Free site or paid? When should you move?
A free site is a real start — but not for every business. Short answer: if you're telling your story, a free address is fine; if you're taking orders, booking appointments, and building brand, get your own domain. This guide ties the decision to three clear thresholds.
When free is enough
- You're explaining your work (who, what, where, contact)
- Price/products aren't final yet; you're testing
- Most traffic comes from Instagram, and a link is enough
- You want speed to market; launching today matters
Start with free businessname.wibigo.com; content and settings move later to your own domain.
Details: Use a free Wibigo address
Three thresholds for upgrading
1. Money is flowing. If you're taking orders or booking appointments through the site, your own domain is now a trust factor, not a cost. Customers check the address when paying.
2. You'll print it. A long subdomain looks poor on a business card or sign; it can't be explained aloud.
3. You need business email. Sending proposals with @gmail weakens your negotiating position. Business email ties to your own domain.
Details: Buy a new domain · Add business email
What free plans typically limit
Platform varies, but usually: platform subdomain, limited pages, payment restrictions, sometimes ads. Before choosing a plan, ask three things: can I connect my own domain, can I take payments, can I export my content?
What happens when you upgrade
Stays: content, design, products, appointments, and customer records — all move as-is; site launches at the new address.
Doesn't stay: old address bookmarks don't auto-update — you update Instagram bio, Google Business Profile, and business cards.
Details: Connect your domain · Publish your site
SEO advantage of your own domain
Your own domain accumulates authority in search: links, reviews, brand searches all point to one address. Starting on a subdomain then upgrading isn't harmful — but the longer you wait, the longer before accumulated signals transfer.
Details: Improve your SEO
Decision table
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Testing an idea | Free address |
| Selling on Instagram, site is storefront | Free address, then upgrade |
| Taking orders/appointments through site | Own domain |
| Using on business card or sign | Own domain |
| Sending corporate proposals | Own domain + email |
Common mistakes
Buying a domain too early. Before your business name settles, a purchased domain becomes unused months later.
Upgrading too late. Running order-taking on a subdomain damages trust.
Not updating links after upgrade. Instagram, Google, WhatsApp statuses, cards.
Believing cheap domains are fine. Check renewal pricing. See Domain buying guide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take payments on a free address? Yes, you can build store/bookings before moving to your own domain; but own domain builds trust.
Does upgrading cost extra? Domain is yearly; SSL and DNS setup are automatic and free.
Does my content move? Yes, the same site launches at the new address.
Can I go back to free? The free address stays available if needed.