The 9 Best Free Website Builders You Need in 2024

“Build it, and they will come,” they said. But they didn’t mention the hefty bill accompanying erecting your digital castle. Hiring a professional web designer can cost anywhere from $100 to well over $5,000, depending on the complexity of your project and the designer’s expertise.

Yes, my friends, we’re talking about the not-so-secret secret: websites can be expensive. While hiring a web designer can be costly, there’s a more affordable and accessible option: using the best free website builders. Okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get the point.

What is a Website Builder?

Creating a professional website used to be a costly endeavor, requiring the services of a skilled web designer or developer. Thankfully, times have changed. Today, anyone can build a stunning website without breaking the bank, thanks to the rise of user-friendly website builders.

Every day, 252,000 new sites burst into existence. Businesses have realized that having a website is like hoisting a flag on the moon—it marks their presence and opens doors to wider audiences. 

In essence, a website builder is a friendly wizard (sans pointy hat) that empowers you to build your own website without summoning a coding sorcerer. Here’s the lowdown on what you should look for in best free website builders:

• Drag-and-drop interface: Easily arrange elements without coding.
• Pre-designed templates: Choose from various styles to match your brand.
• Customization options: Tailor your website to your unique vision.
• Code-free design: Create beautiful websites without writing a single line of code.
• Hosting included: Many builders offer hosting services for convenience.

Who Should Use a Website Builder?

In the year 2023, 71% of businesses have set sail into the world wide web. Among available options, the best free website builders are ideal for individuals and companies seeking a quick, cost-effective, and user-friendly way to create an online presence.

Small Businesses:

Small businesses can focus on core operations while maintaining a professional online presence.

• Budget-friendly: Website builders offer affordable plans, perfect for small businesses with limited resources.
• Ease of use: Intuitive interfaces allow business owners to manage their website without technical expertise.
• Rapid setup: Quickly launch a website and start attracting customers.
• Pre-designed templates: Choose from a variety of templates tailored to different industries.

Bloggers and Content Creators:

Website builders are a game-changer for bloggers and content creators. These platforms allow you to focus on creating engaging content while handling the technical aspects of website management.

• Effortless content creation and publishing: Easily add blog posts, images, and videos.
• SEO optimization tools: Improve search engine visibility.
• Responsive design: Ensure your blog looks great on all devices.
• Audience engagement: Interact with readers through comments and social sharing.

Portfolio Websites:

For artists, photographers, designers, and freelancers, a strong online portfolio is essential. Website builders offer the perfect platform to showcase your work effectively.

• Visual impact: Showcase your work with stunning imagery and layouts.
• Organization: Categorize your portfolio by project or theme.
• Client engagement: Include contact forms and testimonials.

Nonprofits and Community Groups:

By utilizing a website builder, nonprofits can maximize their online presence and achieve their goals efficiently.

• Storytelling: Effectively communicate your organization’s mission, impact, and success stories.
• Community engagement: Share event information, fundraisers, and updates.
• Donation management: Securely accept online donations.
• Volunteer recruitment: Build a dedicated volunteer base.

When choosing a website builder, consider these key features:

• Ease of use: Intuitive interfaces for a seamless building experience.
• Diverse templates: Options to suit various styles and industries.
• Customization: Flexibility to personalize your website’s design.
• Mobile responsiveness: Ensures your site looks great on all devices.
• SEO tools: Optimize your site for search engines.
• E-commerce capabilities: Sell products or services if needed.

By evaluating these features, you can select a suitable option among the best free website builders that aligns with your goals and empowers you to create a stunning online presence.

The 9 Best Free Website Builders in 2024

Wix: 

Wix stands out as a leading website builder for its user-friendly interface, extensive template library, and robust customization options. Designed with both beginners and experienced users in mind, Wix empowers individuals and businesses to create stunning websites without the need for coding expertise.

You can create a fully functioning website without spending a dime. With the free plan, you get access to Wix’s drag-and-drop website builder. 

Key Features:

• Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Editor: Easily arrange and customize website elements to match your vision.
• Diverse Template Library: Choose from a vast collection of professionally designed templates for various industries and styles.
• In-depth Customization: Tailor your website’s appearance, layout, and functionality to reflect your brand identity.
• Mobile Optimization: Ensure your website looks great and functions seamlessly on all devices.
• Built-in SEO Tools: Optimize your website’s content and structure for better search engine visibility.
• E-commerce Functionality: Sell products and services directly through your website.

As of now, the Wix platform boasts a staggering 258 million users. With Wix, you have the freedom to create a website that perfectly aligns with your goals, whether it’s a personal blog, an online store, or a professional portfolio. Its user-friendly platform makes it an excellent choice for individuals and businesses of all sizes.

Weebly:  

Weebly is a delightful free website builder. With the free plan, you get access to Weebly’s drag-and-drop website builder. It’s like playing with digital Legos—assemble your site, rearrange elements, and watch it come to life. It’s a website builder that prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing functionality.

Key Features:

• E-commerce focus: Perfect for selling products online with features like inventory management and secure checkout.
• User-friendly interface: Drag-and-drop simplicity for easy website creation.
• Mobile optimization: Ensures your site looks great on all devices.
• Free domain with premium plans: Save money on domain registration.
• Limited customization options: While not as extensive as some builders, Weebly offers enough to create a professional look.

There are more than 25 million websites currently built on Weebly, showcasing its popularity for small business owners, entrepreneurs, bloggers, artists, and more. While Weebly might not offer the same level of customization as some other builders, it excels at providing a solid foundation for small businesses and online stores.

Dorik  

Yes, you can create websites with Dorik without spending a dime. Dorik is a relatively new player in the website builder realm, but it’s already making waves with its innovative approach, offering over 80 templates and 250 UI blocks. Its AI also helps you build your site by suggesting content and even generating images.  

Key features:

• Intuitive interface: Drag-and-drop simplicity for effortless website creation.
• Customizable components: Build unique elements to match your vision.
• Stunning animations: Add visual appeal with engaging animations.
• Developer-friendly: Offers flexibility for those with coding knowledge.

While Dorik provides a delightful experience, it’s essential to consider its limitations. The template library might be smaller compared to established competitors, and e-commerce functionality might not be as robust. This lets you design your website for free.

GoDaddy 

To put it in perspective, GoDaddy is used by 0.7% of all websites. This translates to about 2.2 million live websites currently strutting their stuff with GoDaddy’s builder. GoDaddy is a well-known domain registrar that also offers a user-friendly website builder, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quick and easy solution.

Key Features:

• Intuitive Interface: Create a website with minimal technical knowledge.
• Rapid Setup: Launch your site quickly to capitalize on opportunities.
• Domain Integration: Easily connect your existing domain or purchase a new one.
• Free Plan: Get started without upfront costs.
• Basic E-commerce: Sell products or services with limited features.

While GoDaddy excels at providing a streamlined website-building experience, it may not be the best option for complex e-commerce stores or those requiring extensive customization. Its templates and design options might be somewhat limited compared to other platforms.

With the free plan, you get access to a user-friendly platform and free website hosting option. However, if you need a simple website up and running quickly, GoDaddy is a viable choice.

Square Online 

Square Online is more than just a website builder; it’s a digital marketplace tailored for sellers. With a focus on e-commerce, it’s like a bustling marketplace where you can showcase your products and connect with customers.

Key Features:

• Seamless integration with Square POS: If you have a physical store, Square Online can sync inventory and sales data.
• Quick setup: Get your online store up and running in no time.
• Mobile-friendly: Ensure your customers can shop on the go.
• Payment processing: Accept various payment methods seamlessly.

Businesses using Square Online have seen a whopping 97% increase in sales. While Square Online excels in e-commerce, its design customization options might be limited compared to other platforms. Square Online offers a completely free plan! It’s ideal for businesses looking to quickly establish an online store without extensive design requirements.

PageCloud 

PageCloud distinguishes itself as a versatile website builder that empowers users to create visually stunning and highly customized online experiences. Its drag-and-drop interface and emphasis on design flexibility make it an attractive option for both beginners and experienced web developers.

Key Features:

• Intuitive Design Interface: Easily manipulate elements and create unique layouts without coding expertise.
• Customization Depth: Tailor your website to match your brand identity with granular control over design elements.
• Responsive Design: Ensure your website looks perfect on all devices.
• Collaboration Tools: Work seamlessly with team members to build and manage your website.

Its Free Plan is limited to 1,000 monthly visitors, 10 blog posts, and one published page, allowing you to design a website for free. It’s the “try before you buy” aisle. While PageCloud might offer a smaller template library compared to some competitors and its e-commerce features might not be as robust, it compensates with exceptional design customization and a user-friendly interface. 

Get started for free with PageCloud Start and experience the platform’s capabilities firsthand.

Webflow  

Webflow is a powerful platform that offers a free plan to it users. It caters to designers and developers who seek greater control over their website’s appearance and functionality.

Key Features:

• Design Flexibility: Offers extensive customization options for creating unique and interactive websites.
• Responsive Design: Ensures your website looks great on all devices.
• Custom Code Integration: Allows for advanced customization through HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• E-commerce Capabilities: Build online stores with robust features and integrations.

While Webflow offers unparalleled design freedom, it does require a steeper learning curve compared to other website builders. It’s best suited for users with a strong design background or those willing to invest time in learning the platform.

Google Sites

Google Sites offers a no-frills approach to website creation, prioritizing ease of use and collaboration over complex design features. Its integration with the Google Workspace ecosystem makes it a popular choice for individuals, small businesses, and teams who value simplicity and efficiency. The best part about Google Site is that it is the best free website builder with a free domain.

Key Features:

• Intuitive Interface: Create and manage your website effortlessly with a drag-and-drop builder.
• Seamless Google Integration: Connect with other Google tools for streamlined workflow.
• Collaborative Platform: Work on your website with multiple users simultaneously.
• Mobile Optimization: Ensure your website looks great on all devices.
• Free Basic Plan: Get started without any upfront costs.

It’s the 9th most popular in the United States in the Content Management System category. While Google Sites may not be the best option for highly customized or visually complex websites, it excels at delivering basic websites quickly and efficiently. Its integration with other Google services makes it a convenient choice for users who are already familiar with the Google ecosystem.

Yola 

Yes, Yola offers a completely free plan. No strings attached, no hidden fees. It is a user-friendly website builder designed for those seeking a straightforward and hassle-free platform. Its emphasis on simplicity makes it the best free website builder for small businesses.

Key Features:

• Intuitive Interface: Yola’s user-friendly interface allows users to create websites without requiring extensive technical knowledge. The drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy to arrange content and design elements.
• Mobile Optimization: Ensure your website looks great and functions seamlessly across different devices.
• Basic E-commerce: Sell products or services with limited features, suitable for small online stores.
• Affordable Pricing: Offers competitive plans to suit various budgets. Yola offers 65 free templates.

While Yola excels in providing a streamlined website creation experience, it may fall short in terms of advanced customization options and robust e-commerce features compared to other platforms. Businesses requiring complex online stores or highly customized designs might find Yola’s limitations restrictive.

FAQs:

Can I Run My Website for Free?

Yes, you can create a website for free using various website builders. Many platforms are among the best free website builders, and offer free plans with basic features to get you started. However, free plans often come with limitations such as ads, limited storage, and restricted customization options.  

Do Free Websites Make Money?

Yes, it’s possible to make money with a free website. While monetization options might be limited compared to paid plans, you can explore opportunities like affiliate marketing, Google AdSense, or selling digital products. However, generating substantial income through a free website can be challenging due to limitations in features and customization.  

How to Create a Website for Free in 2024?

Creating a free website is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Choose a website builder: Select a platform that aligns with your needs and offers a free plan.
2. Select a template: Choose a design that suits your website’s purpose.
3. Customize your website: Add your content, images, and desired features.  
4. Publish your website: Make your site live and accessible to visitors.

Popular free website builders include Wix, Weebly, and Google Sites.  

Conclusion

Building a website has never been easier or more affordable. With the best free website builders available, anyone can create a professional online presence without breaking the bank. From Wix’s expansive features to Yola’s simplicity, there’s a platform to suit every need.

Remember, the best website builder is the one that aligns with your goals and skill level. Experiment with different options to find the perfect fit for your project.

Need expert assistance? Vinova offers comprehensive website design and development services to help you create a standout online presence. Contact us today to discuss your project.