We’ve written in the past about how to get a free website. It’s been nearly three years since we wrote that article, so we figured it’s well and truly time for a re-visit. So, if you need to know how to get a free website in 2025, then this is the blog for you!
If you’re unsure about any of the terms we use, be sure to check out our previous jargon-buster articles. This article is particularly helpful for explaining WordPress terms like plugins and themes, while this one will help explain terms like domains and hosting.
WordPress
We mentioned this last time, and it’s still a valid choice.
There can be a bit of confusion when it comes to WordPress though. That’s because they’ve got two offerings which are very close to each other: wordpress.com and wordpress.org
WordPress.org is the open-source WordPress CMS (Content Management System) that you can download and install on a hosting provider of your choice (we recommend Jolt). With WordPress.org, you’re in full control of your website, but you’ll also need to handle hosting, maintenance, and updates yourself. But, with a bit of technical know-how, you can have a full website for just the cost of your hosting each month.
On the other hand, WordPress.com offers hosted WordPress sites. It’s a simpler, all-in-one option where you can start with a free site (with some limitations) or pay for a plan to unlock advanced features and greater customisation options. If you’re going to pay for something WordPress though, we wouldn’t recommend buying it directly from WordPress.com.
Don’t worry if this has tripped you up before – it’s a common mix-up! Even we have to remind ourselves which is which from time to time, and we work with this stuff every day.
If you’re after a free site – without even paying for web hosting – WordPress.com is the way to go. But it’s not all sunshine and roses; you’ll have banner ads for other people’s stuff popping up on your site, limited functionality and plugins, and you’ll be stuck with a [yoursite.wordpress.com] domain. Unfortunately, you can’t use your own.
If you click here, you’ll head straight to a page where you can create a free account. That said, if you’ve got the technical know-how to set up a WordPress.com site, it might be worth biting the bullet and spending just a couple of quid on your own hosting. That way, you can go with WordPress.org instead – no adverts, no limitations, and complete control.
If you can build your own site in WordPress but aren’t sure how to get WordPress onto your own hosting, drop us a line – we’re happy to help. We’ve set up blank WordPress installations for others in the past, and it’s a great way to get a full website while keeping the costs low.
Google Sites
WordPress not for you? Fair enough. If you’re still looking for how to get a free website in 2025, Google Sites might be worth a look.
We covered Google Sites in our last blog article on this topic, so we won’t go into too much detail – it hasn’t changed much. It’s a solid option if you’re on a tight budget but still want to use your own domain. Plus, the drag-and-drop builder is pretty intuitive.
That said, a word of warning: Google can be very quick to swing the “ban hammer.” It’s not uncommon for websites to be taken down with little to no warning, and appealing can be a nightmare. On top of that, design and customisation options are quite limited, and SEO can be tricky too. So, while there are definitely some pros to using Google Sites, proceed with caution.
Canva
If you’re just starting out with your business, remember that you might not need a five-page website – sometimes, one page is enough. If you can’t come up with five pages of interesting, relevant, and high-quality content, it’s better to stick to a one-pager!
If a single page sounds right for you, the Canva website builder could be a great option. One of the best things about Canva is how accessible it is – they’ve got loads of templates, and it’s designed to be super easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
That said, if you’re planning to stick with the free version, your domain will look something like xyz.my.canva.site. To use your own domain, you’ll either need to buy it through Canva or upgrade to Canva Pro if you’ve already purchased your domain elsewhere.
Canva Pro is worth considering, though – it’s brilliant for much more than just websites. You can use it to create social media graphics, leaflets, business cards, and loads more. So if you do go for the subscription, you’ll get plenty of value out of it.
Need an ecommerce site?
To the best of our knowledge, it’s unfortunately not possible to get an ecommerce site completely free – but you can get one fairly inexpensively.
The most budget-friendly option is Shopify, with its Starter plan at just £5 a month (plus a 5% transaction fee). This gives you a super simple online store with product pages, an online checkout, and even a mobile point-of-sale – perfect if you sell at craft fairs, Christmas markets, or pop-up events. You’ll also need a domain, but Shopify lets you buy one directly if you don’t already have one.
The best part? If your business takes off, upgrading is seamless – you’ll keep all your settings and data when moving to a higher plan. That said, this plan is quite basic; you won’t be able to run a blog or customise the look much. If branding and blogging are important, you’ll need to upgrade.
For a full Shopify site, plans start at £19 a month. Shopify can also serve as a complete POS system, making it a cost-effective choice if you need an ecommerce setup without breaking the bank.
Other options include Wix and Squarespace. Wix lets you build for free, but launching your store will cost at least $29 a month. Squarespace, on the other hand, starts at £17 a month (billed annually) but comes with a 14-day free trial.
So, which one’s the right one?
Well, as before, that’s a bit of an impossible question to give a one-size-fits-all answer to. It really depends on your circumstances and your skill set.
If you’re wondering how to get a free website in 2025 and the thought of building one fills you with dread, then the free Canva option is probably your best bet.
If you’re not completely opposed to the idea of websites but can’t be bothered to start one from scratch, Google Sites could be a solid option.
If you’re confident with tech and consider yourself fairly savvy, we’d absolutely recommend WordPress over Canva or Google Sites. For just the cost of hosting, you can have a fully-fledged website that can scale with you. Just remember to keep on top of the regular maintenance it’ll require – it’s worth it in the long run!