simple free website builder
A practical guide to free website builders — how they work, when to use them, important limitations, and a fast alternative for Australian trades and service businesses.
What is a "simple free website builder"?
A simple free website builder is an online tool that lets you create and publish a basic website without coding. They usually provide drag-and-drop editors, pre-built templates, hosting on a subdomain (yourname.platform.com), and basic SEO controls — often at no upfront cost.
Common features
- Template library and simple editor
- Free hosting on a branded subdomain
- Basic analytics and built-in widgets
- Limited SEO settings and meta tags
Free ≠ Unlimited
The "free" plan often includes restrictions: bandwidth limits, platform branding, no custom domain, and minimal SEO controls. For many hobby sites it's fine — for trades or businesses that rely on local leads, these limits can block growth.
When is a free builder a good choice?
Use a free site builder when speed and cost are the top priorities and you don't need strong local search visibility, a custom domain, or advanced features.
Hobby or Test Project
Quickly create a personal page, event landing page, or proof-of-concept without commitments.
Short-term campaign
Temporary pages or short promos where branded domain and advanced SEO aren't needed.
Learning the ropes
If you're experimenting with content or layout ideas before investing in a professional site.
Key drawbacks to consider
SEO & Local Search
Free plans often restrict essential SEO controls, limit meta and schema support, and block easy Google Business Profile integration — making it hard for local customers to find you.
- Subdomain instead of custom domain
- Slow page speeds due to shared hosting
- Hidden platform branding on your pages
Scalability & Ownership
Free site builders frequently lock features behind paid tiers and make exporting or migrating content difficult — limiting your ability to grow and own your web presence.
- Limited integrations (booking, payments)
- Exporting HTML/CSS may be restricted
- No white-glove support for business-critical needs
How to launch a simple free website — 6 steps
Follow these practical steps to get a free website live quickly, and learn which parts to prioritise for future upgrades.
Choose the right builder
Compare features: subdomain vs custom domain, SEO controls, mobile templates, and export options. Pick a provider with easy upgrade paths.
Select a template
Pick a business-focused template (service pages, contact, testimonials). Avoid overly generic designs that hide your services.
Add clear contact info
Display your phone, service areas, and call-to-action above the fold. For local businesses, consistency in name, address, phone (NAP) is critical for search.
Write concise service pages
Create 3–5 service pages focused on what customers search for. Use simple headings, location phrases, and one clear next step (call or message).
Connect analytics & verify
Add Google Analytics and Google Search Console, and verify ownership. These tools are free and essential even for small sites.
Plan upgrades
If your site generates leads, upgrade to a paid plan with a custom domain, faster hosting and better SEO controls — or consider a managed option that handles upgrades for you.
Want faster results without the typical free-plan limits? Try Congero's 60-second AI demo.
Why trades and local businesses choose Congero over free builders
Free builders are cheap — Congero is purpose-built for trades and service businesses that need real leads, local SEO, and a website that grows with them.
Live in 60 seconds
Congero builds a professional, mobile-responsive site via a quick WhatsApp demo — no setup fee and no developer wait times.
- Instant preview
- Optimised for phones
Unlimited updates
Text changes and see them live — unlimited edits included in the flat $49/month plan. No surprise invoices or hourly rates.
Local SEO & analytics
Meta tags, schema, and local signals are handled automatically. Monthly analytics show which services bring leads.
All-inclusive for $49/month
Domain, hosting, SSL, unlimited updates, and ongoing optimisation — no lock-in. For many businesses this is a smarter investment than a limited free plan.
START FREE DEMOSEO tips to squeeze more value from a free site
Even with a free plan you can improve visibility by following best practices focused on local search and user intent.
Use a clear H1 + service headings
Each page needs one descriptive H1 and short service-focused subheadings with local keywords (e.g., "Melbourne emergency plumber").
Optimize meta tags
Write unique titles (under 60 chars) and descriptions (under 155 chars) for each page that include your main keyword and location.
Add local business schema
If the builder allows, add structured data (BusinessName, address, phone, opening hours) to improve local search listings.
Common problems with free builders — and quick fixes
Your site looks slow
Free hosting often means slower load times — compress images, remove large background videos, and choose lightweight templates.
Can't connect a custom domain
Many free tiers block custom domains — upgrade to a paid plan or use a managed service that includes domain setup.
Limited SEO controls
If meta tags and schema are restricted, supplement with social profiles, Google Business Profile, and directory listings to boost local presence.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about free builders and why many businesses move to managed solutions like Congero.
Not always — free sites are great for testing or hobby projects. For customer-facing businesses that need leads and local search traffic, free plans often fall short due to branding, SEO and feature limits.
Yes, most builders allow upgrades — but migration can be tedious. If you expect growth, consider a provider that offers easy exports or a managed service that handles migration.
For trades and local services, Congero builds a professional, SEO-ready website in under 60 seconds via a simple WhatsApp demo — plus domain, hosting and unlimited updates for a flat monthly fee.
Want a simple site without the free-plan headaches?
Try Congero's 60-second AI demo and see a professional website built for your trade — with domain, hosting and unlimited updates included for a flat monthly fee.
START THE FREE DEMO