websites builders for free
How small businesses can launch, optimise and grow with free website builders — plus simple SEO steps that actually move the needle
You don't need a big budget to start getting found online. This guide walks you through choosing a free builder, avoiding the common traps (ads, subdomains, weak SEO), and applying clear, repeatable SEO work to grow traffic and enquiries.
Choose the right free website builder
Free plans are perfect for testing ideas and launching quickly, but they differ in features that matter for SEO and credibility. Use this checklist when comparing options:
- Can you edit page titles and meta descriptions?
- Does the free plan allow custom URLs or only a subdomain?
- Are pages indexable (not blocked by noindex)?
- Can you add analytics (GA4) and verify Search Console?
- Does the site include forced ads/banner or platform branding?
| Platform | Free plan highlights | SEO friendliness | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix (free) | Drag & drop, branded footer, subdomain | Good editor, can edit meta tags, but ads may reduce trust | Local service pages, portfolios |
| WordPress.com (free) | Simple blog/CMS, subdomain, limited plugins | Solid content structure; limited plugin SEO without paid plan | Content-heavy sites, small blogs |
| Google Sites | Completely free, very simple, no ads | Minimal SEO controls; good for contact pages and microsites | Tiny brochure sites, internal pages |
| Weebly (free) | Easy builder, branded footer, subdomain | Basic SEO settings available | Small shops, simple service pages |
| Carrd (free) | One-page sites, extremely low friction | Good for single landing pages; limited multi-page SEO | Promotional landing pages, single-offer sites |
| Recommended if you need more | Paid subscription services (e.g., Congero) | Professional SEO, hosting, domain, unlimited updates included | Busy businesses who want results, no time for DIY |
Quick decision rule
If you need multiple pages, control over meta tags and analytics, and the option to remove branding in future, pick a platform that lets you upgrade to a paid plan without rebuilding. If you only need a single landing page to capture leads fast, Carrd or a single-page Wix/Weebly site is perfect.
SEO basics for free website builders (5 steps)
These five tasks give the biggest ranking lift for the least effort — do them first.
1. Optimize page titles & meta descriptions
Every page needs a unique title (50–60 chars) and meta description (120–155 chars). Use this formula for service pages:
Meta example: Need a local plumber for blocked drains? Fast same-day service in Brisbane. Call 0412 345 678.
2. Use headings & clear structure
Use one H1 (page title), then H2s for main sections and H3s for subpoints. On free builders make sure the editor lets you control the heading levels — don't rely on font size only.
3. Compress images & add descriptive alt text
Large images slow pages. Export images at the size they'll display, use .jpg/.webp, and add alt text that describes the image and includes a keyword naturally (e.g., plumber fixing drain in Brisbane).
4. Set friendly URLs & internal links
Use short slugs (example.com/plumber-brisbane). Link related pages together (services → service details → contact). This helps crawlers and users navigate.
5. Add analytics & submit sitemap
Install Google Analytics (GA4) and add your site to Google Search Console. If your builder doesn't auto-generate a sitemap, many builders still expose /sitemap.xml — check and submit it to Search Console.
Quick start: launch in a weekend (step-by-step)
- Pick the simplest builder that gives meta tag control. (Wix, WordPress.com, Carrd, Weebly)
- Create one strong homepage and 3 service pages. Keep content concise: headline, 3 benefits, prices or starting price, contact details, and a clear call to action.
- Choose a short domain (buy if possible). Free plans force a subdomain (yourname.platform.com). If you can spare $10–20/yr, buy a custom domain and connect it — it builds trust and helps SEO.
- Fill meta titles & descriptions for each page. Use the templates from the SEO section above.
- Add contact options visible in the header/footer. Phone number, email, and a contact page (forms work on most free plans).
- Install GA4 and verify Search Console. Check impressions and clicks after 7–14 days and tweak pages with low CTR.
- Publish and share the site on Google Business Profile and social channels. This gives early traffic and signals to Google that your business is real.
Weekend timeline (example)
Sunday: Add 2 service pages, set meta tags, add images, connect GA4 and Search Console, and share your site on Google Business Profile.
Content that converts (simple and repeatable)
Small businesses win by being specific. Use pages that match what customers search for.
Template for a service page
- H1: [Service] in [Suburb/City] (e.g., Plumber in Melbourne)
- Intro (30–50 words): What you do, quick trust signal (years or licenses), and one CTA.
- 3 Benefits/Why choose us: bullet points with icons.
- How it works: 3 simple steps
- Pricing or starting price: helps filter leads
- FAQ / common questions: 3–5 short Q&As
- CTA: Phone and contact form repeated at the bottom
Content tips
- Write for customers, not search engines — solve a problem in plain language.
- Use local keywords (suburb, city) where relevant.
- Update content monthly with specials or recent jobs — fresh content helps ranking.
Local SEO: get in front of nearby customers
Local searches (like "electrician near me") are high intent. Do these 6 things:
- Claim Google Business Profile: Add photos, hours, service areas, and a booking link.
- Use consistent NAP: Name, Address, Phone must be identical across your site and listings.
- Create a "Service Area" page: List suburbs with short paragraphs (helps long-tail local searches).
- Add embedded Google Map: Boosts trust and helps users find you.
- Collect reviews: Ask satisfied customers for Google reviews and respond to them.
- Local schema markup: If your builder allows custom code, add LocalBusiness schema (name, address, phone, openingHours).
Small checklist you can finish today
- Verify your Google Business Profile
- Add service-area content on your site
- Ask 3 recent customers for Google reviews
- Ensure phone number is click-to-call on mobile
Grow your online presence on a budget
Low-cost strategies that work
- Local citations: add your business to relevant directories (Yellow Pages, TrueLocal) — keep NAP identical.
- Weekly micro-updates: publish one short post or job update per week to keep content fresh.
- Partnership links: swap mentions with local suppliers and complementary businesses (not low-quality directories).
- Small paid ads: $5–10/day on Google Local or Facebook for 2 weeks can validate demand for a service.
Measure what matters
Track impressions, clicks, top queries and pages in Search Console. In GA4 track sessions, phone clicks, contact form submissions, and goal conversions. Focus on pages that generate calls — those are your priorities for optimization.
Limitations of free builders — and when to upgrade
Common limitations
- Platform branding or ads that reduce conversions
- Subdomain URLs (yourname.provider.com) hurt trust and local ranking
- Limited access to structured data, advanced SEO plugins or server-level redirects
- Hard to scale to many pages or ecommerce features
When to upgrade to paid or professional service
- Your site must handle transactions or bookings reliably
- You want a custom domain, no branding, and better speed
- You need advanced SEO features, schema, or unlimited updates handled for you
- You prefer not to spend your time maintaining the site — and want professionals to do it
If any of the above sound familiar, a subscription service like Congero (professional sites starting at $49/month with unlimited updates and local SEO) can save time and increase enquiries.
Practical examples & mini case studies
Local plumber — launched on free plan + paid domain
Result: Published 4 service pages with local keywords, connected a $12/yr domain, claimed Google Business Profile. Within 6 weeks saw a 28% increase in calls from organic search.
Freelance photographer — single Carrd landing page
Result: One-page portfolio optimized for "wedding photographer [city]". Used optimized image alt text and fast-loading compressed images. Bookings increased by 18% after adding structured pricing and an embedded booking link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are free website builders bad for SEO?
Do I need to buy a domain right away?
How long until I see traffic?
When should I switch to a paid plan or pro service?
Start smart: free today, scale when ready
Free builders are a great way to test the market. Follow the SEO checklist above and keep improving content. If you want a faster path to results, Congero builds professional, local-SEO-optimised websites with domain, hosting and unlimited updates for a flat monthly fee — no lock-in contracts.
Pro tip: If you start free, track performance with GA4 and Search Console from day one — that data will tell you exactly which pages to keep improving.
