Websites for Free
Free websites for personal and business purposes are accessible to everyone thanks to many so-called box solutions (Webnode, Wix, Weebly) or open source platforms such as WordPress.
The reason why people reach for box solutions in the first place is the possibility to create websites quickly and easily. The WordPress platform (and similar) requires at least moderately advanced technical knowledge. Furthermore, setting up the entire WordPress website can take up several hours.
Another advantage of box solutions is the option to create a website on third-level domain. In this case, your website is completely for free. A website on a third-level domain has a URL address i.g. www.mynewwebsite.webnode.com. The costs of running the website via WordPress will minimally include a domain and web hosting for a year, which can cost around 30 USD per year.
Own domain (www.mynewwebsite.com) is a matter of course for websites created via box solution but conditional to own domain purchase and often to purchase of premium services package as well.
In this article, we will have a look at creating a free website using a box solution from Webnode. We chose Webnode primarily due to its editor which is simple, intuitive and fast. Another benefit is the possibility to create an infinite number of websites for free. All this is managable in 6 steps only.
Let’s start!
TIP: You can read more about benefits and user experience as well as overview of premium plans in our Webnode review.
Free Websites – Templates
The standard feature of every box solution is library of templates. In other words, pre-made websites that can be further edited and customized per your preferences. Webnode offers more than 150+ templates. Additionally to the standard website templates you will find the ones for a blog or e-shop as well.
You can create and test an e-shop at Webnode for free, however, the online store will not be functional and some advanced features will be locked. You can have a functional Webnode e-shop from 10-13 USD/month. Websites and blogs can be set up and run at Webnode completely free of charge.
All templates from Webnode are responsive, i.e. they adapt to the device (mobile phone, tablet, computer), modern and design.
You edit the templates using the Drag and Drop and Click and Overwrite logic. The website administration and the editor itself are in English, which will speed up the entire process of creating your website. Editor works not only on a computer, but also on a mobile phone or tablet, which is one of the great advantages of this box solution.
Who are Free Websites Suitable for?
Nothing is for free. That is why it is very important to understand that all box solutions that offer free website creation have a certain limitations. It is often an advertisement directly on your website which cannot be removed. The maximum limit for the size of the website in its free version. Many box solutions do not allow to connect your own domain to website without a purchase of premium services plan. Integration with external services such as Google Ads or Google Analytics, etc. is blocked. The free website created via some box solutions cannot contain HTML codes. It is via an HTML code that you can i.g. add a map with the custom pins. These are just a few things that may surprise you but it’s definitely good to know about them before you start.
Who are free websites suitable for? Free websites are primarily targeted for personal use. Small and medium-sized entrepreneurs usually decide to buy at least own domain and LIMITED premium services plan which help with SEO.
Personal use can include: a personal blog, a fashion blog, a travel blog, a website for a kennel or a wedding website.
Websites for Free & Own Domain
Free website with own domain is not realistic. The minimum costs for such a website is a domain and webhosting which are usually paid yearly and cost around 30 USD.
However, most of the box solutions do not allow the use of your own domain without buying one of the premium services plans they offer. One of the plans offered by Webnode is the LIMITED premium services plan. This plan does not offer any extensive functions but allows you to connect Webnode website with your own domain. The LIMITED plan costs around 4-5 USD per month.
TIP: How to assign your own domain to a website in Webnode? Read in our article How to connect own domain or subdomain with Webnode? Set DNS records easily.
Free Websites – 5 Proven Tips to Get Started
It is recommended to spend some time to the preparation before you start with the creation of the website. Webnode editor (or other box solutions) might be the easiest to use and the fastest on the market, but it won´t conjure up a website from nothing.
What should you have ready before you start creating a free website?
1. Decide on a website name
The name of the website is very important even if you do not buy your own domain but stay with third-level domain name instead (www.mynewwebsite.webnode.com). The title should be short and concise. It should not contain numbers and unnecessary characters. A lot of people get stuck at the very first step of creating a website which is the name. Allow yourself enough time and come up with a name that will describe you the best.
2. Think about the structure of the website
The structure of the entire website is a very important aspect which influence the amount of time spent on creating the website. You want a one-page website, so-called business card website, or will you create a multi-page website? You should definitely have the answer to this question at the very beginning.
3. Brainstorm the keywords
Keywords are the words for which you want your website to show up in search results for a relevant audience. So, if you plan to create a blog about traveling in Europe, your keywords will be: travel blog, traveling in Europe, cheap travel, Europe by car, traveling in Western Europe, etc. It is recommended to use keywords in headings and subheadings on the page, as naming of subpages or sections, as a description for images (so-called ALT text) and in texts on the entire website. It is keywords that form the basis of any proper SEO.
4. Write down all subpages/sections
The basic subpages (or sections in the case of a one-page website) may differ based on the focus of your website. Usually it is Home, Contact, About us/About me, Blog, Photogallery, Portfolio… Which subpages should not be missing on your website? Write them all down before creating the website.
5. Prepare your own content
Gather all relevant images and photos that you want to use on your website in one folder and check their size. Find images that you don’t have on one of the platforms that offer “free” images. Write the text for the subpage/section Introduction or About us/About me. Write at least a few articles before you start your own blog. Don’t forget that content is what sets you apart from others. Even a free website with a third-level domain name which has relevant and high-quality content can become successful.
TIP: Webnode recently launched the possibility of creating a website using artificial intelligence. This can to help with certain aspects of creating a website. You can read more in our article How to create a website in Webnode using the AI?
How to Create a Website for Free in 6 Steps?
1. Register/Sign up
Open https://www.webnode.com and click Create a Website.
Enter the name of your website and login details (e-mail and password). Confirm with the Register and Create button.
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- If you have an account = the system logs you in and you continue creating the website
- If you do not have an account = the system registers you and you continue creating the website
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2. Select the type of website
Choose the type of website you will create. You have three options to choose from: Website, Online store, Blog.
3. Choose the creation method
From 2023, Webnode allows its users to use the help of artificial intelligence when creating websites. You can read more about AI in our article How to create a website in Webnode using the AI?. For the purposes of this article, we have selected the option Select a template.
4. Choose a template
Choose one of the available templates that Webnode offers. Pay attention to things like the position and layout of the menu or font. Each template offers a Preview to help you choose.
For better orientation in the templates, you can use the categories that Webnode has prepared.
If you have made up your mind, confirm your choice by clicking on Choose.
5. Add content and edit
Congratulations. You created your own free website. It is currently full of predefined texts and images that need to be edited. Add new subpages, your own images, texts or photo gallery.
Editing works on the basis of two principles. The first is Drag&Drop. You can grab an element on the page and move it to any place that the editor allows.
The second principle is Click&Rewrite. You can change all texts simply by clicking on the given element and rewriting the text.
6. Publish
Publish your website by clicking Publish in the upper right corner and you’re done!
A Few Words at the End
Free websites are available to everyone thanks to many box solutions on the market. Do not hesitate and start creating your new website now with one of the strong players – Webnode.
Your website is just a few clicks away. Get started with the first click right here!
Websites for Free – FAQ
How many free websites/projects can I create in Webnode?
Webnode enables the creation of an infinite number of websites/projects already in its Free version.
Do I have to enter a credit card number when creating a Webnode website for free?
No. Webnode does not require a credit card number for websites created in the Free version.
I created a website in Webnode but I don’t like the template. Is it possible to change the template automatically?
No – the template cannot be changed after the website is created in Webnode 2.0 editor. If you wish to change the template for your site you will need to create a new project. You can then choose the template that suits you best.
Does Webnode have its own image library?
Yes. Webnode has its own library of images and icons from which you can draw without limitation.
Is it possible to move an existing domain to a website in Webnode?
Yes. More info can be found in article How to connect own domain or subdomain with Webnode? Set DNS records easily.
Is it possible to create an e-shop for free?
Yes. Webnode allows you to create and test your own online store for free. However, it will not be possible to operate the e-shop without purchasing the premium services plan (customer delivery data is hidden). Some advanced functions work only after the purchase.
Is it possible to connect a website in Webnode to social networks such as Instagram or Facebook?
Yes. WWebnode websites can be linked to social networks or display their content on the web. You can read more in the articles: How to link social media with a website in Webnode?, How to link your Instagram with website in Webnode?, How do I easily link my Facebook to my website in Webnode?
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