Free Website Builder: How to Launch Your Site Without Spending a Dime

If you want a website but hate the idea of paying for hosting or a domain, you’re in luck. There are plenty of free website builders that let you go live in minutes. In this guide we’ll show you the most popular options, the basics of getting started, and the trade‑offs you should expect.

Top Free Builders and What They Offer

Here are the three services that consistently rank highest for free site creation:

• Wix Free Plan – Drag‑and‑drop editor, hundreds of templates, and Wix branding on the URL (yourname.wixsite.com). Good for visual designers who want flexible layouts.
• WordPress.com Free – Reliable CMS, built‑in blog tools, and a subdomain (yourname.wordpress.com). Best for content‑focused sites and easy SEO basics.
• Google Sites – Simple page builder that integrates with Google Drive. No ads, but limited design options. Perfect for quick internal pages or portfolios.

All three give you a free subdomain, basic storage, and a branded footer. If you need a custom domain, you’ll have to upgrade, but you can still start without any cost.

Step‑by‑Step: Build Your Site in 5 Minutes

1. Choose a builder. Pick the one that matches your style. Wix for visual freedom, WordPress.com for blog power, Google Sites for simplicity.

2. Sign up. Use your email or a Google account. The process takes less than a minute.

3. Pick a template. Browse the free templates and select one that resembles the layout you want. Most builders let you change colors and fonts later.

4. Add your content. Drag text blocks, images, and videos onto the page. Write a clear headline, a short intro, and a call‑to‑action (like a contact form or a link to your social media).

5. Publish. Click the publish button. Your site will go live on a subdomain instantly. Test it on a phone and a desktop to make sure it looks good.

That’s it – you now have a functional website without paying a cent.

While free builders are great for getting started, they do have limits. Expect storage caps (usually 500 MB‑2 GB), branded footers, and limited SEO controls. If your traffic grows or you need an e‑commerce store, consider moving to a paid plan or a self‑hosted solution.

Even with those limits, a free site can still serve many purposes: a personal portfolio, a hobby blog, a landing page for a side project, or a test environment for new ideas. The key is to start small, track performance, and upgrade only when you truly need the extra features.

Ready to get your site online? Pick a builder, follow the five steps above, and you’ll have a live web presence before you finish your coffee.