Creating your own website might sound like a task reserved for tech experts or expensive developers, but that’s far from the truth. Thanks to tools like Elementor, even beginners can design beautiful, responsive websites without touching a line of code.

Best of all? You can do it completely free.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a website using the free version of Elementor, step-by-step. Whether you’re starting a personal blog, portfolio, or small business site, this tutorial will help you get started the right way.

Why Use Elementor?

Elementor is one of the most popular WordPress page builders, and for good reason. It allows you to:

• Drag and drop elements to build your pages visually

• Use pre-designed templates for fast design

• Make your site responsive without extra effort

• Create custom layouts beyond what most WordPress themes offer

And with the free version of Elementor, you can do all of this without paying a dime.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Website with Free Elementor

Step 1: Get Web Hosting and Install WordPress

Before using Elementor, you’ll need a WordPress site. Here's how:

1. Choose a web hosting provider like Bluehost, SiteGround, or Hostinger. Look for ones that offer 1-click WordPress installation.

2. Register a domain name (usually included with hosting).

3. Install WordPress through your hosting dashboard. Most providers make this process quick and easy.

Once WordPress is installed, you can access your site by going to:
yourdomain.com/wp-admin

Step 2: Install Elementor and a Compatible Theme

Elementor works best with lightweight themes. A popular free option is Hello Elementor, developed by the Elementor team itself.

To install Elementor and Hello Theme:

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.

2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes > Add New.

3. Search for “Hello Elementor” and click Install > Activate.

4. Now go to Plugins > Add New, search for “Elementor,” and click Install > Activate.

Congratulations — you’re ready to build your site!

Step 3: Create Your First Page with Elementor

To build your first custom page:

1. Go to Pages > Add New in the WordPress dashboard.

2. Give your page a name (e.g., Home), and click Edit with Elementor.

3. You’ll now enter the Elementor editor, where the magic happens.

The screen is split into two areas:

• The left panel contains elements (called widgets).

• The right area is your canvas.

Step 4: Add Elements and Customize the Design

Start building your layout by dragging elements from the left panel to your page. With the free version of Elementor, you get access to:

• Headings

• Images

• Text Editors

• Buttons

• Videos

• Image Galleries

• Spacers and Dividers

Each element is highly customizable. Just click on one to adjust text, colors, spacing, and more.

Want to create a clean homepage layout? Try this structure:

• Hero Section: Add a full-width image with a headline and button.

• About Section: Use a heading, paragraph, and image side by side.

• Services or Portfolio Section: Use the image box or columns widget.

• Contact Section: Insert a form (with a third-party plugin like WPForms).

Step 5: Use Pre-Designed Templates (Optional)

Don’t want to build from scratch? Elementor offers free templates:

1. In the Elementor editor, click the folder icon.

2. Browse “Pages” or “Blocks.”

3. Click Insert on any free template.

You can then edit the text, swap images, and adjust the layout as needed.

Step 6: Set Your Homepage and Navigation Menu

Once your page is ready:

1. Go to Settings > Reading and set your new page as the homepage.

2. Create a navigation menu by going to Appearance > Menus.

3. Add your created pages (Home, About, Contact, etc.) and save the menu.

You can now display this menu on your site using the Nav Menu widget, or let your theme handle it in the header.

Step 7: Optimize for Mobile

Elementor lets you easily check how your site looks on mobile and tablet.

• In the Elementor editor, click the responsive mode icon (bottom left).

• Switch between Desktop, Tablet, and Mobile views.

• Adjust padding, font size, and layout specifically for each device.

This ensures your website looks great on all screen sizes — an essential factor for SEO and user experience.

Step 8: Publish Your Website

Ready to go live?

1. Click the green Publish button at the bottom of the Elementor editor.

2. Repeat the process for other pages you need.

Once done, your new Elementor-built website is live for the world to see!

Final Thoughts

Building a website with the free version of Elementor is not only possible — it’s powerful, flexible, and beginner-friendly. With its visual editor, mobile responsiveness, and easy customization, Elementor gives you all the tools you need to create a professional website without paying for expensive software or hiring a developer.

Whether you’re launching a personal blog, a business portfolio, or a landing page, Elementor can help you turn your vision into reality — for free.

Bonus SEO Tips for Your Elementor Website

To make your website SEO-friendly, remember these best practices:

• Use headings (H1, H2, etc.) properly – structure your content clearly.

• Optimize images – use descriptive filenames and alt text.

• Install a free SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math.

• Make your site mobile-friendly – which Elementor helps with out of the box.

• Use keywords naturally in titles, content, and meta descriptions.

By combining Elementor’s design power with smart SEO techniques, you’ll be set up for long-term success.

Need help picking a niche or deciding what kind of website to build? Or want advice on the best free plugins to use alongside Elementor? Just ask!