Table of Contents
- 1. Wix
- Key Considerations
- 2. WordPress.com
- Key Considerations
- 3. Webflow
- Key Considerations
- 4. Google Sites
- Key Considerations
- 5. Weebly (by Square)
- Key Considerations
- 6. Strikingly
- Key Considerations
- 7. Jimdo
- Key Considerations
- 8. Carrd
- Key Considerations
- 9. Mailchimp Websites
- Key Considerations
- 10. Canva Websites
- Key Considerations
- 11. HubSpot (Free CMS Tools)
- Key Considerations
- 12. GoDaddy Website Builder
- Key Considerations
- Top 12 Free Website Builders for Small Businesses
- Making Your Final Choice and Taking the Next Step
- Synthesizing Your Options: A Practical Framework
- Your Action Plan for Launch
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Excerpt
Discover the top 12 free website builders for small business. Compare features, limits, and find the perfect no-cost platform to launch your site today.
Launching a professional website is a critical step for any small business, but it doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. The challenge isn't a lack of options; it's navigating the crowded market to find the right tool that balances powerful features with the limitations of a free plan. Many entrepreneurs and solopreneurs need a functional online presence quickly, without committing to a monthly subscription before they’ve validated their business model or secured their first customers. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and provide a clear, comprehensive comparison of the best free website builders for small business.
We will analyze the practical trade-offs you'll face, from platform-branded subdomains and limited storage to restrictions on e-commerce and third-party integrations. Each entry in this listicle offers a detailed breakdown of its free plan, highlighting what you can and cannot do. You'll find direct links and screenshots to see each builder in action, helping you visualize your future site. We focus on the details that matter most: Can you connect a custom domain? What are the SEO capabilities? Are there hidden transaction fees if you decide to sell a product?
This resource moves beyond generic feature lists to provide honest assessments based on real-world use cases. Whether you're a course creator needing a simple landing page, a local service provider showcasing a portfolio, or a startup testing a new concept, you will find a suitable option here. For businesses seeking user-friendly platforms, exploring the best drag-and-drop website builders offers a great starting point to understand intuitive design tools. Our goal is to equip you with the insights needed to choose a platform, launch your site, and start growing your business online without any initial investment.
1. Wix
Wix stands out as one of the most popular free website builders for small business due to its intuitive drag-and-drop editor and a vast library of professionally designed templates. It allows businesses to get online quickly without needing any coding knowledge. The platform’s free plan is quite generous, providing access to hundreds of templates, free hosting, and a robust app market to add functionality.
Wix is particularly well-suited for service-based businesses like consultants, photographers, and restaurants, as its ecosystem includes powerful built-in tools for online bookings, event management, and restaurant orders, even on the free tier. For those looking for an even faster start, the Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) can generate a complete website after you answer a few simple questions.
Key Considerations
The primary limitation of the free plan is the mandatory Wix branding displayed on your site and the use of a Wix-branded subdomain (e.g.,
yourusername.wixsite.com/yoursitename). You cannot connect a custom domain or accept online payments without upgrading to a premium plan. While the free version is an excellent starting point, the real power of Wix is unlocked through its paid tiers, which offer e-commerce, advanced analytics, and marketing tools. For businesses planning to scale, Wix provides a clear and seamless upgrade path.- Best For: Service businesses, artists, and startups needing a visually impressive site with a clear growth path.
- Limitations: Prominent Wix ads, a Wix subdomain, and no e-commerce on the free plan.
- Website: https://www.wix.com
If you're exploring this platform, you may also want to investigate other websites similar to Wix to ensure you find the perfect fit for your business needs.
2. WordPress.com
WordPress.com offers a powerful and scalable solution among free website builders for small business, especially for those prioritizing content and long-term flexibility. Its forever-free plan provides a streamlined version of the world’s most popular content management system, complete with free hosting, a modern block editor, and a selection of professional themes. This makes it an excellent entry point for bloggers, consultants, and businesses focused on building authority through content marketing.
The platform is built on a solid foundation for SEO, giving businesses a head start in search rankings. Unlike more restrictive builders, WordPress.com is part of a massive ecosystem, ensuring that as your business grows, you have a clear and simple migration path to more powerful hosting or the self-hosted WordPress.org version. Its new AI-powered site builder, currently in early access, further simplifies the setup process for newcomers.
Key Considerations
The free plan includes WordPress.com branding and a subdomain (e.g.,
yoursite.wordpress.com). To unlock the platform’s full potential, such as using a custom domain, installing custom plugins from its library of over 50,000 options, or accessing advanced e-commerce features, you must upgrade to a paid plan. While there are more settings to learn compared to simpler drag-and-drop builders, the platform’s scalability is a significant advantage for businesses with growth ambitions. Understanding the eventual small business website cost is crucial when planning your upgrade path.- Best For: Content-heavy businesses, bloggers, and startups who value SEO and a clear path for future growth.
- Limitations: WordPress.com ads, a branded subdomain, and no access to custom plugins or themes on the free tier.
- Website: https://wordpress.com
3. Webflow
Webflow is a powerful visual development platform that offers one of the best free website builders for small business for those who want designer-level control without writing code. It bridges the gap between simple drag-and-drop builders and custom-coded websites, giving users pixel-perfect control over every element. The free Starter plan is excellent for learning the platform, prototyping designs, and launching a simple two-page site.
This platform is ideal for businesses that anticipate needing a highly customized design and robust CMS capabilities as they grow. While there is a steeper learning curve compared to simpler tools, the visual interface directly manipulates HTML and CSS properties, offering unparalleled creative freedom. This makes it a favorite among designers and agencies who want to build professional, dynamic websites for clients.
Key Considerations
The free plan's primary limitations are the Webflow branding, the
webflow.io subdomain, and a cap of two static pages. You also cannot connect a custom domain or access advanced features like the CMS, form file uploads, or e-commerce without upgrading. However, the free plan is fully functional for design and prototyping, allowing you to build your entire site before needing to pay. This makes it a fantastic tool for businesses that prioritize design and scalability from day one.- Best For: Design-focused businesses, freelancers, and agencies wanting full creative control and a scalable CMS.
- Limitations: Steep learning curve, prominent Webflow branding,
webflow.iosubdomain, and a two-page limit on the free plan.
- Website: https://webflow.com
If you're considering this powerful tool, it's worth seeing a detailed comparison of Webflow vs. Squarespace to understand its unique position in the market.
4. Google Sites
Google Sites emerges as a genuinely free website builder for small business, leveraging the simplicity and integration of the Google ecosystem. It is an excellent choice for businesses that need to create simple, informational websites quickly and at zero cost. The platform's strength lies in its direct integration with other Google Workspace apps, allowing you to seamlessly embed Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms directly into your pages.
This builder is perfect for creating internal project hubs, team wikis, help centers, or straightforward brochure-style websites. The real-time collaboration feature, familiar to anyone who has used Google Docs, allows multiple team members to edit the site simultaneously, making content updates incredibly efficient. The interface is clean and uncluttered, prioritizing ease of use over complex design capabilities, which ensures a fast launch for any project.
Key Considerations
The biggest trade-off with Google Sites is its simplicity, which translates into significant limitations. There are no e-commerce features, blogging tools, or advanced SEO settings. Design customization is basic, with a limited selection of themes and layouts. While the service is free, your site will be on a Google subdomain (e.g.,
sites.google.com/view/yoursite). Connecting a custom domain is possible but typically requires a paid Google Workspace subscription. It is an ideal tool for internal or simple external-facing sites but not for businesses needing robust marketing or sales functionality.- Best For: Internal team sites, simple informational pages, and businesses heavily invested in Google Workspace.
- Limitations: No e-commerce or advanced features, very limited design and SEO options, and a Google subdomain on the free plan.
- Website: https://sites.google.com
5. Weebly (by Square)
Weebly, now part of the Square ecosystem, presents itself as one of the most straightforward free website builders for small business, especially for those dipping their toes into e-commerce. Its classic drag-and-drop editor is known for its simplicity, allowing users to build a functional site with a minimal learning curve. The free plan provides the essentials: free hosting, customizable templates, and the ability to get a site live quickly.
The platform is a solid choice for small retailers or local shops already using or planning to use Square for payments. Its integration with the Square product suite is its main advantage, streamlining inventory and sales management once you upgrade. While the free version is more suited for creating a simple online brochure or portfolio, it serves as an excellent low-cost entry point to test the platform before committing to a paid plan for full e-commerce capabilities.
Key Considerations
The primary drawback of Weebly's free plan is the mandatory Weebly branding and the use of a Weebly subdomain (e.g.,
yoursite.weebly.com). To connect a custom domain or access key e-commerce features like accepting payments through Square, an upgrade is necessary. Since the Square acquisition, there can be some confusion between the classic Weebly editor and the newer Square Online builder, which Square is actively promoting. For businesses focused on simple site creation, Weebly remains a viable and user-friendly starting point.- Best For: Small retail businesses and entrepreneurs wanting a simple start with a clear path to Square e-commerce integration.
- Limitations: Weebly branding and subdomain, limited e-commerce on the free tier, and potential confusion with the Square Online platform.
- Website: https://www.weebly.com
6. Strikingly
Strikingly excels as a free website builder for small business owners who need to get online as quickly as possible, particularly with a single-page website. Its interface is designed for speed and simplicity, making it perfect for creating landing pages, event registrations, or simple business portfolios without a steep learning curve. The forever-free plan is notable for allowing unlimited free sites, which is a rare and valuable feature for entrepreneurs testing multiple ideas.
The platform is built around clean, modern, section-based templates that are easy to customize. Even on the free plan, you can add a simple store to sell one product, which is ideal for a business launching a single item or service. The editor guides you through adding sections like "About Us," "Contact," and "Services," making the entire process feel intuitive and guided. For businesses that envision growth, Strikingly provides a very clear and accessible upgrade path to more advanced e-commerce, memberships, and subscriptions.
Key Considerations
The free plan comes with Strikingly branding and assigns you a
mysite.strikingly.com subdomain. While you can build unlimited sites, the free tier limits you to 5GB of monthly bandwidth and 500MB of total storage per site, which is best suited for low-traffic applications. Deeper customizations, like embedding custom code or accessing more advanced design features, are reserved for paid plans. The platform is intentionally simple, so businesses needing complex multi-page architectures or deep functionality may find it limiting.- Best For: Startups, freelancers, and event organizers needing a fast, stylish single-page site or landing page.
- Limitations: Prominent Strikingly branding, a Strikingly subdomain, and modest storage and bandwidth on the free plan.
- Website: https://www.strikingly.com
7. Jimdo
Jimdo offers a refreshingly simple approach, positioning itself as one of the most straightforward free website builders for small business owners who prioritize speed and ease of use. Its standout feature is an AI-assisted setup process, called Jimdo Dolphin, which asks a few key questions about your business and then automatically generates a surprisingly complete, industry-specific website with text and images. This minimal-effort approach makes getting online incredibly fast.
The platform is ideal for creating simple brochure-style websites, online portfolios, or basic service pages. All sites created with Jimdo are automatically mobile-responsive and include free SSL encryption, covering essential modern standards. For users who want more control, Jimdo also offers a "Creator" mode, which provides a more traditional, code-friendly editor for greater customization, though the AI-driven "Dolphin" editor is the main draw for beginners.
Key Considerations
The free plan, known as the "Play" plan, is a great way to test the platform but comes with significant limitations. It includes prominent Jimdo branding and a
yourbusiness.jimdosite.com subdomain. You cannot connect a custom domain, and core features like advanced SEO tools, visitor statistics, and e-commerce capabilities are reserved for paid tiers. While you can list up to five products, you cannot sell them on the free plan. Jimdo's strength lies in its budget-friendly paid plans, which offer a clear and affordable upgrade path for those ready to move beyond the basics.- Best For: Solopreneurs and micro-businesses needing a simple, professional-looking website with almost no setup time.
- Limitations: Conspicuous Jimdo ads, a branded subdomain, and no e-commerce transactions or custom domain on the free plan.
- Website: https://www.jimdo.com
8. Carrd
Carrd has carved out a unique niche among free website builders for small business by focusing exclusively on creating simple, responsive, one-page websites. Its platform is incredibly streamlined, making it possible to build and publish a professional-looking site in minutes. This makes it an ideal solution for businesses needing a digital business card, a "link-in-bio" page for social media, a simple portfolio, or a landing page for a specific campaign.
The free plan allows you to create up to three sites using a
carrd.co subdomain, providing full access to its core features and responsive templates. While competitors often aim for complex, multi-page site capabilities, Carrd's strength lies in its simplicity and speed. It's the perfect tool for validating an idea or establishing a minimal online presence without the overhead of a more complex builder.Key Considerations
The primary limitation of Carrd is its one-page nature; it's not suitable for businesses that need a blog, an extensive product catalog, or multiple service pages. The free plan also includes subtle "Made with Carrd" branding. To unlock features like custom domains, contact forms, Google Analytics integration, and widgets for payment platforms like Stripe or PayPal, you must upgrade. However, Carrd's Pro plans are exceptionally affordable, starting at just $19 per year, offering one of the most cost-effective upgrade paths available.
- Best For: Freelancers, solopreneurs, and businesses needing quick landing pages, "link-in-bio" sites, or a simple online presence.
- Limitations: Strictly one-page sites, branding on the free plan, and no advanced features like forms or payments without upgrading.
- Website: https://carrd.co
9. Mailchimp Websites
Mailchimp is widely known for email marketing, but it also offers a free website builder for small business owners who want to centralize their marketing efforts. The platform is designed for simplicity, allowing users to create clean, professional-looking landing pages and basic multi-page websites directly within their Mailchimp account. This integration is its greatest strength, making it seamless to connect your site to email campaigns, signup forms, and a built-in CRM.
The builder is perfect for businesses focused on lead generation and audience growth. You can easily add appointment scheduling blocks and forms that automatically feed new contacts into your mailing lists. The free plan provides unlimited pages, an SSL certificate for security, and basic site analytics, giving you all the essentials to establish an online presence that works hand-in-hand with your marketing activities.
Key Considerations
The free plan's primary limitations are the mandatory Mailchimp branding on your site and the use of a Mailchimp-branded subdomain. Custom domains require a paid plan. While the website builder itself is free, it's tied to Mailchimp's marketing plan limits, which have become stricter for free users regarding contact numbers and email sends. The design flexibility is also more limited compared to dedicated builders like Wix, focusing more on functional, clean layouts rather than extensive creative control.
- Best For: Businesses already using or planning to use Mailchimp for email marketing and CRM.
- Limitations: Prominent Mailchimp branding, a Mailchimp subdomain, and limited design customization.
10. Canva Websites
Canva extends its design-first philosophy into the web space, offering one of the fastest ways to launch a visually stunning single-page website. As a free website builder for small business, it leverages its powerful design editor and vast template library, allowing users to create polished landing pages, event announcements, or digital portfolios with incredible ease. The free plan provides hosting and lets you publish up to five different websites on a
my.canva.site domain.
This platform is perfect for businesses that prioritize aesthetics and speed over complex functionality. If you need a quick, beautiful online presence for a specific campaign, a bio link page, or a simple online resume, Canva Websites is an unbeatable choice. Its integration with AI tools for generating copy and images further streamlines the creation process, making it possible to go from concept to a live site in minutes.
Key Considerations
The main trade-off with Canva's free offering is its simplicity. It's primarily designed for single-page sites, so building complex, multi-page websites with advanced navigation is not its strong suit. The free plan also lacks native e-commerce features and has limited SEO capabilities compared to dedicated website builders. While you can connect a custom domain, this requires upgrading to a paid Canva Pro plan. For a business that just needs a simple, elegant digital storefront, Canva is an excellent and rapid solution.
- Best For: Creatives, event promoters, and businesses needing a quick, design-centric landing page or portfolio.
- Limitations: Primarily for single-page sites, no built-in e-commerce on the free plan, and limited SEO tools.
11. HubSpot (Free CMS Tools)
HubSpot enters the list of free website builders for small business by integrating its powerful CRM directly into its website creation tools. The platform’s free CMS Hub offers a drag-and-drop editor, pre-built themes, and premium cloud hosting, allowing businesses to launch a functional website without an initial investment. This approach is designed for companies that prioritize lead generation and customer relationship management from day one.
The key advantage is the seamless connection between your website and the free HubSpot CRM. You can easily add forms, live chat, and email marketing capabilities, all of which feed directly into your contact database. This makes it an excellent choice for service-based businesses or B2B companies focused on converting website traffic into qualified leads. For businesses considering a content management system, exploring the array of available options can inform your decision on the best CMS for small business that aligns with your long-term goals.
Key Considerations
The free plan's limitations include mandatory HubSpot branding on your pages and the inability to connect a custom domain; your site will live on a HubSpot subdomain. While the builder is intuitive, more advanced features like smart content, A/B testing, and sophisticated SEO recommendations are reserved for paid tiers. The free CMS is a strategic entry point into HubSpot’s extensive ecosystem of marketing, sales, and service tools, providing a clear and scalable upgrade path as your business grows.
- Best For: Lead-driven businesses that want to build their website and CRM processes in tandem.
- Limitations: HubSpot branding, a HubSpot subdomain, and access to advanced marketing tools requires upgrading.
- Website: https://www.hubspot.com/products/cms
12. GoDaddy Website Builder
GoDaddy is renowned for domain registration, but its Website Builder has become a strong contender among free website builders for small business. It excels in providing a guided, all-in-one platform where users can create a simple, professional website in under an hour. The free plan offers everything needed to establish an online presence, including mobile-responsive templates, free hosting, and essential marketing tools like email and social media integration.
The platform is designed for absolute beginners who want a quick, no-fuss solution. Its centralized dashboard simplifies managing your website, social media presence, and email marketing from a single location. This integration is particularly useful for small business owners who are short on time and need to streamline their digital marketing efforts without juggling multiple services.
Key Considerations
The main trade-offs with GoDaddy's free plan are the mandatory branding and the use of a GoDaddy-branded subdomain (e.g.,
yoursite.godaddysites.com). To connect a custom domain, remove ads, or access e-commerce features like selling products and accepting online payments, you must upgrade to a paid plan. While the design customization is more limited compared to platforms like Wix, it ensures that your site remains structured and professional without the risk of design errors. The upgrade path is clear and well-integrated with GoDaddy's other business services.- Best For: Small businesses and solopreneurs needing a fast, simple brochure website with integrated marketing tools.
- Limitations: GoDaddy branding is present, requires a subdomain, and design flexibility is limited on the free tier.
Top 12 Free Website Builders for Small Businesses
Platform | Key features ✨ | Ease & quality ★ | Best for 👥 | Value / Price 💰 | Standout 🏆 |
Wix | Drag‑drop, templates, app marketplace, ADI | ★★★★ Easy & feature‑rich | 👥 Small businesses & beginners | 💰 Free tier; add‑ons can raise cost | 🏆 Huge ecosystem & upgrade paths |
WordPress.com | Hosted WP, themes, modern editor, plugins (paid) | ★★★★ Content & SEO focused | 👥 Bloggers & content‑heavy sites | 💰 Free core; pay for plugins/themes | 🏆 Strong SEO foundation & migration |
Webflow | Visual designer, CMS, hosting, CSS‑level control | ★★★★★ Designer‑grade precision | 👥 Designers & agencies | 💰 Free starter; paid for CMS/sites | 🏆 Pixel‑perfect visual control |
Google Sites | Simple builder, Google hosting, real‑time collaboration | ★★★ Very simple & reliable | 👥 Google Workspace teams, internal sites | 💰 Free; limited advanced features | 🏆 Real‑time collaboration & free hosting |
Weebly (Square) | Drag‑drop, basic store tools, Square integration | ★★★ Quick setup; basic ecommerce | 👥 Small stores testing Square | 💰 Free + low‑cost paid tiers | 🏆 Tight Square payments integration |
Strikingly | One‑page templates, memberships, quick edits | ★★★ Fast & minimal | 👥 Landing pages, events, solo creators | 💰 Free; Pro for memberships/ecommerce | 🏆 Rapid one‑page launches |
Jimdo | AI onboarding, Creator editor, SSL, responsive | ★★★ Quick onboarding & simple | 👥 Very small businesses, brochure sites | 💰 Free; budget premium plans | 🏆 AI‑guided fast setup |
Carrd | One‑page, responsive templates, Pro for forms/payments | ★★★★ Ultra‑fast & lightweight | 👥 Link‑in‑bio, promos, simple pages | 💰 Very affordable Pro (~$19/yr) | 🏆 Best value for one‑page sites |
Mailchimp Websites | Sites + email marketing, analytics, forms | ★★★ Marketing‑centric & simple | 👥 Email‑driven small businesses | 💰 Free; marketing limits on free tier | 🏆 Native email/CRM integration |
Canva Websites | Design templates, AI copy/image helpers, one‑page hosting | ★★★★ Design‑first & quick | 👥 Creatives, portfolios, promos | 💰 Free; custom domain on paid plan | 🏆 Beautiful templates & AI tools |
HubSpot (Free CMS) | Drag‑drop editor, CRM integration, forms, live chat | ★★★★ CRM‑centric & polished | 👥 Lead‑driven businesses | 💰 Free tier; upgrades for automation | 🏆 Site + CRM out of the box |
GoDaddy Website Builder | Guided setup, templates, centralized dashboard | ★★★ Beginner friendly & fast | 👥 Small businesses wanting simple launch | 💰 Free trial; paid for domain/store | 🏆 Consolidated business tools |
Making Your Final Choice and Taking the Next Step
Navigating the landscape of free website builders for small business can feel overwhelming, but the journey ends with a powerful realization: launching a professional online presence is more accessible than ever. Throughout this guide, we've explored a diverse range of platforms, each offering a unique entry point into the digital world without the upfront financial commitment. The key takeaway is that the "best" free builder is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it's the one that aligns perfectly with your specific business goals, technical comfort level, and future growth strategy.
We’ve seen how platforms like Wix and Weebly provide incredibly intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces ideal for beginners who need a visually appealing site up and running quickly. On the other hand, tools like WordPress.com offer a glimpse into a more powerful, content-centric ecosystem, while Webflow presents a high-ceiling option for those with design ambitions who want to learn a professional-grade tool from the start. Your choice hinges on this crucial trade-off: simplicity versus scalability.
Synthesizing Your Options: A Practical Framework
To move from analysis to action, distill your decision-making process into three core pillars. This framework will help you filter through the options and select the free website builder that truly serves your business needs right now, while leaving room for future expansion.
- Define Your Primary Goal: What is the single most important job your website needs to do?
- Lead Generation: If capturing emails and contact information is your priority, builders with integrated forms and CRM capabilities, like HubSpot's Free CMS or Mailchimp Websites, are strong contenders.
- Simple Online Brochure: For a straightforward digital business card, tools like Google Sites, Carrd, or Canva Websites offer unparalleled speed and simplicity.
- Portfolio Showcase: If your business is visual, prioritize builders with strong gallery and design features. Wix, Strikingly, and Webflow excel here.
- E-commerce Testing: To dip your toes into selling online, Weebly by Square provides a robust, integrated solution for free, making it a standout choice for small-scale retail.
- Assess Your Technical Threshold: Be honest about the time and effort you're willing to invest in learning a new platform. A builder that is too complex will lead to frustration and an unfinished project, defeating the purpose of starting for free. If you need a site live by the end of the day, a simple tool is your best ally. If you see this as a long-term investment in your digital skills, a more advanced platform could be rewarding.
- Map Your Growth Trajectory: The most significant limitation of many free website builders for small business is the "walled garden" effect. Consider what happens when your business succeeds. Will you need to connect a custom domain? Will you need to remove platform branding? Will you want to add advanced features or integrations? Always review the paid upgrade paths. A platform with affordable and logical next steps (like those offered by GoDaddy or Jimdo) is a much safer bet than one that requires a complete rebuild to scale.
Your Action Plan for Launch
Once you’ve made your choice, don’t delay. The power of these tools is their ability to deliver results quickly. Your final step is to execute. Gather your core assets-your logo, key business information, high-quality images, and essential copy-and block out a few hours to bring your vision to life. Follow the platform’s onboarding guides, start with a simple template, and focus on clarity over complexity. Remember, your first website is not your final website; it's a launchpad for your business's digital journey. The goal is to get online, start engaging with your audience, and begin building the foundation for future success.
Ready to launch a secure, membership-driven site without writing a single line of code? If you're a creator or business owner who already uses Notion to organize your content, Sotion transforms your pages into a fast, professional website with password protection and member management. Skip the complex builders and launch your gated content, course, or private resource hub in minutes by visiting Sotion to see how it works.
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