When a company promises to build you a free website, skepticism is justified. Website design normally costs time, labor, and ongoing resources, so offers like this naturally raise questions. One service that frequently comes up in scam discussions and online forums is The Free Website Guys.
So what’s the truth?
Is The Free Website Guys an outright scam – or a legitimate service that simply doesn’t work the way many people expect?
To answer that, we reviewed Reddit discussions, third-party review sites, and user complaints to understand what customers actually experience.
What The Free Website Guys Is (and Is Not)
First, it’s important to clarify what this company actually does.
The Free Website Guys is not a website builder platform.
It doesn’t provide software, tools, or a DIY editor like Wix, Squarespace, or UltimateWB.
Instead, it operates as a website development service that offers to build a site for you, typically using WordPress, at no upfront design cost.
According to their own marketing, the service:
- Builds a website for free
- Targets non-technical users
- Requires an application process
- Often works in exchange for future paid services or affiliate partnerships
This distinction matters, because many misunderstandings stem from expecting a “free website builder” rather than a managed service with conditions.
Why the “Free Website” Claim Raises Red Flags
Across review platforms and Reddit threads, the biggest criticism isn’t that the service doesn’t exist – it’s that “free” doesn’t mean what people expect.
Commonly reported requirements include:
- Purchasing web hosting (often through a recommended provider)
- Buying a domain name
- Waiting weeks or months for delivery
- Providing extensive content and materials upfront
For some users, these conditions weren’t clear at the start, leading to frustration and accusations of misleading marketing.
What Reddit Users Are Saying
Reddit threads, including discussions in r/Scams and web design communities, provide some of the most candid feedback.
Common complaints include:
- Being told they were “selected” for a free website, only to discover required costs
- Slow or inconsistent communication after signing up
- Long delays before seeing progress
- Receiving a very basic or unfinished site
Several users state that while a website may eventually be delivered, the process felt disorganized or far slower than expected. Others describe the outreach and messaging as overly sales-driven, which contributes to distrust.
At the same time, not every Reddit user calls it a scam. Some acknowledge that the service is real, but say it wasn’t worth the time investment.
What Review Sites and Complaint Platforms Show
Looking beyond Reddit, third-party review platforms paint a mixed picture.
Positive reviews often mention:
- Friendly initial communication
- Help for users with no technical skills
- Satisfaction with the final site in some cases
Negative reviews frequently cite:
- Misleading expectations around “free”
- Poor or slow communication
- Projects taking far longer than promised
- Sites that required additional work after delivery
The Better Business Bureau also shows complaints related to delays and communication issues. While the company is real and operating, user experiences vary widely.
Why Some People Call It a Scam – and Others Don’t
This is where the confusion comes in.
It does not appear to be a scam in the legal or fraudulent sense.
There’s no clear evidence that the company takes money and disappears or engages in identity theft.
However, many users feel misled because:
- The word “free” downplays required costs
- Timelines are unclear or unrealistic
- The quality of the finished site doesn’t match expectations
- The process demands more time and effort than advertised
In short, it’s a legitimate service – but one that often fails to set accurate expectations.
Verdict
Based on reviews, Reddit discussions, and complaint records, The Free Website Guys does not appear to be an outright scam. The company exists, and some customers do receive a working website.
However, the service is frequently criticized for unclear “free” messaging, slow delivery, and inconsistent outcomes. For many users, the disappointment comes from expectation mismatch, not fraud.
What to Know Before You Sign Up
If you’re considering this service, go in with realistic expectations:
- Expect to pay for hosting and a domain
- Expect a slow, back-and-forth process
- Expect a basic website, not a fully custom build
- Be prepared to wait longer than you might with paid services
For some people, that trade-off is acceptable. For others, a DIY website builder or hiring a paid professional may be a more predictable and transparent option.
Bottom Line
The Free Website Guys isn’t a scam – but it’s also not truly “free” in the way many people assume. Understanding what you’re actually signing up for is key to avoiding frustration later.
