The self-proclaimed “front page of the internet” – Reddit – has become an invaluable source of advice and opinions on any topic. In 2022 alone, 1.7 billion users flocked to the site to find answers to their questions, discuss topics ranging from politics to tech, or simply browse for entertainment.
With hundreds of thousands of subreddits (topic-specific forums) dedicated to everything from the mundane to the extreme, it's no wonder that Reddit has become a go-to destination for people seeking advice on any subject. Regarding website building, countless free options are available – and choosing the right one can be tricky.
To help you decide which free website builder is the best according to Reddit, we've researched and compiled our findings here!
Three Website Builders Redditors Think Are Best
We scoured Reddit for opinions on free website builders and found three options consistently mentioned by users. WordPress was the most popular choice, with many citing its intuitive design, extensive library of plugins, and excellent customer support as major benefits.
We’ll go a little more into detail about these three options below.
WordPress: Best for Plugins
Website: https://www.wordpress.org
WordPress is a Content Management System (CMS) used to create websites and blogs. It was first released in 2003 by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little, and ever since, it has grown into the most popular CMS on the internet, powering millions of websites worldwide.
WordPress Pros
WordPress is the world’s most popular website builder for a good reason. It offers an array of features that make it great for those looking to create a professional-looking website quickly and easily.
The main advantage of WordPress is its vast library of plugins (59,000+ free plugins!) that allow you to customize your site with unique features such as contact forms, photo galleries, eCommerce stores, SEO tools, and more.
There are also a variety of page builders available, such as Elementor and Beaver Builder, which make it easy to really customize the look of your website without any coding knowledge. If you're tech-savvy, these builders give you a lot of control over the design and functionality of your site.
For example, you can create custom layouts, add parallax scrolling effects, and more. Plus, you get access to an ever-growing library of free and paid themes. You also benefit from the knowledge base of other WordPress users who can help you troubleshoot any issues you might have.
WordPress Cons
WordPress can be more complicated to use than other website builders and require a bit of technical knowledge. Additionally, its interface can be clunky for those unfamiliar with it. While other sites have a customizable drag-and-drop feature, WordPress’s interface is more of a “click-and-type.” And while it can be great that the site accommodates experts and new users alike, the learning curve can be steep.
Wix: Best for eCommerce
Website: https://www.wix.com
Wix is a cloud-based web development platform that allows users to create HTML5 websites and mobile sites using drag-and-drop tools. It was founded in 2006 by two brothers, Avishai Abrahami and Giora Kaplan, who wanted to make web development easier and more accessible.
Wix Pros
Wix is a great choice for those looking to build an eCommerce store, thanks to its easy-to-use drag-and-drop design and free hosting. It also boasts many features specifically designed for online stores, such as abandoned cart recovery emails and product review systems.
Not only that, Wix's built-in SEO tools help you optimize your website for search engines so it can reach more potential customers. You can even connect your online store with Google Shopping, allowing you to gain more exposure in Google's search results.
Its 800+ templates are fantastic for those who don't have the time or knowledge to create a professional-looking web design from scratch.
Wix Cons
Wix's free plan can be restrictive, and its features are limited compared to some other website builders on this list. And if you ever decide to switch away from Wix, transferring your content over can be difficult or almost impossible.
There are also issues with responsive design, specifically, that web elements aren't positioned relative to the user's screen. This means there's no auto-scaling of content, so you have to do it for each device manually.
Weebly: Best for Beginners
Website: https://www.weebly.com
Weebly is a drag-and-drop website builder that makes creating professional, mobile-friendly websites in minutes easy. It was founded by three college friends – David Rusenko, Dan Veltri, and Chris Fanini – in 2006.
Weebly Pros
Weebly caters to beginners who want to get their website up and running quickly. People swear by it for its straightforward drag-and-drop interface, hundreds of templates, and reliable hosting. Its built-in analytics feature even helps you track your website's performance over time.
The site also has an extensive library of tutorials for those who are still new to web design and want more guidance on creating the perfect website. There are also free perks such as a free SEO report from the MarketGoo app and easy scalability when upgrading.
Another really cool feature is the Weebly Mobile app, which lets you manage your site, leverage insights, track data, and review orders – a sure benefit for entrepreneurs. Unlike Wix, Weebly allows users to move away and export their sites when and if needed. You won’t be trapped in the Weebly ecosystem!
Weebly Cons
Although Weebly is great for beginners, it's not as feature-rich as other website builders. If you want to add more features and customizations, you must upgrade your Weebly plan or use third-party apps.
Bloggers and writers may also find the lack of an integrated blog-management system limiting. The blog tool on Weebly is quite basic and doesn't offer the same features as dedicated blogging software such as WordPress.
What is a Website Builder?
A website builder is a program or service which enables users to create websites without the need for coding or design knowledge. These services offer simple drag-and-drop interfaces, hundreds of customizable templates, and various features such as photo galleries, contact forms, and eCommerce tools.
Gone are the days of spending thousands of dollars and hours on web design. Now, you can have a fully-functional website up and running in minutes with the help of one of these services.
What Makes a Good Website Builder?
Although the definition of “good” will vary from person to person, there are a few universal qualities that people look for in a website builder. Here are several of the key elements to consider:
- Easy-to-use interface: A website builder should be easy to navigate, allowing users to customize their websites without any coding knowledge.
- Flexibility: There should be a wide range of customization options on offer, such as the ability to add plugins, change themes, and integrate with other services.
- Responsive design: Websites built with a good website builder should look great on all devices and screen sizes. At the end of 2022, mobile devices accounted for 59.16% of global website traffic – mobile-friendliness is essential!
- Affordable pricing plans: Find sites that offer cost-effective pricing plans that are suitable for both personal and professional projects.
- Support: Professional customer support is useful if users encounter any issues while building their sites. Checking out review sites and what other people are saying is an excellent way to gauge the quality of a website builder's customer support.
- Additional integrations: The best website builders offer integrations with third-party services such as SEO optimization tools and email marketing integrations like Google Analytics and MailChimp.
Key Takeaways
So what's the verdict? Well, different website builders work best for different projects.
But when it comes to free website builders, Reddit users seem to prefer WordPress, Wix, and Weebly. All three offer a variety of features and tools that can suit anyone from beginners to advanced professionals.
While free website builders have limitations, they can be an excellent starting point for getting a website up and running. It might be worth an upgrade if you need more features or storage space. Ultimately, the best choice for you is like any other decision: it depends on your specific needs!
