How to Build a Website with No Code in 2024

Creating a website has never been easier or quicker, thanks to a myriad of tools available today that require absolutely no coding skills. If you've been building websites for a while, like I have since 2010, you'll know that the evolution in this space has been nothing short of revolutionary.

In this post, we'll dive into the three different paths you can take to build a website, based on what you need it for. Each path comes with its own set of recommendations that are both budget-friendly and entirely accessible without technical know-how.

So, let's figure out your route to having your very own corner of the internet.

What’s the Point of a Website Anyway?

Websites are essentially your personal or professional home on the internet. They offer a way for anyone, anywhere to find you by typing a URL into their browser. Unlike social media, which can limit how you present yourself, a website is your unfiltered space to showcase whatever you want.

Whether you're a professional looking to build your virtual CV, a creator aiming to publish content consistently, or an entrepreneur looking to sell products or services, a website offers an unparalleled degree of freedom.

Why Websites Matter for Professionals

Imagine you're a seasoned professional. Yes, your LinkedIn profile might come up when someone Googles you, but why let that be your only presence? A personally customized website can be the first impression you control, showcasing your accomplishments, portfolio, and credentials all in one place.

Ideal for Creators

For creatives, a website isn't just a CV—it's an evolving portfolio. Whether you're a writer, graphic designer, or illustrator, having a home for your blog posts, artworks, or other creations allows you to maintain a curated collection of your work.

The Business Side

If you’re running a business, a website is essential for selling products or services online. The e-commerce world is booming, and setting up an online shop can open doors to customers you'd never reach in person.

That said, let's dig into the three paths and see which could serve you best.

Path One: Content Publishing

Substack: The Newsletter King

Substack is perfect for anyone interested in publishing content regularly, especially for free. Yes, Free! It began as a newsletter platform, but you can easily repurpose it as a starting point for your website. You can sign up and get a free subdomain like `yourname.substack.com`.

The best part? You can seamlessly transition to using a custom domain later, making your presence feel more polished. Many creators start here, honing their craft without any initial investment, before moving to more complex platforms.

Ghost: Level Up

If you’re looking to go beyond what Substack offers, Ghost could be your answer. Ghost is great for those ready to pay a little for more robust capabilities, starting at about $9 a month. It features seamless integration of newsletters and memberships, meaning you can monetize your site effortlessly when and if you choose to.

Ghost is not just for novices. It's what powered my site until recently, supporting a stable flow of millions of visits monthly.

WordPress: The Big Dog

When you're ready to handle massive traffic or require extensive customization, WordPress is the place to go. It's a bit beefier, being the platform that powers 40% of all websites globally. Open-source and highly customizable, WordPress is an excellent fit for virtually any type of website.

However, with power comes complexity. You might need some initial help navigating plugins and themes but rest assured, with platforms like WP Engine for hosting, you're in good hands. It offers exemplary support and reliability, making it easier for you to focus on content rather than server management.

Path Two: Showcase Your Skills

Carrd: One-Pager Perfection

Carrd is great if you only need a one-page website to showcase your services or portfolio. Simple and elegant, it's free to start, with a pro version costing only $19 for an entire year. It’s perfect for freelancers or professionals not needing updates frequently.

Use Carrd to create a webpage displaying essential details about your offerings, upload contacts, or feature testimonials.

Super: Notion-Driven Wonder

If you're already hooked on Notion, take it further with Super. It's a clever way to build a website from your Notion pages. Easy to set up, it suits those wanting a more layered site without the hassle of learning design or coding.

Super is free at the simplest level but offers extended features at $12 a month, making it a great mid-range option.

Squarespace and Wix: Old Guard, High Value

When it comes to user-friendly website builders, Squarespace and Wix are staples in the industry. They offer all-in-one solutions for creating beautiful sites with ease, ideal for those who want a little more structure, design options, and refinement.

While I’ve personally moved away from them for various projects, the seamless setup and polished outcome they provide makes them worth considering.

Path Three: Selling Online

Shopify: E-Commerce Excellence

For selling physical products, look no further than Shopify. Known as the go-to e-commerce platform, Shopify is adept at various scales, from small startups to billion-dollar giants. Its ease of use and feature-rich interface make it a strong candidate for online stores.

Podia and Kajabi: Digital Delights

For digital enthusiasts, Podia and Kajabi shine. Podia's a beginner-friendly choice that’s budget-conscious and offers a straightforward setup. However, if you’re looking for something more advanced, Kajabi is where you’d turn. Offering robust features for digital sales and courses at around $150 a month, it's aimed at those looking to go all-in on their digital offerings.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

With so many options available, there's no one-size-fits-all. Your website should serve your unique needs, and hopefully, this guide helps you find your perfect match.

And as always, if you're eager to improve your web design skills, turn to NewForm. At NewForm, we focus on helping creatives like you hone your design skills and connect you with industry leaders. Join us for monthly challenges, skill-building events, and exclusive guest sessions from top professionals. It’s an excellent way to learn, grow, and create powerful online presences.

So why wait? Join NewForm today to elevate your craft! Thanks for sticking around, and see you next time, fellow creatives.

Be sure to check out NewForm and transform your web design skills into something extraordinary!