The 4 Best Free Website Builders in Australia

To build a website was once a difficult and time-consuming task. It required extensive knowledge of languages like CSS, HTML, and Javascript, and it often required the use of expensive software and platforms.

In the last decade or so, however, website building has become easier and more accessible. This is due in large part to the various website builders that have been made available to the public. And with the many free website builder options available, you can start at any time.

If you are in search of a free website builder in Australia, then read on.

What is a Website Builder?

A website builder is a platform that enables you to build a personal website without the need for experience or coding knowledge.

These websites can range from blogs to galleries to e-commerce sites.

Do keep in mind that the website builders on our list are free, but some of them may require paid plans for hosting.

The Best Free Website Builders in Australia

If you are looking for the best free website builder in Australia, then you will be happy to know there are various options to consider.

1. WordPress

As a Content Management System (CMS), WordPress is an excellent platform for content-focused websites. This includes blogs, but it is certainly not limited to that use.

With thousands of free and paid templates, you can build just about any website imaginable. This includes photo galleries, recipe repositories, and even e-commerce sites. The multitude of applications and integrations also make the above website types even easier to build and customize.

While users can create a website using just the customization options provided by the template, there is also the option to go into the template code. So whether you hire a developer, or you edit the code yourself, you have the capability to create a site that is truly your own.

2. Google Site

Google Site is a relatively limited platform, but one that you may want to consider if you have basic website needs.

As a Google platform, Google Site is easy to integrate with other Google applications. There are limitations, including incompatibility with many non-Google applications and limited customization options.

Google Site is best for internal-use websites, such as those you share with students or employees. The platform is ideal for building wiki-style content. 

The platform can be used for customer-facing websites, including those that advertise services and consultancies. While it will not be as complex as a site from other platforms on this list, Google Site can display images, videos, and text. The platform is not ideal for e-commerce businesses.

3. Jimdo

Jimdo is a great option for freelancers and small- to medium-sized businesses. You can set up a simple website in minutes using the variety of templates offered by the platform.

Jimdo is perhaps one of the easiest website builders to use. The editor is made with beginners in mind. The platform also offers robust SEO features including full control over on-page elements like page title, description, and URL.

The platform does offer pre-built templates, though customization is limited. The platform’s online store feature is also not as robust as most, and it only allows manual or PayPal payments. While these are cons for many looking for a website builder, this may not be an issue for those who simply need an easy-to-use and quick-to-setup platform.

If you are hoping for advanced customization capabilities, then Jimdo is not the platform for you.

4. Joomla

Joomla is also a CMS, like WordPress. It is similar to WordPress in many ways, and it is a strong contender for those who need a robust platform.

Joomla is similar to WordPress in that it offers ease-of-use but also enables customization options that many other website builders do not. This is because you can access and edit the template’s code, but it is absolutely not required.

With Joomla, you can build a complex website that meets a variety of needs with little experience or prior knowledge.

How to Choose the Best Free Website Builder

With a greater understanding of website builder options, it is now time to make your decision. Determining the right one for you may not be so easy, however.

When considering a website builder, you should look for the following qualities:

• Easy to use
• High-quality templates
• Domain and email options
• Customization options

You may also want to consider its compatibility with other software or platforms you intend to use, such as social media integrations and payment gateways.

For those who just want a basic website that handles text, images, and video, then any of the options on our list will do. However, you may want to consider the options that require the least amount of up-front setup, like Google Site or Jimdo.

If e-commerce capabilities are a must, then WordPress and Joomla are worthy choices. They both offer applications and integrations that make e-commerce store setup easy. They also offer more robust templates which are required for displaying products and product collections.

Conclusion

Whether you need to create a simple, text-based website or a complex e-commerce store, you have options when it comes to website builders. The free options above each have their own strengths. To recap:

• WordPress. An easy-to-use but a comprehensive option for those who need a more robust website or e-commerce store.
• Google Site. A basic choice that integrates with Google applications. Best for galleries or text-based service websites.
• Jimdo. The easiest-to-use option for those who want to get up and running in minutes.
• Joomla. A direct competitor of WordPress, which enables you to build a complex website with access to thousands of applications and integrations.

With so many free website builders to choose from, the choice can be difficult. Just keep in mind the elements you absolutely need for your website, and then make a decision that enables you to most simply and effectively implement them.