Creating a website has never been easier or more affordable. Many website builders offer free domain names with their plans, allowing you to establish an online presence without breaking the bank.
With a free domain name, you can register your website with a custom domain, such as yourbusiness.com, rather than a generic one like yourbusiness.wordpress.com. This gives your website a more professional appearance and helps to build credibility with your audience.
Some website builders, like Wix and Squarespace, offer free domain names for a year with their basic plans, while others, like Weebly, offer a free domain name for life with their premium plans. This can be a great way to save money upfront and get started with building your website.
Getting a Free Domain Name
Getting a free domain name is definitely possible, and it's not as complicated as you might think. You can get a free .com domain when you build a website with a website builder like Wix.
To get a free domain name, you can also use an email host like IONOS, which offers free .com domains with their email hosting plans. This is a great option if you're looking for a more comprehensive solution.
Using a WordPress website host like Bluehost is another way to get a free domain name. This is a popular choice for bloggers and small business owners.
If you're looking for a completely free domain name, you can try using a domain registrar like GetFreeDomainName, which offers free .tk, .ml, or .cf domains with no strings attached.
Here are some options to consider:
Choosing a Website Builder
Choosing a website builder can be a daunting task, especially when you're looking for a free domain name. Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace are popular options that offer a free domain for one year with their annual plans. However, it's essential to note that these free domains usually come with a catch, such as a pricier renewal rate compared to dedicated registrars.
If you stick with Wix, you'll have to renew your domain for $14.95 per year after the first year, while Weebly's renewal rate is $19.99 per year. Squarespace, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive package that includes Whois privacy protection, which is a valuable feature to consider. You can also explore other website builders like GetResponse, which offers a free site builder with impressive features like AI-powered building and pre-designed templates.
If you're looking for a website builder that offers a free domain and has a renewal rate that's comparable to dedicated registrars, Squarespace might be the way to go. However, if you're on a tight budget, Wix's $14.95 per year renewal rate might be more manageable.
Choosing a Builder
You may find a free website builder anywhere on the internet to create your website. Yet, knowing which among these builders is suitable for your needs is necessary.
To find the right builder, consider the ease of use. You must check whether the website builder is easy to use or whether you need a developer to build a website with a form or customize the website. This also involves which site builders are newbie-friendly and which are better for professionals with more design experience.
Some website builders, like Weebly, feature a drag and drop interface that makes basic website building and blog hosting surprisingly easy. This makes it perfect for those who are new to website creation.
Weebly is not the only option, though. WebStarts is another efficient web publishing solution that offers a visual page editor to customize your website accordingly. This feature is especially helpful for those who want to create a website without any technical knowledge.
When choosing a builder, look for the following features:
- Search engine friendly
- CRM facilities
- Live expert support
These features will help you create a website that is not only easy to use but also effective in reaching your target audience.
How to Build
Building a website can seem daunting, but with the right tools, it's easier than ever. Google Sites is a great option for beginners, offering a free website builder with 12 templates and 6 themes for customization options.
If you're looking for more flexibility, consider Zoho Sites, which offers a drag-and-drop interface and attractive B2B and B2C templates. You can even register a custom domain name with Zoho.
Some website builders, like Weebly, offer free trials and a free domain for the first year. After that, you'll need to renew the domain for $19.99 per year with privacy protection billed separately at $10 per year.
If you already have a domain name, you can connect it to your free website hosting account using a website builder like Weebly. Just modify the NS records for your domain according to the instructions provided by your website builder.
Here are some key features to look for in a website builder:
- Ease of use: Look for builders with drag-and-drop interfaces or intuitive design tools.
- Customization options: Consider builders with a range of templates and themes to choose from.
- Domain registration: Check if the builder offers free domain registration or if you need to purchase a domain separately.
- SEO tools: If you plan to optimize your website for search engines, look for builders with built-in SEO tools.
About
Website builders are a dime a dozen, but not all are created equal. They vary greatly in terms of features, pricing, and ease of use.
Some website builders, like Wix and Squarespace, are more geared towards creative types and offer a wide range of templates and drag-and-drop tools. They're perfect for building a website quickly and easily, but may lack some of the advanced features you need.
Website builders like WordPress and Weebly, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and customization options, making them a great choice for more complex websites. They also tend to be more affordable in the long run.
Many website builders offer a free plan or trial, which is a great way to test the waters and see if the platform is right for you. Just be aware that you'll likely have to upgrade to a paid plan if you want to remove the builder's branding from your site.
The best website builder for you will depend on your specific needs and goals. Take some time to research and compare different options before making a decision.
Website Builder Options
Wix offers a free domain for one year with its annual plans, but renewal rates can be pricey, at $14.95 per year.
Google Sites is a free website builder that's quite good, and it's a great option if you're looking for a simple website.
Squarespace provides a free one-year domain name, and it also includes Whois privacy protection as part of the package, which is a nice bonus.
If you're looking for a user-friendly website builder with a built-in AI tool, Webnode is a great option, offering a free domain for one year with its Mini, Standard, and Profit or Business Premium packages.
Strikingly is a website builder that focuses on one-page layouts, and it offers a free subdomain with its free plan, but you can upgrade to a custom domain with its annually paid plan.
Here are some key features to consider when choosing a website builder:
- Wix: free domain for one year, renewal rates $14.95/year
- Weebly: free domain for one year with Pro plan, renewal rates $19.99/year
- Squarespace: free one-year domain name, renewal rates $20/month
- Webnode: free domain for one year with Mini, Standard, and Profit or Business Premium packages
- Strikingly: free subdomain with free plan, custom domain available with paid plan
Understanding Website Builders
Website builders offer a range of benefits, including the ability to create a website without writing code.
Some website builders, like Wix and Weebly, offer a free domain name for a limited time, typically one year, as part of a larger package.
This free domain registration can be ideal for temporary hosting needs, but be aware that there may be penalties for prematurely ending the plan.
With website builders, you can design and create different websites without dealing with technical stuff, thanks to no-code website builders that allow you to customize elements with drag-and-drop software.
However, some website builders might require coding to customize elements, so it's essential to choose a no-code builder if you don't have coding experience.
Nonetheless, with no-code website builders, you can build a website by yourself without seeking help from a designer or developer.
Understanding
Website builders are platforms that allow you to design and create different websites without having to write code or deal with technical stuff. Some website builders might require you to code to customize elements, but no-code website builders let you do everything by yourself.
The process of building a website with website builders is super simple. You just choose from various templates and customize them per your brand vision with drag-and-drop website builder software.
You can find free website builders online, but it's essential to know which one is suitable for your needs.
About Niche
When building a website, it's essential to consider your specific needs and goals. This is where niche website builders come in – specialized tools designed to cater to specific use cases.
If you're a writer, Medium is an excellent choice for blogging. It's a free platform that allows you to create a professional-looking blog with ease.
For designers and photographers, Adobe Portfolio is a great option. It's free if you're already using Adobe, and it's perfect for building a portfolio site.
Podia is another great choice for building communities and selling digital products. It's a versatile platform that can help you monetize your online presence.
If you're looking to build a wedding website, WithJoy is a good option. You can even check out a sample free website at https://withjoy.com/sbr-and-test/.
Value of Plans
Website builders can offer free domain names, but be aware that these are usually only available for a limited time, typically a year, and come with renewal fees that can be pricier than those offered by dedicated registrars.
Some website builders, like Wix, offer a free domain for one year with their annual plans, but you'll need to renew it for $14.95 per year after that.
Weebly's Pro plan includes a free domain, but you'll pay $19.99 per year to renew it, with private registration billed separately.
It's essential to check the value of the website builder's free plan, as some may ask you to upgrade every time you make a change.
Squarespace offers a free one-year domain name, and even includes Whois privacy protection, which is a nice bonus.
Website Builder Rankings and Reviews
Website builder services like Wix and Weebly offer free domain names for a limited time, usually one year, as part of their larger packages. After this period, you'll need to pay for domain renewal, which can be pricier than dedicated registrars like Namecheap.
Some popular website builders with custom domain providers include Neo, GoDaddy, and Google Sites. Neo is highly rated for its integration and ease of use, while GoDaddy is praised for its ease of use but criticized for limited advanced features.
Here's a brief rundown of some top website builders with custom domain providers:
These website builders offer a range of features and pricing plans, so it's essential to choose one that suits your needs and budget.
SEO Tools
SEO tools are a crucial aspect of website building, and it's essential to consider what each website builder offers. Analyzing the ability to adjust various page titles and meta descriptions is a must, as it directly impacts your site's search engine ranking.
Uploading a site map is another vital feature, allowing search engines to easily crawl and index your site's pages. This can significantly improve your site's visibility and ranking.
Customizing add-ons is also a key aspect of SEO tools, enabling you to tailor your site to your specific needs and improve its performance. By considering these features, you can make informed decisions about which website builder is right for you.
WordPress
WordPress is a top-notch website builder that offers a free version for those who want flexibility. It's perfect for beginners and experienced professionals alike who want to grow and scale their websites over time.
WordPress.com offers a free domain for one year, which is a great perk for new website owners. This feature alone makes it an attractive option for those just starting out.
One of the standout features of WordPress is its numerous plugins, including Yoast, WooCommerce, and Accessible. These plugins can be a game-changer for website owners who want to add functionality to their site.
WordPress also has a SEO friendly interface, making it easy to optimize your website for search engines. This is especially important for businesses and individuals who rely on search engine traffic to drive traffic to their site.
For those who need extra support, WordPress has an online community that's always available to lend a hand. This community is a great resource for website owners who are just starting out and need some guidance.
Here are some of the key features of WordPress:
- Numerous plugins (Yoast, WooCommerce, and Accessible)
- SEO friendly interface
- Online community support
Rankings
If you're looking for a website builder with a free domain, Wix and Weebly are both great options, offering a free domain for one year with their annual plans.
Wix's free domain offer does not include private registration, so you'll need to pay an additional $9.90 per year for that feature.
Weebly's Pro plan comes with a free domain, but after the first year, you'll need to renew it for $19.99 per year, with privacy protection billed separately at $10 per year.
Squarespace is another website builder that offers a free one-year domain name, and domains registered through Squarespace also include Whois privacy protection as part of the package.
If you're looking for a cheap web hosting service that offers a free domain name, Bluehost is a good option, priced at $35.40 for an annual shared hosting package ($2.95 monthly for the first 12 months).
Bluehost's domain renewal pricing depends on the extension type, but a .com renewal costs $19.99, with domain privacy billed at an additional $0.99 per month.
Here's a quick rundown of the website builders that offer free domains for a limited time:
Hostgator and Hostinger also offer free domain hosting with their annual-or-longer plans, but the renewal fees are a bit higher, averaging $18.99 per year for a .com extension.
Hosting and Registration
You can host a website with a domain name for free on free website builders like Wix and Squarespace, but your subdomain will still be under those platforms.
Free website builders like Wix and Squarespace often bundle free domain name registration with their packages to coax you into committing to an annual plan.
You can also opt for a free domain registrar like Freenom, which gives you free domain names, but with low-quality domain extensions like .tk and .cf.
Here are some popular free domain registrars and their associated domain extensions:
Keep in mind that you don't own these domains; they are registered and owned by either Dot TK or Freenom, and you can't sell or transfer them to anyone else.
HostGator
HostGator offers a Website Builder that lets you build and edit your new website based on a template you select from a range of options. This makes it ideal for individuals with a basic understanding of website building.
With HostGator, you can get your preferred domain name for free for the first year after selecting a suitable plan. This is a great way to save money upfront.
The HostGator Website Builder features a Visual drag-and-drop builder, making it easy to create and customize your website without needing to know how to code. This is a huge advantage for those who are new to website building.
Some of the key features of HostGator include:
- Personalized customer portal
- Visual drag-and-drop builder
- Customer support
Hosting Basics
You can host a website for free with a domain name on free website builders like Wix and Squarespace, but your subdomain will still be under those platforms.
Free website builders like Wix and Squarespace don't offer fully custom domain names for free.
Freenom is a free domain registrar that gives you free domain names, but with low-quality domain extensions like .tk and .cf.
You can't get a fully custom domain for free, unfortunately.
Website hosting services often bundle free domain name registration with their packages to coax you into committing to an annual plan.
Renewal rates are higher with web hosts than those from dedicated registrars.
You can obtain a domain for free from domain registrars like Dot TK and Freenom, but you don't own these domains; they are registered and owned by either Dot TK or Freenom.
Dot TK and Freenom offer five non-cost extensions: .tk, .ml, .ga, .cf, and .gq.
These domain extensions can make your site appear sketchy or illegitimate, especially if you're running a business-focused site.
If you're whipping up a blog or personal site, this may not be a major issue, though.
Best Practices and Tips
Your domain name is a crucial part of your online identity, and choosing the right one can make all the difference.
You want to choose a domain extension that's relevant to your business, like .org for organizations or .me for portfolios. This gives people a more accurate idea of your business.
A short and memorable domain name is also essential, like lesmis.com. This makes it easy for users to access your site quickly.
Adding a relevant keyword to your domain can also help with search engine ranking, like flyfrontier.com.
To maintain solid branding, ensure your domain is consistent with your other online fronts, like social media and ads.
Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Choose a domain extension that's relevant to your business.
- Keep your domain name short and memorable.
- Add a relevant keyword to your domain (if it's not too long).
- Keep your domain consistent with your other online fronts.
Methodology and Assistance
We considered three main things when evaluating the free plans of all website builders. Here's what we looked at:
To ensure a presentable website, we checked if the free website actually looked good and was functional. This means no big ads, a decent domain name, and good templates. We deduct points if the templates are bad or the editor limits the features essential for making a good website.
We also looked at essential features, such as whether the website is mobile-friendly/responsive, comes with an SSL certificate, and has basic SEO features, decent storage, and bandwidth. Some features, like blogging, are nice to have but not essential, so we gave them slightly less priority.
We considered paid plans as well, but only as a tiny weight in our evaluation. This is because many people upgrade to a paid plan for a custom domain name or an ad-free website. Here's a brief summary of our methodology:
- Presentable website
- Essential features
- Paid plans (with a tiny weight)
Request Assistance
If you're looking for a free domain, you can get one if you build your website using a website builder like Wix or Squarespace, whose plans include a free domain.
You can also use an email host like IONOS or web hosts like DreamHost or Bluehost, which have similar domain-inclusive plans.
Our Methodology
Our methodology is built on three main priorities when evaluating website builders. We consider a free website's presentability to be the top priority.
A free website should actually look good and be functional, which means no big ads and a decent domain name. If the templates are bad or the editor limits the features essential for making a good website, we deduct some points.
Some features are absolute must-haves, such as mobile-friendliness, an SSL certificate, and basic SEO features. Websites should also come with decent storage and bandwidth.
We also consider the features that are nice to have, but not essential, like blogging and ecommerce. However, these are given slightly less priority.
Paid plans are a consideration, but only in edge cases. We've found that many people upgrade to a paid plan for a custom domain name or an ad-free website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What website builder is 100% free?
Google Sites is a 100% free website builder with no paid plans, making it a great option for simple websites and projects.
How to get a 100% free domain name?
Get a 100% free domain name by registering for free domain extensions like .tk or .ml, or by using a subdomain provided by platforms like WordPress.com
Sources
- https://fitsmallbusiness.com/free-domain-name/
- https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-get-a-free-domain-name-for-your-website
- https://www.sitebuilderreport.com/free-website-builders
- https://www.neo.space/blog/free-website-builder-with-custom-domain-providers
- https://bebusinessed.com/web-tutorials/how-to-make-a-website-with-your-own-domain-for-free/
Featured Images: pexels.com