Ultimate Guide to Carrd for Beginners: Features, Pricing, and Publishing Explained
Last updated
March 4, 2025
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You've heard about Carrd, the one-page website builder that's been making waves in the no-code world.
But how exactly do you use it? What features does it offer? And is it the right choice for your project?
We've done a Carrd review here. But this article will walk you through everything you need to know to create stunning one-page websites quickly and easily.
Understanding What Carrd Can Do and Who It's For
Carrd occupies a specific niche in the website/app building industry. It is very specific in what it does and who it is for.
Who Carrd is For
Carrd excels at building sleek, responsive one-page websites.
It’s ideal for landing pages, portfolios, personal sites, and simple business pages. You can add forms, integrate payment options like Stripe and PayPal, embed videos, and connect a custom domain with the Pro plan.
Its minimalist approach makes it easy to use while still offering enough customization for a polished, professional site.
Where Carrd Is Limited
Carrd is not designed for multi-page websites, making it a poor choice for traditional business sites with complex navigation. It also lacks built-in blogging functionality, advanced e-commerce features, and membership systems.
While you can embed third-party tools, Carrd’s SEO options are more limited than platforms like WordPress or Webflow.
Understanding Carrd Pricing Plans and Features
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of building your website, let's take a look at Carrd's pricing structure and what each plan offers.
Free vs. Pro Plans
Carrd offers a free plan that allows you to create up to three basic sites. However, for most users, the Pro plans will be necessary to access the full range of features.
Breakdown of Pro Pricing Tiers
Pro Lite: $9/year
Pro Standard: $19/year
Pro Plus: $49/year
The Pro Standard plan at $19/year is typically sufficient for most users, offering up to 10 sites and access to key features.
Key Carrd Pro Features
Custom domain URLs
Forms and embeds
Widgets and advanced settings
These features are essential for creating professional-looking websites and collecting user information.
Getting Started with Carrd Templates
One of Carrd's strengths is its wide selection of templates and this is the perfect place to start. It means that you don't have to reinvent the wheel and use one of Carrd's main strengths: simplicity.
Let's explore how to choose and customize the right template for your needs.
Importance of Choosing the Right Template
Selecting the appropriate template is crucial as it sets the foundation for your website. Carrd offers templates for various purposes, including:
Landing pages
Profiles
Portfolios
Forms
Customizing Carrd Templates
Once you've chosen a template, it's time to make it your own. Here's how:
Step 1: Modify Text and Images
Click on any text or image element to edit its content. For text, you'll use markdown formatting in the side panel. For images, you can upload your own or choose from Carrd's library.
Step 2: Adjust Colors and Fonts
Use the appearance tab in the side panel to change colors and fonts. Be cautious not to overdo it - sometimes less is more when it comes to design.
Step 3: Add or Remove Sections
Click the plus button to add new elements or sections to your page. To remove an element, simply select it and press the delete key.
Advanced Carrd Website Builder Techniques
Once you're comfortable with the basics, it's time to explore some of Carrd's more advanced features.
Working with Widgets and Embeds
Carrd allows you to add various widgets and embed external content to enhance your website's functionality.
Adding Payment Gateways
You can integrate payment options like Stripe, PayPal, or Gumroad directly into your Carrd site, perfect for selling products or services.
Embedding Calendars and Forms
Embed scheduling tools or more complex forms to gather information from your visitors.
Creating Responsive Designs
Ensuring your website looks great on all devices is crucial in today's mobile-first world.
Mobile Optimization Tips
Use the mobile preview button frequently to check how your site looks on smaller screens
Adjust text sizes and button placements for easier mobile interaction
Consider simplifying your design for mobile users
Using Auto vs. Manual Settings
While Carrd's auto settings work well in most cases, sometimes you'll need to manually adjust elements for optimal display across devices.
Integrating Email Marketing Tools
Connecting your Carrd forms to email marketing services can help you build your subscriber list.
Connecting Forms to Email Service Providers
Carrd supports integration with popular email marketing tools like Active Campaign, ConvertKit, and MailChimp. Simply add your API keys in the form settings to connect.
Setting Up Automations
Once connected, you can set up automations to send welcome emails or add subscribers to specific lists automatically.
Learn more about Carrd features here:
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Publishing and Optimizing Your Carrd Website
You've built your site, now it's time to share it with the world and ensure it performs well.
While Carrd provides a free subdomain, using a custom domain adds professionalism to your site. Purchase a domain from a provider like GoDaddy or Namecheap.
Setting Up DNS and CNAME Records
Follow Carrd's instructions to set up your DNS and CNAME records. This process connects your custom domain to your Carrd site.
Adding Google Analytics
To track your website's performance, add your Google Analytics ID in the Carrd settings. This will provide valuable insights into your site's traffic and user behavior.
Implementing SEO Best Practices
While Carrd has some limitations for SEO, you can still optimize your site:
Use descriptive, keyword-rich text in your content
Add alt text to images
Ensure your site loads quickly by optimizing images and limiting heavy elements
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Carrd is a powerful tool for creating sleek, functional one-page websites. By following this tutorial, you'll be well on your way to building professional-looking sites in no time. Remember, the key is to start with a solid template, customize it to fit your needs, and leverage Carrd's advanced features to create a site that truly stands out.
Ready to take your no-code skills to the next level? Sign up for No Code MBA and gain access to comprehensive courses on Carrd and other popular no-code tools. Visit https://nocode.mba/sign-up to get started today!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is Carrd suitable for building multi-page websites?
Carrd is primarily designed for creating one-page websites. While you can link multiple Carrd sites together, it's not ideal for complex, multi-page websites. For those, you might want to consider other platforms like Webflow.
Can I use Carrd for e-commerce?
Yes, you can use Carrd for simple e-commerce sites by integrating payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal. However, for more complex e-commerce needs, you might want to explore platforms specifically designed for online stores.
How does Carrd compare to other website builders?
Carrd stands out for its simplicity and focus on one-page websites. It's often more affordable and easier to use than other builders, but it may have fewer features for complex sites. The best choice depends on your specific needs.
Can I transfer my Carrd website to another platform?
While you can't directly transfer a Carrd site to another platform, you can export your site's HTML and CSS. This can be useful for developers who want to further customize the site outside of Carrd.
Does Carrd offer customer support?
Carrd offers email support for all users, including those on the free plan. Pro users typically receive priority support. There's also a comprehensive help center with tutorials and FAQs.