free website maker for small business
Step-by-step tactics to make a free website work for SEO, leads and customer engagement
Using a free site builder doesn't mean your business has to look amateur. This guide walks you through setup, SEO, content, analytics and conversion-focused tweaks you can do today.
Choose the right free website maker
There are many free website makers — Wix, Squarespace trial, WordPress.com, Weebly, Google Sites, and platform builders bundled with free hosting. Choose based on these priorities:
Speed to launch
If you need a live web page today, pick a drag-and-drop builder with templates and an easy domain mapping process.
Cost & upgrade path
Free tiers are fine to start — check the paid plan details so you know what features will cost later (forms, custom domain, removal of branding).
SEO & exportability
Confirm you can edit page titles, meta descriptions, alt text and add Google Analytics. Also check whether you can transfer content or your domain later.
Quick platform pick
- Wix / Squarespace: Best templates & editor, watch for paid add-ons.
- WordPress.com: Good for blogs, but free tier limits plugins and themes.
- Google Sites: Extremely simple, limited SEO features — use only for a basic brochure site.
- Weebly / Site123: Fast and simple for service businesses; check form/email limits.
Quick setup checklist — get live in a day
Follow these steps in order. They take less than 2 hours if you have your content ready.
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1. Choose template & page structurePick a clean, single-column mobile-first template. Your essential pages: Home, Services, About, Contact. Optional: Prices, Reviews, Gallery.
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2. Connect a custom domain (or reserve one)Even if using the free subdomain while testing, buy a domain (example.com) and connect when you upgrade. Domains improve trust and SEO.
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3. Set core business infoAdd your business name, address, phone number (NAP), opening hours and a clear primary call-to-action (call, book or get a quote).
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4. Add a contact method that worksIf the free plan lacks forms, display a clickable phone number and WhatsApp link. Test the contact flow right away.
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5. Enable HTTPSMost builders provide free SSL. Make sure the green padlock appears — search engines and users expect it.
SEO essentials for free website makers
Free builders can rank well if you handle the basics. Do these seven tasks for every page.
1. Page titles & meta descriptions
Write unique titles (50–60 chars) and meta descriptions (120–160 chars) for Home, Services, About and Contact. Include your main keyword and location where relevant.
2. Heading structure (H1, H2)
Each page should have one H1 (title) and logical H2s for sections. Use keywords naturally—don’t stuff.
3. Local SEO basics
Add full address, service areas, and embed a Google Map if possible. Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile to appear in local packs.
4. Image alt text & filenames
Rename image files (plumber-repair-sink.jpg) and add descriptive alt text including your keyword when relevant.
5. Speed optimisations
Use compressed images (WebP if possible), limit animations, and enable any built-in lazy loading. Free builders often handle CDN — confirm it's on.
6. Submit sitemap & verify analytics
Connect Google Search Console and submit the sitemap.xml (many builders auto-generate). Verify Google Analytics and add it to the site head.
7. Add internal links
Link 'Services' to detailed service pages, add a clear call-to-action on every page. Simple internal linking helps crawlers and users navigate.
Content & copy that converts
Clear, benefit-led copy beats cleverness. Use these templates to make your pages effective.
Home page formula (F-shaped)
- Hero: One-liner value statement + primary CTA (Call Now / Get Quote)
- Why choose you: 3 quick benefits with icons
- Services: 3 main services with short descriptions
- Proof: 2 testimonials or logos
- Local trust: Address, hours, map, GMB link
Service page template
Use: Problem → Solution → Process → Price range → CTA
H1: [Service name] in [Suburb] Short intro (1–2 lines). H2: How we do it • Step 1 • Step 2 H2: Typical price H2: Book / Call / Get Quote
Writing tips
- Write like you speak—short sentences help mobile readers.
- Use numbers and specifics: "Fixed 120+ leaking taps in 2025".
- Place CTA above the fold and again at the end of the page.
- Use bullet lists for services and benefits.
Images, video & simple design tips
Use real photos
Customers trust photos of your team, van and finished work more than generic stock images. If you must use stock, choose realistic shots that match your brand.
Optimize file size
Compress images to under 200KB where possible. Use responsive images or builder settings that serve smaller images to mobile users.
Add short videos
A 20–40 second video showing the work process increases trust and time-on-page. Host on YouTube (unlisted if preferred) and embed — it's lighter than self-hosted video.
Customer engagement — tools that work on free tiers
Even on a free plan you can add ways for customers to contact and convert.
Click-to-call
Make your phone number a tel: link so mobile visitors can call in one tap.
WhatsApp / Messaging
Add a WhatsApp link or widget. Quick messaging often converts better than forms.
Simple booking links
Use Calendly or Acuity free plans and link the booking URL from your site.
Pro tip
If your free plan blocks forms, use a short Google Form or a Calendly link and place it prominently. Always test the contact path on a phone.
Set up analytics & measure what matters
Tracking is essential—without data you can't improve.
Minimum tracking
- Google Analytics 4: Install the tracking ID in your builder's settings.
- Google Search Console: Verify your site and check keyword impressions.
- Conversion tracking: Record phone clicks, form submissions, and booking page visits as conversions.
Common mistakes to avoid
Printable quick checklist
- Choose template and publish Home, Services, Contact
- Add business name, address, phone, hours
- Set H1 and meta for each page
- Compress and add alt text to images
- Install Google Analytics & verify Search Console
- Test contact flow from mobile
- Claim Google Business Profile
- Plan content updates — add a short blog or news post monthly
When to upgrade from a free plan
Free plans are great to start. Consider upgrading when any of these apply:
Frequently asked questions
Can a free website rank on Google?
What’s the most important page to optimise first?
How often should I update content?
Make your free site work like a pro
Follow this guide, get your pages optimised, measure results and you’ll see more calls, bookings and leads — even from a free website maker.
If you'd rather skip technical setup, Congero can launch a professional site in 60 seconds, handle SEO and unlimited updates for a flat monthly fee. Try a demo or chat with us.
