free-website-builder4 min read

The Real Cost of 'Free' Website Builders

Understand the trade-offs of free website builders

A gradient illustration of a person looking at a website on a laptop, with a cityscape in the background.
A gradient illustration of a person looking at a website on a laptop, with a cityscape in the background.
TL;DR Free website builders often come with ads and limited features, while paid website builders offer more features and custom domains. Consider the trade-offs and choose a website builder that meets your needs. Borg Sites offers a range of plans, including a free Launch plan, to help you get started.

What's the Catch with Free Website Builders?

Free website builders often come with ads and limited features. According to Google Search Central documentation, free website builders may display ads on your site, which can be distracting and affect your site's professionalism. Additionally, free website builders typically have limited features, which can restrict your ability to customize and expand your site.

For example, free website builders may not allow you to use a custom domain, which can make your site appear less professional. They may also have limited storage and bandwidth, which can slow down your site and limit its functionality.

What Do You Get with Paid Website Builders?

Paid website builders typically offer more features and custom domains. According to MDN Web Docs, paid website builders provide more flexibility and customization options, allowing you to create a site that meets your specific needs. Paid website builders also often include features such as e-commerce integration, blogging tools, and SEO optimization, which can help you grow your online presence.

Additionally, paid website builders usually do not display ads on your site, which can improve your site's professionalism and user experience. They may also offer more storage and bandwidth, which can improve your site's performance and functionality.

How Much Does a Custom Website Really Cost?

The cost of a custom website can vary depending on the website builder and the features you need. Borg Sites offers a range of plans, including a free Launch plan, to help you get started. Our Launch plan is free for up to 5 pages and includes a free borgsites.com address. We also offer paid plans, such as our Spark Hosting & Care plan, which starts at $9.99/month and includes no ads and more features.

Our designers set up and style your site, so you never have to build or code anything. We also offer ongoing care and support, including updates, security, and maintenance, so you can focus on growing your online presence.

What to Weigh When Choosing a Website Builder

When choosing a website builder, there are several factors to consider. First, think about the features you need. Do you need e-commerce integration, blogging tools, or SEO optimization? Consider the level of customization you need, as well as the storage and bandwidth requirements for your site.

Next, consider the pricing and support offered by the website builder. Look for transparent pricing and a clear understanding of what you get for your money. Also, consider the level of support offered, including documentation, tutorials, and customer support.

What Our Smallest Plan Actually Gets You

Our smallest plan, the Launch plan, is free for up to 5 pages and includes a free borgsites.com address. You also get 1 GB of media storage, and our designers set up and style your site, so you never have to build or code anything. We also offer ongoing care and support, including updates, security, and maintenance, so you can focus on growing your online presence.

While our Launch plan is free, it's a great way to get started with a professional-looking site. You can always upgrade to a paid plan later if you need more features or customization options.

What to Do Next

Now that you understand the trade-offs of free website builders and the benefits of paid website builders, it's time to choose a website builder that meets your needs. Consider your budget, features, and support requirements, and look for a website builder that offers transparent pricing and a clear understanding of what you get for your money.

At Borg Sites, we offer a range of plans to help you get started. You can get a free, instant estimate at https://borgsites.com/estimate to see which plan is right for you.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a free website builder and a paid one?

Free website builders often come with ads and limited features, while paid website builders offer more features and custom domains. Paid website builders also usually do not display ads on your site, which can improve your site's professionalism and user experience.

How much does a custom website really cost?

The cost of a custom website can vary depending on the website builder and the features you need. Borg Sites offers a range of plans, including a free Launch plan, to help you get started. Our paid plans start at $9.99/month and include no ads and more features.

What features do I get with each Borg Sites plan?

Our plans include a range of features, such as custom domains, e-commerce integration, blogging tools, and SEO optimization. Our Launch plan is free for up to 5 pages and includes a free borgsites.com address, while our paid plans offer more features and customization options.

Can I upgrade or downgrade my plan at any time?

Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time. Our plans are flexible, and you can change your plan as your needs change.

What kind of support does Borg Sites offer?

We offer ongoing care and support, including updates, security, and maintenance, so you can focus on growing your online presence. We also offer documentation, tutorials, and customer support to help you get started and answer any questions you may have.

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