The builder makes a functional WordPress site “in minutes.”
In a bold move that could redefine how websites are built, WordPress.com has unveiled an innovative AI-powered site builder, currently available in early access. This cutting-edge tool promises to construct full WordPress websites in just minutes — complete with written content, images, layout design, and more — simply by having a conversation with a chatbot.
Say Hello to AI-Powered Website Creation
Gone are the days of fiddling with countless themes, plugins, and hours of content writing just to launch a simple site. WordPress.com’s new AI Site Builder lets you describe your ideal website in natural language, and then the tool does the rest. Whether you’re looking to create a personal blog, a portfolio, or a basic business website, this AI assistant can bring your vision to life — fast.
Users can get started by signing up for a WordPress.com account and activating the free trial of the AI Site Builder. While no credit card is needed to begin, you will need to subscribe to a WordPress.com hosting plan to publish and use your site online. Pricing for hosting starts at $18 per month, with discounted rates available for annual or multi-year commitments.
How It Works: Just Talk to the Bot
At the heart of this new builder is a conversational interface — think of it as having a design-savvy assistant who takes your instructions and instantly builds a website for you. The process begins by answering a few questions or typing a detailed prompt. For example:
“I need a modern, minimalist portfolio site for my photography business. I like neutral colors, want a bold hero image on the homepage, and a clean contact form at the bottom.”
The more specific you are, the better the output. The chatbot may also follow up with questions about your business name, location, preferred color palette, and page sections you want included.
From there, the AI generates a fully built website tailored to your description, complete with:
- Customized layouts
- AI-generated text and placeholder content
- Stock and AI-generated imagery
- Page sections like “About Us,” “Services,” “Events,” and “Contact”
- Optional event RSVPs or calls to action
And yes, it’s editable. After the initial build, you can tweak anything — from fonts, images, and colors to rewriting entire sections — all by continuing the conversation with the chatbot.
Real-World Test Drive: A Nostalgic Gaming Store Site
To see how it performs, I tested the AI builder by creating a fictional retro video game store website. Within a few minutes, I had a functional, multi-section site featuring pages like “Discover,” “Events,” and “Visit Us.”
The builder filled the site with whimsical AI-generated images, including:
- A girl leaning on a CRT TV displaying a pixelated, Tetris-like puzzle game
- An event banner for a “Sega Saturday Showdown”
- A hilariously unrelated photo of a woman holding a box of Christmas cookies for the RSVP section
While clearly not perfect, the results were fun, fast, and serviceable. The site was visually structured and could easily be fine-tuned to meet real-world needs.
Limitations and What’s Coming Next
Despite its impressive capabilities, the current version of the AI builder does have limitations:
- It can only be used for new websites — not existing WordPress.com sites.
- E-commerce functionality and complex integrations are not yet supported, though WordPress.com teases that these features are on the roadmap.
- The AI may occasionally mismatch images or invent quirky event ideas, so manual tweaking is often necessary.
Still, for users who want a quick, professional-looking site without diving into design tools or writing everything themselves, this is a game-changer.
What’s the Catch?
The AI Site Builder is free to try, but publishing your site requires a WordPress.com hosting plan, which starts at $18/month. While this isn’t the cheapest option in the market, it includes all the infrastructure, security, and support you’d expect from WordPress.com.
You’re not locked into the AI, either. After your site is built, you can continue customizing it manually using WordPress’s traditional editor or return to the chatbot whenever you need help.
Behind the Scenes: Automattic’s Strategic Shift
The timing of this launch is notable. WordPress.com’s parent company, Automattic, recently laid off 16% of its workforce in a restructuring move. At the same time, the company is facing a lawsuit from WP Engine, a competitor in the WordPress hosting space, over alleged use of proprietary tools and templates. Despite these shakeups, Automattic seems committed to doubling down on innovation and simplifying web creation for everyone.
Final Thoughts
The WordPress.com AI Site Builder isn’t just a novelty — it’s a glimpse into the future of web development. For entrepreneurs, bloggers, freelancers, and even hobbyists, it offers a frictionless way to get online fast without compromising quality. While power users may still prefer building from scratch, this tool lowers the barrier to entry like never before.
So if you’ve been putting off launching that blog or business website — now might be the perfect time to give it a shot.
