Do you want to create a website without spending a dime? Fortunately, several website builders offer a free version. This allows you to create a website without breaking the bank. 

Using a website builder can have many benefits. It’s particularly handy for those on a tight budget. You won't need to hire a professional web designer or developer. Instead, you can design and create your own website even if you have no coding experience. In addition, website builders often offer templates and themes that can make the process even easier and more efficient. So it’s no surprise that 18 million websites were built using website builders. 

In this blog post, we will explore different website builders. We’ll also guide you through the steps of creating your own website for free. Read on to discover how to create a professional website for free.

What is a website builder?

A website builder is an online platform that allows individuals or businesses to create their own website without writing any code. An online website builder comes with pre-designed website templates, free web hosting, and content management systems, making it easier for beginners to build a website.

Benefits of using free website builders

Using a free website builder has several benefits, especially if you are new to website development.

• Saves money: Free website builders allow you to build a website without spending any money on web design and development services.
• Saves time: Website builders come with pre-made templates and drag-and-drop features, making it quicker to create a website than to build it from scratch.
• User-friendly: Website builders are easy to use and don't require any technical expertise or coding knowledge.
• Scalable: Website builders offer free and paid plans that allow you to expand your website as your business grows.

Using Wix, Google Sites, B12, and other website builders for free

There are several free website builders available. Wix, Google Sites, and B12 are some of the most popular website builders that offer free plans. You can also try other website builders like WordPress, Weebly, and Squarespace. All of these website builders offer templates, hosting, and content management systems. 

Choosing a website builder

There are several website builders available for free. But choosing the right one can be overwhelming. 

What to consider when choosing a website builder

Consider your website goals and requirements. Are you looking for a builder with drag-and-drop features? Do you want one that provides advanced customization options? What kind of hosting do you need? Will you be selling products or running a blog?

Popular online website builders

Wix, Google Sites, and B12 are some of the best free website builders. Wix boasts a vast collection of templates. It has an easy-to-use interface and intuitive customization options. Google Sites, on the other hand, is simpler and more suitable for creating intranet sites and team pages. Meanwhile, B12 is catered toward service businesses and comes with tools and solutions for engaging clients. Other popular website builders include WordPress, Weebly, and Squarespace, each with their strengths and weaknesses.

How to compare website builders

Comparing website builders may seem daunting, but it's important to find a builder that can meet your website goals and requirements. Consider factors such as ease of use, customization options, integrations, hosting, and customer support when comparing website builders. Reading reviews and checking out website builder communities can also provide valuable insights into the features and limitations of different website builders.

Signing up and logging in to website builders

Signing up for a website builder is usually straightforward. The process is similar for most platforms. 

Creating a free account

So how do you create an account? First, visit the website of the site builder. Click "Get Started". You’ll need to sign up using your email address and password. You can also sign up using your Google or Facebook account. After signing up, you’ll need to choose the type of website you want to create.

Navigating the user interface

Done signing up for a website builder? It's time to start designing your website. Wix, Google Sites, and B12 have intuitive interfaces that make it easy to customize your site without having to know how to code. Wix has a drag-and-drop editor. This allows you to move website elements around with ease. Google Sites has a slightly different interface that's still fairly easy to use, although it's more basic than Wix's editor. The B12 website editor leverages artificial design intelligence so you can build your site faster than other free website builders. 

Customizing your website design

Customize your site’s design using a website template. Wix has a vast selection of templates to choose from. These range from simple designs to advanced templates for specific industries. Google Sites has fewer templates, but they are still customizable to fit your needs. B12 offers a vast library of themes, colors, and fonts to help you make a professional impression and make an on-brand site. Let’s say you’re done choosing a template. Add your own text, images, and other elements to make your website unique.

Designing your own website

Here are some key steps to consider.

Choosing a template or theme

Most website builders offer a variety of templates or themes to choose from. These templates provide a basic design for your website. You can customize them to fit your needs. Look for a template that matches the goals and style of your website. You can always change or modify the template later on.

Customizing your website design

How do you make your website stand out? By customizing the design as much as possible. This includes changing the colors, fonts, and images used on your website. Most website builders have drag-and-drop interfaces. These make it easy to move elements around and customize the layout. Take your time to experiment with different design options. Try out templates until you find the look that works best for you.

Adding pages and navigation menus

Start adding web pages and navigation menus. Think about the content you want to include on your website. Plan out the structure of your pages. Make sure your navigation menus are easy to use and simple to follow. 

Uploading content

Start uploading content like text, images, and videos to your website. Create high-quality and well-written content. Use images and videos to break up long blocks of text and keep your visitors engaged. Once your content is uploaded, take the time to proofread everything. Then make any necessary changes. This helps you create a website that is both attractive and informative.

Launching and maintaining your website

Done designing your website? Then, it's time to launch it! 

Upgrading to premium plans

Most website builders offer free plans, but they come with certain limitations. Upgrading to a premium plan will give you access to more features and options. All these can help enhance your website. Before upgrading, consider your needs and budget to determine which plan is right for you.

Publishing your website

After designing and upgrading your website, it's time to publish it. Most website builders offer a simple process to connect your custom domain and make your website live online. Before publishing, make sure your design is finalized and all content is optimized for search engines.

Promoting your website online

Simply creating a website isn't enough to attract visitors. To promote your website, you'll need to utilize various digital marketing techniques. For instance, search engine optimization. You can also use email marketing, social media marketing, and more. Promoting your website online can help you reach a wider audience. It can increase your brand's visibility.

Maintaining and updating your website 

Maintaining your website is crucial to ensure it remains current and relevant. You'll need to regularly update content, check for broken links, and optimize for search engines. Additionally, you may need to make design changes or update your website's theme. This is so you can keep up with the latest trends. Regular maintenance will ensure your website remains functional and user-friendly for visitors.

Wrapping up: Choosing the right website builder is crucial

Creating a website is essential in promoting your business or personal brand. And using a website builder can help you get started. But you must choose a website builder that meets your requirements and budget. We recommend trying out a few different website builders. This will help you see which one you prefer.

The benefits of using a website builder are numerous. They’re easy to use, affordable, and flexible. They help you create a website in just a few clicks. Plus, you don’t need to have any prior coding knowledge. Website builders are affordable, and many offer free plans to get you started. Website builders are also flexible. They allow you to change your website design and features based on your needs.

Create a professional site with B12’s free website builder

Creating a website for free is possible with a website builder. It’s a cost-effective way to promote your business or personal brand and allows you to customize your website based on your needs. Remember to choose a website builder that meets your requirements and budget. And don’t be afraid to try out a few different options before making a decision. 

Use B12 to launch a user-friendly site with brand consistency and all of the tools you need to sell and offer professional services. B12 offers a Starter plan so you can create and design your own website for free. You can always upgrade later to access additional tools and services that enable you to scale. Get started launching yours today.