You can build a website yourself using a website builder, and you don't need to know how to code
The fastest way to get a site online is a website builder — software that lets you drag elements onto a page, add text and images, and publish without writing code. Popular options include Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, and WordPress.com. Each one handles hosting (the server that keeps your site running), domain registration (your site's web address), and the design tools in one place. You pick a template, customize it with your content, and your site goes live in hours or days instead of weeks.
The alternative is to rent a server and use open-source software like WordPress (the self-hosted version, different from WordPress.com) or Drupal, which gives you more control but requires you to manage updates, backups, and security yourself. Most people starting out choose a builder because it's simpler and the cost is predictable.
Key Takeaways
- Website builders like Wix and Squarespace include hosting, a domain name, and design tools in one monthly fee, with no coding required.
- A basic site costs between $10 and $30 per month, though premium features and custom domains add to that price.
- You can move your content and domain away from a builder later, but it takes planning — start by checking what the builder allows you to export.
- Self-hosted WordPress gives you more flexibility but requires you to pay separately for hosting, handle security updates, and manage backups yourself.
- Most builders offer free trials or free plans with limited features, so you can test before paying.
Website builders: what's included and what costs extra
A website builder bundles three things: a domain name (like yourname.com), hosting, and the design software. Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, and GoDaddy Website Builder all work this way. You pay one monthly fee — usually $10 to $30 — and everything is included. The builder handles keeping your site online, backing it up, and updating the software behind the scenes.
Most builders offer a free plan with their branding on your site and limited storage. Upgrading removes their logo, gives you more space for images and files, and unlocks features like email marketing or online stores. If you want a custom domain (yourname.com instead of yourname.wixsite.com), that typically costs $10 to $15 extra per year, though some builders include it in higher-tier plans.
The trade-off is that you're locked into that builder's ecosystem. Moving your site to a different platform later is possible but requires exporting your content and rebuilding the design on the new platform. Before you choose, check what the builder lets you download — some make it easier than others.
Self-hosted WordPress and other open-source options
WordPress.org (self-hosted WordPress) is free software you install on a server you rent. You pay separately for hosting (usually $5 to $15 per month from companies like Bluehost, SiteGround, or Kinsta) and a domain name ($10 to $15 per year). The software itself costs nothing, but you're responsible for installing updates, managing backups, and keeping your site secure.
Self-hosted WordPress gives you more control: you can install plugins (add-ons that extend what your site can do), edit the code directly, and move your entire site to a different host whenever you want. It's the choice for people who plan to grow their site significantly or want features that builders don't offer.
The downside is that you need to understand hosting basics — what a database is, how to use FTP or file managers, and how to troubleshoot when something breaks. If you're not comfortable with that, a builder is simpler. Drupal and Joomla are similar open-source options, but they're steeper learning curves and less common for small sites.
Comparing costs: builder vs. self-hosted
| Option | Monthly Cost | Domain Included | Hosting Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website builder (Wix, Squarespace) | $10–$30 | Extra $10–$15/year | Yes | Beginners, small businesses, portfolios |
| Self-hosted WordPress | $5–$15 (hosting) + $10–$15/year (domain) | Separate purchase | Separate purchase | Growing sites, developers, custom features |
| Free builder plan | $0 | Subdomain only | Yes | Testing, hobby projects, no budget |
How to choose between a builder and self-hosted
Start with what you need your site to do. If you want a portfolio, small business site, or blog, a builder is faster and cheaper. You'll be online in a day, and you won't have to think about security or backups. Wix and Squarespace are especially good for visual sites like photography or design portfolios because their templates are polished.
Choose self-hosted WordPress if you plan to sell products, need advanced features like membership areas or custom forms, or want to own your entire setup and move it later. WordPress has thousands of plugins — tools that add functionality — so you can build almost anything. But you'll spend time learning how hosting works and managing updates.
If you're unsure, start with a free plan on a builder. Wix, Weebly, and WordPress.com all offer free tiers. Build your site, see what you're missing, and upgrade or switch later if you need to. The content you create is yours to download and move.
The steps to launch your first site
With a builder, the process is straightforward. Sign up for an account, choose a template that matches what you want to build, and start editing. Replace the placeholder text with your own, upload your images, and add pages for different sections (About, Services, Contact). Most builders have drag-and-drop editors where you click on a text box to change it or drag a new element onto the page.
Once your site looks right, you'll set up a domain name. If you don't have one yet, the builder can register it for you. Then you publish — usually one button click — and your site is live. People can visit it immediately, though search engines may take a few days to find it.
With self-hosted WordPress, you'll need to pick a hosting company, buy a domain, and install WordPress on your server. Many hosts have one-click WordPress installation, which handles the technical setup. After that, the editing process is similar to WordPress.com — you log in, create pages, and add content. The difference is you're managing the server yourself, so you'll need to check for plugin updates and security patches regularly.
What to do after your site is live
Once your site is published, tell people about it. Share the link on social media, in your email signature, and anywhere your audience might find you. If you want people to find you through search engines, add a few keywords to your page titles and descriptions — most builders have a section for this under "SEO settings."
Check your site on phones and tablets to make sure it looks right on small screens. Most builders automatically adjust your design for mobile, but it's worth testing. If something looks broken, go back to the editor and fix it.
Keep your content fresh. If you have a blog, post regularly. If you have a portfolio, update it when you have new work. Sites that don't change look abandoned, and search engines rank active sites higher. Set a reminder to review your site every few months and update anything that's outdated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move my site from a builder to WordPress later?
Yes, but it takes work. Most builders let you export your content as files, but you'll need to rebuild your design on WordPress because the layouts don't transfer directly. Some WordPress plugins can import content from specific builders, which saves time. Before you choose a builder, check its export options — Wix and Squarespace make it possible but not automatic.
Do I need a custom domain, or can I use the builder's free subdomain?
A free subdomain (like yourname.wixsite.com) works for testing, but a custom domain (yourname.com) looks more professional and is easier for people to remember. It costs $10 to $15 per year and is worth it if you're using your site for business or a portfolio. If it's just a hobby project, the free subdomain is fine.
Which builder is best for a small business?
Squarespace is strong for design and looks professional out of the box. Wix is flexible and good for adding features like booking systems or email marketing. Weebly is simpler and cheaper. WordPress.com is best if you plan to blog regularly. Try the free plans from each and see which editor feels easiest to you.
How long does it take to build a basic site?
A simple five-page site with text and images takes most people a few hours to a day. A builder's templates do most of the design work — you're mainly adding your own content. Self-hosted WordPress takes longer because you'll spend time learning the hosting setup, but the editing is similar once you're in.
What if I want to sell products on my site?
Most builders include basic e-commerce features in their paid plans — you can add a product catalog, set prices, and accept payments. Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify (which is built for online stores) all handle this. If you're selling more than a handful of items, Shopify or a self-hosted WordPress store with WooCommerce gives you more tools, but builders work fine for starting out.