Have you ever wanted to create your own website for your business, or to share your hobby with others online?  

If you’ve ever wanted to build a site – but stopped because you don’t know how to code or don’t have the cash for a website developer, you’re in luck! These days, there are tools that can help those who have absolutely no programming experience design and publish a beautiful website all on their own. 

Senior Planet On Demand

To support creatives, entrepreneurs, and the tech-curious, Senior Planet has created a brand new self-paced course on Google Sites that teaches you how to create a website step-by-step. This course is self-directed, meaning you can take it anytime, anywhere! 

To get started with this course, visit seniorplanet.org/googlesites.

How it works

Michelle, age 61, has run a travel agency for decades and took the course to build a website that showcases her travel adventures. “I truly enjoyed the course, especially the guided modules,” says Michelle. “There was no better way to explain it. The course taught me the skills and then gave me practice so I could do it on my own. Plus, because the self-paced modules were so short, it made it easy to go back and feel like I could finish everything.” 

“I had looked at Google Sites before, but this class really honed it in for me,” continues Michelle. “I’ve used many Google products, but this really enhanced my Google skills. It even prompted me to start using [Google’s AI] Gemini.” (Interested in learning more about AI? Check us out here!) 

“We created this self-paced course for those who do not have a website but want to create one,” says Karly Dallas, Curriculum Specialist at OATS. “We picked Google Sites because it is very straightforward. Google’s templates ensure your website is polished and professional and help make building a website easier than you’d expect. It’s also a great platform because it’s completely free with a Google (Gmail) account!” 

Michelle is still putting the finishing touches on her new site but plans to publish it soon. “I love inspiring others with my travels and I’m excited that I now have a website that I can use to share my photos and stories.” 

Here’s a preview of Michelle’s site, built on Google Sites. 

Want to build your own website? Get started by visiting seniorplanet.org/googlesites.

What if I get stuck? The Senior Planet hotline is here to help! Whether you hit a snag signing up for the course or need some help creating your site, give us a call toll-free at (888) 713-3495 to speak with a friendly, patient trainer. 

Deirdre Lee serves as Director of Virtual Program Experiences for Senior Planet from AARP (formerly managing the organization’s licensing program). Based in Denver, she oversees Senior Planet’s online programs as well as the free hotline for tech or Senior Planet questions (available at 888-713-3495). 

Photo: DMP via Getty Images