Looking for a good free builder just to start, or should I look at paid ones?

I have my own domain, business cards, business social media and portfolio ready for a website. I just can’t find a website builder that is actually free. I can’t put my own domain on without subscribing to some expensive service that I’ll never use. I have found places to host my website but I’m just trying to make it and all I can find is wix for like $17, squarespace for even more and I’m just trying not to break my bank before I even start actually advertising.

EDIT: Thanks for all the suggestions, I’ve been busy the last few days but I think I’m gonna try Wordpress because it was the most popular suggestion and let you know how it goes!

hey everyone,

I'm looking to build a website that is both free and easy to navigate/design. There are a few out there so i was wondering if anyone has any recommendations. Any advice is welcome!

I'm looking a free website builder for my portfolio. Which one is the best, and why?

What are the best website builders for small businesses? I’m starting a small business and now looking for the best website builders to create my own website. I want it to look professional and also help drive traffic. I plan to build the site myself, so I’m searching for a builder that’s easy to use but flexible enough for future needs.

I’ve been reading about different companies, but it’s confusing. Many seem good at first, but I’ve heard some business owners say that certain website builders don’t work well with HTML, or have limitations because they use drag-and-drop systems. I don’t want to face issues like that later.

I have a few questions:

• What is the best website builder for small businesses?

• Are there any good free website builders?

• Should I go with a custom-built site or use a drag-and-drop builder?

• Any website builders you recommend based on personal experience?

Any tips or advice would be super helpful! I want to pick a platform that works well long-term and won’t give me problems once my business grows. Thanks in advance!

Hey, kind people. I am looking to build a simple portfolio website as a creative professional and looking for the right website builder. I have tried 10Web and WordPress.com. 10Web opens the editing options for the website once you pay and WordPress.com can't have any plugins so when I'm trying to edit theme (Twenty Seventeen) to make my work clickable and open in a new tab, it isn't working. Also, not much scope in changing alignment of the header, typeface, etc.

I don't want to invest any money in it yet because I want to build a professional website in a months after I sort out my work and find a new opportunity. Meanwhile I just want a simple website that is easy and creative to showcase my work to people I'm approaching.

Some info - My WordPress skills is 3/4 as I have handled it for my clients in terms of creating content and putting it online with understanding of Semrush. I thought about google sites too. Don't know if it will look good. Open for ALL your suggestions.

Thanks :)

I started a small tutoring service recently and I’m trying to get online without spending a ton. All I really need is a homepage and a booking/contact page.

Looked into Wix and Squarespace but both get expensive fast once you want your own domain or remove ads.

I’ve seen Durable mentioned a couple of times in this sub. Any feedback about it?

Would love to hear what you guys use before I waste hours testing random platforms.

Hello labbers,

I'm curious if anyone has found and used any open source website builder software and if they're any good. I found a site to build a page and export the html code but its pretty basic. I'm looking for something that can build multiple pages, add photos, links, side bars, etc.

I don't feel like paying hundreds of dollars to build a website only to not be able to export the html file.

I have a basic site that I've created in html but it's very lackluster and do not feel like learning html yet.

Edit: I have my own fqdn and prefer to host it myself

Edit2 July 2025: I decided to go with Wordpress after finally learning a lot more and then realizing how simple it is to use and edit. Thanks for all the comments. Highly recommend wordpress, just be sure to secure the hell out of it.

I want to create a simple website with basic info about my family's business. I need a website that's easy to use and doesn't require any coding. Any suggestions?

Hi yall I’m new to digital marketing and just need a site up fast. I saw Vendasta is more for agencies, but what’s good for someone solo?

Any solid free website builder or even an AI site builder you’ve tried that’s actually worth it?

Looking for something quick to set up, but still has SEO + analytics.

Did free stuff get the job done for you, or did you end up paying once things grew?

Update: Ended up going with Durable and it's been solid. AI builder had my site up in minutes, SEO tools work well and I'm seeing steady traffic growth. Went with their paid plan ($15/month) for the custom domain and full features. Worth it so far.

Hey there,

I'm sick and tired of Elementor and its inconsistency, loading speeds and how glitchy it is at times. Is there anyone who could recommend me a different website builder for building Wordpress websites? Free options would be appreciated the most of course, but if there are paid ones you would also recommend, I'm open to your opinions.

Thanks!

I am looking for a free website designer (or one that offers a fairly long free trial - at least a month).

I currently sell on eBay and I'm looking to expand to a website that I can sell through because I feel like it will give a better brand image and look more professional.

What would you guys say is the best to go with?

I'm 17, just starting my brand godhasfavorites. I made an Instagram account, and now I need a website. I really need a free ecommerce store that I can add my own domain to. (Low budget until I start selling and am in profit.)

Hi there,

I need recommendations on good and fairly easy website builders that will take a domain I already own and use that. I need something that would be good for photo and video portfolios and would be good to build a sleek and fairly minimalist website for a cheap price. I'm literally just starting out here and do not have a lot of money on my side, and this is more for a portfolio more than it is a business website with transactions.

I have some experience using the old WordPress hosting, but that was just horrible to use in my opinion and really would likes something easier. I'm not a huge fan of AI, so something that's got a graphical interface that's got an easy to use drag-and-drop functionality it more my speed. I'm not a programmer, so something that keeps me away from code as much as possible would be nice.

Any suggestions?

does anyone know a website that lets you make a website completely free ? like no paying for domain , or plan or subscription, nothing. just free. iv tried squarespace & wix they won’t let you set up a website without later asking you to pay for something. i’m not even looking to sell it’s more a website for portfolios & blogging.

Hi,

Can anyone recommend me a website builder that is free to use? I don’t need anything fancy, just a simple website. I already have a domain.

Sorry I know this has been asked but the answers I found are not up-to date.

Thank you!

Hello, I want a simple, static one page website. I already have a domain. Any idea where can I build the website? My only purpose is for it to appear when someone puts the company name on Google, along with the contact information.

Hey, I’m trying to build a personal portfolio and I’m looking for a good free website builder to use. Nothing super complicated, just something clean, easy to use, and hopefully doesn’t hit me with upgrade prompts every 5 minutes.

If you’ve used https://durable.co/ or any builder that you liked I would love to hear what worked for you and why. I’m just trying to avoid wasting time jumping from one platform to another.

New designer just finished associates. Taking year to work before continuing education. Building portfolio website for video projects.

Have pdf portfolio but doesn't work for video. Saw platforms have ai website builder features that generate layouts based on content. Has anyone used those? Save time or better off building manually?​

Also wondering about SEO want clients to find me when searching for designers but don't know if free plans include optimization tools. What builders do you use and recommend?

Open to budget-friendly paid.

Thanks!