If you’re looking to start a small business website without spending money upfront, free website builders could be a perfect fit for you.
While they come with some downsides—like displaying ads and using their domain names—they’re great for testing the waters before committing to a paid service. If you’re eager for a quick answer, we found Wix to be the best option. It has over 900 templates you can customize and some solid free features.
We specifically checked out these builders with small business owners in mind in the UK. GoDaddy impressed us with how quickly you can set things up using AI tools, while Square Online shines with its free e-commerce capabilities. Our hands-on tests will help you choose the right platform for your growth in 2025.
Why use a website builder?
For most small businesses, having a website is an important part in building credibility and reaching a wider customer base. It helps your business move across geographical limitations and lets your business operate around the clock, providing information and services to customers even when physical operations are closed.
However, building a website can seem daunting and you might have read horror stories of the high cost of creating a business website, which would be hard to justify when resources are limited as you’re starting up.
This is where a free website builder can help. These are online tools that let you create a professional website but without the hefty price tag.
Free website builders
Free website builders let you create a great-looking website using pre-designed templates and all without needing to know specialist technology skills. These website builders are designed to be user-friendly, with drag-and-drop functionality and pre-designed templates, buttons and other elements that make website creation accessible to anyone, regardless of technical expertise. These builders often come with a range of features, including shopping carts, ability to accept credit card payments, customizable design options, mobile responsiveness, and integrated SEO tools.
The main appeal of free website builders is that they’re free! Yes, it’ll take up your time, but they’re simple to and offer a way to craft a professional-looking website without the cost.
While ‘free’ is an attractive proposition, it’s important to understand the limitations and trade-offs that may come with these tools. Typically, free plans may include the platform’s branding, have limitations on the number of visitors or size of images you can use, and might offer fewer features than paid plans. Nevertheless, for many small businesses starting out, these trade-offs are an acceptable compromise in exchange for the ability to establish an online presence.
Using a website builder
Website builders simplify the process of creating a website and let you focus your money on running your business. With the right website builder, your business can design a site that not only looks the part but also delivers great functionality, thereby enhancing user experience and bringing in new customers.
Typically, these tools include features to help with your digital strategy including Search Engine Optimization (SEO) features, social media integration, and analytics to track performance and refine your online approach.
Best free website builders for your small business
When it comes to selecting a free website builder for a small business, the options can seem overwhelming. Each platform offers a unique set of features and benefits tailored to different business needs. To help narrow down the choices, I have curated a list of the six best free website builders that have proven to be reliable and effective for small businesses.
- Wix
- GoDaddy
- Square
- Pagecloud
- Webflow
- Webador
Plus we’ve covered a few extra platforms that are well worth mentioning:
- Weebly
- WordPress
- SITE123
- Strikingly
- Jimdo
These platforms are known for their ease of use, range of templates, and the ability to create a professional-looking website without incurring costs. They each serve as a robust starting point for small businesses looking to establish an online presence and begin their journey towards digital success.
What to look for in a website builder
When evaluating free website builders, you need to look out for a few features that will really ensure you have the right tool for your requirements:
- Customization: The ability to tailor your website to reflect your brand’s identity is vital. A good website builder should offer a wide array of templates and customization options.
- Mobile Responsiveness: With an increasing number of users accessing websites from mobile devices, ensuring your site is mobile-friendly is non-negotiable.
- SEO Tools: To improve your website’s visibility in search engine results, SEO tools are essential. A website builder with built-in SEO features can give you a head start.
- E-commerce Capabilities: If you plan to sell products or services online, e-commerce functionality is a feature you’ll need.
- Customer Support: Access to reliable customer support can be a lifesaver, especially when you’re new to website building.
These are just a few of the features that can have a significant impact on the performance and success of your website. It’s important to prioritize these aspects according to your specific business needs when choosing a website builder.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the six best free website builders for small businesses, assessing their strengths, limitations, and suitability for different business needs.
Wix
Find out more at: Wix.com
Image source: wix.com
Small business owners praise Wix for its exceptional blend of power and simplicity. The platform shines with over 900 customisable templates and business-ready features that put professional website creation within reach.
Wix is widely recognized for its intuitive interface and extensive range of templates. The drag-and-drop feature allows for easy customization, making it simple to create a unique website. Wix’s free plan offers plenty of features, including SEO tools and mobile responsiveness. However, it does place Wix branding on your site and offers limited bandwidth and storage plus you won’t have access to premium features like a custom domain name or e-commerce capabilities.
Key Features and Capabilities
Security stands at the forefront with Wix’s protected hosting and automatic backup system. The platform packs essential business tools – from appointment scheduling to event management and online store features. Website customisation feels natural with the drag-and-drop editor, giving you complete control over your site’s appearance.
AI Website Building Tools
Wix’s smart AI assistant sets new standards in website creation. The AI chatbot learns about your business goals, audience, and unique value through friendly conversation, crafting a website that matches your vision. Smart features include:
- Smart content writing for products and blogs
- Professional image editing tools
- SEO-friendly meta tag suggestions
- Design sections that match your site’s look
Free Plan Limitations
The free package comes with specific boundaries. Your site receives 500MB storage space and 1GB bandwidth. You’ll see Wix branding on your pages and use their subdomain format (username.wixsite.com/siteaddress). Still, you get full access to the drag-and-drop tools, template collection, and basic support services.
Mobile Optimisation Options
Mobile users make up 60% of internet traffic today, making phone-friendly designs crucial. Wix handles this automatically, while offering extra mobile editing tools:
- Complete layout control for mobile views
- Custom menu creation
- Separate background controls
- Engaging mobile animations
Small Business Marketing Features
Marketing tools sit right at your fingertips within the main dashboard. The platform delivers email campaigns, search engine tools, and a full customer management system. Built-in tracking shows clear data about website performance and sales. UK businesses benefit from local payment options and targeted marketing features to reach British customers effectively.
Read our full article on the Wix website builder
GoDaddy
Find out more at: GoDaddy.com
Image Source: GoDaddy
GoDaddy provides one of the quickest ways to build a site with its AI Website Builder, so if you’re a time-starved business owner, this is your perfect match. GoDaddy’s AI-powered website builder turns the daunting task of website creation into a swift, straightforward process.
Quick Setup Process
Questions about your business kick-start the journey. GoDaddy Airo™ takes your answers and crafts a tailored website that speaks your brand’s language. Most business owners walk away with a complete website in minutes, not hours. The process unfolds naturally:
- Pick your business-specific template
- Fill in your company details
- Fine-tune your design
- Get started with marketing tools
AI-Powered Design Features
GoDaddy Airo™ brings fresh thinking to website creation. Each business receives its own unique template – your site won’t look like anyone else’s. The smart toolkit includes:
- Website content that matches your voice
- Ready-to-use social media posts
- Professional email templates
- Smart SEO recommendations
Business Management Tools
Your business command centre sits right in the dashboard. Daily tasks become simpler with tools to handle:
- Marketing performance tracking
- Social media content planning
- Customer communications
- Booking management
Plus, GoDaddy Studio helps create eye-catching branded materials, keeping your business image consistent everywhere.
Free Plan Restrictions
Start without spending a penny – no credit card needed. The free package includes:
- Core website building features
- Security certificate
- Performance tracking
- Social media tools
- Basic email marketing (100 monthly emails)
- Simple appointment scheduling
Yes, you’ll see GoDaddy branding and some adverts on your free site. But you can test everything thoroughly and upgrade later without rebuilding – your work stays intact.
Square
Find out more at: Squareup.com
Image Source: Square
Square is well-known as the provider of credit card readers for shops, cafes, restaurants, retailers, market traders, and it also offers a website builder that includes e-commerce features. Square Online stands alone in the e-commerce world with a free plan that puts serious selling power in your hands – no startup costs required.
Online Store Features
Picture this: your physical shop and online store working in perfect harmony. Square Online makes it happen through a single, powerful dashboard. The free package delivers:
- Rock-solid SSL security and hosting
- No limits on product listings
- Social selling tools
- Click and collect service
- Essential SEO features
- Shop layouts that shine on mobile
Payment Processing and Fees
British businesses appreciate Square Online’s straightforward pricing structure. Expect to pay 1.4% + 25p for UK card payments and 2.5% + 25p for international transactions. The system plays nicely with Square Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
UK Payment Integration Options
Money matters need proper protection. Square’s system wraps your transactions in bank-grade security blanket at zero extra cost. Shop owners receive:
- PCI compliance without hidden fees
- Free dispute handling
- Smart dispute management tools
- Live transaction monitoring
- Sales data from every channel
Design Limitations
Let’s be honest about the design constraints. Square Online follows a vertical layout structure. Still, shop owners can personalise their space by:
- Placing their shop logo
- Setting striking header images
- Playing with colour schemes
- Selecting font combinations
- Tweaking element shapes
Inventory Management Tools
Stock control becomes second nature with Square Online. The free stock system helps shops:
- Watch stock levels as they change
- Spot low stock before it’s gone
- Pull detailed stock reports
- Make bulk inventory updates
- Keep shop and online stock in sync
Smart stock features let shop owners record every movement – from new deliveries to damage reports. The system automatically adjusts numbers based on sales across Square app, invoices, and web orders.
Square Point of Sale integration creates a seamless bridge between physical and digital stock rooms. Shop owners track customers, monitor stock, and study sales patterns without extra charges. This clever connection helps small shops maintain precise stock counts while gathering valuable data for smarter buying decisions.
Pagecloud
Find out more at: Pagecloud.com
Image Source: Pagecloud
Best for professional portfolios – if you’re a creative professional looking for a way to present your portfolio, Pagecloud delivers exactly that, with design freedom that turns portfolio websites into masterpieces.
Design Features
The heart of Pagecloud beats in its creative toolkit. Thousands of building blocks stand ready for your next design. Professional creators shape their vision through:
- Rich content galleries with drag-drop simplicity
- Style-ready design elements
- Precise layout control for layered designs
- Interactive animation tools
- Smart forms for client connections
Portfolio presentation shines particularly bright here. Your work deserves stunning galleries and pristine image quality. Every piece of content adapts beautifully across screens, maintaining your artistic vision.
Collaboration Tools
Studio teams and freelancers alike praise Pagecloud’s collaborative spirit. The platform brings teams together with:
- Client-ready page previews
- Smart permission controls
- Shared blog workspaces
- Team performance insights
Writers and content teams enjoy a clean, focused environment that turns ideas into SEO-friendly articles with remarkable ease.
Storage and Bandwidth Limits
Pagecloud thinks differently about resources. Their clever pooled system handles 99.5% of bandwidth needs without breaking a sweat. Traditional single-server headaches? Gone.
Storage comes without artificial caps on space or transfer limits. Should your site approach bandwidth boundaries, you’ll receive a friendly 48-hour heads-up to make adjustments.
Upgrade Options
The Pro membership opens doors to premium features. Members step into:
- VIP support channels
- Advanced account tools
- Revenue opportunities
- Full-feature trial for twelve months
Pro status unlocks powerful extras:
- Your own domain connection
- Bank-grade SSL security
- Expert technical guidance
- Team collaboration suite
- Multi-author blogging tools
Web designers gain extra visibility through the Pro Directory showcase. Combined with Pagecloud’s robust customisation options, this creates the perfect launchpad for professionals ready to make their mark online.
Webflow
Find out more at: Webflow.com
Image Source: Webflow
Webflow is good for custom design websites on a budget as it provides a lot of design tools; where a professional designer might charge thousands for custom websites, Webflow puts that same design power in your hands, offering sophisticated tools at a fraction of the cost.
Design Flexibility
Picture a blank canvas where every design choice turns into pristine code. That’s Webflow’s visual-first approach. Website owners gain complete mastery over layouts through CSS grid and flexbox, without touching a single line of code. The clever drag-and-drop interface keeps the technical bits accessible whilst letting you craft pixel-perfect designs.
Free Plan Features
The Starter package opens doors to Webflow’s professional toolkit. You’ll receive:
- Space for 2 website projects
- Unlimited staging environments
- Full visual design tools
- Professional templates and basics
Take your time testing the waters. When you’re ready to grow, paid plans begin at £11.12 monthly for the Basic package.
Learning Curve Considerations
Let’s be frank – Webflow demands dedication to master. Webflow University helps bridge the knowledge gap with 20 detailed video courses covering everything from design basics to SEO. Your learning journey depends on:
- Your design background
- Time investment
- HTML/CSS knowledge
- Responsive design understanding
Seasoned designers might find their footing in a fortnight, whilst newcomers should plan for a longer journey. The trade-off? You’re learning professional tools, not just another basic builder.
SEO Capabilities
Search engines love Webflow’s technical excellence. The platform automatically creates:
- Detailed XML sitemaps
- Developer-friendly code
- Mobile-ready layouts
- Custom meta information
Advanced features raise the bar with Open Graph settings, image tag controls, and proper redirect management. The SEO dashboard puts robots.txt configuration at your fingertips, ensuring search engines understand your site perfectly.
Smart CMS features generate dynamic meta content for blogs and collections. Small businesses maintain strong search rankings whilst focusing on what matters – creating brilliant content and designs. Whether you’re building static pages or dynamic content, Webflow keeps your SEO performance consistent across the board.
Webador
Find out more at: Webador.com
Image Source: Webador
Webador is one of the easiest website builders to use for beginners; Dutch simplicity meets British practicality in Webador’s website builder. This newcomer to the market has won over 231,000 happy customers with its straightforward approach.
User-Friendly Interface
Five clear sections greet you when you log in: Editor, Pages, Design, Webshop, and Settings. Tell the smart AI editor about your dream website, and watch as it crafts a design that matches your vision.
Want to make changes? The simple drag-and-drop editor lets you:
- Place elements with a quick mouse move
- Match colours to your brand
- Try different designs with one click
- Build pages without touching code
Template Options
Quality trumps quantity with Webador’s 50+ responsive templates. Each design serves a specific business purpose, ensuring your site looks professional from day one. The flexible design tools help you:
- Play with colours and layouts
- Adjust template features
- See changes as you make them
- Switch designs without starting over
Free Plan Restrictions
Fancy unlimited storage and bandwidth? The free plan delivers both. Yes, you’ll see sponsor adverts – that’s how they keep the lights on. Free users enjoy:
- Every design tool in the box
- As many websites as you need
- Basic blog features
- Core SEO tools
The free package comes with a .webador.com web address and some feature limits, but it’s perfect for testing the waters.
Mobile Responsiveness
Your website needs to look sharp on every screen. Webador handles this brilliantly with smart responsive design that adapts to any device.
Smart mobile features include:
- Content that fits every screen size
- Mobile menus you can customise
- Properly spaced columns
- Centred elements that stay put
You can also check how your site looks on different devices right in the editor, which matters more than ever, as mobile visitors influence your Google rankings significantly.
Five more great options
We’ve covered some of the best, but with lots of options to choose from, here’s a quick run-through of others worth a look.
Weebly
Find out more at: Weebly.com
Weebly is another popular choice, known for its straightforward design options and user-friendly platform. It provides a decent selection of templates and includes e-commerce capabilities even on its free plan. The trade-offs with Weebly include displaying Weebly ads and limitations on advanced features – for example, your site will have a Weebly sub-domain – and changing these means switching to a paid plan.
Read our full article on the Weebly website builder
WordPress.com
Find out more at: WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a giant in the content management system space, offering immense flexibility and a huge number of plugins that expand and extend the functionality. Its free plan is a good starting point for businesses focused on content creation and blogging. The downsides are the display of WordPress.com branding and the fact that third-party plugins and themes are not supported on the free plan.
SITE123
Find out more at: Site123.com
SITE123 is designed for simplicity, catering to those who want to get a website up and running quickly. The platform provides basic templates and an easy-to-use editor. While it lacks the advanced customization options of its competitors, SITE123’s free plan is straightforward and includes essential features like SEO tools.
Strikingly
Find out more at: Strikingly.com
Strikingly specializes in single-page websites, making it ideal for businesses that want a simple online presence. Its templates are modern and responsive, and the platform offers basic e-commerce functions. On the downside, Strikingly’s free plan is quite limited in terms of pages and features, with an emphasis on upgrading to paid plans for more functionality.
Jimdo
Find out more at: Jimdo.com
Jimdo uses AI to help create a website quickly, asking users a series of questions and then proposing a design based on the answers. It’s a good option for those who want to minimize the time spent on website design. However, customization options are limited, and the free plan includes Jimdo branding on your site.
How to choose the right platform
Choosing the right website builder for your business is a decision that should be made thoughtfully. Consider your business goals, your technical skills, and the level of customization you require. If content creation is at the heart of your strategy, a platform like WordPress.com may be the best fit. For businesses needing a more visual and design-centric website, Wix and Weebly offer greater flexibility.
Additionally, think about your future needs. While a free plan may suffice initially, consider whether the platform allows for easy scaling and upgrading as your business grows. Review each platform’s pricing structure for their premium plans to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes.
Tips for building a great website
To build a successful website using a free website builder, start with a clear plan. Define your target audience, map out your site structure, and gather your content and images before you begin. Utilize the templates and customization options to ensure your website aligns with your brand identity. Keep navigation simple and user-friendly, and make sure your contact information is easily accessible.
Regularly update your content to keep your website fresh and engaging. Make use of the SEO tools provided by the website builder to improve your search engine ranking. And don’t forget to leverage analytics to monitor your website’s performance and make data-driven decisions.
Avoiding common mistakes
When using a website builder, there are several pitfalls to avoid. One common mistake is neglecting mobile responsiveness; ensure your website looks good and functions well on all devices. Overlooking SEO is another error that can cost you visibility and traffic. Avoid cluttering your website with too much content or overly complex designs that can confuse visitors and detract from the user experience.
Another mistake is not considering the long-term implications of using a free plan. Be aware of any limitations that could hinder your business growth, such as restricted bandwidth, storage, or features that require upgrading to a paid plan.
Choosing a website builder for your business
A website builder can help you quickly create a website and an online presence to market your business and even take orders from customers. You need to take the time to plan your website to build a site that represents your brand and delivers what your customers need With any of the six tools we’ve covered you can create a strong online presence without breaking the bank.
While free website builders can be an excellent starting point for small businesses, it’s important to note their limitations. As your business grows, you may need to consider upgrading to a paid plan or a more robust website solution to access advanced features and remove branding limitations.
Remember, your website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. It’s worth investing time in creating a site that accurately represents your brand and provides value to your visitors.
By leveraging these free website builders and following best practices for small business website design, you can create a professional online presence that helps your UK startup or small business grow and thrive in the digital marketplace. Whether you’re a local shop looking to expand your reach or a startup aiming to make your mark in the industry, a well-designed website can be a powerful tool in your business arsenal.
As you embark on your website creation journey, don’t forget to explore the resources available through UK government websites. Here are a relevant links that can provide additional support and information:
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/create-a-digital-strategy-for-your-business
This page offers guidance on creating a digital strategy for your business, which includes considerations for your online presence. - https://www.cyberaware.gov.uk/
Cyber Aware offers essential advice on keeping your website and online business secure.
FAQs
Q1. Which website builder offers the best free plan for small businesses? Wix stands out as the top choice for small businesses, offering over 900 customisable templates, AI-powered design tools, and robust features in its free plan. However, the best option depends on your specific business needs and goals.
Q2. Are there any completely free website builders available? While many website builders offer free plans, they typically come with limitations such as branded domains and advertisements. Square Online provides a unique free e-commerce plan with unlimited product listings, making it an excellent option for businesses looking to start selling online without upfront costs.
Q3. How do free website builders compare to paid options for small businesses? Free website builders offer a great starting point for small businesses, allowing you to establish an online presence without initial investment. However, they often have restrictions like limited customisation, branded domains, and advertisements. Paid plans generally offer more features, remove branding, and provide better support.
Q4. What are the key features to look for in a free website builder? When choosing a free website builder, consider factors such as ease of use, template variety, mobile responsiveness, SEO tools, and scalability. Look for builders that offer essential features for your business type, whether that’s e-commerce capabilities, portfolio displays, or booking systems.
Q5. How difficult is it to upgrade from a free to a paid plan on these website builders? Most website builders make it easy to upgrade from free to paid plans without losing your existing content or design. The process typically involves selecting a paid plan and entering payment details. Some platforms, like GoDaddy, allow you to test features before committing, ensuring a smooth transition as your business grows.
