Explore Website Builder Services
Website builders, tools facilitating the rapid creation of websites, often come with the added benefit of providing users with free domain names. However, this complimentary domain registration is time-limited, typically bundled within a larger package and expiring when the package is due for renewal, usually on an annual basis.
Post the initial one-year window, users are required to pay to retain the domain, subject to the renewal fee set by the service provider. While this arrangement suits those seeking temporary hosting for a year or less, caution is advised due to potential penalties associated with prematurely terminating these plans. These penalties may include a prorated fee for the remaining time on the annual domain or the full annual renewal fee.
It's worth noting that domain name renewal rates from website builders are often higher than those offered by specialized registrars, like Namecheap, especially for prolonged commitments beyond a year.
For instance, Wix, a widely-used website builder, offers a complimentary domain for the first year with its annual plans. Post the initial year, users need to renew the domain for $14.95 annually, with an additional $9.90 per year for private registration. Weebly, another robust option, provides a free domain with its Pro plan or other high-tier subscriptions. After the initial year, domain renewal is priced at $19.99 per year, and privacy protection incurs an additional $10 annually.
Squarespace, another website building alternative, grants a free one-year domain, including Whois privacy protection. Renewing domains with Squarespace carries a cost of $20 per month.
Official website:
- Wix: https://www.wix.com
- Squarespace: https://www.squarespace.com/
