What to Do If You Can’t Afford a Website Yet (Budget-Friendly Alternatives!)
A website is one of the best investments you can make for your business, but what if you’re not quite ready to afford one? The good news is you don’t have to put your business on hold. There are plenty of ways to establish an online presence and start attracting customers while you save up for a proper website. Here are some practical, low-cost alternatives to get you started.
1. Use Social Media as a Temporary Website
If you can’t afford a website yet, social media can act as a stand-in for your online presence. The key is to treat it strategically and do remember that it can disappear overnight so relying on it should definitely only be temporary:
Instagram – Optimise your bio, use highlights to showcase your services, and create a pinned post that explains who you are and how to work with you.
Facebook Page – A great option for service-based businesses. Fill out all business details, add customer reviews, and use the built-in booking feature.
LinkedIn – Ideal for personal brands and B2B businesses. Use the ‘Featured’ section to showcase work, testimonials, or lead magnets.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a free link-in-bio tool like Linktree or create a free one-page site on Carrd or Squarespace’s Bio Sites to direct people to your key links.
2. Start with a Free Website or Landing Page
Even if a full website isn’t in the budget, you can still set up a simple page:
Squarespace Free Trial – Start designing your website during the trial period and only pay when you’re ready to launch.
Google Sites – A basic but functional free option for a professional-looking page.
MailerLite or ConvertKit Landing Pages – Perfect if you want to collect emails and start growing your audience before launching a full website.
💡 Pro Tip: Start with a one-page website that includes who you are, what you offer, and how people can contact you.
3. Use Email Marketing as Your Business Hub
A website isn’t the only way to connect with your audience. Email marketing can help you nurture leads and build relationships.
Start with a free email marketing tool – MailerLite, ConvertKit (free plan), or MailChimp.
Create a simple opt-in page – Offer a freebie (like a checklist or guide) to grow your email list.
Send regular updates – Keep your audience engaged with helpful content, behind-the-scenes updates, and offers.
💡 Pro Tip: Think of your email list as a direct line to your audience—it’s more reliable than social media algorithms!
4. List Yourself on Marketplaces & Directories
Depending on your business type, there are platforms that can act as a temporary home for your services or products:
Selling products? Use Etsy, Gumroad, or Shopify Starter Plan instead of a full e-commerce site.
Service providers can list themselves on Google My Business, LinkedIn, or industry-specific directories.
💡 Pro Tip: Optimising your Google My Business profile can help potential clients find you for free!
5. Create a Digital Portfolio or Service Brochure
If you’re a freelancer, coach, or consultant, having an easy way to showcase your work and services is essential.
Use Notion, Canva, or Google Docs to create a simple but polished portfolio or service guide.
Share it via a link in your bio, emails, or direct messages.
If you need a contact form, use Google Forms for a free and simple way for potential clients to reach out.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep it clean and to the point—highlight what you offer, pricing (if applicable), and how to get in touch.
Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Then Upgrade
While a website is the ultimate goal, these alternatives will help you start building an audience, generating income, and gaining credibility without upfront costs. The key is to keep it simple, focus on connecting with your ideal clients, and invest in a well-designed, streamlined website when the time is right.
💡 When you’re ready for a fuss-free, beautiful Squarespace website, I’d love to help! Let’s chat about how we can make your online presence seamless and stress-free. Book a FREE Discovery Call.
By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to an effective online presence—without breaking the bank!
