make a website free domain
A practical, step‑by‑step guide to launch a usable website with no upfront domain cost — plus SEO and marketing tips that actually work.
This guide walks you through choosing a free domain option, picking hosting, connecting DNS and SSL, building pages, basic SEO, and low‑budget promotion so your site starts getting visitors.
Free Domain Options — what you can use today
There are three practical ways to get a free domain for a small website. Each has tradeoffs — pick the one that matches your goals.
Free top‑level domains
Providers sometimes offer free TLDs like .tk, .ml, .ga. These work for short projects and testing.
- Zero cost for registration
- Lower trust & occasional provider reclaiming
- Renewal policies can be restrictive
Subdomains from hosts
Use host subdomains like yourname.github.io or yoursite.netlify.app — ideal for reliability and SSL.
- Stable, no registration hassle
- Automatic HTTPS on most platforms
- Longer, less brandable URL
Promotional free domain with provider
Some services include a free domain for the first year when you buy hosting. Not strictly free forever but a low‑cost path.
- Looks professional (yourbrand.com)
- May require a paid plan or card
Quick recommendation
For a cost‑free, long‑term option that looks decent and is easy to secure, start with a host subdomain (GitHub Pages, Netlify, or Cloudflare Pages). Use a free TLD only for non‑critical tests. If you expect customers to remember your URL, invest in an inexpensive paid domain when you can.
Hosting choices for free domains
Pick a host that matches your skill level and site type. Below are the most reliable free hosting options in 2025.
GitHub Pages
Great for static sites and single‑page sites. Connect with Git and deploy on push.
- Free SSL, Git versioning
- Ideal for tech‑savvy users
- No built‑in forms (use third‑party)
Netlify
Static sites with continuous deploys, serverless functions, and easy DNS. Netlify provides automatic HTTPS.
- Free tier generous for small sites
- Forms & redirects available
- Connects to Git providers
Cloudflare Pages
Fast edge network hosting with built‑in CDN, free SSL, and excellent performance.
- Edge caching and speed optimisations
- Works well with static site generators
- Free tier for small projects
CMS & site builders (free plans)
If you prefer not to touch code, consider free plans from builders that provide subdomains:
- Wix / Webflow (free subdomain, visual editor)
- WordPress.com free plan (limited features)
Note: builder platforms often show branding on free plans and limit SEO options.
Host selection checklist
- Automatic HTTPS or easy SSL setup
- Good performance / CDN
- Easy DNS control for custom domains later
DNS & SSL: connect your free domain or subdomain
Whether you're using a free TLD or a host subdomain, these are the essential DNS and security steps to get your site live and trusted:
1. If using a host subdomain
No DNS required — the host gives you a URL (for example yourname.netlify.app). The host will usually handle HTTPS automatically.
2. If using a free TLD (example .tk/.ml)
- Create the domain at the registrar and find the DNS settings panel.
- Point A record or CNAME per your host's instructions (Netlify/Cloudflare/GitHub provide details).
- Allow DNS propagation (can be a few minutes to 24 hours).
- Enable HTTPS: many hosts issue Let's Encrypt certs automatically once DNS is correct.
3. Use Cloudflare as DNS (optional but recommended)
Cloudflare provides quick DNS propagation, free SSL, and a CDN. Add your domain to Cloudflare, set the DNS records, and switch registrar nameservers to Cloudflare's if required by your setup.
Choose a build approach: the fastest paths
Static site (fast & reliable)
Use a static site generator (Hugo, Jekyll) or simple HTML/CSS templates. Deploy to GitHub Pages, Netlify, or Cloudflare Pages for blazing speed.
- Highly performant, low attack surface
- Good for brochure sites, portfolios
- Not ideal for dynamic content (unless using serverless functions)
Visual builders & CMS (easier, less technical)
Use a simple website builder or WordPress.com free plan if you prefer a visual editor and ready components.
- Fast to launch with templates
- Better for non‑technical updates
- Free plans may display branding and limit SEO control
- Home, Services/Products, About, Contact (or contact info visible)
- Clear headline and value proposition on homepage
- Contact method: phone, email, or link to messaging
SEO basics to make your free‑domain site discoverable
Free domains can rank if you follow SEO fundamentals. Focus on clarity, speed, and signals Google relies on.
On‑page essentials
- Title tag: one clear, keyword-rich title per page (50–60 chars)
- Meta description: 120–160 chars that describe the page and include a call to action
- Headings: use H1 once, H2/H3 for structure
- URLs: short, descriptive, use hyphens
- Images: compress, descriptive alt attributes, meaningful filenames
Technical SEO & speed
- Enable HTTPS (essential)
- Use a sitemap.xml and submit in Google Search Console
- robots.txt: allow crawling, block sensitive pages
- Minify CSS/JS and use optimized images
- Use CDN (Cloudflare, host CDN) for global speed
Tracking & verification
Set up Google Search Console and Google Analytics (or privacy-first alternatives). Verify your site with a TXT record or meta tag so you can monitor impressions and clicks.
Low‑budget marketing to get your first visitors
A website without traffic doesn't help. These practical tactics are low-cost and scale as you grow.
Shareable content
Create one useful guide, checklist, or gallery related to your services. People share helpful content — that builds visibility and links.
Email outreach
Collect emails (even a simple subscribe CTA that links to a hosted signup) and send a short launch announcement. Use cost‑effective providers for small lists.
Community & social
Post helpful answers in relevant online communities and include your content as a reference — not as spam. Social shares can produce that first wave of visitors.
Earn links the smart way
Local directories, industry roundups, suppliers, and partners can link to your site. Build a short outreach list and ask for a listing or mention.
Paid ads (small test budget)
If you have $50–100, test a narrowly targeted ad to validate demand. Use clear landing pages and measure conversions (calls, leads).
Track where visitors come from and which pages convert. Double down on tactics that bring leads and pause those that don't. Small, consistent improvements compound quickly.
When to move from a free domain to a paid domain
A free domain is a great way to start. Consider upgrading when your site begins to attract real traffic, customers, or when branding matters.
Signals to upgrade
- Consistent monthly traffic or enquiries
- Branding & trust are important for conversion
- You want full control over email and DNS
Simple migration steps
- Buy the domain at a reputable registrar (cost typically $10–20/yr).
- Point DNS to your host or configure CNAME records.
- Verify ownership in Google Search Console and update sitemap.
- Set up branded emails (optional) via provider or forwarding.
Step‑by‑step: Launch a free‑domain site in 60–90 minutes
Step 1 — Pick your path
Choose either a host subdomain (fastest) or a free TLD (brandable but riskier). If in doubt, start with a host subdomain.
Step 2 — Create hosting & repo
Sign up for GitHub, Netlify, or Cloudflare Pages and create a new site. If using a builder, create the free account and pick a template.
Step 3 — Add basic pages & content
- Home with headline, short benefits, and one call‑to‑action
- Services or Products page with clear descriptions
- Contact details and a working method to reach you
Step 4 — SEO & analytics
Set a unique title and meta description for each page. Create and upload sitemap.xml. Add Google Analytics and verify the site in Google Search Console.
Step 5 — Promote & measure
Share your new site with your network, post your core content to social channels, and track visitor behavior. Tweak headlines and hero text based on real visitor actions.
Frequently asked questions
Is a free domain trustworthy for customers?
Will a free domain affect SEO?
How do I add HTTPS?
What if I need email with my custom domain?
Ready to launch your site for free?
Use a host subdomain to get live fast, then upgrade to a paid domain when the site proves its value. Start small, measure, and iterate.
No technical skills required to start — pick a host and follow the checklist above.
