Building a website can feel like a big, expensive project. Between paying for hosting, hiring designers, and figuring out the tech, it’s easy to feel like you need thousands of dollars just to look professional online.

But the truth is, you probably don’t need an expensive website to start.

If your goal is simply to share your story, show your work, or give people a place to contact you, Canva makes it easier than ever. You can build and publish a clean, beautiful website for free — and even if you decide to upgrade, Canva Pro is only $120 a year, which is absolutely worth it.

I’m not affiliated with Canva in any way, but I’ll say it confidently — it’s one of the best and fastest tools for marketers, creators, and small business owners. Their AI tools make design quicker than ever, and their templates make you look like a pro without hiring one.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to build a free website with Canva — step-by-step — and explain why simplicity sometimes beats spending big.

Why You Don’t Always Need an Expensive Website

When you’re starting out, your main goal isn’t to rank on Google or build a massive backend. It’s to look credible, communicate clearly, and give people a reason to reach out.

You don’t need custom plugins, deep SEO tools, or a $3,000 web build. You need a website that:

  • Looks clean and professional

  • Loads fast on mobile

  • Tells people what you do

  • Has a clear call-to-action

That’s exactly what Canva delivers — a free, no-fuss website builder that helps you create something polished, fast.

Who Canva Websites Are Perfect For

Canva is a great choice if you’re building:

  • A personal portfolio or resume site

  • A simple business landing page (coach, artist, freelancer, etc.)

  • A link-in-bio page for Instagram or TikTok

  • A product showcase or event page

  • A temporary campaign or promo page

It’s not meant to replace WordPress or Shopify, but for most early-stage projects, it’s more than enough — and it looks great.

How to Build a Website for Free With Canva

Step 1: Create or Log In to Your Canva Account

Go to canva.com and sign up for a free account.

Step 2: Choose a Website Template

Type “Website” into the Canva search bar. You’ll see hundreds of free templates for portfolios, small businesses, and landing pages.

Pick one that fits your style and click “Customize this template.”

Step 3: Customize Your Website

Canva’s drag-and-drop editor makes design simple:

  • Add your logo, colors, and fonts

  • Replace photos or videos

  • Write your headline, about section, and call-to-action

  • Add buttons that link to your store, booking form, or social profiles

💡 Pro Tip: Focus on clarity. The best sites make it obvious who you are, what you offer, and how to contact you.

You can link anything — text, buttons, or images — by selecting it and clicking the Link icon.

Canva also lets you:

  • Embed YouTube videos or Google Maps

  • Add a contact email button

  • Link out to other platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or Calendly

Step 5: Publish Your Free Website

When you’re ready, click “Publish Website.”

Canva gives you a free domain that looks like this:

yourname.my.canva.site

That’s it. No hosting setup, no coding, and no extra costs.

You can edit your site anytime and hit Update — your live site refreshes instantly.

How Much Does Canva Really Cost?

Plan

Cost

What You Get

Free

$0

Free templates, Canva domain, instant publishing

Pro

$120/year

Custom domain, brand kit, analytics, premium templates, and AI tools

For $120 a year, Canva Pro is 100% worth it. You get everything you need to design websites, social media posts, marketing materials, and even videos — all from one platform.

Pros of Using Canva for Websites

  • Completely free to publish and host

  • No coding or tech setup

  • Mobile-friendly templates

  • Instant updates — no re-deployment

  • Canva’s AI tools save hours on design and writing

  • Perfect for marketers, small businesses, and creators

Limitations to Know

  • Limited SEO control (you can edit meta titles but not full SEO settings)

  • Not built for blogging or e-commerce

  • Free domain isn’t ideal for long-term branding

If you want to grow organic traffic or run a full online store, you’ll eventually outgrow Canva and move to something like Webflow, WordPress, or Shopify.

But for most people starting out, Canva is the smartest way to get your site live today — not someday.

FAQ

Can you publish a Canva website for free?
Yes. Canva lets you publish a free website using a “my.canva.site” domain — no hosting costs, no setup fees.

Is Canva good for SEO?
It’s fine for small sites and landing pages but not designed for long-form blogging or ranking content-heavy sites.

Can I connect my own domain?
Yes — you can connect a custom domain with Canva Pro ($120/year).

Final Thoughts

You don’t always need a fancy, expensive website to look professional. Sometimes a clean, functional page is all it takes to start building momentum.

Canva makes that possible — it’s fast, free, and beautifully simple.

And when you’re ready to upgrade, Canva Pro’s $120 per year is one of the best investments a marketer or small business can make.

It’s not just a website tool — it’s an all-in-one creative suite that helps you build, brand, and grow.

This website was made in canva: croyseagren.com

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