7 Best Website Builders for Freelancers and Creatives: Build a Portfolio That Works for You
If you're a creative or freelancer, your website is more than just a digital business card—it’s your portfolio, your pitch, and often, your first impression. Whether you're a graphic designer, illustrator, photographer, or writer, choosing the right website builder can help you showcase your work with confidence and make it easier for clients to find and hire you.
Here are seven of the best website builders for creatives in 2024, each offering something unique to help you bring your portfolio to life.
1. HostGator - Affordable and Flexible
HostGator offers a drag-and-drop builder that’s simple to use, with plenty of templates to get you started. It’s one of the more affordable options out there, and great for creatives who want a basic site they can customise without needing to know code. Plus, they offer free hosting, SSL, and domain for the first year.
2. Squarespace - Polished and Professional
Squarespace is a favourite for a reason. With clean, minimalist templates that let your work shine, built-in analytics, blogging features, and e-commerce capabilities, it’s ideal for creatives who want a beautiful site that’s easy to maintain. Their portfolio templates are particularly strong.
3. WordPress - Customisable and Scalable
WordPress is the most customisable option on this list. You’ll need to pair it with a hosting provider (like Kinsta or SiteGround), but it’s worth it if you want full control over the design and functionality of your site. With thousands of themes and plugins available, you can create a truly bespoke experience.
4. Weebly - Simple and Straightforward
Weebly is a good option for beginners. Its drag-and-drop interface is intuitive, and it includes essential features like templates, forms, and e-commerce options. It’s perfect for freelancers who want to get online quickly without the learning curve.
5. Webflow - Creative Control Meets Clean Code
Webflow bridges the gap between design and development, making it perfect for designers who want more control without touching code. It’s not the easiest platform to learn, but the creative freedom is unmatched. Ideal if you’re after a highly customised portfolio that still runs smoothly.
6. Shopify - For Creatives Selling Products
If you’re a creative who also sells physical or digital products, Shopify is a great choice. It’s specifically built for e-commerce, with beautiful themes and powerful sales tools that make running an online shop easy. Think artists selling prints, designers offering digital downloads, or product-based businesses.
7. Format - Portfolio Perfection
Format is designed with creatives in mind—especially photographers, illustrators, and visual artists. It’s one of the easiest ways to build a portfolio that looks great. With client proofing tools, password-protected galleries, and simple image layouts, it’s a strong choice if visuals are the heart of your brand.
Wrapping Up
Choosing a website builder comes down to your needs: how hands-on you want to be, what kind of content you’re showcasing, and whether you plan to sell anything. Whichever platform you choose, the goal is the same—creating a professional, visually compelling home for your work that helps you attract new opportunities.
And if you’re building your creative business, don’t forget to check out The Creative Toolkit—it’s full of practical guides, templates, and resources to help you get set up with confidence.
