free website builder websites
Everything you need to know about "free" website builder websites: benefits, limits, hidden costs and how to get a professional, SEO-ready website that actually generates leads.
What do people mean by "free website builder" websites?
"Free website builder" usually refers to DIY platforms (the likes of free plans from big builders) that let you create a basic website without upfront payment. They offer templates, drag-and-drop editors and a hosted subdomain (yourname.provider.com). While cost-free sign-up is attractive, these plans limit functionality, branding, SEO and long-term performance.
- Quick and simple — easy to start and useful for hobby pages.
- Limited SEO — many free plans restrict meta control, schema and site speed.
- Branding & ads — free sites often show provider ads and prevent removing their logo.
- Hidden costs — domain, advanced features, eCommerce and analytics usually cost extra.
- Support limits — priority support and customisation are typically paywalled.
Are free website builders really free?
Short answer: not always. For hobby sites, yes. For small businesses that need leads, you'll often pay more later to unlock essential features.
Provider Ads & Branding
Free plans commonly display the builder's ads or logo. Removing these usually requires a paid plan.
Custom Domain Costs
A proper domain (yourbusiness.com) is often not included — expect annual fees for domain registration or to upgrade.
Performance & SEO Limits
Page speed, schema markup, and server-level SEO features are commonly restricted on free tiers, hurting search rankings.
A smarter business choice
For trades and local services, a managed website that prioritises local SEO, fast hosting and unlimited updates typically generates more enquiries than a free, limited page.
SEE A BETTER OPTIONFree Website Builder Websites vs Congero
Side-by-side practical difference for a small service business in 2025.
Typical Free Builder (Free Plan)
- Subdomain (yourname.provider.com)
- Provider ads & limited branding
- Limited SEO controls & schema
- No guaranteed support or analytics
- Manual editing required
Congero (Managed, $49/month)
- Custom domain (free registration available)
- No provider ads • fully branded
- Built-in local SEO, schema and analytics
- Text-in unlimited updates — no technical skills
- 60-second website generation and ongoing support
If your goal is more local leads, predictable cost and fast edits, Congero's managed service typically outperforms "free" solutions that create friction for real customers.
GET A PRO WEBSITE IN 60sMove from a Free Builder to a High-Converting Site — 5 Steps
A short, practical checklist to switch without downtime and start getting enquiries.
Request Demo
Text "GO" to our WhatsApp bot or click the demo link.
Share Basics
Business name, services, locations and a logo — simple text answers.
Preview & Approve
AI publishes a live preview in under 60 seconds; request edits via text.
Connect Domain
We register or transfer your domain and handle DNS for you.
Go Live & Grow
Monthly analytics and unlimited edits keep your site converting.
Why "Free" Sites Often Underperform in Google
Search engines reward speed, clarity and structured data — areas where free plans frequently fall short.
Technical Speed
Shared, slow hosting and large unoptimised images lower Core Web Vitals — a ranking factor in 2025.
Limited Meta Control
If you can't edit titles, descriptions or URL structure, it's hard to win local searches for services near you.
Schema & Local Signals
Structured data (LocalBusiness schema), consistent NAP and Google Business Profile connection are essential — often locked behind paid tiers.
What Congero Does Differently
We include local SEO, schema markup and performance-optimised hosting as standard, so your business stands a better chance of ranking for local searches.
SEE SEO-READY SITESFrequently Asked Questions about Free Website Builder Websites
Short answers to common worries when choosing between a free builder and a managed business website.
Want a real website that gets local customers — not a free placeholder?
Congero builds professional, mobile-first websites in 60 seconds, includes domain, hosting and local SEO, and keeps things simple with unlimited text-in updates for $49/month. No lock-ins. No surprises.
START FREE DEMO