How to Add Embedded Content to Your Google Site and Boost SEO
Learn how to seamlessly embed videos, forms, maps, and more to make your Google Sites content dynamic and interactive.
Adding embedded content enriches the visitor experience, keeps users on your site longer, and can improve your SEO by enhancing engagement and relevance.
Why Embedded Content Is Important for Your Website
Embedding content directly into your Google Sites pages brings a dynamic, multimedia experience to visitors, enhancing engagement and making your website feel more interactive. Whether you’re embedding a video tutorial, a contact form, or a live map, these elements encourage users to stay longer, interact with your content, and gain a more comprehensive experience—all factors that can positively impact your SEO. Plus, Google Sites makes embedding content simple, so you can get creative without needing advanced technical skills.
Types of Content You Can Embed in New Google Sites
YouTube Videos
YouTube videos are a popular way to add value to your pages, especially if you want to share how-to guides, testimonials, or any other video content that supports your website. By embedding a relevant YouTube video, you’re offering more depth without requiring visitors to leave your site. This added time spent on the page can send positive engagement signals to search engines
Google Maps
If your business has a physical location, embedding a Google Map makes it easier for customers to find you. It also lends credibility to your website by showing your geographic location directly on your page. Google Sites allows for easy embedding of Google Maps, which is especially helpful for local SEO and attracting nearby customers.
Google Forms
Want to gather feedback or conduct a survey? Embedding Google Forms is a perfect solution. Not only does it make your site interactive, but it also helps build a connection with visitors. When people take the time to fill out a form, they’re more likely to feel invested in your website or brand, increasing the chances they’ll return.
Social Media Feeds
For websites with active social media channels, embedding a feed keeps visitors updated on your latest posts. Embedded feeds encourage visitors to follow you on social media, extending engagement beyond your site. Social media embeds can make your site feel up-to-date and lively, especially when showing recent updates or customer testimonials.
Documents and Presentations
If you want to share documents, slides, or spreadsheets, Google Sites makes it easy to embed Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. This feature is perfect for providing detailed information, such as company reports or case studies, without overwhelming your page layout. Embedded documents are also easily accessible on mobile, keeping information clear and organised across devices.
How to Embed Content on Your Google Site
1. Using the Embed Tool in Google Sites
To embed content, go to the page where you want to add it, click on the “Embed” option on the right side toolbar, and select the type of content you’d like to add (such as a URL, embed code, or a Google item). If you’re embedding from YouTube, for example, simply paste the video URL, and Google Sites will pull it into your page in an easy-to-view format.
2. Adjusting Embed Settings for Best Results
Once your content is embedded, you can adjust the size and alignment to make sure it fits seamlessly within your design. Use Google Sites’ drag-and-drop features to position your content exactly where it looks best. Make sure embedded elements are large enough to view easily on both desktop and mobile screens, as this will make them more user-friendly.
Useful tip: Embed Google Maps by selecting the 'Map' option in the Google Sites editor.
When the 'Select a map' window appears enter the address you want to search for.
When you find the address click enter. When you have selected an appropriate level of zoom, click 'Select' and the map will be inserted into your page ready for you to position.
Useful tip: Google Maps are great for boosting your local SEO so use them with carefully selected keywords.
Best Practices for Embedding Content in Google Sites
Only Embed Relevant Content
While embedding can make your site more interactive, it’s best to include only content that truly enhances the page. Adding too many embedded items can slow down load times and clutter the page. For example, if you run a fitness site, embedding workout videos, a contact form, and a location map might make sense, while other types of media could distract from the main purpose.
Test Your Embedded Content on Mobile Devices
Google Sites automatically optimises for mobile, but it’s a good idea to test embedded content on mobile preview mode to make sure everything displays correctly. Some embeds, like large documents or videos, may need slight adjustments to look their best on smaller screens. This quick check ensures a smooth experience for mobile visitors.
SEO Benefits of Embedded Content on Your Google Site
Improved User Engagement
Embedded content like videos and forms invites visitors to interact with your page, which can lead to longer on-page time. Google values this type of user engagement, as it indicates a good user experience. By embedding meaningful content, you’re signalling to search engines that your site is both useful and engaging.
Enhanced Relevance and Value
Content that’s embedded directly on the page—like location maps for local businesses—adds context and relevance. This relevance is something search engines consider, especially when it helps answer users’ search queries more effectively. Embedding the right content also keeps visitors on your page instead of navigating away, which can further enhance your site’s SEO performance.
Conclusion
Embedding content on your Google Sites page is a simple yet powerful way to boost engagement and offer a richer experience to visitors. With embedded videos, maps, forms, and social media feeds, you’re not just adding multimedia—you’re building a connection with visitors, encouraging them to explore more of your site. This strategy can help enhance SEO by increasing engagement, relevance, and accessibility.