These days, having a website is a must, whether you’re running a business, freelancing, or just want to share your hobby with the world. But let's be honest: building a website can seem pricey and complicated. Without a website, however, you run the risk of missing out on opportunities that it can offer your business. Nearly 30% of business activity happens online. Building your own site lets you meet your customers where they are and increase brand recognition. 

The good news is that there are plenty of affordable website builders out there that don’t skimp on quality or features. In this article, we're going to walk you through some of the cheapest website builders on the market. We’ll break down their pricing plans, highlight their features, and give you a sense of the value they offer. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in and find an affordable solution for your website needs.

What to look for when choosing the best cheap website builder?

When you're on the hunt for a budget-friendly website builder, there are a few key factors you'll want to keep in mind. Here's a quick rundown to help you make the best choice without burning a hole in your wallet.

Cost-effectiveness

First and foremost, you mustn't only look for the cheapest website builder. You want a website builder that offers good value for the price. Look beyond the initial subscription fees and consider any hidden costs. Are there extra charges for things like a custom domain, premium templates, or e-commerce features? Make sure you're getting a comprehensive package that fits your budget.

Ease of use

Nobody wants to spend hours figuring out how to build a website. Look for a builder with a user-friendly interface and intuitive design tools. Drag-and-drop features, pre-made templates, and straightforward customization options can make your life a lot easier. The goal is to get your site up and running quickly, without needing a degree in web design.

Features 

Even when you're saving money, you don't want to skimp on features. Check what each website builder offers in terms of must-haves like SEO tools, mobile responsiveness, and integrations with other platforms (think social media, email marketing, etc.). Depending on your needs, you might also want e-commerce capabilities, blogging tools, or multimedia support.

Customer support

At some point, you’re probably going to need a little help. Whether it's setting up your site or troubleshooting an issue, solid customer support can be a lifesaver. Look for the best cheap website builders that offer multiple support options, like live chat, email, and phone support. Check out user reviews to get a sense of how responsive and helpful their support teams really are.

Scalability

Think about the future. Your website might start small, but as your business or project grows, you'll want a builder that can grow with you. Look for options that offer scalable plans, so you can easily upgrade for more features and bandwidth as needed. This way, you won't have to switch platforms down the line, saving you time and hassle.

Top cheap website builders

Finding the right website builder that won't break the bank is crucial. Here’s a look at some of the top affordable options available, each with its own strengths and unique features.

1. Wix

Pricing plans overview

Wix offers a range of plans from a 14-day free trial to premium plans starting at $17/month for the Light plan. Its Core plan costs $29/month, while the Business plan costs $36/month. For unlimited storage, an advanced marketing suite, and extra features, you can opt for the Business Elite plan for $159/month. 

Key features 

Wix is known for its drag-and-drop builder, extensive template library, and app market. Its design features, image filters and custom fonts, help you create a site that hooks visitors from the start.

Pros

• Easy to use and highly customizable
• Great templates

Cons

• Free trial only for 14 days
• Can get expensive with add-ons

Ideal for

Beginners and small businesses looking for flexibility and creative control

2. GoDaddy

Pricing plans overview

GoDaddy’s plans start from $6.99/month for the Basic plan. The Standard plan costs $10.49/month, while the Premium plan costs $13.99/month. For scalability and automation, you can go for the e-commerce plan, which costs $17.49/month. 

Key features

GoDaddy offers an intuitive builder, SEO tools, and 24/7 customer support. Building your website is convenient with features like backup and restore, calls to action, and members-only pages.

Pros

• User-friendly
• Good customer support

Cons

• Limited design flexibility
• Fewer templates compared to competitors

Ideal for

Individuals and small businesses that prioritize ease of use and quick setup

3. Weebly

Pricing plans overview

Weebly offers a free plan with basic features and paid plans starting at $10/month (Personal plan). The Professional plan costs $12/month, while the Performance plan costs $26/month. 

Key features

Weebly’s strengths lie in its simplicity and solid e-commerce tools. Its website builder includes features such as video backgrounds, image editor, custom coding, and more. 

Pros

• Simple to use
• Good e-commerce options

Cons

• Limited customization on free plan
• Fewer templates

Ideal for

Small businesses and personal websites that need e-commerce capabilities

4. Squarespace

Pricing plans overview

Squarespace plans start at $25/month for personal websites. Business websites cost $36/month, while commerce basic websites cost $40/month. The commerce advanced plan costs $72/month. 

Key features

Squarespace is known for its stunning templates and robust design capabilities. With its website builder, you can build professional websites, portfolios, or online stores. 

Pros

• Beautiful, professional templates
• Strong design tools

Cons

• No free plan
• Can be a bit complex for beginners

Ideal for

Creatives and businesses looking for a professional, polished online presence

5. SITE123

Pricing plans overview

SITE123 offers a free plan and paid plan at $12.80/month. The premium plan gives you access to a free domain for 1 year, 3GB storage and bandwidth, removal of SITE123 branding, and online store tools.

Key features

SITE123 emphasizes ease of use with its straightforward setup process and basic design options. It offers an intuitive website editor, online store tools, free hosting, and SEO tools.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Quick setup

Cons

• Limited customization
• Free plan is quite restricted

Ideal for

Users needing a simple, no-fuss website quickly

6. Hostinger

Pricing plans overview

Hostinger’s website builder plans start at $2.99/month (Premium plan). Its Business plan costs $3.99/month, while its Cloud Startup plan costs $9.99/month. 

Key features

Hostinger offers a powerful builder with e-commerce features, templates, and 24/7 support. It offers around 150 templates, marketing integrations, and mobile editing. 

Pros

• Affordable
• E-commerce tools

Cons

• Fewer templates
• Limited payment options

Ideal for

Those looking for a cost-effective solution with robust e-commerce options

7. WordPress.com

Pricing plans overview

WordPress.com offers a free plan and premium plans starting at $4/month (Starter plan). Its Explorer plan costs $8/month, while its Creator plan costs $25/month. The Entrepreneur plan features built-in premium extensions at $45/month. Its Cloud plan costs $65/month, with features like real-time backups and centralized site management. Its Enterprise plan (starting at $25,000/month) promises high security standards. 

Key features

WordPress.com is highly versatile with numerous plugins and themes. Creating and customizing your site is relatively straightforward. It also comes with SEO and branding tools. 

Pros

• Highly customizable
• Vast plugin ecosystem

Cons

• Learning curve
• Free plan includes ads

Ideal for

Bloggers, small businesses, and anyone looking for extensive customization options

8. Shopify

Pricing plans overview

Shopify’s plans start at $39/month (Basic plan). The Shopify plan costs $105/month, ideal for small teams. The Advanced plan costs $399/month. For complex businesses that need wholesale/B2B tools and unlimited staff accounts, the Plus plan is available for $2,300/month. 

Key features

Shopify is a leader in e-commerce with extensive sales tools, apps, and support. Its website builder gives you the tools you need to sell your products, such as access to POS, marketing tools, product sourcing tools, and more. 

Pros

• Best for e-commerce
• Excellent sales features

Cons

• Higher cost
• Overkill for simple websites

Ideal for

Serious e-commerce businesses needing comprehensive sales tools

9. Jimdo

Pricing plans overview

Jimdo offers a free plan and paid plans starting at $11/month (Start plan). Its Grow plan costs $17/month, which includes SEO tools, statistics, and personalized support. 

Key features

Jimdo focuses on simplicity with its AI-driven builder and basic e-commerce features. It gives you access to copyright-free photos and easy integration with Facebook, Google, and Instagram. 

Pros

• Easy to use
• Quick setup

Cons

• Limited customization
• Fewer features on free plan

Ideal for

Small businesses and individuals looking for an easy and quick setup

Other cost-saving strategies when building a website

Finding a cheap website builder is just the start. Here are some additional strategies to keep your costs low while still creating a fantastic website.

Utilize free trials and free plans

Most website builders offer free trials or even free plans to get you started. Take advantage of these options to test out the platform before committing to a paid plan. This way, you can see if it meets your needs without spending any money upfront. Just be mindful of the limitations that often come with free plans, such as ads or limited storage.

Explore discounts and promotional offers

Website builders may run promotions, especially around holidays or during special sales events like Black Friday. Keep an eye out for these discounts, as they can significantly reduce your costs. Signing up for newsletters or following your preferred website builder on social media can help you stay informed about upcoming deals.

Leverage community resources and forums

There’s a wealth of knowledge available for free online. Join forums, read blogs, and watch tutorials to learn tips and tricks from other users. Many website builders have active communities where you can ask questions and get advice. Leveraging these resources can save you money on professional help and give you new ideas for enhancing your site.

Avoid unnecessary add-ons

Not all add-ons are necessary, especially when you’re just starting. Focus on the core functionalities you need and avoid spending extra on features that don’t add significant value to your site. You can always upgrade later as your website grows and your needs change.

Invest in your website to build professional credibility 

Choosing the right website builder can make all the difference when you're trying to establish your online presence on a budget. But while it's essential to find a cost-effective solution, your website is an investment in your business's growth and your brand's first impression online. Skimping on quality here can end up costing you more in the long run.

Investing in a good website builder means you're setting yourself up for success from the start. If you're looking for a blend of affordability and quality, consider using B12’s website builder. B12 leverages AI to offer top-notch web design and maintenance, ensuring you get a beautiful, functional website that suits your budget requirements.

By choosing a cost-effective yet reliable website builder like B12, you're not just saving money; you're investing in the future growth and success of your business. Sign up now to get your website draft and start making a positive impression online.