Configuring a DNS for Google Sites

While making a site in Google Sites is pretty straightforward, intuitive, and well-documented, a website address like https://sites.google.com/view/your_name might feel a bit off-personality. Linking a domain is not as hard as it appears, despite all the acronyms; you just need to create an account in a registrar and add a couple of records.

Domain name and DNS

Price is the most tricky part. If you're thinking about a catchy name, it might be already registered, or some providers may have pre-registered it to put a higher price on it. It is commonly advised that you avoid checking domain availability on registrars' sites if you do not plan to buy it right away.

The second trick is the renewal price. Most providers say "buy a domain for only $4.99", but the renewal might be $149.99. Always look at the prices section to avoid being surprised next year.

Adding DNS records

There are many types of records, but you only need two for Google Sites:

1. TXT Record for Ownership Verification

This is how Google makes sure you own the domain. Google will give you a string like google-site-verification=.... Add this as a TXT record:

• Host: @
• Type: TXT
• Value: [The string Google gave you]

2. CNAME Record for Linking the Site

Once verified, you need to tell browsers where to look. Create a new record:

• Host: www
• Type: CNAME
• Value: ghs.googlehosted.com

Dealing with the Root Domain

Google does not provide IP addresses for the root domain. If someone types yourname.com (without the www), they will likely see an error. To handle this for free, we use a redirect service like redirect.name.

1. Find the A record with the name @ (or blank) and change its IP to 45.55.72.95.
2. Create another TXT record with Host _redirect and Value "Redirects from /* to www.yourname.com/*".

After a few minutes, anyone who types your domain without the www will be correctly routed to your site. Congratulations!