Before You Say Yes to a Free Website on Facebook: The Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you’ve spent any time in Facebook groups for entrepreneurs or small business owners, you’ve probably come across posts offering a “free website in exchange for a portfolio piece.” And at first glance, it can sound like a total win—who doesn’t love saving money when launching or rebranding their business?
But before you jump in and hand over your domain, logins, or branding assets, let’s press pause. As a professional Squarespace website designer, I want to shine a light on what’s really happening behind many of these free offers—because your website (and business) is too important to risk.
Why Are So Many People Offering Free Websites?
1. They’re building a portfolio (which is fine... but risky).
Everyone starts somewhere—and yes, some designers genuinely want to gain experience. But that doesn’t always mean they know how to create a site that converts, aligns with your brand, or sets your business up for growth.
2. There’s usually a hidden upsell.
“Free” often means “free… until it isn’t.”
Common surprise charges:
Paid Squarespace templates
Branding extras
Domain + email setup
“Maintenance packages”
Or they simply build your website and hold it ransom and it never really is yours (Scary Stuff)
Before you know it, you’ve spent more than you would have with a transparent designer.
3. They care more about their portfolio than your results.
If the goal is just to get screenshots or add a client name to a website, your user experience, SEO, and brand strategy may fall by the wayside. These sites often look okay, but lack the structure to actually bring in leads.
Your Website Is More Than a Pretty Page
Especially for service-based businesses, your website is:
Your first impression
A trust-builder
A lead generator
A reflection of your values and vibe
At Coral June Designs, I build Squarespace websites that don’t just look gorgeous—they work hard behind the scenes, too. That means every page is rooted in intention, strategy, and aligned with your business goals.
The Real Cost of a “Free” Website
Here’s what I’ve seen happen with clients who came to me after trying a free website offer:
Broken links and confusing navigation
Branding that didn’t reflect them at all
No clear call-to-action or conversion flow
Sites that weren’t mobile-friendly or SEO-optimised
Time wasted trying to fix things—or worse, starting from scratch
You can save money by using a DIY website builder like Squarespace—but make sure the person helping you actually knows how to use it strategically.
Red Flags to Watch For, And Questions to ask.
If someone offers to design your website for free, ask:
Do they have their own professional website or portfolio?
Are they asking about your goals, audience, and brand tone? Do they Understand your business and vision.
Will you have full control and ownership of the site afterward? This is NB!!!
Are they using trusted platforms like Squarespace, Wix, Shopify, etc or something less secure?
Are they offering any follow-up training or support?
Check the contracts carefully (if there are any)
If the answers are vague or evasive, trust your gut. Free shouldn’t mean a free-for-all with your brand’s online presence.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing wrong with exploring cost-effective ways to build your online presence. But your website is your digital storefront—it deserves more than a rushed job, a quick portfolio boost, or a hidden sales pitch.
If you’re ready for a beautiful, strategic, and easy-to-manage Squarespace site that grows with your business, I’d love to help. You can check out my latest Projects or follow along on Instagram at @coraljunedesigns for more tips and inspo.
Let’s build a site you’re proud to send people to—no red flags, no drama, just genuine support.
