Are you looking to create your own free website with support for a custom domain without needing to pay at all, except for the domain name? But at the same time, you wish to see the service minimize its own branding or ads. If you look around, even the most basic web hosting plans seem to start at $5 per month. Even a linktr.ee starter page costs $5 per month. But what if you do not need a full-fledged website, but just a low-key 'no frills' digital place to call home and feel even the $5 per month is too much?
Google sites seems to be still around although their theme options are dated. If your domain name is purchased through google domains, pointing your domain to this service is a seamless process.
If you are looking to run a blog, I would recommend medium.com. Medium charges $5 per month for a membership which lets you read all articles on their service. If you are a member you may set up a custom domain for your blog. Once your domain is set, if you chose to discontinue your membership (wink, wink), I am hearing that you can keep your domain pointing to your blog. Medium has an active community and you likely would generate good traffic to your page. You would not be able to customize your blog page much apart from the background color, fonts, and a header image or text. The layout of your page is non-customizable though. Note that Medium does suggest related articles from other users at the bottom of your article or in your right sidebar. They also force readers to sign up / login before they can read articles which can be annoying to your readers experience.
Yes, Blogger still exists too, and lets you use custom domain pointing for one or more domain names. If Medium does not click well for you, this could be your choice.
If you are looking for a linktr.ee like service that supports custom domain for free, try the lesser-known drum.io. This service makes most of its revenue through commission from e-commerce sales from your page if you chose to sell through them in the future.
Ucraft is an e-commerce platform that supports custom domains for your shop.
Slashpage lets you add a custom domain, I presume for free if you are signed up to their beta version. I am still waiting for my invite.
A few other services listed below are almost free.
Name.com lets you build a single-page website for $5 per year.
Bio.link is a linkr.ee like service that charges 30 per year (now expensive than that) for custom domain support. Other similar services include - tapbiolink.com and Lnk.bio. All of these seem to be in their infancy, so be warned, they may suddenly shut down someday.
Substack is a newsletter service that lets you add a custom domain for your newsletter homepage for a one-time fee($50 currently).
Carrd.co lets you create a landing page or a portfolio page for a low annual fee($19 per year and up). I love their themes including the ones that are even available with the free plan. They have run a steep discount for Black Fridays in the past.
montaigne.io and alto.so lets you connect your domain for $2 per month. You can have unlimited number of blogs or static websites.
montaigne.io and alto.so lets you connect your domain for $2 per month. You can have unlimited number of blogs or static websites.
Not showing ads or their own branding would mean they are providing this service as a loss leader. This list may help you get your feet wet and if you like one of them you may want to consider upgrading in the future to support them.
