It's hard to believe that these days anyone can build a website for no cost using a free website creator. It wasn't too long ago only people with computer coding knowledge could build a site.
But, just because there are free website creators doesn't mean you shouldn't choose carefully. It may be free but you'll spend a lot time creating your website. If you're half way done and you don't like the result of the website building service, then you'll have to switch services. This can be a bit of a hassle.
7 Steps to Choosing a Free Website Creator
1. Decide CMS vs. Web-Based Website Builder
CMS is a content management system. Two very popular versions of CMS are WordPress and Joomla. Both build websites and blogs. Both are free and there are many free themes and templates to use.
Web-based website builders are services entirely online with contained website building software available to you for no charge. You get an account, sign in and then using drag and drop website building technology, create a website. Most of these services offer free packages with upgrade options.
Key Advantages to CMS Include:
- Faster to add content
- Huge community that contributes free functionality
- Usually hosting your custom domain is cheaper
- Thousands of designs available
- Fully customizable if you know CSS
- Support may be available if you opt for a premium theme/template. If you go the free theme or template route, you'll have to look in the search engines for assistance.
- Lower cost in the long run - free website makers charge monthly costs for upgrade packages.
- Build unlimited websites with a simple hosting service. Website building service domain hosting usually charge for each website (if you use a custom domain).
Key Advantages to Website Builders Include:
- If you don't want a custom domain, you don't pay for hosting
- Easier to build a website (no uploading or coding involved)
- Fully contained system with tutorials - simpler to use
- Typically a decent amount of functionality available that integrates smoothly. What I mean by this is with CMS you rely on plugins and addons. These may not always be seamless. However, with website builders, the functionality, such as e-commerce is designed with the system so it's easy to set up.
- Plenty of support.
2. If CMS, Then Do the Following
- Decide on a hosting service.
- Research and choose a domain name. Register that domain name.
- Shop for a theme (if WordPress), or template (if Joomla).
- Install your CMS in your hosting account; then upload your theme or template.
- Start building your website. If you need help, there is an endless amount of free information on WordPress and Joomla on the Internet.
3. If You Want a Free Website Maker Service, Do the Following:
I can tell you from experience that most of the free website maker services can create plenty of different styles of websites. However, first decide what kind of site you want. Look at some websites featuring state-of-the-art designs. Get some ideas.
Then browse the free website maker services to see if they offer designs you can work with. The great part about free website creator services is you can sign up and "kick the tires" and see if it's for you.
Don't forget to list out the functionality you want. Consider the following:
- A blog
- E-commerce
- Social Media
- Calendaring / scheduling functionality
- Membership site
- SEO Ready (this is important. Some free website creator services charge for this).
- Video hosting
All free website maker services offer different functionality for different prices. Some make it free, others charge for this stuff as a premium option.
The point is know what you want before you start.
4. Build a Quick Proto-Type Website
Whether CMS or a website creator service, build a proto-type website. Obviously with WordPress or Joomla you may be committed at this point because you'll have opened a hosting account. However, if you're trying a website builder, build a quick 2 to 3 page website and play around to see that it meets your needs.
If you have a short-list of website builders, try all them on your list. You can usually get a good sense of website maker software in an hour or two.
5. Watch Out for Ads & Custom Domain Costs
If you like the free website maker option, be sure to see what you must deal with if you go with the free package. Usually you'll have ads on your site and you won't get a custom domain. Therefore...
6. Look to the Future
I can tell you that with WordPress and Joomla you can pretty much add any type of functionality you need... for some of it you may have to buy plugins/add ons. However, these are a pittance in cost compared to hiring a web developer.
If you've opted for a free website creator service, be sure to look at their upgrade options and how much those upgrades cost in the long run. Some website builders charge $15 to $20 per month which is far more than a simple hosting service on which you install a WordPress or Joomla website.
That said, using free website builders is easier.
7. Build Build Build
The final step is build your site. Add lots of great content. Learn some SEO and start doing that right away. Have fun.
Where do you go from here?
Check out this free website creator and see how it's unique compared to many other free website maker services.
Or, learn more by comparing website templates here.
No comments:
Post a Comment