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Your business ideas deserve a website, secure your domain →   Starting an AI business can feel overwhelming with so many directions to explore and choices to make. It’s challenging to find the right idea, gather quality data and build something truly valuable without getting lost in the complexity. But these challenges come with exciting possibilities. AI is transforming industries, from personalized healthcare to smarter marketing and efficient logistics, opening doors for innovative startups to make a real impact. More businesses leverage AI  every day to solve problems in fresh ways. If you’re ready to start a business  that stands out and grows with the future, this guide offers practical AI business ideas to help you get there. Got a business idea? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. TL;DR: best AI business ideas Businesses now use AI   to deliver smarter personalized solutions across industries like healthcare, marketing, smart homes, transportation and more. From AI virtual assistants and content creation tools to recruitment platforms, finance apps and security systems, AI helps companies solve real problems, optimize processes and offer unique value. To succeed, focus on quality data, target a clear niche and build tools that improve customer experience. Popular AI business ideas include personalized nutrition plans, autonomous transport features, generative media platforms, AI-powered marketing agencies and AI-driven education or ethics tools. If you’re wondering how to make money with AI , there’s plenty of room to build profitable ventures that leverage this technology as AI spending grows. AI business sectors Common AI applications How you make money Customer service & productivity Chatbots for answering questions, virtual assistants, email sorting apps Setup fees, subscriptions Content creation & marketing AI tools for writing blogs, marketing agencies using AI for ads, social media trend analyzers Monthly plans, retainers Smart home & transportation Smart thermostats, lighting automation, parking assistance, delivery fleet navigation Device sales, licensing Healthcare & wellbeing AI for analyzing medical scans, personalized diet plans, health risk prediction Licensing, service fees Recruitment & HR Resume screening, job matching platforms, interview scheduling bots Subscriptions, per-hire fees Business operations & logistics Customer management systems, inventory tracking, shipment automation SaaS subscriptions Security & moderation Cybersecurity threat detection, fraud prevention, AI content moderators Licensing, managed services Creative media & design AI tools for creating logos, generating art, video editing assistants Subscriptions, usage fees Finance & legal Budget tracking apps, investment risk scoring, AI contract generators Subscriptions, commissions Education & ethics Online AI training courses, fairness auditing tools for AI models Course fees, consulting Agriculture Crop monitoring with drones, smart irrigation systems, pest detection Product sales, consulting What is an AI business? An AI-based company leverages artificial intelligence in its business operations  to provide unique value to its customers. This includes all kinds of businesses, from large corporations using AI to improve their decision-making to startups creating smart home management systems. Examples of AI businesses include: Tesla:  The automotive and clean energy company uses AI in its advanced driver assistance functionality— Autopilot . Netflix:  The video streaming giant relies on AI to personalize content recommendations for its users.  Spotify:  The digital music service employs AI for its Autoplay, music recommendations and personalized playlists .  Stitch Fix:  This ecommerce clothing store uses AI to analyze user-submitted style profiles, provide personalized clothing recommendations  and incorporate customers’ feedback to tweak its suggestions.  13 best AI business ideas AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots AI content creation businesses AI-based marketing agencies AI personal productivity agents and workflow automation apps AI model training platforms and data labeling services AI smart home management startups Healthcare startups Autonomous transportation businesses Generative media platforms AI customer relationship management systems AI human resources recruitment platforms AI business operations and logistics AI social media promotion businesses Security AI businesses Agriculture AI innovations AI-powered recommendation engines AI-powered design tools AI finance and investment tools AI legal assistant services AI moderation and content filtering bots AI education and training platforms AI ethics and auditing services 01. AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots AI assistants and chatbots handle customer questions, book appointments, manage orders and qualify leads—all without human help. Businesses use them to respond faster, reduce workload and stay available around the clock. You can build a business creating bots for specific industries like eCommerce, real estate or healthcare. Focus on bots that are easy to train, work across websites or scheduling tools and can be tailored to each business's tone. Add value by offering features like lead tracking, performance insights or multilingual support. There are several ways to earn—one-time setup fees, monthly plans for updates and monitoring or even a self-service builder clients can subscribe to. Most businesses want automation but don’t know how to start. If you make it simple and effective, there’s strong demand. 02. AI content creation businesses AI-driven content tools are still in high demand—especially when they support the creative process rather than try to replace it. You can build AI products that help businesses write faster and publish better content, especially when starting a blog or scaling one. Ideation : Help generate blog topics, outlines, examples and supporting data to speed up research and planning. Branding : Assist businesses in refining their messaging across websites, emails and blog posts to stay consistent and clear. Editing : Build tools that check for readability, structure, tone and grammar—helping shape stronger content ready for publishing. You can also offer AI translation tools that focus on transcreation—adapting blog content for different cultures and languages while preserving intent and voice. For businesses expanding globally, direct translation isn’t enough. They need content that feels local. Learn more:  Create a website Use AI to build your website 03. AI-based marketing agencies You can establish an AI-based marketing agency that leverages advanced data analytics . By analyzing demographic information, browsing behavior, purchase history and social media interactions, you can develop optimized marketing strategies .  With AI, you can help businesses connect with individual customers on a one-to-one level by analyzing customer data in real time. Beyond that, you can identify influencers who are the best fit for particular businesses to promote their services across social media.  Additionally, you can set up AI tools to monitor search engine results pages (SERPs), search trends and Google Search Console (GSC) keywords to suggest adjustments for clients’ search engine optimization  (SEO) strategies.   Learn more:   How to sell online How to make money online 04. AI personal productivity agents and workflow automation apps AI can handle repetitive tasks so people can focus on what matters. You can build tools that manage schedules, sort emails, organize to-do lists or summarize long documents in seconds. These types of agents act like digital assistants that actually get things done. There’s also demand for AI that automates team workflows—like generating meeting notes, tracking project updates or sending reminders. You can target specific roles or industries, or create flexible tools that individuals and small teams can set up without help from IT. Offer this as a paid app, a browser extension or a subscription-based platform. If it saves time and removes friction from daily work, people will pay for it. 05. AI model training platforms and data labeling services AI models are only as good as the data they learn from. You can build a business that helps companies train custom models by providing clean, well-labeled data or tools to manage the entire training process. Some teams need full-service support—data collection, labeling, quality control and model fine-tuning. Others just need a platform where they can upload data, manage annotation tasks and monitor model performance in one place. You can also offer human-in-the-loop services for edge cases or specialized industries like healthcare or law. As more businesses want tailored AI solutions, the need for accurate, domain-specific training grows. 06. AI smart home management startups Another option is to provide a personalized home automation experience. Instead of relying on scheduled routines, an algorithm can analyze user behavior and preferences over time to adjust the thermostat, tweak lighting settings for preferred activities (e.g., watching TV, reading books or cooking) and play appropriate music.  You can also offer an AI-based functionality to optimize the energy usage of the house by controlling heating, cooling and lighting based on occupancy patterns and weather forecasts. 07. Healthcare startups The healthcare space has plenty of room for AI-driven solutions. You can build tools that help providers analyze health records, lifestyle data and environmental factors to spot risk patterns and flag early signs of disease. This kind of insight helps doctors offer faster, more targeted care. You can also work on AI that interprets scans like X-rays, MRIs and CTs. With the right medical image data, your product can speed up diagnosis, improve accuracy and reduce pressure on specialists. There’s also growing demand for personalized care outside the clinic. You can build an AI platform that generates nutrition plans based on health data, personal goals and lifestyle choices. It can adapt over time using user feedback, offering smarter food recommendations that support long-term health. 08. Autonomous transportation businesses While big players are pushing full self-driving tech, there’s still plenty of room to build focused, real-world solutions. You can create AI tools that handle specific challenges—like auto-parking systems for busy cities, driving assistance for delivery fleets or smart navigation for public transit. Instead of chasing full autonomy, focus on narrow features that solve problems now. Transit systems, logistics companies and urban planners are all looking for ways to reduce accidents, improve efficiency and cut costs. If your product makes one part of the driving experience safer or smarter, it’s worth building. 09. Generative media platforms Generative AI is opening new ways for creators to work faster and explore more ideas. You can build a platform that supports artists, animators or content teams by helping them turn rough concepts into usable drafts, streamline revisions or speed up production timelines. Focus on tools that serve real needs—like turning written prompts into draft visuals, auto-generating color palettes or creating reusable design assets. You can also add features for editing layouts, adjusting style variations or generating animation sequences frame by frame. Monetization can come from paid templates, usage-based pricing or offering creative teams access to private, brand-safe AI models. Many professionals don’t want to replace their process—they just want to move quicker. If your platform saves time without compromising creative control, there’s strong demand. 10. AI customer relationship management systems Traditional CRMs store data—AI-powered CRMs use it to drive smarter decisions. You can build a platform that analyzes customer behavior in real time, predicts buying patterns and suggests when and how to engage with leads or existing customers. Go beyond basic personalization. Use AI to segment audiences dynamically, trigger campaigns based on user actions and prioritize high-value leads. You can also integrate chat-based assistants that guide customers through purchases, answer product questions or recommend services based on past behavior. To add more value, offer integrations with sales tools, email platforms or booking systems. Businesses want automation that actually moves the needle—if your CRM helps them sell more with less manual effort, it's an easy sell. 11. AI human resources recruitment platforms Build a recruitment platform that uses AI to review resumes, assess skills and match candidates to the right jobs. This helps companies find better fits faster and reduces bias in hiring. Add chatbots to handle interview scheduling, send reminders and answer common questions any time. You can also include AI-powered tests to screen skills and tools that analyze video interviews to evaluate communication. Make sure your platform connects easily with existing HR systems to keep hiring smooth. If your AI saves time and improves hiring quality, businesses will pay for it. 12. AI business operations and logistics Build AI platforms that streamline critical business functions like supply chain management or inventory tracking. Use predictive analytics to forecast demand and avoid stockouts or overstocking. Automate routine workflows such as order processing, supplier communication and shipment tracking to save time and reduce errors. Your system can also analyze spending patterns and optimize budget allocation , helping companies invest wisely and cut unnecessary costs. Real-time dashboards and alerts give managers the data they need to make quick decisions and adjust plans on the fly. 13. AI social media promotion businesses With Gen Zers constantly driving new trends, it can be difficult for businesses to stay in the loop. You can help with AI-based tools that analyze social media data to identify trends, predict viral content opportunities and suggest brand positioning.  Beyond that, you can help companies level up their social media advertising  by using AI to decide the appropriate messaging, ad placements and target audience. 14. Security AI businesses You can develop digital security solutions that detect potential cybersecurity threats to networks and data systems. Similarly, you can set up a data-driven fraud detection app.  On the other hand, if you’re more interested in offering physical security, you can work on AI-based surveillance systems to analyze video feeds in real time to identify suspicious behavior and alert security personnel.  15. Agriculture AI innovations With climate change becoming a noticeably bigger problem, you can use sensors, drones and AI algorithms to monitor crops, environmental conditions and soil data to develop intelligent farming solutions.  As a result, you can help agriculture businesses optimize pesticide and fertilizer usage and irrigation. Plus, you can use the data you gather across different farms to inform planting and harvesting schedules.  16. AI-powered recommendation engines AI recommendation engines help businesses deliver personalized suggestions that keep customers engaged and boost sales. You can build tools that analyze browsing history, purchase patterns and user preferences to recommend products, content or services tailored to each individual. These engines can work for eCommerce sites, streaming platforms, news outlets and more. By showing relevant options, businesses improve customer satisfaction and increase repeat visits. Focus on creating easy-to-integrate solutions that update recommendations in real time. Adding features like A/B testing and performance analytics helps clients see what works best and fine-tune their approach. 17. AI-powered design tools (automated branding, web and UX design) Build AI tools that help startups and small businesses create logos, pick colors and generate website layouts fast. These tools save time and let companies develop a consistent brand look without needing a full design team. You can also offer UX design features that suggest user flows, button placements and content layouts based on proven patterns. This cuts down on guesswork and speeds up the design process. Your AI tool helps look professional from the start without the hassle. 18. AI finance and investment tools Track spending in real time and flag unusual charges with an AI tool that suggests smarter ways to manage money based on personal goals. Include features like automatic tax estimates, regular budget check-ins and risk scores for investments. Pull data from multiple accounts—bank, credit cards, loans—and create one clear financial overview. For investors, use AI to watch earnings calls, track price changes and analyze news to spot trends early. Add portfolio simulators so users can see how market shifts affect their returns. 19. AI legal assistant services Create an AI tool that helps users generate solid contracts by answering a few simple questions. Add auto-fill suggestions, real-time error checks and clear explanations for legal terms. Let users upload documents to find missing parts, conflicting clauses or odd wording. Include version tracking so businesses can compare contract drafts side by side. Offer templates tailored to different regions and industries. Make it easy to connect with e-signature services, calendar reminders for deadlines and AI alerts for renewals or compliance. 20. AI moderation and content filtering bots Moderation bots can do more than flag keywords. Train them to understand context so they can catch subtle harassment, coded hate speech or misleading content. For example, an AI bot on a gaming forum could learn that certain slang terms, while harmless elsewhere, are often used to bait or provoke in that space. Use machine learning to adapt to niche communities—like recognizing region-specific political references on news sites or identifying misinformation trends in health-related groups. Give platforms flexibility to fine-tune filters based on their community’s tone. Let moderation teams see severity scores, quick summaries and visual flags for things like deepfakes in group chats or graphic images on livestream platforms. Add tools for real-time action—such as muting a user mid-conversation in a live session or auto-hiding comments until reviewed. 21. AI education and training platforms (teaching people to use/build AI) Build a platform that teaches AI by doing. Let people learn through simple projects like chatbots, recommendation engines or image tools. Include easy code editors, step-by-step guidance and voiceovers so non-tech users can follow along. Organize lessons by role—like marketers, product managers or engineers. Offer certifications that employers value and quizzes that test real-world problem solving. Let users pick what to learn based on their job, goals or industry. 22. AI ethics and auditing services Build a dashboard that shows how AI models make decisions. Highlight what factors influence the results, where mistakes happen, and how performance changes across different user groups. Add a tool that traces where training data came from and spots changes over time. You can also create tools that test the model with unusual cases before it goes live. Make the results easy to understand—like short explanations in plain language or fairness ratings. Let teams leave comments, flag problems or suggest improvements directly in the system. What about AI business ideas I can build with ChatGPT or other LLMs? There are a few AI business ideas that you can start and make money with using ChatGPT or other LLMs. Some of the most common and easiest to start right now are: Content creation and editing services: you can use ChatGPT and other LLMs to create and edit content of all types (blogs, marketing landing pages, proposals) for businesses, brands and whoever needs content services. Creating digital products: using LLMs to create templates, images or other resources that you can then sell to companies or individuals is a smart AI business idea. Why start an AI business? For entrepreneurs looking to start a business, there are several attractive reasons to invest in AI. To start, it empowers you to disrupt an industry by offering new, more efficient ways of doing things. Plus, it may help level the playing field against existing businesses with deep industry experience by reducing reliance on accumulated knowledge—and lower the need for higher startup capital .  Since artificial intelligence offers ways to tackle complex problems, optimize irregular systems and detect difficult patterns, AI startups have a high potential for growth and a competitive advantage.  That said, established businesses still hold competitive strengths, such as brand recognition, customer relationships and access to capital.   So, carefully navigate the opportunities AI offers for your own business. How can AI businesses become profitable? Gartner expects AI software spending to increase to $297.9 billion by 2027 . While this growth in the AI market leaves a lot of room for tremendous business opportunities, you’ll still need to identify a profitable, unique idea for your startup .  Here are a few tips for choosing an AI small business idea with great earning potential: Focus on a real problem:  Instead of injecting the power of AI everywhere, use it to solve actual issues based on market research and improve the customer experience.  Prioritize data quality:  Base your AI software around high-quality data that yields valuable insights for users. Zero in on a niche: Instead of being a generalist, focus on a specific use case and offer a tailored solution or certain niche products to sell.  What are some unique AI business ideas to start? Looking for something really out of the box? If you have the tech know how, there are some really unique AI business ideas to consider. Here's just a few of them: AI matchmaking app: Design a matchmaking app that uses AI algorithms to match potential life partners based on compatibility factors. AI talent matching app: Create a platform that uses AI algorithms to match job seekers with suitable job opportunities based on their skills, experience, and preferences. Best AI business ideas FAQ What is the best business to start with AI? Start with a business that solves a clear problem in a specific niche. AI chatbots, content tools or simple automation apps are in demand and don’t need huge investment. Pick something you understand and build around that. Is AI expensive to develop? It depends on what you're building. Training a custom model from scratch is pricey, but using pre-trained models or no-code platforms can save a lot of time and money. You can start lean and upgrade as you grow. Is it legal to make money with AI? Yes, it’s legal as long as your AI follows privacy laws and handles data responsibly. Make sure your tool is transparent and avoids discrimination, especially if it’s making decisions for users. Some industries have stricter rules, so double-check. How to start an AI company with no money? Start with tools that are free or open source and focus on services you can deliver without building complex software. You can test ideas manually, use low-code platforms or team up with a technical co-founder. Accelerators and grants can also help with funding. What are the legal or ethical risks of an AI business? AI can make biased decisions or misuse user data if you're not careful. You’re responsible for building systems that are fair, secure and explainable. Stay up to date with privacy laws and be clear about how your AI works.

They say food is the window to the soul. In the case of Raven Rising, food is also a window to the wider world. “Food is the one language that every single human being on this planet understands,” says Founder and CEO Tammy Maki, who, for the last four years, has been making chocolates specially crafted from ‘global indigenous’ ingredients. Those ingredients run the gamut: lingonberry from northern regions of the globe, seaweeds plucked from the bottom of the ocean, nutmeg from Grenada—even mustard from Western Canada.  “I’ve found ingredients that I’ve never heard of before. Never would have even thought of,” says the Canadian chef. “I've tasted things and it's just like my eyes roll back in my head, I'm just like, ‘oh’—like Homer Simpson with doughnuts. It's just phenomenal.” But unlike Homer Simpson’s doughnuts, Raven Rising’s chocolates and history are complex and, in many ways, unexpected. The first of the surprises starts with Tammy herself: the pastry chef who opened a chocolate shop in her 50s with hardly any experience in chocolate-making.  “At Raven Rising, we blend the world of fine chocolates with the rich traditions of Indigenous cultures.” Ready to create your own success story? Create your eCommerce website with Wix. It started with a midlife crisis “I flopped around for 35 to 40 years.”  Tammy’s referring to the period of her life when she spent 30 years in the electrical trade, following in the footsteps of her electrician father. Her only exposure to pastries at the time: baking all types of cakes—wedding cakes, birthday cakes, anniversary cakes—and pastries out of her kitchen under the guidance of a Betty Crocker cookbook. “And then, in my mid-forties, [I had] my midlife crisis,” she states. “Instead of, you know, starting to date somebody new and buying a Corvette, I went back to school and took baking and pastry arts. And from the second I walked into that classroom, I knew that was where I was meant to be.” Of course, dreams don’t always find us at the best times. Several years after graduating and opening a pastry consulting business, Tammy faced another big obstacle called COVID-19. The pandemic raged. Business stalled. And Tammy moved back home. Eventually, she shuttered her business altogether.  Tammy had a decision to make. What would be her next move? What could she realistically do with the pandemic still wreaking havoc on in-person retail and services?  “Honesty, I looked at Amazon and I went, ‘If they can have an eCommerce [site] that can service the world—for God's sake, why can't I?’”  And so it went: Tammy researched types of businesses  that could satiate her longing to start a business  in indigenous foods and also exist online. She settled on chocolate (“Iike duh, it’s one of the most well-known indigenous ingredients in the world”). Chocolate, she figured, could be easily shipped and infused with diverse ingredients—the latter being an important ingredient to her recipe for success.   The Sixties Scoop roots Every founder’s aha moment looks a bit different. Tammy’s dates back to finding out about her Sixties Scoop background.  Coined by researcher and author Patrick Johnston in 1983, the Sixties Scoop is a period when a series of policies were enacted in Canada that allowed indigenous children to be “scooped up” from their birth families, usually without consent. Between 1951 and 1984, it’s estimated that more than 20,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children  were forcibly removed from their homes and adopted into predominantly white, middle-class households.   As Tammy would come to find, she was one of them. “I’m finding out a lot about my Indigenous roots now,” Tammy told Rise in 2020 , when she won the organization’s 2020 Bell Let’s Talk Start-up Award. “But I was adopted into a wonderful Finnish family, and many of my earliest memories are of me and my mother in the kitchen.” Tammy is a member of the White Bear First Nation in Saskatchewan. Today, her confections are designed to reflect her heritage while celebrating the rich traditions of other indigenous communities. A portion of proceeds are also donated to various societies, plus used to support an indigenous student in the Baking and Pastry Arts program at George Brown College.  “The food that I make, the chocolate that I make, the art that I do—it's my story.” An online-first chocolatier  Every bit of Raven Rising’s brand—be it the design of its bonbons or the physical space where Tammy works—is created with intention.  The name, for that matter, honors Tammy’s journey as a founder. “I talked to my friend, and she owns a couple of restaurants,” recalls Tammy. “She said, ‘Oh, you should call it Phoenix Rising [because] you keep rising out of the ashes.’ And I said, well, Phoenix in my culture doesn't hold any significance…but my spirit animal is a Raven. Raven Rising is perfect.”  Now nearing 60 years old, Tammy has weathered her fair share of challenges. Among them: getting fired (which she fondly refers to as a pivotal moment in her career), running two other businesses before Raven Rising, her midlife crisis and figuring out this thing called eCommerce.  “I’ve been a long-time Wix customer,” she mentions. “It’s given me the tools, the resources and the knowledge that there is no way that I would have been able to figure out on my own.” Her website created using the Wix website builder now serves customers across Canada. Through her online store, customers can place orders, purchase digital gift cards or inquire about custom orders. Meanwhile, Tammy often finds herself in the back office of her site, keeping an eye on her email and social media campaigns.  As visitors hail from various channels, she points to Wix Analytics  as being particularly useful:  “It's not like Stephen Hawking speaking science to me. It’s Wix telling me, ‘Oh, this is where all your business is coming from’...It's like a really easy-to-read book and I am not a numbers person, but I can actually understand and break down those numbers, apply them and [know where to focus].”  A long way from retirement  So, what’s next for Raven Rising?  Already the winner of several awards, including the 2024 Extraordinary Female Entrepreneur Award by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), Tammy still has a long to-do list.  “I've experienced so much since starting the business that it blows my mind and I'm almost 60 years old,” says Tammy. “Most people [my age say,] ‘Oh, yeah, I'm retiring next week and I gave my notice after 45 years.’ And I'm like, ‘Wow. Here I am four years into this new business and I wanna go everywhere.’” “Everywhere,” according to Tammy, could mean exporting. New chocolate concoctions. Opening up shop in her first nation in Saskatchewan. The sky’s the limit.  “Aside from wanting to do more, I couldn’t imagine not doing this,” she says. “This is my zen.” Read also: The story behind the world's most photographed bookstore   Lessons from Tammy Every story of entrepreneurship  has its own flavor. For Tammy, becoming an entrepreneur  wasn’t so much a choice as it was a natural progression of her interests and talents. That’s not to say it wasn’t tough—as she shares below, there are several key tips she’d impart to others in her shoes:  Take the chances : “Life is full of pivots and challenges and decisions. Every single day there's gonna be some big decisions that you have to make and then there's gonna be small decisions. But sometimes the small decisions are some of the biggest ones that have the most lasting effect, right?” Put your heart and soul into it: “If you're gonna [start a business], don't do it half-a**. Just do it right the first time so you're not revisiting things over and over because if you're a business person, you don't have the time to [correct those mistakes].” Ask for help: “Don't be afraid to look for help because you're gonna need it.” Whether you need guidance on how to create a website  or keeping your finances in order, talk to people who are masters in these fields and can help you get it right the first time. Expect the unexpected, but keep going: “I think as a small business person, you always hope that things are gonna be super smooth…and maybe for some people it is. But for the other 99.99% of us, it's not. There's major peaks and major valleys and you're not [always] sure if you're gonna crawl out of that valley and ever see another peak.” Do your due diligence: “Know your stuff; don't guess. Like [if] you're in the food industry and whether or not it's regulated…understand that if you're selling food, you have to ensure that your consumer is safe…So you need to care about what you're doing, not just be doing it to do it.” Read about our other Upgrade with Wix winners: How this founder created ‘the first hanger worthy of Vogue’ Heroes INN’s epic quest into the world of trading cards

The perfect domain is just a click away:  claim your domain→  Most people choose a domain name for business thinking it’s a one-and-done deal, but I’ve seen many outgrow their domain names or run into issues they didn’t see coming. Whether you’re ready to buy a domain  or start fresh with a free website builder , it’s better to address potential problems early than fix them later. In this blog, I’ll help you decide when it’s time to finally face the music and make a change. Here are the top reasons why you might want to consider switching your domain name for business, based on my experience. Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. TL;DR: domain name for business Choosing the right domain name for business is more important than you might think. A confusing, hard-to-remember or outdated domain can hurt branding, SEO and credibility. And if you’re learning how to make a website , this guide will help you spot the warnings signs and show you what to do about it. Key signs your domain might need a change Customers can’t spell or remember it easily. Domain extensions that hurts credibility ( .shop vs .com / .net ). It doesn’t reflect your brand clearly. Poor search engine rankings or SEO penalties. Too similar to another brand’s domain. You’re rebranding or expanding. Issue What to look for Quick fixes Hard to remember Misspellings, long URLs Shorten, simplify, remove hyphens/numbers TLD hurting credibility Unfamiliar extensions Consider .com, .net or widely accepted alternatives Doesn’t match brand Extra words, outdated keywords Secure premium or exact-match domain Low SEO performance Poor rankings, old penalties Audit domain history, set up 301 redirects Too similar to another brand Confusing or trademark conflicts Choose a distinct name, check trademarks Rebranding/expanding Business growth or new focus Update domain, redirect old URLs, secure misspellings & social handles Pair your domain with a professional business email  to boost credibility and keep your brand consistent. 6 signs your domain name for business needs an update If you’re wondering whether your domain name for business is holding you back, here are the key issues to look out for. We’ve also included relevant domain name statistics  to help you understand trends and see how your site compares. Jump to the section most relevant to you: Customers can't spell or remember your domain Your domain extension hurts credibility Your domain doesn't reflect your brand Your site isn't ranking well in search engines Your domain is too similar to another brand's You're rebranding or expanding 01. Your customers can’t spell or remember your domain name The logic here is simple. If your customers struggle to spell or recall your domain, then they’re less likely to end up on your site. Understanding what is a domain  can help you see why this matters, it’s more than just an address; it’s a key part of your brand identity. One way to see if you’re experiencing this issue is by looking at search trends. Do you see people frequently misspelling your domain on Google or on social media?   Alternatively, ask your customers for direct feedback or look at referral traffic for an idea of how many people are finding your site organically. Adam Garcia, founder of TheStockDork.com , once told us, “Last year alone, our domain name helped drive over 100,000 organic visits, since people actually remember and type it directly, rather than having to search for us on Google.” As Adam points out, your domain is a marketing asset. Make sure it’s serving you well. Tips for fixing this issue: Keep your domain name short, and snip out words like “the” if they’re nonessential. According to Wix data, the average domain length is 20 characters, including the “.com”/TLD. Use common words as opposed to jargon or complicated phrases. Avoid numbers and hyphens if you can help it (they’re easy to forget or mix up).  When implementing marketing strategies , use title capitalization to make the URL  more readable (for example, “BestCoffeeShop.com” versus “bestcoffeeshop.com”). If your domain is the same name as your business but is hard for people to remember, try a shorter abbreviation (just like how American Eagle Outfitters use ae.com). Learn more: Guide to domain extensions Cheapest domain extensions Most popular domain extensions Best domain extension for personal website 02. You have a domain extension that’s hurting credibility These days, there are a number of different top-level domains ( TLDs ) you can choose from. There’s .ai , .shop, even .xyz . But while some TLDs, like .shop, can act as helpful descriptors, others might look awkward or unprofessional to your customers. From my experience, a .com domain  and a .net domain  remain the most universally accepted TLDs. That said, if you’re creating a website for a nonprofit or other organization, .org extensions are great too.  At the end of the day, it comes down to your core audience and how they perceive a specific TLD. If you use an uncommon TLD and see lower-than-average click-through rates (CTR) on your online ads or posts, this might indicate that people don’t quite trust your domain. Or, if you notice that you’re the only one in your industry using a specific TLD, you might want to consider switching to a more familiar extension.  Tips for fixing this issue:  A/B test other TLDs by running the same campaigns with a different domain. Do you see any changes in user engagement? If possible, buy your domain with multiple extensions (e.g., einat.com and einat.net) to connect them all to your site and protect your brand.  View more domain name trends , explore .org vs .com  or see the best .com alternatives  (according to business owners).  03. Your domain doesn’t reflect your brand  When you’re starting a business website and learning how to register a domain for the first time, you might end up throwing in an extra word or punctuation mark to get a domain that matches your brand the closest.  For example, before Dropbox landed dropbox.com, it used getdropbox.com to avoid paying a load of money for the cleaner, more direct URL. However as the company grew, it found that more and more people were searching dropbox.com (without the “get”), and they were thereby losing valuable web traffic. Finally, in October 2009, TechCrunch reported , “Dropbox Acquires The Domain Everyone Thought It Had.”  In the same vein, if you find yourself stuck with a second-best domain, ask yourself if it’s time to make a change.  Tips for fixing this issue:  While .com remains king, using another widely accepted TLD like .co or .net could help you secure an exact-match domain name if the .com version is taken. Consider using a country-code TLD as another alternative to .com. Sometimes, premium domains are worth their price. As Cyrus Partow, CEO of ShipTheDeal.com notes, “I found that investing $250 a year in ShipTheDeal.com was worth every penny since it perfectly matches our brand…After trying cheaper alternatives with hyphens and longer names that confused customers, I realized a clean, memorable domain actually saves money in marketing and builds more trust with shoppers.”   Try a domain name generator  to spark ideas or do a domain name search  to see what’s available and secure your ideal URL today. 04. Your site isn’t ranking well in search engines In some cases, different types of domains can actively work against your SEO goals. For instance, if your domain includes irrelevant or outdated keywords that no longer reflect your offerings, search engines may misinterpret what your site is about. This can, in turn, lead to lower rankings and less qualified traffic.  In another instance, a domain might carry a history of spammy behavior or SEO penalties from a previous owner. This type of history can be difficult to fully recover from and may continue to suppress your visibility in search results. Even beyond technical SEO, a confusing or untrustworthy-looking domain can negatively impact your CTR, which search engines pay attention to. Switching to a cleaner, more relevant and brandable domain can help reset your SEO standing and bring in more qualified traffic.  Tips for fixing this issue:  Audit your domain history  using WHOIS Lookup  (to check for frequent ownership changes that could have left behind a negative footprint) and Google Search Console (to see if any penalties have been applied). Evaluate your current domain rankings and keyword relevance using a tool like Semrush. Consider switching to a fresh, brandable domain. Make sure to set up 301 redirects, update all internal links and follow other best practices for how to change a domain name . Learn more about domain management ➔ 05. Your domain is too similar to another brand’s  If your domain resembles a competitor’s or an existing brand’s too closely, you risk confusing visitors and facing legal issues.  As an example, let’s say you’re launching a wellness brand with the URL GlowNaturals.com, only to find out there’s a massively popular skincare company called Glow Natural. It’s likely that consumers will mistype your URL, assuming you’re affiliated with Glow Natural. Search engines might similarly struggle to differentiate your brand. Worse, you could end up with a trademark dispute on your hands. Even if things don’t escalate legally, the brand confusion could hurt your credibility and make it nearly impossible to build a strong identity.  If people constantly ask, “Wait, are you the same as…?,” that’s a pretty clear sign that it’s time for a more distinct domain name. Using domain privacy  when registering your new domain can also protect your personal information and keep your ownership secure during this process. Tips for fixing this issue:  Before making any changes, test your current domain with real people. Ask friends, colleagues or potential customers what they think of your name and if it reminds them of anything else. Do a thorough trademark search on your new name. Search national and international trademark databases to ensure you're not encroaching on someone else's brand. Claim matching social media handles and domains, staying consistent across platforms reinforces your brand and prevents confusion. 06. You’re rebranding or expanding If your business has outgrown its original name or focus, it’s time for your domain to catch up.  Maybe you started as a local business, and now you’re expanding to a global audience. Or, perhaps you’re heading in the same direction as Dunkin’, which dropped the “Donuts” from its original name (Dunkin’ Donuts) to reflect its expanding product line and its dreams of being known as a beverage company.  Your domain should ultimately appeal to the right audiences and reflect where your brand’s headed. Tips for fixing this issue:  Choose a domain that reflects your future, not just your past (read my tips for future-proofing your domain ). Try it out in conversation and consider a soft launch, where you slowly introduce your new domain to your customers or select focus groups.  Announce the change clearly. Let your audience know what’s changing and why.  When rebranding your website, update your email addresses, social profiles, marketing materials and anywhere else that uses your old domain. When moving to a new name, register (and redirect from) common misspellings and other extensions (like .net domain ) to avoid confusion and keep copycats at bay. Also, consider keeping your current domain if it closely matches your new one. This can help you avoid losing SEO equity and traffic from loyal visitors who may still type in your original URL. Sign up for Wix  today and get the perfect domain name in minutes  ➔ Domain name for business FAQ What is a domain name for business? A domain name for business is your website’s address on the internet (like YourBrand.com) that represents your brand online. It’s a key part of your identity and can affect branding, SEO features and customer trust. How do I know if my domain name for business isn't working? Signs your domain name for business may need an update include: Customers can’t spell or remember it It doesn’t reflect your brand Poor search engine rankings Confusion with other brands Outdated domain extensions Should I buy a domain for my business? Yes, buying a domain gives you full control over your online brand, protects your business from competitors and helps with credibility. You can purchase one directly or secure multiple extensions to protect your brand.

Some things in life are easy to take for granted. Hangers are one of them. When a hanger works well and keeps our clothes snugly in place, then we hardly pay attention to them. But when a hanger fails to do its job and our closets suffer for it—well, then we notice. Angus Willows first noticed his hangers in college. With only 10 hangers to his name, then-19-year-old mechanical engineer student Angus felt the frustration of watching his clothes slip off their plastic rods, or worse, seeing hangers break under the weight of everyday use.  Before long, he found himself putting his engineering hat on—and alas, the first iteration of the Kangaroo hanger was born.  Photo source: Kangaroo Ready to get your own business online? Try Wix's eCommerce site builder on for size. Uncovering the wasteland of hangers  Most of us probably know as much about hangers as we do about kangaroos. In those early days, Angus was about to discover more flaws in the hanger industry than meet the eye. Turns out that the hanger industry is outrageously wasteful. By measure of one internet sleuth , coat hangers of any type (be it wooden, wire or plastic) are not accepted by 99% of local recycling programs.  “I think a crazy number—over 8 billion hangers per year—end up in a landfill,” says Angus. And that’s only an estimate. If you were to google this today, you’d find estimates jumping into the teens if not higher. Or, as one retail blog  eloquently put it, “an amount that could fill the Empire State Building 20 times over.”  What most manufacturers struggle to do these days is find a design and material that are both perfectly priced and perfectly durable. The common plastic hanger, for example, is often made of polystyrene (“which is essentially Styrofoam that’s compressed,” explains Angus to us non-engineer minds), polycarbonate and/or a mixture of other plastics.  This makes it significantly cheaper to produce—“You could sell these at the dollar store and still make somewhat of a profit,” says Angus. Unfortunately for the earth, these plastics are often too costly to recycle and leach toxic chemicals when they degrade.  On the other hand, the popular “velvet” hangers use glue, flocking (synthetic fibers) and metal, which makes them nearly impossible to recycle. The only recyclable bit: the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) that makes up its bone structure, but this, too, is rendered unrecyclable once the glue and flocking are slapped on.  This was just the tip of the iceberg. As Angus came to find, the hanger industry was grappling with a serious environmental crisis. Read also: The story behind the world's most photographed bookstore   Sustainable by design  You could say Kangaroo’s mission came before the product; sustainability is at the core of both the product idea and design.  “The beauty of the Kangaroo hanger is that I designed it in a way so that it’s single material,” explains Angus, “and that’s super important for recycling. Otherwise, the materials have to be separated in some way for it to be recyclable.”  The material in use? ABS. Yes, that  ABS. The same material you find inside velvet hangers that give it strength and durability. The original “Hangaroo” by Kangaroo features unadulterated ABS in all its glory.  “This is 100% recycled ABS,” says Angus about the Hangaroo. “ABS is also what LEGOs are made of [and] I wouldn’t be surprised if these hangers are partially made out of LEGOs because our manufacturer sources these recycled materials from all over.” ABS is accepted by most recycling centers, according to Angus, and in the municipalities that don’t take ABS, he hopes to set up a recycling program.  “The goal of this is that you won’t ever have to recycle this because it’s so strong and it lasts forever. But if you do need to, it’s recyclable…I could recycle this hanger five times and it would still have essentially the same properties as it has right now.”    Leaping into final design and patenting  Today, the Kangaroo hanger is built with both mission and function in mind.  It has a thicker, more resistant structure than many of its predecessors. If you look closely, you’ll see that the hanger resembles the I-beam of a building, which gives it its sturdiness.  It’s also designed to hold all types of clothes in place without wrinkling or tugging the fabric. You can hang a collared shirt without buttoning anything up. You can store a strappy top without relying on hooks that snag on other clothing. It is definitively an all-purpose hanger.      Drawings from Kangaroo’s patent filing. (Photo source: Kangaroo) Of course, such a design requires protection. “I knew I needed to patent it because if I didn’t have a patent when I started selling it, then it wouldn’t be worth it,” recalls Angus.  “I had this ‘Patent It Yourself’ book that I bought on Amazon,” he adds, referring to this 624-page guide  by David Pressman, which he scrupulously studied. Together with a patent attorney, the young inventor filed for his first patent. And thus began his pursuit of turning his idea into a business.  The TikTok that changed it all If you go to Kangaroo’s TikTok account, you’ll find a mix of videos featuring product demos (including an inventive “Can it hang?” series) and business lessons (“Come write a patent with me” invites Angus in another video).   But, perhaps the most notable of these is a video from 30 days into Angus’s TikTok venture.  “This is my invention, and I hope it completely changes the billion-dollar hanger industry that produces millions of tons of waste every year,” a fresh-faced Angus says on screen, holding up one of his earliest models.  The video was a smashing success. Within the first few hours, it amassed a hundred thousand views. The next morning, it had 2 million.  “It was life-changing. It was totally life-changing,” says Angus, who still lights up at the memory of viewers flooding his inbox. The video now sits at 7.2 million views—second to another video  that the founder posted two days later that exceeded 17 million views.  “By some grace of luck, I had my website already set up”—(on Wix, we might add)—“and I had preorders available.”  The money from those preorders afforded Kangaroo’s first production run. This included months of molding, testing, manufacturing and shipping the final products. By the following January, the hangers were in buyers’ hands, and “people absolutely loved them.”  “My initial thought [behind TikTok] was maybe I can show people this invention and they’ll like it, and they’ll give me ideas on how to make it better. Maybe there will be someone who’s also better at business than I am and can give me some advice.”  Where Kangaroo hangers are headed in the long jump  The Hangaroo hanger is available for purchase online via Amazon and the Kangaroo site. It comes in four playful colors: charcoal, tangerine, pinkity and oakmilk.  The next move for Angus? Taking Kangaroo into new territories. New product lines. New partners. Additional R&D. Manufacturing closer to home. But no matter how the business evolves, one thing remains true: the business exists to make a difference. “I’m not about selling products. I want this to be a wake-up call for a lot of industries…to get people thinking what other industries are like this and how can we create something that’s better for the planet and better for people.”  Kangaroo's latest line of alloy hangers made with sustainably sourced Beech wood The call for change has earned Kangaroo plenty of fans already. In the words of Vogue: “Kangaroo Hanger’s conscious effort to consider material choice and design while addressing functional needs gives home and commercial users a guilt-free alternative. With this, the Kangaroo hanger is the first hanger worthy of Vogue.” - Vogue UA  (2024) Lessons from Angus  Founders, take note: entrepreneurship  is rarely what many of us imagine it to be. It usually starts with a great idea—or perhaps multiple good ideas, of which, only a few make for okay businesses.  If you’re interested in becoming an entrepreneur , remember these words of wisdom:    Know your why: “There were many times when I was discouraged and wanted to just get a normal job. [But if I could go back in time,] I would tell my younger self, don’t be discouraged…If you’re really doing something that you love and that you’re passionate about, you’re going to do something great…and there are an infinite number of opportunities that come with something great, even if they don’t come right away.”  Write every idea down: “I think I see design flaws in stuff. Like with the hanger, I saw it and I thought, ‘Really?’...My brain starts working out ways to fix it on its own…then a couple of days down the road, I’ll wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and I’ll write it on my phone. I’ll investigate the next morning [and see] whether it was worth anything.” Learn from doing: “[There are] really random, weird things that you gotta just figure out…there are so many roadblocks that are always happening every single day in every aspect: product design, financial, growth, social media—everything.” Use the right tools from the get-go:  “One of the reasons why I love Wix and chose Wix for my website: it’s a whole business tool. You can handle everything on there for your whole business—it’s crazy. The thing that I loved about it over all of the other platforms out there is that you’re able to customize everything on your website so that it’s really yours…The way that I was able to customize the site made it both easy for people to understand the product but also easy to preorder.” Read also: How to make a website Expect success to look different: “When I was growing up and I had all of these inventions…I always thought that it could potentially take years—10, 20 years—until something life-changing happened. But I kept on pushing towards that…A lot of the time, success and stability don’t come until far down the road. Far after you think that it’s going to come.” Accept help and seize opportunities: “There’s so much money that’s required to start a business  and really get things running…Thanks to the Upgrade with Wix contest, we were not only able to create a new product…but we were also able to get a ton of new inventory in the 100% recycled, heavy-duty hanger…that upgrade was one of the main factors that kept us afloat and kept us moving towards the direction we want to be moving.”   Photo source: Kangaroo Read about our other Upgrade with Wix winners: Heroes INN’s epic quest into the world of trading cards How this serial entrepreneur made a big career pivot in her 50s

Start generating business ideas with the Wix Business Launcher →  Josh Spencer looked at the world and saw chaos. Lots of it. As a former Hawaiian resident living in LA, the constant noise and commotion of the city was overwhelming. So, when the opportunity came to build a brick-and-mortar bookstore, Josh was determined to make it a place of refuge for book lovers looking to escape the city’s madness. That’s when, in 2009, he opened The Last Bookstore . “I really wanted to create a place that was out of time and that was all times, too,” says Josh. “That's what books represent to me. They span thousands of years of people telling stories. I wanted to create a place people could step into—a portal into another dimension that was safe, secure and restful that had all this knowledge.” Today, the 22,000-square-foot store in downtown LA is California's largest new and used book and record store. The story of how Josh and his wife Jenna built it is the stuff of bestsellers. Ready to get your own business idea off the ground? Create your business website  with Wix. A life-changing event Josh was an active and outdoorsy kid growing up in Hawaii. But his world was turned upside down at 21, when a road accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. After several years navigating life in a wheelchair and struggling to find a job, he moved to LA. There, he began trading books online, sparked by his grandmother's idea to sell her old cookbooks. “I sold them on Amazon, made good money and was like, ‘I could do this,’” recalls Josh. “I started going to thrift stores and garage sales, finding books that I could sell and repurpose—and I was off to the races.” Through his new hustle, Josh rediscovered his love for books and found creative ways to buy and sell them. He made a living from it for almost a decade until a “man about town” named Brady Westwater approached him about opening a bookstore. “He was like, ‘We need a bookstore downtown and I hear you’re the book guy,’” says Josh.  Brady had a knack for bringing  the coolest traders into downtown LA and could see the potential in having an independent bookstore there. “So he convinced me,” adds Josh, noting how Brady drew him out of his shell. “I was shy and introverted.”  Before long, Josh was sizing up a historic bank building. Its landlord had initially planned to lease it to Urban Outfitters, but once he heard Josh’s vision for a used bookstore, he changed his mind. The Last Bookstore had its first home. Capturing LA’s imagination Before setting up the store, Josh took some time to sit in the empty space and visualize how it all might look. As a long-time wheelchair user, he was hyper-aware of the physical space around him, so he had a distinct vision for its layout. “There are so many great bookstores I can't go to in a wheelchair because they're too crammed,” says Josh. “I love that visual aspect, but it's not something I can engage with. So, I wanted to make it wide enough and spacious enough for anyone to feel free to roam.” Josh also thought most bookstores were cookie-cutter. Instead of straight, predictable aisles, he envisioned a place where people could wander, get lost and discover the unexpected. Drawing on his love of the steampunk genre, he infused the store with an otherworldly feel, pulling inspiration from films as varied as Hellboy , V for Vendetta , Indiana Jones  and Alexander the Great . The finished space resembled an art museum more than a bookstore, with its high-soaring ceilings, mosaic floors, antique vaults and marble pillars juxtaposed with playful designs like book sculpture installations, a book tunnel and themed rooms. It captured the imagination of people in downtown LA. “[People] came in, and for them, there was an immediate lowering of temperature compared with the commotion outside,” says Josh. “There were so many smiles and wide eyes. I still love sitting there and just watching people’s faces when they come in. That's when the wandering starts.” Throughout the years, The Last Bookstore has become so much more than a retailer; it’s an institution where people congregate, browse, read, relax, attend events and explore. It has even inspired spin-off sister stores in two other locations across California, and one in Hawaii. Some Saturdays, there can be as many as 1,000 customers in the store. It has gained international recognition too, becoming the world’s most Instagrammed bookstore . “There's definitely a sense of belonging with a lot of customers,” says Josh. “Some people I’ve seen regularly for 15 years. Some are now elderly and have long since retired. Then there are younger people who tell me they’ve been coming with their parents for years and love it. So, it's part of people's stories. Our story is their story. It's amazing to have that.” Read also: How this founder created ‘the first hanger worthy of Vogue’ Jenna and Josh Spencer (image source: The Last Bookstore ) Going back to where it started—online Josh’s bold move from online to physical retail made The Last Bookstore a massive hit, but it meant its digital side got less attention. That’s where Josh’s wife Jenna came in. “At the time, Jenna was looking for a change, and so, she wanted to join me in the Last Bookstore and see how we could elevate it beyond what I was able to do,” says Josh. “With her creative eye and experience, she's very good at making things beautiful.” They’d long planned to grow online, but a single Instagram post promoting their book bundles pushed them into action. "It ignited a viral chain reaction, leading to thousands of orders,” recalls Jenna. “We needed an online store—fast—and Wix gave us the agility to adapt.” The post not only prompted the couple to start selling these book collections online, but also to give the website a full makeover. They had a strong vision for their new site: modern-looking, easy to navigate and built for growth, with a nostalgic feel that captured the large-scale indie spirit of the physical store. “Most bookstore sites are very standard and boring to me,” says Josh. “There's no imagination. I didn’t want our website to be just a brochure—I wanted it to be art.” A virtual love letter to literature Starting with a mood board, Josh and Jenna drafted the general look and layout of their site. They worked for weeks to ensure the user experience was clean and intuitive and that its look and feel were on-brand, drawing inspiration from unique websites, retro poster design and classic art. After a few iterations, the couple launched a website that goes far beyond basic functionality. It immerses visitors in the world of The Last Bookstore—promoting events, selling gift cards, merchandise and curated book bundles, while also expanding the store’s reach and deepening its connection with customers. Stylistically, the couple nailed the bookstore’s distinctive character, too. Sweeping drone shots and quick-cut videos draw visitors in immediately, while high-res imagery keeps things visually rich. For the color palette, black and white dominate the pages as golden-mustard accents highlight interactive elements. Bold sans-serif fonts make a statement, particularly in the hero section header, declaring: “WE ARE THE LAST BOOKSTORE.” Then there’s the dark, scratched background that adds a worn-in, indie vibe across much of the site—a subtle nod to second-hand culture. Quirky, interactive stickers represent different product categories with a playful, retro touch.  Finally, the About page shares the Last Bookstore’s unique story and links to press features from different media, while sharp, concise content is broken up by standout headers like “A LIVING LOVE LETTER TO LITERATURE.” “With Wix, we have total creative control,” says Josh. “You know, I layered photography, put drone footage and interactive elements so that even on-screen, you can feel our steampunk fantasy spirit.” “Our website goes beyond just functionality,” adds Jenna. “It’s a virtual extension of The Last Bookstore, where visitors can experience the warmth of our community.” Read also: The story behind Fork n' Film’s unique cinematic experience that’s going global A punk-rock DIY attitude to the future When you’re operating in a traditional market that competes with retailing behemoths, you can never stand still. Josh and Jenna are always exploring novel (pun intended) ways to make sure The Last Bookstore doesn’t fulfil the prophecy of its name. The store already hosts literary events, live music and even photography shoots, but the couple plans to bring more creative dimensions to the business—like podcasting, making documentaries on the bookstore industry and spotlighting authors and artists in-store. And all these can be managed or hosted from their website. “We want to create things that tell the story of books and bookstores, authors and writers in new and different ways,” says Josh. After all, Josh considers himself much more of a creator than a businessperson. “I'm able to tap into the business side,” he says. “I have to, but it's not what I want to be thinking about. And it's not the motivation for me. I'm not in this to make tons of money. I'm in it to make something that will change people's lives and allow them to be inspired to also be creative.” “We could easily switch our model and go all-in on new books, but that's not interesting to us,” adds Jenna. “I think people want to support us and hopefully help us continue to do what we're doing.” Whatever they do next, Josh won’t be deterred by a fear of failure. As he notes, he’s lost things in life that are much more traumatic than losing a business. He’s also kept that punk attitude, telling him anything is possible. “I come from a punk rock sort of background," he says. “So I'm very much DIY, do it yourself, figure it out yourself. And so, in my mind, I can do whatever I want to do.” Get inspired: Who let the dogs out? The story behind America's first pug cafe, CuppaPug 7 business lessons from Josh and Jenna If you’re thinking about how to start a business  or diving into entrepreneurship , Josh and Jenna’s story is packed with lessons on creativity, resilience and building a business that truly inspires. 01. Storytelling fuels growth The Last Bookstore gained notoriety through word-of-mouth, travel guides, media and social sharing. Josh: “We’re on all the most beautiful bookstores in the world lists… lots of people have seen us in all different kinds of places.” Lesson: A compelling brand story and organic PR can drive global recognition. 02. Build a community, not just customers Regular customers treat the store as a part of their lives, even across generations. Josh: “Some of these people are now elderly… Some say, ‘I’ve been coming here since I was five.’ Our story is their story.” Lesson: Strong communities ensure longevity and loyalty beyond transactions. 03. Embrace imperfection and authenticity Unlike most large book retailers, The Last Bookstore doesn’t have a store map, making discovery harder. But that has become part of its charm. Josh: “Even though it might not be good business sense necessarily, people have really responded to it.” Lesson: Differentiation sometimes means breaking conventional best practices. 04. Keep a consistent vibe across physical and digital Josh consciously designed the physical space with cinematic, neo-Victorian, labyrinth-like aesthetics—a feeling he also wanted to shine through on the website. Josh: “I wanted the store to feel expansive… almost a book temple, from some other time. Likewise, I wanted our site to be cinematic, have a photographic element to it and to feel big.” Lesson: The physical environment of a brick-and-mortar business should seamlessly carry through to its digital presence. 05. Adapt quickly to change During the pandemic, the store launched curated book bundles overnight, which exploded in popularity. Jenna: “The same day that our door shut, that idea just happened to take off through a comment on Instagram.” Lesson: Stay flexible—listen to customers and pivot when the environment shifts. 06. Diversify beyond core operations The Last Bookstore is expanding into podcasts, live events, streaming and media content. Josh: “We want to create things that tell the story of books and bookstores, authors and writers in new and different ways.” Lesson: Explore new formats to keep the brand fresh and relevant—don’t stay locked into one business model. 07. Choose a business name that captures a cultural moment The Last Bookstore name tapped into fears about the “death of bookstores” in 2009. Josh: “Everyone thought bookstores were going to disappear… I wanted to be here at the end.” Lesson: A brand name with symbolism and storytelling power can carry the business far. Get business name ideas for your next venture with Wix’s Business Name Generator   and then claim your perfect domain name .

Your business ideas deserve a website, secure your domain to begin →   Noah Rosen always knew he wanted to start a business . At the ripe age of 12, he was managing a food blog. By 15, he was running a catering business. By the time he was in culinary school—well, anyone who knew Noah wouldn’t have been the least surprised to find him selling chef knives out of his dorm room.  Today, Noah is a 30 Under 30  founder whose business, Forge to Table , is about to turn eight years old. Unlike many people his age, he has rubbed elbows with some of the best chefs—and mentored some of the youngest ones—in the world.  He has also equipped them with the very tools that they cook every day with. In Noah’s own words, Forge to Table is “meant to be affordable and [serve as] a gateway knife to introduce people to crafted, Japanese-style blades.”  And just like the blades he sells, Noah’s entrepreneurship  story is anything but conventional. Even he couldn’t have predicted that his best idea yet wouldn't come by design but by staying bold, adaptable and ready when opportunity knocked. Got a business idea? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. From forge to dorm Before it was ‘forge to table,’ it was forge to dorm. As a bright-eyed (and “broke,” adds Noah) culinary student, being able to afford even a used Japanese knife meant saving up two weeks’ worth of pay.  All that changed in 2017. “I had tagged along on my dad's business trip,” Noah recalls, thinking back on a Chicago houseware show that he attended. It was there that he first came across the most immaculate display of Japanese kitchen knives—and with it, Carole Zheng.  As it would turn out, Carole was representing her family’s third-generation business of blacksmiths. “I essentially pretended to be something besides just a culinary student to get a custom knife,” Noah says. “I was like, ‘Oh, I'm a chef. Yes, oh yes, I have all these business ideas.’ And we started this conversation and developed what became a friendship.”  Before long, Noah got a hold of a beautiful bespoke knife, hand-forged by master blacksmith and Carole’s husband, Alex.  “Forge to Table started from my sole selfish desire to have a custom chef knife,” Noah freely admits today. “I brought that chef knife into class, showed it to my peers in my culinary labs, and they asked me, ‘Oh, whose knife is that? What brand?’” “That was the ‘light bulb moment’ that showed me that there was something to this…I ordered 200 hand-forged knives to my dorm room and built a Wix website to sell them.” Related reading: The story behind Fork n' Film’s unique cinematic experience that’s going global Developing a taste for eCommerce  You could say eCommerce was somewhat of an acquired taste for Noah—one that stuck as he warmed up to the idea of breaking away from the traditional career path of a chef. “I loved being a chef, but working in someone else's kitchen just wasn't cutting it for me,” he says. In his final year of school, when he was “already 150 knives sold into this” and managing a new Kickstarter campaign, he was still applying to culinary jobs. But eventually, “I went solo and built my own online knife empire.” Noah now commands a business that runs entirely online. Forge to Table serves more than 30 different countries and offers more than 40 kitchen products. At the back of the house, Noah is supported by a staff of culinary artists and creatives. At the forge, Alex and Carole are backed by a large team of blacksmiths, polishers, blade fitters and logistics specialists.  Noah himself remains at the front of the house, greeting online visitors as they enter his Wix site. “Customer service is the core of what the food service world is, and it's the same with great retail and eCommerce,” he says simply, noting his team’s  mise en place approach to the online experience. Every detail—from the live chat and testimonials, to the navigation and product pages—is carefully curated. Ready to get your own business idea off the ground? Create your business website  with Wix. His philosophy: “We design every knife with intention and deliberate action, and we want our website to showcase that same precision.” With Wix, he had all the ingredients to concoct a highly custom experience and stay in control of every customer interaction, order and more: “I think Wix offers the perfect medium for everyone—even someone like myself, a really good cook, but a monkey with a keyboard. I’m able to drag-and-drop edit or build an email newsletter that looks nice.” Create your store, your way— get started Wix's online store creator  today. Serving everyone from chefs to home cooks   If Forge to Table hosted a dinner party, the guest list would run the full gamut. You’d find first-time home cooks sharing a table with classically trained veterans. You’d bump into old cooks, young cooks, bakers, chefs and everyone in between. It’s a classic case of being in the right place at the right time, according to Noah—with his first customers being fellow students at school; Forge to Table’s first patron being a chef whose restaurant he frequented; and COVID birthing a new wave of home cooks, eager to rediscover their love of cooking.  He also credits the company’s recipe blog ("a big point of pride for us…we want to offer our customers something that they can come back and see without just the, ‘Hey, come buy a knife’”) as well as email marketing, live chat and online ads, which are all managed through Wix. Read also: The story behind the world's most photographed bookstore “We're just a click away for people to find our brand, order a knife and upgrade their kitchen,” he says proudly. It’s that level of accessibility that put Forge to Table on the map for influencers, culinary students and even those looking for a perfect gift idea.   To top it off, Noah and his team remain deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of chefs. They serve as judges for high school cooking competitions, support the National Restaurant Association's ProStart program (which reaches more than 214,000 high school students who have an interest in culinary arts and restaurant management) and team up with other like-minded brands.  “Our work with culinary students, both high school and college level, has brought us even more full-circle moments,” Noah shares. “We have people that we worked with when they were 19 and 20 in school, now working at some of the best restaurants in the world with our knives.” “As a chef, the biggest joy comes from watching someone do their little food dance when they take the first bite…for me, that [joy came from] passing this knife on to someone who immediately started to love cooking with it.”  The lasting beauty behind the blades  When asked, ‘What’s so great about your knives, anyway?,’ Noah doesn’t bat an eye. Rather, his eyes light up.  He animatedly describes his blades’ design— “Our best-selling Gyuto knife has elements of Chinese and Japanese craftsmanship, but in a familiar profile to the American blade.” The weight— “The Gyuto knife is one-third the weight of what you'll find in a German chef knife of the same size.” The material— “We're able to source our steel from some of the greatest steel manufacturers in Japan.” The price— “The price point appeals to people because when I first started, I was just selling to culinary students.”  And when asked to pick a favorite one? “That's like asking someone to pick their favorite child.” Noah still has many aspirations for Forge to Table, including expanding its product line, testing new designs and bringing customers’ ideas for their kitchen tools to life. The business is only just getting started, and so are Noah’s dreams of making an impact, one kitchen at a time.   “If we can give you a knife that makes you love cooking for your friends and family again—that makes you happy to eat well and live healthy—that's what we want to do.” Noah’s tips for running your own business The journey to becoming an entrepreneur  is full of twists and turns—Noah would know. Throughout the various chapters of his career, he has encountered his fair share of surprises and setbacks. But through it all, several key lessons have helped him stay afloat: Seize the opportunity: “If you have an idea that you're passionate about, take the leap. Do it, do it, do it—and do it yourself. Build a portfolio. Build a website. Build a network. Write it down. Tell your friends and your mentors. Because if you have a passion, if you have an idea, you are the person who can make it succeed. And you should start right now.” Break the mold: “My career path isn't the usual career path, and it's been exciting to share that because if you're 10, 12 or 15 years old and you want to become a chef…There's so little consideration for all that exists in the food world, like food policy or starting a small business that isn't purely cooking-based….now there's so much more in the career paths for students.” Share your idea: “When you start talking to someone about wanting to start a business, you're going to inevitably meet someone that's in a business network or has a group that they work with…and they're going to say, ‘Hey, let me connect you with so and so’ and this is going to take you to the next level. This is going to help you get started.”  Pick your website builder carefully:  “Wix plays an enormous role for me. It’s how we reach customers, work with our existing customers and provide our recipes and our knives to the entire world…Wix is my business partner, my assistant, my CRM and my marketing assistant.” Take accountability:  “The only person that I'm accountable to is myself. I always joke that my boss is just a hard-ass and makes me get up early for work, and work late and work weekends. But that's self-motivation and that self-drive is a must as an entrepreneur.” Define your ‘why’: “I found myself really doubting where this was all going a lot of times. But I always held it together because of the faces of the people that we give our knives to: the chefs, or the culinary students that are leaping into their careers with our blades in their kits. Those are the people that drive me forward and drive our whole team to keep doing what we're doing and make amazing knives.”

It all started with a pug named Gizmo. At just seven weeks old, Gizmo was given his death sentence: he had two heart conditions, which were so severe that the vet predicted that he wouldn’t survive another week.  Even if he did survive, he’d likely need an expensive surgery.  But this wasn’t enough to stop Aaron Carty. Being the dog lover (correction: the pug  lover) that he is, Aaron raced from London to Wales to adopt Gizmo.  Now, four years later, Gizmo is healthy and living his best life. He shares a home with nine other pugs and spends his days frolicking along the beach or making an appearance at the CuppaPug  cafe.  The cafe is, in some ways, Gizmo’s insurance plan. But what started as a business to afford Gizmo’s surgery (should he ever need it) is now a place where people can walk in and be “consumed with pug love,” according to Aaron.  Self-described as a full-time Pug Daddy, Aaron now finds himself on a mission to create spaces where both dogs and humans can thrive. “I already had four pugs when we decided to open the cafe, and it was a really selfish reason to be able to have more pugs,” he says with a cheeky smile. “If I had a cafe, I would need more pugs.  “Little did we know that so many people were just as pug crazy as we were.” Ready to get your own business idea off the ground? Create your business website  with Wix. From pug meetups to full-time business Before the cafe, there were pug meetups. The problem? They were often canceled due to weather. “So I thought, ‘I'm going to have my own pug cafe,’” says Aaron. But years passed and “we hadn’t done anything about it.” That is, until Gizmo came along. It all happened very quickly from there.  “The day we opened, we were fully booked for weeks and weeks ahead—so we never had the opportunity to actually get used to the business,” recalls Aaron.  From Day One, Aaron and his partner Matthew were flying by the seat of their pants. With just £15,000 (around $18,904 USD) in their pockets and zero experience running a cafe, the duo raced against the clock to do something that had never been done before (“No one in the world had done a pug cafe with resident pugs and pugs that you could rescue as well”).  They consulted charities. Posted to social media. Received thousands of signups before an open date was even set. The first cafe was bare white—“that’s how unready we were”—a stark contrast to the signature pink that smothers the cafes today.  Today’s cafes also offer pug-themed cocktails and snacks. They serve as both a place for play and for adoption, about which Aaron notes: “We knew that pug rescue was a huge problem, and we thought we had a solution to that. “We have up to 300 people a day coming to one of our cafes. We can talk to them, we can ask them questions [and] we can see how they are with dogs…We are then able to facilitate rescuing and adopting so many more pugs.” Related reading: How Forge to Table became Noah Rosen’s culinary calling Behind the scenes of having four-legged colleagues Of course, starting a business  and running a space with four-legged creatures has its challenges.  First, you’ve got potential investors writing off your business as a popup. Second, you’ve got people turning their nose up at the idea, saying they don’t want dog hair in their coffee. And third, you’ve got the responsibility of actually caring for the pups. (“We train them…they don't snort like other pugs typically do because they're well-exercised, they're well-looked after and they eat a whole foods diet.”)  But to this day, Aaron remains committed to one rule of thumb: take those problems and tackle them head on. “People were giving me reasons why they wouldn't come to the cafe,” he says, “[so] I was finding solutions for them.”  To the investors: CuppaPug now flaunts four locations across the U.K. and U.S. that greets 1,200 people a day, four days a week. Each cafe is a space where “I've got dogs that are so loved and are so intelligent that people want to come back to see them…we've got people that come every week—sometimes every day.”  To the hygiene skeptics: The cafe has installed strict cleaning procedures and only serves hand-held foods, so there aren’t any plates for the dogs to lick.  As for the home situation, Aaron, Matthew and their employees are holding down the fort. However, Aaron has an attractive offer for anyone looking to try their hand at being a “Pug Au Pair.” (“It’s the best job in the world.”) Read also: The story behind the world's most photographed bookstore Taking the “pink paradise” online  “Pink paradise” is the unofficial name of CuppaPug, as dubbed by its creators. It’s easy to see why.  Whether you step foot into one of the cafes or click onto the CuppaPug site, you’re met with pink. Pink backgrounds. Pink bandanas (on the pups that are up for adoption). Pink decor.  It’s the embodiment of “pug love” and no matter if you show up online or in person, you know you’ve arrived at the right place. “The cafe is a whole experience, and my website really has to capture the same magic,” says Aaron. “When I was building the website on Wix, I really wanted it to reflect my personality, my character and, more importantly, the dogs.” As it regards the process of building the website, “it’s one of those things where I could only have done it myself,” he states. There would be no compromising on the branding, or the utility, of the site.  With Wix, Aaron is able to change any aspect of the design whenever he wants. The system makes online bookings easily too, enabling customers to book, reschedule or add themselves to a wait list. Employees, in turn, can track bookings through the mobile Wix App while automating things like waitlist notifications whenever slots open up.  “Every day I'm on the website updating stuff…It’s just as alive as the cafe is." - Aaron Carty, founder of CuppaPug Another perk: As CuppaPug expands into new locations, it’s “very easy for us to duplicate the entire website and then just change what [we need for each] specific location.” The result: reduced costs and a bigger purse to spend on other high-priority activities, including marketing.  Interested in pink websites? Get inspired by pink website examples . Marketing on a budget CuppaPug is marketable by design. Its website and cafes already lend themselves to plenty of Instagram-worthy posts.  These days, there’s also the Pugs & Mugs  podcast , the CuppaPug Instagram and TikTok accounts—and even merch, now available online by popular demand. The cafe’s online store ships worldwide, delivering Gizmo gear to fans in Australia and beyond. Behind the scenes, Aaron uses Wix’s built-in email, dashboard and analytics tools to further spread the word about special events and offers. “We make fantastic money off our email campaigns,” he shares, “and seeing how much we've made from that one email is really important to me because it reminds me I need to do another one.” “As creative as I am, I'm also a numbers man and I'm constantly looking at the website traffic, the bookings, the conversions.”  Your store, your way—get started Wix's online store creator  today. In it for the long run   Like Gizmo, CuppaPug has beat the odds.  “No one believed in [our idea],” says Aaron about the early days. “But we believed in it.” Today, CuppaPug welcomes visitors from all over the world. The cafe is included in several company-run mental health programs. For some customers, it’s a lunchtime escape; for others, it’s a place to heal after losing a pug of their own.  “It ends up being a really emotional place,” says Aaron, recalling a few customer stories that have stuck with him over the years. “It's a place where people can come in, spend some time with the dogs, forget about all of their troubles—[then] leave with a smile on their face and loads of fur, obviously.” One thing’s for certain: it has and always will be about the dogs.  “If there’s one thing [I want people to take away about my business, it’s] that the pugs are so loved and have the best life.”  Lessons from Aaron  With a clear knack for entrepreneurship  and a soft spot for those looking to become an entrepreneur , Aaron regularly volunteers his time to speak with aspiring business owners. However, he’s quick to say, “I often don't give advice. The one thing I would say to people is, ‘You've really got to find the courage to find your own way.’” Nevertheless, his story is packed with valuable lessons. Here are some highlights from our conversation with Aaron: “Always do it, but do it your way.” "You can listen to all their self help books and do your own research on similar businesses, but I would always give the advice to go for it. Go for it and see what happens [and] find the courage to do it every single day. Block out that negativity and move forward.” Control your narrative: “I'm a big believer that if you do not tell your story, somebody else will. So we really wanted to be in control of the narrative. [For us, a] big challenge is that there are people out there who don't think that pugs should be bred—that they have a lot of health problems...So it's really important to us that our content reflects education. It reflects a true representative of a pug.” Your brand is what your customers say about it: “You know, you can spend all the time and money in the world to create what your brand and what your message is, but at the end of the day, it is what other people say about it that [makes up] the brand. That's ultimately the brand.” Challenge yourself. “I think when I start getting bored, I look for that next challenge. And I think that's something that people should always do: always look for that next challenge. I don't like being comfortable…[my experience] climbing Everest was a great example of that because you're cold and wet the whole time, but you still have to push through. I love to have those experiences because I think they really help me translate them into business and just general life as well.” Push past the negativity. “I had so many people telling me it's not going to work as a long-term business. Even close friends and family would say, ‘I love you, but I don't think this is going to work as a long-term business’...It was a scary time [but] I kept that business face on when I was with customers and with prospective investors.” Take it one day at a time: “[Matthew and I] always say to each other, we just do what we need to do in the moment and don't overthink it.” Related reading: The story behind Fork n' Film’s unique cinematic experience that’s going global

Start generating business ideas with the Wix Business Launcher →  Francesca Duncan and Nick Houston want you to play with your food—and have fun doing it. It’s far from the message their parents gave them at the dinner table as kids, but it’s now a mission statement helping drive the couple’s business. Fork n’ Film  offers an immersive culinary experience where you can watch a movie in a venue while being served food inspired by what’s on screen. The business idea came one night while Francesca and Nick were watching the movie Matilda  and that  infamous chocolate cake scene sparked a lightbulb moment. “I thought, ‘I’m really hungry. I wish I could try that [cake],’” recalls Francesca. “How cool would it be to put on an event where people are able to eat what they see on screen?” (Spoiler: very cool). At the time, the Los Angeles social scene was still recovering from the COVID lockdown and, according to Francesca and Nick, there wasn’t enough for young people to do in the city. That’s when they decided to put their unique idea to the test—and quickly realized the value of website creation , since knowing how to make your own website  helps attract and manage guests. Ready to get your own business idea off the ground? Create your business website  with Wix. DIY-ing their first event After weeks of planning, the couple hosted a trial event on the rooftop of Nick’s apartment block showing Harry Potter . It was all hands on deck as Francesca, Nick and some friends scrambled to bake dozens of cakes and cook chicken in one oven while running up and down to the 34th floor to serve guests. “We were the chefs, managers, the servers and janitors,” jokes Nick. Only he’s not joking. It was a true lesson in DIY events. Despite some initial teething problems with the sound system and running behind schedule, the pair managed to pull it off. Not only was it a success, but a social media post by an attending influencer went viral overnight. “That's when we knew, ‘Wow, we have something really, really special,’” says Francesca. It prompted the duo to release tickets for their next event, which sold out in less than a second. “We ended up putting on a bunch of events that summer, and I had to quit both of my nanny jobs to give this our full attention.” What started as a novel pop-up event in 2023 transformed into a self-funded events company hosting around 180 screenings per month across eight locations in the U.S. and one in London (plus pop-ups in Hawaii and Tokyo). In less than two years, Fork n’ Film has grown to a team of around 100 staff, amassed more than half a million followers on Instagram  and generated over $11 million in sales. Read also: The story behind the world's most photographed bookstore Tapping into their superpower Before becoming self-professed “multifunctional entrepreneurs,” Francesca and Nick were first and foremost creatives. Both are singer-songwriters, while Francesca has some notable acting credentials and a talent for social media. They describe this creativity as a superpower they regularly tap into for Fork n’ Film. This superpower came in handy when the couple recognized that their startup needed a strong and professional online presence. “From that DIY to viral moment, we realized almost immediately that we needed a website,” says Francesca. “We wanted people to know that we were a legitimate company.” The pair decided to build the website themselves so they’d have complete creative control and be able to turn it around quickly with minimal costs. Wix had been Nick’s go-to platform since college for creative projects, so for him, it was an obvious choice. However, it was the built-in event website  capabilities, eCommerce platform  and scheduling software  that made it the right fit for Fork n’ Film. For the site’s look and feel, the couple wanted to capture that same energy guests experience at their events. “When people first go onto our website, I want them to feel the magic,” says Francesca. “I want them to feel excited, like they're buying tickets to Disney World.” Taking their magic online Before building their website, Francesca and Nick immersed themselves in the world of cinema, drawing inspiration from movie posters, graphics, branding and typography. They chose four key characteristics to guide their design: cinematic, immersive, bold, and structured but playful. The couple incorporated subtle yet quirky movie-themed design elements, such as ticket stub graphics, frame-like imagery and film-inspired fonts to give the website its cinematic feel. They also added a mix of layered visuals, close-up photography and full-screen sections to create a multi-sensory experience for visitors. Inspired by iconic films like Kill Bill  and Little Miss Sunshine , Francesca and Nick opted for a bold contrast of black and white, complemented by a vibrant yellow accent for their brand colors and chunky text for the headers. (It packs a punch on the website’s footer.) Working with a large amount of content, the couple was mindful to keep things organized. To achieve this, they used a rhythmic, center-aligned flow across different pages, reminiscent of closing credits in a film. They also added image overlays and surprising transitions to make the user experience light and fun. Real footage from Fork n’ Film events added extra authenticity. The final result: a highly engaging, easily navigable website bursting with that energy Francesca and Nick were looking for. So much so that it even surprised them. “In the [design] process, we learned how capable we are of building a website, which is crazy,” says Francesca. “We literally built our website with Wix with our own two hands, and we’re proud of that. It’s really cool to say that we are the owners [of Fork n’ Film], but also the website developers.” Finding their audience in the numbers Apart from Wix’s website builder, its email marketing tools  and website analytics  have been central to helping the founders understand their audience and drive ticket sales. In fact, the latter prompted the company to launch in Portland after the city showed up as a location with high ticket demand. “I love the analytics on Wix—it tells a big story about who we are as a company and who our customers are,” says Nick. “When it comes to expansion, we want to go off data. We don't want to just go off assumptions.” The couple likes to drill down into the numbers to discover where their customers come from, how long they spend on the website and which movies they want to see. The analytics also tell them how successful influencer partnerships have been and who Fork n’ Film’s top customers are, including one loyal individual who spent over $16,000 in one year. Today, there’s no shortage of die-hard fans within the Fork n’ Film community—one went as far as getting a Fork n’ Film tattoo on her ankle. As wild as that might be to Francesca and Nick, this super fan has been their go-to persona when channeling what it is their customers want. Because that’s what keeps the couple motivated most—witnessing a customer’s inner child come out at screenings. “Seeing how even for one night we’re able to make people forget about any problems that they're having…and being able to bring people together is super motivating for me,” says Francesca. “For me personally, it’s seeing the looks on people's faces, especially when the food comes out and matches the [movie’s] scene,” adds Nick. Going big with the Fork n' Film brand Whether it’s doing collabs with influencers, working with big food PR firms or co-hosting events with D23, the official Disney fan club, partnerships have formed a core part of Fork n’ Film’s growth strategy. Unfazed sitting at the same table as iconic brands like Pixar and Disney, Francesca and Nick have big ambitions for the company. “In the past two years, we have proven to ourselves and everyone around the world how special a concept this is,” says Francesca. “We've done really well in all of our locations. So I think now, our goal specifically for this year is tightening a lot of things up, getting out of startup mode and moving into real business mode, hiring the people we need, automating certain processes and being more efficient.” Nick has his sights on…well, something not far off world domination. “Fork n’ Film needs to be a household name in every single state and country,” he says. “At the end of the day, we want people to look at Fork n’ Film as they look at Disney—something you can bring your loved ones or friends to to have a nostalgic experience and reconnect.” Francesca and Nick’s tips for running your own business There’s no perfect guide on how to become an entrepreneur , as every entrepreneurship  journey is unique. However, it’s always helpful to learn from those who have taken the leap and found success. Here are five tips from Francesca and Nick on starting a business: Just do it: “People have a tendency to want to perfect something before doing it,” says Francesca. “The number one piece of advice is ‘just do it.’ Even if you don't know how to do it, because you’re going to learn while doing it. Working at Fork n’ Film has been the best college class that I've ever taken. So, I think it's literally like the Nike slogan says—just do it.” Choose the right platform for you: “If we didn't have our website, we would not have a business,” says Francesca. She and Nick note that for them, Wix was the right fit for Fork n’ Film because of the built-in analytics, events and eCommerce solutions. The pair also cite Wix’s website templates  as giving them a strong starting point for the design. The platform’s intuitiveness meant they could onboard staff quickly, while the dashboard makes it easy to manage the business across nine locations. Consider how your business name will translate online:  Francesca and Nick took some time coming up with a business name, whittling it down to a shortlist of 12 that encapsulated the fusion of food and cinema. The deciding factor was having one that was available as a website domain  and an Instagram handle. They didn’t want it to be a mouthful, either—hence the shortening of ‘and,’ which Nick says is a nod to Guns N’ Roses, too. Get advice from the experts: Francesca and Nick had to learn on the job fast (or, as Nick puts it, “build the plane while flying”). One of the biggest challenges they faced when the business took off was understanding film licensing. Luckily, they sought support from content licensing company Swank. “Long story short, we've built an amazing relationship with them and learned the ins and outs of movie licensing and how to do things right,” says Nick. Have fun: It’s clear Francesca and Nick have relished their business journey to date, so it’s no surprise they advise others to enjoy the ride. “If you fail, that’s okay,” says Francesca. “Just have fun along the way and do everything without expectations—literally [take it] day by day in baby steps.” Nick adds: “Trust yourself and have fun.”

Get your professional business email address →    Creating an email with your own custom domain name is a great way to look more professional and build trust with your customers. Instead of a generic address like yourbusiness@gmail.com , a custom business email address like contact@yourbusiness.com instantly ties your communications back to your brand. Having a professional email address connected to your domain name helps customers recognize your brand in their crowded inboxes. It’s a simple change that makes a big impact, strengthening your brand identity with every message you send.   This guide will walk you through exactly how to set up an email with your domain. Get your business email up and running fast. Wix provides built-in security, plenty of storage and real-time tools to help you stay on top of your work. Everything’s backed by 24/7 support so you can focus on growing your business. TL;DR: How to create an email with your domain Short on time? Here’s a quick overview of the steps to get your professional email address up and running. Steps Action 1. Choose a domain name Pick a name that reflects your brand and is easy for customers to remember. 2. Select an email hosting provider Find a provider that offers custom email addresses, like Wix’s integration with Google Workspace. 3. Connect your domain to your email host Follow the provider’s instructions to link your domain to their email service. 4. Create your email address Set up your new professional email, like info@yourdomain.com or yourname@yourdomain.com . Why is a custom domain email address good for your business? It makes sense to create a domain email address for a number of reasons. A custom domain email instantly elevates your professionalism, strengthens your brand identity and helps customers trust that they’re communicating with the real you. It also keeps your business communications organized, consistent and easy for clients to remember—giving you an edge in every inbox. “If a premium domain contains high-intent keywords—like "[City]InjuryLawyer.com"—it can boost search rankings, increase trust and drive organic leads. When potential clients search for representation, they click on what feels authoritative and local.” - Justin Lovely, owner of the Lovely Law Firm Injury Lawyers Benefit Why it matters Professionalism Builds trust and credibility with customers by showcasing a professional image. Branding Reinforces your brand identity with every email sent. Trust & credibility Customers are more likely to trust emails from a custom domain than generic ones. Control & security Offers better control over email accounts and enhances security. Scalability Easily create multiple email addresses for different teams or purposes. Improved deliverability Reduces the chances of emails being marked as spam. Competitive edge Helps you stand out from competitors using free email services. You may also be interested in: Email name ideas Domain name management Why choose Wix to host your custom domain emails? When you’re building a business, every detail should work together seamlessly. That’s why Wix offers custom business email addresses that keep your brand professional and consistent from the very first message. With Wix, you get a business email to match your domain, creating a cohesive identity your customers can instantly recognize and trust. Plus, Wix offers business email addresses with Google Workspace integration, giving you reliable tools and smooth communication all in one place. It’s more than just setting up an inbox—it’s building a unified, credible brand foundation. Explore more: What is Wix domains? Everything in one convenient place Managing your website and email from separate providers can get complicated. With Wix, you can connect your business email directly to the same platform you use to build and manage your site. This integration means less time spent switching between accounts and more time focusing on what you do best. Your website, domain and professional email all live together, managed from a single, familiar dashboard. Explore more: How to manage a website Look the part with a professional email An email address like info@yourbusinessname.com  instantly tells customers you’re serious about your work. It builds credibility and reinforces your brand every time you send a message. Using a custom domain email from Wix helps you move beyond generic email addresses, giving your communications a polished and professional feel that matches your website. Secure your communications In business, keeping your information safe is a top priority. Wix provides robust website security features to protect your email account from spam, phishing and other threats. You can feel confident knowing that your business communications are secure and your data is protected, allowing you to correspond with clients and partners without worry. Simple tools for easy management You don’t need to be a tech expert to manage your business email. Wix offers user-friendly tools that make setting up and managing your email accounts straightforward. You can easily create new email addresses for team members, set up mailboxes and manage your settings, all from your Wix dashboard. This simplicity empowers you to handle your email hosting confidently, no matter the size of your business. Explore more: Is Wix good for business email? How to create an email with your domain in 4 steps Creating a custom email address is a straightforward process. Here’s a breakdown of the four main steps you’ll need to follow. Choose a domain name Select an email hosting provider Connect your domain to your email host Create your email address 01. Choose a domain name Before you can create a custom email, you need a domain name. This is the web address people will use to find your website, like yourcompany.com . Your domain name is a core part of your brand, so it’s important to choose one that’s memorable, easy to spell and reflects what you do. Think about your business name and the services you offer. Try to keep it short and simple. A domain that's easy to say and type will help customers find you without any trouble. Once you have some ideas, use a domain name generator to check if they're available. Read more: How to choose a domain name I have a domain name, now what? 02. Select an email hosting provider Next, you'll need an email hosting provider. This is the service that will manage your emails. Many website builders and hosting companies offer email hosting as part of their packages. For example, Wix offers business email addresses with Google Workspace integration, which gives you access to a reliable email service along with other useful tools like Google Calendar and Drive. When choosing a provider, consider factors like storage space, security features and ease of use. You'll want a service that’s dependable and simple to manage. Look for providers that offer a straightforward setup process and good customer support in case you need help. Learn more: How much does a business email cost? 03. Connect your domain to your email host Once you've chosen a domain and an email provider, it's time to connect them. This step involves updating your domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) records to point to your email host. While that might sound technical, most providers make this process very simple with step-by-step instructions. If you purchase your domain and email hosting from the same company, like Wix, this process is often automated. If they are separate, you'll need to log into your domain registrar's control panel and add the MX (Mail Exchange) records provided by your email host. This tells the internet where to send emails addressed to your domain. 04. Create your email address With your domain and email host connected, you're ready for the final step: creating your email address. You can choose a prefix that suits your needs, such as info@, support@ or your own name like jane.doe@yourcompany.com . Creating multiple addresses for different departments can also help organize your communications as your business grows. Log into your email hosting account and follow the prompts to create new mailboxes. You’ll be able to set up your new professional email account, create a password and start sending and receiving messages. From here, you can also set up your email on your phone and computer for easy access. Learn more: What is domain history? What is domain privacy? What is a subdomain? Get your professional email with your domain today A custom email address with your domain name is a powerful tool for building a professional brand. It boosts your credibility, improves brand recognition and helps you organize your communications. Follow the steps in this guide, set up your own professional email and start making a great impression with every message you send. Ready to take the next step? Wix offers everything you need to get started, from a custom domain to a professional business email that will help your brand shine. You may also be interested in: Best domain registrars How to trademark a domain name How to create an email with your domain FAQs Is it necessary to have a website to get a custom email address? No, it's not strictly necessary, but it's highly recommended. You can purchase a domain name and email hosting separately. However, having a website that matches your email domain makes your brand look much more credible and gives customers a place to learn more about you. Can I create multiple email addresses with my domain? Yes, most email hosting providers allow you to create multiple email addresses (or "aliases") for your domain. This is useful for different departments, like sales@yourcompany.com  or support@yourcompany.com , and for individual team members. How much does it cost to create a custom email address? The cost can vary. You'll need to pay for a domain name (usually an annual fee) and an email hosting plan (often billed monthly or annually). Many providers, like Wix, offer bundled packages that include a domain, website hosting and a professional email address, which can be a cost-effective option.

Bring your inspiration to life with a Wix website →   Finding the best winery website examples can inspire you to create a site that truly represents your brand. A great website does more than just sell bottles; it tells your story, invites guests for tastings and builds a community around your vineyard. Whether you’re using a free website builder , trying to understand how to make a website  , exploring the best websites  for design inspiration or learning how to make a winery website  that truly captures your story, the right examples can help you build a site that feels inviting and works hard for your business. Below, you’ll find real winery and wine-tour websites, each offering something unique, from elegant visuals to clever booking flows. Use them as inspiration, then see which Wix template they were built on so you can bring your own winery website to life. Discover top restaurant and food website templates  to launch your site fast and effortlessly. Looking at ideas for your next website? With Wix, you can build a professional website that looks exactly how you imagined. Choose from thousands of customizable templates and use Wix’s drag-and-drop website builder  to make it your own. Creating a unique, professional website has never been easier. TL;DR: winery websites Building a winery website starts with strong web design , clear storytelling and the right platform. These  Wix websites  show how making a business website  can be both simple and visually compelling when you use the right structure, visuals and booking or eCommerce features . A great winery site blends storytelling, photography and easy website navigation . Strong visuals, tasting notes, wine shops and wine club options help convert visitors. Each example below is built on Wix website templates  you can use for your own brand. Use these examples to guide your layout, photography style, membership ideas and online store  setup. “Wix lets you focus on your vision, not the tech. Drag, drop and customize your site while knowing it’s backed by a platform that scales as your business grows.” - Yarin Singolda, PMM at Wix Key element Wix website feature Storytelling & design Customizable templates, rich media galleries Visuals & photography Image galleries, video backgrounds Wine shop & club Wix Stores, subscription & pricing plans Navigation & layout Drag-and-drop editor, menu options Booking & events Wix Bookings, Wix Events Best winery websites Below are detailed breakdowns of what makes each winery or wine-related website standout examples. Aquila's Nest Vineyards Daniel's Vineyard The Windmill Winery North Georgia Wine Tours Yakima Wine Country Blue Ridge Wine Tours Finger Lakes Wine & Travel Card Salù! Wine Reggie Wine Round Lake Vineyards Wander Food & Wine 01. Aquila's Nest Vineyards Aquila’s Nest Vineyards blends modern luxury with story-driven design. Their homepage design uses immersive photography, soft neutral tones and clean typography that gives the entire site a calm, elevated feel. "We use Wix because it’s easy for anyone to manage. I needed one platform for my website, payments, reservations and email marketing, and Wix handles it all in one place." - Aquila's Nest Vineyards The event websites section stands out with easy-to-browse listings, letting visitors quickly find tastings, workshops and seasonal gatherings. Their booking and reservation experience feels smooth and thoughtfully organized, ideal for wineries that run frequent events. "Wix makes it simple to customize a template to fit exactly what I need, whether it’s booking events, selling products or updating content myself or with my team." - Aquila's Nest Vineyards Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Start from scratch website template Editor’s note: This winery site started from a blank template, offering a highly customizable foundation. It lets you design a site that perfectly showcases your story, events, wine club and experiences. 02. Daniel's Vineyard Daniel’s Vineyard nails the balance between lifestyle and business. Their site feels like an invitation, from weddings to concerts to relaxed tastings, each page uses strong visuals and smart CTAs. The wine shop is well-structured with clear labels and a polished, professional storefront visitors can browse without friction. Their events calendar and venue information pages are especially strong, making this a great model for wineries offering private bookings. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Vegetarian restaurant website template Explore more: Booking website builders How to make a booking website Booking website examples 03. The Windmill Winery The Windmill Winery site gives a rustic, romantic feel that instantly communicates their brand personality. Their imagery and color scheme create a cohesive experience, while their navigation makes it easy to explore tasting experiences, weddings and on-site venues. The quick-access CTAs (“Book a Tour,” “See Packages”) are excellent examples of high-intent user flow design. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Cake shop website template 04. North Georgia Wine Tours The North Georgia Wine Tours website demonstrates how service-based wine businesses can build trust fast. The homepage highlights curated itineraries and local expertise and the booking process is simple with clear descriptions, pricing transparency and helpful FAQs. The use of badges, testimonials and local photography keeps the design both credible and welcoming. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Minimal layout website template 05. Yakima Wine Country Yakima Wine’s site is part tourism, part wine discovery hub. Its directory-style layout makes it easy to explore wineries by region, experience or tasting preference. The map integration and travel-focused content help visitors plan full itineraries, not just a stop. This is a great model for regions, associations or collaborative wine groups. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Farm sanctuary website template 06. Blue Ridge Wine Tours Blue Ridge Wine Tours uses warm colors, large images and itineraries to guide users through their offerings. The homepage gives a clear sense of what the experience will feel like, and their tour pages break everything down with organized sections, pricing and availability. They also do a strong job showcasing customer reviews, a must for tour-based businesses. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Classic layout website template 07. Finger Lakes Wine & Travel Card Finger Lakes Wine & Travel Card offers a simple, high-clarity layout that gets straight to the point: what the card is, how it works and why it saves money. Visual icons, smart spacing and straightforward copy make it easy for users to understand the value proposition in seconds. This is a great reference site for wineries offering memberships, tasting passes or loyalty rewards. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Travel agency website template Learn how to make a subscription website to get started today. 08. Salù! Wine Salù Wine! uses minimalism beautifully. The homepage is simple yet sophisticated, with elegant typography and clean product photography that lets the bottles shine. The shop is intuitive with a premium feel, perfect for wineries offering high-end or limited-release wines. Their About Us page is also a standout for storytelling. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Logo design portfolio website template 09. Reggie Wine Reggie Wine brings personality into every section with bold visuals, vibrant colors and fun micro-interactions. The site feels energetic yet polished, making it especially appealing to younger or urban wine audiences. Their product pages use clear tasting notes and lifestyle photography to create a memorable brand experience. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Private chef website template Editor’s note: The template name doesn’t matter, you just need to find one you like. With Wix, every template is fully customizable, so you can turn it into the winery website you want. 10. Round Lake Vineyards Round Lake Vineyards uses sweeping vineyard photography paired with clear, modern navigation. Their weddings and events pages are particularly well organized, giving users everything they need to start planning without feeling overwhelmed. Their wine shop also features structured filters that make browsing smooth and intuitive. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Plant store website template 11. Wander Food & Wine Wander Food & Wine shows how wineries and tasting lounges can merge restaurant-quality design with wine-centric charm. The photography is crisp, the website menu is easy to explore and their events section adds momentum to the brand’s online presence. It’s an excellent example for wineries that offer food pairings or operate full-service venues. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Bar website template Explore more: How to create a restaurant website Restaurant websites Best restaurant website builders Why Wix is a great fit for your winery website Wix offers a winery-friendly toolkit that makes running an online wine business easier: Ready-made winery & wine-bar templates:  built to showcase bottles, tasting notes, menus and events. Check out more food and drink website templates . Full eCommerce platform : including variants (vintage, bottle size), shipping rules, local delivery and pick-up options. Subscriptions & wine clubs:  using subscriptions + pricing guides, complete with customer self-management. Omnichannel & point of sale (POS):  syncing tasting-room, festival or market sales with your online inventory. Shipping & fulfillment integrations:  like Wix + Shippo for automated labeling and carrier options. Bookings & events  through Wix Bookings or Wix Events for tastings, tours, classes and ticketed experiences. Marketing strategies and tools:  like email marketing , loyalty programs, discounts and built-in blog support. If you want a platform that pairs storytelling with storefront and scheduling, Wix makes it simple to go live fast. Why trust Wix’s experts Wix’s team provides guidance and practical tips for wineries, tasting rooms and wine-tour businesses. They can help you make the most of your website, from setting up bookings and wine clubs to showcasing your wines and events, all based on real-world experience with similar businesses. Winery websites examples FAQ What makes a winery website effective? Strong visuals, easy navigation, tasting or tour information, online wine sales, clear hours/location and options to book experiences or join a wine club. How do I make a winery website? Start with a winery template, add your branding, upload bottle shots and vineyard photos, set up your shop or wine club and add bookings or event pages if needed. What should a winery website include? Wine collections, tasting notes, an about page, booking options, a wine club, events, a blog, contact details and a mobile-optimized design. Easily create a blog with Wix. Can wineries sell online legally? Yes, but rules vary by region. Most wineries use platforms with shipping integrations and compliance-friendly workflows to manage orders. How important is SEO for winery websites? Extremely. SEO features helps visitors discover your winery when searching for tours, tastings, wine clubs or regional wineries, especially during peak travel seasons.

Bring your inspiration to life with a Wix website →   Creating a resume website is one of the strongest ways to stand out in today’s job market. CareerBuilder  reports that 70% of employers review personal websites  during the hiring process. A resume site acts as an online portfolio  that highlights your skills, personality and achievements. This blog showcases the best resume website examples to inspire your career growth. These examples will help you understand how to plan a website  that goes beyond a traditional CV. If you’re ready to learn how to make a professional website , the right website builder  and templates make creating a resume website  simple, effective and budget-friendly. Need inspiration for your website? With Wix, building a standout site is easier than ever. Choose from hundreds of customizable templates and use Wix’s easy drag-and-drop website builder  tools to make your vision come to life. Turn your ideas into reality and see just how simple it is to create a unique, professional website. TL;DR: best resume website examples Your resume doesn’t have to live in a PDF. A standout resume website can showcase your skills, personality and career story far better than a static document ever could. This guide highlights CV websites that do just that—with smart layouts, personal branding and interactive features that help them stand out in competitive industries. You'll also get practical takeaways for creating your own, from choosing the right design to writing compelling copy. How we chose the resume website examples What we looked for Why it mattered Strong personal branding Memorable visuals and messaging that reflect the individual Clear professional summary Concise storytelling that highlights expertise and goals Design and usability Clean layouts that are easy to navigate and mobile-friendly Work samples or experience Portfolios, projects or detailed experience sections Calls to action Easy ways to contact or download a traditional resume “A strong personal brand can help you stand out in your field, attract professional opportunities and establish credibility.” - Caroline Mignaux, co-founder of Agence Personnelle and host of Marketing Square podcast 15 best resume website examples  Below is our roundup of the best resume website examples built on Wix. From these great CV examples, you can get ideas for your own website design , including ideas for what sort of web pages , content and website features  you’ll need to represent your own professional presence online.   Christina Sterbenz Danielle Gorodenzik Matt Lewis Kendall Brandt Tobias Becs Lauryn Higgins Toni Bonini April McCain Anissa Hexton Jenna Gross Akin Yemi Elizabeth Bullard Danielle Matthew Matt B. Atkins Cameron Renfrow 01. Christina Sterbenz: Best editor and writer resume website example With one glance at the top fold of Christina Sterbenz ’s resume website, her skill as a bold and talented writer stands out. With a design that’s minimalistic, yet full of personality, Christina combines strong website copy with an engaging user interface  to foster a connection with potential clients.    Key takeaways:  As a writer, there’s no better way than look to Chistina’s bold website copy as an example of how to showcase her talent from the get-go.   Christina’s homepage is simple, but engaging. The writer employs a subtle website color scheme and hover animations for an intriguing interaction with visitors.  Christina’s resume page is clean and concise to highlight the most important aspects of her experience. It’s a great example of how to write a resume  that will confidently engage future employers.   Be inspired: Resume design ideas Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Creative CV website template 02. Danielle Gorodenzik: Best curator resume website example Danielle Gorodenzik  has a great resume website example, demonstrating how a clean design and thoughtful content can facilitate an exceptional user experience to contribute to her professional presence. All together, Danielle’s resume site showcases her attention to detail, aesthetic sense and organizational skills—all essential qualities sought after in an art writer and curator.  Key takeaways:  An organized website layout  alongside intuitive navigation makes Danielle’s resume website well-organized and user friendly. Danielle’s resume site opens right up to the About page, providing a strong introduction to the curator’s portfolio and CV.  Danielle includes social media links in her website’s footer, giving visitors the opportunity to follow her pages on LinkedIn, Facebook, Spotify and Instagram—as well as providing easy access to her inbox.  Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Artist website template 03. Matt Lewis: Best creative director resume website examples  He’s kind of a jack-of-all-creative-trades, which is why Matt Lewis ’s versatile resume website example perfectly suits his diverse professional background. Matt uses the right combination of visual and written content to draw attention to his diverse talents and personal brand.    Key takeaways:  In this resume website example, a black and white color scheme creates a minimal and calming effect, allowing visitors to read and focus on Matt’s not-so-minimalistic experience and diverse set of skills.  Matt’s About page lists his “Top 10” TV shows and films, adding personal touch to engage with his creative and media-oriented audience.  Each of the projects highlighted on Matt’s homepage has its own landing page. This provides intuitive navigation on his site, and is also useful if he wants to build a landing page  to promote each individual project.  A professional headshot, like in Matt’s resume website, is a great chance to make a friendly, professional impression to show off your personality.  Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Interior designer website template 04. Kendall Brandt: Best graphic design resume website  Kendall Brandt  has one of the best graphic design resume examples  on our list, using her site to hone in on a diverse portfolio of work. On top of her love for illustration and color, visitors to Kendall’s graphic design resume site will have the chance to dive into the professional world of the designer and connect to her passion and skill.    Key takeaways:  Kendall’s website opens right up to her work portfolio, leaving no time before visitors are introduced to her versatile skill set.  Each page of Kendall’s graphic design portfolio describes the research, challenge and objectives of the process. This way, potential employers get a sense of her dedication to approaching graphic design as a way of problem solving.  Every web page also includes high quality photography, providing visual representation of the various stages within each project, from start to finish.  Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Graphic designer website template 05. Tobias Becs: Best athlete resume website example  Tobias Becs  is an all-star football player, boasting an impressive resume of awards and world records. Off the field, this sports star and content creator has an even more innovative journey, and is the active founder of Off-Pitch and 4freestyle—two of the biggest sports brands for freestyle and street football.  Not only does Tobias promote his talent and the art of free-style footballing, he’s also showcased his ability to master how to start a business . Let’s see how Tobias fits it all into his resume website example to reach his goals, on and off the field.  Key takeaways:  Tobias immediately shows visitors that he’s an athlete, with a hero image of him juggling a soccer ball. The photograph is full screen and high-quality, presenting an impressive and professional appearance.  Included in his homepage is his Instagram feed, where visitors can click-through to join his following. Social media is a great way to build engagement, grow a more diverse audience, and increase web traffic .   As a business owner, Tobias uses his resume website as a launching pad for interested visitors. He incorporates links to his business website  directly in his “About Me” text.  Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Coming soon landing page website template 06. Lauryn Higgins: Best journalist resume website example  Lauryn Higgins  is no ordinary writer—the two-time Pulitzer Prize winning journalist contributes to some of the biggest names in news, and has covered major events from tracking the Covid-19 pandemic to the Russia Ukraine War. Lauryn’s site combines well-crafted language and clean design elements to get right to the point. The resume website showcases her exceptional experience and reflects the passion she has for her journalistic career.   Key takeaways:  Lauryn’s writing portfolio highlights her impressive experience in a visually appealing way. She uses the logos of publications she’s contributed to, like PBS, The New York Times, Vogue and more, linking these images directly to her author page on each site.  A serif font used in the titles of Lauryn’s resume website reflects her profession as a journalist. Pairing this with a modern sans serif font for longer content enhances user experience and readability.  On her resume, Lauryn uses a custom business email to give her freelance services a more professional quality   when future clients want to be in touch.  Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Food photographer website template Editor’s note: Don’t worry about the template’s original niche. Wix templates are fully customizable, so choose a design that feels right and adapt it to your brand. 07. Toni Bonini: Best art director resume website example   As an art director, Toni Bonini ’s website design already does a great job at showcasing her creative talents before diving into the specifics of her resume. Toni uses her vibrant website design to create an unforgettable impression for first time visitors. Using attention to detail and a perfectly balanced user interface, the colorful resume website puts her portfolio of work at the forefront, relying on vibrant visuals to grab the attention of visitors.   Key takeaways:  By displaying her portfolio on the homepage, and representing each category of work with colorful shapes, Toni invites us to dive into many aspects of her creative work, without overwhelming visitors.  Toni’s blog, Flamingos + Fringe, is a great way for her freelance business to gain a following, and gives potential clients the chance to learn more about her interests, expertise and passions in the creative world. It can also improve her site’s SEO , acting as a strategy to increase organic traffic. Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Illustrator website template 08. April McCain: Best portfolio resume website  April McCain ’s resume website focuses on bringing attention to her graphic design portfolio. With a meticulous color scheme and personalized elements such as photographs, a custom logo and unique animation, this is one of the best examples of how to use your website design to amplify your personal brand.  Key takeaways:  A striking trio of headshots add a professional and personal touch to April’s homepage, immediately highlighting the designer’s distinctive character.  Throughout the site, a black and pink color scheme is used to turn April’s artistic flair into a personal brand. This is implemented in the website background, website text and her professional logo.  Clean typography and modern fonts are used to present the designer’s content, from her website’s favicon, to the clean website copy.   Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Graphic designer website template 09. Anissa Hexton: Best marketing resume website   Anissa Hexton 's online CV captures her decade of experience in marketing and branding with a clean friendly design. The homepage instantly introduces her with a professional headshot and a warm welcome while simple buttons lead visitors to her resume, projects and background.  Key takeaways:   A personable introduction makes the site feel professional yet approachable.  Clear call-to-action buttons guide visitors to her work.  Multiple contact options (phone, email, LinkedIn) make networking easy. Like what you see? Build your own CV website using this same template. Template name: Business CV website template 10. Jenna Gross: Best home designer resume website example Jenna Gross 's website for Colordrunk Designs is a direct reflection of her fearless approach to interiors—bold, colorful and full of personality. The site immediately sets the tone with vibrant imagery and playful design elements that echo her mastery of mixing patterns and hues. Visitors are greeted with an inviting aesthetic that feels both polished and approachable, showing off Jenna's ability to create spaces that are sophisticated yet fun.  Key takeaways: The portfolio section is the heart of the website, filled with photography that captures Jenna's signature use of color and eclectic combinations. Each project feels dynamic, giving potential clients a clear sense of her creativity.  Her "about" page tells her story in a personal and engaging way, outlining her path from New York fashion to Southern interiors—helping clients connect with both her experience and personality.  Her email is placed in the footer making it simple and straightforward for potential clients to reach out. Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: One page layout website template 11. Akin Yemi: Best musician resume website example   Akin Yemi  is a musician who uses his resume website to promote his one-of-a-kind tracks, tours and videos. The colorful site is full of imagery that showcases the artist’s musical talent and presents himself in a trendy, composed and professional light.  Key takeaways Full screen images of Akin in the studio or performing in front of a live audience uplift the resume website visually, but also give visitors a glimpse at his professional activity and experience.  As a musician, it’s a strategic move to add a musical track to his website, featuring one of his own compositions. He also connects his site to Spotify, SoundCloud and Apple music pages, inviting us to listen to more.  A page dedicated to upcoming tours is a great way to promote Akin’s upcoming shows and sell tickets to his following.  Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Musician website template 12. Elizabeth Bullard: Best illustrator resume website example  Elizabeth Bullard  is a digital artist with an extensive portfolio to showcase her work. The artist uses a resume website to exhibit images of her creations, from double exposure photographs and illustrations, to her work in typography and advertising.  Key takeaways:  An abstract video background is a great way to highlight Elizabeth’s creative side, giving her homepage a dynamic effect without distracting too much from the artist’s own creations.  The extensive website menu gives visitors the chance to view a wide range of Elizabeth’s work. Visitors can click on each clearly labeled topic to open a new web page of her portfolio.  Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Illustrator website template 13. Danielle Matthew : Best marketing resume website  Danielle Matthew 's website shows how clear positioning, visual polish and smart messaging can make a marketing professional shine. Her site instantly tells you who she is, what she does and what she brings to the table, all wrapped up in a design that's engaging, modern and super easy to navigate. Key takeaways: Right from the start, Danielle states her value proposition. It's bold, forward-thinking and designed to grab attention from brands wanting someone who can drive real change. Calls-to-action are perfectly placed: a "See Full CV" link, a "Get in Touch" button—every section shows visitors exactly how to take the next step (connect, hire or learn more). Her website also includes a direct messaging feature so visitors can reach out right away without bouncing around to different pages. Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Creative CV website template 14. Matt B. Atkins: Best digital marketing manager resume website Matt B. Atkins 's resume website positions him as a forward-thinking digital marketing manager with over a decade of experience. His homepage makes a strong first impression with bold typography and a confident introduction backed by a clean modern layout.  Key takeaways:  Matt's website engages visitors with a dynamic graph showing his professional knowledge across important skills. His portfolio pages present projects through clean visually striking graphics. Matt's website includes a contact form making it easy for potential clients or employers to reach out directly. Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: UX designer website template 15. Cameron Renfrow: Best interior designer resume website Cameron Renfrow  is an interior designer whose resume website presents Cameron's portfolio in a visually striking and organized way. The site immediately shows off his design aesthetic and professional experience allowing potential clients and collaborators to explore his work with ease. When starting a business of your own, tools like a resume template,  business name generator  and  logo maker  are excellent ways to get your online presence off the ground.  Key takeaways: Cameron shows his projects through high-quality images giving visitors a clear sense of his style and versatility.   The website includes a contact form and links to social media making it easy for potential clients to reach out and start collaborations. Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Food photographer website template Editor’s note: Don’t worry about the template’s original niche. Wix templates are fully customizable, so choose a design that feels right and adapt it to your brand. The best websites featured here were built with Wix and show what’s possible with real, DIY designs. They represent functional, effective and thoughtfully crafted options that help people run their businesses. Recommended CV website templates  Ready to create a CV website of your own? There’s no better way to start than by using a professional  website template . When considering  how much a website costs  and  how long it takes to build a website , starting with a template and customizing it to match your personal brand will save you both—time and money.  The following CV website templates are all built on Wix, and provide examples of how each design will start you off with the right foundations. Below, we’ll point out the stand-out features of each and why they’re a solid tool for making your own resume website. 01. Business CV website template  For business professionals, a minimalistic design is ideal for highlighting your experience. This resume website features a clean, organized layout with pre-made sections for your skills and work history. Use this business CV website template . 02. Creative CV website template  This creative resume template gives you all the foundations to show off your imaginative personality. Using modern fonts and an asymmetrical website layout, it’s the perfect start to a creative portfolio that help you represent your skills and ideas.  Use this  creative CV website template. 03. Academic CV website template Who says academic CVs have to be dull? This polished scholarly template lets you showcase your achievements with style. From a clean, organized layout to sections for your credentials, publications, and experience, it’s designed to make your academic journey shine. Customize it with your unique qualifications and let your expertise take center stage. Use this academic CV website template . Essential components of a resume website A great resume website is more than just a list of your past jobs; it’s a dynamic space that tells your professional story. Think of it as your personal online headquarters where recruiters and potential clients can see who you are and what you bring to the table. Let's walk through the components that will help you build a resume website that gets you noticed. Clean design First impressions matter and a simple, professional design lets your accomplishments shine. A minimalist layout with clear structure helps visitors find what they need without distractions, showcasing your organization and professionalism from the first click. Contact information Make it easy for recruiters or clients to reach you. Place your email, phone number or a contact form in a prominent spot like the header or footer. The simpler it is to get in touch the more likely they’ll reach out. A professional photo A high-quality headshot adds a personal touch and builds connection. It shows you take your personal brand seriously. Choose an image that reflects your personality and suits your industry. A portfolio of your work This is your chance to shine. A portfolio shows rather than tells what you can do. Whether you're a writer, designer, developer or photographer, include your best projects to prove your skills. Detailed work experience Clearly outline your professional history with roles, responsibilities and achievements. Use bullet points for easy scanning, making it simple to see the impact you’ve made. Relevant links Add professional links like your LinkedIn profile or portfolio. These let visitors explore your work, achievements and expertise in more depth. Ready to land your dream job? Check out the  best resume website builders  and make a professional resume that gets noticed. Best resume website examples FAQ What is a resume website? A resume website is a personal site dedicated to your professional experience, skills and portfolio. It’s more interactive than a paper resume, allowing you to share your career story through text, images and project examples. Why should I create a resume website? A resume website gives you a space to control your professional narrative. It allows you to present a more complete picture of your abilities than a one-page document ever could. You can include a portfolio, share testimonials and give potential employers a better sense of your personality and work ethic. How do I start building a resume website? Getting started is straightforward. You can begin with a website builder that offers customizable templates. From there you can add your personal information, upload your work and adjust the design to match your personal brand. Can I use templates to create a resume website? Absolutely. Using a professionally designed template is a great way to build a polished website quickly. You can choose a design that fits your industry and then customize it with your own colors, fonts and content to make it uniquely yours. How much does it cost to create a resume website? The cost can vary. Many website builders like Wix offer free plans that provide all the tools you need to create a professional-looking site. If you want more advanced features like a custom domain name there are affordable premium plans available.

Ready to share your ideas with the world? Start your blog → Want to start a blog ? The easiest way is to use a blog maker that gives you access to the tools you need to design, write and publish posts in one place. With just a few steps, you can launch your blog, share your ideas with the world, grow and audience and even open up new income streams. This guide walks you through the process from your very first idea to hitting “publish” with confidence. You’ll also get tips on writing posts and attracting readers so your blog reaches the right people. Learn more: How to make a website Starting a blog should feel exciting, not overwhelming, right? With the Wix Blog Maker, you get everything you need to create, design and grow your blog from scratch–without needing a tech degree. Use Wix’s intuitive tools to share your ideas with the world.  TL;DR: How to start a blog Starting a blog is easier than it seems. Pick a topic, set up your website, design it to match your style, write your first posts and share them with your audience. With consistent effort, you’ll build a blog that attracts readers, showcases your expertise and supports your goals. To help you create a blog that stands out, here’s a quick look at what makes a great blog. What makes a great blog What it includes Why it matters Clear focus Keeps your content relevant and attracts the right readers Consistent posting Builds trust and keeps your audience engaged Authentic voice Helps you connect and stand out from other blogs Useful and valuable content Provides readers with insights, answers or entertainment Easy-to-read format Makes your posts enjoyable and accessible Strong visuals Supports your content and makes your blog visually appealing SEO-friendly structure Helps new readers discover your blog through search engines Easy navigation Allows visitors to explore more of your content effortlessly Calls to action Encourages readers to take the next step, like subscribing How to start a blog in 10 steps Choose a blogging platform. Use a platform that offers customizable templates. Pick a hosting platform. Consider a platform with good bandwidth, uptime and customer support. Find the right niche. Narrow down your theme and have a specific audience in mind. Select a blog name and domain. Choose a descriptive name that piques readers’ interests. Set up and design your blog. Include imagery and effects that reflect your theme. Brainstorm blog topics. Write down all your ideas before narrowing down topic selections. Write your first blog post. Engage your audience with a killer title and use headers to make the content skimmable. Create an editorial calendar. Create a calendar to help you publish consistently and hold yourself accountable. Promote your blog. Use marketing strategies to expand your reach. Make money blogging. Take advantage of opportunities to monetize your blog. In this complete how to blog A to Z tutorial, we’ll cover everything from choosing your blogging platform to making money from your written work. With a little bit of guidance, you can get your blog online in 30 minutes or less. This is going to be the most comprehensive advice you’ll find on building a successful blog from scratch. If you want to start a blog fast, though, feel free to use the numbered steps above as a quick cheat sheet. You can go directly to the step you need the most help with, or grab a cup of coffee and read it all the way through. What is a blog? While a blog can encompass an entire website or simply be its own section of a website, this is a place to share content about a topic you’re passionate about. Starting a blog will typically include both written and visual elements published in an easy-to-read, article format so visitors can swiftly browse and find what they’re looking for. And with over 31.7 million blogs in the US alone, you can literally find blogs about every subject out therein, from home renovation to baking to local business marketing strategies . Once you’ve established a community of readers, the possibilities are truly endless. We use our blog as a platform to support you on your website building journey. Our posts guide you through the entire process, from start to finish, giving informative insights and practical tips at every step along the way.  As far as a timeline goes, there's no definitive "perfect" time to start a blog. If you feel that you have the time and resources to start, manage and promote a blog and are enthusiastic about sharing your ideas with the world, it might be the right time to take the plunge and start your blogging journey. The sooner you start, the sooner you can learn and grow as a blogger. 01. Choose a blogging platform If you're here, you're likely curious about how to get started—and you're in the right place. The first step in starting a blog is to select a blogging platform or Content Management System (CMS) for publishing your content. A quick Google search will show you that there are several different sites available that suit bloggers from all industries. The blog you're reading is actually built on Wix, a free website builder I highly recommend for new and seasoned bloggers. Wix’s blogging platform is fairly straightforward to get the hang of, and it offers a variety of attractive design options and templates to work with. In addition, it comes with features to analyze your blog’s performance and monetize your content, which will come in handy as you setup your blog and build your readership. How much does it cost to start a blog? When researching how to create a blog, one of the biggest questions people have is how much does it cost to start a blog . On many blogging builders, starting a blog is completely free . You can decide at any point whether you’d like to upgrade to a variety of different plans, depending on your budget and needs. Learn more about how much does it cost to build a website. 02. Pick a hosting platform Once you select your preferred blogging platform, you’ll need to choose a hosting platform. A blog, like other types of websites , requires a host. This essentially stores websites on a server under a unique address so that visitors can easily reach them. On some blogging platforms, hosting is already included, so you won’t need to find a separate web host when setting up your blog. In that case, you can skip this step and move to Step 3 . With other blog builders, such as WordPress, you will need to find and pay for a separate web hosting platform. Some popular options include: BlueHost HostGator GoDaddy DreamHost If you’re not sure which web hosting platform to choose, take into account these factors: Uptime: The amount of time that the server hosting your website is up and running. A strong uptime rate (99.95% or above) is a good indication that the host’s servers perform well. Bandwidth: The amount of data your website can transfer to visitors over a certain period of time. This factor is based on the size of your website pages as well as the amount of traffic you expect. This quick bandwidth calculator can help you determine your site’s bandwidth. Customer support: Customer service you can contact in the event something goes wrong. Ideally, your hosting provider should offer an online help center, offer callbacks and respond to questions and concerns on social media. Once you’ve chosen your blogging platform and hosting provider, you can start coming up with your blog idea. Don’t worry about picking and registering your domain name just yet. We’ll walk through that process together in Step 4 . 03. What to blog about? How to find your blog niche There is virtually no limit when it comes to your choice of subjects. The most crucial thing is that you select a specific topic area that will be the central focus of your entire blog and its content strategy. What is a blog niche Popular blog niche ideas How to choose your blog niche Don’t follow trends you don’t love Stay focused Testing the waters Your blog niche doesn’t need to be perfect What is a blog niche A blog niche  is the specific topic your blog focuses on—like travel, tech, food or personal finance. A niche lets you narrow your content to attract a specific audience. Think of it as picking your lane: readers know what to expect and you become the go-to person for that topic. Why does this matter? When your blog has a clear focus, it’s easier to grow. Search engines understand your site which helps with SEO. Readers are more likely to stick around and subscribe when the content feels made for them. And if you’re looking to make money from your blog, a niche makes it easier to recommend products, attract partnerships or create content that converts. Popular blog niche ideas These blog topics attract big, active audiences and offer lots of room to grow, monetize and build a community. Blogging for fun, as a side hustle or to support your business? These niches give you plenty of flexibility and potential—especially when you bring your unique voice and experience. Personal finance : Budgeting, saving, investing and making money online— finance blogs are always in demand. Health and wellness : A health blog can cover everything from fitness routines and nutrition tips to mental health advice and holistic living practices Food and recipes : Share meals, diet-specific cooking (vegan, keto or other food blog  types) or cultural cuisine. Travel : Tips, itineraries and experiences from around the world or your own backyard. Parenting : Advice, stories and activities for new parents or families. Lifestyle : A broader niche that can include home decor, fashion blogs , productivity or minimalism. Tech and gadgets : Reviews, how-tos and insights into the latest devices and trends. Beauty and skincare : Tutorials, reviews and routines for makeup and skincare enthusiasts. Career and personal development : Productivity tips, job hunting or entrepreneurship. Education and learning : Great for teachers, tutors or curious minds. Share study tips, teaching tools or start a book blog  with reviews and reading guides. How to choose a blog niche Before picking a niche, think of it like finding your blog’s sweet spot. It should be something you love talking about, know a bit about and that people are actually interested in. The best niches mix passion, knowledge and the potential to grow through ads, products or building a loyal group of readers. 3 steps to pick the perfect blog niche: Narrow down your interests : Start by listing 5–10 broad interests then narrow each down to something more specific. For example, if you love travel, maybe it’s backpacking in Southeast Asia; if you like cooking, maybe it’s vegan recipes. These personal interests will help shape a niche you’ll stick with and actually enjoy building content around. Research your blog audience : Start by using tools like Google Trends  to see how many people are searching for certain subjects. The more searches a topic gets, the more potential audience you have. For example, “vegan recipes” shows steady interest, making it a strong choice for a blog niche while topics with lower or declining interest like “paleo recipes” may have fewer readers. Check if it’s profitable : Even if you’re running a hobby personal blog , it’s a good idea to explore ways to make money from it. Affiliate marketing is a popular option where you promote products and earn a commission on sales. Consider how your niche fits into this, like writing "best of" or "how to" posts with affiliate links. For example, a "Best kitchen appliances for easy cooking" post could include links to food processors making you money with every sale. Don’t follow trends you don’t love Jumping on a trending topic can be tempting when it feels like everyone else is making it work. But if you're not truly interested, your blog won't last. Writing about something you don’t care about feels like a chore and readers will notice when you're not into it. Passion is what keeps your blog going and makes the process more enjoyable. Stay focused Another trap to avoid? Going way too broad. “Lifestyle” might sound cool but it’s too broad. Instead, go for something like “sustainable living for young moms” or “minimalist style for city dwellers.” It gives your blog a clear focus and helps you build a loyal audience. Also stick to your chosen niche—changing topics all the time confuses readers and hurts your SEO. Testing the waters: how to know if your niche will attract readers Before jumping in, make sure people actually want to read about your niche. A quick Google or Pinterest search will show you what kind of content is already out there. If you find blog posts, YouTube videos and products, that’s a great sign. Tools like Google Keyword Planner can also help you see if your topic gets decent search traffic. Forums and Facebook groups are super helpful too. Look at what people are asking, complaining about or curious to learn—those are your content ideas. And don’t skip checking out the competition. What are other bloggers covering? What are they missing? That gap could be exactly where your blog stands out. Your blog niche doesn’t need to be perfect Most bloggers don’t get it right on the first try. You might start out writing about wellness and realize you’re actually into natural skincare. Or maybe you find your groove creating tech tutorials for beginners instead of covering every new gadget out there. That’s totally fine. Your blog can grow and evolve with you. It’s not about having the perfect plan from day one—it’s about staying flexible and figuring out what works. Many successful bloggers refine their niche as they go, learning what resonates with their audience and what feels good to create. Start now, adjust along the way and enjoy the process. 04. Select a blog name and domain As you think about how to make a blog, the question of what to name it is probably lurking somewhere in the back of your mind. There are three main routes you can go with your blog's name. These include: Your first and last name The name of your business (if you have one) A creative new name When choosing your blog’s name, you should also think about the personality you want it to reflect. Should it be formal and professional? Sweet and romantic? Edgy and offbeat? If you’re stuck on names for your blog , this blog name generator is a helpful source of inspiration. Once you decide, you should also go ahead and choose your domain name for your blog. Also referred to as a URL , a domain is a site’s address on the web (this website’s domain name, for example, is www.wix.com). Typically, your domain name will be the same as, or at least influenced by, the name of your blog. If you really want your blog to stand out, consider a .blog domain extension . It's a clear and unique way to help your blog and content pop. Tips for picking a domain name for your blog: Keep it short and simple so it's easy to remember. Try to use keywords related to your blog's niche. Avoid numbers or hyphens—they can be confusing and hard to share. Check if the domain name is available using a domain name search . Make sure it aligns with your blog name for consistency. Pro tip: Find the domain owner and registration details for a website with a  Whois domain lookup .  05. Set up and design your blog Choose a blog template Decide which pages to include Get indexed on search engines Create a blog logo At this point, you’ve chosen a blogging and hosting platform, domain name and blog niche. You’re now equipped with all the basics for setting up your blog. Here's how to optimize your blog design : Blog templates - food and travel Choose a blog template The first part of setup for a blog is selecting a template. Like your blog’s name, its look and feel will be an important part of its personality. The most efficient way to get your blog up and running is to choose a pre-designed blog template . Afterwards, you can customize it based on your preferences. Be sure to pick one that conveys your blog’s subject area. There are website templates for bloggers of any genre, whether you’re a food blogger, starting a photography blog or write about business. As you browse, think about the mood you want your website to communicate, for example. whether it’s classic, modern, rugged or minimalist. You should also take that into account as you further personalize the template with your preferred colors. Color psychology plays a huge role in forming your audience’s impression of your blog. As you choose a color palette, keep in mind the feelings and attitudes that different colors evoke. Blue, for instance, tends to evoke dependability and trust, while yellow evokes energy and joy. If you’re unsure of which templates to choose, these blog examples serve as a helpful source of design inspiration. Decide which pages to include Once you’ve chosen a template, think about which pages to include. Most blogs include more than just a section to display their posts. They might also include an online store, as in the image below, or a contact page. Here's an overview of the different options when designing your blog: 01. Contact page: This is a place to put your email address so that fans and potential business partners can reach out to you. You can also include a contact form so that people can send a message directly through your site. 02. About page: This tells visitors who you are, what you do and why you do it, providing some context behind your blog and humanizing your content. 03. Online store: You’ll also want to add a separate online store page if you’re thinking of selling items related to your blog. You can call this page “Products” or “Shop.” In addition to your primary content pages when you create a blog, you can include a few legal pages to protect your interests and inform your visitors. Create a disclaimer page to clearly explain the accuracy of your information, especially if you're giving advice or using affiliate links. A privacy policy is often required by law and tells users about how you handle their data. You can also add a Terms of Service page to outline usage rules, user expectations and your rights. If you want to beef up your blog with even more pages, a Tutorials page, Now Trending page or Author’s Pick page are all popular options. Furthermore, some blogs opt to place their posts directly on the homepage, while others keep their homepages and blog pages separate. If you do this, make sure to include a navigation menu so that visitors can easily access your blog as well as any other pages. There’s no right or wrong way to set up a blog, so play around with different options to see what best suits your style and personality. Keep in mind that you can always add or remove pages over time as your blog evolves. Get indexed on search engines Another part of starting a blog is making sure it’s visible on Google and other search engines. This is crucial if you want your content to pop up in search results, so you’ll want to take care of this step right away. First, make sure your site is indexed on Google. Essentially, this means giving Google a heads up that your blog exists. You can do this by submitting your sitemap to Google Search Console . Pro tip: Google Search Console is not only important for indexing your site, but it’s also a valuable platform that you’ll be using throughout your blogging journey. It tells you important data about your blog’s site visitors and clicks, which you can use to improve your content. To find out whether your site is already included in Google’s search index, do a quick site search (a site search uses your homepage URL and takes the form of site:yourblogname.com ). If your blog pops up in the search results, then your site is already indexed. Create a blog logo Finally, polish off your site with an attractive blog logo . This is another way to add personality to your site, and it’s an essential step if you want to create a blog that evolves into a recognizable brand. One option is to design your own or outsource the task, but you can also use an online logo maker . These tools give you plenty of room to customize your logo with your preferred colors, fonts and icons, and tend to be quicker and more affordable than hiring a professional designer. Once you create your logo, place it in the upper left-hand corner of your website, and link it to your homepage. This will help brand your content while improving the navigation experience for readers. 06. Brainstorm blog topics On the technical side, your blog is now setup and ready to go. It’s time to start thinking about which topics you’ll get started with. Begin by thinking about your experiences, successes, failures or discoveries related to your niche. What insights can you share? What ideas are you looking to explore in-depth? Understanding your audience As you think of topics, try to get into your readers’ heads. Here are some questions to guide you through the brainstorming process: What characteristics does my target audience possess? What subjects does my target audience get excited about? What challenges does my target audience face? Understanding what resonates with readers can make all the difference. Some content formats just click because they’re handy, easy to digest and leave readers ready to take action. Content formats that work Take "how-to" articles, for example. These are blogging royalty, and for good reason. According to research from Statista , about 76% of bloggers say they publish "how-to" content. Why? Because these articles deliver real value by walking readers step-by-step through a process, whether it’s learning to bake the perfect sourdough or optimizing a website. Another format readers love? Lists. From "10 travel essentials" to "5 simple ways to save money," lists hold their own, with 55% of bloggers including this type of content. Lists work so well because they’re clear, organized and completely scannable. Your audience can skim through quickly, find what they need and apply it right away. Choosing topics that matter Here on our blog, we choose topics by focusing on what matters most to you, our reader. We pay attention to trending industries, common questions and what people are searching for right now. By mixing popular topics with practical advice and insights from our in-house experts, we make sure our content is genuinely helpful. We also explore niche areas that often get overlooked, adding unique tips to give you your website, blog or other online presence that extra edge. Our goal is simple–create blog posts that solve real-world problems and provide value to anyone ready to start their own blog. Using the topic cluster model You can also come up with ideas using the topic cluster model . Essentially, this is a tightly organized system that strings together related posts using a series of internal links. While this process is usually considered part of SEO, you can also think of it as a mind map for coming up with ideas. By this model, think about a broad topic—say, recipes—and then divide that up into smaller subtopics, like dinner recipes or brunch recipes. Then, divide those up into even more specific topics, like 20-minute dinner recipes, mimosa recipes, and cake decoration ideas. Any of these topics could be its own blog post. If you’re still stuck, this list of blog ideas can help jumpstart the brainstorming process. They include: A 30 before 30 list (also 40 before 40, or 50 before 50) Your sources of inspiration Beginners’ guides Time-saving hacks A challenge you’ve faced Use these ideas to guide you, but feel free to add your own creative twist based on your niche. 07. Write your first blog post Start with keyword research Come up with a blog post title Outline your main points Write engaging content Insert images Optimize for SEO Edit and publish Now that you’ve come up with ideas, you’re ready to dive into the writing. Let’s go over how to write a blog post from start to finish: Start with keyword research Finding the right keywords is crucial for getting people to read your posts. By targeting certain phrases with your article, you increase the chances of your blog appearing on search results pages for those queries. Let’s say, for instance, that you want to share a carrot cake recipe in your blog. You’ll want to target keywords such as: Carrot cake Carrot cake recipe Best carrot cake recipe How to make carrot cake Depending on your topic, some keywords may be more obvious than others. You can refine your keywords using free keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner or you can use more robust paid options like SEMrush or Ahrefs . Targeting keywords Next, you’ll need to strategically target your selected keywords throughout your article. This means two things: First, you’ll need to sprinkle those phrases throughout your post (but try to do so as organically as possible—no one likes unnatural keyword stuffing). Second, you should structure your article based on the format you see in the top 10 search results for those keywords (you can also reference these results when deciding how long should a blog post be ). Analyzing competitors Let’s say, for example, that you want to write an article about your favorite carrot cake recipe. Start by checking your competitors—the top 10 search results on Google for the keyword “carrot cake recipe.” When you type that phrase into the search engine, you’ll notice that the top results are written as numbered steps, rather than as a story. You can therefore assume that most readers prefer the list format for these types of posts. In order to provide valuable content to your readers—and to rank high on Google as a result—you’ll want your own post to assume a similar format. Covering all the main points Likewise, you’ll want to touch on all the main points covered by your competitors. This doesn’t mean you can’t be creative. It’s just to say that in addition to sharing your own original insights, you should cover all the bases. To continue with our example, let’s assume that when you look up “carrot cake recipe,” the top search results include a section about how to make cream cheese frosting. This is an indicator that many readers find this content helpful. In addition, it shows that Google has a preference for articles including that detail. You’d be wise, then, to touch on this idea in your own article. Outline your main points Keyword research gives you an idea of the best format for your blog post, as well as which sections to include. This naturally segues into the outline stage of the writing process. First, choose which type of blog post you’d like to write. Will it be a how-to guide? A product recommendation? An op-ed? Whichever blog post template you choose, you’ll want to have a clear idea in mind before structuring the outline. Then, use headers and subheaders to break up your content into organized, bite-sized chunks. Beneath each heading, make bulleted notes of the main points you’ll include in each section. This will be the skeleton of your first blog post. Feel free to use this downloadable blog post template to help with your outline. All you need to do is fill in the blanks. Come up with a blog post title The next part of starting a blog article is coming up with a strong title. You can come up with your blog titles at any stage of the planning process, but the best ideas often arise as you build your outline. Why titles matter A blog title is a small but mighty piece of content. Often, it makes the difference between whether or not people click on your article. When it comes to writing blog post titles, we keep it simple, clear and to the point. We’re all about grabbing your attention while giving you exactly what you need to know. Our goal? To speak directly to you in an approachable tone that still shows we’ve got the know-how. Each title is designed to promise real value–from solving a problem, answering your questions or walking you through a step-by-step guide. And yes, we make sure to include some SEO magic, so our blogs are easy to find, but we never sacrifice that for personal touch. Because here’s the thing, a great headline isn’t just about getting clicks; it’s about keeping our promise and giving you exactly what you’re looking for. Strategies for catchy titles To make your blog titles catchy and compelling, put yourself in your readers’ shoes. Think about what might interest and excite them, and try the following strategies: Be clear and direct Promise value Appeal to your readers’ emotions Pique their curiosity Use humor, alliteration or wordplay Here are a few fill-in-the-blank blog title ideas to help you: If you’re curious about diving more into what makes a headline a success, Buzzsumo’s shared headlines study is also an insightful resource. Looking to make the most out of your blog? Subscribe to the Wix blog newsletter and get fresh content and updates straight to your inbox. Write engaging content Now, it’s time to start typing away. Keep in mind that you’ll need an introduction, body text broken up by headers and sub-headers, and a conclusion (optional). Crafting catchy headlines Start with a compelling headline that grabs attention. Use curiosity, numbers or clear value propositions to make readers want to click. A strong headline sets the tone for your entire post. Writing the introduction In the introduction, grab your audience’s attention with a captivating anecdote, a compelling quote or statistic, or an interesting fact. Then, share a brief summary of what the article is about, making sure to grab the interest of your readers. Building the body Next, write the body text, using your outline as a guide. This is where you share your knowledge and expertise as a blogger. Be sure to avoid fluff; writing for the sake of writing is one of the biggest blogging mistakes . Instead, make sure each sentence is meaningful, and dive straight into sharing your original insights and actionable tips. You should also use a tone of voice that resonates with your audience, whether it’s funny and casual or serious and formal. Writing reader-friendly content Break your content into short paragraphs, headers, subheaders and bullet points. Use images, charts or visuals when possible to make your post easier to scan. A well-structured article keeps readers engaged and improves readability. Wrapping up with a conclusion Finally, wrap up the post with a concluding section. While not every blog includes this final bit, it’s a nice way to tie your ideas together and share your closing thoughts. Keep in mind that writing a blog post can take several hours, and it’s a process that shouldn’t be rushed. Set aside at least half a day to write your first draft. Using AI to speed up content creation There are quicker ways to research, plan and create blog content, if you choose to decide with AI content generation tools. There are several to choose from - including Open AI's Chat GPT, Google's BARD and others such as Jasper.ai. Just be sure to heavily edit any AI generated content, be on top of fact checking it's output and don't forget to bring your own voice and style to the content. Write a blog post with AI As AI content generators become more popular and as their output improves, considering whether to use AI to write blog posts is a valid question a lot of bloggers are asking themselves. AI content generation can speed up the blog writing process and help you create more, faster. However, in our experience, AI generated content still requires a large degree of human editing, fact checking and injecting of experience into it. So while it might help you create drafts faster, it's not going to be something you can publish fresh from an AI content generator. However you can use AI for other parts of the blog writing process. You can use it to: Create blog titles Write meta titles and descriptions Structure your blog articles Help you proofread for grammar and spelling mistakes Insert images As you start your blog, remember that your choice of images can strengthen readers’ overall impression of your article. Whether you add photos, screenshots or illustrations to your articles, they should be functional as well as beautiful. Make sure they convey your main points and highlight important examples in the post. If you don’t have your own images, begin by browsing free stock photos on the web. Pexels and Unsplash are both popular sites for gathering visual material. While you might eventually want to use photos you take yourself, stock photos are a quick way to get your blog started. Optimize for SEO Once you create your content, there are a couple things you’ll need to take care of before hitting Publish. These steps primarily revolve around strategy, from improving your blog SEO to generating conversions through your article. Here’s a quick post-writing checklist to guide you: Double check your keywords: Quickly search your content (CTRL+F) to review your use of keywords. Did you include all the keywords you intended to? If not, check to see whether there are any other opportunities to incorporate the keywords throughout your article. (Keep in mind that keyword stuffing is considered a bad practice, and search engines can penalize you for it. Incorporate them naturally into the text, rather than forcing them in.) Add internal links: One trick up every bloggers’ sleeve is to link between their blog posts (also known as the practice of internal linking). This helps improve your posts’ SEO, and it also encourages your readers to browse your other articles. Rather than linking randomly, you should link between primarily related blog posts; this is better for SEO, and it also makes the links more valuable to your readers. If you’re just starting a blog and don’t have much content yet, don’t forget to go back into your posts and add in the links later. Incorporate CTAs: The next trick in the book is to include calls-to-action (CTAs) throughout the article. These little snippets of content often take the form of phrases such as Buy Now, Subscribe, or Read More. By placing call-to-action buttons in your article, you can direct readers to buy your products, subscribe to your newsletter, or click for further reading. Use alt text: Because Google can’t read photos, bloggers often add a short description to each image (ideally using keywords) to help the search engine understand what is being displayed. This description, called alt text, helps your images show up in Google image searches. Write your post’s metadata: Metadata is the term for the text used to display a web page in Google search results. This includes the meta title (also known as the title tag) and meta description. Sometimes, the meta title is the same as the title of your blog post, while other times, you’ll want to choose a slightly different title for displaying your post. There’s no right or wrong here, so long as your title is engaging and includes your most important keyword. The meta description, which is the short snippet of text beneath the meta title, should also include your main keywords and should preview the article’s main points. Choose your URL: Every webpage has a dedicated URL, and your blog posts are no different. A strong URL helps your articles rank high on search engine results pages, and typically contains a keyword. Blog post URLs often take the form of www.yourdomainname.com/blog-post-keyword or www.yourdomainname.com/blog/blog-post-keyword . Pro tip: Edit the slug, or the end portion of the URL, to be simple, clear and include a keyword. For instance, www.yourdomainname.com/delicious-cake-recipes reads much better than something long or generic. There are also more advanced SEO strategies you can employ: Add structured data: Adding structured data markup allows search engines to display rich snippets in search results, such as ratings, images and additional details. These snippets improve visibility and attract more clicks by making your content appear more informative and engaging to users. Optimize for voice search: Voice search relies on natural language and conversational queries, so tailoring your content to include long-tail keywords and question-based phrases improves your chances of appearing in results. Using structured answers within your content can also make it more compatible with voice-activated devices. Edit and publish You now have everything you need for your first blog post. Give it a couple reads, and share it with family members or friends to review. It’s always helpful to have a second, third, or fourth pair of eyes. When you think your article is ready to go, upload it to your blog. Your blogging platform will also have a place for you to type in the metadata and URL. Once that’s done, hit Publish and let the celebrations begin. 08. Create an editorial calendar Whew! You’ve just written your first blog post. Take a break, and when you’re ready, plan out the rest of the month’s posting schedule. Creating an editorial calendar is an important part of starting a blog. It’s an effective way to ensure you publish content consistently, letting you hold yourself accountable as a writer and ensuring you don’t deviate from your blogging goals. Your readers want new content, and you need to deliver. Plus, search engines take into account how frequently you publish when determining your site’s overall ranking. You probably already have a handful of topics from your brainstorming session in Step 6. If not, use the same process to come up with new ideas. Once you have at least 10 or so ideas, start building a content calendar. Your calendar doesn’t need to cost a thing, and it certainly doesn’t require the use of unfamiliar tools or platforms. Open up Excel or Google Sheets, and start building a schedule from there. The columns you use are completely up to you, but you’ll probably want to create different sections for the publishing date, blog title, main keywords, article status and comments. Pro tip: If you know you’re prone to procrastination (aren't we all?), open up a Google Calendar and fill in your deadlines there. You can even set aside blocks of time in your calendar for writing. How often should you blog? When learning how to start a blog, a big question people ask is how often they should be publishing new content. As a rule of thumb, the more often you blog, the more traffic you get. There’s no black-or-white answer for exactly how frequently that is, but studies have pointed us to a few important statistics : 11 or more posts per month yields a noticeable increase in traffic. Among small companies of 10 or fewer employees, those who published at least 11 blog posts a month had twice as much traffic as those who published two to five blogs a month. Small companies also found that publishing at least 11 posts per month yields twice as many leads as those publishing six to 10 monthly articles. This is important if your goal is to obtain subscribers, sell products or work as an affiliate (more on that in Step 10). How often you blog also depends on your goals . If your main goal is to generate brand awareness, start with one to two new posts per week. On the other hand, if you’re primarily aiming to increase blog traffic , you should ideally be writing three to four new posts per week. Keep all this in mind as you create your editorial calendar, but make your goals small and achievable. If you set unrealistic deadlines that you can’t meet, you’ll get thrown off course and even discouraged. You can always ramp up your efforts once you get used to publishing and make it a habit to stick to your schedule. In addition, remember that you can always bring in guest contributors to up the quantity of published content each week. Expert tip from Sharon Hafuta, SEO blog editor at Wix.com: "When blogging, it’s easy to think, 'The more I blog, the more people will read it.' And that may be true in some circumstances. But it’s also about striking a balance between quality and quantity, as well as brevity and exploring your content in sufficient detail, to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more—a concept sometimes referred to as 'blog cadence.'" Here are some ways Wix can help you get your site out there: 09. Promote your blog Share on social media Create a blog newsletter Write for other sites and consider guest blogging Reach out to an existing community Participate in question and discussion sites Invest in paid ads Try new content formats Add videos to your blog Network for backlinks Build an email list At this stage, you have everything you need to start a blog. These last couple of steps will focus on how to spread the word about your blog and grow it into a serious monetization tool. In order to get readers, you’ll need to find creative ways to drive traffic to your site. While improving your SEO is an important step, the following methods can also help you promote your blog . Note that most of them are completely free, while a few (like advertising) are paid. Share on social media: Social media is an excellent place to post your content and draw attention to your blog. Whether you promote your blog on Facebook , Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn, it’s a great way to reach new readers. Learn more about blogging vs instagram in our guide. Create a blog newsletter: Send out a weekly email newsletter to engage your readers and get them coming back to your blog for more. This will help you sustain a loyal fan base. To get subscribers to your blog email list in the first place, include a prominent Subscribe button in your website’s navigation bar, footer and within your blog posts. Write for other sites and consider guest blogging: Strengthen your reputation as a writer and expert in your niche by publishing content outside your own website. Consider opening a Medium account and making a name for yourself there, or post articles on LinkedIn . You should also keep an eye out for guest blogging opportunities, which are offered by publications such as Forbes and Entrepreneur . This helps you expand your reach and introduce your content to new audiences. Reach out to an existing community: Facebook groups, forums and LinkedIn groups are gathering places for people interested in a particular topic. If you find an online community that’s relevant to your blog niche, share your website with them and network among their group members. Participate in question and discussion sites: Sites such as Quora and Reddit give you the opportunity to highlight your blog in discussion threads. Use one of your blog posts to answer a question or follow up on a comment, but be sure to come across as helpful and informative rather than promotional. Invest in paid ads: In addition to sharing posts on social media, you can boost your posts with a paid promotion so that they reach more people. Likewise, you can pay for Google ads and reach new users through the search engine. Try new content formats: Expand your reach even further by trying new content formats. These essentially repurpose the same information provided in your posts. For instance, you can turn your blog posts into videos and start a YouTube channel. You might even create a podcast or offer a webinar. The sky's the limit. Add videos to your blog: Adding videos to your blog often elevates engagement and draws in a wider audience by transforming your content into a dynamic experience. Videos help visitors stay longer on your site, a key factor in improving SEO. By seamlessly integrating videos into your posts, you ensure they not only complement but also enrich your written content. Network for backlinks: Networking plays a key role in building backlinks, which are critical for boosting SEO and monetizing your blog. Backlinks from authoritative sites signal to search engines that your content is credible, improving its rankings and driving organic traffic—key factors for monetization. To earn quality backlinks, engage with other bloggers through thoughtful comments and social shares, and pitch guest posts to share value while securing links to your site. Build an email list: Growing your email list is one of the best ways to stay connected with readers and drive consistent traffic back to your blog. Offer something valuable like a free resource or exclusive content to encourage people to sign up. Make it easy for them to subscribe by adding sign-up forms to your homepage, blog posts and sidebar. Once your list starts growing, send regular updates or newsletters to keep readers engaged and coming back for more. Track key metrics such as open rates, click-throughs and conversions to see what resonates with your audience, and use these insights to continuously optimize your email campaigns. Learn more: Blogging vs Youtube 10. Make money blogging Affiliate marketing Advertise within your blog Offer paid subscriptions Write sponsored content Sell e-books and merchandise Provide consulting services Create and sell online courses Explore diverse income streams Build a strong brand If you’re looking to create a blog with a large readership, chances are you’re also aiming to make money from your blog’s popularity. We touched on affiliate marketing earlier in the article, but let’s talk more about this and other money-making strategies that can help you generate passive income from your writing efforts. There are more ways than one to make money blogging . Here’s a quick overview of each method: Affiliate marketing: This is one of the most common ways to make money blogging, and it’s easy to get started. Intermediate affiliates can earn between $300 to $3,000 per day , and that number only goes up with experience. There are plenty of affiliate marketing programs out there, but Amazon Associates is a popular choice for beginners. Advertising within your blog: Another option is to display ads within your blog, which means you’re essentially selling your blog real estate as ad space. This is a fairly reliable way to make money, as you’ll be earning revenue with each click. If you’re thinking of taking this route, Google AdSense is by far one of the most lucrative and popular programs. Offering paid subscriptions: You know how the New York Times makes you pay to read their content? You can do the same thing with your blog. While some of your articles should be free, you can also create exclusive content that readers can buy access to through a subscription plan. Write sponsored content: Reach out to companies—or, as you blog grows, make it easy for brands to contact you—regarding sponsorship opportunities. You’ll be writing articles that promote those companies’ products, and the business, in turn, will compensate you for the posts. Sell e-books and merchandise: You can also sell digital or physical goods directly from your site. This might include branded merchandise, products related to your field, or e-books and other online resources. One way to do this is by adding a Pay button to your homepage that your readers can click to browse your merchandise. Provide consulting services: This approach involves making use of your professional experience and harnessing the knowledge you’ve gained as a professional blogger. Based on your insights and expertise, think about the kinds of consulting services you might be able to offer to your clients. If you’re writing a nutrition blog, one such idea could be making customized diet plans or working as a nutrition coach for clients. Create and sell online courses: Use your expertise to develop online courses that teach skills or share knowledge in your niche. Start by identifying a topic that aligns with your blog content and appeals to your audience’s needs. Then, create engaging course materials such as video lessons, downloadable resources and quizzes. Explore diverse income streams: Diversifying income streams is a crucial step toward building a sustainable and profitable blog. By exploring opportunities like public speaking, you can turn your expertise into income while expanding your network. Social media advertising offers another avenue, allowing you to leverage your influence for sponsored content and brand partnerships. Together, these strategies not only boost revenue but also enhance your blog’s credibility and strengthen its overall brand presence. Build a strong brand: A strong, recognizable brand is key to growing your blog and turning it into a reliable income stream. Create a consistent voice, design and message that resonate with your readers. Whether it’s your blog name, logo or topics you cover, a strong brand helps you connect with your audience and keeps them coming back. It also makes you more appealing to sponsors, advertisers and new opportunities. For further details, take a look at this article on how to monetize a blog or check out the Wix Learn online course on monetizing your blog. Ready to start your blog now? Sign up with Wix  today. 5 reasons to start a blog and is it worth it People make blogs for a variety of reasons, many of which mean blogging is still worth it, some of these reasons include: 01. Share your ideas with the world Sometimes you just want to be heard and get your ideas out into the universe. This is where starting a blog can help—it’s a form of communication and space that’s entirely your own. You can use your creativity and passion to create a space customized exactly to your liking where you can share your ideas, expertise and experiences. 02. Promote a product or service Blogging for business  is a great way to engage potential customers and provide more information about a product or service. Additionally, blogging does wonders for a website's SEO. 03. Build your brand Starting a blog provides a platform to showcase your knowledge and skills, establishing yourself as an authority in your field and building credibility and trust with your audience. As Ophyr Hanan, Blog Growth and SEO Outreach Specialist at Wix, says, "By fostering relationships and collaborating on content, it can help build the foundation for thought leadership and authority building both for you and within your industry." 04. Earn income Blogging can be profitable with time and continued effort. The best way to see the monetary fruits of your labor is by posting quality content regularly that draws in new readers and brings more traffic to your website. This will help your blog gain advertisers and can also boost your status as an online influencer, which can open up the door for affiliate marketing. 05. Build a community Thanks to the internet, we no longer need to live in the same city, state or even country to feel connected to others. When you create a blog as part of a wider blogosphere  community, you create a space to share your story and ideas, as well as start conversations with people all over the world with mutual interests. A blog typically has a comments section where your readers can speak with you directly, allowing you to engage in conversation and build relationships. Blogging stats to reinforce why starting a blog can still be a good idea Yes, competition is fierce with over 600 million live blogs globally but with over 4 billion active blog readers—there's still demand for blogs. Building a blog as a part of content marketing is still alive and well, believe us. Businesses with blogs generate 55% more traffic than those that don't, meaning they still work. Data shows that B2C blog content is shared 9.7 times more than any other type of content—meaning starting a blog to promote a business, works. B2B businesses that use blogs get up to 67% more leads than those who don't. Related reading: Experts weigh in on why you should start a blog Is it too late to start a blog? Blogs are still a popular and effective way to share your thoughts, ideas and expertise with the world. In fact, building a blog is one of the most popular forms of content marketing. It can also be a great way to build a community and connect with other people who share your interests. According to Judit Ruiz Ricart, Team Lead of Blog Growth at Wix: Blogging is crucial to build your brand's voice and community, and allows you to expand your reach to a relevant audience who might otherwise not know you exist. Remember that the internet is still growing, with more and more people using it every day. This means that there's a large and growing potential audience for your blog, too. While there are many blogs out there, there's always room for new voices and perspectives. If you have something unique to share, people will be interested in reading it. And the best part is that there are many tools and platforms that make it easy to create and manage a blog. There are a number of reasons why blogging is still relevant, including: Search engines love blogs Starting a blog is a great way to improve your website's SEO and rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). This is because blogs provide fresh, high-quality content that is relevant to your target audience. Blogs build authority When you write informative and engaging blog posts, you establish yourself as an expert in your field. This can help you attract new customers and clients, and build trust with your existing audience. Blogs build connections Blogs provide a platform for you to share your thoughts and ideas and to connect with other people who share your interests. This can help you build a community around your brand. This is especially true of service industries, fitness blogs for example are a great way to build a loyal health focused audience and the same is true for almost every industry. Blogs generate leads and sales When you write blog posts that are relevant to your target audience, you can include calls to action that encourage them to learn more about your products or services, or to contact you for a consultation. The blogging landscape has changed in recent years, the space is more competitive as more blogs exist and competition for audience numbers grows. Hand in hand with this social media and video have become more popular ways to consume content, especially amongst younger audiences. However amongst all of this blogs still play an important role in the content marketing mix. Blogging resources - how to become a blogger As you learn how to create a blog and become a blogger, browse these blogging resources to help guide you through the writing process, SEO and more: Blog post checklist : Check off these steps to ensure you’ve covered all the bases with your first blog post. Blogging for beginners : Read through these additional tips on how to start your blog from scratch. Free online writing courses (Udemy) : Browse Udemy for professional writing courses that will help you develop your blogging skills. Free SEO tutorial (Moz) : Learn the basics of SEO with this free six-part video course. Blogging tools to make a blog successful Finally, online tools are a big part of launching a blog, since they make the process more streamlined and efficient. Here’s a quick list of some helpful blogging tools you can use to start a blog—don’t forget to bookmark them for future reference: Google Keyword Planner : Get data about which keywords to use in your blog posts. Google Analytics : Obtain insights into your blog’s data to strengthen its performance. Google Search Console : Have a clear view of the number of website visitors and clicks your blog receives. ShareThrough’s headline analyzer : Type in your headline and get feedback on its strengths and weaknesses. Pexels : Find free stock photos for your blog articles. Grammarly : Review your writing with an AI editing tool. BuzzSumo : Keep track of trending content to create relevant, targeted posts. Asana : Manage your writing schedule with an online task management tool. At this point, you have all the tools and resources you need for starting a blog. You couldn't have found a more rewarding endeavor, and I couldn't be more honored to help you create a blog and get it off the ground. Feel free to bookmark this guide as a reference as you begin this new journey, and happy blogging. Firsthand insights from a successful wedding planner For Kristine, a seasoned wedding planner, the busiest months mean juggling new inquiries, onboarding next year’s couples and producing multiple weddings at once. “Wedding season is intense… it definitely isn't for the faint of heart and requires an incredible attention to detail,” she says. Her blog has become a way to share guidance, ease decision fatigue and build trust with couples before they even reach out. That’s where Wix makes the difference. “I use Wix blogs consistently as well as forms. These two tools have helped me consistently place high for SEO in Google and streamlined inquiries from couples all over the world,” she shares. Like other pros featured in Wix’s wedding season advice for businesses , Kristine uses her blog to both support couples and scale her business, showing how a Wix blog can be a marketing tool and an authentic extension of client care. Why trust Wix’s experts? This article was written by Wix’s in-house experts, who have years of experience helping people start and grow successful blogs. Every tip, template suggestion and example comes from real Wix projects, designed to help you launch a blog that looks professional, runs smoothly and supports your long-term goals. At Wix, we’ve helped millions of creators, business owners and entrepreneurs share their ideas through blogging. Our team stays at the forefront of content, SEO and design trends, ensuring the guidance we provide is practical, actionable and rooted in real-world results. You can trust this blog as a go-to resource for every stage of your blogging journey, from setting up your first post to scaling your content into a lasting online presence. You can also read more about is Wix good for blogging  and why. How to start a blog FAQ How can I start a blog for free? First of all, you'll need to choose a blogging platform with free user options. With Wix, for example, you can create a blog for free. You can also save money when starting a blog by writing all of your content yourself and by using as many free content planning and keyword research tools as possible. You can also use stock images included within the template or editor of your blogging platform for free in most cases. How do I make a successful blog? First of all you'll need to define 'successful.' Generally a successful blog is one which has a large readership, and generates considerable amounts of traffic. But depending on your blog niche, the goals of a successful blog may look different. For some bloggers an engaged readership who share your content widely and look at it as a source of authority and trust, is what defines the success of their blog. For other bloggers how fast, and effectively their blog can be monetized or act as a part of their marketing funnel, would be another indicator of success. Is blogging still worth it in 2025? Yes, blogging is still worth it. Despite the rise of social media platforms and video content, blogging continues to be a valuable medium for individuals and businesses. Here are a few reasons why blogging remains relevant: content ownership and control is all yours on a blog, unlike with social media; blogs still work for building search engine visibility and traffic; blogs still work for community building. and establishing your brand authority; there's still huge potential for blogs to be monetized. How to make a blogging website? There are a few steps necessary to making a blogging website. Once you've chosen your blog niche, you'll need to create your actual site. Choose a website builder, like Wix, with hosting included and everything you need to create a blogging website from their blog creator. How do bloggers get paid? Bloggers can get paid in a variety of ways, including: Advertising: Bloggers can sell ad space on their blog to businesses. The amount of money bloggers make from advertising will vary depending on the size and popularity of their blog. Affiliate marketing: Bloggers can promote other people's products or services on their blog and earn a commission on each sale that they generate. Sponsored posts: Bloggers can write posts about specific products or services in exchange for payment from the company that produces the product or service. Selling digital products: Bloggers can create and sell digital products, such as e-books, online courses or templates. Selling physical products: Bloggers can sell physical products, such as merchandise or handmade goods. Membership sites: Bloggers can create membership sites where readers pay a monthly or annual fee to access exclusive content or resources. The best way for bloggers to get paid is to diversify their income streams. This way, if one income stream dries up, they will still have other sources of income. Can you start a blog as a side hustle? Yes, you can start a blog as a side hustle. In fact, blogging is a popular side hustle for many people, as it can be a relatively low-cost and low-time commitment way to make extra money. When starting a blog as a side hustle, you will need to choose a niche, create a blog and start publishing content. Once you have a following, you can monetize your blog through a variety of methods, such as advertising, affiliate marketing and selling your own products or services. How to write a blog post with AI? AI can be a valuable asset throughout the content production process, from generating topic ideas to serving as a proofreader. AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard can help brainstorm blog topics, provide research insights, construct outlines and even write drafts. However, it's crucial to review and refine AI-generated content to ensure accuracy, relevance and adherence to your brand voice. Additionally, grammar checkers like Grammarly and ProWritingAid can assist in proofreading, but their suggestions should be considered carefully to avoid altering creative writing styles. Do blogs make money? Yes, blogs can be profitable ventures with the potential to generate income through various monetization strategies. Common methods include advertising (e.g., Google AdSense), sponsored content, affiliate marketing, selling digital or physical products, offering services and membership/subscriptions. Successful bloggers often diversify their income streams and focus on providing value to their audience to maximize revenue potential. How do I start a blog with no money? To start a blog with no money, begin by leveraging low-cost blogging platforms and use social media and online communities to attract visitors. Invest time and effort into building relationships with your audience and consistently providing value through your content. With dedication and persistence, you can gradually grow your blog into a successful venture without initial financial investment. How to make a blog popular? To be in with any chance of making a popular blog, you're going to need to start by choosing a popular niche (something you know at least one audience once will) and then by creating great content. To become popular though you'll then need to invest as much again in promoting your blog, generating traffic to it and engaging your readers. Popular can be defined in many different ways when describing a blog - traffic, readers, shares, going viral, comments and engagement, sales from a blog. Make sure to define what popular means to you before chasing it. What are the baby steps to starting a blog? Choosing a niche is an important baby step in starting your blog. Once you’ve picked one, start writing. Don’t get caught up in perfecting your blog’s design or tackling technical details just yet—those can come later. Focus on sharing your passion and ideas in your unique voice. Write content that feels natural and engaging, whether it’s a story, a tip or an idea. Publishing your first posts, even if they’re not perfect, is the best way to grow and improve. What are legal considerations for bloggers? Bloggers need to be aware of several legal considerations to ensure compliance and protect themselves. Key areas include creating a privacy policy to inform readers about data collection practices, using disclaimers to clarify the accuracy of information and any affiliate relationships, and respecting copyright laws by using only licensed or original content. Additionally, bloggers should be mindful of advertising regulations, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines in the U.S., which require clear disclosure of sponsored content and affiliate links. What is the 80/20 rule for blogging? The 80/20 rule for blogging suggests you should focus 80% of your efforts on promoting your content and 20% on creating it. This principle highlights that even the best content can go unnoticed without proper promotion. By dedicating more time to sharing posts on social media, optimizing for SEO and engaging with your audience through email or collaborations, you can amplify the reach and impact of your blog. How much money is 1000 views on a blog? Earnings from 1,000 blog views vary widely based on factors like your blog's niche, the ad networks you use and how you monetize your site. On platforms like Google AdSense, you might earn anywhere from $1 to $10 per 1,000 views depending on your audience's demographics and interests. If you use affiliate marketing or sell your own products, this amount could be higher. Understanding your audience and diversifying income streams can help maximize your earnings per thousand views.