How to Create a Website for Business for Free (2025 Guide)
Need a professional business website but don’t have the budget?”
Most entrepreneurs waste hundreds—or even thousands—on expensive web designers or confusing DIY tools… only to end up with a slow, ugly, or hard-to-find website.
What if you could create a high-converting, mobile-friendly business website for FREE with no tech skills? This step-by-step guide reveals the exact process (plus free tools) to launch your site today—without spending a shilling.”
Whether you’re a small business owner in Kenya, a freelancer, or a startup founder, this guide will show you:
✅ How to design a stunning website (no coding needed)
✅ The best free website builders (Google Sites, Wix, WordPress)
✅ 7 simple steps from blank page to live site
✅ Cost hacks—because yes, you can get a domain, hosting, and even SEO for $0
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Website in Kenya? (2024 Breakdown)
“How Much Does It Cost to Open a Website in Kenya? (Free & Paid Options)”
Wondering how much it costs to open a website in Kenya? This guide breaks down free vs. paid options, domain & hosting prices, and budget-friendly tips to launch your site for less.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Website in Kenya? (Free vs. Paid Options in 2025)
If you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or startup in Kenya, you might wonder: “How much does it really cost to open a website?” The good news? You can launch a professional site for free or invest just a few thousand KES for advanced features. This guide compares free vs. paid website costs, domain & hosting prices in Kenya, and pro tips to save money while building a high-quality site.
Breakdown of Website Costs in Kenya (Free vs. Paid)
1. Domain Name Costs (Your Website’s Address)
Free Option:
Subdomains (e.g., yourbusiness.wixsite.com, yourblog.wordpress.com) – $0
Best for: Testing ideas, personal blogs
Paid Option:
Custom domain (e.g., yourbusiness.co.ke or .com) – KSh 1,500 – KSh 3,500/year
Popular registrars: Truehost Kenya, Kenya Web Experts, Namecheap
Best for: Professional branding & SEO
2. Website Hosting (Where Your Site Lives Online)
Free Option:
Google Sites, Wix Free Plan, WordPress.com Free Tier – $0
Limitations: Ads on your site, limited storage
Paid Option:
Shared Hosting (Kenyan Providers) – KSh 2,000 – KSh 6,000/year
Truehost, HostPinnacle, Kenyan Web Hosts
Premium Hosting (International) – 3–3–10/month (e.g., Hostinger, Bluehost)
3. Website Design & Development Costs
Free Option:
Drag-and-drop builders (Wix, Weebly, Google Sites) – $0
Best for: Beginners, no coding needed
Paid Option:
Hiring a Kenyan web designer – KSh 20,000 – KSh 50,000+
Best for: Custom business sites
4. Plugins & Extras (For Functionality)
Free plugins (WordPress, Wix App Market) – $0
Premium plugins/themes – KSh 1,000 – KSh 10,000+
Free vs. Paid Website: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Free Website | Paid Website |
| Domain Name | Subdomain (e.g., .wixsite.com) | Custom (e.g., .co.ke) |
| Hosting | Limited storage & bandwidth | Faster, more reliable |
| Branding | Displays builder’s ads | No third-party ads |
| SEO | Basic optimization | Full control (better rankings) |
| Cost | $0 | KSh 3,000 – KSh 15,000/year |
3 Cost-Saving Tips for Beginners
Start Free, Upgrade Later – Use a free plan, then switch to paid once profitable.
Use Kenyan Hosting for Faster Speeds – Local servers improve load times.
DIY with Templates – Avoid hiring a designer; use pre-made layouts.
Final Verdict: How Much Does a Website Cost in Kenya?
✅ Free Website: $0 (Best for testing, personal use)
✅ Budget Business Site: KSh 3,000 – KSh 10,000/year (Domain + hosting)
✅ Premium Business Site: KSh 15,000+ (Custom design, plugins, SEO)
How to Create a Website for Business for Free – Step-by-Step (2025 Guide)
Want to create a professional business website for free—without coding or hiring a developer? You’re in the right place. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to:
✅ Choose the best free website builder (Google Sites, Wix, WordPress)
✅ Design a stunning site (even with zero experience)
✅ Optimize for SEO & mobile (so customers find you)
✅ Launch & promote your site—all for $0
Step 1: Define Your Website’s Purpose & Goals
Before building, ask:
Is this a business website? (Showcase services, attract clients)
A portfolio? (Display your work, like artists or freelancers)
An eCommerce store? (Sell products online)
Pro Tip:Business sites need contact forms & service pages.
Step 2: Choose a Free Website Builder
Here are the best free options (with pros & cons):
| Builder | Pros | Cons |
| Google Sites | Super easy, integrates with Google | Limited design flexibility |
| Wix | Beautiful templates, drag-and-drop | Free plan shows Wix ads |
| WordPress.com | Great for blogging, SEO-friendly | Less customization (free plan) |
| Weebly | Simple, good for small businesses | Fewer features than Wix/WordPress |
| Shopify (Trial) | Best for eCommerce (14-day free trial) | Not free long-term |
Step 3: Pick a Domain Name
Your domain is your website’s address (e.g., yourbusiness.com).
Free Domain Options:
yourbusiness.wixsite.com
yourbusiness.wordpress.com
Best Practices for Choosing a Domain:
✔ Short & memorable (avoid numbers/hyphens)
✔ Use keywords (e.g., nairobicakes.com for a bakery)
✔ Stick with .com or .co.ke (more trusted)
Upgrade Later:
A custom domain (like yourbrand.co.ke) costs ~KSh 1,500/year.
Step 4: Select a Template & Customize Design
How to Choose the Right Website Template:
Match your industry (e.g., clean layouts for professional services)
Prioritize mobile-friendly designs (60% of web traffic is mobile)
Drag-and-Drop Customization Tips:
Keep branding consistent (colors, fonts, logo)
Use high-quality free images (Unsplash, Pexels)
Avoid clutter – white space improves readability
Step 5: Add Essential Pages & Content
Every business website needs:
Homepage – Clear value proposition (“What do you offer?”)
About Us – Build trust (tell your story)
Contact Page – Phone, email, WhatsApp, location (Google Maps)
Services/Products – What you sell (with prices if possible)
Blog (Optional) – Helps with SEO
SEO-Friendly Writing Tips:
✔ Use headings (H2, H3) for structure
✔ Include keywords naturally (e.g., “best bakery in Nairobi”)
✔ Keep paragraphs short & scannable
Step 6: Optimize for Mobile & Speed
Why It Matters:
Google ranks mobile-friendly sites higher
Slow sites lose visitors (53% leave if a page takes >3 secs)
Free Tools to Check Performance:
Google PageSpeed Insights (tests speed)
Mobile-Friendly Test (checks responsiveness)
Fix Common Issues:
Compress images (use TinyPNG)
Minimize heavy animations
Step 7: Publish & Promote Your Website
How to Launch Your Site:
Click “Publish” in your website builder.
Test all links & forms before sharing.
Free Marketing Strategies:
Google My Business (Get listed for local searches)
Social Media (Share on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
WhatsApp Status (Tell friends & clients)
Final Step: Track & Improve
Use Google Analytics (free) to see visitors.
Update content regularly (blogs, new services).
How to Create a Website on Google for Free (Using Google Sites in 2025)
Learn how to create a website on Google for free using Google Sites. Step-by-step guide with screenshots, customization tips, and limitations explained.
How to Create a Website on Google for Free – Complete Google Sites Guide
Want a fast, free, and easy way to create a website on Google? Google Sites lets you build a professional-looking site in minutes—no coding or design skills needed. Perfect for:
✅ Small business owners
✅ Freelancers & portfolios
✅ Event pages & internal company sites
In this guide, you’ll get a step-by-step walkthrough, customization tips, and key limitations to know before starting.
Step-by-Step: How to Create a Free Website on Google Sites
Step 1: Access Google Sites
Go to sites.google.com
Sign in with your Google account (Gmail).
Click “+” to create a new site.
Step 2: Choose a Template (or Start Blank)
Google Sites offers minimal templates (unlike Wix or Squarespace).
Best for clean, simple designs.
Pro Tip: Start with a blank template for full customization.
Step 3: Customize Your Site
A. Add & Edit Sections
Click “Insert” to add:
Text boxes
Images (upload or from Google Drive)
Embed YouTube videos
Google Docs, Sheets, or Forms
B. Change Layout & Theme
Click “Themes” to pick a color scheme.
Adjust fonts and background colors.
C. Add Navigation (Pages)
Click “Pages” → “+” to add new pages (e.g., Home, About, Contact).
Step 4: Set Up a Free Domain
Google Sites automatically gives you a free subdomain:
sites.google.com/view/your-site-name
Want a custom domain? You’ll need to:
Buy one (e.g., yourbusiness.com)
Connect it via Google Domains (paid).
Step 5: Publish Your Site
Click “Publish” in the top-right.
Choose a public or restricted audience.
Hit “Publish” – your site is now live!
Google Sites Customization Options & Limitations
✅ Pros (What You Can Do for Free)
✔ Easy drag-and-drop editor (Beginner-friendly)
✔ Real-time collaboration (Like Google Docs)
✔ Mobile-responsive (Automatically adapts to phones)
✔ Integrates with Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Calendar)
❌ Cons (Limitations to Know)
✖ No custom themes (Limited design flexibility)
✖ Free domain looks unprofessional (sites.google.com/…)
✖ No built-in SEO tools (Harder to rank on Google)
✖ No eCommerce features (Can’t sell products directly)
Who Should Use Google Sites? (Best For)
🔹 Small businesses needing a quick online presence
🔹 Freelancers & portfolios (Writers, designers, consultants)
🔹 Internal company pages (HR docs, team dashboards)
🔹 Event websites (Weddings, conferences, fundraisers)
Not ideal for:
Online stores (use Shopify or WooCommerce)
Blogs (WordPress.com is better)
Advanced SEO (limited control)
Google Sites vs. Other Free Website Builders
| Feature | Google Sites | Wix | WordPress.com |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Design Flexibility | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Free Domain | sites.google.com/… | .wixsite.com | .wordpress.com |
| Best For | Simple sites | Business sites | Blogs |
Final Verdict: Is Google Sites Right for You?
Use Google Sites if: You need a fast, free, no-frills website for basic info.
Avoid Google Sites if: You want advanced SEO, custom domains, or online sales.
How to Design a Website Like a Pro (Even as a Beginner)
A badly designed website can drive customers away in seconds. But here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a designer (or a coder) to create a professional, visually appealing website.
✅ 5 pro design principles (color, fonts, spacing)
✅ Free tools to make your site look expensive (Canva, Unsplash, Google Fonts)
✅ Easy hacks to improve visuals without coding
Let’s transform your site from “amateur” to “wow”—starting now.
5 Pro Website Design Principles (Even Beginners Can Use)
1. Color Schemes: How to Pick the Right Colors
Stick to 2-3 primary colors (too many = chaotic).
Use color psychology:
Blue = Trust (great for finance, healthcare)
Green = Growth (eco brands, wellness)
Red = Urgency (sales, food industry)
Free Tool: Coolors.co (generates perfect color palettes).
2. Fonts: Keep It Clean & Readable
Use max 2 fonts (one for headings, one for body text).
Pair fonts wisely:
Sans-serif (modern): Roboto, Open Sans (best for web)
Serif (elegant): Playfair Display, Merriweather
Free Tool: Google Fonts (hundreds of free fonts).
3. Spacing & Layout: Avoid Clutter
White space is your friend – makes content easier to read.
Use grids (most website builders have built-in alignment guides).
Pro Tip: Keep margins and padding consistent (e.g., 20px between sections).
4. Images: High Quality = Professional Look
Avoid blurry or pixelated images.
Use authentic, relatable photos (not stocky-looking).
Free Tools:
Unsplash (free high-res images)
Canva (resize & edit images easily).
5. Mobile-Friendly Design (Non-Negotiable!)
Over 60% of web traffic comes from phones – test your site on mobile.
Use a responsive template (automatically adjusts to screens).
Free Design Tools to Make Your Website Look Pro
| Tool | What It Does | Best For |
| Canva | Design logos, banners, social media graphics | Non-designers |
| Unsplash | Free high-quality photos | Adding professional images |
| Google Fonts | Hundreds of free fonts | Typography |
| Coolors | Generate color palettes | Branding |
| Figma | Free design mockups (drag & drop) | Planning layouts |
How to Make Your Site Visually Appealing (Without Coding)
1. Use a Pre-Made Template
Most website builders (Wix, Squarespace, WordPress) offer professionally designed templates.
Just customize colors, text, and images—no design skills needed.
2. Add Visual Hierarchy
Bigger text = more important (headings vs. body text).
Use buttons (contrasting colors for CTAs like “Buy Now”).
3. Embed Videos & GIFs
Videos increase engagement (embed from YouTube).
Free Tool: Giphy (for fun, on-brand GIFs).
4. Keep Navigation Simple
Max 5-7 menu items (e.g., Home, About, Services, Contact).
Sticky header (menu stays visible when scrolling).
5. Speed Matters (Slow Sites Look Cheap)
Compress images with TinyPNG.
Avoid too many animations (slows down loading).
Final Checklist Before Launching Your Design
✔ Colors: Limited palette (2-3 colors)
✔ Fonts: Max 2 fonts (sans-serif for body)
✔ Images: High-res, authentic photos
✔ Spacing: Enough white space
✔ Mobile Test: Looks good on phones
How to Create a Website for Business on Google (Beyond Google Sites)
Did you know Google offers a free, ultra-simple website builder for businesses—even if you don’t have a domain? If you’ve claimed your Google My Business (GMB) profile, you can generate a basic website in minutes—perfect for local shops, restaurants, and service providers.
✅ How to set up a free website via Google My Business
✅ How to integrate Google Analytics & Search Console (for tracking)
✅ SEO tricks to rank higher on Google (even with a simple site)
Let’s get your business visible online—for free!
Method 1: Create a Free Website via Google My Business
Step 1: Claim or Set Up Your Google My Business Profile
Go to Google My Business
Sign in with your business Google account.
Add your business details (name, address, phone, category).
Step 2: Generate Your Free Website
In your GMB dashboard, go to “Website” (left menu).
Click “Get Started” – Google auto-generates a site using your GMB info.
Customize:
Add a cover photo (recommended: 1080×608 px)
Edit business description, hours, contact info
Include a “Call Now” or “Message” button
Step 3: Publish & Share
Click “Publish” – your free site is live at:
https://business.google.com/website/[your-business-name]
Limitations:
Very basic design (no custom domain)
Best for local businesses needing a quick online presence
Method 2: Integrate Google Analytics & Search Console
Why It Matters:
Google Analytics → Tracks visitors, behavior, conversions.
Google Search Console → Monitors search rankings, fixes errors.
How to Set Up (For Google My Business Websites):
1.Google Analytics:
Go to analytics.google.com → “Start measuring”
Add your GMB website URL (e.g., business.google.com/website/your-business)
Install the tracking code (not directly supported on GMB sites—use a workaround like linking to a separate landing page).
2. Google Search Console:
Go to search.google.com/search-console
Add your GMB site URL → Verify ownership (via HTML tag or Google Analytics).
Note: For non-GMB sites (e.g., Google Sites, WordPress), these tools integrate directly in settings.
SEO Tips to Rank Higher on Google (Even with a Simple Site)
1. Optimize Google My Business Profile
Complete every section (photos, hours, services).
Choose the right business category (e.g., “Plumber” not “Contractor”).
Get reviews (aim for 10+ with responses).
2. Use Keywords Naturally
Include location + service in your site text (e.g., “Best bakery in Nairobi”).
Add keywords to:
Business title (in GMB)
Website description
Image alt text
3. Get Local Backlinks
List your business on local directories (e.g., Yellow Pages Kenya, TripAdvisor).
Partner with nearby businesses for mutual mentions.
4. Publish Fresh Content (If Possible)
Add a simple blog section (e.g., “5 Tips for Choosing a Plumber in Nairobi”).
Update seasonal offers/events (e.g., “Ramadan Special Menu”).
Google My Business Website vs. Google Sites vs. Full Website
| Feature | GMB Free Website | Google Sites | Self-Hosted Site |
| Cost | Free | Free | ~KSh 3,000+/yr |
| Custom Domain | No | No | Yes |
| SEO Control | Limited | Basic | Full |
| Best For | Local businesses | Simple sites | Growing brands |
Final Verdict: Which Google Website Option is Best?
Use Google My Business Website if: You’re a local business needing a fast, free online presence.
Upgrade to Google Sites or WordPress if: You want more design control & SEO.
Advanced Tips for Growing Your Business Website (Beyond the Basics)
Your free business website is live—now what? If you want to attract more customers, rank higher on Google, and convert visitors into sales, you need advanced growth strategies.
✅ When (and why) to upgrade from a free plan
✅ How to use SEO & blogging to get free traffic
✅ Free plugins & tools to add chatbots, forms, and analytics
Let’s turn your basic site into a lead-generating machine—starting today.
1. When to Upgrade from a Free Website Plan
Signs You Should Upgrade:
You’re getting serious traffic (but your free plan has bandwidth limits).
You need a custom domain (e.g., yourbusiness.co.ke instead of .wixsite.com).
You want to remove ads (many free builders show their own ads).
Best Affordable Upgrades:
| Website Builder | Paid Plan (Starting Price) | Best For |
| Wix | ~KSh 1,200/month | Small businesses |
| WordPress (self-hosted) | ~KSh 500/month (hosting) | Bloggers, SEO-focused sites |
| Shopify | $29/month (≈KSh 3,800) | eCommerce stores |
Pro Tip: Start free, then upgrade only when your business is earning enough to justify costs.
2. SEO: How to Rank Higher on Google (For Free)
Beginner SEO Checklist:
✔ Use keywords naturally (e.g., “best coffee shop in Nairobi” in headings & content).
✔ Optimize images (compress with TinyPNG, add alt text).
✔ Get backlinks (list your site on directories like Yellow Pages Kenya).
Free SEO Tools:
Google Keyword Planner (find low-competition keywords).
Ubersuggest (check competitor rankings).
3. Blogging: The #1 Way to Get Free Traffic
Why Blogging Works:
Fresh content = Google ranks you higher.
Blog posts = more ways people find you (e.g., “How to Start a Café in Nairobi”).
Blog Post Ideas for Kenyan Businesses:
“Cost of [Your Service] in Kenya (2024 Guide)”
“5 Signs You Need a [Your Service] in Nairobi”
“How to Choose the Best [Your Product] in Kenya”
Pro Tip: Post 1-2 articles per month to see steady growth.
4. Lead Generation: Turn Visitors into Customers
Free Tools to Capture Leads:
| Tool | What It Does |
| Tally Forms | Free embeddable contact forms |
| HubSpot Free CRM | Track customer interactions |
| Google Analytics | See which pages convert best |
How to Use Them:
Add a “Contact Us” form (Tally, Google Forms).
Offer a free download (e.g., “Get Our Price List”) in exchange for emails.
Use WhatsApp click-to-chat links (https://wa.me/2547XXXXXXXX).
5. Must-Have Free Plugins (For WordPress Users)
If you’ve upgraded to self-hosted WordPress, install these:
Rank Math SEO (optimize content for Google).
Elementor (drag-and-drop page builder).
WPForms Lite (create contact forms).
LiveChat (free chatbot for customer queries).
6. Speed & Security: Keep Your Site Running Smoothly
Test speed: Google PageSpeed Insights
Free security: Wordfence (for WordPress).
7. Promote Your Website for Free
Google My Business (Get listed in local searches).
Facebook Groups (Share your blog posts in relevant groups).
WhatsApp Status (Announce new products/services).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Website Creation for Businesses
Building a business website shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Whether you’re wondering where to start, how much it costs, or which tools to use, these FAQs cover everything—with simple, actionable answers.
1. What Are the 7 Steps in Creating a Website? (Recap)
- Here’s the simplest way to build a website from scratch:
- Define your goal (Business site? Portfolio? eCommerce?).
- Choose a website builder (Free: Google Sites, Wix, WordPress.com).
- Pick a domain name (Free: .wixsite.com; Paid: .co.ke).
- Select a template (Customize colors, fonts, layout).
- Add essential pages (Home, About, Contact, Services).
- Optimize for mobile & speed (Test with Google PageSpeed Insights).
- Publish & promote (Share on social media, Google My Business).
Pro Tip: Need details? Reach out to us here.
2. How Do I Start Creating a Website? (Quick-Start Guide)
For absolute beginners:
Go to Google Sites or Wix.
Pick a template → Add your text/images → Publish.
For businesses: Use WordPress.com (better SEO) or Shopify (for online stores).
Time needed: As little as 30 minutes for a basic site.
3. I Want a Website for My Business—What’s the Easiest Way?
The fastest free options are:
Google My Business (Auto-generates a site from your GMB profile).
Wix ADI (AI builds a site for you in minutes).
Canva Websites (Drag-and-drop for simple portfolios).
Best for non-techies: Wix or Google Sites.
4. Can I Create a Website Without Coding?
Yes! These no-code tools let you build visually:
Wix (Easiest drag-and-drop).
Squarespace (Beautiful templates).
WordPress + Elementor (More customization).
Even eCommerce sites can be built without coding (using Shopify).
5. Which Free Website Builder Is Best for SEO?
| Builder | SEO Strengths | Best For |
| WordPress.com | Best control over SEO | Blogs, businesses |
| Wix | Good built-in SEO tools | Small businesses |
| Google Sites | Poor SEO (not recommended) | Internal/quick sites |
Winner: WordPress.com (or self-hosted WordPress for full SEO control).
Bonus FAQ: How Can I Get My Website on Google?
Submit to Google Search Console (search.google.com/search-console).
Add keywords naturally in your content.
Get backlinks (e.g., from local directories).
Launch Your Business Website Today!
You’ve made it to the finish line! By now, you know:
✅ How to create a website for free (no tech skills needed).
✅ Which tools work best for your business (Wix, WordPress, Google Sites).
✅ How to design like a pro (even as a beginner).
✅ SEO tricks to get found on Google.
Need Help in creating a website for youe business?
👉 Contact me below with your #1 website struggle—I’ll reply with a solution!
