You need a website, but you aren’t sure how much it is going to cost. After a little research you find that many of the leading website builders charge upwards of $200 a year for even the most basic subscriptions. This can feel a little steep, especially when you are just getting started.
This is where the best free website builders can be a great option. Of course, these website builder plans come with limitations, such as onsite ads and long-winded domains. But they do offer you a zero-cost alternative to getting your business or idea online, which can be a great option in some cases.
Some of the best website builders on the market, including Wix and HubSpot, offer free plans. Allowing you access some of the most advanced website building tools without a financial investment.
Below, we dive into the details of how to create, build, and maintain a website for free.
Picking a free website creator
You might want to consider using a free website creator for many reasons. Perhaps you don't have the budget for a premium plan or you simply want to test out an idea before investing finanacially.
Whatever the reason there are some great free website builders to pick from.
Wix, as mentioned above, is a famous website builder that offers a free plan with plenty of features. You can create a professional-looking website without any prior experience or design skills. Wix even allows you to use it's powerful AI website builder on its free plan.
Weebly is another great option for those who are looking for an easy-to-use free website creator. It offers a wide range of templates and features, and you can get started with their free plan.
HubSpot now offers access to its website builder for free. Unlike some other free website creation tools, HubSpot allows you to connect a custom domain to your site. However, you will need to pay for that domain, meaning your website is no longer truly free.
Finally, WordPress.com is one of the best blogging sites that can also be used to create a simple website. They offer a free plan with limited features, but it's perfect for those who want to get started online.
How to build a website for free: step by step
1. Decide what kind of website you want to build
There are many different types of websites, such as portfolio, blog, and business websites. Each type of website has a different purpose and requirements. For example, an ecommerce website sells products and services online, while a portfolio website showcases your work.
Knowing what you want your website to do will go a long way to helping you find the best solution for you.
2. Find a free website builder
A website builder is a service that gives you the tools you need to create and maintain your site. There are many different free website builders available from top names including Wix, Weebly, HubSpot, and WordPress.
Take time to assess what each offers on its free plan and see which aligns best with your goals. For example, if you want to sell online you will find this tricky with Wix's free plan, making a platform that offers free ecommerce features such as Weebly a better fit.
3. Choose a domain name
Your domain name is your website's address on the internet. It's what people will type into their browser to find your website. For example, the domain name for Google is google.com.
Almost all free website builders only allow you to use a branded domain such as https://[businessname].jimdosite.com. Even in cases where you can connect a custom domain to a free website, such as with HubSpot, you will need to pay for that domain.
We explore domains further below.
4. Build your website
Now it's time to start building your website!
Once you signed up for your free plan you will get access to the website building tools and features of your chosen platform. At this stage you will be able to pick a template or use AI to build your site in the way you want.
When you've finished, simply hit Publish and your website will be live.
5. Promote your website
Now your website is live, you'll need to promote it to get traffic. There are a number of ways you can promote your website for free. One way is to use social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to share your content. You can also submit your website to directories and post in forums related to your niche.
Additionally, there are a number of free SEO tools that can help boost traffic to your site, such as Google Analytics and the Yoast SEO plugin. By taking advantage of these free resources, you can increase the visibility of your website and attract more visitors.
Is it possible create a website for free?
Websites are no longer a luxury; they're now necessary for businesses in nearly all industries. Yet small businesses often have very tight budgets, and website design and development can be expensive. So is it possible to create a website for free?
The short answer is yes, but it may not be the best solution for your business if you're looking for a professional-looking website to help you grow your brand and attract new customers.
There are some great free site creators, but they come with limitations. For example, you may not have access to certain features or customization options such as control over your website’s design and layout. Also with a free website builder, you are usually stuck with the templates that the builder provides. This can limit your ability to create a unique and professional looking website. These factors can seriously limit your design choices.
Free site builders can also come with other limitations such as branded domains, limited storage and bandwidth, and onsite ads. All of which can give your website a less than professional look.
If you're serious about growing your business, it's worth investing in premium website builder plan or even working with a dedicated website agency or freelancer.
Domains: Can you get one for free?
A domain is a huge part of your website and brand identity, so time should be taken to decide on the best approach. But if you are hoping to get one for free, you may be disappointed.
As previously mentioned, when you use a free website builder you will be assigned a domain based on the platform you have chosen. For example, on Wix's free plan you will be assigned a domain such as 'siteprefix.wixsite.com/siteaddress'. This domain is free, but hardly looks great.
If you want a dedicated domain - think Google.com or TechRadar.com - you're going to have to pay.
According to our resident domains expert, James Cappell, this is because ICCAN (the company that controls domains) charges a fee each year. So, if a company offered you a domain entirely for free, they would be losing money - which isn't great for their business. This is unless they can offset the cost of the domain through methods such as placing ads on your website - which isn't great for your business.
With some premium website builder and hosting plans you will see things like 'Free domain included' in the package details. This almost always comes with a caveat:
"You should always be weary about getting a free domain for a year with your hosting or website builder," insists James. "The domain in the subsequent years is often over charged and you may not want the faff of changing your domain to another domain registrar."
So, your domain is free, but only for a limited time, and only with paid plans, which means your website isn't truly free in the first place.
Ultimately, when it comes to domains on a free website builder plan you have 2 options. Either accept the branded domain or go for a platform that allows you to connect a custom domain (such as HubSpot) and pay for one.
Building a website for free: Summary
Building your website can be a great way to save money. With a bit of time and effort, you can create a professional-looking website without spending a penny.
However, paid website builders are usually better in the long run since they offer more features and tools to help you create a better site. So, if you're serious about building a website, we recommend using paid options.
