How to build a website for free in 2024

If you’re looking to create a website for free or are experimenting with new business ideas without investing money, there are excellent options for easy and free website builders. Building and publishing a website can be straightforward and cost-free. Read on to discover how.

This guide will help you get started with building a free website, but remember that sometimes paid website builders are more suitable for professional use, as they come without limitations like displaying third-party ads, lack of a customizable URL, or a restricted number of web pages. However, if you want to create a website with no strings attached, this guide will offer you the quickest and most convenient methods to build a website for free. Upgrading later is always an option.

Choose a Content Management System (CMS)

A content control system simplifies the creation and management of your website’s content, requiring no technical skills. Here are our top recommendations for free and user-friendly website builders with CMS capabilities to quickly launch your website:

1. Wix: This is a popular no-code website builder. Its drag-and-drop feature sets it apart, allowing you to easily arrange website elements like images and text to suit your preferences, providing significant control without needing to code. When using Wix for free, your domain name will include Wix as a subdomain (e.g., www.businessname.wix.com). To use a custom domain (e.g., www.yourbusinessname.com), you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan. While a custom domain looks better professional, Wix’s free version is a great starting point, with the possibility of upgrading later.
2. Weebly: Weebly offers services similar to Wix, with a free version without a custom domain and the option to boost to a custom domain through a paid plan. Weebly uses a structured editor, allowing you to organize web pages by columns and rows. While it may offer less flexibility, a structured editor is often adequate for simple custom websites.
3. WordPress: This is a free, open-source platform that enables you to build and publish a website and implement numerous plugins for free. However, you’ll either need to pay for web hosting or find a free hosting provider, which typically comes with ads, reduced security, or poor performance.

Creating a website involves two main components: your domain (e.g., www.businessname.com) and your website builder, which lets you build a website without coding knowledge. Wix, Weebly, and WordPress offer free services with a subdomain. While free versions of Wix and WordPress may have limitations, their paid versions provide users with no ads, more storage, better bandwidth, and additional services for an enhanced experience. To secure a custom domain, you will need to pay, generally costing between $12 and $60 per year.

Create and Set Up Your Account

After selecting a website builder, the next steps are simple. Begin by making an account using your email, Google, or Facebook. You might need to specify the type of website you plan to create, such as an e-commerce store or a personal blog.

Creating an Account With Wix

If you opt for Wix, you’ll answer some questions about your website—such as its purpose and whether you’ve built a site before. Then, you can choose between building your site with Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) or using a template. The Wix ADI option is quicker and less customizable, generating a complete website based on your input. The template option provides a structured approach with various customization choices so you can design your site as you like.

Creating an Account With Weebly

Upon account creation, you’ll specify whether your website is for business or personal use. Weebly allows free site creation for personal use only. Once you choose a personal website, you’ll need to select a theme. Weebly offers various themes focused on business portfolios, personal sites, events, and blogs.

After signing up, you’ll access Weebly’s website editor to build your site, from images to text. While some elements (like headings or fonts) are preset based on your chosen theme, you can customize most aspects. When satisfied, publish your site and choose a domain name. The free version includes Weebly in the URL (e.g., www.mybusinessname.weebly.com), and Weebly suggests alternatives for the paid version if your preferred domain is unavailable.

Creating an Account With WordPress

WordPress requires you to create an account using your name, email, and username, followed by domain selection. For example, if you search for “my business name,” WordPress will present available alternatives for purchase. The fully free version will look like this: www.mybusinessname6838183.wordpress.com. This format may not be memorable or aesthetically pleasing, making Weebly or Wix attractive alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WordPress free?

WordPress is an open-source CMS, but custom domain names, certain templates, and plugins incur costs. You can sign up for a free domain through a WordPress subdomain, which includes WordPress in the URL.

Which is better: WordPress or Wix?

WordPress suits builders with technical expertise or those creating large, flexible sites. Wix is ideal for those seeking a no-code builder with a drag-and-drop editor. However, you can create simple sites using WordPress templates. More details on their comparison are available here.

How much does it cost to upgrade a website?

Costs vary by company. Typically, purchasing a domain costs $12 to $60 annually on sites like GoDaddy. Simpler, memorable domains tend to be pricier. Upgrading to Wix’s Pro plan is $23/month (billed annually), while Weebly’s Professional plan costs $16/month (or $12/month if billed annually).

Are SEO tools included with website builders?

Many top services offer tools to enhance your site’s search engine visibility. Most builders have an infrastructure that facilitates search engine indexing. Additionally, many platforms include tools for customizing meta descriptions, automated data markup, and easy social media integration.

What is the cheapest way to get a website?

Beyond free options, the most affordable way is downloading WordPress, using a free theme, and building the site yourself. You’ll need to register a domain for about $15/year and find affordable web hosting, which ranges from $1 to $10/month.