WordPress.com, a popular hosting platform, has introduced a new AI-powered website builder that enables users to create a fully functional website using a conversational chat-style interface. This innovative feature, available to WordPress users for free, is designed to cater to entrepreneurs, freelancers, bloggers, and others who require a professional online presence.

The AI builder is not capable of creating complex websites, such as e-commerce stores, at this time. However, it is poised to help WordPress.com better compete with companies like Squarespace and Wix, which offer similar AI-powered website builders to speed up site creation and design. While AI-powered website builders are no longer a novelty, WordPress.com's addition is significant, given its massive user base and reputation in the web development community.

To utilize the new tool, users engage with an AI chatbot in a conversational style to design their website, incorporating their own text and images, and configuring the site's layout. The process begins with a prompt that explains the website idea, which should be as specific as possible, including a site name, short description, and information about the content the site will host. Users then sign up for or log in with their WordPress account to watch the AI build their website.

After the site is created, users can chat with the AI to make changes or adjust things manually if preferred. The AI builder includes 30 free prompts before users need to choose a hosting plan, which includes unlimited prompts. This allows users to try the AI builder and determine if it meets their needs before committing to hosting on WordPress.com. To launch the finalized website to the public, a hosting plan is required, ranging from $48 per year for a personal site to $300 per year for a business site.

The hosting plans offered by WordPress.com include a set amount of storage, a free domain for a year, access to free premium themes, customer support, and more. The AI builder is available alongside these plans at no additional charge, making it an attractive option for those seeking to establish an online presence without requiring extensive web development expertise.

While the AI builder is not a replacement for advanced website development and design tools, it has the potential to evolve over time as it learns from user edits and feedback. As the AI becomes more sophisticated, it may eventually be capable of creating more complex websites, further expanding its appeal to a broader range of users.

The launch of WordPress.com's AI-powered website builder marks a significant development in the web development landscape, offering a user-friendly solution for those seeking to create a professional website without requiring extensive technical expertise. As the platform continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the web development industry and the competitive landscape of website builders.