How I Use Google Sheet as a Lightweight CMS

Aug 23, 2025Web 101 By Han

This article walks through how I use Google Sheets to manage dynamic content on client websites. It covers integration methods using NocodeAPI or Google Apps Script, how to fetch data in Next.js, and how to build editable news, product, or form-driven pages without a full CMS.

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How I Use Google Sheet as a Lightweight CMS

Why I Use Google Sheets as a CMS

Most client sites don’t need a full CMS. They just want to update a few pieces of content: a news section, a list of services, or a form response display. Google Sheets is free, familiar, and allows them to do this without breaking the site.

Step 1: Prepare Your Google Sheet

Each row is a content item. Columns might be 'title', 'description', 'image_url', 'link', etc. Share the sheet as view-only and connect it to your app using an API service or custom script.

Option A: Use a No-Code API Tool

Tools like NocodeAPI or Sheety turn your sheet into a JSON API instantly. Pros: fast and simple. Cons: limited flexibility. Use this if you want a quick solution without writing backend code.

Option B: Use Google Apps Script

Write a script to read your sheet and return it as JSON. This gives you full control over formatting and access. Deploy the script as a web app and use the URL as your endpoint in Next.js.

Fetching Sheet Data in Next.js

Use getStaticProps or getServerSideProps to fetch data from your sheet API. With ISR (Incremental Static Regeneration), you can auto-update content every few minutes without redeploying.

Use Cases: What Can You Build?

- News or blog sections - Product or service listings - Event schedules - Form submissions with Google Forms + Zapier All auto-updated from the sheet.

Advanced: Syncing Forms to Sheets to Site

Set up a Google Form → link to Sheet → site fetches from Sheet. Combine with Zapier or Make to alert you when data changes. Great for building low-code dashboards or testimonial walls.

When to Use This Stack

✅ Sites with low content complexity ✅ Clients who want control without tech ✅ Projects with <$1k budget ❌ Not for apps needing auth or deep nesting It's a perfect stack for fast delivery and low maintenance.

POSTED IN:Web DevNo CodeCMS

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