No Money? How to Start a Website or Blog Without Spending a Rupee

Think you need cash to go online? Wrong. You can launch a site, write a blog, and even drive traffic without opening your wallet. The trick is picking the right free services and avoiding hidden costs that sneak up later.

Pick a Truly Free Hosting Platform

First stop: where will your files live? Services like GitHub Pages, Netlify, and Vercel let you publish static sites for free. All you need is a GitHub account – no credit card required. Upload your HTML, CSS, and a bit of JavaScript, and they serve it on a custom sub‑domain (e.g., yoursite.github.io). If you prefer a drag‑and‑drop builder, try Google Sites or the free tier of Wix; just remember the branding and limited storage.

Static hosting works great for blogs built with Hugo, Jekyll, or Ghost in static mode. These generators turn markdown files into fast pages, and the free hosts handle the rest. No server maintenance, no monthly fees.

Get a Free Domain or Use a Sub‑Domain

Domain names usually cost money, but you can start with a free sub‑domain from your host. GitHub Pages gives you .github.io, Netlify offers .netlify.app, and WordPress.com provides .wordpress.com. If you really need a custom domain, look for .tk, .ml, or .ga extensions from Freenom – they’re free for a year, though they lack the credibility of .com.

When you’re ready to upgrade, many registrars have cheap first‑year deals. Until then, a clear sub‑domain works fine, especially if you focus on content quality and SEO.

Free Tools for Design and SEO

Design doesn’t have to break your bank. Canva’s free plan gives you templates for logos, social graphics, and infographics. For site layouts, explore free themes on WordPress.org or the official Hugo theme gallery. All of them are ready to drop in and customize.

SEO can be handled with free tools like Google Search Console, Ubersuggest’s limited searches, and the free version of Yoast SEO if you’re on WordPress. Plug in your target keywords, write meta titles under 60 characters, and keep your URLs short.

Monetize Without Spending

Even with zero budget, you can start earning. Sign up for Google AdSense once you have traffic – no upfront cost. Affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale let you add product links and earn commissions. If you produce original content, consider offering a simple PayPal “Buy Me a Coffee” button.

Remember, the key is traffic. Promote your posts on Reddit, relevant Facebook groups, and Twitter. Repurpose blog content into short videos for YouTube to capture another audience. All of these channels are free, but they require consistency.

Bottom line: building an online presence with no money is totally doable. Choose a free host, start with a sub‑domain, use free design and SEO tools, and monetize with ads or affiliates. Stick to these steps, and you’ll have a functional site that can grow over time – all without spending a single rupee.