If you own a local business, you must have an online presence to be noticed by potential clients in your area. Even if you want to transform your side hustle into a business, you’ll need a website. If you want to start an eCommerce business, your website should be your first focus. But you also don’t want to spend your entire marketing budget on website development. Fortunately, there are numerous solutions available to assist you create professional small business websites at a minimal cost, if not for free. You don’t have to be a computer genius or a web designer to create your website. In this blog post, we will identify the best free website for small business owners and tips on how to create one using Google and Wix.
Best Free Website for Small Business
Are you looking for a free website builder for your small business? You’ve come to the right place! We examined the best website builders for small business owners that provide free plans or free trials and discovered that Wix remains our top pick with its free plan.
We’ll tell you all you need to know about our top free website builders for small company owners below, including how free they are and why they might not work for you.
#1. Wix
Wix is our overall favorite website builder, and it also has a good free plan, putting it at the top of our list of free website builders. So, what is it about Wix that we adore? To begin with, this drag-and-drop platform is extremely simple to use (it also received our selection for the easiest site builder). Combine it with a stunning design and a plethora of customization options, and you’ve got yourself a near-perfect website builder for the majority of small businesses. Furthermore, it has implemented an SEO integration with Deepcrawl tailored exclusively for Wix users.
Wix’s free plan does have several limitations as compared to its subscription options, including less storage, less bandwidth, no Google Analytics, and no custom domain (your site will live at [yourbusiness].wix.com rather than [yourbusiness].com), and Wix advertisements on all of your pages. Also, because Wix’s free plan does not allow you to accept online payments, it will not work for your replacement China store (but your freelance writing portfolio will suffice).
#2. Squarespace
Squarespace is one of the best website builders paired with hosting services for small business owners if you’re seeking for a free user-friendly website builder. Also, Squarespace offers hundreds of themes as well as services such as eCommerce stores, Shopify integration, analytics, digital marketing tools, and more.
Squarespace, unlike WordPress, does not have a free version, although it does provide a free 14-day trial if you are a new customer. Also, Squarespace can be a wonderful alternative if you’re searching for a small company website builder that allows for simple web design.
Squarespace is ideal for folks who are not technologically savvy or who do not wish to create their website. They have numerous options ranging in price from $12 to $40 per month, all with a range of bonuses.
#3. GoDaddy
GoDaddy does not provide a free plan, but it does offer the most generous free trial period of any builder we’ve seen: 30 days. That should be more than enough time to develop and test your GoDaddy website, especially because GoDaddy was one of the simplest and fastest builders we evaluated. True, this is due to its limited modification possibilities, but if you’re creating a simple site for your food truck, this is probably not a terrible thing.
GoDaddy’s free trial allows you to test any of its plans as well as all of the associated tools. You gain access to all features, allowing you to thoroughly test the platform (particularly since you have a whole month). In other words, if you intend to sell antique furniture, go all out and put your e-commerce strategy to the test. And if you decide to go with GoDaddy after your trial, you can be confident that it has among of the lowest plan pricing available, so you’re getting a decent deal.
#4. WordPress.com
WordPress is a platform that allows you to fully modify your site, and it’s another builder with a completely free plan that you may use to create a functional website. However, you should be aware that you will be missing out on all of the features that make WordPress.com so amazing. You don’t receive a domain, customer support, the ability to install plugins, or even CSS (cascading style sheet) modification with the free version.
Those are significant losses, especially given that plugins and CSS customization are what make WordPress.com so strong in the first place. When you combine that with adverts on your website, it’s easy to see why we advocate upgrading. Even so, if you just want to see if you can grasp the (complex) WordPress platform, the free plan is a wonderful place to start. Just keep in mind that if you want to sell anything or customize your site, you’ll need to subscribe to the Pro plan.
#5. Weebly
Because Weebly is owned by Square, it is ideal for eCommerce stores. If you’re seeking to start an online store and already use Square, Weebly could be a fantastic fit. Another all-in-one website builder and hosting platform featuring a simple UI and drag-and-drop capability.
It does have a free option, but it’s free with branding, just like Wix. The free plan includes free SSL security, 500 MB of storage, and a domain with Weebly branding–you can also link an existing name via the Square platform. Weebly also provides SEO tools (search engine optimization), lead capture and contact forms, a community forum, and chat and email assistance.
#6. Mailchimp
Mailchimp’s free website builder for small business owners uses the same drag-and-drop editor as its email management service. You have access to free themes and color palettes, as well as the ability to create your color palette to match your brand.
Because Mailchimp’s builder does not include a domain, you cannot begin for free. You must purchase a domain from a third party, which typically costs around $10 for the first year, and then follow the steps to direct it to your Mailchimp site. As your list expands, you can switch to paid plans with more capabilities, including paid email marketing plans if it exceeds 2,000.
Google Free Website for Small Business
Google My Business is a free website builder for small business owners provided by Google. This platform enables businesses to create a basic website to promote their products or services, provide contact information, and communicate with clients.
Follow these steps to create a free website builder for small company owners using Google My Business:
- Create a Google My Business account by going to https://www.google.com/business/.
- After you’ve signed up, go to the Google My Business dashboard and select the “Website” tab.
- Select a website template and personalize it with your company’s information, images, and other content.
- Publish your website and make it available to your consumers.
The Google My Business website builder is intended to be simple to use and does not require any technical or coding knowledge. Customers may easily access your website on their phones or tablets because the platform is suited for mobile devices.
While the Google My Business free website builder is a wonderful alternative for small business owners who only need a basic online presence, it may not be enough for enterprises that require more complex capabilities, such as e-commerce functionality or advanced design elements. In some circumstances, a more powerful website builder or the services of a professional web designer may be required.
How to Create a Free Website for Small Business
Unleashing your small business’s full potential frequently necessitates a captivating online presence. However, you may be wondering how you can accomplish this with limited funds and no room for pricey site designers. We understand your concerns, and we’re here to show you how to create your own free small business website.
Making your business website is not as difficult as it may appear. With an abundance of user-friendly, cost-efficient website builders available, even a novice may create an attractive and functional free website with no prior knowledge.
Once you’ve decided on a path for your website’s aims, you can begin designing and creating it. Here are nine essential measures to help you establish your company’s online presence:
#1. Choose a trustworthy hosting plan and get a free domain name
To begin, you must acquire a web hosting plan from a reputable web hosting firm. All of the site’s critical files and data will be stored by your web host. When selecting a web hosting company, keep the following criteria in mind:
- User-friendly setup and use.
- Storage and bandwidth limit.
- Site security.
- Site performance.
- Customer support.
Choose the best web hosting plan for your needs once you’ve located the proper hosting company.
#2. Choose a platform for building your website
The following step is to select a suitable website creation platform. Select a user-friendly choice that allows you to create a website without writing a single line of code. Website builders and content management systems (CMS) are two of the most popular solutions.
#3. Personalize your website design
The design of a website alone determines 94% of a user’s first impression. A well-designed and user-friendly website may attract more customers.
Experimenting with color schemes and font is part of the website design process. Make sure the color and font choices complement your branding. After you’ve finished modifying all visual components, proceed to create the necessary pages such as the landing page, homepage, and About Us page.
#4. Create an efficient product page
Creating a product page is an essential component of developing an online company website. Optimized product pages may persuade website users to buy a featured product.
#5. Integrate eCommerce functionality
You’ll need to add eCommerce functionality to your site to support seamless online transactions. This covers inventory and order management, as well as a variety of payment ways to ensure a smooth checkout.
#6. Include current contact information.
Customers must be able to readily reach you when running a small business. Making yourself available to clients boosts the reputation of the brand and gives it a competitive advantage. This can be accomplished by adding a contact page to your website.
#7. Run a variety of tests on your website.
Website owners must test the usability of their sites to provide a great user experience. This includes putting the site’s various aspects to the test, such as:
- Broken URLs testing.
- Browser and device compatibility testing.
- Speed testing.
- Readability testing.
#8. Improve your website’s search engine optimization
Search engine optimization (SEO) can help your small company website gain visibility and rank higher in search engines. An SEO-friendly website is more likely to captivate new clients and entice them to discover more about your company.
#9. Promote your website
Following the successful launch and optimization of your small company website, it is essential to advertise it to increase traffic and engagement. The following are some popular website promotion tactics to try:
- Blogging.
- Email marketing.
- Paid marketing
- Social media integration
Wix Free Website for Small Business
Wix also provides a free website builder for small business owners. Users of the Wix platform can create a professional-looking website without any coding or design knowledge.
To create a free website using Wix, simply follow these steps:
- Visit the Wix website (www.wix.com) and create an account.
- Select a website template or start from scratch.
- Personalize your website’s look by adding your text, images, and other content.
- Include elements like as contact forms, social media links, and e-commerce capabilities on your website.
- Publish your website and make it available to your customers.
The Wix website builder is a popular choice for small business owners due to its user-friendly design and many customization choices. While Wix’s free edition offers minimal functionality and limited storage space, customers can pay to a premium plan to gain access to more advanced features such as a custom domain name, more storage, and comprehensive analytics.
Overall, Wix is a viable solution for small businesses in need of a simple website with basic functionalities. Businesses with more sophisticated needs, on the other hand, may require a more robust website builder or a professional web designer.
Is Wix Totally Free?
Wix offers a free website builder that allows users to create a website without paying any fees. The free version of Wix includes a wide range of features and customization options, such as customizable templates, drag-and-drop design tools, and access to the Wix App Market. While Wix does offer a free version of its website builder, businesses with more advanced needs may need to upgrade to a premium plan to access the full range of features and functionality.
What Websites Can I Use to Make a Free Website?
Several websites offer free website builders for individuals and small businesses. Some popular options include:
- Wix
- Weebly
- WordPress.com
- Google My Business
- Shopify
Does Google Business Give You a Free Website?
Yes, Google My Business offers businesses a free website builder that is integrated with their Google My Business listing. This platform allows businesses to create a simple website that can be used to showcase their products or services, provide contact information, and connect with customers.
Is Godaddy Free to Use?
GoDaddy is not completely free to use, but it does offer a free trial for some of its products and services.
Are WordPress Sites Free?
WordPress is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) that can be used to create and manage websites. However, while the WordPress software itself is free to use, there are still costs associated with creating and hosting a WordPress site.
How Do I Create a Website on My Phone?
Creating a website on a phone may be more challenging than creating one on a computer, but it is still possible. Here are some steps you can follow to create a website on your phone:
- Choose a website builder that is optimized for mobile devices.
- Sign up for an account with the website builder of your choice.
- Choose a template for your website or start from scratch.
- Customize the design of your website by adding your text, images, and other content.
- Add additional features to your website, such as contact forms, social media links, and e-commerce functionality.
- Preview your website to make sure it looks good on a mobile device.
- Publish your website and share it with your customers.
How Do I Create My Business Website?
Creating a business website requires a few steps, but it can be done with no prior experience or coding skills. Here are the basic steps to create your business website:
- Choose a website builder
- Register your domain name
- Choose a web hosting provider
- Design your website
- Add additional features
- Optimize for search engines
- Publish your website
How to Get a Domain Name for Free?
Here are some ways to potentially get a domain name for free:
- Use a website builder that offers a free domain
- Get a free domain with web hosting
- Use a free subdomain
- Look for domain name promotions
Can I Start My Website?
Yes, you can start your website even if you have no prior experience or coding skills. There are several website builders and content management systems that make it easy for anyone to create a website, even without any technical knowledge.
Conclusion
Finally, free website builders can be a wonderful alternative for small business owners that only require a basic online presence. These platforms include easy-to-use interfaces and configurable templates, allowing businesses to create a professional-looking website without requiring any coding or design abilities.
It should be noted, however, that free website builders may have restrictions in terms of features and customization choices.
Furthermore, organizations with more complicated requirements, such as e-commerce capabilities or advanced design features, may necessitate the use of a more powerful website builder or a professional web designer.
Overall, when choosing a website builder, small businesses should examine their objectives and priorities, as well as carefully consider the features, limits, and costs associated with each alternative. Businesses may create an effective online presence that matches their specific demands and allows them to engage with customers by doing so.
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