Can I create a website for free?

Yes, but “free” usually means tradeoffs: a subdomain, platform branding, limited customization, and fewer SEO controls. Tools like Google Sites can be truly free for basic use, and many builders offer free tiers for testing. For a business site, the minimum paid upgrade is often worth it because a custom domain and clean branding improve trust. Even with free tools, budget time for content, photos, and proof. A site with weak content will not perform, regardless of platform.