Running my own business felt overwhelming at first. Like many, I was hesitant about creating a website because hiring a developer was beyond my budget. I struggled to find an affordable solution, and for a while, it felt like I’d never get my brand the online visibility it needed. I remember thinking, “How can I compete without the technical skills or resources to build a professional site?”
It wasn’t until I stumbled upon free website builders that everything changed. These tools made it possible to create a sleek, functional website without knowing a line of code. Suddenly, I had the ability to showcase my business online, all without draining my bank account.
Facing similar challenges? Keep reading to see how the five best free website builders in 2024 can help you get your business online without breaking the bank.
What Makes the Best Free Website Builder?
When looking for the best free website builders, I didn’t just skim through reviews or rely on marketing hype. I tested each one thoroughly to see how they performed in real-world use. I created websites using their templates and AI tools, adjusted settings, and explored how user-friendly they really were. Through this hands-on approach, I evaluated each platform based on the key features that matter most for anyone looking to build a site without spending a fortune.
Here are the main factors I looked at:
- Ease of use: Can you build a site easily without needing coding skills? I pointed out which builders are simple for beginners and which ones are better for those with a bit more design experience.
- Customization: How flexible is the builder? I checked how easy it is to change templates, colors, and layouts. If there’s a trade-off between simplicity and customization, I noted that too.
- SEO tools: Creating a website is only part of the process—you also want it to show up on search engines. I checked each builder’s SEO features, like editing page titles, meta descriptions, adding alt tags, and creating site maps.
- Value of free plans: I made sure to focus on builders that let you truly build a website for free without constant prompts to upgrade. While paid features are available, these tools allow you to launch your site at no cost.
- Primary purpose: Some tools are mainly focused on other things but have website-building features. I only included builders that function primarily as website creators.
Best Free All-Around Website Builder
Wix
Wix is our top pick for the best all-around free website builder.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use with many integrations
- AI builder option available
Cons:
- Can be a bit slow at times
Wix is one of the most popular drag-and-drop website builders, making it a great choice for building simple websites. You can either use the AI builder, which creates your site based on a few questions, or pick from over 900 templates to customize yourself. The templates are professional and easy to adjust.
Wix also includes useful SEO tools to help your site rank on Google, and it integrates with email marketing and other apps to streamline your tasks. The free plan offers a “.wixsite.com” domain with Wix branding, but it’s easy to upgrade if you want more features.
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $17/month.
Ease of Use: Simple drag-and-drop editor; an AI option is also available for beginners.
Customization: Highly customizable, with options for blogs, forms, and more.
SEO Features: Good SEO tools for improving site visibility.
Free Plan Value: Excellent, with lots of features available without upgrading.
Free Website Builder for Simple Sites (Without SEO)
Google Sites
Google Sites stands out as a top choice for building simple websites without SEO features. It’s easy to use, much like Google Docs, and ideal for collaborative work.
Pros:
- Very user-friendly
- Great for team collaboration
Cons:
- No SEO tools
- Limited customization options
Google Sites is a straightforward website builder with minimal customization and no SEO capabilities. This makes it a good option for beginners or anyone looking to experiment without the need to rank on search engines. If you’re transitioning from the now-discontinued Google Business Profile websites, this tool could be a solid replacement.
You can start with one of 12 templates or a blank canvas, and tweak your site’s style, colors, and fonts using six available themes. However, customization is limited. Despite the limitations, Google Sites is extremely easy to use. Like Google Docs, everything saves directly to Google Drive, and you can easily share your site with collaborators. Although SEO tools are missing, you can at least set custom URLs for each page.
Pricing: Completely free with no paid plans.
Ease of Use: Very simple, similar to using Google Docs.
Customization: Basic options. Choose from 12 templates and 6 themes.
SEO Tools: None available.
Free Plan Value: Best suited for beginners and casual users, though not as feature-rich as Yola or Wix.
Free Website Builder for Simple, No-Hassle Websites
Yola
Yola is our choice for the best free website builder for those who want a straightforward, no-fuss option.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Large selection of useful content blocks
Cons:
- Limited SEO settings
Yola is perfect for those looking to build a simple website without much hassle. When setting up, it guides you through selecting the type of website you want—whether it’s personal, business, a store, or community—and offers either an AI-powered builder or a variety of templates to choose from. One great feature is that you can switch templates later without losing the content you’ve already created, which is helpful if you change your mind.
The business templates are well-designed, with all the typical features you’d expect, like a strong header, client logos, services, testimonials, and a call to action. The AI builder is also quite efficient, quickly putting together a functional website with relevant sections.
Yola offers 70 color palettes to choose from, and you can preview the changes instantly to find what works best for your site. However, with the free plan, your site will have Yola ads and domain branding. If you’d like to connect your own domain or remove branding, Yola offers affordable paid options starting at $6/month.
Pricing: Free plan available, paid plans start at $6.95/month.
Ease of Use: Very intuitive, with a user-friendly editor.
Customization Options: Choose from AI builder or templates, and easily edit with on-screen guides.
SEO Tools: Basic but enough for simple sites; upgrading is needed for more advanced SEO settings.
Free Plan Value: Good value, but upgrading removes Yola ads and branding.
Promote your product or service
Building a website doesn’t have to be complicated or costly, thanks to these free website builders. Wix offers extensive customization, Google Sites provides a simple and user-friendly platform, and Yola is perfect for those who want a no-fuss solution. These tools make it easy to get your site up and running, but getting noticed online is where the real challenge begins.
That’s where Sam SEO Philippines can help. Our experts specialize in optimizing websites, boosting search engine rankings, and driving more traffic to your site. Don’t let your efforts go unnoticed—contact us today to give your business the online visibility it deserves.
FAQs
How to create a free website in 2024?
To create a free website in 2024, you can use popular website builders like Wix, Google Sites, or Yola. These platforms offer templates and easy-to-use tools that allow you to design and launch a website without any coding experience. Simply sign up, choose a template, customize it with your content, and publish your site.
What is the best free website builder?
The best free website builder depends on your needs. Wix is highly customizable and feature-rich, making it great for more complex websites. Google Sites is ideal for simple, collaborative projects, while Yola is perfect for those who want a no-fuss setup with useful features.
What is the most used website builder?
Wix is one of the most widely used website builders due to its flexibility, ease of use, and vast template library. It offers both free and paid options, making it a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike.
Can I create a website for free?
Yes, you can create a website for free using builders like Wix, Google Sites, and Yola. These platforms offer free plans that allow you to design and publish your website at no cost, though some may include ads or limited features until you upgrade.