create a website for a business free
A practical, step-by-step guide for small businesses — build a free website, set up basic SEO, and start getting customers.
This guide walks you through low-cost (or free) ways to get online quickly, essential SEO steps that actually move the needle, and simple marketing tactics to grow local traffic and enquiries.
1. Choose the right free platform for your business
There are many free platforms — pick one that matches your goals. Free options are perfect for getting started quickly, but each has trade-offs (branding, bandwidth, limited SEO control). Below are practical choices and when to use them.
Fast and reliable, great for information-only sites. Limited SEO and customisation.
- Free, hosted by Google
- No advanced SEO controls
- Best for single-page info sites
Fast design-first options — simple landing pages. Free plans may add branding.
- Easy, attractive templates
- Limited pages or features on free plan
- Great for simple lead pages
Free hosting for static sites. Best if you or a friend can manage simple deploys.
- No monthly cost, custom domain supported
- Requires basic development skills
- Best for one-page portfolios or brochure sites
Quick decision rule: if you want zero technical work and a simple site, use Google Sites or Carrd. If you want full control and a free custom domain later, use GitHub Pages/Netlify with a static site generator (or a minimal HTML template).
2. Domain name and free hosting — practical tips
A free site is easier to trust with a real domain (yourbusiness.com). If you can't afford a domain, use the platform's free subdomain temporarily, but buy your own domain as soon as possible — domains are often $10–15/year.
How to get a low-cost domain
- Compare registrars: Namecheap, Google Domains, Porkbun — look for privacy included.
- Keep it short, local (include city or service if possible): e.g. sydneyplumber.com.au
- Avoid numbers and hyphens; choose .com/.com.au for local trust.
Hosting and SSL
- Most free platforms include HTTPS; verify the padlock in the browser.
- GitHub Pages + Netlify support custom domains + free SSL with Let's Encrypt.
- If you later pay for hosting, choose managed options that include backups and updates.
3. SEO basics that actually drive traffic (do these first)
Focus on three high-impact SEO tasks in your first 30 days: keyword focus, on-page structure, and local signals.
Keyword focus
Identify 3 primary phrases customers use (service + city): e.g. "melbourne electrician", "emergency plumber sydney". Use free tools: Google Autocomplete, Google Search Console (later), and Keyword Planner.
On-page structure
Every page needs a unique title tag and meta description. Use headings: H1 (main), H2 (sections). Include your primary keyword in the H1 and once in the first 100 words.
Local SEO signals
Set up a Google Business Profile (free). Use local keywords, add your service area, opening hours, and photos. Get your first 5 reviews — reviews improve local rankings and CTR.
Quick SEO checklist (first week)
- Set page title: [Service] | [Location] — 50–60 characters
- Write meta description with CTA — 120–155 characters
- Add H1 and structured H2/H3 headings
- Include NAP (Name, Address, Phone) on every page (footer)
- Upload 3-5 real photos of your work or team
- Install Google Analytics and submit sitemap to Google Search Console
4. Content structure: convert visitors into customers
A free website still needs clear messaging and conversion points. Use the structure below for a simple, high-performing site.
Homepage
Clear headline with your main service + location, one CTA (call / book / contact), trust signals (reviews or badges), 3 top services.
Services pages
One page per service with a short intro, benefits, typical price range, and a CTA. Target a single keyword per page.
Contact & booking
Prominent phone number, click-to-call on mobile, and a simple contact form (or link to WhatsApp). Add your business hours and response time promise.
Copywriting tips that convert
- Lead with benefits, not features — how you solve the customer's problem.
- Use short paragraphs and bullet points for scannability.
- Include one clear CTA per section (Call now / Book online / Get a quote).
5. Simple, free marketing moves to get local customers
A free website is only useful if people find it. Use low-cost marketing tactics to boost visibility quickly.
Google Business Profile
Claim and complete your profile: accurate categories, photos, service list, hours, and posts. Ask every happy customer for a Google review — 5 reviews can noticeably improve clicks.
Free local listings
Add your business to local directories (TrueLocal, Yellow Pages, Bing Places) and ensure NAP consistency across all listings.
Email & SMS
Collect emails on your site (even a simple signup) and send a monthly update or special offer. SMS can be highly effective for urgent offers or confirmations.
Local ads — small budget
Run a $5–10/day Google Local Service or search ad for your top keyword. Track conversions and pause if not profitable.
6. Track what matters: analytics & measurement
Install tracking early so you can learn what's working. Free tools are powerful when used correctly.
- Google Analytics 4: track sessions, conversions (calls, form submissions), and referral sources.
- Google Search Console: monitor search queries, clicks, and indexing issues.
- Call tracking: use a consistent number or free call-tracking provider to measure phone leads.
Key metrics to watch (first 90 days)
Free website checklist — get live and visible
- Choose a platform and publish a homepage
- Buy or reserve a domain (even a temporary one)
- Set title tags and meta descriptions for each page
- Claim and optimise Google Business Profile
- Add NAP to footer on every page
- Install Google Analytics & Search Console
- Upload 3–5 photos of your work/team
- Enable HTTPS and check mobile layout
- Ask 5 customers for reviews
- Publish a simple contact page with click-to-call
Frequently asked questions
Can I rank on Google with a free website?
Should I buy a domain now or wait?
When should I switch from a free site to a paid solution?
Do I need to hire someone to set up tracking?
Ready to get online for free (and grow from there)?
Follow the steps above to publish a free site this weekend. When you're ready to scale with better SEO, professional design, and unlimited updates, choose a provider that makes migration easy.
Pro tip: Start simple, measure, and improve. A well-optimised free site beats a half-finished paid site every time.
