If you want to use a custom domain with a free Google Site, follow these steps to buy a domain from Namecheap and connect it to Google Sites.
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Step 1: Purchase a Domain from Namecheap
1. Go to Namecheap: Visit www.namecheap.com.
2. Search for a Domain: Enter your desired domain name in the search bar and check availability.
3. Add to Cart: Click "Add to Cart", then "Checkout".
4. Choose Registration Options:
Keep Domain Privacy Protection (FREE with Namecheap) enabled.
Leave default DNS settings selected.
5. Create an Account: If you don’t have one, sign up for Namecheap.
6. Complete Payment: Enter your payment details and confirm the purchase.
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Step 2: Configure Your Domain in Namecheap
1. Go to Domain List:
Log in to Namecheap and click "Domain List" from the left menu.
2. Select Your Domain: Click "Manage" next to your domain.
3. Update DNS Settings:
Under the "Nameservers" section, select "Namecheap BasicDNS".
Scroll down to "Advanced DNS" and click "Add New Record":
Type: CNAME Record
Host: www
Value: ghs.googlehosted.com
TTL: Automatic
Click the green checkmark to save.
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Step 3: Connect the Domain to Google Sites
1. Open Google Sites:
Go to Google Sites and open your site.
2. Go to Settings:
Click the gear icon () in the top-right corner and select "Custom Domains".
3. Select "Start Setup" > "Use a Domain from a Third Party".
4. Enter Your Domain: Type www.yourdomain.com (replace with your actual domain).
5. Verify Ownership:
Google will ask you to verify your domain via TXT Record:
Copy the provided TXT Record.
Go back to Namecheap → Advanced DNS → Add New Record.
Type: TXT Record
Host: @
Value: (Paste the code from Google)
Click the green checkmark to save.
6. Wait for DNS Propagation: It may take up to 24 hours for changes to take effect.
7. Return to Google Sites and Click "Verify".
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Step 4: Publish Your Google Site with the Custom Domain
1. Once verification is successful, go back to Google Sites > Custom Domains.
2. Click "Use Custom Domain", select your verified domain, and click "Publish".
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Final Notes
It may take some time (up to 24 hours) for the domain to work properly.
You must use "www" before your domain (www.yourdomain.com) because Google Sites does not support root domains (yourdomain.com).
If needed, set up Domain Forwarding in Namecheap to redirect yourdomain.com to www.yourdomain.com.
Would you like help troubleshooting or setting up email with your domain?
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