Carrd

For many independent creators, the first roadblock to starting a newsletter isn’t the writing — it’s the cost of a website. Most professional website builders start at $15–$30 per month, which can be a significant hurdle for a new project. Carrd changed the game by offering a remarkably powerful, simple, and responsive one-page website builder for a fraction of that cost.

In 2026, Carrd remains the “gold standard” for minimalist newsletter landing pages. It’s the tool of choice for indie makers, authors, and solopreneurs who want a professional-looking “home base” for their sign-ups without the complexity of a full CMS like WordPress or the high monthly fees of other builders.

What is Carrd?

Carrd is a platform designed specifically for building one-page websites. Whether it’s a personal portfolio, a link-in-bio page, or a high-converting newsletter landing page, Carrd provides a focused environment to get your site live in minutes.

While it lacks the multi-page capabilities of other builders, its simplicity is its greatest strength. You aren’t bogged down by database settings or complex navigation menus. You simply choose a template, add your subscriber form, and hit publish.

Key Features for 2026

1. The Ultimate Budget Tool

While most tech prices have risen, Carrd has remained famously affordable. Their “Pro Standard” plan allows you to host up to 10 separate sites with custom domains for less than $20 per year. For the price of one month on a competitor, you get a full year of Carrd.

2. Native Newsletter Integrations

Carrd isn’t just a static page builder; it’s a growth tool. It offers direct, native integrations with all the major newsletter platforms including:

• Beehiiv
• ConvertKit / Kit
• MailerLite
• EmailOctopus
• Substack (via custom code or simple redirect)

You simply drag a “Form” element onto the page, select your provider, and enter your API key. Carrd handles the rest, ensuring your new subscribers are seamlessly added to your list.

3. Fully Responsive by Default

In 2026, over 70% of newsletter sign-ups happen on mobile devices. Carrd’s “Mobile-First” approach ensures that your landing page looks perfect on every screen size without you having to touch a single line of code. You can even toggle between desktop and mobile previews while editing.

4. Custom Code & Widgets

For power users, Carrd doesn’t limit your creativity. You can embed:

• Countdown Timers: To create urgency for a product launch.
• Payment Buttons: Direct integration with Stripe, PayPal, and Gumroad.
• Custom CSS/JS: For those who want to add unique animations or tracking pixels (like Google Analytics or Meta Pixel).

Carrd Pricing (2025/2026)

Carrd’s pricing is famously disruptive. They offer a forever-free plan, but most newsletter creators will want the Pro tiers for custom domain support.

Pro Tip: If you run multiple niche newsletters, the Pro Standard plan allows you to give each one its own dedicated landing page and custom domain for less than $2 per site per year.

Pros and Cons

The Pros

• Incredible Value: Unbeatable price for custom domain hosting.
• Speed: You can literally go from an idea to a live landing page in under 15 minutes.
• Simplicity: No learning curve. If you can use a mouse, you can build a Carrd site.
• Performance: Because they are static one-page sites, Carrd pages load lightning-fast, which is great for SEO and conversion.

The Cons

• One Page Only: If you need a blog or multiple sub-pages, Carrd isn’t for you.
• Limited SEO: While it has basic meta-tag support, it isn’t built for complex content marketing strategies.
• No Native CMS: You can’t host your newsletter archives on Carrd; you’ll need to link out to your ESP for that.

Who is Carrd Best For?

• The “Side Jigger”: Someone launching a newsletter on the weekend to test a niche.
• Indie Authors: Who need a simple page to collect emails before a book launch.
• Social Media Creators: Looking for a cleaner, more professional alternative to “Linktree.”
• Minimalists: Who want a clean, fast sign-up experience without any distractions.

Carrd vs. The Competition

• Carrd vs. Typedream: Typedream is better for people who want a “Notion-like” experience and may want to add a blog later. Carrd is significantly cheaper and focused purely on the landing page.
• Carrd vs. Unicorn Platform: Unicorn Platform offers more AI-assisted features for startups, but Carrd is easier for a non-technical individual to master quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my own domain name?

Yes! On any Pro plan, you can connect your own domain (e.g., www.yournewsletter.com).

Does Carrd store my email list?

No. Carrd is just the “front-end” landing page. It sends the data to your chosen provider (like MailerLite) where your list is actually managed.

Can I sell things on Carrd?

Absolutely. You can add “Buy” buttons that link to Stripe or Gumroad, making it a great tool for selling digital products or paid newsletter subscriptions.

Is it hard to set up?

Not at all. Carrd uses a simple “click to edit” system. You can choose from dozens of high-quality templates specifically designed for newsletter sign-ups.

Final Verdict

Carrd is the most essential tool for any newsletter creator on a budget. It removes the financial and technical friction of getting started. In an era where “launching” can often feel overwhelming, Carrd reminds us that sometimes, a simple, beautiful sign-up page is all you really need to start building your audience.

Start your 7-day free trial of Carrd Pro today →

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