make a website free and easy
Step-by-step instructions to launch a simple, fast website using free tools, learn basic SEO, and grow your online presence.
This guide walks you through planning, picking free tools, building pages, basic SEO, and growth tactics you can apply today — no developer required.
6-step plan to make a website free and easy
Decide the purpose
Is it to get enquiries, show portfolio, sell a product, or share info? Keep the first version focused on one main goal.
Write your core messages
Create a one-line headline, a short explanation of services, and 3 key benefits. These become your homepage content.
Choose a free platform
Options include free plans from platforms like Carrd, Google Sites, GitHub Pages, Wix (free tier), or WordPress.com. Pick one that fits your needs and comfort level.
Build the essential pages
Start with: Home, Services (or Products), About, and Contact. One clear phone/email and a short contact form or email link is enough.
Apply basic SEO
Add a unique title tag and meta description for each page, use clear headings, and include your main keyword in your headline and first paragraph.
Launch, test, iterate
Preview on mobile, test contact links, check load speed, then publish. Update content based on real feedback and analytics.
Follow these steps and you can have a simple live website in under an hour using free tools. The goal is speed and clarity — you can add more features later.
Pick a free platform — pros and cons
Here are popular free options and what they're best for.
| Platform | Best for | Free plan limits | Ease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrd | One-page sites, simple landing pages | Free domains are subdomains; very fast | Very easy |
| Google Sites | Internal pages, simple info sites | No custom domain on free plan; basic features | Easy |
| WordPress.com | Blogs, growing sites | Ads on free plan; limited plugins | Moderate |
| Wix (free) | Design-friendly templates | Wix branding + subdomain | Easy |
| GitHub Pages | Developers or static site generators | Requires technical steps, but free custom domain | Technical |
How to choose
- Need a single-page brochure? Use Carrd or Wix.
- Planning a blog? WordPress.com scales well.
- Want full control and no branding? Consider a paid plan or GitHub Pages if you can manage it.
Build the essential pages — quick templates
Templates you can copy/paste. Keep text short and benefit-focused.
Homepage template (short)
Headline: We fix [problem] fast Subhead: Reliable [service] with clear pricing and fast response 3 bullets: Trusted • Fast • Guaranteed Call to action: Call now • Send email • Book
Services template
Service 1 — Short description + price or starting price Service 2 — Short description Why choose us — 3 quick reasons CTA — Contact or Book
About template
1-2 paragraph story: who you are and why you care Licenses/insurance/testimonials (short) One friendly photo
Contact template
Phone: (write clearly) Email: support@youremail.com Contact link or mailto: Optional: short contact form or booking link
SEO basics: be found without technical headaches
SEO (search engine optimization) helps people find your site on Google. Start with the essentials below — they matter more than fancy tactics.
1. Pick one main keyword per page
Choose short phrases people use when searching, for example "plumber near me" or "freelance web designer". Use that phrase in the page title, H1, and in the first paragraph naturally.
2. Title tag & meta description
Set a unique title (65 characters or less) and a meta description (under 160 characters) that includes your main keyword and a clear benefit.
3. Headings and structure
Use H1 for the page title, H2 for section headings, and short paragraphs. Google reads structure — make it logical.
4. Add simple local signals
If you serve a specific area, mention the region naturally on the site (e.g., "Serving Sydney suburbs"). But don’t overdo it — write for users first.
5. Submit a sitemap & track
Use your platform's built-in tools or Google Search Console to submit a sitemap. Install Google Analytics or a privacy-friendly analytics tool to see what works.
Content that converts — what to write
Write like a human
Short sentences, active voice, and clear benefits. Your customers want to know what you do, how fast, and how much.
Use trust signals
Add short testimonials, logos, proof of license/insurance, and a simple guarantee. One or two lines are enough.
Call to action
Every page should have a clear next step: call, email, book, or request a quote. Make that action obvious and repeat it.
Keep adding content
A simple blog or updates page helps you rank for more keywords. Post service updates, case studies, or FAQs — twice a month is a good start.
Images & media — keep them fast and relevant
Use real photos when possible
Genuine photos build trust. If you don't have originals, use tasteful stock images and avoid generic smiling people shots.
Optimise for speed
Resize images to the size they'll appear, compress JPEG/WEBP, and use lazy-loading if available in your platform.
Alt text matters
Add descriptive alt text for accessibility and a small SEO boost (e.g., "white van plumber fixing sink").
Limit video autoplay
Autoplaying video hurts speed and can annoy visitors. Use short clips and allow manual playback.
Speed & performance — why it matters
Fast sites convert better and rank higher. Focus on a few high-impact improvements:
- Compress images and use modern formats (WEBP)
- Limit third-party widgets (chat widgets, heavy embeds)
- Use a lightweight template or single-page site
- Enable caching if your platform supports it
Quick tools
Analytics — know what works
Install simple analytics to track visitors, pages, and actions. Free options include Google Analytics (GA4) and privacy-focused tools like Plausible.
What to track
- Page views for key pages
- Clicks on phone/email buttons
- Form submissions or bookings
Use reports to act
If a page gets traffic but no enquiries, update the CTA or headline. Small changes can boost conversions quickly.
Grow your traffic and leads — practical tactics
Local SEO & citations
Create or claim your Google Business Profile and add consistent business details across directories. This helps with local searches.
Content & FAQs
Write short how-to posts, common questions, and case studies. Each piece targets a specific search phrase and builds authority.
Email follow-up
Collect emails (simple signup) and send occasional updates or offers. Email ROI is high and it keeps you top of mind.
Reviews & social proof
Ask happy customers for short reviews. Display them on your site — reviews influence choice.
Social channels, smartly
Post useful content on one or two platforms where your customers are. Focus on consistency, not every channel.
Paid ads (optional)
A small ad budget on search or social can jumpstart leads. Start small, measure cost-per-lead, and scale what works.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really build a useful website for free?
Should I buy a domain now?
How long until I see traffic?
Do I need to pay for hosting?
Ready to get started?
Pick a platform, use the templates above, and publish a simple site today. Revisit SEO and content weekly — small improvements compound.
