A website is a must if you want to grow your business online. There is no denying that most small businesses do not have the budget to hire an expert developer to build websites. This is where you need free website builders. This enables you to create and publish websites with minimal cash transactions and zero coding knowledge. 

A free website builder lets you create your own website for free. The platform offers a user-friendly interface, and you can build your website using a drag-and-drop builder. Whatever element you require or envision in your website, you can select it from the control panel, drag it, and adjust it on the website. Customize the website per your needs, add business details, and deploy it. With technological evolution, building and deploying a website is like a child’s play. 

Moreover, some of these platforms offer custom domains, which is a plus because you can own the domain and fully control your online presence. So, without further ado, let’s delve deeper into understanding these website builders and determine which suits your business needs. 

Understanding Website Builders

A website builder is a platform that allows you to design and create different websites without having to write major code or deal with technical stuff. However, there is one exception: some website builders might require you to code to customize the elements as per your requirements. 

Nonetheless, with no-code website builders, you can do everything you need for your website by yourself. You do not have to seek help from any designer or developer to build your website.

The process for building a website with website builders is super simple. All you need to do is choose from various templates and customize them per your brand vision with the specially developed drag-and-drop website builder software. 

What to Look for in a Website Builder?

You may find a free website builder anywhere on the internet to create your website. Yet, knowing which among these builders is suitable for your needs is necessary. Here is what you need to look for when searching these websites to create your own website.

1. Ease of Use

You must check whether the website builder is easy to use or whether you need a developer to build a website with a form or customize the website. This also involves which site builders are newbie-friendly and which are better for professionals with more design experience. 

2. Customization Options

When it comes to having a website for your brand, you will have a vision in your mind. That is why you must assess how easy each builder is to customize, including the number of templates, drag-and-drop features, and other options to customize styles, colors, and elements. 

3. SEO Tools

Building a site is just the beginning because you also need to rank on search engines. Try looking at the SEO tools each website builder offers. Examples include analyzing the ability to adjust various page titles and meta descriptions, upload a site map, and customize add-ons. 

4. Value of Free Plans

Most importantly, you must check whether the website builder's free plan is really free or if the platform asks you to upgrade every time you make a change. There will be some features where you may need to switch to a paid plan, so analyze the tools carefully before selecting them. 

Top 20 Website Builders with Custom Domain Providers

Now that you understand the basics, let us delve deeper and look at the list of top website builders with custom domain providers who can help you build your website for free. 

1. Neo

Neo usually offers an all-in-one solution with a one-page website and an email-integrated form. The platform also provides a custom email domain that enables your brand to have a streamlined online presence with email marketing. Also, you can use the custom domain name provided by Neo as your website domain. 

This platform is suitable for businesses seeking a straightforward and integrated approach to their website and communication needs. 

Its features include:

• Library of pre-defined one-page templates
• Mail-integrated forms for lead collection
• WhatsApp and social integration for customer engagement

• Integrated business tools to enhance productivity and customer engagement
• Professional email services linked to the website’s domain
• Communication with clients using a credible and consistent brand image
• Integrated calendar feature to streamline scheduling

2. GoDaddy

GoDaddy's official website builder with a custom domain provider offers easy drag-and-drop functionality, making it appealing to beginners unfamiliar with the basics of website building. GoDaddy is suitable for individuals and businesses wanting a no-fuss website creation process without additional manual effort. 

Its features include: 

• Includes mobile optimization
• Basic SEO tools
• 24/7 customer support

3. Google Sites

Google Sites is also a basic site builder that allows you to create your own website for free. However, this platform has limited customization options and no SEO tools. However, it provides several templates and a blank canvas to start the website-building process. 

This platform suits beginners who want to test the website-building process but do not intend to explore SEO tools. Also, you can publish the website for free with a subdomain web address prefix of sites.google.com. 

However, Google doesn’t register free custom domains, if you require domain registration, you can select one and buy from Squarespace. 

Its features include:

• 100% free with no paid plans
• Ease of use
• 12 templates and 6 themes for customization options

4. Yola

This free website builder has a setup process that guides you through choosing the type of website you want. It can be for personal use, business, community, or store. The platform has a block editor that enables you to create your website under a single roof. 

Yola is suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals who already have a gist of building websites.

Its features include:

• Intuitive and easy-to-use editor
• Customizable templates and other options
• In-built SEO tools

5. GetResponse

It is a generalized marketing tool with a specific focus on email. GetResponse offers a free site builder that is impressive on the first go. All you need to do is tell how you want to build your website, choose a template, and start immediately. The platform also has an AI-powered builder to help with the process further.

GetResponse is ideal for those users who like numerous choices and steps for website building.

Its features include:

• A library of pre-designed templates
• Create your custom website design 
• Promote the website without leaving the GetResponse platform 

6. Wix

Wix is a popular and free drag-and-drop website builder available on the market. This platform is a solid choice if you are looking to build a straightforward website with a few features. It also offers various templates with different designs to help you create your own website.

Its features include:

• A list of advanced elements available to increase the website's effectiveness 
• AI technology provides a website design for you as per your responses 
• It offers a custom domain, logo, and more branding tools

7. Dorik

Dorik is another website builder with a custom domain that lets you build a fully-fledged website. You can also create a single landing page for free. The platform includes premium options if you want to add a paid membership or a blog in the future.

This platform is suitable for experienced professionals who know the art of website building inside out. 

Its features include:

• Easy to use drag-and-drop editor
• 39 templates and 250+ UI blocks
• In-built SEO tools

8. HubSpot CMS Hub

HubSpot is a popular business software platform for sales, marketing and service teams that also provides a free website builder. You will often find a step-by-step plan guiding you through building your website. It also provides percentages on how far along you are on the verge of creating an effective website.

Its features include:

• Creation of landing page with drag-and-drop editor 
• Customize the websites with videos and images and manage blogs as well
• It supports advanced editing features, like A/B testing, creating smart content rules, and adaptive tests.

9. Webflow

Webflow is a platform that asks who you are (marketer, website builder, etc.) before you start building your website. For instance, you can create an account on the platform if you have experience with CSS/HTML. This is how the website builder enables users to create a platform that's easier for everyone.

Its features include:

• Creates clean and semantic code that is ready to publish or hand to the developers
• Design multi-scroll or multi-scale interactions
• Automatically pull live content from Webflow’s powerful CMS into any webpage

10. Webnode

Webnode is another user-friendly website builder that also has a built-in AI tool for better usability. The design process on this platform is straightforward. You can choose from three options: website, online store, or blog. Later, you can decide how you want to create your brand’s website, either with AI help or with a simple template. Besides, you will get a free domain for one year with its Mini, Standard, and Profit or Business Premium packages. 

Its features include:

• Customized website building
• Clear and concise interface
• Multiple customization options

11. WordPress

WordPress.com is another important website builder that offers a free version for those wanting flexibility. However, you can always choose the paid version of this platform if you want more features for your respective website. It offers a free domain for one year.

This platform is suitable for beginners and experienced professionals who want to grow and scale their websites with time. 

Its features include:

• Numerous plugins (Yoast, WooCommerce, and Accessible)
• SEO friendly interface 
• Online community support

12. Jimdo

Jimdo is another free website builder with a custom domain that is ideal for beginners. This particular platform offers easy website-building facilities. It is a one-stop platform for users always looking for a quick and simple solution to build and maintain their websites for free. The platform offers a free domain for the first term of the contract. 

Its features include: 

• AI-driven design
• Mobile-responsive templates

13. Strikingly

Strikingly is a website builder platform that focuses on one-page layouts for easy navigation. This free website builder is suitable for small businesses that usually need a single-page site with minimal fuss. You can get a free subdomain with Strikingly’s free plan, which will look something like “yourbusinessname.mystrikingly.com.” However, you can apply for a custom domain with Strikingly’s annually paid plan. 

Its features include:

• Mobile-optimized layouts
• 24/7 support
• Simple analytics

14. Site123

Site123 makes building a website easy with a guided design process. This free website builder enables you to create your own website with additional help. Yes, it is suitable for all non-technical users who want guided assistance. 

Site123 offers a panel where users can create their own free domain name and manage the domain’s DNS records. Besides, it supports a domain name generator with a built-in domain name search tool. 

Its features include: 

• Free hosting
• Mobile-responsive design
• In-built SEO tools

15. Zoho Sites

It is a recent entrant in the world of websites to create your own website. The platform joined hostinger, a reputable website builder platform, to offer various AI-driven tools to create a site in minutes. 

Zoho is a suitable platform for various rapid deployers and innovative thinkers who want a perfect website without the interference of any developer. You can register a custom domain name with Zoho, and the domain registration comes with free and reliable hosting.

Its features include:

• Drag, drop, and create ability
• Standardized color palettes and headers
• Attractive B2B and B2C templates

16. Weebly

Weebly's free plan offers everything you need to start a website for anything from a small online shop to a good brand. This platform specifically focuses on offering eCommerce businesses and entrepreneurs tools and assistance. When it comes to Weebly, if you are ready to commit to a full domain purchase, you can utilize the Weebly subdomain, which comes for free. 

Its features include:

• Various eCommerce tools
• Customizable templates
• In-built analytics

17. Squarespace

This platform enables you to create a customizable website or online store as an all-in-one solution. Select a website template and start your free trial anytime during the process. In Squarespace, all the websites within the first year of their annual subscription have free access to a domain name. However, this is only allowed for selected TLDs. 

Its features include:

• Built-in SEO tools
• Social media integrations
• In-built analytics

18. WebStarts

It is an efficient web publishing solution for individuals and enterprises wanting to create a free website, online store, or blog. You will get everything you need, starting with a domain name, hosting, and a visual page editor to customize your website accordingly. It offers a free domain name, which users can share with the rest of the world, and your website will be online within minutes. 

Its features include:

• Search engine friendly
• CRM facilities
• Live expert support

19. Mozello

Mozello is a good user-friendly website builder and an eCommerce platform. You can use this platform to create a beautiful website or online store easily and instantly. It enables you to reach your goals with a high-performing website. The platform offers a free domain only when you buy Mozello’s premium plan. 

Its features include:

• Compatible with mobile devices
• Marketing and SEO capabilities
• Content in multiple languages

20. HostGator

The HostGator Website Builder lets you build and edit your new website. It is usually based on the template you select from a range of options available on the platform. HostGator is ideal for individuals with a gist about website building. After selecting a suitable plan, you can get your preferred domain name for free for the first year. 

Its features include:

• Personalized customer portal
• Visual drag-and-drop builder
• Customer support

Comparison, Our Ratings and Review

Conclusion

Website builders always make it easier for you to build and maintain your brand’s website. Yet, regular maintenance is a must if you want your website to be successful. So, is it enough to choose any random free website builder and start creating your website? No. You must look for platforms that offer you free websites and enable you to change and modify your custom domains in the future. 

Neo is the best option for these requirements. It comes with a straightforward drag-and-drop editor. The platform also enables you to make changes and update your website regularly without paying additional fees. So, if you are looking for a free website builder with custom domain providers, Neo is your choice. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does a free website builder come with a free domain?

Yes, several website builders come with a free domain for all users. Neo is one such example, and it includes a professional custom domain for users with no additional charges for the first year with its annual plan. 

2. Can I get a free domain permanently?

No, you cannot get a free domain permanently. Some website builders or hosting companies offer free domains for a limited period, and once the free trial period ends, you will have to pay the charges for domain renewal. 

3. What things to consider before building a website?

When it comes to building a website, here are some things to keep in mind: 

• Identify the primary goal of your website. Whether it is lead generation or improving the traffic to your website. 
• Plan the content, images, and website structure that meets your business goals. 
• Know your users and design the website accordingly.