I will be discussing my recommendations for the best free website builders to assist you in crafting an online professional image. Whether you are creating an online portfolio or starting a small business, you only have once to make an online impression of yourself with a well planned website.
You could always hire someone to design your website, integrate your social media, provide internet security and IT support. On the other hand, this could be pretty expensive for someone with minimal assets and capital. However, you don’t want potential clients and employers dismissing you based on the look and layout of your website.
Before choosing a website platform, you must first decide whether it will be updated frequently or whether your web content will primarily remain the same. Blog style platforms are great for content that needs to be updated frequently. Static website platforms are primarily for individuals who need their content updated only every few months.
The Top 5 best free website platforms that I recommend are as follows:
Weebly
Weebly’s platform uses a drop and drag type website builder which is very easy to use. It will give you a professional looking website with a wide selection of templates in its free version. For someone with no technical skills, I highly recommend weebly as the best option for the beginner. Advanced features are offered for your weebly site with an upgraded plan.
Wix
Wix is a great option for someone who needs to display a lot of multi-media such as videos and photos. Wix has recently upgraded it’s technology to HTML5 which now displays on Apple products. Wix also uses a drop and drag website builder platform. The look and feel is geared towards achieving a rich multi-media website.
WordPress.com or WordPress.org
WordPress is the ultimate marriage between static content and frequent updates because it has the ability to do both. WordPress is a free open source platform that will allow you to create with very few limits for a small business owner. WordPress.com is hosted on a wordpress server, and WordPress.org is hosted on a hosting service that you pay for. WordPress is also optimized for mobile site visitors, and it even includes a handy mobile app for on the go posting.
Google Sites
Google sites is the ultimate choice for static websites which includes free hosting courtesy of google. Their sites are fully integratable with a suite of free google products such as google drive, google calendar, gmail, youtube, adsense, and more. Google Sites come with an array of templates that can be modified through widgets for the beginner, but it also give the ability to inject html code and java scripts for the more advanced user. The skill of the user will affect the achievable look and feel of a google site.
Google sites are optimized for mobile site visitors, and it is free to use. Google also offers the ability to purchase your own domain name using Google Apps at a cost ranging between 8 to 12 dollars with privacy options included. For what comes with the purchase of a domain name using Google Apps, I have not found anything better. Google Apps needs a stand alone post by itself which is possible in the near future. Resources will be given below to learn more on these products.
Blogger
Blogger is a Google product that uses a blog style platform. It will provide another alternative for sites needing frequent updates. Blogger has been making strides to improve customization for its users. Most importantly, it is fully integratable with a suite of free Google products, and it’s free to use. However, this option would make a great personal website and your business type would determine whether Blogger is a good fit for you.
Hello there, why dont you come and try out http://site.pro/ Website Builder too?
It is free and simple to use even for beginners, no registration needed, does not require any special knowledge as well. Really worth a try. 🙂
Boombox (http://www.boomboxhq.com) is a new sitebuilder/CMS that allows you build mobile-compatible sites using a drag & drop editor. Free plans include 100M storage, and will work with a custom domain name. Paid plans with more storage are available.
ilike
Thanks Deona for sharing the article! I would also suggest Puzl.com- a very user friendly and SEO optmized builder.
I think all website builders are a great alternative to assembling your website piece by piece (purchasing hosting, domain name, installing CMS). And that in fact, there is no ‘bad’ website builders – you just need to find the one that will cater your personal/business needs impeccably. Given the number of existing site constructors it won’t be difficult 🙂
nice post! i found also imcreator. you didn’t mention this website builder but from my experience
it’s a great website. very easy to design, many templates and the drag&drop system is very friendly.
great post! thanks
WordPress self-hosted is definitely the way to go if you are trying to make a name for yourself on the web. Personally, I think its the best platform out there, and I have built a lot of websites. WordPress is my favorite.
you are very welcome
Glad it could be of assistance to you. There may be other articles that can help you with your website and social media in the technology section. You may want to check out the social media for social good series.
Weebly is one of the best one out there for easy to use drop and drag.
thankyou for sharing! I LOVE Weebly so easy to use:)))
I like WP, its very easy and SEO friendly..
Perfect timing!! Am looking for a website builder!! Am going to give Weebly a go!! thanks for the great advice!
Awesome. I’m about to sort mine out to make my life easier. Now I can make an informed decision.
I have always used WordPress but it’s great to see some alternatives.
I use blogger and fine it really useful and easy to use – thanks for the free list!
Awesome list of free website builders, they are just so many this days
I agree….I think wordpress (self-hosted) is the best platform, but it may not be the best option for the technologically and financially challenged.
Thanks for the information.
Hi Deona, nice post! Personally, I prefer the wordpress platform, but I know many other offline professionals that have used Weebly. Both seem like good ways to get your content out there.
Thanks for the info 🙂
The bulk of these platforms provide options for individuals who may need a drop and drag format to develop their website. WordPress is really in different class than the others.
Nice list of website platforms. I have tried blogger and wordpress, I am partial to wordpress. I image there is value in the other platforms, but I do have the time to figure them out. thanks
Thanks. Please keep me inform.
Stayed tuned….I have started a new series on social media. Coming up next week is a piece comparing blogger vs wordpress.
I myself is a blogger for more then 5 years now and I am very excited to say that there are a lot of free websites available now a days that we could utilize. I also come across a list of sites at http://www.anblik.com/list-of-top-10-best-website-builder-to-create-your-own-free-website/ but this list of website builders are also quite good and informative.
Thanks for this one buddy, I might sort these out and choose another site to start on with my new blog.