"Free website" can mean three very different things. Here's how to tell them apart, and what to ask before you hand over your business name.
The three kinds of "free website"
| Type | What's free | The usual catch |
|---|---|---|
| Free builder plan | The tools and basic hosting | Builder branding or ads, a subdomain like yourbusiness.builder-site.com, limited features; your own domain usually needs a paid plan |
| Free trial | Everything, for a few weeks | It becomes a paid subscription unless you cancel |
| Free done-for-you site | Design, writing, and often hosting | The company earns money later from hosting, edits, SEO, or other services |
None of these are scams by default. The question is whether the catch fits how you want to run your business.
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Who owns the site and the content? You should be able to take your words, photos, and logo with you.
- Who owns the domain name? Register it in your own name, even if someone else sets it up.
- What costs money after launch? Hosting, edits, a custom domain, email, removing branding?
- What happens if I stop paying for something optional? Does the site stay up?
- Is there a contract or a cancellation fee?
If the answers are vague, treat it as a red flag.
Our "free," spelled out
Since we offer free websites, here's ours with nothing hidden. Bayou Labs designs, writes, and hosts a website of up to 5 pages for Houston small businesses at no cost. There's no card and no contract, hosting stays free, and you own your content and can take your files anytime.
The catch: changes after launch aren't free. If you want regular edits, the Care Plan is $59 a month, or you can pay $49 per edit. Local SEO and custom features cost extra too. Many owners never need any of it. Full details are on our pricing page.
When a free website is the right call
- You need to look professional online quickly
- Your site is mostly a digital business card: services, area, contact
- You'd rather spend money on things that bring in jobs
When to pay up front instead
- You need online ordering, booking, or e-commerce from day one
- You want a fully custom brand built at the same time
- You want everything under one contract with one vendor
For a sense of normal pricing, read how much a small business website costs. If a free site fits, you can request one here.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my own domain with a free website?
With most free builder plans, no; a custom domain usually requires upgrading. With done-for-you offers it varies. Bayou Labs connects your own domain for free if you have one.
Why would a company build a website for free?
Usually to earn ongoing work later, such as hosting, maintenance, or marketing, or to build a portfolio. That's fine as long as the terms are clear up front.
Is a free website bad for SEO?
Not by itself. What matters is speed, mobile usability, clear content, and proper setup. A free site on a builder subdomain is harder to brand and build authority on than one on your own domain.