Five Beautifully Simple Websites You Can Build in Minutes

Today, I’m going to showcase five beautiful websites you can build in minutes.

I build websites to help develop my ideas. Translating a business idea into a tangible website forces me to refine my concept.

- What am I offering? 

- Who does it help? 

- What action do I want people to take? 

You could do this in a Word doc but I prefer using a website builder. It’s a more creative space and gets me one step closer towards turning that idea into a business.

Unfortunately, people spend too much time in planning mode. They research available domain names, content management platforms, hosting plans, email newsletter services, and so on. 

They get stuck in “analysis paralysis” with no clear decisions on how to get started. Without knowing where to build, they build nothing. So their idea never takes shape.

Pick a website builder where you can create a quick draft. It doesn't need to be perfect. Over time, add more copy, better images and refine your messaging. 

If you’re happy with your first website, you’ve spent too long building it.

There are great options for building a quick draft that also looks great.

Here are five websites to inspire you and the platforms used to create them.

Erik Brits - (built in Carrd) 

I’m kicking off the list with this simple one-page website from Erik Brits. Built on Carrd, it’s a perfect example of what you can create with an image, copy and smart use of fonts. 

It’s got Erik’s elevator pitch summary of what he does. It also acts as a hub for people to connect with him, either through social media or email. For consultants, solopreneurs and content creators, this is all you need to get started.

Test it out. Carrd is free for up to three sites.

Krosp - (build in Carrd)

You can also use Carrd to build more detailed and impressive sites like this one for Krosp. 

Krosp is Mac software that uses AI to cancel background noise.

The website, built in Carrd, uses headlines and bullet points to explain how the software works. It includes audio recordings and testimonials, all within a simple, clean design.

Newsletter OS - (built in Carrd)

It’s easy to extend the capabilities of Carrd to sell digital products online by adding a Gumroad link. 

This product does just that. It's a Notion dashboard to help starting or running a newsletter. The Carrd webpage explains all the product benefits and a “Get It Now” button opens a Gumroad page that handles payment and product delivery.

Super-simple combination to start earning money online within minutes. 

Jones Bar-B-Q (built with Squarespace)

If you’re looking for the speed and simplicity of a template but want to go beyond a single-page website, it’s hard to go past Squarespace.

Their website builder is simple to use and you can choose from 140+ modern, flat-design templates. 

Most of the templates share a similar look and feel, using large images, clean design and bold typography. To get the most out of this platform, work with this aesthetic.

Jones Bar-B-Q is a great example using a big image against a dominant red background, providing the perfect match for its sauces, all available online.

The site's design embraces big headings with bold fonts and all-caps. I also love their pill-shaped buttons with the heavy drop shadow and flat design.

The result is a website that looks unique and professional. Yet it’s all built from a simple Squarespace template.

Ginko Yang - (built in Cargo)

If you want a more unique website, I highly recommend Cargo. It was built for artists by artists and has evolved into an eclectic mix of bold, visually-focused templates. 

These are great for bloggers, photographers and designers looking to showcase their work and break free from the standard cookie-cutter themes.

There are loads of free, bold modern templates available.

This website for Ginko Yang is clean, with a simple layout and quirky fonts. It’s the perfect showcase for her delightful illustrations.

Wrapping Up

When you’ve got a business idea, treat your website as part of the creation process and get building.

Jump onto Carrd, Squarespace or Cargo and turn your idea into tangible form. 

It doesn’t need to be perfect, not even close. But you’ll learn a lot about your business idea by building a draft site. 

When it’s nearing time to launch, it will be easier and faster to edit the draft than to start building your website from a blank template.

It's a fast and fun process to turn your idea into a side hustle.