How to Redirect a Domain to Google Sites — Custom URL Without Google Workspace

TL;DR: Google Sites requires Workspace for custom domains. Skip the $72+/year fee — redirect your domain to your Google Sites URL using Domain-Forward.com (free plan). HTTPS included, takes 5 minutes.

Google Sites is free for building basic websites. But connecting a custom domain requires Google Workspace — that’s $6+/month you shouldn’t need for a simple informational site.

A redirect gives your audience a branded URL without paying for Workspace. They type yourdomain.com and land on your Google Site.

Setup (5 Minutes)

Step 1: Find your Google Sites URL

1. Open your site in Google Sites editor
2. Click Publish
3. Copy the published URL (e.g., https://sites.google.com/view/your-site-name)

Step 2: Sign up at Domain-Forward.com

Free, no credit card.

Step 3: Add your redirect

• Source: yourdomain.com (add both root and www)
• Destination: Your Google Sites published URL
• Type: 301 (permanent)

Step 4: Update DNS at your registrar

For registrar guides: GoDaddy, Namecheap, Hostinger.

Step 5: Wait and test

DNS propagation: 1-4 hours. SSL certificate provisioned automatically. Test with our redirect tester tool.

Google Sites + Workspace vs. Redirect Comparison

When a Redirect Is Enough

• Internal wikis and documentation sites
• Simple business info pages (hours, location, contact)
• Event pages or one-time information sites
• Personal portfolios on Google Sites
• Any site where the URL bar doesn’t matter to visitors

The branded URL gets visitors there. That’s what matters.

Create your free account, paste your Google Sites URL, add two DNS records. Email stays working — MX records are never touched.