The real cost breakdown
- Free — build and publish on a reach subdomain, no credit card.
- ~USD 10–15/year — your own custom domain (yourname.com).
- USD 4.99/month (or USD 49/year) — reach Premium: your own domain, SEO optimisation so Google finds you, blog publishing and 150 editing credits a month. Publishing on a reach subdomain stays free.
- USD 500–3,000+ — hiring a designer/developer (rarely necessary).
Where your money actually matters
The one upgrade worth paying for is a custom domain — yourname.com reads as more credible and ranks better than a subdomain. Everything else (copy, design, hosting) you can get for free with a modern builder.
FAQ
Can I make a personal website for free?
Yes. reach lets you build and publish a full personal website on a free subdomain with no credit card. You only pay if you want your own custom domain.
How much is a custom domain?
Typically about USD 10–15 per year. With reach you can buy and connect it directly, since reach is an official name.com reseller.
Is it worth paying a designer?
Usually not for a personal site. A modern AI builder produces a studio-quality page for free; a designer only makes sense for highly bespoke needs.