You can build a website yourself using tools that require no coding knowledge
Building a website no longer means learning to code or paying a developer thousands of dollars. You can create a functioning website using website builders — software that lets you drag elements around, add text and images, and publish the result to the internet. The main trade-off is control: builders make common tasks fast and visual, but they limit what you can customize compared to hand-coded sites.
The process has three parts: choosing a platform, building your pages, and connecting a domain name (the web address people type). Most builders handle all three, though you can mix and match — for instance, buying your domain from one company and hosting your site on another.
Key Takeaways
- Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress.com let you create sites by dragging and dropping elements, with no coding required.
- You will need to choose between hosted builders (the company runs everything) and self-hosted platforms (you rent server space separately), which affects cost and control.
- A domain name costs $10 to $15 per year and is separate from hosting, though most builders bundle both into one monthly fee.
- Your site needs to be published to the internet, which means choosing a hosting provider — either the builder itself or a separate company like Bluehost or GoDaddy.
- Most builders charge monthly ($12 to $40 for basic plans) and include storage for images, a template to start from, and tools to add contact forms or online stores.
Hosted builders versus self-hosted platforms
A hosted builder is the simplest route. The company provides the software, the server space, and the domain registration all in one place. You log in, edit your site, and it is live. Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, and WordPress.com work this way. You pay a monthly subscription (usually $12 to $40 for a basic plan), and the company handles backups, security updates, and server maintenance.
Self-hosted platforms like WordPress.org, Joomla, or Drupal give you more control but require more steps. You rent server space from a hosting company (Bluehost, SiteGround, Kinsta) separately, then install the platform yourself. You own the files, choose your own plugins and themes, and can customize almost anything. The trade-off is that you are responsible for updates, backups, and security. This route costs $5 to $15 per month for hosting plus $10 to $15 for a domain, but gives you more flexibility if your site grows.
For most people starting out, a hosted builder is faster and requires less troubleshooting. Self-hosted makes sense if you plan to run a complex site, an online store with many products, or a membership community.
What each major platform does well
Wix is visual and beginner-friendly. You drag elements onto a blank canvas, and the editor shows you what the page looks like as you work. It includes free stock photos, a contact form builder, and basic e-commerce. Plans start around $14 per month. The downside is that switching templates later is difficult — you have to rebuild your pages.
Squarespace focuses on design. Its templates are polished and modern, and the editor is clean. It works well for portfolios, small businesses, and blogs. Plans start around $15 per month. Squarespace handles hosting and domain registration, so there are no separate bills. It is less flexible than WordPress if you want to add custom code later.
WordPress.com is the hosted version of WordPress. It sits between simplicity and power — easier than self-hosted WordPress, but more customizable than Wix. Plans start around $4 per month for basic blogging, but you will pay more ($8 to $25) if you want a custom domain or to remove WordPress branding. It is popular with bloggers and small publishers.
WordPress.org (self-hosted) is the most flexible option. You install it on your own server and can add thousands of plugins to extend what it does. It powers about 40% of all websites. The learning curve is steeper, and you manage updates yourself, but you own everything. Hosting costs $5 to $15 per month through providers like Bluehost, SiteGround, or Kinsta.
Shopify is built for online stores. If you are selling products, it handles inventory, payment processing, and shipping labels. Plans start around $29 per month. It is not ideal for a straightforward blog or portfolio, but it is purpose-built for commerce.
The steps to get your site live
Start by choosing your platform and signing up. Most builders offer a free trial or a free tier with limited features, so you can test before paying. During signup, you will create an account and choose a plan.
Next, pick a template or theme. This is a pre-designed layout you customize with your own text and images. You do not have to use the template as-is — most builders let you change colors, fonts, and layouts. Spend time here: a template that matches your vision saves hours of work.
Then build your pages. Most sites start with a home page, an about page, a contact page, and maybe a services or blog section. Add text, images, and buttons by dragging them into place. Test links to make sure they work. Preview your site on a phone — most builders show you how it looks on different screen sizes.
Choose or register a domain name. This is the web address people type (like yourname.com). Most builders let you register one during setup, or you can buy it elsewhere and point it to your site. Domain registration costs $10 to $15 per year, though many builders include the first year free.
Finally, publish. Click the publish button, and your site goes live. It may take a few hours for the domain to fully set up, but people can start visiting when ready.
Domain names and where to buy them
Your domain name is your site's address on the internet. It should be short, straightforward to spell, and ideally match your name or business. Domains ending in .com are most common, but .co, .net, .org, and industry-specific endings like .shop or .blog are available.
You can register a domain through your website builder (Wix, Squarespace, WordPress.com all offer this), or through a separate registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. Registrars are cheaper if you are buying only the domain — $10 to $15 per year — but builders often bundle it into your monthly fee, which is simpler if you are new to this.
Check availability by typing your desired name into any registrar's search box. If it is taken, you can try variations or a different ending. Once you register, you own it for one year, and you renew it annually. If you stop paying, someone else can buy it.
Costs and what is included in each plan
| Platform | Starting Price | What Is Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | $14/month | Hosting, domain (first year free), 500 MB storage, contact forms, basic e-commerce | Beginners, small businesses, portfolios |
| Squarespace | $15/month | Hosting, domain (first year free), unlimited storage, e-commerce, analytics | Designers, portfolios, small shops |
| WordPress.com | $4/month (basic) | Hosting, 3 GB storage, WordPress.com domain; custom domain requires upgrade | Bloggers, publishers, content creators |
| WordPress.org + hosting | $5–15/month | Server space only; you manage software, plugins, updates | Advanced users, complex sites, full control |
| Shopify | $29/month | Hosting, domain (first year free), e-commerce, inventory, payment processing | Online stores, product sales |
Most plans include hosting (server space), a domain name for the first year, and a template library. Higher tiers add features like more storage, advanced e-commerce, email marketing tools, or the ability to remove the builder's branding.
If you choose self-hosted WordPress, costs are separate: hosting ($5 to $15 per month) plus domain ($10 to $15 per year). You may also want to pay for a premium theme ($30 to $100 one-time) or plugins, though many are free.
Common mistakes to avoid
Choosing a template and then changing your mind later is expensive in time. Wix and Squarespace make it hard to switch templates without rebuilding pages. Spend an hour browsing templates before you commit, and pick one that matches your vision.
Forgetting to renew your domain is straightforward and costly. Set a calendar reminder for your renewal date, or enable auto-renewal in your registrar's settings. If your domain expires, someone else can buy it, and you lose your web address.
Not testing on a phone is a common oversight. Most visitors will see your site on a mobile device, so preview it there before publishing. Most builders show a mobile preview in the editor.
Overcomplicating your first site slows you down. Start with a home page, about page, and contact form. Add more pages and features once you are comfortable with the basics.
Ignoring security and backups is risky, especially if you store customer data or payment information. Hosted builders handle this for you. If you self-host, choose a hosting provider that includes automatic backups and security monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to code to build a website?
No. Website builders are designed for people with no coding experience. You drag elements, type text, and upload images. If you want to add custom code later, most builders let you edit HTML and CSS in an advanced editor, but it is not required to get your free guide.
Can I move my site to a different platform later?
It depends on the platform. Moving from Wix or Squarespace to another builder is difficult because they do not export your pages easily. WordPress sites are easier to move because you can export your content and import it elsewhere. If you think you might switch, self-hosted WordPress is the safest choice.
What if I want to sell products on my site?
Most builders include basic e-commerce — you can add a product catalog, set prices, and accept payments. Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress all have this. If you plan to sell many products or need advanced features like inventory tracking, Shopify is purpose-built for that and may be worth the higher cost.
How long does it take to build a website?
A straightforward site with three to five pages takes one to two weeks if you work on it a few hours a week. Most of the time goes into writing content and choosing images, not building the structure. A more complex site with a blog or store takes longer.
What happens if I stop paying my monthly fee?
Your site goes offline, and people cannot visit it. Your domain name stays registered (if you paid for it separately), but your pages disappear. If you want to keep your site, you need to keep paying. Some builders let you export your content before your account closes.