonials Section: Include three testimonials from actual customers, along with their names and pictures if possible, to provide social proof. The best testimonials will overcome objections, address benefits, or point to results.

5. Features Section: List between six and twelve features of your product or service, using bold text and checkmarks for emphasis, followed by a short description if needed.

6. FAQs Section: Address the top five or six questions and objections that customers may have about your product or service. Consider using an accordion-type control for easy access to answers and possibly including small videos.

7. Call-to-Action: Conclude with a simple call-to-action headline and button similar to the one in the Hero section.

(YEAH, I know... the site shown above at chippwalters.org doesn't follow these suggestions, but I'll be working on that!)

While this information strays from my usual Patreon content, I believe you may find it interesting. Check out my video and these other two videos for further insights. Have a great day and talk to you soon!