web design for free
Build a simple, SEO-friendly website without spending a dollar — plus growth strategies and when to consider a pro upgrade.
This guide walks you through creating a free website step-by-step, covers essential SEO practices so people actually find you, and outlines growth tactics that turn traffic into customers. If you want a faster option or expert help later, we include clear upgrade paths and CTAs.
Why Build a Basic Website for Free?
A free website is perfect for testing an idea, creating a digital business card, or getting online fast when cash is tight. You can validate demand, collect enquiries, and start learning SEO before investing in a paid, managed solution.
Use cases
- Local trades testing a new service area
- Freelancers showcasing a portfolio
- Side projects and small events
Best Free Platforms & How to Launch (30–90 minutes)
Pick a platform below based on your needs — brochure site, simple portfolio, or single-page business page. Each option includes quick steps so you can launch today.
Great for quick contact pages or team sites. Easy to edit and integrates with Google Workspace.
- Create a Google account (or use existing).
- Open sites.google.com → New site → choose template.
- Add sections: About, Services, Contact. Use clear CTAs (phone/email).
- Publish (you can use the sites.google.com address for free).
Ideal for single-page landing pages and simple portfolios — very fast to design.
- Go to carrd.co, pick a free template.
- Edit text, swap images, add a contact link or button.
- Publish to a carrd.co subdomain for free.
Good if you plan to blog and grow content-based SEO. Slight learning curve but powerful over time.
- Create an account at wordpress.com → start with a free theme.
- Add core pages: Home, Services, Contact, Blog.
- Write 1–3 cornerstone posts and publish.
Best for developers or those comfortable with a little code. Zero hosting cost and fast performance.
- Create a GitHub repo with an index.html or use a static site generator.
- Connect repo to GitHub Pages or Netlify and deploy.
- Use a free SSL and fast CDN from the platform.
Site Structure & Content That Works
A clear structure helps users and search engines. For most small businesses, a simple 4–6 page site is perfect.
Essential Pages
- Home: Who you are, main service, primary CTA (call or contact).
- Services: Short pages per service with pricing or starting costs.
- About: Trust signals — experience, licences, short team bio.
- Contact: Phone, email, business hours, and a map (if local).
- Blog/Resources (optional): 3–6 helpful articles to start SEO traction.
Content Guidelines
- Write for humans: lead with benefit + local relevance (e.g., "Melbourne same-day plumber").
- Use short paragraphs, subheads (H2/H3), and bullet lists for scannability.
- Include 1–2 photos of your work or team — add descriptive alt text.
- Add clear calls-to-action above the fold (call button, booking link).
SEO Essentials for Free Websites
Follow these practical, no-cost SEO steps to give your free site a fighting chance in search results.
On-Page SEO Checklist
- Title Tags: Unique, include main keyword and location — 50–60 characters.
- Meta Descriptions: 120–160 characters that describe the page and include a CTA.
- Headings: Use a single H1 per page, then H2/H3 for structure.
- URL Structure: Keep URLs short and readable (example.com/service-name).
- Alt Text: Describe images with keywords naturally (e.g., "backyard landscaping in Brunswick").
- Internal Links: Link services to related blog posts and contact page.
Technical & Local SEO
- Mobile-first: Test your site on phone — buttons must be easy to tap.
- Speed: Compress images and remove heavy embeds; target under 3s load.
- Schema: Add simple business schema (name, address, phone) if your platform supports custom HTML.
- Google Business Profile: Claim and complete your profile — critical for local visibility.
- Sitemap & Robots: If available, submit sitemap to Google Search Console.
Growth Strategies: Turn Visitors into Customers
After launch, focus on measuring, improving, and promoting. Growth is a combination of content, conversion, and outreach.
Measure
- Install analytics (Google Analytics or a privacy-friendly alternative).
- Track top pages, bounce rates, and contact form submissions.
- Set a simple KPI: enquiries per week.
Content & SEO
- Publish helpful local content (how-to, cost guides, before/after galleries).
- Answer real customer questions — these drive long-tail traffic.
- Update and repurpose: a blog post can become social posts, emails, and FAQs.
Promote & Convert
- Collect reviews on Google — reviews boost local rankings and trust.
- Share work on social with links back to relevant service pages.
- Use simple paid ads for high-intent keywords (e.g., "emergency electrician near me") and link to a focused landing page.
When to Upgrade to a Professional Website
Free sites are excellent for starting out, but there are clear signals it’s time to upgrade to a paid or professionally-managed website:
- You're getting steady enquiries: If demand is growing, a professional site increases conversions and brand trust.
- You need advanced SEO: Custom meta control, structured data, and faster hosting can significantly improve rankings.
- Updating is painful: If adding or changing content takes too long, a managed service saves time and money.
- Brand & trust: Custom domain (without platform branding), professional design, and SSL by default create credibility.
Professional upgrade — key benefits: faster launch times, monthly analytics, unlimited updates, local SEO optimisation, domain & hosting handled, and expert support. If you'd prefer an expert to handle this, consider a managed monthly plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rank with a free website?
Which free platform is best for local businesses?
Do free sites have SEO limitations?
How long before I see results?
Ready to Launch or Scale?
Start with a free site to validate demand, then upgrade when you need performance, advanced SEO or professional support. Managed monthly services bundle hosting, domain, SSL, analytics and unlimited updates so you can focus on your business.
Prefer an expert? Request a demo and get a tailored plan — fast launch, local SEO, and monthly analytics. No obligation, no technical setup required.
