In a move to better compete with platforms like Squarespace and Wix, WordPress on Wednesday launched a free AI website builder designed to help users quickly create professional websites through a simple chat-based interface.
The new feature, available to all WordPress users, is aimed at entrepreneurs, freelancers, bloggers, and others seeking to establish an online presence with minimal technical effort. “The AI is powered by a mix of self-hosted open source models and externally hosted models,” the company said.
At launch, the AI builder is optimized for basic websites and is not yet suited for more complex projects, such as e-commerce stores or sites requiring intricate integrations. Like many AI-powered builders today, it accelerates the initial setup but still relies on users to fine-tune layouts and design elements manually. Over time, WordPress expects the AI to improve as it learns from user-driven edits.
Getting started is straightforward. Users first describe their website idea in a prompt, and are encouraged to include details like the site name, description, and content type to achieve better results. The tool is accessible only for new websites and requires users to either sign up for or log into a WordPress account.
Once the site is generated, users can modify it either by chatting with the AI or by making manual adjustments. The builder includes 30 free prompts before requiring users to select a hosting plan. This gives prospective customers a chance to test the tool’s capabilities before making a financial commitment.
To publish the website, a hosting plan is necessary. WordPress plans generally range from $48 per year for personal sites to $300 per year for business sites. However, users who create sites with the AI builder must choose between the Premium plan ($96/year) or the Business plan. Both options come bundled with a free domain for one year, access to premium themes, customer support, and defined storage limits. The AI builder itself is included at no additional charge.
The creation process is conversational. Users interact with the AI chatbot, upload their text and images, and collaboratively refine the site’s layout, blending speed with a degree of customization.
