So, you’re not quite ready to splash out on a fully custom-built website, and that’s completely fine! Maybe you’re just getting started, or you’re keeping things lean and mean budget-wise. The good news is, you’ve got options.
But here’s the thing—while there are plenty of website builders out there (Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, etc.), I’ll always recommend a self-hosted WordPress website instead. Why? Because site builders tie you into their ecosystem, and in the long run, they can end up being more expensive and limiting.
Below are my top recommendations for getting a solid, budget-friendly WordPress website off the ground, along with some affiliate links that might save you a bit of cash (and help me out too, win-win!).
Why Self-Hosted WordPress Over Website Builders?
You’ve probably heard of Wix or Squarespace—they’re everywhere. And yes, they’re convenient. Drag-and-drop, no coding, and you can have a site up in a day. But here’s the catch: you’re tied into their ecosystem. Want to move your site elsewhere? Sorry, no can do. Want to add advanced features? You’ll likely need to upgrade to pricier plans.
With a self-hosted WordPress site, you have full control. You can add any features you like, move your site to different hosting whenever you want, and it can actually save you money in the long run. Plus, WordPress powers over 40% of the web, so you’re in good company!
Affordable Hosting Options for WordPress
The first step to creating your self-hosted WordPress site is picking the right host. Hosting is where your website lives online, and thankfully, it doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. Here are my top recommendations for affordable hosting that doesn’t skimp on quality.
Freethought
Freethought is a very budget-friendly green hosting option, their shared cPanel hosting starts at just £20 for the year, which is fine for a small non-ecommerce website (I’m actually testing them at the moment). If you’re planning to run an e-commerce store, I wouldn’t recommend their shared hosting plans, as you’d generally need a server with more oomph. Check out Freethought Here
20i
20i is fast becoming one of the best-known names in the WordPress hosting world, and for good reason. It’s an affordable, fast green hosting option (though pricier than freethought). Check out 20i Here
Building Your WordPress Site: Themes & Plugins
Once you’ve got your hosting sorted, you’ll need to choose a WordPress theme. When it comes to WordPress themes and plugins, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with options. Many free and premium themes come loaded with unnecessary features and code bloat, which can slow down your site and make maintenance a headache.
For novices, I recommend keeping it simple by using Elementor with the Hello theme. Elementor is user-friendly and offers a drag-and-drop interface, perfect for those who aren’t familiar with coding. Plus, the Hello theme is lightweight and minimal, meaning you get a fast, clean slate to build on without any extra baggage. You can expand features later as needed, but this setup keeps things efficient and easy to manage when you’re just starting out.
Elementor has both a Free and an affordable Premium option Check out Elementor Here
Don’t forget your SEO while you are building a site either I recommend The SEO Framework as it just relies on your content rather than the ‘fads’ of focus keywords another solid option is SlimSEO both have free and premium options.
And finally you will need something to collect leads from your website, I recommend WS Form they have both a lite and more premium options but it is a wonderful form builder.
Don’t Forget Your Domain Name
Your domain name is the web address where your site will live (e.g., yourbusiness.com). Here are my recommendations for snagging an affordable domain:
20i
I always recommend 20i for domain registrations. In fact, after several years of running my business, I only recommend them now. 20i Can be found here
Budgeting for Your DIY WordPress Site
To give you a rough idea of the costs involved in getting your self-hosted WordPress site up and running, here’s a quick breakdown:
- Hosting: £2-10/month depending on the provider and plan you choose.
- Domain: Around £10/year.
- Elementor: Free or $59 a year.
Total: Around £30-100 to get started, which is much more affordable than many website builders’ higher-tier plans—and you won’t be tied into their system!
Final Thoughts: Why WordPress Wins Every Time
While website builders like Wix and Squarespace may seem convenient, they can end up limiting you in the long run. A self-hosted WordPress site gives you full control, more flexibility, and better value for your investment. Plus, with the tools and resources I’ve listed above, building your own WordPress website is far easier than you might think—and just as budget-friendly.
By using the affiliate links in this post, you’ll not only save a few quid but also support my small business at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win!
And when you’re ready to upgrade to a custom-built site, you know where to find me. Until then, happy building!
