build a free small business website
A practical, no-code plan to launch a free website, optimise for SEO, and start getting local customers fast.
This guide walks you through each step — platform choices, free domain options, on‑page SEO, local marketing tactics, analytics and quick growth hacks that work for trades, services and small shops in 2025.
In this guide
Step 1 — Pick the right free platform
Many platforms let you build a free website. Choose one based on your goals: local leads, service pages, and fast launch. Here are the best free options in 2025 and when to use them.
Google Sites
Best for: ultra-simple brochure pages and absolute beginners.
- No hosting cost, free subdomain
- Limited SEO control and templates
Wix / Weebly (free plan)
Best for: slightly more design control, easy editor.
- Drag-and-drop editor
- Platform branding & limited SEO features on free plan
WordPress.com free
Best for: content-driven businesses and blogging.
- Flexible, many themes
- Free plan shows ads and restricts plugins
Decision guide: If you need a fast lead-capture site with local focus, use a simple drag-and-drop platform (Wix/Weebly). If you plan to publish lots of helpful articles to rank, WordPress.com is the better free starting point.
Step 2 — Domain, business name and branding basics
You can launch on a free subdomain (mybusiness.wixsite.com) — that's fast and free — but a simple branded domain looks far more professional. Here's how to get a low-cost or temporarily free domain and brand quickly.
- Use a clear business name — short, easy to spell, and includes your main service if possible (eg. "MartyPlumbing").
- Free domain options — some platforms include a free domain for 1 year when upgrading; if staying free, plan to add a paid domain when possible. Use Namecheap or Google Domains for cheap .com/.com.au registrations (often under $15/year).
- Branding basics — logo (use a simple free maker), two brand colors, and one hero photo of real work. Real photos convert better than stock.
Pro tip: If you must start free, use the platform subdomain for 30–90 days to validate demand. Move to a custom domain when the site starts getting traffic or enquiries.
Step 3 — Build a simple site structure that ranks
Search engines and users both prefer clear, shallow site structures. For most small businesses, a 4–6 page site is ideal.
Essential pages
- Home — clear value proposition and call-to-action
- Services — one page per service if you offer multiple
- About — team, credentials, trust signals
- Contact — phone, email, booking link, map
Optional but helpful
- Testimonials / reviews
- Gallery or portfolio
- Blog / tips (for SEO growth)
URL structure example: yourdomain.com/service-name — short, readable, and keyword-focused.
Step 4 — On-page SEO checklist (do these for every page)
-
1. Page Title (title tag)
Include primary keyword + location when relevant (eg. "Electrician Melbourne — Emergency Electrician"). Keep under ~60 chars.
-
2. Meta description
Summarise page in 120–155 chars with a call-to-action to increase clicks.
-
3. H1 and headings
One H1 per page that matches intent; use H2/H3 for sections and keywords.
-
4. First paragraph
Put your primary keyword and main value prop in the first 50–100 words.
-
5. Image alt text
Describe images with useful text (eg. 'plumber fixing kitchen sink') — don't keyword-stuff.
-
6. Internal links
Link to related pages (eg. services → contact) using natural anchor text.
-
7. Schema / structured data
Add LocalBusiness schema or Service schema if your platform allows — helps with rich results.
-
8. Readability & trust
Short paragraphs, bullet lists, clear contact info and social proof (reviews, badges).
Quick on-page SEO action list: set title + meta, create an H1, add 300+ words of helpful content per service page, add 3 images with alt text, and link to contact/booking.
Step 5 — Local SEO: Google Business Profile & citations
Local searches drive the most valuable leads for trades and service businesses. Follow this checklist to appear in local search and Maps.
- Create and verify your Google Business Profile (GBP) — complete every field: hours, services, photos, booking link, and a clear description with keywords.
- Consistent NAP — ensure your Name, Address, Phone are identical on your site, GBP, and any directories.
- Local citations — add your business to key directories (Yellow Pages, TrueLocal, Hotfrog, local chamber). Keep listings consistent.
- Ask for reviews — after each job, text customers a review link. Aim for 4+ recent reviews and respond to them professionally.
- Embed a Google Map on your contact page to signal location to Google.
Pro tip: GBP photos and posts boost visibility. Post special offers and completed jobs weekly if possible.
Step 6 — Photos, speed & performance (keep it fast)
Optimize images
- Resize to the display size (don't upload 4000px images).
- Use JPEG/WebP for photos; PNG for logos with transparency.
- Compress images to 100–300 KB when possible.
Speed checklist
- Enable lazy-loading for below-the-fold images.
- Remove unnecessary widgets and third-party scripts.
- Use the platform's built-in caching/optimisation options.
- Target under 3 seconds load on mobile.
A fast site improves rankings and conversions. If your chosen free platform is slow, consider a low-cost hosted option or a professional build.
Step 7 — Analytics & tracking (free tools)
Measure what's working. These free tools are essential and quick to add even on free website platforms.
- Google Analytics 4 — tracks visitors, sources and conversions. Create account and paste the tracking code (or use platform integration).
- Google Search Console — submit sitemap, monitor search performance and fix index issues.
- Call tracking — use a unique tracking number on your website to see which campaigns lead to calls.
- Goal setup — track form submits, clicks on phone numbers, and booking button clicks as conversions.
Even basic tracking helps you double down on what works and stop what doesn't.
Step 8 — Simple content plan that attracts search traffic
You don't need a blog full of long posts to start ranking. Follow this content plan for the first 90 days.
- Create 3 service pages — each 400–800 words answering customer questions and including local keywords.
- Write 4 FAQ pages or sections — use common questions customers ask; these pull in long-tail searches.
- Publish 2 short "how we work" posts — explain process, pricing bands, or preparation tips (400–700 words).
- Repurpose content — turn a post into a short video or carousel for social platforms.
SEO focus: Answer real customer queries, use clear headings, and link internally between related pages.
Step 9 — Low-cost marketing tactics to get first customers
1. Local post & offer
Create a GBP post with a limited-time offer. Share on Facebook marketplace and local groups.
2. Get reviews
After each job, ask customers to leave a review with photos. Reviews improve trust and ranking.
3. Simple paid test
Run a $5–10/day Google Local Service or Search Ad targeting your suburb for 7–14 days to validate demand.
Direct outreach
Text or email your past customers announcing the new website and a small referral discount. Word-of-mouth plus a link converts quickly.
Step 10 — Monthly checklist: improve what matters
- Week 1: Check GBP insights and respond to reviews.
- Week 2: Publish one FAQ or short post to target a local keyword.
- Week 3: Test paid campaign (if running) and review call tracking data.
- Week 4: Review analytics, page loads, and fix any slow pages or broken links.
Consistency wins. Even 2 hours/month of focused optimisation will produce better results than a one-off site that never gets updated.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rank with a free website?
How long until I see results?
Do I need to write a lot of content?
When should I move off a free plan?
Want faster results than a free DIY build?
Congero can launch a professional, SEO-optimised website and Google Business setup in 24 hours — all for a single predictable monthly fee. If you value your time, we do the heavy lifting while you run the business.
All sites are mobile-optimised, include local SEO basics and come with unlimited text-in updates.
