The Easiest Way for an Artist to Host a Website for Free: Comparing the Best Platforms
Creating a free artist website is easier than ever, but with so many platforms to choose from, how do you know which is best for you? Let’s break down six popular options—Wix, WordPress.com, Weebly, Squarespace, Google Sites, and Behance—to help you decide based on ease of use, features, and suitability for art websites. Keep in mind that free websites are going to be very basic and have a limit on the amount of photos you can upload. The advantage of starting with a free website is that you can get a feel for how you would build a website and how you would want it to look.
1. Wix
Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Drag-and-drop editor makes it beginner-friendly.
- Tons of templates tailored for portfolios.
Free Plan Features: ⭐⭐⭐
- Free Wix subdomain (e.g.,
yourname.wixsite.com). - Ads displayed on your site.
- Limited storage (500 MB) and bandwidth. (this is important, this limits the number of photos you can upload)
Great for Art Websites? ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Excellent customization options and art-focused templates.
- You can showcase galleries and add an "About Me" section easily.
2. WordPress.com
Ease of Use: ⭐⭐
- More technical compared to other platforms, but manageable with tutorials. I even hesitated if I would include this one in my list. There is a steep Learning curve here.
- Customization options can feel overwhelming for beginners. For more experienced users.
Free Plan Features: ⭐⭐⭐
- Free WordPress subdomain (e.g.,
yourname.wordpress.com). - Ads appear on your site.
- Limited themes and basic customization.
Great for Art Websites? ⭐⭐⭐
- Great for blogging about your art but less intuitive for visual portfolios.
3. Weebly
Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Very straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Drag-and-drop tools with basic design options.
Free Plan Features: ⭐⭐⭐
- Free Weebly subdomain (e.g.,
yourname.weebly.com). - Ads displayed on your site.
- Limited storage (500 MB).
Great for Art Websites? ⭐⭐⭐
- Simple galleries, but fewer creative options compared to Wix or Squarespace.
4. Squarespace
Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐
- Sleek and professional templates, but a steeper learning curve than Wix or Weebly.
- Drag-and-drop interface, but fewer free plan options.
Free Plan Features: ⭐⭐
- No permanent free plan—only a 14-day free trial.
- After the trial, plans start at $16/month. NOT FREE forever only a free trial.
Great for Art Websites? ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Highly polished designs perfect for showcasing art.
- Best for artists willing to invest after the trial.
5. Google Sites
Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Easiest option for beginners with no tech knowledge.
- Limited customization, but straightforward setup.
Free Plan Features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Completely free with no ads.
- Unlimited storage through Google Drive integration.
Great for Art Websites? ⭐⭐
- Very basic design options—not ideal for showcasing art professionally.
6. Behance
Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designed specifically for creatives; no need to build a website from scratch.
- Easy to upload and organize your artwork.
Free Plan Features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Completely free, no ads, and unlimited uploads.
- Built-in social networking features to connect with other artists.
Great for Art Websites? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Ideal for portfolios and networking, but less customizable than a full website.
Summary Table
| Platform | Ease of Use | Free Plan Features | Best for Art Websites? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| WordPress | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Weebly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Squarespace | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ (Free Trial Only) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Google Sites | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Behance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best thing to do is try one out and if you dont like it try another one. They are free plans so don't fee stuck with the first one you try. Let me know what you end up with and what your experience was like.