I'm looking to create a personal website without the fuss that comes with modern website builders. Back in the day, I managed my websites with just some basic HTML files, but now it feels overwhelming with all the options available. I've tried tools like Wix and Squarespace that seem targeted at businesses, and while they work, they come with unnecessary drag-and-drop features and marketing tools I don't need. I also gave Notion a shot, but it feels clunky for my needs.
What I'm really after is a simple, low-cost website builder that allows me to create multiple pages for my writing, projects, and random musings. I'm not looking for eCommerce options or SEO tricks—just a clean, straightforward experience. What do you recommend for straightforward website building these days?
5 Answers
If you're okay with a bit of structure, you might want to consider static options like GitHub Pages. It feels more like the old web and while it does require some setup, it can be really rewarding. Some folks use platforms like Durable if they want a clean site quickly without all the ecommerce and SEO nonsense.
Neocities has worked out really well for me! It has that old-school vibe which you might enjoy if you're looking for something simpler and more nostalgic.
I swear by using Astro with Netlify. It's pretty seamless for setting up a simple site and avoids the bloat of traditional website builders. You get a lot of flexibility without the hassle.
For my needs, I use Hugo to build my static site. It's not a site builder like WordPress or Squarespace, but it gives you full control while being relatively easy to use. Plus, with GitHub Pages, you get free hosting along with tons of resources to help you set it up. Check it out on their site!
If you’re missing that classic web feel, definitely look into static site generators like GitHub Pages or Netlify. They take a bit of set up initially, but once you’ve got it going, it’s smooth sailing. Just be wary of tools that push funnels and popups; you don’t want the extras if it's just for personal use.
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