Building a website is no longer a luxury reserved for large businesses. Today, even the smallest business can create a professional online presence, often without spending a single dollar. In 2024, a variety of free website builders offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to build their sites quickly and effectively—though each has its own set of trade-offs. This article explores how small business owners can use free tools to build a digital footprint and discusses which platforms provide the most value.
The Reality of Free Website Builders: There’s No Such Thing as “Completely Free”
Before diving into specific tools, it’s important to understand that no free website builder is completely unlimited. Steve Benjamins, who spent months testing and evaluating free website builders, emphasizes this point: “Website builders are not trying to give something away for free. There are always trade-offs—ads, limited customization, or a lack of features. But if you know what to expect and choose wisely, a free plan can work well for small businesses starting out.”
For small business owners, it’s important to manage expectations. Yes, it’s possible to build a fully functional, free website, but there are compromises—most commonly in the form of ads or less-than-ideal URLs. However, with careful planning and strategic use of these platforms, you can still achieve a strong, professional online presence without spending money up front.
The Biggest Trade-Off: Ads and Branding
One of the most significant downsides to free website builders is the inclusion of ads. Many free platforms include banner ads, footer ads, or even ads that scroll with the user—can make your website look less professional. Benjamins, who tested seven different website builders, emphasizes this challenge: “Wix had a huge ad that followed the page as I scrolled. This is a complete dealbreaker for me. He also noted that WordPress.com and other platforms have similar limitations, with large ads and confusing user interfaces.
For small businesses, having ads can affect brand perception. “When a customer comes to your website and sees an ad that isn’t even related to your business, it can take away your credibility,” explains Juhil Mendpara, co-author of The Best Free Website Builders report. That said, if your goal is simply to get online quickly and you’re okay with a little advertising clutter, these platforms remain viable.
The URL Dilemma: What You Need to Know
Free website builders often provide a subdomain (eg, yourbusiness.wixsite.com) rather than allowing you to use your own custom domain. For many small business owners, this may not be ideal. “A URL like yourbusiness.wixsite.com is a bit awkward and can make it harder for customers to remember your web address,” says Benjamins. That said, upgrading to a custom domain is often an affordable solution, costing as little as $10 a year.
According to Benjamins, Carrd is a standout among free website builders when it comes to offering clean URLs. “They allow you to choose a simple URL and have minimal ad placement. The combination of those features made it the clear winner for my needs. For small business owners, having a clean and easy-to-remember web address can make a big difference in your online marketing efforts, especially when directing traffic from social media platforms or email campaign.
Platform Breakdown: The Best Free Website Builder for Small Businesses
Each free website builder offers unique strengths. The key is choosing the one that best suits your business goals. Below are highlights of the most popular free platforms and what small businesses can expect from each.
1. Wix: Best for Visual Design
Wix is often recommended for its drag-and-drop simplicity and visually stunning templates. “Wix is a great tool for small businesses that need design flexibility,” says Benjamins. However, he warns that Wix’s free plan comes with large and intrusive ads. “For a small business trying to maintain a polished image, those ads can be a serious hindrance.” Still, if design is a priority, Wix’s templates and customization options may be worth the compromise. Just be prepared for some aesthetic delays unless you upgrade to a paid plan.
2. Square: Ideal for E-Commerce
For small businesses focused on e-commerce, Square offers a robust free platform. “The square was built for sale,” Benjamins explained. “Their payment integration is seamless, and they don’t overload your site with ads.” This makes Square a great choice for entrepreneurs looking to launch an online store without the upfront costs of building an entire e-commerce platform. However, keep in mind that Square’s design options can be limited, so it might not be the best choice if you need heavy customization or more than basic product pages.
3. Canva: Best for Branding and Design
Canva, traditionally known for its graphic design tools, has recently expanded into the website development arena. “Canva is a great option if you’re already using their design tools for your marketing materials,” says Mendpara. “It offers great flexibility, especially for creating visually appealing landing pages or small business portfolios.” Canva’s free plan features small, unobtrusive ads and an easy-to-use interface, making it a popular choice for solopreneurs or small creative businesses.
4. Card: The Simplest, Cleanest Option
For those looking to build a one-page website, Carrd stands out as the best choice. “Carrd was the winner for me because it had the fewest ad placements and allowed me to choose a clean URL,” says Benjamins. “It’s perfect for businesses that need a landing page, whether you’re promoting a service, building an email list, or running a small blog.” With Carrd, small business owners can build sleek, mobile websites that look professional—without requiring any coding knowledge.
How to Maximize a Free Website for Your Business
Regardless of the platform you choose, there are a few strategies you can use to get the most out of a free website for your small business.
1. Focus on Content Over Customization
While free website builders often limit design options, you can pay by focusing on creating valuable and well-organized content. “Your content is what will ultimately attract visitors,” says Mendpara. “Whether you’re sharing blog posts, videos, or product information, make sure it’s clear and accessible.” Well-written content, combined with professional photos and videos, will help you stand out even with limited platform design options.
2. Use Social Media and SEO
Since most free websites have limitations in terms of customization and URLs, you will need to make sure that your website is easily found by other means. “Search engine optimization (SEO) is important for small business websites,” says Benjamins. “Optimize your content with keywords, use appropriate headings, and make sure your site loads quickly.” Additionally, driving traffic from social media platforms can compensate for any URL awkwardness. By linking your website from your business’s Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn profiles, you can create a seamless experience for your customers.
3. Test the Water, Then Upgrade
Starting with a free website is a smart strategy if you’re not ready to invest money upfront. “You can build a customer base and measure the success of your business without incurring additional costs,” Mendpara explains. However, as your business grows, you may want to consider upgrading to a paid plan that offers more customization, advanced features, and an ad-free experience. “Think of the free website as a stepping stone,” says Benjamins. “It’s a great way to get started, but as your business expands, you’ll want to level up.”
Final Thoughts: Building a Website for $0 in 2024
For small business owners on a budget, free website builders offer a great starting point for establishing an online presence. Platforms like Carrd, Canva, Wix, and Square have unique strengths that cater to different business models, from e-commerce stores to service-based websites. While ads and URL limitations are common drawbacks, with careful content planning and strategic use of these tools, entrepreneurs can still create professional and functional websites for free.
“Building a free website in 2024 is not only possible—it’s practical,” says Benjamins. “The key is understanding the limitations and knowing how to make the most of what’s available.” For small businesses, the ability to get online quickly and affordably is a key advantage in today’s digital marketplace. By choosing the right platform and focusing on delivering value through content and customer experience, small business owners can lay the foundation for long-term success.
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