How to Build a Successful Website for Free: Tips and Tools
With the internet becoming an integral part of our daily lives, it’s important to have a website that represents your business or personal brand. However, creating a website can be expensive and time-consuming, especially if you don’t have the necessary skills.
Fortunately, in this digital age, there are plenty of free tools available for building a website from scratch. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned web developer, this article will provide you with step-by-step instructions and tips on how to build a website for free.
10 Free Tools to Build Your Own Website from Scratch
There are plenty of free website builders that help you to create a website from scratch without the need to write a single line of code. Here are our top 10 picks:
1. Wix
Wix is one of the most popular website builders out there, it offers hundreds of templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and built-in SEO tools. With Wix, you can build a professional website in just a few minutes for free. However, it has a limit on the storage space and bandwidth which may affect your website performance.
2. Weebly
Weebly is another popular website builder that has been around for over a decade. It’s user-friendly, mobile-friendly, and offers great eCommerce functionality. The free version allows you to create a basic website, but to get more features, you may need to upgrade to the premium version.
3. WordPress.com
WordPress.com is one of the most popular CMS platforms, powering 41% of websites on the internet. With its free plan, you get access to a limited library of themes, basic customization options, and 3 GB of storage space. You can also upgrade to the business plan to get more features like eCommerce functionality and advanced customization options.
4. Shopify
Shopify is a popular website builder that caters specifically to eCommerce businesses. Its free version offers basic eCommerce functionality, a free SSL certificate, and unlimited bandwidth. But, to get the full features, you need to upgrade to the premium plans.
5. Webnode
Webnode is a versatile website builder that offers mobile-responsive templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and SEO tools. The free plan comes with 100 MB storage space, but to get more features, you need to upgrade to premium plans.
6. Mozello
Mozello is an innovative website builder that allows you to create a website in multiple languages. It offers a range of templates, and its free version comes with 0.5 GB storage and limited design options.
7. Google Sites
Google Sites is a free website builder provided by Google. It’s easy to use, has a simple interface, and offers a range of templates. However, it has a limited set of features, and customization options are limited.
8. Jimdo
Jimdo is a versatile website builder that caters to a range of needs, such as personal blogs and eCommerce stores. You can use their free plan to build a basic website, but you may need to upgrade to the premium version if you need more functionalities and features.
9. Strikingly
Strikingly is a good choice for users who want to build a website quickly and easily. It’s mobile-responsive, and its free version comes with unlimited pages, basic eCommerce functionality, and 500MB storage space.
10. Carrd
Carrd is a simple, stylish website builder that offers single-page websites. Its free version comes with limited customization options and only allows you to build a single-page website. But it’s a great option for creating a personal or portfolio website.
Create a Website for Free: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’re a beginner, building a website from scratch can be overwhelming. But, with a little guidance, you can create a website that stands out. Here are some tips for getting started:
1. Find Free Templates
Start by finding a free template that suits your needs. Most website builders offer a range of templates that you can choose from. You can also find free templates on websites like ThemeForest, Template Monster, and Free CSS.
2. Choose a Free Domain and Hosting Options
You can find free domain and hosting options that offer limited features. Platforms like InfinityFree, Freehostia, and Byet.Host offer free domains and hosting services. However, they come with limitations, such as limited storage and bandwidth. So, if you’re looking for more features, you may need to upgrade to a premium plan.
3. Must-Have Features for a Beginner’s Website
Make sure your website has the basics, such as a home page, about us page, contact us page, and a blog section. You can also add other features like image galleries, testimonial sections, and social media icons.
DIY Website Building: Tips for Success Without Breaking the Bank
If you want to create a website without breaking the bank, consider the following tips:
1. Choose a Simple Website Design
A simple website design can look just as professional as an elaborate one. You can achieve this by using simple layouts, fewer graphics, and minimal color schemes.
2. Use Free Stock Photo Sites
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on high-quality images for your website. There are plenty of free stock photo sites, like Pexels, Unsplash, and Pixabay, where you can find great images for free.
3. Use Free Website Builders
Free website builders offer many features and functionalities that you can use to create a professional-looking website. You don’t need to learn how to code, and you can create a website in just a few clicks.
The Best Free Website Builders for 2022
With so many free website builders available, it can be hard to choose the best one. Here are our top five picks:
1. Wix
Wix is our top pick for free website builders. It has an easy-to-use interface, a wide range of templates, and excellent SEO tools. You can create an unlimited number of pages and a mobile-optimized website.
2. Weebly
Weebly is another great website builder that’s easy to use and offers a range of features. You can create an eCommerce store, add multimedia elements, and customize your website.
3. WordPress.com
WordPress.com is an excellent website builder for bloggers and businesses. It has a range of features, plugins, and widgets that you can use to customize your website.
4. Webnode
Webnode is a versatile website builder that offers eCommerce functionality and a range of design templates. It also offers a multilingual website option, which makes it ideal for businesses operating in different countries.
5. Mozello
Mozello is an innovative website builder that allows you to create a website in multiple languages. It has a range of templates and features, such as eCommerce functionality and SEO tools.
Building a Website on a Shoestring Budget: How to Save Money and Still Create a Professional Site
Creating a website on a shoestring budget requires a lot of planning and creativity. Here are some tips:
1. Register a Free Domain
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a domain name. Platforms like Freenom and dot.tk offer free domain registration services.
2. Find Low-Cost Website Templates
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on templates. Websites like ThemeForest and Template Monster offer high-quality templates at a reasonable price.
Conclusion
Having a website is crucial for any business or personal brand, and creating one doesn’t have to be expensive. With the tips and tools outlined in this article, you can create a professional-looking website for free. Remember to choose a website builder that suits your needs, consider the must-have features, and use your creativity to make it unique.
By creating a website, you’re opening up new opportunities for your business or personal brand to reach a wider audience.
