Is a “free” website really free?
Here’s what to think about before you say yes (or no)
You’re scrolling through social media or checking your inbox when an offer pops up: “Get a free website today!”
It sounds amazing, right? After all, websites can be expensive, and if you’re just starting out, the thought of saving money is tempting. But before you jump in, it’s worth asking: is it really free?
Spoiler alert: the answer is usually no. There are nearly always costs involved, whether that’s monthly hosting fees, limited functionality, or the risk of losing your website if you decide to move platforms later on.
In my experience working with small businesses, the “free” part often disappears quickly. People are surprised by the extra costs or limitations, and sometimes they end up needing to rebuild their website entirely. That’s not to say free sites are useless, but it’s important to go in with your eyes open.
Why “free” sounds good on the surface
It’s easy to see why free websites are appealing. When you’re starting out, you’ve got a million expenses pulling on your budget, and the idea of cutting out one of the biggest ones (often your website) feels like a win.
At first glance, a “free” website can help you by being:
Budget-friendly: With no upfront cost, it feels like you’ve solved a big problem instantly.
Risk-free (at first glance): Because you’re not paying upfront, it seems like there’s nothing to lose.
For short-term needs, a free site can genuinely help. The trouble usually comes later.
What “free” usually means in practice
When you read the fine print, you’ll find that “free” rarely means completely free.
What’s often free is the template or starter version, but the essential parts of a functioning website cost extra.
The design or template might be free, but you’ll need to pay for monthly hosting or services.
You will probably be expected to provide the copy and photography. You can DIY both, but otherwise you’ll need to pay for them.
You could be given a subdomain (like yourbusiness.theirsite.com) unless you pay more for a proper domain name.
Features you need to actually run your business - like e-commerce, booking systems, or email addresses - are often something you need to pay for.
The platform itself might be proprietary, which means you don’t technically own your site, and moving it somewhere else can be difficult or impossible.
Pros of a free website
It’s only fair to say there are some benefits. If you know what you’re signing up for, a free site can serve its purpose.
Low upfront cost: If you’ve got no budget, you can still get something online.
Fast to set up: Ideal if you need a basic site live quickly.
Good testing ground: Handy if you want to trial an idea before committing further.
In other words, a free website can be a stepping stone, it just shouldn’t be the long-term plan.
Cons of a free website
This is where most people get caught out. What looked like a bargain at first often creates headaches later.
Hidden fees: You’ll usually need to pay for hosting, domains, upgrades, or add-ons to get the site working how you want.
Ownership issues: Because the platform owns the site, you may lose it completely if you decide to leave.
Limited design and functionality: Templates are basic and often can’t be customised much.
Poor SEO performance: Free platforms often don’t have the tools needed to help your website rank in Google or AI search.
Migration headaches: Moving platforms often means starting from scratch.
Credibility concerns: A free site (especially one with a subdomain) can look less professional to potential clients.
Questions to ask before saying yes to “free”
If you’re tempted by an offer, it pays to pause and ask a few important questions. These will help you see whether it’s really a good deal for your business:
What’s actually included, and what will I need to pay for later?
Who owns my website and its content?
Can I move my site to another platform if I want to in the future? And would I have to pay for this?
Will I get a custom domain name, or just a subdomain?
How does this platform handle SEO and visibility in search engines?
How does the long-term cost compare to simply paying for a basic, ownable site upfront?
Smarter alternatives to a free website
If you’re serious about growing your business, it’s worth thinking of your website as an asset rather than a temporary fix. A few smart alternatives include:
Start small, but own it: Even a one-page paid site can be affordable and gives you full control.
Ask about payment plans. Many copywriters, photographers and web designers (your web team!) offer payment plans. Spreading the payment can make the payment easier.
Invest in professional copy and design: You don’t need a huge site, just a clear, well-written one that makes you look professional and trustworthy. And this is what will bring in the money faster.
FAQ: Free websites explained
Q: Are free websites really free?
Not usually. They often come with ongoing costs for hosting, domains, or extra features.
Q: Can I keep my free website if I change platforms?
In most cases, no. Because the provider owns the platform, you’ll need to start again elsewhere.
Q: Will a free website hurt my SEO?
It can. Many free platforms don’t support strong SEO tools, and subdomains are less trusted by search engines.
Q: Is a free website okay for a start-up?
Yes, if you only need something quick and temporary. But if you’re planning to grow, it’s better to invest in a site you own from the start.
Q: Will I be able to use my own email address with a free website?
Often no. Many free plans don’t include business email (like you@yourbusiness.com), so you’ll need to pay extra for that.
Q: Can I add e-commerce or booking features to a free website?
Usually only at an extra cost. The “free” tier rarely includes functionality like online stores, booking systems, or payment gateways.
Q: Are free websites secure?
Security features like SSL certificates are sometimes missing from free plans. Without SSL, your site may show as “Not Secure” in browsers, which can affect customer trust and search rankings.
Q: What happens if the free website provider shuts down?
If the company goes under or discontinues its free plan, your site could disappear. With your own hosting, you control where your site lives.
Q: Will a free website grow with my business?
Not easily. Most free platforms have limited flexibility, so as your business expands, you’ll likely outgrow the site and need to start again on a more robust platform.
Final thoughts
Free websites aren’t automatically bad—they just aren’t truly free. They can be useful in the short term, or for testing an idea. But if you’re planning to build a business with staying power, your website is too important to hand over to someone else’s platform.
By looking beyond the “free” headline, asking the right questions, and considering smarter alternatives, you can make a choice that saves you stress, and money, in the long run.
