How To Host A Website For Free

Shoestring budgets are the norm for new ventures and solo entrepreneurs. When every penny counts, spending thousands on a professional website upfront can feel impossible. It’s no surprise that many people ask, “How can I host a website for free?”

The good news? You can host a website for free. The not-so-great news? Free hosting comes with limitations, like ads on your site, restricted storage, or the inability to connect a custom domain.

But if you are just looking to test the waters before committing to a paid hosting provider like BigRock, this guide will walk you through how to host your website for free using popular tools and platforms available in 2025.

How to Host a Website for Free

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to host a website for free.

• Step 1: Choose a Free Website Builder

Let’s start with the basics. Every website needs two things:

1. A platform to build it on (e.g., WordPress, Wix).
2. A host stores its files and makes them accessible on the internet.

Free website builders are your best bet if you are not a developer and want a quick setup. These tools combine drag-and-drop editors with free hosting, making it super easy to launch your site in minutes without writing a single line of code.

Here are some of the top free platforms you can choose from:

These platforms are ideal if you are:

• Launching a personal blog or portfolio
• Creating a landing page or resume site
• Testing a business idea before investing

Pro Tip: Always check if the platform allows portability—the ability to move your site to another host if you decide to upgrade later.

• Step 2: Register a Free (or Affordable) Domain Name

When learning how to host a website for free, many people overlook the domain name. But it’s essential—your domain is your digital address. Most free builders include a subdomain (like `yourname.wixsite.com`). These are perfectly fine for test projects, student portfolios, or internal use. However, for public-facing businesses, subdomains can seem unprofessional.

That’s where using a proper domain like `yourbusiness.in` builds credibility, supports SEO, and improves brand recognition. While it’s tough to find completely free domain names, there are affordable options that come with add-ons. BigRock, for example, often offers free domain registration for a year when you purchase hosting, and its renewal prices are among the most transparent in the industry.

• Step 3: Design Your Website Using Free Templates

Once your platform and domain are set, it’s time to choose a design. Most builders come with a library of free website templates (also called themes), but the number and quality can vary.

Some limitations you might face with free website builders:

• Free plans may restrict access to premium themes
• Limited control over colors, fonts, or layout
• No access to third-party plugins

Wix, for example, offers beautiful free templates but places ads on your site until you upgrade. WordPress.com provides fewer free themes and limits customizations unless you move to a higher plan.

Tip: Choose a template that aligns with your goals. If you’re building a resume site, go minimalist. For product showcases, pick a gallery-heavy layout.

• Step 4: Publish and Promote

Once your site looks the way you want, go ahead and hit publish! But don’t stop there—getting visitors to your site is the next step.

Free hosting providers typically don’t include built-in SEO tools, email marketing, or analytics. However, you can still:

• Use Google Search Console to submit your site
• Promote your site on social media
• Share links in email signatures and forums
• Use free SEO tools like Ubersuggest or MozBar

Also, make sure your site has HTTPS (SSL). Some free builders, like Google Sites and Wix, include it by default. If you are using a custom domain elsewhere, BigRock offers a free SSL certificate on hosting plans.

Limitations of Free Hosting (And When to Upgrade)

Free hosting is amazing for beginners, but it has limits. Some things you will likely not get with free plans:

• Fast loading speeds
• 24/7 customer support
• Backup and security tools
• Access to plugins or custom code
• Monetization options (like ads, payment gateways)

That’s why many users eventually move to affordable shared hosting options like BigRock’s web hosting plans, which come with:

• Custom domain support
• Business email
• SSD storage and unmetered bandwidth
• SSL certificate included

It’s the natural next step once your website gains traction.

Final Thoughts

So, how can you host a website for free in 2025? Use a reliable free website builder, pair it with a subdomain, and use free templates to get your site live. If you want to level up, invest a little in your own domain or paid hosting.

Free options are perfect for:

• Learning website basics
• Launching passion projects
• Testing ideas before investing

But if your goal is long-term business growth, moving to an affordable hosting provider like BigRock will give you better performance, support, and credibility—without breaking the bank. Explore our affordable hosting plans starting at just ₹69/month, with a free domain, email, and 24/7 support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I host a website for free without ads?

Platforms like Google Sites, CloudAccess.net, or GitHub Pages (for developers) allow free hosting without placing ads on your site. But these come with design or functionality trade-offs.

2. Is free hosting safe?

Yes. Reputable platforms like WordPress.com or Wix follow standard security practices. But since free plans offer minimal support, it’s harder to recover if something goes wrong. Always back up your content!

3. Can I switch from free hosting to paid hosting later?

Absolutely. Just make sure your site is portable. Platforms like WordPress.org make it easy to migrate your site to a host like BigRock.

4. Can I host an eCommerce store for free?

Technically, yes. Ecwid, Square, and Shopify Lite offer free or low-cost plans to start selling online. But for serious business, a paid plan is more scalable and secure.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!