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Build your website in minutes, try Wix for free today → The free website builders make it easy to get your business or project online, even if you’ve never built a website before. You don’t need to be a tech expert to create something unique, as a website builder guides you through every step. Wix delivers an AI website builder that shortens your time to launch, so you can go from idea to live site without touching code. In this guide, we’ll introduce the best free website builders you can use and explain how to start a website, whether you want a simple one-page portfolio or a full business website. TL;DR: best free website builders Creating a website is simple with free website builders. They offer drag-and-drop editors, pre-designed templates and built in SEO and marketing tools. These platforms allow you to customize your design, manage content in one place and upgrade your plan as your website grows, making it easy to launch quickly without coding. Builder Features Pricing Wix Drag and drop editor, AI builder, templates, SEO and business tools Free, paid from $17/month Weebly Drag and drop builder, responsive themes, SEO and eCommerce tools Free, paid from $13/month Webflow Advanced design control, CMS, templates Free, paid from $15/month Jimdo Beginner friendly builder, responsive design, booking tools Free, paid from $11/month Strikingly Simple builder, eCommerce, analytics, email tools Free, paid from $16/month Google Sites Basic templates, Google integration, easy setup Free, paid from $7/month Ucraft Drag and drop builder, templates, logo maker, multilingual tools Free trial, paid from $6/month Carrd One page sites, simple templates, fast setup Free, paid from $9/year 8 best free website builders Wix Weebly Webflow Jimdo Strikingly Google Sites Ucraft Carrd 01. Wix Wix is a top pick if you’re looking for a free website builder that has it all. Wix offers a no-code website builder to get you online fast, so you can launch without touching a line of code. It offers an intuitive interface that makes it easy to build your website, even if you’re new to web design. With the Wix Editor, you can customize fonts, color schemes, shadows and even letter spacing so your site looks exactly how you want. The platform also has hundreds of templates to choose from. Wix provides an AI website builder that generates beautiful, fully customizable sites. Instead of starting from scratch, you can chat with Wix’s AI website builder tool, answer a few quick questions and watch as it creates your custom website in minutes. If you'd rather describe your site than click through menus, Wix Harmony takes you from a single prompt to a business-ready site for any industry or creative vision, so you can start from an idea and shape it from there. Wix also offers essential features for eCommerce, blogging, scheduling and events to give your site advanced functionality. Pricing: Free plan available. Premium plans start at $17 per month. Learn more: Best AI website examples Is Wix free? 02. Weebly Weebly is a popular website builder that provides handy tools to build your website and grow your business. It has a drag-and-drop editor and mobile-responsive themes so your website looks polished on any device. Beyond website creation, Weebly has premium features for marketing, SEO and eCommerce. This makes it a great platform for anyone looking to establish an online presence. Weebly's biggest edge is its connection to Square, the company that owns it. You can sync your online store with Square's point-of-sale system, so your inventory and sales stay updated whether a purchase happens on your site or in person. Weebly also has an App Center with hundreds of add-ons for extending what your site can do. Pricing: Free plan available. Premium plans start at $13 per month (billed annually). 03. Webflow Webflow offers creative freedom, making it a solid choice for anyone with a bit of design or coding experience. Its design tools let you create everything from simple blogs to highly detailed websites. The free plan offers a range of advanced features, which is pretty rare for free builders. It also has a wide selection of free templates organized by industry to help you quickly find the right fit. That said, Webflow’s learning curve is steeper than most drag-and-drop builders. So, it might take a little time to get used to. What sets Webflow apart is how much design control it gives you. It turns your visual edits into clean HTML, CSS and JavaScript that you can even export and its collection-based CMS makes it easy to manage dynamic content like blog posts or portfolios. You can also build scroll effects, hover states and multi-step animations visually, without writing any JavaScript. Pricing: Free plan available. Premium plans start at $15 per month (billed annually). 04. Jimdo Jimdo is perfect for business owners who want to create simple websites. It has easy-to-use blocks, a library of free photographs and tons of design features to help you build your site to your liking. You also get responsive designs that adapt to various screen sizes, so you don’t have to create different versions of your website for mobile and desktop. Moreover, you can create an online store to sell products and find new customers. Visitors can also book your services with an integrated booking tool. Jimdo also offers an AI-guided setup that builds a tailored site in minutes from a few questions about your business, so you can skip the blank page entirely. For European users especially, its automatic legal text generator creates privacy policy, terms and imprint pages to help you stay compliant. Pricing: Free plan available. Premium plans start at $11 per month (billed annually). 05. Strikingly Strikingly offers a simple drag-and-drop builder that lets you create a website without coding or design skills. You can also create signup forms and newsletters in one place to grow your audience and keep them engaged. In addition, the platform lets you add an online store with shipping, coupons and membership log-ins to start making sales from your website. Additional features include social media integration, built-in analytics and a blogging platform. Strikingly is built around sleek single-page sites, where visitors scroll through sections instead of clicking between pages. You build by stacking prebuilt sections, which keeps things fast and beginner-friendly, and you can make your site multilingual or lean on 24/7 live chat support if you get stuck. Pricing: Free plan available. Premium plans start at $16 per month (billed annually). 06. Google Sites Google Sites is an ideal place to start if you’re brand new to building websites and want something straightforward. The platform’s free plan allows you to choose from a variety of themes and templates and customize them with headers, footers, images, fonts and menus. In addition, you can connect Google Sites to most Google products like Google Analytics. You can also insert Google Workspace tools like Google Docs and links and files from your Google Drive. Google Sites shines at collaboration. Multiple people can edit the same site at once with real-time co-editing, just like in Google Docs, and version history lets you roll back to an earlier version whenever you need. Granular sharing permissions also let you control exactly who can view or edit each part of your site. Pricing: It’s free on its own. Paid plans to use it with Google Workspace start at $7 per month. 07. Ucraft Ucraft offers a drag-and-drop editor and beautiful templates on its free plan. It also has a user-friendly Content Editor that makes it easy to change your content without altering your site's design or functionality. Moreover, the platform offers extra features like a Translation App to make your website content available in other languages. You also get a free logo maker, an online store builder and AI-powered customer support. Ucraft gives you more visual control than most free builders through its Design Mode, where you can fine-tune typography, spacing and other style details across your site. It also includes a free SEO app for optimizing your pages and connects with a wide range of third-party marketing, media and eCommerce tools to extend your site's functionality. Pricing: 14-day trial period. Premium plans start at $6 per month (billed annually). 08. Carrd Carrd is a simple one-page website builder. It’s perfect for a free landing page, portfolios or personal sites. The platform is easy to use and offers a free plan that includes customizable templates and basic customization options. It's ideal for anyone who wants to get a website up and running quickly without a steep learning curve. Despite its simplicity, Carrd supports contact and signup forms and connects with email marketing tools like Mailchimp, so you can capture leads straight from your page. You can also embed widgets and code from services like Stripe, PayPal and Typeform to add payments or richer functionality, and you get granular control to fine-tune how your site looks on mobile. Pricing: Free plan available. Premium plans start at $9 per year. *Editor's note: All information in this blog is accurate as of 15/07/2026. Features, pricing and other details may change over time. What is a website builder? A website builder is a tool that helps you create different types of websites without any technical expertise. You can drag, drop and customize everything to make your site look exactly how you want. For example, if you want to promote your services, a business website with multiple pages might be the way to go. But if you’re looking for something simple and sleek, a one-page website can be perfect for showing off your portfolio or a specific project. Learn more: Multi-page website vs. one-page website Parts of a website How to start a business Best content management systems What is a website builder? What to look for in a free online website builder Here’s what to look for when choosing a free website maker: 01. Ease of use The best builders have a friendly interface so you can navigate the platform with ease, even if you’re just starting out. They also offer a drag-and-drop editor that helps you add elements like texts, images and buttons and provide plenty of templates so you can get started quickly. 02. Mobile-friendly templates A 2024 study by DataReportal shows that 93.7% of people aged 16 and above use their smartphones to access the internet. So, you can be sure that most people will visit your website on their phones, and if your site doesn’t look good on mobile versions, you could lose a lot of visitors. That’s why popular website builders offer website templates that automatically adapt to different screen sizes—whether someone’s using a desktop, tablet or phone. Learn more: How to choose a website template What is a mobile website 03. Security Web security still matters even if you’re creating a website for free. Look for features like SSL certificates (that padlock symbol in the browser) and basic security against hackers to keep your site secure and reliable. Learn more: Site reliability 04. SEO and marketing tools A good website builder gives you access to SEO tools to help boost your online visibility. SEO settings that let you add things like meta tags and image alt texts can make a big difference in how search engine bots crawl your website. Builders that come with marketing features are a bonus, too. Options like basic email marketing tools and social media integration can help grow your website traffic and engagement. Learn more: Marketing strategies 05. Limits of the free plan Free website builders usually come with a few trade-offs. One is limited storage space, which means you might not be able to upload tons of images or videos. So, if you plan on growing your website, you’ll want to check what those limits are. You’ll also get basic design features on most free plans. That means limited customization options and, sometimes, the builder’s branding slapped on your site. That said, some free website builders like Wix often come with additional website features, like an online portfolio or a blog maker, that make your website more functional. Learn more: How to start a blog How to build a website Let’s now look at the steps to follow to create a website for your business or portfolio. Learn more: How to create a professional website How to launch a new website like a pro How to make a subscription website How much does it cost to build a website? 01. Register a domain name First things first—you need a domain name. This is your website’s address, and it’s how people will find you online. Most free website builders will give you a default URL that includes their branding, like yoursite.websitebuilder.com. If you want something more personalized, you can do a domain name search to check if your preferred name is available. Some free plans let you connect your custom domain, while others might ask you to upgrade for that option. Learn more: What is a domain? 02. Choose a web hosting provider Builders like Wix offer free web hosting features as part of their free plan. That way, you can focus on creating your website without worrying about where it “lives” on the internet. Just remember, free hosting might come with limited features, like storage caps or having the builder’s branding on your site. Learn more: What is web hosting? 03. Design your website A free website builder makes website development simple. No coding—just easy-to-use tools that let you focus on designing your website. You can pick a basic template and customize it with texts, logos, color palettes and fonts until it matches your brand identity. Learn more: Website ideas Website infrastructure What is web design? 04. Manage your website Once your website is live, the real work begins: website management. The good news is that most builders offer simple dashboards where you can handle everything in one place. That way, you can do regular updates to keep your site fresh and increase the chances of visitors coming back. Learn more: How to make a website accessible Free website builders FAQ What is the best free website builder? The best free website builder depends on your needs, but some one of the top options includes Wix, known for its user-friendly drag-and-drop editor and customizable templates. Each option has unique features, so choosing the best one depends on your goals and level of experience. Is Wix really free? Yes, Wix offers a free plan that allows you to create a fully functional website. With the free plan, you’ll have access to Wix’s drag-and-drop editor, templates and basic features. Note, your site will display Wix ads and you’ll need to use a Wix subdomain (example, username.wixsite.com/sitename). To remove ads and connect a custom domain, you’ll need to upgrade to a premium plan. Can I create a website for free? Absolutely! Many website builders, like Wix, Ucraft and Google Sites, offer free plans that let you build and publish a website without spending a penny. These free plans usually include basic tools and hosting but come with limitations, such as ads and subdomains. If you need advanced features like custom domains, eCommerce functionality or ad-free experiences, you can always upgrade to a paid plan later. What are some of the top free website makers? Some of the top free website makers include Wix, WordPress, Google Sites, Weebly and SITE123. Each offers drag-and-drop editing, mobile-friendly templates, web hosting and other essential features/infrastructure for beginners making a free website without coding knowledge.

Build your website in minutes, try Wix for free today → The best restaurant website builders let you launch a professional site that shows off your dishes, takes reservations and handles online ordering, all without any coding. Running a restaurant already takes passion and dedication, so getting online should feel just as rewarding, not like another chore. Wix gives you the tools to build a professional restaurant website fast, so you can spend your energy on the food and the guests. In this guide you'll learn which website builders work best for restaurants, the features that matter most and how to get your restaurant online quickly. Use Wix's restaurant website builder to get your business off the ground today. TL;DR: best restaurant website builders Today, customers are increasingly finding restaurants online, which makes your website a very important part of your business. The best restaurant website builders make it easy to design a professional site, showcase your menu, take reservations and accept online orders. We’ve rounded up the top platforms to help you choose the right one and start attracting more diners. Website builder Key highlights Pricing Wix Wix Harmony AI website builder, restaurant-specific templates, intuitive menu design, commission-free online ordering, online reservations, Wix and Dine apps, custom app building, marketing and analytics tools, integrations with third-party restaurant apps, web accessibility support Free plan; paid plans at $17/month GloriaFood Instant website generator, commission free online ordering, mobile app for management, reservations with food pre ordering, integrated promos Free plan; paid add ons BentoBox Access to design team for custom branded websites, integration with Clover POS, real time reporting, responsive websites, SEO and ADA compliance Available upon request UpMenu 28 responsive menu templates, online ordering, mobile friendly websites and menus, hosting included, branded mobile apps, marketing tools Paid plans start at $49/month Flavor Plate Free full service website setup, built in SEO, ADA compliance, online ordering, menu management, restaurant gift cards $49/mo Restaurantify Built in email marketing, mobile app creation, online ordering and payment processing, full range of marketing services Free plan; paid plans start at $54/month Weebly Restaurant specific apps, free website builder, eCommerce capabilities, website reporting, mobile management Free plan; paid plans start at $13/month When it comes to choosing a website builder, you want a platform that’s flexible, powerful and easy to use. Wix is trusted by millions to effortlessly create stunning websites. Try it for yourself and discover what makes Wix unique and why it could be the perfect fit for your next project. 7 of the best restaurant website builders in 2026 Wix GloriaFood BentoBox UpMenu Flavor Plate Restaurantify Weebly 01. Wix You may already know Wix as one of the best platforms for learning how to make a professional website, but did you know it has loads of hospitality-specific features that make it a great website builder for restaurants? Wix features give you the flexibility to get your restaurant online with as much or as little involvement as you’d like in the design process. If you want to build a web presence for your restaurant in mere minutes, you can start with Wix Harmony, Wix's flagship AI website maker. Go from a single prompt describing your restaurant to a fully designed, business-ready website. You can then keep shaping every detail by chatting with Aria, Wix Harmony's built-in AI agent, who brings both web design expertise and business strategy knowledge to the conversation, or switch to full drag-and-drop editing at any point. Wix Harmony pioneers a hybrid creation experience: move fluidly between AI-driven generation and precise manual editing, so you're never locked into one mode and always in control of your restaurant's brand identity. Alternatively, you can start with one of dozens of simple website templates or choose from a selection of restaurant and food templates designed especially for food service businesses. The integrated online ordering system invites your customers to enjoy delivery or pickup directly through your site, allowing them to order immediate service or schedule deliveries for later. For those managing multiple locations for their food business, Wix makes it easy for your site visitors to find their nearest establishment. You can offer multiple payment options and send automatic confirmation emails, all without having to integrate or pay for a third-party service, thanks to Wix's out-of-the-box tools. You can additionally invite customers to book a table through your website. Email automations can alert you of new reservations, plus remind customers about their upcoming reservations to reduce no-shows. If you want to expand your restaurant’s web presence even further, Branded App by Wix gives you the creative freedom to build an iOS and Android app for your restaurant without writing a single line of code. Wix enables businesses to launch branded iOS and Android mobile apps without coding, extending your restaurant's reach to mobile-first customers through push notifications and in-app ordering. Wix also gives you access to powerful marketing tools (including AI-powered SEO tools, analytics and more) to help your business increase its revenue and reach new customers. In addition to all of the restaurant tools that come built into Wix’s website builder, you can integrate Wix apps for things like delivery services, POS and promotional tools, to make your website work even harder. For restaurants looking to grow beyond their local market or manage more complex operations, Wix supports multi-currency payments, automated tax calculations and integrations with ERP and CRM systems, so your website can scale with your business without switching platforms. You can also read Wix reviews direct from users who've built a website or started a business. Wix restaurant website builder highlights: Get online fast with Wix Harmony, go from a single prompt to a business-ready restaurant website Hybrid AI and drag-and-drop creation with Aria, Wix Harmony's built-in AI agent Intuitive, informative menu design Commission-free online ordering Online reservations system Wix app, Dine with Wix app and custom app building options Built-in marketing and analytics tools Integrations with third-party restaurant apps Web accessibility automation and support Enterprise-grade infrastructure with 99.99% uptime and built-in security Pricing: Free and multi-solution premium plans available. Paid plans start at $17 per month. Cost to build a website varies. Related: For inspo, discover the story behind the rise of Modern Bread & Bagel and the restaurant website that fueled its growth. 02. GloriaFood GloriaFood offers an inviting platform for restaurateurs taking their first steps online. Its swift website generation is a highlight, providing an immediate and user-friendly online presence. Customization is straightforward, with a choice of images to add a touch of personality to your site. The real perk of GloriaFood is its built-in online ordering system, which allows you to start accepting pickup and delivery orders right away, commission-free—a significant plus for any restaurant keeping a close eye on profits. You can even add promotions to your online ordering menu (such as free delivery for orders over a certain threshold or a discount for new orders) to increase your average order value. While the design options are not as extensive as some might wish, they are more than sufficient for those looking to get started without any hassle. The ease of use extends to order management through their mobile app, simplifying the process even during the busiest hours. GloriaFood restaurant website builder highlights: Instant website generator Commission-free online ordering platform Mobile app for managing your business Reservations tool with food pre-ordering Integrated ordering promos Pricing: Free plan with optional add-ons. Learn more: What is a website builder? How to make a website 03. BentoBox If you're seeking a bespoke website that mirrors the distinctive flair of your restaurant without the hefty price tag or time commitment of a custom-built site, BentoBox could be the Goldilocks solution. With the full-service design experience that BentoBox offers, you're in the driver's seat, guiding a dedicated team to bring your unique vision to life. BentoBox's team of design experts, as well as your personal account manager, will work with you to create a site that reflects your brand's essence. They will help you create a site that's more than just visually appealing—they will equip your site with the right tools to streamline online reservations and ordering. After launching your new website, the team will hand over the reins to you so that you can add the finishing touches to your site yourself. That said, BentoBox pledges to keep your online presence as dynamic as your dining room, offering annual site refreshes and a comprehensive redesign every three years. It's important to note that such a high level of service and customization comes with the Plus plan, which carries a premium not common among the more budget-friendly builders discussed. This plan is best suited for restaurants ready to invest in a robust online presence that stands out in a crowded market. BentoBox restaurant website builder highlights: Direct access to BentoBox’s design team to build a custom, branded website Integration with Clover POS and other operations-focused solutions Real-time reporting Responsive websites for use on every device Built-in SEO best practices ADA-compliant features Pricing: Price available upon request. 04. UpMenu UpMenu's restaurant website builder is specifically focused on making your menu as beautiful online as it is at your restaurant. You’ll start with one of 28 menu templates, most of which are included in UpMenu’s basic offering. All of these templates are responsive, so customers will have a great experience using them whether they’re browsing from their desktops or mobile devices. Each menu template is easy to navigate, looks great and gives customers all of the information they need to make an informed decision, whether they’re using your online menu to dine in or order delivery. You can add tantalizing photos to every dish, or add them only to your most profitable options to drive customers to choose those. Besides naming dishes and adding descriptions and prices, you can also tag dishes to alert customers of special considerations, like allergens or spice levels. Like other platforms, UpMenu lets you split your menu into categories to differentiate courses or highlight popular options. When customers tap on one of these sections, they’re automatically taken to it, which can make a large menu easier to navigate. After adding food to their carts using your UpMenu online menu, customers can choose from pickup or delivery, add a delivery address, add a tip and/or apply a coupon at checkout. UpMenu’s online menus do more than let you display your options; they help you generate revenue from off-premises dining. UpMenu restaurant website builder highlights: Lots of menu templates Online ordering capabilities Mobile-friendly websites and online menus Hosting included Branded mobile apps Built-in marketing tools Pricing: Starts from $49 per month. 05. Flavor Plate For those who want a hands-free experience, Flavor Plate guarantees easy setup—offering a free, accessibility-tested design right from the jump. Simply activate your account and a Flavor Plate support specialist will reach out to collect your brand assets. You'll then receive a website within three business days. Upon request, Flavor Plate will grant you access to your design editor, where you can chat with your designer and request changes to your web pages at your leisure. All sites designed by Flavor Plate take technical SEO requirements, ADA compliance and security into consideration. If you're not happy with the result—no problem. You can cancel your service for a full refund within 60 days of subscribing. After your design is complete, you can further manage your content using the platform's user-friendly admin tools. From here on out, you're in control of your site, though Flavor Plate's support team is available seven days a week. You can schedule complimentary consultations to discuss your domain, email setup, SEO and/or web hosting. Take advantage of other restaurant-specific website features that Flavor Plate's builder offers, such as customer communication forms, gift card sales and more. Flavor Plate restaurant website builder highlights: Free, full-service website building Built-in SEO capabilities Focus on ADA compliance to make your website more accessible Online ordering platform Menu management capabilities Restaurant gift cards Pricing: $49 per month. 06. Restaurantify Creating a beautiful, informative website for your restaurant will only take you so far in business. Restaurantify’s website builder pays special attention to restaurant marketing. Add a call-to-action on your website to encourage visitors to sign up for your email list, then use Restaurantify to target them with effective email campaigns. You can use Restaurantify's email tools to automatically send subscribers both timely and evergreen messages, such as welcome emails and new sign-up discounts. And, to build customer loyalty, you can segment your audience and send subscribers targeted messages that they’ll be more likely to respond to. For example, you could invite regulars to an exclusive event at your restaurant and offer customers you haven’t seen in a while a free drink to entice them back in. Like others on this list, Restaurantify offers a wide range of restaurant-specific email templates that are designed to be both attractive and conversion-focused. These templates are pre-populated with relevant content and images, and they're optimized for mobile devices. This means that you can create beautiful and effective email marketing campaigns quickly and easily, without having to worry about the technical details. Restaurantify also has digital marketing services, including link-building and SEO services, to take marketing off your plate. You can additionally choose from creative packages to elevate your menu design, social media promotions and more. Restaurantify restaurant website builder highlights: Built-in email marketing tools Mobile app creation Online order capabilities Payment processing Full range of marketing services Pricing: Free plans available. Paid plans starting at $54 per month. 07. Weebly With almost 400 apps available in its app center, Weebly flaunts an impressive library of restaurant-specific integrations. You can launch an online presence for your restaurant with Weebly’s free website builder, then upgrade later and use integrations to add more capabilities to your website as your business grows. Like other platforms, Weebly offers integrated apps for eCommerce, communications, marketing, social media and much more. For instance, you could use the Popup app to add popups to your site in order to encourage email signups or announce your new seasonal menu. In addition to general business integrations, the app store has restaurant-specific tools, such as apps that let you design a menu or improve your local SEO. Many of these apps have a basic free version and let you upgrade to a paid version as needed. Beyond its app center, Weebly’s website builder makes creating an online presence for your restaurant easy. You can start with a template, and then use the platform’s drag-and-drop builder to customize your site. Add video backgrounds and custom fonts to stand out and stay true to your brand. Weebly’s analytics help you make business decisions, while its mobile app makes it easy to track website performance on the go. Weebly restaurant website builder highlights: Restaurant-specific apps Free website builder Sell merch via Weebly’s eCommerce capabilities Website reporting Mobile app for on-the-go website management Pricing: Free plans available. Paid plans starting at $13 per month. Ready to get your restaurant online? Sign up for Wix today to start building your restaurant website. Editor’s note: all prices are current as of April 2026. Features to look for in a restaurant website builder The right restaurant website builder does more than make your site look good. It should handle the day-to-day work of running a restaurant online, from taking orders to filling tables. Here are the features that matter most. Restaurant-specific templates Look for a builder with templates made for food service, not generic business layouts. Wix offers customizable website templates for a site that feels like you, so you can start from a restaurant design and adjust the colors, photos and layout to match your space. Online ordering and delivery Direct online ordering lets guests order pickup or delivery straight from your site, often without the commission that third-party apps charge. Check whether the builder supports scheduled orders, multiple locations and automatic confirmation emails. Reservations and table booking A built-in reservation system lets diners book a table without calling. With Wix you can build a booking website that includes tools for scheduling, payments and client reminders, which helps cut down on no-shows and keeps bookings in one place. Menu management Your online menu should be as easy to read as the one on the table. Look for tools that let you organize dishes into categories, add photos and prices and tag items for allergens or spice levels. Mobile optimization Most diners will find you on their phones, so your site needs to load fast and work smoothly on small screens. A good builder optimizes the mobile version automatically so ordering and booking stay simple. SEO and marketing tools Built-in SEO helps hungry locals find you in search results, and marketing tools keep regulars coming back. Wix boosts brand visibility with a business website builder that includes SEO and email marketing tools, so you can manage search, email and analytics from one place. Learn more: Wix vs. GoDaddy Wix vs. Shopify Cheapest website builders Best restaurant website builders FAQ How much does it cost to build a website for a restaurant? The cost of building a website for a restaurant can vary widely depending on various factors such as the complexity of design, functionality, features and whether you choose to hire a professional developer or use DIY website builders. Generally, the cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. DIY website builders may offer cheaper options while hiring a professional developer can provide more customization but at a higher cost. What are the five most important features for a restaurant website? a. Menu: A clear and visually appealing display of your restaurant's menu is crucial. Include descriptions, prices and any special dietary information. b. Online ordering: Providing the option for customers to make reservations or order food online can greatly enhance convenience and increase sales. c. High-quality images: Showcase your restaurant's ambiance, dishes and staff with professional, high-resolution images to entice potential customers. d. Contact information and location: Make it easy for customers to find and contact your restaurant by prominently displaying your address, phone number and a map. e. Mobile responsiveness: With an increasing number of users accessing websites via mobile devices, ensuring your website is optimized for mobile viewing is essential for reaching a broader audience. Should I hire someone to create my restaurant website? Whether to hire someone to create your restaurant website depends on your budget, time and technical expertise. DIY website builders offer a cost-effective solution, and you can have your website up and running in a matter of hours or days. Templates, pre-built modules and easy customization options streamline the process, eliminating the need for lengthy design and development phases. Hiring a professional developer or design agency can provide a tailored, high-quality website but at a higher cost. Consider your specific needs, goals and resources before making a decision. Is Wix good for restaurants? Yes and especially for independent dining establishments. Wix offers dedicated restaurant tools including easy menu design, online ordering for pickup/delivery and table reservation systems. It provides professional restaurant templates that are easy to update, offering an effective all-in-one solution to manage your food business online.

Get your professional business email address → You have a great idea for a new business venture. You’ve felt the bolt of inspiration, the rush of energy and you’re eager to make it work. But before you get wrapped up in those new business butterflies, you’ll need to do some careful planning to ensure you actually succeed. That’s where a business planning checklist can help. As you go from concept to company, you’ll need to answer some key questions: How much startup money will you need? Who will handle the books? How can you create a beautiful and functional website for your new brand? If you’re ready to find the answers, read on. Use this business startup checklist as your personal to-do list. Check off all of these boxes and you’ll be well on your way to kicking off a booming business. Ready to launch? Build your business website today with Wix. 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. Your ultimate business startup checklist Flesh out your business idea Estimate your startup costs Write your business plan Find funding Choose a location Pick a business structure Select a business name Create a website Register your business with your state Get your EIN number Apply for licenses and permits Create an operational plan Get help with accounting Hire employees Obtain business insurance Spread the word 01. Flesh out your business idea The first step toward launching your company is coming up with an idea. Often, the most successful businesses are driven by a personal passion. If you're obsessed with home improvement projects, then you might start a construction or handyman business. If you spend 90% of your free time working out, then you might choose to open your own gym. Once you have your idea, you need to make sure it’s business-worthy. Find out by diving into market research. Investigate the potential market size in your niche. Research your likely competitors, and reach out to would-be customers to learn why they gravitate towards particular products or services. If you’re creating a brand-new product, develop a prototype that you can test. Then, use all of this information to determine your unique selling proposition (that is, the thing that makes your business stand out). 02. Estimate your startup costs To get your company off of the ground, you’ll need at least a little bit of startup capital. The cost to start a business will vary based on the type of company you’re opening. An online business, for example, will likely cost less than a company that requires a storefront on Main Street. When calculating your startup costs, consider your expenses for equipment, property rental (including the initial deposit), production, inventory and marketing. Add in the cost of any licenses, fees or permits you’ll need to acquire. Be sure to set aside a contingency fund for future expenses. It takes most businesses two-to-three years to turn a profit, so your savings will help you cover operational costs in the interim. 03. Write your business plan Writing a business plan is arguably the most important to-do item on your business startup checklist. It will serve as the blueprint for your company’s formation, with details about your goals, strategies and financial projections. You’ll share your business plan with investors, banks and potential partners in order to earn their trust, so it must be compelling and impactful. You can create a one-page plan that gives a quick snapshot of your business. Or, you can create a multi-page plan that dives into the details. No matter which format you choose, your business plan should include all the basics of how to start a business, including these items: Executive summary: Provide a brief overview of everything in your plan, including a summary of your business and its goals. Company description: Include your name, mission statement and goals more in detail. Products or services: Create a list of your offerings, proof of concept and pricing. Market analysis: Provide an overview of your potential market size, target audience and your competitors. Marketing and operations plan: Explain how you’ll reach your customers and grow your brand. Management and organization: Describe your company’s structure or include an organization chart. Financial projections: Outline your startup costs, sales forecasts and needed funding. Appendices: If you have anything further to add, provide materials in this section. Not sure where to begin? Use this business plan template as your guide. Your plan will be a living and breathing document, so you’ll want to review and update it regularly pre- and post-launch. 04. Find funding If you’ve followed all the steps up to this point, then you should know how much money you need to start your business. Now, it’s time to find those funds. If you already have enough money in your personal savings to get started, or if you have multiple income streams, you may not need additional startup money. No need to worry if you don’t have the cash on hand. There are plenty of ways to generate funding these days. You can explore loans and grants from organizations like the Small Business Administration, or you can secure a business loan from a local bank. Angel investors and venture capital offer two other potential funding sources, especially for startups or businesses looking to give up equity in exchange for an investment. So, too, does crowdfunding, an approach that leverages platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to collect money from individuals who want to support your new business. 05. Choose a location Every business needs a place to call home. Even if you’re thinking about how to start an online business, your company will eventually need a mailing address. Choosing the right location for your business is an important step, because it impacts your taxes, revenue and legal requirements. Understand the rules in the jurisdiction where your business will reside. If you’re starting a business that needs a physical presence, look carefully at the location of potential office and retail sites. Consider: How accessible is it for you and your employees? How close is it to your product suppliers? Is there potential for a lot of foot traffic? If you plan to lease commercial space, hiring a commercial real estate agent is a wise move. But if you don’t have your heart set on a specific location yet, then check out this list of the best states to start a business. More resources for starting a business in your state How to start a business in Michigan How to start a business in Connecticut How to start a business in South Carolina How to start a business in Tennessee How to start a business in Minnesota How to start a business in New York How to start a business in Pennsylvania How to start a business in Virginia How to start a business in Indiana How to start a business in Washington state 06. Pick a business structure Your business structure will determine how much you’ll pay in taxes and your personal liability. Most business owners will choose one of four structures: Sole proprietorship: You own the business yourself, and you assume all of its legal responsibilities. You report profits and losses on your personal tax return, and you are liable for any debts or legal issues. Partnership: Two or more people share responsibility for the business. They also share in the legal and financial obligations, and they split the profits. Each partner reports profits and losses on their individual tax returns. Corporation: Your business is a legal entity separate from its owners. Corporations pay corporate income tax on profits, and individual shareholders are usually not held liable for the company’s debts and legal obligations. Limited liability corporation (LLC): In an LLC, the business owners operate as “members'' of the company. As the name implies, LLCs offer the limited liability protection of a corporation. In this structure, members can choose whether to be taxed as a corporation or as a “pass-through entity” to the owners’ individual tax returns. 07. Select a business name At this stage of your small business startup checklist, it’s time to start brainstorming what you want your business to be called. Choose a name that best reflects your company’s mission, vision and values. The best company names are both memorable and unique. A smart approach is to come up with a list of a dozen or so potential names. Then, start doing some research. First, check the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database to make sure that your chosen name isn’t already trademarked by another company. You should also check with the Office of the Secretary of State for the state in which your business is located to see if another business has claimed your name. Finally, conduct some thorough online searches to ensure that you can use your company name across your web and social media platforms. You can do a domain name search to see if the domain name you want to use for your website is available. Need some instant inspiration? Try Wix’s free business name generator. 08. Create a website As you move closer to your launch date, you’ll turn your focus towards marketing. If you have an online business, your website will serve as the public face of your company. If you have a brick-and-mortar business, your website will be your top online marketing channel, spreading the word about your company and enticing customers to visit your physical location. Today, website building platforms make it easier than ever to create a beautiful website. When you build a website with Wix, you’ll have access to more than 800 professionally designed templates that reflect all types of businesses. Wix’s advanced customization options allow you to modify any template to your liking, with easy-to-use drag-and-drop editing capabilities along with AI-assisted tools. With Wix, you also get free and secure web hosting, a custom domain name and email name ideas that you can turn into your business email address. What’s more, your website dashboard can truly become the one-stop-shop for all your business management needs, including online payment systems, appointment booking, advertising, email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), hundreds of third-party app integrations and more. Need more help with marketing and design? Check out Wix’s free business tools. 09. Register your business with your state Let’s make this official. Registering your business with your state offers many benefits, including personal liability protection, legal and trademark protection, and tax benefits. Additionally, it allows you to hire employees and gives you more access to lending and funding options. If you’re establishing a business in the U.S., your location and business structure determine the steps you’ll need to take in order to register your business. 10. Get your EIN number You must also register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS will provide you with an employer identification number, or EIN, which is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your business. An EIN allows your business to be recognized by the government when it comes to paying taxes on the state and federal levels. Furthermore, you’ll need a tax ID number to hire staff, open a business bank account and apply for any necessary business licenses or permits. There is one exception here: a sole proprietorship with no employees does not have to register with the IRS. 11. Apply for licenses and permits Identifying the type of licenses or permits you’ll need to start your business will require a little bit of legwork. That’s because the rules vary by industry, state and even municipality. Only a few businesses (such as investment advising, drug manufacturing and ground transport) require federal licenses. However, many types of companies will need state licenses, especially those that provide specific services to customers (such as accountants, real estate agents or hair stylists). If you’re starting an eCommerce business, you will also need a sales tax permit if your state collects sales tax. According to Sabrina Papini, marketing director of eCommerce and marketplaces at Avalara, failing to do this is a common compliance mistake made by business owners. "Neglecting to register for sales tax in states where your business has a tax obligation can lead to penalties, fines and audits," Papini says. "Businesses must identify their nexus, which is a connection between their operations and the taxing authority, and register accordingly." On a local level, most cities or counties require that you have a business license. This can even be true for at-home businesses. Your best bet is to check with state and local officials to make sure that you have all the official licenses and permits you need. 12. Create an operational plan There are many types of business plans, and one of the most important for startups is an operational plan. This will determine how you and your employees will conduct your day-to-day business. Your operational plan should include details on how your company will process orders, pay bills, pay taxes, maintain permits and manage internal workflows. Look for places where automation can help you get more efficient, such as task management, customer service and scheduling. Finally, start investigating the type of software you might need, including items like point-of-sale systems or customer relationship management (CRM) databases. Did you know: If your tech stack involves a custom or AI-built frontend, add Wix Headless to your checklist, it connects any frontend to Wix's complete business backend (eCommerce, bookings, payments, events, CMS) in one setup, with no third-party integrations required. Learn more about Wix Headless: What is Wix Headless What is a headless CMS How much does Wix Headless cost 13. Get help with accounting Speaking of software, one of the biggest needs for almost all small businesses is some sort of automated system for financial accounting, tax management and budgeting. If you’re already a financial whiz, you may be able to handle this on your own. But for the vast majority of businesses, investing in accounting software is a serious value-add. Look for solutions that can help you manage and create balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow statements. Because businesses are required to keep financial documents on file for three years, you should seek a solution with documentation storage capabilities. If you don’t use accounting software, then be sure to work with a licensed business accountant who can help you balance the books, keep records and stay compliant. 14. Hire employees If you’re planning to build a team to help you run your company, then hiring employees is a must-do item on your business startup checklist. First, determine how many team members you’ll need and write out their roles and responsibilities. Next, establish pay rates and benefits. Depending on the size of your company and the needs of your business, you may not necessarily need full-time staff to start. Part-time employees or even freelance workers are an option you can consider. Finally, draft a job posting that covers the core responsibilities, required skills and benefits of the position. You can then advertise your open positions on career websites, local job boards, freelance platforms or social media. 15. Obtain business insurance You’ll do tons of hard work to get your company up and running. So, you’ll want to protect your investment by obtaining the right type of insurance. Some common options include: Workers’ compensation: Workers’ comp covers medical expenses and lost wages for staff members injured on the job. This is mandatory in most states if you have employees. General liability insurance: This provides coverage for third-party bodily injury, property damage and/or legal expenses resulting from an accident due to your products or services (or on your business premises). Professional liability insurance: This type of insurance covers any errors and omissions that may cause physical or financial harm to a client or customer. Business interruption insurance: This insurance plan will replace lost revenue in the event your business can’t operate due to a natural disaster or another covered loss. 16. Spread the word Once your business is up and running, you can start expanding your marketing reach. First, create social media channels and link them back to your website. Choose the social media platforms where your customers and clients are most likely to frequent. Then, invite people you know to follow your feeds and start building your audience. Your social presence will allow you to promote your brand and deliver customer service in real time. With Wix, you can connect your WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook accounts directly to your inbox so you never miss a message. Depending on your business type, your marketing may also include online advertising, traditional advertising and public relations. Additionally, keep an eye out for regional and local events and conferences where you can connect with potential customers, clients and even investors.

Build your website in minutes, try Wix for free today → The best landing page builders make it simple to create a professional page without needing any coding. If you're wondering how to create a landing page, these tools can help you move from idea to launch quickly with minimal effort. Wix offers a fast and intuitive website builder to bring your vision to life in minutes, so you can go live without touching a line of code. We've put together a list of top builders to help you launch your landing page quickly and start reaching your audience more effectively. Start building with Wix’s landing page builder. TL;DR: best landing page builders Landing pages are a key part of any online marketing strategy. In this guide, we’ve reviewed the best landing page builders, each one offering a unique set of tools to help you build fast, convert better and stay on brand. From drag-and-drop editors and AI content features to built-in analytics and A/B testing, these platforms give marketers and business owners the flexibility and performance they need to run high-impact campaigns. Builder Key features Pricing Wix Flexible drag-and-drop builder with complete design freedom, eCommerce, bookings and payments. Includes AI text, image and email tools, analytics, reliable hosting, 24/7 support and integrations in the App Market. Free plan available; from $17/month for premium plans. Instapage 500+ templates, drag-and-drop editor, AdMap for ad alignment, A/B testing, AI content and team collaboration. From $79/month billed annually; custom plans available. Unbounce Drag-and-drop and AI Smart Builder, Smart Traffic optimization, 100+ templates plus popups and sticky bars. From $29/month billed annually. Mailchimp CRM-driven landing pages linked to email, SMS, ads and social tools; campaigns manageable in one place. Free plan available; from $10/month for paid plans. ClickFunnels Sales funnel builder with drag-and-drop pages, A/B testing, smart checkout, countdown funnels and upsells. From $81/month billed annually. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) Simple landing page builder for creators with email marketing, segmentation and growth networks. Free plan available; from $25/month billed annually. Swipe Pages Mobile-optimized AMP pages loading in under 2s with Stripe checkout, dynamic personalization and A/B testing. From $29/month billed annually. Landingi 400+ templates, reusable Smart Sections, AI EventTracker, A/B testing and lead management tools. Free plan available; from $24/month billed annually. Learn more about what is a landing page. 8 best landing page builders Wix Instapage Unbounce Mailchimp ClickFunnels Kit (formerly ConvertKit) Swipe Pages Landingi 01. Wix Wix’s landing page builder promises the same advantages as its website builder: conversion-optimized landing page templates, design flexibility and other built-in tools for eCommerce, bookings and more. These landing page examples are a good roundup of what you can build with Wix. Using Wix’s drag-and-drop designer, you can create a landing page that includes a custom contact form. Or, add a button that connects to your online store’s checkout page. Build dynamic pages that automatically sync to your pricing data, catalog data and more. And if you already have a Wix site, you can easily apply the same brand styles and themes as your main site to your landing page. You’ve also got AI tools for help writing copy and enhancing your images. On the backend, Wix gives you one workspace to manage all of your campaigns, tools and apps. With built-in email tools and automation (including AI email generation tools), you can launch email campaigns from your Wix dashboard and re-engage people who sign up or make a purchase through your landing page. Moreover, you can connect your favorite apps from Wix’s expansive App Market. Integrate your favorite payment solutions, marketing apps and/or analytics tools to effectively retarget visitors, run A/B tests and more. Wix offers a plan that’s free forever and gives you access to its full website builder. Alternatively, you can opt for a paid monthly and annual subscription that includes advanced capabilities, such as eCommerce and AI email features. You can also read Wix reviews direct from users who've built a website or started a business. Key Wix features: Intuitive drag and drop builder Total design freedom, whether or not you have coding experience Powerful eCommerce capabilities with built-in end-to-end merchant solutions Secure payment solutions AI tools for writing text, designing emails and more Marketing, email and analytics tools for managing campaigns and understanding the effectiveness of your landing page in one place Industry-leading performance and reliability 24/7 support Pricing: Free. Premium plans starting from $17 per month also available. 02. Instapage With its roots in landing page creation, Instapage flaunts a large library of landing page templates. Choose from more than 500 templates built for a range of needs—including product launches, app downloads, travel bookings and more. Instapage’s drag-and-drop builder makes it easy to build landing pages on the fly. The platform is also particularly good for engineering 1:1 post-click experiences, with its AdMap technology that lets you visualize and connect ads to relevant landing pages. With its A/B testing and AI-powered personalization tools, you can additionally create as many unique audience experiences for each landing page you create. Instapage’s mature platform is great for teams looking to pump out landing pages at scale. Instapage additionally offers a custom package, which includes access to features like AdMap, AI writeups and custom integrations. Key features of Instapage: 500+ mobile-responsive landing page templates Built-in A/B testing tools Proprietary AdMap technology for managing your ad campaigns with ease Visual on-page collaboration for teams AI content generation for writing headlines, page text and CTA buttons Pricing: Subscription starting from $79 billed annually. Custom plan and pricing also available. 03. Unbounce Today, Unbounce offers two types of landing page builders: its classic drag-and-drop builder, and a “Smart Builder” powered by AI. The former offers greater customization, while the latter enables you to work quickly. The Smart Builder recommends page improvements and generates on-page copy, plus integrates with other Unbounce apps to support a variety of campaign needs. Its Smart Traffic feature further aims to address issues with traditional A/B testing, offering an alternative that automatically displays the best landing page variation to each visitor. As it regards conversion optimization, Unbounce provides tools for building popups and sticky bars that grab attention. Test a variety of promotions and offers. Set custom triggers or advanced targeting to ensure that the right people see the right messaging. Key features of Unbounce: The choice between a drag-and-drop Classic Builder and an AI-powered Smart Builder 100+ landing page templates Proprietary Smart Traffic feature for matching the right landing page to the right visitor Trigger-based popups and sticky bars Pricing: Plans starting at $29 per month billed annually. Discover the best AI landing page builders on the market. 04. Mailchimp Best known for its email marketing capabilities, Mailchimp may come as a welcome surprise in the world of landing page builders. Now owned by Intuit, Mailchimp flaunts a large repertoire of offerings—ranging from emailing marketing to SMS marketing, social media to websites. In fact, Mailchimp integrates directly with Wix to power multi-channel marketing campaigns. With the Wix-Mailchimp integration, you can connect your Wix website data with Mailchimp’s CRM to send abandoned cart emails, personalize your product recommendations and more. Within Mailchimp, you also have the option to create beautiful landing pages in minutes. Every Mailchimp landing page starts with selecting an audience from your Mailchimp CRM. From there, you can create a desktop or mobile landing page that caters to your audience’s interests. When you use Mailchimp’s landing page builder, you have the added advantage of managing your follow-up emails, SMS messages and ads under one roof. Understand what happens after a visitor clicks on your landing page, and view reports that show the effectiveness of your webpage. Creating a landing page on Mailchimp is free. However, you may want to entertain a paid subscription for a variety of reasons, e.g., you have a larger team, want to access Mailchimp’s other beloved features or send more emails. Key features of Mailchimp: Marketing automation and tools spanning email, SMS, social media and ads Ability to create a landing page from Mailchimp’s mobile app Integration with your Wix website data Pricing: Free. Paid plans also available starting at $10 per month. 05. ClickFunnels As its name suggests, ClickFunnels aims to support all stages of the sales funnel. Its large suite of features involves landing pages, email sequences, A/B testing, product listings and more. ClickFunnels offers drag-and-drop tools for landing pages and allows you to test multiple variations with different audiences. Perhaps its greatest asset: ClickFunnels has a variety of unique solutions to drive conversions. For example, with Smart Checkout, you can implement one-click checkout, one-time offers and custom shipping profiles (among other things) to personalize the checkout experience and increase revenue. Or, with Countdown Funnels, you can create a sense of urgency by letting customers know how much time they have left before an offer expires. All in all, ClickFunnels has the trappings of a fully integrated landing page builder and marketing platform, but its price tag might be a little steep for some users. Key features of ClickFunnels: Smart Checkout for customizing the checkout experience and driving more revenue Countdown Funnels to create a sense of urgency Store Funnels to enable instant purchases Dynamic Collections for automatically sorting products and identifying upsell and cross-sell opportunities Pricing: Plans starting at $81 per month billed annually. 06. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) Kit (formerly known as ConvertKit) has its roots in email marketing, but its landing page builder is free, easy to use and offers a decent depth of choice and design. It integrates with a variety of third-party apps, such as Google Analytics and Segment, and its tagging system makes it easy to segment your leads. Kit caters to a specific audience of authors, bloggers, musicians, podcasters and course creators—dubbing itself as the “creator marketing platform.” Its curated features aim to grow your following for a newsletter or other email campaign. It even offers a creator network, where you can connect with fellow creators and get in front of new subscribers. For business owners or entrepreneurs, Kit may be limited in a few areas: namely, eCommerce capabilities, A/B testing and personalization options. But if you’re looking for a straightforward solution for building up your email list, Kit may be worth a try. Price-wise, Kit is on par with some of the palatable landing page builders. Kit uses a sliding-scale pricing system; you pay as you grow. Key features of Kit: Free, intuitive landing page builder for building up your subscriber list for a newsletter or other email campaign A creator network, where you can reach new subscribers and be recommended by other creators A sponsor network, through which you can get connected with brand deals and sponsorships Mature email marketing tools and automation Pricing: Free. Plans starting at $33 per month billed annually. 07. Swipe Pages With landing pages becoming more and more customizable, ultra-specific and integral to a growing business’s marketing, it’s no wonder that some builders are becoming more specific. This is the case for Swipe Pages. Swipe Pages has turned its attention to the mobile “swipe up” that we’ve all come to know. Its platform is uniquely designed to create app-like, AMP (accelerated mobile pages) landing pages that promise to load in less than two seconds. Among its standout features: Swipe Page’s integration with Stripe allows you to sell products with one-click checkout. You’ve also got the option to add dynamic text to your pages to personalize messaging, plus the essential A/B testing and analytics to make informed decisions. Moreover, the company’s investment in AI means that you can create a fully functional landing page in minutes. Swipe Pages is competitive in its pricing, with a low-tier package starting at $29 per month (billed annually) and the highest tier for bigger agencies clocking in at $149 per month. Key features of Swipe Pages: Fast, mobile-optimized AMP landing pages AI tools for designing your layout and writing copy Responsive breakpoints, multistep forms, countdown timer and other unique design options Pricing: Plans starting at $29 per month billed annually. 08. Landingi Landingi offers a versatile, yet cost-effective creator. It has more than 400 templates to kickstart your design, all with the sleek and modern drag-and-drop that has become the industry standard. Landingi’s Smart Section feature allows you to create widgets that can be used across multiple landing pages. That way, if you need to update something—say, a CTA button—you can automatically apply it to all of your pages. During setup, you can create and conduct A/B tests directly from within the platform. Pair this with Landingi's AI-powered EventTracker to track micro-actions on your page; track user interactions like clicks, form submissions, scroll depth and more to understand what’s working and what’s not on your page. Like many other builders on this list, Landingi offers essential lead management tools. Set up autoresponders and notifications, in addition to segmented lead lists. Landingi keeps its barrier of entry low, with a free plan that includes one landing page, 500 visits a month, a custom domain and 30-day data tracking. If you have a larger team or bigger plans for your landing pages, you can opt for monthly plans ranging from $24 per month, all the way up to $1,000 per month. Key features of Landingi: 400+ templates for landing pages, popups and more AI-powered EventTracking for evaluating micro-conversions on your page Smart Sections that let you create sections that can be applied to multiple landing pages Pricing: Free plan available. Annual plans starting at $24 per month. Learn more: How much does a website cost Editor's note: Pricing information up to date as of April 15th, 2026. What should you look for in a landing page builder? When you’re on the hunt for the perfect landing page builder, there are several factors you’ll want to take into consideration. While your list of must-haves may vary depending on your business or campaign needs, you’ll generally want to check that your builder has: A user-friendly interface - Choose a landing page builder with an intuitive and user-friendly interface—one that doesn’t require advanced technical skills to create a compelling landing page. Conversion-optimized templates - Keep an eye out for high-quality, flexible landing page templates that are designed with conversions in mind. These templates often follow landing page best practices for layout and content placement, helping to guide your visitors toward taking a desired action. Customization options - Look for a builder that offers enough customization to support your various marketing and advertising campaigns. Your landing page should align with your brand, giving you the ability to tweak colors, fonts and layout at a minimum. Plus, it should offer flexible CTAs, whether you want visitors to call, shop or sign up. Integration capabilities - A good landing page builder should smoothly integrate with your go-to tools and platforms, whether that be email marketing software, CRM systems or analytics tools. This ensures a smooth workflow and visibility into your campaign’s performance. Don’t forget the ability to set up custom domains for a polished and professional look. Fast loading times - Slow-loading pages can lead to high bounce rates. Select a landing page builder that understands the importance of loading times and can deliver positive experiences to all of your customers. Analytics and tracking - Access to analytics is essential for understanding how well your landing page is performing. Look for a builder that provides robust analytics and tracking features, allowing you to measure conversion rates, traffic sources, and other key metrics. Security features - Ensure that the landing page builder prioritizes security. This is particularly important if you're collecting sensitive information through your landing page, such as credit card information. Look for features like SSL support to encrypt data transmission. Scalability for growth - Consider your budget and the scalability of your landing page builder. Choose a solution that aligns with your current needs but can also grow with your business (read: has the tools, infrastructure and support that you need) without causing a significant increase in costs. Feature Why it matters User-friendly interface Intuitive tools let you build effective landing pages quickly — no advanced technical skills needed. Conversion-optimized templates Ready-made designs follow best practices to guide visitors toward taking action, boosting results. Customization options Allows you to tailor colors, fonts, layouts and CTAs to match your brand and campaign goals. Integration capabilities Connects easily with email, CRM, analytics and marketing platforms for smooth workflow and tracking. Fast loading times Ensures visitors don’t bounce due to slow pages, improving user experience and conversion rates. Should you use a landing page builder or a website builder? Choosing between a landing page builder and a website builder comes down to your goals. A landing page builder is perfect when you want to create a single focused page designed to drive specific actions like collecting leads, promoting a product or showcasing an event. It’s all about simplicity and impact, giving you the tools to build a high-performing page quickly without any distractions. A website builder helps you create a more comprehensive site, offering multiple pages, navigation and features for showcasing everything about your brand, business or passion project. If you need a quick streamlined solution for a particular campaign, a landing page builder is the way to go. But if you're looking to build a full-scale website to tell your story and grow your business, a website builder is your best bet. With Wix, you don't have to choose one over the other. Wix empowers you to build a professional business website for any industry, so whether you want a single landing page or a full multi-page site, you can bring your vision to life no matter your experience level. Learn more: Best AI website builder Best website builder for small business Best one-page website builders Personal website builders Free website builders Cheap website builder Best membership websites What is an AI landing page builder? An AI landing page builder helps you design, optimize and launch landing pages with ease. It takes care of the hard work—like analyzing data and suggesting designs—so you can focus on your ideas and goals. Here’s how an AI landing page builder can help you: Save time and energy: AI handles tasks like generating headlines and organizing layouts so you can create pages quickly and effortlessly. Optimize your design: Get smart suggestions for layout and structure to ensure every element—from text to visuals—is designed to grab attention and drive action. Gain real-time insights: Use AI analytics to see what’s working and make changes instantly. Easy for all skill levels: Whether you’re new to design or a pro, AI web design tools make it simple to create professional pages. Personalize for your audience: Tailor content for different visitors to keep your messaging fresh and relevant. Check out Wix’s AI website builder and get your landing page up in record time. Best landing page builders FAQ How much should a landing page design cost? The cost for a landing page design will vary depending on whether you hire a designer or use a website builder (among other considerations, such as the complexity of your design and the type of landing page you want to create). Your landing page may be entirely free to build. For example, if you use Wix’s landing page builder, you can launch a landing page without spending a penny. However, a much more intricate design—or a page that requires add-ons like online checkout, popups, etc.—will command a higher price. How much does it cost to hire someone to build a landing page? The cost of hiring someone to build a landing page can vary widely based on several factors, including the complexity of your page, the skills and experience of the developer and your location. In general, freelancers may charge anywhere from $50 to $150 (if not more) per hour, or they may offer a fixed project rate. A web development agency will likely cost more and may charge anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for a landing page, depending on the complexity. Alternatively, landing page or website builders generally offer much more predictable pricing. These can range anywhere from free to a few hundred dollars per month. Is Wix a good landing page builder? Yes. Wix offers a number of features and capabilities to help you throughout the entire process: Conversion-optimized landing page templates Drag-and-drop editor and customization options AI features for text creation, email creation and more Built-in payment and eCommerce solutions Email marketing tools and automation Analytics tools and reports Integration with hundreds of third-party apps 24/7 customer support Top-of-the-line security, reliability and performance What’s the best free landing page builder? Wix offers the best bang for your buck. With a free account, you can access tools for building a landing page in addition to core marketing tools (including email campaigns), hundreds of third-party apps and support whenever you need it. You can even launch an entire website with Wix’s free forever plan.

Turn your ideas into income with Wix. Secure your domain name → Making money as a freelancer is a great way to take control of your income and schedule, and more people are turning to it as a way to start a business. Whether you want more freedom, need extra income, or hope to turn a passion into a career, freelancing can open the door to personal and financial independence. TL;DR: how to make money as a freelancer Freelancing gives you the flexibility to turn your skills into income and build a business on your own terms. You can make money in many ways, from creative services like graphic design, illustration and photography to technical work like web development, SEO consulting, programming and IT troubleshooting. Other strong options include content writing, social media management, coaching, virtual assistance and digital marketing. Specializing in areas like eCommerce management, podcast editing, online course creation or translation can help you charge higher rates and stand out. Building a portfolio, setting clear rates, creating strong client relationships and streamlining your workflow are key to staying profitable. You can also scale by adding packages, retainers or outsourcing work to take on more clients without increasing your hours. The fastest way to start making money online is by securing a domain name that fits your brand. With Wix's domain registrar, you can register your domain easily, establish your brand and take the first step toward building a website that attracts customers and generates revenue. Freelance work ideas and how to make more money What you can do How to boost your earnings Real examples Get creative Offer packages or subscriptions, focus on a specific style or industry, add extras like editing or stock sales Logo design, book illustrations, wedding photos, audiobook voiceovers Build and grow online Add ongoing support, mix services like SEO and web design, focus on one platform or ad channel Creating Wix sites, SEO audits, running Facebook Ads, managing online shops Make content that matters Become an expert in your niche, offer full packages from start to finish, create your own content too Writing blog posts, editing podcasts, making YouTube videos Teach and coach Pick a subject you know well, help clients from start to finish, sell your own courses alongside client work Business courses, life coaching, fitness training Keep businesses running Bundle your services into monthly plans, offer advice, create helpful dashboards or automation Managing emails & calendars, leading projects, remote tech support, sales data analysis Special skills for special jobs Focus on industries that pay more, show proof of your work, offer ongoing help Translating legal papers, editing books, coding apps Work with AI tools Use AI to help create content or automate tasks, offer custom AI solutions, build templates or workflows Writing AI blog posts, making chatbots, creating AI-generated art 21 ways to make money as a freelancer The freelancing landscape is diverse, offering numerous paths to monetization. Here are 15 freelancing business ideas, each with insights on how to maximize their profitability. Graphic design Web design and development Content writing SEO consulting Social media management Photography Virtual assistance Video production Voice over work Programming and software development Digital marketing Illustration Coaching and consulting eCommerce management Translation and localization Podcast editing and production Online course creation Book editing or proofreading Tech support or IT troubleshooting Data analysis or reporting Project management 01. Graphic design As a freelancer, you can make money by offering design services for logos, branding materials, or social media graphics. To increase your chance of profitability, create design packages for businesses or offer subscription services for ongoing graphic design work. Graphic designer Kath Anderson uses her online portfolio to share her past work and her openness to new graphic design commissions. In order to make money as a graphic designer you’ll need to create a portfolio website to showcase your work and to show your work. You should also consider building your social media presence in order to market your design work. You can take inspiration from these freelance website examples. Get inspired by these portfolio examples. 02. Web design and development Make money as a freelancer by building websites for clients, or specialize in creating sites on a specific website builder, like Wix. You’ll also need to make your own freelance website to showcase the websites you’ve created and your specific skills or niche. Check out web designer Olya Black’s website. Her freelance work focuses on Wix sites. Websites are a huge part of many businesses' marketing and brand efforts and there’s huge demand for the creation and management of them. 03. Content writing Making money as a freelance writer is a popular online venture and business idea. You can create and write content for company or lifestyle blogs, online publications or websites. It's a flexible way to make money from home. Some freelancers focus on specific niches, tech for example, or lifestyle content. But you can also work across a wide spectrum of topics. Freelance writing can turn into a consistent source of income if you build good working relationships with your clients. However, it can be a competitive field and you’ll need to be able to stand out and deliver high-quality work in order to make money as a freelance writer. If you’re looking to make money as a freelance writer, you'll need a portfolio website but you could also consider starting a blog. It’s easy to get one set up with a blog maker, like Wix and it’s a great way to not only market your writing and content creation skills but it can also be something that, with a dedicated readership, can be monetized either through ads or sponsored content. 04. SEO consulting SEO (Search Engine Optimization) consulting is one way to make money as a freelancer. If you have SEO experience you can channel that into building up a client base and working freelance. Many companies have a need for SEO consulting, strategy and work but don’t necessarily have the budget or resources for an in-house team. This is where freelance SEO experts come in. Most SEO work, if not all, can be done online, making this a flexible way to make money that can be done from anywhere in the world. If you’re looking to make money through freelance SEO work, it’s a good idea to build case studies of how you’ve helped websites and brands rank well. You can also build test websites to test SEO best practices and strategies, which can then be used to market your skills and experience. If you’re looking to make money as a freelance SEO, we recommend following some of these industry giants for strategies, tips and more. Mordy Oberstein Crystal Carter Barry Schwartz 05. Social media management There are other ways to make money as a freelancer when it comes to digital and online marketing and social media management is one of the most popular and in-demand services. It broadly involves managing the social media accounts of brands, while also creating new content and engagement strategies. You’ll need to offer tracking and reporting as well. If you’re looking to become a freelance social media consultant, it’s worth making sure you have a strong social media presence across a wide range of platforms. The best way to prove your social media marketing skills is through your own social media success and following. Looking for more inspiration: How to make money on YouTube How to make money on Instagram How to make money on TikTok How to make money online 06. Photography A photography business is a well-known way to make money as a freelancer. There are many different areas to specialize in, from weddings and events to products or real estate. If you’re looking to start a photography business, you’ll need a photography website to show your work and to manage your services. Like this photography website and portfolio from El Gallo Photography. You can also diversify and expand on the ways you make money as a photographer by selling your photos to stock image websites, by selling your images via your website or by offering photo editing services to other photographers and creatives. Photography is a great freelance career for someone looking to retain creative control and who wants a flexible work schedule. 07. Virtual assistance As more and more work can take place online and remotely, virtual assistance has become an increasingly popular way to make money as a freelancer. Starting a virtual assistant business involves providing administrative support to businesses. It could be answering calls for them, organizing paperwork or spreadsheets, or even bookkeeping for more specialized needs. A great way to make money with this type of freelance work is by creating packages of your services, to ensure consistent income and to retain clients. You can also offer tiered pricing for different levels of administrative support. 08. Video production Video is in high demand, both from marketing agencies and big brands. Because of this, creating and producing video content can be an effective way to make money as a freelancer. It can be promotional videos for product launches, educational content for brands or advertisements for small and large businesses. You can offer end-to-end services from scriptwriting to post-production, or just parts of the process - for example, just the scriptwriting, or just the filming, depending on your specific skills. 09. Voice over work Looking for a fun way to make money as a freelancer? If so, voice-over work might be just the thing. You can lend your voice to commercials, audiobooks or video games. It’s definitely advisable to create a portfolio, use these portfolio templates to get started, showcase your past work and share with casting agents for potential new work and projects. Voice-over work can be pursued as a freelance career or as a side hustle, alongside long-term regular employment or other freelance work, such as being an extra in film or TV or starring in commercials. You might also want to consider how to make money as a model, as a freelancing gig. 10. Programming and software development Making money as a freelancer specializing in programming and software development can build into a very successful career that can be fully remote. It can involve developing custom software solutions, mobile apps or online games. Some freelancers work with multiple clients, others might choose to work with one large company as a freelancer, it all depends on your niche and available opportunities. You’ll need to have some experience in programming to make this type of freelancing work. 11. Digital marketing There are many ways to make money as a freelance digital marketer. In part because the field of digital marketing is so broad and can cover so many different services, from PPC advertising to email marketing or content marketing. You can choose to offer services in all of these different marketing branches or specialize in a particular niche. It all depends on your particular skills and experience. Making money as a freelance digital marketer can be difficult, as the industry is highly competitive and this is a much sought-after freelance role, as it often means consistent, high-income and flexible, remote work. You’ll need to provide high-quality work and deliver results in order to retain clients and earn new ones. Learn more: How to start a marketing business 12. Illustration If you’re artistic and looking to make money as an artist and freelancer, consider creating custom illustrations for books, websites, or products. Illustrator and graphic designer Juliette van Rhyn uses her website to showcase her award-winning work. Van Rhyn says of her portfolio: “I wanted to develop a look and feel for my website that reflected the characteristics of my work; I opted for a playful, offbeat layout, using colors found in some of my posters. My aim was to make my website feel like one of my designs in its own right, to create a cohesive identity that gives a strong sense of what I offer as a designer.” You could also consider starting a print-on-demand business, or website, in order to sell your own illustrations on merchandise ranging from mugs to t-shirts to hats. This can be a low-investment business idea to start which allows you to balance your creative passions with making money. 13. Coaching and consulting Starting a coaching business, or a consulting venture, can be an effective way to make money as a freelancer. Coaching could cover anything from sports to life coaching, fitness and career advice. Consulting is usually more business-focused and tends to involve providing specific support or strategies for business growth and management. Both are great ways to make money as a freelancer for people with the necessary skills and expertise to impart to other people who need or may benefit from them. Both services can be offered to individuals, to groups you run yourself, or to corporate groups within companies. If you’re looking to make money as a freelance coach or consultant, consider creating a website with booking capabilities or scheduling software in order to help you better manage clients and groups, while growing your business. 14. eCommerce management If you have experience running an eCommerce website or eCommerce business, offering your services to other businesses can be a way to make money as a freelancer. This can involve helping businesses and brands set up and manage their online stores. You can choose to specialize in working with multiple platforms or specialize in one, such as Wix. Part of this service might include helping promote the eCommerce site you’ve set up which can mean consistent work with the same client, even after the online store is up and running. If you’re looking to make money as a freelancer this way, it’s also advisable to set up and run your own eCommerce business, not only to hone and practice your skills and experience but to be able to show future clients the impact you’re able to create and deliver. Choose from a number of best ecommerce platforms to get started. 15. Translation and localization If you’re fluent in more than one language, translation and localization services are in demand as businesses expand globally. Companies need accurate translations for websites, documents and product descriptions to connect with international customers. Specializing in industries like legal, medical or technical translation can help you charge higher fees. Adding localization—adapting content for cultural nuances—makes your service even more valuable to clients. 16. Podcast editing and production Podcasts continue to grow, and many creators need help with editing, show notes and publishing episodes. If you’re skilled with audio tools and storytelling, this is a profitable niche. You can boost earnings by offering full production packages, guest booking or podcast marketing. Partnering with podcast networks or established creators can also bring consistent work. 17. Online course creation Online education is booming, and businesses and creators need help building and launching courses. This work includes structuring lessons, creating learning materials and setting up platforms. You can raise rates by specializing in a specific niche like coaching or wellness and offering start-to-finish support. Building your own courses alongside client projects is another way to grow revenue. 18. Book editing or proofreading Self-publishing authors often hire freelancers to edit and proofread their books before launch. This work requires strong grammar skills and attention to detail. Offering multiple levels of editing—from developmental edits to final proofreading—can help you increase earnings. Working with publishing companies or marketing yourself in writer communities can lead to steady projects. 19. Tech support or IT troubleshooting Small businesses often need help managing software, fixing tech issues or improving cybersecurity. Freelance IT support is flexible and can be done remotely. Bundling services into monthly support packages ensures predictable income. Offering additional services like software training or system upgrades can make your work even more profitable. 20. Data analysis or reporting Businesses generate a lot of data but often don’t know how to use it effectively. Freelance data analysts help companies understand metrics and make better decisions. Focusing on a specific industry like eCommerce or healthcare allows you to become an expert and charge premium rates. Creating easy-to-read dashboards or reports is another way to add value. 21. Project management Many businesses need freelancers to manage projects, coordinate teams and ensure deadlines are met. This role is perfect if you’re organized and comfortable with tools like Trello or Asana. You can stand out by specializing in a type of project such as software launches or marketing campaigns. Offering consulting alongside active management can help you bring in higher-paying clients. How to get started with making money as a freelancer Embarking on a freelance career involves several key steps. Here's how to lay the groundwork for a successful freelancing business. Identify your skills and market demand: Start by taking stock of your skills and expertise. But then don’t neglect to research the market to understand where there's demand for your services and how you can differentiate yourself from competitors. You might find your specialist niche is highly competitive, in which case you’ll need to find a way to stand out from the crowd or offer something different. For example, SEO consulting can be highly competitive but certain niches which require a higher level of expertise or experience, such as SEO for medical sites, may be unique enough for you to stand out and capture clients. License and register your business: Choose a business structure and register your business if necessary. Then sort out any licenses or permits required. Consider consulting with a legal professional to ensure everything is in order as requirements for working as a freelancer can vary from state to state and country to country. Create a portfolio: Build and publish a freelance website that showcases your best work and if necessary a variety of your work as well - start with a portfolio template. This online showcase of your work will serve as proof of your abilities and help potential clients visualize your services and their potential impact. Reviewing sample portfolio websites can also give you inspiration for layout, structure and how to present your work effectively. Determine your pricing: Pricing is an important decision to make as a freelancer. You’ll need to decide on your rates based on experience, the value you provide and market standards. It may be that clients are willing to pay a premium for high-quality services and it's important to take this into account. It’s also possible to consider offering different pricing structures, such as hourly rates or project-based fees. Network and market your services: In order to market your services you’ll need to leverage social media, attend industry events and join online communities to network with potential clients and other freelancers. If you plan to make money as a freelancer you’ll need to use content marketing, email campaigns and other strategies to promote your services. Establish a workflow: Invest in tools and software to manage your projects, finances and communication efficiently. Having a solid workflow will help you stay organized and professional. This could include booking tools or payment systems to streamline running a freelance venture. What makes freelancing profitable To make money as a freelancer, it's crucial to define what makes freelancing profitable. A profitable freelancing business is not just about earning money it's also about creating a sustainable business model that allows for growth and stability. Here are four key aspects that define a profitable freelancing business. Specialization and expertise A freelancer who specializes in a niche market or possesses a high level of expertise can command higher rates and attract clients looking for specific skills. Specialization leads to a better understanding of the market, more targeted marketing strategies and the ability to provide exceptional value to clients. Efficient business management Profitability or making money is also about how efficiently you can run your business. This includes having effective systems and processes in place for tasks such as invoicing, project management and client communication. Streamlining these operations saves time and resources, allowing you to focus more on revenue-generating activities. Strong client relationships Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients can lead to repeat business, referrals and a steady income stream. A profitable freelancing business often has a loyal client base that trusts the freelancer's work and is willing to pay for their expertise. Scalability Lastly, a profitable freelancing business is one that has the potential to scale. This could mean outsourcing certain tasks, offering new services or even productizing your services to serve more clients without a proportional increase in workload. It could also mean choosing a scalable business idea from the start. Web-focused freelancers can add Wix Headless development to their service offering: build custom-coded or AI-generated frontends for clients and wire them to Wix's complete business backend in one prompt, with no enterprise tiers or per-feature fees to pass on. Learn more about Wix Headless: What is Wix Headless What is a headless CMS How much does Wix Headless cost How to make money as a freelancer FAQ What services can I offer as a freelancer to make money? You can offer any service that matches your skills and meets a market need. This includes writing, graphic design, web development, consulting and more. Assess your strengths and research market demand to find the right fit for you. If you already have a career in a particular field, consider if it can be turned into a way to make money as a freelancer. How do I find my first clients? Start by networking with your existing contacts, including friends, family and former colleagues. Use social media platforms, freelance job boards and attend industry events to connect with potential clients. Also, consider offering your services at a reduced rate to build your portfolio. Should I quit my job to start freelancing? It's often safer to start freelancing as a side hustle before transitioning to full-time. This approach allows you to build your client base and income stream while still having financial security. Making money as a freelancer can take time, so it’s best to be prepared. How do I set my rates as a freelancer? Research what others in your field are charging and consider factors like your experience, the complexity of the work and the value you provide. It's important to set rates that are cIt's often safer to start freelancing as a side hustle before transitioning to full-time. This approach allows you to build your client base and income stream while still having financial security. Making money as a freelancer can take time, so it’s best to be prepared. Your goal is to make money, so profitability and rates that create that are essential. Can I make money while freelancing and traveling? Yes, many freelancers work while traveling, as long as they have access to reliable internet. It’s a route popular with digital nomads. It will involve making sure to plan time zones with clients carefully

Want a portfolio that builds itself? Try Wix’s AI Website Builder → Starting a freelance career can unleash a wide range of emotions, from the terrifying to the empowering. While it might not be the easiest of professional paths, running your own graphic design business does guarantee a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, knowing your every cent was earned through your own hard work and skills. To help you on your journey to self-employment, we’ve compiled a list of the most important things to keep in mind when becoming your own boss. Say hello to the complete checklist on how to become a freelance graphic designer, covering everything from creating a website, how to make a website and setting up a productive working station, to creating a graphic design portfolio, to demanding compensation from clients (on time, please!). Explore these graphic design portfolio examples and art portfolio examples. Creating a portfolio has never been this easy. With Wix’s AI Website Builder, you can have a fully personalized website up and running in minutes. Just share a few details about your vision, and let Wix’s AI take care of the design, customization and launch. It’s quick, smart and tailored to showcase your work beautifully. Don’t wait–let AI do the heavy lifting while you focus on creating and sharing your best work. What is a graphic design freelancer? A graphic design freelancer is a professional who offers graphic design services on a freelance basis. Instead of being employed by a specific company or agency, a graphic design freelancer operates independently and is self-employed. Freelancers in graphic design are typically hired on a project-by-project basis by clients who require design expertise for various visual communication needs. Graphic design freelancers possess skills in visual communication, layout design, typography, color theory and the use of graphic design software or other design tools. They may work with clients from diverse industries, including marketing, advertising, publishing and web development. Learn more: Types of designers How to become a freelance graphic designer Master your design skills Make bureaucracy your friend (or at least try) Personal branding is key Be business savvy and prepared Client better have my money Juggle the perfect work-life balance Stay updated in the industry Market yourself Illustration by Wix user Jennifer Xiao 01. Master your design skills Freelance graphic design isn’t just about creative ideas – it’s about turning those ideas into visually stunning, professional-quality work. That starts with sharpening your technical skills. Mastering tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is a solid foundation when you’re just starting out. If you’re not comfortable with them yet, take the time to explore their features and practice. The more you familiarize yourself with these tools, the better prepared you’ll be to handle client projects with confidence. Investing in your education is an important step, whether through formal programs or online courses. Webinars and specialized lessons can help you refine advanced software techniques or branch into niche skills, like creating vector illustrations or 3D modeling. These small time commitments can lead to major breakthroughs as your career grows. Building on your technical skills, don’t forget the core principles of great design. Understanding color theory, typography and layout principles can stop a design from “feeling off” and turn it into something polished and professional. Try staying curious about emerging tools, dynamic trends and new techniques. Could an online animation workshop add motion design to your offerings? Could experimenting with AI design tools open new horizons? Whether it’s upgrading your software know-how or branching into fresh skills, every step forward means more confidence and opportunity. 02. Make bureaucracy your friend (or at least try) Becoming self-employed means, first and foremost, starting a business on your own. This requires a lot of hands-down, hardcore finances on your part. While it’s the job itself that you love most, know that freelancing is just as much about business and numbers as it is about design. Here is what you need to look out for in order to remain on top of your paperwork at all times: Open a business: Research the basic laws of starting a web design business in your location. Consult with your local authorities about the process, then register as a small business. Tax payments: Consult with a tax accountant and read up on tax laws for independent contractors – it’s important to know what fraction of your payout per assignment must be paid to the government. Work permits: Look into all relevant permits and permissions you might need to obtain. For example, some local authorities require specific permits for working from home. Bookkeeping: Set up a financial bookkeeping system that works for you and complies with the local filing laws. Note that there are many affordable online platforms that can benefit you with this. Get folders (physical, virtual or both) to file all invoices and payments. Be as organized as you can with this – we recommend arranging all paperwork by month and year. Some freelancers choose (or are entitled by law) to hire an accountant to help them file paperwork. If you’re thinking of hiring an accountant, make sure the decision is financially plausible for you. Plan ahead: Even if you’re just starting your career, it’s not too early to plan ahead. In fact, when it comes to saving for your retirement, the earlier the better. Take the time to decide on your savings, whether it’s a pension fund or any other form of long-term savings, and make sure to contribute regularly. 03. Self-branding is key Some newly-freelance graphic designers feel that their portfolio doesn’t align with the kind of jobs that they’re interested in getting. In those cases, it might be tempting to work on free personal projects before even looking for the first job, from book cover ideas to wedding invitations. But if you’re as well-trained and professional as we know you to be, remember that your portfolio will grow with time and experience, and that’s fine. When starting out, it’s better to work on your personal branding rather than create new projects – and the job offers are sure to follow. As with most branding projects, concentrate on a great website, strong logo and branded merchandise - including taking inspiration from some great general portfolio website examples. Online portfolio: A sharp online presence is a must for getting the clients and projects you want. Portfolio websites serve as the foundation for your branding efforts, and are a useful way to introduce yourself to potential clients. Approach making your online design portfolio just as you would any other design project. For some inspiration, check out these graphic design magazines to see what other designers are doing online. Go for a website design that creates an experience and is also beautiful in its own right, showcasing you at your very best. Curating only your best and most representative work (around six to eight projects) is recommended. You can also use your portfolio website as an online store, enabling you to sell art online as an additional source of income. Take inspiration from these freelance websites. Make sure to add an updated version of your graphic design resume, your contact information and social media links, so that clients can reach you easily. Also include a written summary explaining who you are and what it is that you do. Last but not least, remember to make your website mobile friendly. Personal logo: While a logo is not a must for graphic designers, it’s also best not to type your name in Arial font at the top of your paperwork or website. Whether it’s an actual logo, an icon or any other creative interpretation, make your skills stand out across all platforms. You can use a logo maker to create your own, or check out logo ideas to get inspired. Need a name first? Check our our design name generator for inspiration. Branded merch: The visual language and brand identity you’ve crafted for your business should be carried across to your stationery as well. Sprinkle some of your creative stardust on your official papers, helping you stay on brand every time you generate an invoice or write a check. For inspiration on how to structure and present your credentials, browsing professional graphic designer resume examples can help you understand what clients and recruiters look for at a glance. Brand your freelance business with a cohesive visual language. 04. Be business savvy and prepared Freelance work is much more fluid and dynamic than a nine-to-five job. You could be overloaded with work for several months on end, then scratching for any gig you can find soon after. One way to acknowledge that it’s common for work to come and go in cycles, and it’s nothing to worry about. Some other ways to prepare for this include: Save for a rainy day: Keep track of your expenses and income. As self-explanatory as it may sound, make sure that your expenses don’t go over your earnings. When starting your own business, try to have a few months worth of living expenses saved up on the side, which could come in handy during the quieter periods. Make a yearly plan: Work out a personal annual budget, and be as realistic as you can with your forecast. Write down all major expenses that you anticipate to help you prepare in advance (Are you going on a holiday? Is your best friend getting married?). Making an annual business plan, rather than a monthly one, will enable you to navigate your finances knowledgeably and efficiently. 05. Client better have my money Working with clients is a tricky art form of its own. Going into it, remember that your work is valuable. Your clients have a need, and you provide them with a solution – a service business that deserves compensation, with actual money. Follow these guidelines to ensure that you get what you deserve: Never work for free: No matter what credit they may promise, the crazy exposure you might receive or the esteem and prestige, design is your profession and you deserve to be paid for what you do. Unless you work for a nonprofit or an important cause that you’re truly passionate about, it really is as simple as that. Sign a contract: A design job is a business transaction. As such, it requires a contract to clearly detail each side’s obligations. A contract is an important method of protecting your rights and preventing major surprises from popping up down the line (such as the client suddenly asking for an animated GIF version of the logo on the day of the deadline). The contract should also detail the work process, so that both sides know what to expect. Use mood boards to help you plan your work and make sure to specify how many optional designs you’ll be presenting to the client in the first stage (we recommend around three initial designs). You'll also want to specify the number of revisions you plan on doing from there. This should prevent you from being dragged down the rabbit hole of never ending comments (“My cousin doesn’t like purple, please change”) and endless back and forth conversations (“Not too fond of orange, either”). Also, make sure that your contract protects your intellectual property rights. Payment terms: Before going into a project, agree on its payment terms and include those on your invoice. The standard is usually 30 days since terminating the project. In case a client is late on payment, enforce your right to be paid on time. You can also charge interest on late payments (look into legislation on this one, too). Just as you’re expected to meet your deadlines, the client should also meet payment deadlines. Payment stages: In long-term projects, you don’t have to wait until the very end to get the cash flowing. Before accepting the project, set payment stages so that you get paid as you go. You can determine a schedule that includes a deposit to be paid upfront (before you begin working), followed by an extra payment stage midway, and finally the majority of the total to be paid at the end of the project. Define clear dates for each of the stages, and include those in your contract. Pricing done right: Deciding what to charge for a project is never an easy call. Therefore, always base your pricing on market research. Establish a minimum rate, so you know not to take on projects below that number. Estimating how much you’ll charge per project can be done either according to an hourly rate, or according to the scope of the project. If you go for the latter, we recommend charging by the amount of assets included, with an added margin for modifications (usually about 30%). 06. Juggling the perfect work-life balance Differentiating work from personal life is much easier when you leave the office at the end of a work day. But when home is also your office, and the success of your new business lies solely in your hands, it’s harder to tell the two apart. Set your limits early on, so that you know when it’s okay for you to indulge in an extended late brunch, versus the instances in which work might overflow into the weekend. Working hours: When a client hires your services, it’s easy to feel like you owe them the world. But luckily, you don’t. Leave room for your personal life by setting daily work shifts and not going overtime. Work for a total of eight to nine hours per day, but no more. Create a routine by sticking to regular start and end times for your day, with regular breaks (a few quick five to ten minute breaks and one that’s significantly longer). A room of one’s own: Freelance design work can be done almost anywhere, or more specifically wherever there’s WiFi, but productivity is a completely different matter. Create a working environment that puts you in the right mood, and be sure to keep distractions to a minimum in order to better manage your time. One rule of thumb we can vouch for: working in bed is never a good idea. What friends are for: Freelance life can sometimes get very lonely. Find people you trust and make a point of asking their professional opinion from time to time, or hop on a video chat. Creativity and inspiration often happen when people collaborate, so reach out when you’ve hit a creative designer block or could simply use someone to talk to. Just say no (sometimes): Being self-employed doesn’t mean that you have to accept all projects that come your way. Knowing when to say no to a job offer is part of the game, too. Taking the wrong job can often lead to frustration, or clog up your schedule so that you’re unavailable for better offers that might be right around the corner. As you learn what’s right for you, don’t be afraid to turn down projects that you’re not excited about and that won’t take you in the right professional path. 07. Stay updated in the industry The design world never stands still. New tools, trends and techniques are constantly emerging, and as a freelancer, staying in the loop isn’t just a good idea – it’s a must. Think of it as part of your job to keep your skills sharp and your work relevant. Start by setting aside a little time each week for research and learning. Follow leading design blogs and subscribe to newsletters. Staying inspired by other designers’ work not only keeps you motivated but also gives you insight into what’s trending in the market. Don’t forget the value of being part of a creative community. Attend design conferences, local workshops or even virtual meetups to connect with other professionals. Not only do these spaces offer exposure to fresh ideas, but they can also lead to valuable networking and collaboration opportunities. You also need to keep your portfolio in check. Update it regularly to include your latest and greatest projects. This will keep your work aligned with updated industry standards and client expectations. The industry will always evolve, and by staying curious and adaptable, you can grow alongside it. Graphic designers who build websites for clients can offer more value with Wix Headless: build a fully custom-designed frontend for every client while Wix handles the complete business backend, with no plugins to manage and no servers to patch. Learn more about Wix Headless: What is Wix Headless What is a headless CMS How much does Wix Headless cost 08. Market yourself Now that you’re ready to go, it’s time to land your first clients as a freelance graphic designer. Remember that finding clients will get easier with time. Once you have a few happy customers, they’ll do most of the word-of-mouth for you, so that things will eventually gain their own momentum and traction. But until you hustle your way to the top, here are a proactive few steps to get you started: Bring traffic to your site: Ensure that your portfolio website is optimized to be found on search engines like Google by upping your SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Add relevant keywords for your field and specialty to improve your chances of showing up in Google search results. Consider including your title or speciality as part of your domain name (for example, ‘yournamedesign.com’). Add metadata and alt text to your visuals, and include social links and buttons to your Pinterest design so people can easily share your work. Social media: Make the best out of social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and X. Being knowledgeable on tips for Instagram design is also crucial, as Instagram is one of the best social platforms for designers to display their work. Reach out to your friends and followers online to announce your recent shift into freelancing. Referrals and work offers often come from people who already know and appreciate you. Be sure to also utilize more niche, professional social platforms like Behance, Dribbble and Vimeo. Network: Even if terms like ‘networking’ cause you to cringe, don’t worry. You needn’t be a pushy salesperson, shaking hands and passing out business cards. Just being yourself, keeping in touch with peers and getting to know people from the industry can help you form genuine connections that might prove themselves valuable. That being said, don’t shy away from networking opportunities like online classes and communities, design contests, and more, and if you decide you want them, you can always create business cards that really highlight your design identity. Focus on the client: When communicating with a client, try to focus the conversation around their needs and vision, and less on your skillset. Remember that freelance work is about providing service to a client. As a result, your work won’t be measured by how gorgeous your designs are, but by how well you’re able to solve your clients’ problems. Online job boards: Job boards such as the Wix Marketplace are a good opportunity to jumpstart your freelancing career as a professional designer. It’s also okay to accept some lower wage jobs when getting started – you just need to get on the right path.

Build your website in minutes, try Wix for free today → Best website builders for small businesses turn what once required hiring a developer and designer into something you can do yourself, no coding or design background needed. If you're starting from how to make a website of your own from scratch, the right website builder handles the technical heavy lifting so you can focus on your brand. Wix lets you build a professional business website with built-in tools for eCommerce, bookings and marketing. Below, we compare the best builders for businesses of every kind, from a boutique clothing business to a full online store, so you can find the fastest path from idea to launch. TL;DR: Best website builders for small businesses The best website builders for small businesses help you do more than just get online. They help you grow faster by improving credibility, conversions and customer trust. With the right platform, you can easily launch a professional website, streamline online sales, build stronger customer relationships and scale your business with tools designed to support marketing, bookings, eCommerce and long-term growth. Website builder Best for Key features Wix Most small businesses overall AI website builder, drag and drop editor, powerful eCommerce, bookings, marketing tools, analytics, SEO Squarespace Design focused businesses Beautiful templates, CMS tools, mobile responsive design, eCommerce Square Online Brick and mortar and POS users Built in payments, inventory sync, loyalty tools, eCommerce features, simple website setup Shopify Online stores and eCommerce brands Store builder, app integrations, analytics, secure checkout WordPress Customizable small business websites Themes, plugins, blogging tools, strong community 10Web AI Builder Fast AI powered website creation WordPress based system, speed optimization, SEO tools Pixpa Creatives and portfolios Portfolio layouts, digital file selling, simple management GoDaddy Beginners and service businesses Quick site setup, booking tools, SEO and marketing tools, templates Shift4Shop Growing eCommerce businesses Industry templates, SEO tools, unique pricing model Volusion Scalable online stores Store builder, CRM tools, video product features, SEO and marketing support When it comes to choosing a website builder, you want a platform that’s flexible, powerful and easy to use. Wix is trusted by millions to effortlessly create stunning websites. Try it for yourself and discover what makes Wix unique and why it could be the perfect fit for your next project. Best website builders for small businesses Wix Squarespace Square Online Shopify WordPress 10Web AI Builder Pixpa GoDaddy Shift4Shop Volusion 01. Wix Wix is one of the best website builders for small businesses, whether you're starting a business for the first time or looking to scale an existing operation. In the very earliest stages of concepting, you can even use Wix’s free business name generator and logo maker to lay the foundation of your professional brand. As for creating a website, Wix’s AI website builder provides one of the simplest solutions for designing a site from head to toe. The AI will ask you about your business goals and design preferences before generating a site, complete with custom site copy, images and other core elements. It will even connect you with the back-office tools you need to get your business up and running. With Wix Harmony, you can go from a single prompt to a business-ready website and keep refining it by hand. Note: you can always tweak your site or add more apps from your Wix account. Alternatively, pick from hundreds of ready-to-go business website templates and online store templates. Learn how to make a business website with the help of built-in checklists and other AI tools at your disposal. Once you’ve got your website up and running, you can use a host of native tools and integrations to make day-to-day business operations easier. Sell products, services and accept online bookings effortlessly. Check out Wix's dropshipping website builder, or branch into additional revenue streams with print on demand services, online courses, digital downloads and live events. Plus, Wix enables multichannel selling on Amazon, eBay, Facebook and other leading platforms, all from your website dashboard. Consider using Wix's AI Custom Agent, a no-code solution that lets you build personalized AI agents without needing any technical expertise. Your custom agent can be built to work autonomously to drive business results. Some examples include, automatically reconnecting with inactive customers through targeted coupon emails, maintaining optimal inventory by tracking stock levels and contacting suppliers when needed, boosting sales of slower-moving products with intelligent discount rules and delivering actionable sales insights directly to your inbox. As a Wix user, you also get access to advanced analytics, inventory tracking, email marketing, social media management tools, advertising through Google, Facebook and Instagram, and more. Wondering if your business needs a website? Check out some of the best business websites created with Wix for inspiration. Key Wix features Easy drag-and-drop website builder interface for uncomplicated website creation Comprehensive AI editor that can build you a professional website in minutes Fully control layouts, fonts, colors and more to match your brand Optimized for mobile users for a consistent experience Marketing tools, integrations, inventory management and analytics to help grow your business Access to hundreds of free and premium Wix market apps to integrate with your business SEO-friendly features, including an AI meta tag creator and an SEO Assistant that analyzes your website and creates a list of optimization suggestions Powerful eCommerce capabilities with built-in end-to-end merchant solutions 24/7 customer support Price Free and multi-solution premium plans available Free plan ($0): Limited features and ads. Light ($17/month): Basic plan for simple sites. Core ($29/month): Basic eCommerce features and marketing suite. Business $39/month): Geared towards growing your brand. Business Elite ($159/month): Unlocks unlimited storage & scaling capabilities. Enterprise: Custom plan for large corporations. Learn more: How much does a website cost Ready to create a website? Sign up with Wix and take our website builder for a test drive. 02. Squarespace Squarespace makes it easy to build a professional web presence right from the start. Select a professionally designed template and craft your site using powerful CMS tools. The Squarespace editor blends easy-to-use elements of both drag-and-drop and point-and-click interfaces, allowing you to easily incorporate your text, logo and photos throughout your site. Squarespace is versatile, with both website builder and online store functionality that enables you to sell products, plus facilitate service bookings and appointments. It supports various needs and budgets, offering plans for a variety of uses. Key features of Squarespace Modern templates designed by professionals Versatile content management system (CMS) Mobile-responsive templates eCommerce capabilities Intuitive and flexible website editor Price Plans start at $19 per month Learn more: Wix vs. Squarespace 03. Square Online Square Online is a user-friendly website builder and eCommerce solution offered by Square to complement its payment processing service. It simplifies online business setup, allowing you to start with a free pre-configured website template. While the free plan offers basic editing features, additional elements like website analytics, advanced customization and the ability to connect a custom domain are available with a paid plan. Paid plans offer a range of eCommerce perks, including online booking, abandoned cart recovery, order status alerts and a customer loyalty program. Additionally, these plans provide responsive themes, inventory management for online and offline stores, multi-channel integration and compatibility with third-party apps. If you’re a high-volume seller, you can access real-time shipping rates and lower processing fees (2.6% + 30 cents) with a Premium plan. Key features of Square Online Seamless integration with Square for point-of-sale (POS) and inventory management Mobile-responsive templates Versatile eCommerce capabilities User-friendly website editor with a simple interface Price Free and premium plans available starting at $49 per month 04. Shopify Shopify is a popular choice for small businesses with its easy-to-navigate platform, user-friendly dashboard and robust eCommerce solution. Its basic drag-and-drop editor lets you customize an online store with a few simple clicks. Choose from a limited assortment of free templates, or opt for a paid theme starting at $150. Fortunately, Shopify lets you try any template before you purchase it; once purchased, you can publish your theme as a live website. Shopify's standout feature is its extensive third-party app repository, offering thousands of integrations to enhance your online store. Note, however, that many of these apps come at an additional cost. Shopify offers a three-day free trial (extendable to three months for $1), with three paid monthly plans catering to different needs and budgets. Key features of Shopify Dedicated eCommerce platform Responsive design with a consistent look and functionality on all devices Abundance of third-party apps to customize your store's features Built-in sales, marketing and analytics tools help boost your brand Price Plans start at $39 per month Learn more: Wix vs. Shopify 05. WordPress WordPress is a well-known website builder ideal for service providers and creatives aiming for a polished website. Rather than providing a lot of native functionality, WordPress relies on plugins to enhance your site. For instance, the WooCommerce plugin adds product listings and cart functionality to your WordPress site. Most hosting providers support WordPress with a basic monthly hosting plan, often including a free domain for the first year. WordPress's user-friendly interface simplifies website creation, editing and upkeep, making it a good choice for small businesses and new entrepreneurs. Key features of WordPress Wide assortment of free and premium themes to match your brand Integrates with a rich array of plugins for diverse purposes User-friendly interface and intuitive website dashboard Robust blogging platform Active community that continuously contributes to platform improvements Price Plans start at $4 per month 06. 10Web AI Builder 10Web combines AI with WordPress functionality for a hands-off approach to website creation. 10Web automates this process, resulting in high-performing sites in minutes. You can either create a site from scratch, or supply the AI Builder with a URL to your favorite existing website on WordPress, and watch it replicate the layout for you in minutes. This platform is ideal for business owners who are interested in using WordPress for their website CMS, but don’t necessarily want to hire a developer for a custom build—or they lack the know-how to do it themselves. 10Web's AI algorithm can be used to optimize speed, SEO and mobile responsiveness. Moreover, you gain access to over 50 premium WordPress plugins to further enhance your website's functionality. Key features of 10Web Utilize AI to swiftly build high-performing websites Replicates the design of admired sites on WordPress in minutes Access to premium WordPress plugins Price Plans start at $20 per month 07. Pixpa Pixpa is a compelling option for creating either an online portfolio or an online store. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, small business owner or photographer, Pixpa equips you with essential tools to effectively create and manage a website. Pixpa's eCommerce tools allow you to sell a variety of items, including physical products, services and digital files. For example, as a photographer, you can sell your images as downloads or prints. The platform supports popular payment gateways like Stripe, Razorpay, PayPal and others, and it features order and inventory management tools to streamline the sales process. Key features of Pixpa Allows you to sell products, services, digital files and images as prints or downloads Responsive design with support for a variety of devices Tools for order and inventory management Price Plans start at $9 per month 08. GoDaddy GoDaddy is a recognized leader in domain registration and offers a website building solution that's particularly favored by beginners due to its user-friendly features. You can use prebuilt templates by answering some simple questions about your business, then employ the drag-and-drop editor to customize your site. GoDaddy's appointment booking tool is a useful feature, especially for service-oriented businesses. Additionally, GoDaddy caters to specific industry needs and has a built-in library of stock photos. Beyond website creation, GoDaddy provides integrated social media, marketing and SEO tools, easily accessible through the editor or dashboard. Key features of GoDaddy No technical expertise needed to build and customize your site Marketing and SEO tools available to enhance your site's visibility Basic eCommerce capabilities Appointment booking tool for service-based businesses Price Free and premium plans starting at $9.99 per month Learn more: Wix vs. GoDaddy 09. Shift4Shop Shift4Shop's eCommerce solution offers a feature-rich website builder complete with product and order management systems, customer marketing tools and more. You can choose from over 100 professionally designed templates, each tailored to specific industries. These templates are mobile-friendly, SEO-friendly and highly customizable. Notably, Shift4Shop offers an unlimited, enterprise-grade plan for $0 per month when you process a minimum of $500 per month through the Shift4 payment solution; otherwise, new customer plans with PayPal begin at $29 per month. Key features of Shift4Shop Turnkey eCommerce solution Industry-specific templates that are mobile- and SEO-friendly Intuitive web design tool Innovative pricing model for enterprise solutions Price Free trial and premium plans starting at $41 per month 10. Volusion Volusion presents a comprehensive online selling platform designed to facilitate all stages of your store, from creation to management and expansion. Non-technical users can appreciate its intuitive eCommerce website builder and content editor, making modifications to your online store quick and easy. Volusion includes distinctive capabilities, such as product video options, allowing you to share more detailed information about the items you sell. You can also expand and scale your business with built-in SEO tools and email marketing support with a customer relationship manager (CRM) system. Key features of Volusion All-in-one solution for creating, managing and expanding online stores Intuitive content editor Lets users add videos (e.g., product demonstrations) to online stores Price Plans start at $35 per month Editor’s note: all prices are current as of July 13, 2026. Looking for affordable options to build your website? Check out this guide to the best and cheapest website builders for expert recommendations and cost-saving tips. Top website features small businesses need Core features your small business website can’t do without A great small business website starts with the basics. Mobile-friendly design is a must since more customers browse on their phones, and a poorly optimized site can lose you sales. A built-in content management system (CMS) is super helpful so you can easily update your site without needing coding skills. Look for tools that let you add customizable contact forms to make it simple for customers to reach out or book services. Integrations with email marketing tools or embedding your Instagram feed keep your audience engaged. If you're offering transactions, secure payment options like PayPal, Stripe or Apple Pay are essential. Learn more: How does an AI website builder work Local business website features that drive results Local businesses benefit from features like map integration, such as Google Maps, to help customers find you. Showing customer reviews from platforms like Yelp or Google builds trust and improves local search rankings. If your business relies on appointments, an online booking system is a game changer. Integrating Google My Business enhances local SEO, making it easier for nearby customers to discover your services. Learn more: How to make a booking website Ecommerce website features that convert visitors into buyers If you are looking how to make an eCommerce website, a smooth and fast checkout process is crucial. Secure payment options and customizable product pages with detailed descriptions, great images and customer reviews help boost buyer confidence. A good website builder with tools like inventory management, order tracking, discount code creation and analytics dashboards makes managing products and sales easier. These features work together to create a seamless shopping experience for your customers. Learn more: How to accept secure online payments with Wix Must-have elements for service-based business websites Service-based businesses need tools that make booking simple and save time. Platforms like Square Appointments or booking systems from Wix make scheduling easy. Clients can check availability in real time and book directly. Features like calendar syncing, adjustable time slots and buffer times between appointments help avoid overlaps. Automated email or SMS reminders reduce no-shows and keep everything on track. Options to reschedule or cancel appointments give flexibility and improve customer satisfaction. Adding contact forms for custom requests and a testimonials section builds trust, while linking social media profiles makes it easy for clients to connect with your business. Features for portfolio and personal brand websites Personal brand and portfolio websites should make a strong visual impact. Customizable templates with clean and sleek layouts keep navigation easy and visitors engaged. Modern touches like animations can make your site feel more dynamic and interactive. Parallax scrolling, where the background moves slower than the foreground, adds a polished, professional vibe. Hover effects on buttons or images give subtle feedback that makes browsing smoother. Your site should also include galleries or carousels to feature high-quality images, videos or case studies. Just be sure these features are optimized for fast loading so your visitors don’t lose interest. Learn more: How to create a portfolio website How to choose a small business website builder Choosing the right website builder for your small business is crucial as it can significantly impact your online presence and business success. Here are some tips to help you choose the best small business website builder: Identify your needs: Before you start looking for website builders, outline your specific requirements. Consider factors such as the type of website you need (e.g., eCommerce, portfolio, blog), features you require (e.g., online store, appointment booking, contact forms), scalability and budget. Easy to use: Opt for a website builder that offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, especially if you're not tech-savvy. Look for drag-and-drop editors, pre-designed templates and easy customization options that allow you to build and update your website without coding knowledge. Customization options: Your website should reflect your brand, which means it’s important to choose a builder that offers design flexibility. Assess the selection of templates and the level of design flexibility offered by the website builder. Choose a platform that provides professionally designed templates that align with your brand aesthetics and allow customization to make your website unique. Mobile responsiveness: Ensure that the website builder you choose offers mobile-responsive templates. With the increasing use of mobile devices, it's essential that your website looks and functions well on smartphones and tablets, providing a seamless user experience across all devices. You can build a fully responsive website on Wix Studio, for example. Features and integrations: Consider the features and integrations offered by the website builder. Depending on your business needs, you may require features such as eCommerce functionality, SEO tools, analytics, social media integration and third-party app integrations. Make sure the platform supports the features you need to grow your business. Support: Strong customer support and a reliable platform make all the difference, especially when you’re running a business. Choose a website builder that provides responsive customer service through multiple channels like chat, email or phone. Wix offers robust help through both guides and live support options. Speed: Website speed plays a crucial role in both user experience and search engine visibility. A slow website can frustrate users, leading to higher bounce rates and negatively impact your SEO ranking. When selecting a website builder, look for platforms known for fast load times or those that offer built-in performance optimizations. Wix provides tools to enhance speed, such as automatic image compression and responsive design. Learn more: Small business website statistics Small businesses working with developers or building with AI tools can also explore Wix Headless, which runs on the same infrastructure trusted by millions of businesses worldwide and lets builders own the frontend while Wix handles the complete business backend. Learn more about Wix Headless: What is Wix Headless What is a headless CMS How much does Wix Headless cost Best builders for small business FAQ What is the best website builder for a small business? The best website builder for your small business will depend very much on your needs. You can go with an all-around platform, like Wix or work with a web developer and designer. How much does it cost to build a small business website? Generally, to build a small business website you'll need to select a premium plan from a website build, in order to make sure you can choose and register your own unique domain name, as well as other necessary business features. With Wix, for example, premium plans offer a range of prices for small business website creators. If you choose to work with a web developer and designer to create your website, prices will generally vary even more widely. Does my business need a website? Having a website is crucial for businesses of all sizes and industries in today's digital landscape. It not only expands your reach and visibility but also facilitates customer acquisition, retention and growth. What should a small business website include? Homepage: Introduce your business and provide easy navigation. About us: Share your story, mission, and team. Products/services: Showcase offerings with descriptions and images. Contact information: Make it easy for visitors to reach you. Testimonials/reviews: Build trust with customer feedback. Call-to-action (CTA): Encourage visitors to take desired actions. Blog: Share relevant content to attract and engage audiences. Social media integration: Connect with visitors on social platforms. FAQs/help center: Address common queries to enhance user experience. Mobile responsiveness: Ensure your site functions well on all devices. Is it unprofessional to use a website builder? Using a website builder is not unprofessional, as the quality of your site depends on its design, functionality and user experience rather than the platform used. Modern builders like Wix offer professional templates, customization options and features like SEO and mobile optimization that can help you create a polished site, even without technical skills. When done well, a site built with these tools can rival the professionalism of one created by a developer. Is Wix good for small businesses? Yes, Wix is an excellent choice for small businesses. It helps business owners build professional, fully branded websites quickly with its easy drag-and-drop editor that requires no coding skills. Wix also includes built-in tools for SEO, eCommerce, bookings and marketing so small businesses can attract customers, showcase products or services and grow online with ease. It’s flexible, scalable and designed to support businesses at every stage of growth.

Get started by: Creating a website → | Getting a domain → If you’re looking to start an online business, the best idea is one that matches your skills and strengths. This helps you stand out, connect with customers and make money online in a way that works for you. Whether you’re looking to establish a full-blown operation or start a side hustle to your day job, launching an online business has never been easier. As you create a website, you’ll help your online business get more exposure, stand out from the pack and engage your audience. Wix Harmony is Wix's AI website builder that lets you go from a single prompt to a fully designed, business-ready website. Wix's native ChatGPT integration lets you type “@Wix” in a conversation, describe a business idea, and have the agent generate a full, live Wix website. Researching the right online business idea for yourself may seem like a big time commitment, but don’t worry. There are some great examples already underway to help you get started selling online. To ensure you're in the know, we’ve compiled the top 26 online business ideas that you can start right away, with in-depth explanations of what each one entails. “The best advice that I give to people is always ‘Start now, perfect later.’ Just start it. You can fix it along the way. If you build your tribe and your community, they will go along the journey with you.” — Angel Gregorio, founder of The Spice Suite Top 26 online business ideas in 2026 Blogger Web designer Affiliate marketer eCommerce retailer Dropshipping business owner App developer Facebook ad specialist SEO consultant YouTuber Social media consultant Podcaster Online course instructor Webinar guru Copywriter Technical writer Remote tech support Virtual assistant Subscription box curator Resume and cover letter writer e-book author Sell NFTs Transcription services Flip thrifted goods Print on demand Sell digital products Content clipping 01. Blogger For writers and anyone with a passion or expertise to share, creating a blog might be the right fit. While the definition of what is a blog includes everything from travel journals to specialized industry ones, all blogs share some commonalities. Blogs are regularly updated websites that cover information, opinions or insights around a certain topic. A successful blogger is someone who knows their niche, and is thus able to build a good blog with a clear focus. Blogs are low-investment spaces where you can foster a solid readership in a specific area, by providing critical content that keeps visitors coming back. As a creator of high-quality content, you can begin thinking about how to monetize a blog, turning yours into a potential moneymaker. One way to make money as a blogger is through your ability to attract relevant advertisers with the help of your loyal fanbase. You can host an ad space, sponsored posts, offer products for sale and more - all of which would require minimal effort on your end. This makes blogging a very scalable business idea. Another option might be to offer paid services in the forms of personal consultation or coaching. One-on-one sessions can complement your blog and reaffirm your expert voice in the field. Additionally, you could consider repurposing your content into paid online courses, e-books or webinars (more on those below). After all, a successful blog should continually drive community engagement. Looking to start a blog? Wix has got you covered with thousands of design features, built-in SEO and marketing tools, that will allow you to scale your content, your brand and your business with a blog maker. “With AI-generated content taking the internet by storm, readers and search engines alike crave genuine narratives and unique firsthand experiences… your blog becomes a one-of-a-kind source of knowledge amidst an ocean of reshared content.” — Judit Ruiz Ricart, strategic project manager at Wix 02. Web designer Business owners are often looking to improve their online presence. If you’re a creative and technical person who enjoys building web pages and taking website design to the next level, then consider teaming up with clients whose sites need that professional touch. Armed with a passion for fonts, color palettes and a seamless user experience, you can begin promoting yourself as a freelance web designer for small and local businesses. Whether you’re building a website from scratch or giving an existing one the ultimate makeover, every experience you gain will help raise your credibility and enrich your portfolio. 03. Affiliate marketer If you’ve built a substantial online audience or following, you may want to look into affiliate marketing and how you can use it to monetize your content. As an affiliate marketer, you’d team up with a business to market their products or services by recommending or sharing them to your fans. Affiliate marketers earn a commission each time they convert any of their followers into purchasing the brand’s products through a unique referral link, known as an affiliate link. When considering which affiliate program is right for you, look for one that suits both your interests and that of your target audience. Try to find a brand that you believe in or would be happy to endorse. In addition, double check that the product or service that they offer has a good enough demand. There are many affiliate programs out there, including Amazon Associates, ShareASale and the Wix Affiliate Program, so you might want to take a moment to research them before you reach out. Once you’re signed up, you can begin promoting the affiliate content alongside your day-to-day materials which your followers have come to expect. There are different ways to promote your affiliate products to your readers without coming off as too spammy. One method is to try incorporating the product recommendations into a blog post, tutorial or video using relevant and engaging content. What's even better is that there are tons of free creative tools like HubSpot that offer a range of tools from AI writers to clip creators to help you develop this content. Be creative and think of new ways to adapt your marketing strategy to yield the most profit. You can also choose to start this as a part-time business idea before committing full time once it becomes successful. According to Guy Josipovich ,Online Partnerships Manager at Wix.com, "Companies entrust their product and reputation to their partner's hands. Therefore, it’s not surprising that trust is critical for a successful long-term partnership, together with proven professional skills such as analytical abilities, understanding of marketing principles, and good time management." Learn more: Automated business ideas 04. eCommerce retailer Running an eCommerce website allows you control over every aspect of your business, from accepting secure online payment, to managing order fulfillment, to advanced marketing tools and an optimized shopping experience. With many business capabilities, all that’s left is to ask yourself what things to make and sell, since picking the right products for your online store will be the core of this eCommerce business idea. When choosing which products to sell, let your skills and experience guide you. You can confirm your choice by conducting a thorough market research. Knowing how to start an online business in your niche market means listening to your customers. On your site, it’s important to maintain clear communication with your customers in the form of live chat, a forum, email marketing and more. Learn more about how to make an eCommerce website. 05. Dropshipping business owner Some business owners may like the idea of running an online store, but don’t want or have the capacity to store inventory. For these cases, there’s an alternative way when considering how to start a business on a budget - dropshipping. With dropshipping, you can sell products on your business website without managing your own inventory. Instead, you can send customers’ orders to a third-party retailer. This eliminates the risk of stocking up on pricey products, or finding out that the products in your inventory are no longer marketable. Without needing to attend to a warehouse or a different physical location of your inventory, you can run your dropshipping business from wherever you have WiFi. This also allows you to expand your product offering and sell niche products, since you won’t be limited to what’s in an inventory. Additionally, operating a dropshipping business frees you to adjust your merchandise by experimenting and testing with it, keeping your offering up with the latest eCommerce trends. If something isn’t selling, you’ll be able to change your offerings on the spot. Learn more: Dropshipping business ideas Coffee dropshipping Beauty dropshipping Reverse dropshipping Automated dropshipping Jewelry dropshipping Digital dropshipping Clothing dropshipping Sticker dropshipping Pet dropshipping Branded dropshipping White label dropshipping T-shirt dropshipping Candle dropshipping B2B dropshipping 06. App developer Seeing that the number of apps downloaded in the last year hit an almost 200 billion, the app business is officially a tour de force. Perhaps it’s time to get your cool idea for an app set into motion. If you haven’t any prior experience in app development, you'll need to pick up a couple of common programming languages, like Python, JavaScript or iOS, and know some basic software design. On the other hand, even without a coding background, you can always collaborate with an experienced app developer on your idea. It helps if your app idea is backed with thorough market research. Would your app offer something new to the competitive market, or are there others like it? This step is best taken before investing any money. Learn more: AI business ideas 07. Facebook ad specialist What individual hasn’t used Facebook already? In the small business sector, however, there are many veteran business owners who aren’t successfully tapping into the plethora of resources that the social media giant has to offer. The solution for many is to hire an expert on Facebook advertising. Known as Facebook ad specialists, their goal is to collaborate with clients to help them plan, measure and execute paid marketing campaigns on Facebook. As a hired expert, you’ll be able to help your clients optimize their digital marketing and advertising, allowing them to reach their core audiences. Facebook ads are targeted to users based on location, demographics, and interests, making it easier to find the right niche. You might want to start contacting businesses that already have a Facebook presence and offer your services to help create masterful Facebook ads. 08. SEO consultant SEO stands for search engine optimization. SEO is the process of optimizing websites so that they rank better on search engine results, such as Google and Bing, which could ultimately drive more traffic to the site. Becoming an SEO consultant includes learning highly profitable skills in online advertising platforms like Google Ads and Google Analytics, as well as the need to be at the cutting edge of Google’s algorithms. As someone who is familiar with the number of ways to boost a site’s SEO, you will be an asset to any business looking to improve their online presence. 09. YouTuber For some of us, starring in or directing our own videos is a dream come true. You may feel your best in front of the camera, have stories to tell or simply want to educate others about a specific topic using visual content. Whether you’re looking to start your own YouTube channel or simply like to vlog, there could be a great money making opportunity coming your way as your viewership grows. There are several effective ways you can begin to make money on YouTube. They include becoming a YouTube Partner, selling merchandise, or venturing into affiliate marketing. You can experiment with any of these options to find the best fit for you and your audience. 10. Social media consultant While corporations operate with full-time social media experts on their payroll, most small businesses not only lack this luxury, but may not even have a Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account. As many shoppers turn to these popular platforms for their consumer needs, business owners might want to seek the assistance of a social media consultant to help them determine the best social media marketing strategies. These experts will help create and schedule posts to target potential customers, and more. As a social media consultant, you can help online businesses choose the right platform for their target audience. From Facebook, the world’s number one social media network, to Instagram, known for its visual storytelling features and LinkedIn, where professionals go to network, each channel comes with different audiences and needs. “Define what makes your company unique and why customers should choose you. This will be the foundation of your marketing message.” — Tristán Elósegui, marketing and business advisor for SMEs 11. Podcaster Podcasting is for those who can articulate a passion or certain topic they know well. In case you weren’t already familiar with this business idea, a podcast is an episodic series of audio recordings around a certain topic or topics. Though starting a podcast can be one of the best businesses to start with little money using free recording and editing software, you might want to invest in a good-quality microphone. Your listenership will depend on the quality of your audio content and your ability to establish an expert voice in your area. Bringing special guests to your podcast is one low-cost way to help promote your show. Once your show reaches more people and your subscribership grows, your podcast could have the potential to attract advertisers and ultimately become profitable. 12. Online course instructor Is teaching a passion you’ve always wanted to pursue but never had the time to? Creating an online course is one way to share your knowledge while generating passive income, with little investment up front. In order to become an online course instructor, you’ll first need a website or platform from where you can host and stream your classes. To get your online course started, you’ll want to focus on a specific topic that you know well. It can be anything, from women authors of the 19th-century to logo design. You’ll also need to give yourself a reasonable amount of time to build your course and plan each lesson. If you already have a blog, website or video channel, then offering online courses as an added service may complement your published work and help you reaffirm your authority in your field. 13. Webinar guru People often come to you for advice or tips, as you’ve become known by many as that person who has all the right answers. Although teaching an online course seems like a natural step to take, you may not have time to do it for an entire semester. Hence, one possible online low-cost business idea would be to create a webinar. Webinars are online presentations often held in real-time, or simply put, an online event. The most direct way to make profit from your webinar is to charge a fee for attendance. You could also make money from a free webinar by offering a paid product at the end. The shorter, the better: A webinar tends to run between 30-45 minutes, capitalizing on full engagement. In most cases, you can organize your webinar to best suit your schedule, as attendees are able to access your event from home. Subscribe to the Wix blog for a weekly dose of fresh business and web design tips and trends. 14. Copywriter A copywriter is someone who writes engaging text or “copy” for the purpose of marketing or advertisement to increase a client’s message or brand. A good copy is meant to motivate readers to spur into action. Those who share a passion for creating good and clear content know that to master copywriting takes a lot of practice and skills. Start by searching the web for copywriting listings. There are many new opportunities arising each day. A freelance copywriter can determine their either rate per hour or per word count. The pay rate may also increase as your experience does too. Small businesses looking to expand their web audience need quality online content, and would benefit greatly from employing the services of a skilled copywriter. A diverse writing portfolio, covering different types of content, would help you attract a wider range of clientele. 15. Technical writer There are situations when content needs to sound technical rather than creative. Think about the importance of manuals at certain points in our lives, like when we need to assemble an Ikea bookshelf or when we start a new medication. A technical writer deals with this line of work clearly and eloquently. Once you’ve decided what industry you’d like to pursue - health, engineering or technology - it will be easier for you to focus on building your specialization. Potential clients of technical writers may be corporate and pharmaceutical companies. Although it might feel you have bigger fish to fry as a technical writer, there are fewer of your kind in the general writing sphere. The odds are in your favor. 16. Remote tech support Sometimes a small business has to outsource technical assistance because of budgetary issues or space constraints. If you have a solid background in IT and enjoy working from home, you can set up a paid tech support service for your local businesses. Aside from bringing in a nice stream of revenue, a remote tech support operation is a great home-based business idea. In fact, it can even be run using little more than a mobile device. For more on how to make money from home, check out our guide. 17. Virtual assistant Businesses and individuals alike often require extra support in managing their emails, drafting templated responses for diverse inquiries, social media channels and daily schedules. A virtual assistant is someone who can fulfill these tasks and support them remotely, making it one of the most accessible online unique business ideas to start now. Unlike an office assistant who performs administrative and clerical duties only, a virtual assistant will cover these traditional tasks while offering a multitude of other services, including everything from content creation to website or project management. In the role of virtual assistant, there is plenty of room for creativity and personal growth, allowing you to add or change your services depending on your availability, client demand or interests. You can also choose your clients and area of industry. Take advantage of the number of online tools, from file sharing to virtual calendars, that are available to help you perform most assistant tasks without investing a lot upfront. Tip: How to start a virtual assistant business 18. Subscription box curator Have you ever been told that you give the best presents in your family? Creating that perfect gift-giving moment may be something important to you. Selling subscriptions requires that same attention to detail and love for delivering smiles. When curating a subscription box, you won’t necessarily have to create your own merchandise if you don’t choose to. There are so many unique and creative products you can find online and curate into your boxes. Most successful subscription boxes work around a certain theme, making them compatible with their target market. For example, adults may prefer wine and children can’t resist colorful candy. Remember that subscription boxes are often purchased as gifts to others, so it’s worth changing or adding your offerings to reflect the times or trends. This can also be a great family business idea or a fun business idea for couples. Tip: How to start a subscription box business 19. Resume and cover letter writer Writing resumes and cover letters is in-demand. Even though the typical word count for a professional resume or cover letter does not reach more than 400 words, the work of a resume and cover letter writer is essential and everlasting. Your target audience is any individual looking for a job, leaving you free to work with any number of clients. Be sure to provide successful writing samples you’ve worked on in the past to potential customers, or share links to online resume websites that you’ve created. This allows you to show off your skills and rich industry jargon for any market or niche. 20. e-book author While few writers manage to get published in their lifetime, many new authors are already making their e-book debut amid the digital products, specifically book market boom. Self-publishing your book has never been more affordable or effective, using a number of options including Apple Books, Smashwords and Amazon, which will help you with the post-production aspects of distribution and sales. Consider investing in an editor or proofreader and an illustrator to make your book more marketable. As a writer, breaking into the category of e-book author is one online business idea that could help you succeed in your industry. 21. Sell NFTs Selling Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) has emerged as a groundbreaking avenue for creators to monetize their unique content. NFTs are blockchain-based tokens that authenticate the ownership and rarity of digital files, including artworks, music, videos and more. By tokenizing their creations, artists can offer a sense of exclusivity and ownership to their audience, fostering a new era of digital collectibles. One key advantage of selling NFTs lies in the ability to directly connect with a global audience of collectors and enthusiasts. The blockchain ensures transparency and authenticity in ownership, allowing creators to establish a direct relationship with their supporters. Additionally, the smart contract functionality embedded in NFTs can enable creators to receive royalties automatically each time their token is resold, providing a sustainable revenue stream over time. This decentralized and borderless nature of NFT transactions has democratized the art and content creation industry, empowering creators to reach a broader market without traditional intermediaries. While NFTs present exciting opportunities, navigating the space requires careful consideration of market trends, pricing strategies and community engagement. Building a strong online presence, leveraging social media and participating in relevant online communities can help creators showcase and sell their NFTs successfully. As the market continues to evolve, staying informed about emerging platforms and technological developments will be crucial for creators looking to thrive in the dynamic world of NFTs. 22. Transcription services Transcription services helps provide accurate and timely conversion of audio and video content into written form. Transcription services cater to a broad range of industries, from media and legal to academic and corporate. As businesses increasingly rely on digital communication, there is a growing demand for skilled transcriptionists who can efficiently transcribe interviews, meetings, podcasts and various other audio materials. Online platforms and freelance marketplaces offer opportunities for transcriptionists to connect with clients globally, making it a flexible and accessible business option. One specialized area within transcription services that tends to get paid the most is medical transcription, a critical component of healthcare documentation. Medical transcriptionists transcribe dictated recordings made by healthcare professionals into written documents. Individuals with a background in healthcare or specialized knowledge of medical terminology can carve a niche in this field, ensuring that healthcare providers have clear and precise documentation of patient interactions. If you want to offer transcription services, building a reputation for reliability and confidentiality is crucial. Make sure you effectively communicate with your clients, stick to deadlines and use transcription software and tools to boost your chances of success. 23. Flip thrifted goods Got an eye for a bargain? Love flea markets and vintage stores? If yes, why not consider selling what you find online. You an easily start a business online selling vintage and thrifted goods. From clothing, to furniture and even toys, there are plenty of ideas to lead with. Make sure to tap into demand — what exactly are people looking to buy second hand. And consider some of the issues with selling thrifted foods, including safety (especially with toys and baby items), quality and value. You'll need to research pricing because while one man's trash, might be another's treasure but a lot depends on price and value. To sell thrifted goods online, you'll need an online store or eCommerce website. Print on demand For entrepreneurs aiming to start a business with minimal upfront costs, print on demand is an excellent option. This business model allows you to create and sell custom products like clothing, mugs and notebooks without the hassle of managing inventory. By partnering with print-on-demand companies, business owners can easily upload their designs, set prices and manage orders while the platform handles production and shipping. Print on demand is particularly appealing for creative individuals looking to monetize their designs and tap into niche markets. Since products are only created after a sale is made, the risk of overproduction or unsold inventory is significantly reduced. This combination of low financial risk and creative freedom makes print on demand a smart, scalable opportunity for those eager to start a business. 25. Sell digital products Digital products are one of the most scalable online businesses you can start: you create the asset once and sell it an unlimited number of times, with no inventory and very high margins. Popular options include Notion and Canva templates, Lightroom presets, printables and planners, icon or font packs, and spreadsheets. Pick a niche you understand, design a small collection and sell it directly from your own website. Because there’s nothing to ship, your main ongoing work is marketing and refreshing your catalog as trends shift. 26. Content clipping As long-form video and podcasts keep growing, so does demand for short, scroll-stopping clips. Content clippers take a creator’s or brand’s existing footage and edit it into vertical short-form videos for TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. It’s a low-startup-cost service business — you mainly need editing software and an eye for a strong hook — and it pairs naturally with creators, podcasters and coaches who don’t have time to repurpose their own content. Tips for starting an online business Choose your online business niche When coming up with an online business idea, you should figure out what you're passionate about and what you're good at, as well as what problems you can you solve for others (for example, if you're crafty, you can sell crafts online). Once you know your niche, you can start to focus your marketing efforts and build a community around your products or services. Do your research Before you launch your online business ideas, it's important to do your research and understand the market you're entering. Make sure you know who your target audience is, what their needs and wants are and what your competitors are doing in the same space. Create a business website Your website is your online storefront, so it's important to make sure it's well-designed, easy to navigate and mobile-friendly. You can sell directly from your site, or use it to market your brand. You should also create social media profiles for your business and actively engage with your audience. Provide excellent customer service This is one of the most important factors in building a successful online business. Make sure you're responsive to customer inquiries, resolve issues quickly and provide friendly and helpful support. Start small and scale up There'd no need to start your online business with a huge investment. You can start small and scale up as your business grows. Remember that it takes time and effort to build a successful online business, so don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Most popular online business ideas In 2025, the most common online business ideas are expected to include: Ecommerce stores With the continued growth of online shopping, e-commerce businesses selling a wide range of products are likely to remain popular. Niche e-commerce stores focusing on specific product categories or offering personalized shopping experiences may also thrive. In 2025 it's expected that around 20-25% of all retail sales will happen online, making online shopping and eCommerce stores a continuing trend. Online education and training The demand for remote learning and upskilling is expected to drive the growth of online education businesses. To date it's believed that US higher education facilities enroll over 1.1. million students, a number that is growing. Platforms offering courses, tutorials and certification programs in various fields are likely to be in high demand. Digital marketing agencies As businesses increasingly rely on digital marketing to reach their target audience, digital marketing agencies offering services such as social media management, SEO, content marketing and online advertising are expected to be prevalent. Subscription-based services Subscription-based businesses offering products or services on a recurring basis, such as streaming platforms, meal kit deliveries, and subscription boxes, are anticipated to be more common due to their convenience and recurring revenue model. These types of businesses are expected to generate income of $904.2 billion by 2026, making them a huge growth potential online business idea. Online business idea trends for 2025 eCommerce and online selling Personalized shopping experiences: Using AI and machine learning to tailor product recommendations and provide personalized shopping journeys. Virtual try-on technology: Allowing customers to experience products virtually before purchasing, reducing returns and improving customer satisfaction. Social commerce: Leveraging social media platforms for product discovery, purchase and customer engagement. Digital subscription services Streaming services: Expanding beyond entertainment to include fitness, education and other lifestyle content. Membership programs: Providing exclusive access to perks, discounts and personalized experiences for loyal customers. AI-powered businesses Chatbots and virtual assistants: Providing 24/7 customer support, automating tasks, and enhancing website functionality. Predictive analytics: Using AI to analyze data and make informed decisions about product development, marketing campaigns and inventory management. Automated decision-making: Empowering systems to make decisions without human intervention, improving efficiency and reducing bias. Remote work and collaboration Virtual workspaces: Creating online platforms that facilitate remote work, team collaboration and communication. Online meeting tools: Enabling seamless video conferencing, screen sharing and collaborative document editing. Freelance marketplaces: Connecting businesses with independent contractors for a wide range of services, increasing flexibility and talent access. Sustainable and ethical businesses E-commerce for sustainable products: Catering to consumers seeking eco-friendly, ethical and socially responsible products. Zero-waste initiatives: Implementing practices to minimize waste in packaging, shipping and operations. Transparency and traceability: Providing customers with information about product sourcing, manufacturing and environmental impact. Niche market targeting Micro-influencer marketing: Collaborating with niche influencers who have highly engaged and targeted audiences. Subscription boxes for specific hobbies: Catering to niche interests, such as crafting, cooking or fitness. Personalized products and experiences: Offering customizable products and curated experiences tailored to specific demographics or preferences. Entrepreneurs building with AI tools can launch any of these ideas faster with Wix Headless. It removes the biggest blockers to going live including payments, bookings and content management without requiring you to become a backend engineer or manage any infrastructure. Learn more about Wix Headless: What is Wix Headless What is a headless CMS How much does Wix Headless cost Online business ideas FAQ What are the most profitable online business ideas to start? Turning an online business idea into a profitable business is not without its challenges, and profitability will depend on many other factors than just the specific business idea you choose. However in general online business ideas with a high potential for profitability include creating and selling online courses, affiliate marketing and dropshipping. What are the best online business ideas for beginners? If you're a beginner when it comes to starting a business, the best online business ideas are those with low startup costs. It's probably also best to lead with a business that you can manage as a solopreneur for as long as possible, so that you don't have to deal with the added complication of hiring and managing employees. Great online business ideas for beginners include content creation, virtual assistant positions and data entry. What are the quickest online business ideas to start? Again, if your aim is to get a business idea off the ground quickly, the best choice would be one that requires limited resources to set it up. Sometime that can be done from home would be a good choice. Examples include dropshipping, consulting services or affiliate marketing. How do you brainstorm online business ideas? To generate online business ideas, start by identifying your passions, skills and areas of expertise (for example, if you're good at animation, learn how to make money as an animator). Research current market trends, explore niche markets and consider solving problems for a target audience. Engage in discussions, attend industry events and use online tools like Google Trends and keyword research to uncover potential opportunities. Collaborate with others, seek inspiration from successful online businesses and be open to adapting and evolving your ideas. What is the best online business to start from home? The best online business to start from home depends on your interests, skills and market demand. Options include eCommerce (selling products), affiliate marketing, freelancing, consulting and online tutoring. Conduct thorough research to understand the profitability and feasibility of each option, considering your resources and goals. Do you need an LLC to sell online? While it's not mandatory, forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) can offer legal and financial protection for your online business. An LLC separates personal and business assets, limiting personal liability. It also provides flexibility in taxation. However, the necessity depends on factors like your business size, risk tolerance and legal requirements in your jurisdiction. Consulting with a legal professional can help you make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances. How do I choose between passive vs active business ideas? Choose between passive and active business models based on your: Time availability: passive needs more upfront time, less ongoing Income goals: active typically generates faster initial income Skill set: active requires constant expertise Capital: passive often needs more upfront investment Work style preference: hands-on vs automated Scalability needs: passive scales easier How do I validate my online business idea before launching it? Here's a 70-word guide to validating your online business idea: 1. Research your competition Analyze similar businesses and how successful or not they are Identify market gaps you could fill with your idea Study their pricing models 2. Test market interest Create a social media presence — setup an account, start posting around your idea and see how your community reacts Launch a simple landing page which can be run with small ad campaigns to gauge interest Join relevant online communities to run surveys and understand demand 3. Get real feedback Conduct customer interviews Create surveys Build a small email list Share your concept in business forums 4. Create MVP (Minimum Viable Product) Offer a beta version of your product or a test service Get early adopter feedback Test pricing strategies Explore more business ideas Craft business ideas Beauty business ideas Reselling business ideas DIY business ideas Clothing business ideas Small-town business ideas Rental business ideas B2B business ideas Business ideas for teachers Recession-proof business ideas Kidswear business ideas Business ideas for teens Hobbies that make money Black Friday business ideas

Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → A membership website or online membership platform is created for individuals or organizations to provide exclusive content, services or resources to subscribed members. Membership websites, as a type of website, are a centralized hub for members to access privileged information. Learn more: How to create a membership website Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. Wix is all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. 8 components of a membership website There are several essential elements of a membership website that are important for ensuring a good user experience including building a subscriber base. Membership plans Exclusive content User registration and login Payment gateway Community pages or forums Member profiles Newsletter Member support 01. Membership plans Membership websites typically feature different plans or levels of access, each offering varying degrees of content or services. These plans may include free, basic, premium or VIP memberships. You can incorporate a CMS into your membership website to control levels of access, set up subscription tiers, restrict content access based on membership levels, handle payment processing securely and manage member profiles. Let’s say your membership site is focused on travel content. So as part of a free membership, you might send subscribers travel blog posts as soon as they’re published. As part of a premium package, you might offer them special deals on travel packages or accommodation, or an online course on how to make money as a travel blogger, or similar. Or you might create a winery website and offer wine memberships that grant members discounts on wine you sell, invitations to different events and other types of perks. You'll also want to decide how content is delivered. Some sites unlock everything at once, giving members full access from day one. Others use a drip-feed model, releasing content gradually over days or weeks, which works well for course-style memberships where pacing helps people absorb the material. 02. Exclusive content One of the biggest hooks of a membership website is exclusive content. This could range from articles, videos, webinars or downloadable resources that are accessible only to subscribed members. A membership website around starting a business could offer downloadable business plans for different types of businesses. A clothing line business plan or consultant business plan, as some examples. 03. User registration and login To access exclusive content, users need to register and create an account. The login feature makes sure that only authorized members can access protected and gated areas of the website. 04. Payment gateway For membership plans that require payment, a secure online payment system is essential. This allows users to subscribe, renew memberships or upgrade to premium plans with ease. You will need to make sure that the payment system you use is protected by enterprise-grade web security infrastructure and features. Wix supports long-term eCommerce growth with built-in loyalty programs, subscription commerce, back-in-stock notifications and flexible digital gift cards designed to increase customer lifetime value. 05. Community pages or forums Many membership websites include a community or groups section where members can interact with each other, share insights and discuss topics related to the exclusive content offered on the site. As a membership site owner, you’ll need to moderate these community forums and initiate conversations to get users talking. They can be a great way for you to support your subscribers with advice and for them to help each other too. Be inspired by these community page templates. 06. Member profiles This feature allowing members to create profiles adds a personal touch to your online community and membership site. Members should be able to customize their profiles, share information and connect with other like-minded individuals via their profiles. This isn't just a nice-to-have: Wix customers who add a Members Area, where site visitors maintain profiles and purchase history, see 154% more repeat visitors. "The data shows that our products are delivering real results to our customers and their success is what drives us." — Avishai Abrahami, CEO and co-founder of Wix.com 07. Newsletter Membership websites often include a newsletter or updates section to keep members informed about new content, upcoming events or any changes to your site. You can choose to send a newsletter to all your members or as part of paid membership plans. “A newsletter builds a base of engaged subscribers eager to hear directly from you. It allows you to develop content that resonates with your audience, even if it falls outside of top search engine results. Newsletters let you forge deeper connections through content crafted specifically for subscribers, not just optimized for keywords. You can provide value on topics and in formats that speak to their interests, driving loyalty. A newsletter audience is there because they actively want to consume and engage with your content in their inbox. This owned and direct channel allows you to enrich relationships beyond what the blog alone can do.” Dor Cohen, Distribution and Growth Specialist at Wix.com 08. Member support Providing support to members on your site is crucial. This may involve a dedicated support system, FAQ pages or a customer service process or tool to address any queries or issues members may encounter when using your content or advice. Why do you need a membership website? Monetization opportunities For content creators, organizations, or individuals with valuable expertise, a membership website offers a way to make money online. Memberships can also generate a steady and consistent income stream through subscription fees. Learn more about how to sell subscriptions. Community building Membership websites foster a sense of community among members who share common interests or goals. The community or forum feature encourages interaction and networking, enhancing the overall member experience. It can also help you build a community to later market to or simply improve relations between people in the same industry or field. Personalized user experience User accounts and profiles allow members to personalize their experience on the website. This may include tracking their progress, bookmarking favorite content, or participating in community discussions. This in turn should create more loyal users and subscribers both to your brand and website. Content control and security Membership websites enable content creators to control access to their valuable content. This ensures that only paying members can benefit from the exclusive resources provided which in turn helps to attract more members and payers. Learn more: How to make a website, Cost to build a website, Benefits of a website Top 5 membership website creation platforms 01. Wix Wix is a membership website platform with a user-friendly interface and features. It offers a dedicated member's area feature for creating exclusive content for premium users, managing paid subscriptions and customizing the user experience without third-party integrations. Wix provides an intuitive website builder with drag and drop editing. 02. Content Hub by HubSpot HubSpot's Content Hub integrates membership features with marketing, sales and service tools. It allows providing exclusive content for premium users, controlling access based on membership status using HubSpot lists and leveraging analytics to optimize member engagement. 03. MemberPress MemberPress is easy to use for setting up and managing membership subscriptions on WordPress websites. It enables offering exclusive features and content to premium users, restricting access to posts, pages, videos and digital files based on subscription levels and customizing membership tiers for different user segments. 04. Uscreen Uscreen is a membership platform for video creators to monetize their content. It allows you to offer exclusive video libraries for premium users, providing live streaming capabilities and creating a community space for member engagement. The platform focuses on delivering a video-centric membership experience. 05. MemberSpace MemberSpace is a third-party website plugin that enables creating exclusive features and content for premium users by gating specific pages, controlling access based on subscription fees or actions and creating a personalized membership experience for different user segments. Membership website examples to be inspired by MC Visual Merchandising Specialists This private members site uses a forum to initiate conversation and engage users. Cayman Canine This Cayman Islands-based site serves pet owners looking to connect and engage through their forum. Members can contribute to existing posts or write their own to start a conversation. NJA Wheelers This adventure community website for off-road vehicles and trips aims to bring together fellow enthusiasts, complete with member uploads. Healthy Nails Collaborative This private members site focuses on connecting nail professionals and enthusiasts, providing exclusive resources, insights and online trainings for a monthly subscription fee. Rainbow Fictioneers This platform caters to aspiring fiction writers, connecting them with fellow writers and providing resources and workshops to improve their craft. Members can also share their work for feedback and critiques from the community. For those who want full control over how their membership site looks and feels, Wix Headless allows creating and managing content from a backend dashboard independently of wherever the frontend was built, with no backend engineering or server management required. Learn more about Wix Headless: What is Wix Headless What is a headless CMS How much does Wix Headless cost What is a membership website? FAQ Is a membership website the same as an e-learning platform? No, while both provide valuable content, a membership website typically offers diverse content and services, whereas an e-learning platform focuses specifically on educational courses and materials. What information is on a membership website? Membership websites generally include details about various membership plans, exclusive content, community forums, member profiles and any additional resources or services provided. How much does a membership website cost? The set-up cost for membership websites varies depending on the features and benefits offered by the website building platform through which you choose to build your website. You may need to factor in additional costs for website design, content creation and promotion efforts. Ultimately, the cost will depend on your specific needs and budget. What’s the difference between a membership website and a subscription website? A membership website is a private online portal that offers exclusive content, resources and benefits to its members. It requires users to pay a one-time or recurring fee to access the site's content and services. On the other hand, a subscription website refers to any website that charges users a recurring fee for accessing its content or services. This can include magazines, news sites and streaming platforms. The main difference between the two is that membership websites typically offer more value in terms of exclusive content and resources, while subscription websites focus more on delivering regularly updated content. You can create a membership website with Wix for free or with a paid plan.

Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix→ Subscription websites enable creators to monetize exclusive content, offering tailored experiences that align with audience interests. Learning how to start a business in this way, enhances financial stability and audience engagement, while allowing creators to produce content without algorithm pressures. Entrepreneurs often wonder, "How do I start?" or "What features will keep my website visitors engaged?" This guide walks you through how to make a website for your subscription business, from choosing the right platform and setting up payment gateways to implementing marketing strategies, to ensuring your subscription website stands out and keeps visitors returning. One Wix user who has built exactly this kind of business is Mai Dinh, founder of House of Suppliez, a subscription platform for nail and lash artists. She frames the appeal directly: "A lot of our growth has to do with our subscriptions. We have 7,000 subscribers and every month people, all across the world, are getting our products. Our customers are the best: over 70% are returning customers." That returning-customer share is the whole subscription thesis in one number. The rest of this guide is the framework to get there. Learn more about selling subscriptions with Wix. What is a subscription website? A subscription website is a type of website where visitors can pay for access to exclusive content or services. Instead of relying on traditional methods such as advertising, creators monetize their websites by offering subscriptions to users who are interested in their niche or content. These models allow for consistent income and stronger audience connections, leading to increased engagement and loyalty. Expert tip from Maya Isak, eCommerce project marketing manager at Wix: "Wix eCommerce isn't just for stores that sell physical products. We have businesses running bookings, digital courses, donation campaigns, restaurant ordering and wholesale operations, all from the same backend. That reflects how modern businesses actually generate revenue, across multiple models at once." That cross-model flexibility is exactly what makes subscriptions practical for solo creators: you can layer a subscription on top of a course, a community, a content library or a physical product line without rebuilding the underlying site. How to make a subscription website in 9 steps Understand your purpose and audience Select a domain and host Choose a website builder and template Design your subscription website Determine your subscription plans Set up payment processing Create exclusive content Promote your subscription website Keep track of subscriber engagement 01. Understand your purpose and audience Before creating a subscription website, you'll need to define your purpose and target audience. Think about why you're starting this venture and what unique value you can offer to your audience. This will guide the rest of the steps in making your website from how you structure the website to content creation. Here is a roadmap to help define your ideal subscriber: Define your niche: Identify specific problems to solve or passions to cater to. Ask yourself, "What unique value can I bring to my audience?" Research existing communities: Dive into forums and social media groups related to your niche. Note the language used, common problems and what content resonates with the community. This will help you align your message with their needs. Analyze your audience: Look at who interacts with your blog, YouTube channel or social media. What content do they engage with the most? Use this information to tailor your approach. Consider your expertise: Reflect on your unique skills. How can you use these to attract and help others? Position yourself as a valuable resource in your niche. Craft your buyer persona: Develop a detailed profile of your ideal member, including age, location, income, interests, challenges, goals and online behavior. This persona will guide your content creation and marketing strategy. Worth knowing: subscription businesses live or die on retention, not acquisition. Before launch, think about what will keep someone subscribed in month three, six and twelve, not just what will get them to sign up in month one. Sellers who only plan the acquisition side typically see steep churn after the first billing cycle. Start building your subscription website with our free AI website builder today. 02. Select a domain and host A domain is the name of your website (e.g., www.yoursite.com), while a host is where all the files for your website are stored. Using a domain name generator can help you find the perfect name. This step is essential, as it affects your brand identity and website performance. When choosing a domain name: Keep it simple: Choose a name that's easy to remember and type. Avoid using hyphens, numbers or special characters. Make it relevant: Your domain should reflect your brand or niche. It should give visitors an idea of what to expect when they visit your site. Consider SEO: Including relevant keywords in your domain can improve search engine rankings. Check availability: Use a domain name search to make sure that the domain you want isn't already taken by another website. New to domains? Discover the basics of what is a domain and how it shapes your subscriptions website's look. A hosting website refers to the service of providing storage space and access for websites or applications on the internet. It involves making a website or application accessible to users via the web. Hosting services manage the servers that store the data and files necessary for the website to function, ensuring that it is available and secure for visitors. Consider the following when researching website hosts: Choose a reputable provider: Research different hosting providers and read reviews to find one that best fits your needs. Consider the costs: Some providers offer affordable shared hosting plans, while others may have higher-priced options with more features. Look for features: Consider factors like storage space, bandwidth limits and customer support when choosing a host. Tip: Build your website with Wix and enjoy free website hosting. 03. Choose a website builder and template A website builder is a platform that allows you to create and customize your website without needing coding or design skills. It's an essential tool for creating a subscription website as it makes the process easier, faster and more cost-effective. it should offer integration with a robust subscription management system. When choosing a website builder, make sure the subscription management system includes these key features: Manage your subscriptions effortlessly Restrict access to specific web pages or products for registered users Limit your entire store/website to members only Offer multiple subscription tiers and pricing options Easily create and manage user accounts for subscribers Learn how to make a website for free and start reaching your audience with engaging content and exclusive offers. You can also now quickly and easily vibe code a website with Wix Harmony. It takes you from a single prompt to a business-ready site for any industry or creative vision. You can move fluidly between prompt-driven creation with Wix Harmony and precise drag-and-drop editing. You’re never locked into one mode when vibe coding a website with Wix. Or select the right website template for your subscription website to build a website that way. A template sets the overall layout and aesthetic of your site, affecting not only its appearance but also how users interact with your content. Here are key considerations when selecting a template: Relevance to your niche: Pick a template that aligns with the nature of your content. For instance, if you're launching a photography subscription site, opt for a template with a robust gallery feature. Customization options: Ensure the template allows for a high degree of customization, enabling you to adjust colors and fonts to fit your brand's identity. Mobile-friendly: Your template should be mobile-friendly, ensuring a seamless experience for users on all devices. Built-in subscription features: Look for templates that support subscription functionalities, such as login areas for members, subscription tier displays and account management tools. User experience design: Choose a template with a clean and intuitive website layout that makes it easy for subscribers to navigate and access content. Worth knowing: Wix's template library is large but treat any template as a starting point rather than a finished design. Subscription sites that customize their member areas, pricing tables and login flows to match the brand consistently end up with stronger first impressions than those that go live with minimal changes. Ready for the future of website creation? Wix's native Chat GPT integration allows you to type"@Wix" in a conversation, to invoke its Wix Harmony vibe code website builder. You can describe a business idea, for example, "Build me a site for a high-end sushi catering business in Seattle" and the agent generates a full, live Wix website including booking systems and menus. 04. Design your subscription website Once you have chosen your website builder and template, it's time to start customizing for your business. Bring your brand to life by adding your logo, website color scheme and other visuals to the web design. Here are essential website design elements to consider: Brand identity: Use consistent branding throughout your site, including colors, typography and logos. This helps create a professional and cohesive look for your brand. Simple site navigation: Make it easy for subscribers to find what they're looking for by organizing content into logical categories and providing search options. Clear call-to-action buttons: Use clear and visible buttons that encourage users to take action, such as subscribing or upgrading their membership. High-quality visuals: Utilize engaging images and videos to highlight the value of your subscription offering. Easy-to-read content: Use clear and concise language, break up text with headings and bullet points and ensure your font is easy to read. According to Oren Inditzky, Head of Online Stores at Wix, who has spent years working with internet apps and online businesses: "Five seconds. That's how fast someone can form an impression of your website." Forbes Advisor research backs that up: 61% of website users leave if they can't find what they're looking for within roughly five seconds. For a subscription homepage, that means your value proposition, pricing and join button need to be visible without scrolling, on any device. Learn more: What is web design? 05. Create compelling subscription plans Your content is the foundation of your business, which is why an important part of your subscription website is the selection of subscription plans you offer. These plans should be appealing to potential subscribers while generating enough revenue to support your business. Consider offering a free trial period or introductory pricing to attract new subscribers so they can experience your content before committing to a plan. Here are five ways you can price content on your subscription website: Paid memberships: Offer a flat rate for all-access to premium content over a set period (monthly, yearly, etc.). This can be a high-value option, with the average online membership priced at $60/month. Tiered membership: Create multiple levels with varying prices, offering more access at higher tiers. For example, a Basic plan for certain content and a Premium plan for expanded access. Pay-per-view access: Allow viewers to buy or rent specific content individually, whether it's a single video or a collection. Hybrid: Combine member-only content (tiered or all-access) with the option to buy or rent content separately. “Freemium” plan: Offer a free membership with the option to upgrade to a paid plan for premium content, making it easy to attract new members. 06. Set up payment processing To accept payments for subscriptions on your website, you'll need to set up a payment processor. This involves linking your website to a secure payment gateway that facilitates transactions between your customers' banks and your business bank account. Make sure to choose a secure and reliable payment processor with reasonable transaction fees. With Wix, you can connect to a variety of payment methods including: Stripe: A widely used and secure option that offers flexible payment options, such as one-time or recurring payments. PayPal: An established platform that enables users to make purchases using their PayPal account or credit/debit card. Square: A popular option for small businesses, offering a range of features like online invoicing and recurring payments. Tip: See the full list of available payment providers in your country here. 07. Create exclusive content for subscribers Your subscription website's value lies in its exclusive content, which is why it's essential to continuously create and publish quality content for your subscribers. This can include videos, articles, e-books, courses or any other type of content that aligns with your niche and appeals to your target audience. Here are some examples of content typically offered by subscription websites: Industry insights like white papers, surveys and newsletters Educational resources such as courses and webinars Private member directory for associations and business groups Invitations to exclusive events and conferences Discounts on industry-specific products or services Forums for members to connect and communicate This is the exciting content that attracts subscribers. Make sure what you're offering is engaging enough to inspire people to subscribe. Plan your strategy for regularly adding new videos and ensure your users can easily navigate all the videos in the library. Use these tips to create exclusive content: Plan ahead: Create a schedule or editorial calendar to ensure you have a consistent flow of new content. Engage with subscribers: Ask for feedback and suggestions from your subscribers to understand their interests better and tailor your content accordingly. Collaborate with others: Invite guest contributors or partner with other businesses/creators to diversify your content and reach a wider audience. Offer bonuses: Provide exclusive offers or bonuses to subscribers, such as discounts on merchandise or free downloads, to keep them engaged and satisfied. Mai Dinh at House of Suppliez treats exclusive video as a retention lever, not just an acquisition asset: "We upload exclusive video content to our website through Wix Videos, and our subscribers really enjoy it." Her audience meets her first on Instagram (125K followers) and TikTok (131K) and the subscription site is where the deeper, members-only library lives. That two-tier approach (public on social, exclusive on-site) is the model that consistently retains subscribers across categories. Learn more about how to sell subscriptions and how to start a subscription business. 08. Promote your subscription website To attract and retain subscribers, you'll need to promote your subscription website effectively. This can include various marketing strategies such as social media campaigns, email marketing, collaborations with influencers or other businesses and SEO optimization of your website. Here are some tips for promoting your subscription website: Social media marketing: Use popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn to showcase content previews, subscriber testimonials and promotions. If you already have YouTube subscribers or Instagram/TikTok followers, tell them about your shiny new membership—and most importantly, why they should join. Email marketing: Utilize email marketing tools to target potential subscribers and keep current subscribers engaged with exclusive content updates and offers. Partner up: Collaborate with other businesses or influencers in your niche to gain exposure to their audience. SEO optimization: Optimize your website for search engines by using relevant keywords, creating backlinks and regularly updating your content. Encourage word of mouth: Offer incentives for current subscribers to refer their friends and family to your subscription website. “Most people find us through social media or word of mouth. Being able to link our website to these social media platforms just makes our job easier and it makes the shopping experience for our customers much simpler." - Mai Dinh, Founder of House of Suppliez 09. Keep track of subscriber engagement Ensure the success of your subscription website by regularly monitoring and analyzing subscriber engagement. This can help you understand what content is resonating with your audience and make necessary adjustments to improve retention rates. Here are some metrics you should keep track of: Subscriber churn rate: The percentage of subscribers who cancel their membership within a given time period. Engagement levels: How often subscribers access exclusive content or participate in member-only events/forums. Feedback/surveys: Ask for feedback from subscribers through surveys or polls to gather insights and improve your service. Conversion rates: The percentage of visitors who sign up for a subscription after viewing your website. This can help you understand the effectiveness of your marketing strategies. Boost your subscription website revenue by focusing on upselling and recovering abandoned carts. Offer current subscribers higher-tier plans or extras to increase revenue per user. Keep offers relevant to enhance user experience and loyalty. For abandoned carts, send automated reminders and targeted promotions, like discounts or exclusive content, to re-engage potential subscribers. Understand why carts are abandoned to refine your strategies and improve conversion rates. Tip: Wix Analytics is available on your Wix site to monitor these metrics and improve the success of your subscription website. Common forms of subscription websites Subscription businesses offer convenience and low risk, making them appealing to both customers and business owners. Customers enjoy the ease of automatic deliveries and predictable costs, while businesses benefit from recurring revenue and increased customer loyalty. The growing adoption of subscriptions in eCommerce reflects the value they create for both sides. Below are some popular forms of subscription websites. Subscription website type Description & Examples Membership sites Offer exclusive content, tools or resources to members for a recurring fee. Examples: online courses, private communities, industry-specific resources. Subscription boxes Deliver physical products on a recurring basis with curated items. Examples: meal kits, beauty boxes, book or hobby boxes, pet boxes. Paywalls Restrict access to content after a limit to encourage subscriptions. Examples: news outlets, online magazines, video streaming services. Digital downloads Sell digital files via one-time payments or subscriptions. Examples: eBooks, music tracks, design templates, software. Software as a service (SaaS) Provide access to software or apps for a monthly fee. Examples: project management tools, email marketing platforms, CRM systems. Membership sites Membership sites are platforms that provide exclusive content, tools and resources to their members for a recurring fee. By joining a membership site, individuals can gain access to valuable knowledge and connections that might not be available elsewhere. Examples of membership sites include: Online courses where users can access a variety of educational materials and interactive lessons, private communities that foster networking and collaboration among like-minded individuals or industry-specific resources that deliver the latest insights, trends and tools relevant to particular professional fields. Subscription boxes This model revolves around the delivery of physical products in subscription boxes on a monthly or quarterly basis for a set subscription price. These curated boxes often come with surprise items, making the experience similar to receiving a gift every month. Examples of subscription boxes include: Meal kits, beauty and skincare boxes, book or hobby boxes or even pet subscription boxes. Wine subscription boxes are also one popular idea, learn more about how to build a winery website and start selling. Ready to create a steady cash flow and spark a loyal customer base? Start your own business and sell subscriptions with Wix today. Paywalls Websites that publish articles, videos or other multimedia content can restrict access after visitors reach a specific limit—encouraging them to subscribe for unlimited access. This type of subscription is common in journalism, but it can also be used by bloggers and other content creators. Examples of paywall sites include: News outlets, online magazines and newspapers or video streaming services. Digital downloads Creators can sell digital files such as eBooks, music, software or templates through their business website with one-time payments or subscriptions. This method is often used by artists, writers and developers to monetize their work. Examples of digital downloads include: eBooks on cooking, music tracks or sound effects for videos, design templates for websites or graphics. Software as a service (SaaS) Popular among businesses, this model offers access to software or applications for a monthly fee. SaaS businesses offer convenience and flexibility, as customers can access the software from anywhere with an internet connection. Examples of SaaS websites include: Project management tools, email marketing platforms or customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Subscription website examples Discover inspiration for your site by exploring subscription websites built on Wix. Check out successful examples to gain insights into effective website ideas, design, user experiences and content that resonate with your audience. House of Suppliez House of Suppliez exemplifies a blend of convenience and education as a subscription website, specifically designed for nail and lash artists. The platform's dual offerings of subscription boxes and subscription courses, provide professionals with the latest beauty supplies and comprehensive learning resources delivered regularly. This ensures that artists remain at the cutting edge of their craft without the stress of sourcing materials or education independently. Through these multifaceted offerings, House of Suppliez not only enhances the professional development of its community but also establishes itself as a go-to resource for beauty enthusiasts seeking both products and knowledge. Perigee Perigee Software is a SaaS subscription platform for high-performance integration software toolkits designed for serious developers. The company's commitment to empowering developers is evident through its user-friendly website, which is easy to navigate and provides an enriching experience. A comprehensive blog offers insights and updates, while detailed documentation ensures subscribers have all the support they need to create efficient integration applications. Time Thief Labs Time Thief Labs provides cutting-edge AI solutions that streamline business operations and empower users to reclaim their time. The platform's engaging homepage sets the stage for an intuitive user experience, complemented by strategically placed calls-to-action (CTAs) that guide visitors towards exploring its innovative offerings. With a well-structured categorization of services, Time Thief Labs offers tailored solutions in content creation, social media management and course creation, ensuring businesses can effortlessly enhance their efficiency. The availability of a free trial invites potential subscribers to experience firsthand the transformative impact of AI on their daily tasks. What are the benefits of a subscription website? The benefits of having a subscription website are numerous, including: Recurring revenue: With a steady stream of subscribers paying monthly or yearly fees, you can have predictable and consistent income. Higher profit margins: Since most subscription websites offer digital content, the costs associated with producing and delivering it are relatively low, resulting in higher profit margins. Increased customer loyalty: Providing exclusive content and member benefits can help cultivate a strong relationship with subscribers, leading to increased loyalty and longer-term customers. Better data tracking: Subscription websites often have access to valuable user data such as engagement levels, preferences and demographic information, which can be used for targeted marketing and to improve website user experience. Scalability: As your subscriber base grows, so does your revenue potential without significant increases in operating costs. Flexibility: Subscription models allow for flexibility in pricing and subscription plans, making it easier to cater to different audiences and their varying needs. Diversification of income streams: Having a subscription website can diversify your income streams and provide a stable source of revenue alongside other business ventures. Developers building subscription sites with custom frontends can connect them to Wix Headless, which handles pricing plans, recurring billing and payments natively. It is free to connect and requires upgrading to Premium only when you are ready to start collecting payments. Learn more about Wix Headless: What is Wix Headless What is a headless CMS How much does Wix Headless cost How to make a subscription website FAQ What’s the difference between a subscription and membership website? While "subscription" and "membership" might seem similar, they have distinct roles. A subscription site gives you access to exclusive content or services for a recurring fee. On the other hand, a membership site adds benefits like discounts and community forums alongside exclusive content. Sometimes, businesses combine both models. Read more about what is a membership website to learn how the two models can work together. How do I choose the right subscription model for my website? Choose a subscription model that aligns with your business goals and the type of content or services you offer. Research similar businesses in your niche and analyze their subscription models to find what works best for your site. Consider pricing, content update frequency and the engagement level subscribers will need. What legal considerations should I be aware of when running a subscription website? When running a subscription website, it's essential to comply with relevant laws and regulations, such as consumer protection laws, privacy laws and subscription billing laws. It's also crucial to have clear terms and conditions for subscribers, including details about cancellation policies and refunds. Consider consulting a legal professional to ensure your website is compliant with all necessary regulations. Other types of websites to create How to make an art portfolio How to make an auto repair website How to make a bakery website How to make a booking website How to make a car dealership website How to make a car rental website How to make a car wash website How to make a carpenter website How to make a church website How to make a coaching website How to make a construction website How to make a consulting website How to make a dog breeder website How to make a donation website How to make a fashion website How to make a finance website How to make a florist website How to make a furniture website How to make a gaming website How to make a handyman website How to make an interior design website How to make a landscaping website How to make a laundromat website How to make a locksmith website How to make a medical website How to make a pet business website How to make a plumbing website How to make a real estate website How to make a sports website How to make a taxi service website How to make a toy website How to make a trucking website How to make a vacation rental website How to make a veterinary website How to make a website for bookkeeping

Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → Want to create a membership site? It’s one of the best ways to turn casual visitors into engaged members and loyal customers. A membership website lets you share exclusive content, services or products with registered users while building community and creating a steady income from your expertise. Whether you’ve just learned how to make a website or are ready to create a website, this guide will show you what a membership site is, why it can benefit your business and how to create one step by step. Start building your site today with Wix's membership website builder. TL;DR: How to create a membership site A successful membership site is more than gated content - it’s a space where your audience feels connected and valued. To create one, start by choosing a niche and membership model, securing a domain and website builder, designing an easy-to-use site and preparing engaging content. Then set up payment processing, promote your site, focus on a positive member experience and maintain it over time. The goal is to understand your audience, deliver value and build a system that encourages engagement and loyalty. Top features of a great membership site Feature Why it matters User registration Lets members create accounts and manage their profiles, giving them a sense of ownership. Exclusive content Offers members-only articles, videos or resources to make membership worthwhile. Community forums Encourages interaction and builds connection among members. Member profiles Personalization helps members feel recognized and engaged. Payment integration Secure, seamless transactions make joining simple and trustworthy. Content access control Lets you offer tiered memberships and deliver the right content to the right audience. Responsive design Makes your site easy to use on any device. Analytics tools Gives insights into what members engage with so you can improve the experience. Email newsletters Keeps members informed, engaged and coming back for more. Learn more about what is a membership website. How to create a membership site If so far, you think it’d be beneficial to create a membership site, take the following steps to make one that will be a stunning success: Choose a membership model and define your niche Select a domain and host Pick a website builder and template Design your membership website Prepare your content library Set up payment processing Market and promote your membership website Create a positive member experience Maintain your membership website 01. Choose a membership model and define your niche Before building your membership site, start by developing your concept. Identify a profitable niche where you have expertise and can consistently provide valuable content. Narrow down your ideal audience and research their needs, pain points and what they would pay for. Next, clarify your unique value. Decide what exclusive benefit your membership will provide, whether that’s specialized content, a supportive community or coaching. This will help you create a membership that attracts the right members and keeps them engaged over time. Before you create a membership site, ask yourself these key questions: What type of content am I offering? How do I want this content to be delivered? What kind of access do I want to give members? How will potential members find my site? How much will membership cost? What are some of the main benefits in return for this cost? The membership models listed below take these important queries into consideration. While there’s no uniform way to build your membership website (different models work for different people), use these for inspiration and choose the one that best meets your needs. In fact, it’s become increasingly popular to use a hybrid of these models, too. Drip feed membership With a drip feed model, you’ll give registered members content on a time released basis over the course of their membership. Material might be delivered to them daily, weekly or monthly. Drip feeding benefits members by giving them time to consume your content slowly and stick to a dedicated schedule. You’ll benefit by retaining users - drip feed campaigns are proven to keep users excited about the upcoming material and engaged with your product. All-in membership The all-in membership model gives users access to content all at once. Material should be available to them as soon as they sign up to your membership site. It’s a favorable model for users who appreciate flexibility and prefer to do things on their own schedule. Compared to the drip feed model, an all-in membership will create a less hands-on approach for you as the owner, since you don’t have to think about scheduling the release of content. Fixed term membership With a fixed term membership, audiences pay for access that expires. The ticking clock on their membership might end after three month, six months, or a year - the time frame really depends on what services they receive. This is an especially good approach for members who want to achieve time-based goals - like learning a skill under a certain amount of time, or losing weight. Online course Online courses give members access to in-depth information about a specific topic. One of the great things about hosting one is the potential for user engagement. Many times, an online course will go hand-in-hand with interactive quizzes, exams, homework and even discussion forums between students and teachers. Members who want to seriously upgrade their skills or are interested in extracurricular learning will love this interactive and convenient format. It’s also a great way to show off your knowledge and establish yourself as an authority in your field. Online forum If you are looking for a popular way to get people from all over the world to discuss different topics and form a sense of solidarity, create a forum. Quality forums are so widely appreciated, it’s completely normal to turn one into an exclusive members-only space. This model can be created by adding a private forum on to your website and making it password protected. It’s a good opportunity to foster a strong connection with your audience and will develop a tight-knit community around your business or blog. You can also use this member list to send out dedicated emails, or organize occasional group events. Product model A membership site is a great way to sell and deliver products. Perhaps you have a product that can be downloaded online, such as a book. Instead of simply delivering the product to your audience, urge them to become a member for access. This can be a way for them to gain exclusive offers in the future, or be the first to know about new products. The same goes for online stores that deliver physical products. A membership option is a good way to keep customers satisfied and engaged by giving them access to special sales and offers. Subscription boxes are another great example of how a product model can be incorporated into a membership site. These curated boxes often come with surprise items, making the experience similar to receiving a gift every month. Ready to create a steady cash flow and spark a loyal customer base? Start your own business and sell subscriptions with Wix today. Service model If your business revolves around a service, such as tutoring or therapy, a membership website is a fantastic way to make your services available to a range of customers from any location. The membership area of your site is where you can upload things like virtual notebooks, reading materials, checklists and more. This helps members by giving them a way to stay on top of their progress. By breaking away from the standard freelance model, it will allow you to implement a more professional way of directing your services. Consider creating tiered membership levels, such as free, premium or VIP, to cater to different audience needs and budgets. Each tier can offer varying levels of access to content, feature, or perks, giving members the flexibility to choose what works best for them. 02. Select a domain and host A domain is the name of your website (e.g., www.yoursite.com), while a host is where all the files for your website are stored. Using a domain name generator can help you find the perfect name. This step is essential, as it affects your brand identity and website performance. Wix offers quick domain registration. When choosing a domain name: Keep it simple: Choose a name that's easy to remember and type. Avoid using hyphens, numbers or special characters. Make it relevant: Your domain should reflect your brand or niche. It should give visitors an idea of what to expect when they visit your site. Consider SEO: Including relevant keywords in your domain can improve search engine rankings. Check availability: Use a domain name search to make sure that the domain you want isn't already taken by another website. New to domains? Discover the basics of what is a domain and how it shapes your membership website look. A hosting website refers to the service of providing storage space and access for websites or applications on the internet. It involves making a website or application accessible to users via the web. Hosting services manage the servers that store the data and files necessary for the website to function, ensuring that it is available and secure for visitors. Consider the following when researching website hosts: Choose a reputable provider: Research different hosting providers and read reviews to find one that best fits your needs. Consider the costs: Some providers offer affordable shared hosting plans, while others may have higher-priced options with more features. Look for features: Consider factors like storage space, bandwidth limits and customer support when choosing a host. Tip: Build your website with Wix and enjoy free website hosting. Wix offers secure, scalable web hosting built in when you create your website. 03. Pick a website builder and template Once you’ve decided on what model you’ll use, it’s time to choose a platform that can host your membership website. If you already have a website, it's easy to add a new membership section using your website builder’s feature, or by using a plugin. There are plenty of membership website builders out there that allow you to implement a membership area to your site, plus a list of plugins that specialize in this. For example, Wix users can create a members area, where they can create special accounts for their members to access gated material. Learn more about how to build a website with AI. When choosing a website builder you'll want to consider the following: How robust is your site's infrastructure going to be? Does your website builder offer enterprise grade web security? How reliable is your website builder in terms of uptime and performance Will your website builder be able to manage subscriptions and memberships efficiently? Selecting the right website template for your subscription website is crucial for creating a professional and functional design. A template sets the overall layout and aesthetic of your site, affecting not only its appearance but also how users interact with your content. Learn more: What is a template Here are key considerations when selecting a template: Relevance to your niche: Pick a template that aligns with the nature of your content. For instance, if you're launching a photography subscription site, opt for a template with a robust gallery feature. Customization options: Ensure the template allows for a high degree of customization, enabling you to adjust colors and fonts to fit your brand's identity. Mobile-friendly: Your template should be mobile-friendly, ensuring a seamless experience for users on all devices. Built-in subscription features: Look for templates that support subscription functionalities, such as login areas for members, subscription tier displays and account management tools. User experience design: Choose a template with a clean and intuitive website layout that makes it easy for subscribers to navigate and access content. Expert tip from Adi Huri, head of product and creative director of Wow! at Wix: "Just as us humans, every website has its own needs. Try to define what those are and what goals you’d like to achieve in order to create a successful website that is truly original." 04. Design your membership website Once you have chosen your website builder and template, it's time to start customizing for your business. Bring your brand to life by adding your logo, website color scheme and other visuals to the web design. Here are essential website design elements to consider: Brand identity: Use consistent branding throughout your site, including colors, typography and logos. This helps create a professional and cohesive look for your brand. Simple site navigation: Make it easy for subscribers to find what they're looking for by organizing content into logical categories and providing search options. Clear call-to-action buttons: Use clear and visible buttons that encourage users to take action, such as subscribing or upgrading their membership. High-quality visuals: Utilize engaging images and videos to highlight the value of your subscription offering. Easy-to-read content: Use clear and concise language, break up text with headings and bullet points and ensure your font is easy to read. Learn more: What is web design? 05. Prepare your content library Start by creating premium, exclusive website content that members can’t find anywhere else. This could include online courses, articles, videos or downloadable resources that help members achieve a specific goal. Focus on value over production - content should be practical and useful, not just polished. If you already have popular posts, videos or webinars, consider repurposing them into member-only content to maximize your effort. Next, plan how your content will be delivered and how members will access it. For a drip feed model, schedule releases and explore automation tools to simplify the process. Decide on membership tiers or plans and test pricing to ensure accessibility and profitability. You might initially offer several different plans in order to test demand and then alter pricing accordingly. This can help you make sure you're not over pricing fees or under pricing. Both of these can impact the popularity and profit potential of your membership site. In addition, decide how you want your users to register. Will they sign up through email? Will you add an online form to your website? Will you create a landing page dedicated to membership signup? Make sure you set up this registration system before you start marketing and test it out a few times to ensure everything works properly. Your positive reputation will start with users experiencing a seamless signup process. Expert tip from Judit Ruiz Ricart, blog strategy expert at Wix: "With AI-generated content taking the internet by storm, readers and search engines alike crave genuine narratives and unique firsthand experiences. Sharing personal experiences and insights not only humanizes your content, but also adds a unique value that cannot be found elsewhere." 06. Set up payment processing and pricing strategy To accept payments for subscriptions on your website, you'll need to set up a payment processor. This involves linking your website to a secure payment gateway that facilitates transactions between your customers' banks and your business bank account. Make sure to choose a secure and reliable payment processor with reasonable transaction fees. With Wix, you can connect to a variety of payment methods including: Stripe: A widely used and secure option that offers flexible payment options, such as one-time or recurring payments. PayPal: An established platform that enables users to make purchases using their PayPal account or credit/debit card. Square: A popular option for small businesses, offering a range of features like online invoicing and recurring payments. Tip: See the full list of available payment providers in your country/ Next, determine your pricing strategy. Choose a price point that offers value to members while maximizing revenue, and consider offering free trials to attract new users. Create membership tiers - such as Basic, Premium or VIP - each with its own pricing and exclusive benefits. Finally, restrict access to members-only content using your platform’s settings so that only paying members can view certain pages, posts or media. This combination ensures a seamless payment experience while protecting the value of your membership. 07. Market and promote your membership website Dedicate a good chunk of time and energy to digital marketing in order to get the ball rolling with your website promotion. The goal of these efforts is to reap member signups, but the benefits of doing this work reaches far beyond this. Even audiences who don’t sign up will become more conscious of your brand, thanks to the build up surrounding your membership site launch. Of course, you can always use the classic method and pay for advertising, but here are some other strategic ways to master online marketing for your membership site: Give potential members a free taste Free samples deliver when the content tastes good (and we’re sure yours does). Initiate excitement around your membership site by offering audiences a free taste of what they’ll receive. This can be something along the lines of a free one-on-one session, a sneak peek at content, or the chance to try out your membership for one month free. If your audiences are impressed by what they see, chances are they’ll pay for the full experience. You might also fashion this as a welcome event, either online or in person where members can get to know you and each other, before deciding to signup. Create a buzz on social media Social media marketing has power to entice your followers to become members. Share photos, videos, written content and testimonials relating to your services, and speak to your audience about the benefits of becoming a member. Use Instagram or Facebook stories to speak directly to your followers - customers love transparency and react to seeing the face behind the product. Don’t forget to include instructions for registration or contact information - this type of marketing works best when there are clear calls-to-action that users can’t resist. “Most people find us through social media or word of mouth. Being able to link our website to these social media platforms just makes our job easier and it makes the shopping experience for our customers much simpler." - Mai Dinh, Founder of House of Suppliez Use affiliate marketers and influencers An effective outreach strategy can help you promote on the platforms of other professionals connected to your field, and use them as your ambassadors. Affiliate marketers and influencers generally have large followings, and will advertise your membership site in exchange for free access to your content or commission. Affiliate marketing and influencer marketing are effective ways to advertise professionally without a big upfront cost. Not only that, but the word of these experts is usually trusted among their followers. If they are members - and they recommend your membership to their audiences - it’s very likely their fans will listen. Tap into your existing audience If you already have customers and followers, update them about your new membership model. Since you already have their loyalty, you can entice them further by offering a VIP discount or giving them the chance to try out your membership before other users. 08. Create a positive member experience Once you’ve kicked off your membership website, you’ll want to keep your members happy and make sure they say good things. Word of mouth marketing will go a long way in the long run. Ensure their experience is positive by showing your investment in their satisfaction and growth: Interact with members Take the time to interact with members. Send them an email every once in a while with updates, or check in to see what they think about your product. At some point during their membership, give them a user survey to understand what they like, what they don’t like, and what they would change. Customers love being heard, and you can always learn from the feedback. Strengthen your community Celebrate the community built around your membership service. If it’s relevant to your model, set up chat groups or forums for your members to interact with one another. Another way to do this is to organize events that only members can join. Some membership sites, those build around church websites for example, will have community at their core and so making that the focus of your site is crucial. Emphasize strong customer service This can’t be said enough: be available for members when they need you. If they are dissatisfied with something, listen to them and attempt to gain back their enthusiasm. If they have technical or scheduling issues, make sure yourself or a representative are available to solve it. Smiling customers are the best form of advertising. 09. Maintain your membership website Building your membership site is just the beginning. To keep it thriving, you’ll need to give it ongoing care and attention. Start by monitoring how members interact with your site. Look at metrics like login frequency, content engagement and subscription renewal rates. These insights will help you understand what’s working and where you can improve. Tweaking features based on real-time data ensures your site stays relevant and valuable to your audience. Regular updates are another must. Whether it’s refreshing content, adding new features or improving the design, consistent updates show your members that you’re invested in giving them the best experience. For example, you might add a new category of resources, enhance your community tools or redesign your homepage to make navigation easier. These small but meaningful changes keep your offering fresh and exciting, giving members a reason to stick around. Finally, stay connected to your members by encouraging feedback. Send out surveys, engage in forums or host Q&A sessions to find out what your members love and what they’d like to see next. Listening to their input not only helps you improve your site but also builds trust and loyalty. Think of it as an ongoing dialogue between you and your community, ensuring your membership site grows right along with their expectations. What is a membership website? In essence, a membership website is a specific format that allows you as the owner to add exclusive goods onto a protected gate of your website. These “goods” - whether they come in the form of educational content, online services, downloadable products, physical products or forums - are guarded for special audiences (a.k.a. members). While there are a variety of membership site models to choose from, the common goal is to turn audiences into customers by getting them to pay a membership fee (one-time, monthly or yearly). In exchange, your members will gain special access to the valuable material you have to offer. These offerings live on a password protected page of your site, kind of like a virtual VIP lounge for your members. You can also use a membership site as a business owner. For example, build a winery website and build a membership around your wines. A membership site is also important for community building on both business and nonprofit sites, like on a school website for example. Start building your membership website with our free AI website builder today. What’s the difference between membership sites vs. subscription sites? Membership sites and subscription sites have distinct models for delivering content or services. Membership sites primarily focus on providing users with exclusive access to premium content, specialized resources or a community. Users may pay for this access through either one-time payments or recurring subscriptions, with different membership tiers offering varying levels of benefits. These sites often emphasize creating a sense of community and delivering unique value to their members. On the other hand, subscription sites center around providing ongoing access to a service or product. Subscribers make regular, typically monthly payments to maintain continuous access, and the model is characterized by its recurring nature. Subscription sites prioritize continuous value delivery, such as access to a library of content, regular software updates or ongoing support services. While both models involve recurring payments, membership sites lean towards exclusive content and community engagement, while subscription sites emphasize continuous access and ongoing value delivery. Businesses may choose a model based on the nature of their offerings and the preferences of their target audience, and some may incorporate elements of both approaches. “A lot of our growth has to do with our subscriptions. We have 7,000 subscribers and every month people, all across the world, are getting our products. Our customers are the best—over 70% are returning customers." - Mai Dinh, Founder of House of Suppliez Benefits of a membership website A membership site can bring big benefits for your business and your members. For your business, it helps you earn more by monetizing premium content, products or services. It also builds your customer base, grows your audience and boosts engagement and retention, creating reliable recurring revenue. On top of that, a membership site shows your authority and builds trust - if people are willing to pay for your content, they respect your expertise. For your members, a membership site gives exclusive access to valuable resources that help them grow personally or professionally. It’s convenient, letting them access content anytime, anywhere without attending in-person events or workshops. Memberships also create a supportive community where members can network, engage and build lasting relationships. Are membership websites profitable? Membership websites can be profitable if executed effectively and if there's demand for the content, community or services you offer. The profitability of a membership website depends on varying factors, some of which include: Compelling value proposition A compelling value proposition is the foundation of a profitable membership website. Clearly define what sets your website apart and why users should become paying members. Offer exclusive content, expert insights, unique services or an engaged, interactive community to provide tangible value. Audience demand Assess the demand for your chosen niche or industry. Identify a target audience that is willing to pay for the content, services or community you provide. Choosing a niche with a passionate and engaged audience increases the likelihood of building a profitable membership base. Quality content Consistently deliver high-quality content or services to your members. Whether it's premium articles, courses, webinars or access to specialized tools, the quality of what you offer directly impacts member satisfaction and retention. Regularly update and refresh your offerings to maintain interest. Effective pricing strategy Develop a strategic pricing model based on the perceived value of your membership. Consider factors such as the features included in each membership tier, competitor pricing and the financial capacity of your target audience. Test different pricing structures to find the optimal balance between value and affordability. Engagement Foster a sense of community among your members. An engaged and supportive community adds significant value and encourages member retention. Implement features like discussion forums, member events or exclusive networking opportunities. Actively participate in the community to enhance the overall experience. Membership website examples Discover inspiration for your site by exploring subscription websites built on Wix. Check out successful membership website examples to gain insights into effective website ideas, design, user experiences and content that resonate with your audience. House of Suppliez House of Suppliez exemplifies a blend of convenience and education as a subscription website, specifically designed for nail and lash artists. The platform's dual offerings of subscription boxes and subscription courses, provide professionals with the latest beauty supplies and comprehensive learning resources delivered regularly. This ensures that artists remain at the cutting edge of their craft without the stress of sourcing materials or education independently. Through these multifaceted offerings, House of Suppliez not only enhances the professional development of its community but also establishes itself as a go-to resource for beauty enthusiasts seeking both products and knowledge. Perigee Perigee Software is a SaaS subscription platform for high-performance integration software toolkits designed for serious developers. The company's commitment to empowering developers is evident through its user-friendly website, which is easy to navigate and provides an enriching experience. A comprehensive blog offers insights and updates, while detailed documentation ensures subscribers have all the support they need to create efficient integration applications. Time Thief Labs Time Thief Labs provides cutting-edge AI solutions that streamline business operations and empower users to reclaim their time. The platform's engaging homepage sets the stage for an intuitive user experience, complemented by strategically placed calls-to-action (CTAs) that guide visitors towards exploring its innovative offerings. With a well-structured categorization of services, Time Thief Labs offers tailored solutions in content creation, social media management and course creation, ensuring businesses can effortlessly enhance their efficiency. The availability of a free trial invites potential subscribers to experience firsthand the transformative impact of AI on their daily tasks. Learn more: Types of websites Startup website Consulting website Why trust Wix’s experts? This article was written by Wix’s in-house experts, who have years of experience helping people create and grow successful websites. Every tip, template suggestion and example comes from real Wix projects, designed to help you launch a website that looks professional, runs smoothly and supports your long-term goals. At Wix, we’ve helped millions of creators, business owners and entrepreneurs bring their ideas online. Our team stays at the forefront of website design, user experience and SEO 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 website journey, from setting up your first page to scaling your site. Developers building custom membership sites can use Wix Headless to connect any frontend to Wix's native content and pricing plans backend. Content is organized into collections that connect directly to the frontend UI and all member data is centralized in a single dashboard. Learn more about Wix Headless: What is Wix Headless What is a headless CMS How much does Wix Headless cost How to create a membership website FAQ How do I choose the right model for my website? Choose a model that aligns with your business goals and the type of content or services you offer. Research similar businesses in your niche and analyze their models to find what works best for your site. Consider pricing, content update frequency and the engagement level members will need. What legal considerations should I be aware of when running a subscription or membership website? When running a subscription website, it's essential to comply with relevant laws and regulations, such as consumer protection laws, privacy laws and subscription billing laws. It's also crucial to have clear terms and conditions for subscribers, including details about cancellation policies and refunds. Consider consulting a legal professional to ensure your website is compliant with all necessary regulations. Do membership sites make money? Yes, membership sites can be quite profitable if executed effectively. They generate revenue by offering exclusive content, services or community access in exchange for a recurring fee. The key to profitability lies in providing compelling value, such as high-quality content or unique services, and maintaining strong member engagement. How much does it cost to create a membership website? The cost of creating a membership website can vary widely depending on several factors, including the platform you choose, the complexity of the site and any additional features you want to include. Basic costs might include domain registration (around $10-$20 per year) and hosting (ranging from $5 to $30 per month). Additional costs could include payment processing fees, custom design work and marketing expenses, which can add up depending on your specific needs and goals. Other types of websites to create How to make an art portfolio How to make an auto repair website How to make a bakery website How to make a booking website How to make a car dealership website How to make a car rental website How to make a car wash website How to make a carpenter website How to make a church website How to make a coaching website How to make a construction website How to make a consulting website How to make a donation website How to make a fashion website How to make a finance website How to make a florist website How to make a furniture website How to make a gaming website How to make a handyman website How to make an interior design website How to make a landscaping website How to make a laundromat website How to make a locksmith website How to make a medical website How to make a pet business website How to make a plumbing website How to make a real estate website How to make a sports website How to make a taxi service website How to make a trucking website How to make a vacation rental website How to make a website for bookkeeping How to create a review website

Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix eCommerce→ Learning how to start an online store is the first step toward building a business that works for you. To make your life easier, we’ve put together this guide with step-by-step instructions on how to build an online store. Whether you’re starting a business from scratch or taking your brick-and-mortar business online, we’ll help you get started on the right foot. Wix offers an all-in-one online store builder with fully customizable storefronts. Ready to start your eCommerce journey? Now’s the perfect time to bring your vision to life. With Wix eCommerce, you have the tools to build a professional online store and create a website that captivates your audience, drives traffic and boosts sales. Take the first step and explore Wix eCommerce today. Make your mark online and turn your ideas into success. TL;DR: how to start an online store Kicking off an online store means making some big decisions for your brand, your business and your sales. First up: pick a niche and really get to know your audience. Next, build a strong brand with a memorable name, a clear look and a consistent feel. Set up your business and register it correctly. After that, choose a platform that fits your needs, keeps your site safe and can grow with you. Plan for costs early, ecommerce platforms, hosting, domains getting, your products and extra tools all add up and affect how smoothly your store runs. Wix supports high-performance eCommerce operations with AI-driven product recommendations, automated discount logic, abandoned cart recovery and customizable checkout workflows. Worth knowing: most new online stores don't fail because of a bad platform or a bad product. They fail because of unrealistic launch expectations. A new store typically needs 6 to 12 weeks of paid traffic testing before it becomes consistently profitable, and the first 90 days are when most stores lose money as new sellers underestimate paid ad costs. Plan a runway that lets you learn what works before you scale spend. Design your store to make shopping easy and fun, with clear buttons great images and lots of payment options. Get people to visit with smart marketing, track what's working with analytics and give amazing customer service so buyers keep coming back. Along the way, focus on strategies that help you make money online while your store grows. Wix is an all-in-one eCommerce platform that supports physical products, services, specialized business models like rentals or online ordering and digital programs such as online courses, all from a single backend. How to start an online store in 10 steps Choose a niche and determine your target audience Create a strong branding strategy Decide on your business structure and register your business Pick an eCommerce platform Name your store and get a domain Design your online store for sales Connect a payment provider Optimize your eCommerce website Start your marketing campaigns Create a customer service plan 01. Choose a niche and determine your target audience Choosing which products to sell online will require careful consideration. Beyond thinking about what your target audience likes, you’ll need to do a bit of competitive recon and ask yourself some key questions. For starters: which brands are already popular online? What unique pain points can you help to solve? How do you plan on sourcing your products? According to Chad Waldman, a DTC brand builder and eCommerce strategist who has scaled brands in competitive wellness categories: "The biggest mistake I see new sellers make is confusing 'I like this product' with 'there's a viable market for this product.' Passion is a starting point. Validation is the business case." The implication is direct: spend the first hours of your eCommerce budget on validation, not design. The cheapest possible store is the one you don't build for an idea that won't sell. Learn more: How to sell on Wix Generate and refine product ideas To get the ideas flowing, here are a few things to try. Optimize a popular product: Take what you know works and make it better. This is something big retailers do with their private label products. They’ll check to see what’s popular in stores or online, then create their own versions. Try this out for yourself by using tools like Jungle Scout or checking sites like Amazon’s Best Sellers list. Scour reviews on leading brands to discover what their products are missing. Look out for an untapped market: Have you ever searched for a product online and realized that nothing really wows you? Did your brother mention something that would be cool to own over dinner? There’s no replacement for an original idea. One Wix user who built a business this way is Angus Willows, founder of Kangaroo Hanger, an engineering-student-turned-entrepreneur based in the UK: "I think a crazy number, over 8 billion hangers per year, end up in a landfill." Angus designed a patented 100% recycled ABS hanger to address that gap and launched it as a global Wix eCommerce store. The lesson for new sellers: the best niches start with a specific frustration you can name, not a generic "I'd like to sell something online." Follow the trends: Whether born out of necessity or a viral topic, there’s always a plethora of trending products to choose from. The key here is to have a system for understanding what’s driving a product’s success. How long will the trend last? What marketing do you need to do to keep the momentum going? Be careful not to commit to a product that will lose interest as quickly as it gained it. Once you’ve brainstormed a few good ideas, take some time to make sure that it’s a realistic item to sell. Ask yourself if your item is easy to ship, where you can sell it and whether you can turn a profit. To start an online clothing store, define your niche—like sustainable streetwear or custom pieces—and know your customers’ style and sizing needs. Build a brand with a fitting name, logo, colors and visual style. Use high-quality images, detailed fabric and fit descriptions and plan inventory by size and season. Streamline shipping and returns and promote through social media, influencers and trend-driven campaigns while tracking sales and feedback. Target the right audience for your online store Beyond that, you need to identify your target audience. The closer you are to your product (or audience), the greater your chances of building a successful business. If you already have a product idea, use that to determine your ideal customer. If not, consider an audience that you’re most familiar with. What products do you use on a regular basis? What do you value the most about your favorite brands? Or, who in your life are you looking to serve with your products? As with any business, it helps to find a purpose that will keep you motivated in the long run. eCommerce, after all, isn’t just sunshine and butterflies (see our guide on what is eCommerce). There are numerous logistical and financial questions you’ll have to address. By reminding yourself why you’re running your business and for whom, you can better stay on track. To that end, take the time to establish buyer personas. Personas help you get into the mind of your buyer and, in turn, make decisions regarding messaging, your eCommerce website design, marketing strategies and more. Learn more: What's the best way to start an online store? 02. Create a strong branding strategy Branding is a big part of your online success. At a time when an increasing number of shoppers are open to buying from brands they’ve never heard of, it’s critical for you to have a strong eCommerce branding strategy that leaves a strong impression. Branding includes everything from your business’ name, logo, favicon, typography, color palette and tone of voice. Your business’ brand should strongly relate to the type of company you are and the mood you want to create. According to Liley-Beth Griffin, Senior Marketing Writer & Creative at Wix: "Your website is your brand in its truest form. It's one of the few places you dictate the narrative and vibe." For a new online store, the implication is that branding is not a finishing touch you add at the end of the build. It's the lens through which every product page, every email and every ad should be evaluated. One Wix user whose brand identity drives her entire business is Tammy Maki, founder of Raven Rising, an Indigenous-inspired chocolate brand based in Canada. Tammy launched her ecommerce store from scratch in her 50s during COVID: "Honestly, 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?'" She built the Wix store herself with no eCommerce background and now ships across Canada and she won the Bell Let's Talk Start-up Award in 2020. The branding lesson: your story is your differentiation against everyone else selling a similar physical product. Build your online store visual identity Start off by creating your brand palette. You could use blues and greens to match your environmentally friendly water bottles. Or you may use brighter colors to emanate a cheery, energetic mood. Whichever direction you go, make sure you have a reason for why you chose your brand colors rather than arbitrarily selecting them. Save three to four hex color codes to reference moving forward. Next, create a logo for your business with the help of a designer or logo maker. Needless to say that it should be strong, memorable, and uniquely yours. A classic example is the Nike swoosh. (Would you be surprised to learn that Nike co-founder Phil Knight initially reacted to the logo saying “I don’t love it, but maybe it’ll grow on me”?) The success of the logo surely has something to do with the fact that it represents motion and speed, two values of the athletes that Nike sells to. Note: you’re not trying to find a logo that simply speaks to your tastes. You’re trying to find one that speaks to your audience—don’t forget that. Set tone of voice and ensure brand consistency Another important aspect to your brand is your tone of voice. This should be taken into account when writing your product descriptions, social media posts, and other communications. Should your tone be playful? Serious? How would you speak to your target buyers if you were talking with them face to face? All of these branding factors will be important when your building content for your brand, including: Your website Emails Invoices Product packaging Shipping materials Marketing campaigns To start an online supplement store, focus on a clear niche like protein powders, vitamins or nootropics. Source products from certified manufacturers with lab-tested quality and consider private-label options to stand out. Build a health-focused brand with clear labels, dosage info and benefits highlighted. Use a platform that supports subscriptions, detailed product pages and multiple payment options. Promote through fitness influencers, educational content and customer reviews to grow trust and sales. 03. Decide on your business structure and register your business By this point, you’re probably bouncing in your seat, ready to get started. However, there are a few legal things you’ll have to take care of in order to make your business official. This includes an official filing that ensures that your business is recognized by the government. It additionally includes decisions that will affect your eligibility for business funding, tax obligations, personal protections, and more. First and foremost, you need to decide how your business will be structured. Here are some of the most common types of business: Sole proprietorship: This means you and your business are legally and financially linked together. This is the simplest form of business to start. That said, you cannot operate as an employer. Rather, you operate and run the business as an individual. Limited Liability Company (LLC): This option lets you keep your personal and business assets separate, lowering the risk of starting a business. LLCs are relatively quick to set up and offer various business tax benefits. Partnership: If you’re starting your business with two or more business partners, you’ll need to sign a partner agreement, which determines how you’ll split duties and profits. This agreement will track each partner's roles, responsibilities, investments, and rights. Corporation: A corporation usually refers to an established business that includes shareholders and employees. There are various types of corporations you can create. Corporations can be initiated by an individual or group of people. If you’re setting up your business as a sole proprietorship, you can avoid any formal action in order to create your business. Nonetheless, you’ll still need to apply for any relevant license and permits that are relevant to your business and location. Check with the US Small Business Administration to determine what you’ll need. Register your business and manage taxes Moving forward, you’ll need to pay estimated taxes each quarter as well, according to IRS standards, and potentially collect and remit online sales tax. If you’re looking to set up an LLC, partnership or corporation, we suggest you consult a business lawyer. Deciding to register your business is a crucial step that legally establishes your company and protects your brand name. It not only grants you legal rights but also enhances credibility with customers and potential partners. On top of that, having official business status allows you to open a business bank account, apply for necessary permits and access funding opportunities. Learn more: How to register a business How to license a business (for your US based business) How does eCommerce work? To start an online toy store, focus on sourcing safe, age-appropriate and engaging toys. Identify popular licenses or unique items that stand out. Set up product pages with clear images and descriptions, highlight educational or fun features and plan marketing around playful storytelling, demos and seasonal trends. 04. Pick an eCommerce platform If you’ve figured out what products to sell and how to source them, then you’re halfway to the finish line. The next step is to build a site where you’ll list your products. Your site is the face of your brand. It’s where you’ll have the most control over your branding and the overall buyer journey. It’s also where you’ll be accepting payments and handling essential tasks. It can also be an all in one solution that allows you to handle your selling, marketing, payments, logistics and procurement. Learn more about what is Wix Payments. So, it’s important to find the best eCommerce platform to host your site. At this stage, don’t let the bells and whistles of a platform woo you. Make sure to look under the hood and ask all the necessary questions. Factors to consider when choosing an eCommerce platform Features: No two platforms are the same. Some platforms—like WooCommerce—are like blank canvases but require a developer’s help to set up and maintain. Others—like Wix eCommerce—don’t require former coding experience. Instead, you can pick from existing templates, blocks, and apps to build an online store without fuss. (You can additionally connect your favorite payment solution, track inventory, automate sales tax, and more. Learn how to set up your online store with Wix.) Specialty businesses: Do you plan on selling CBD or do you have another niche business idea? Check that your platform has the capabilities to support your line of business. Mobile view: Does your website builder optimize for mobile? Will shoppers be able to comfortably browse your store on their phones? Can you accept mobile payments? Considering how mobile commerce has taken the world by storm, it’s especially important for your site to be mobile responsive. Scalability: Replatforming can be a pain later on, so you’ll want to find a system that can support your business both now and later. To that end, consider if you’ll be able to upgrade your plan easily to access more professional tools, like ads, pre-orders and discount campaigns. Make sure you’re not being taxed for your success (e.g., having to pay large commission fees as you make more sales). Web security and reliability: This is too often an afterthought or something that sellers think of only after they’ve fallen victim to a disaster. In reality, security and reliability should always be top of mind. How will you avoid a site crash if sales suddenly spike? How will you defend your online store from hackers, fraudulent transactions, and potential chargebacks? Make sure your eCommerce platform provides public key certification - either SSL or TLS. This will give your site https at the start of its domain and will help build credibility between you and your potential customers. You'll also need to make sure your platform has reliable and secure web hosting, that can respond to sudden traffic influxes and provide as high uptime as possible. SEO: You want your site to rank on Google. In order to do so, you need a strong technical SEO foundation to start with, then tools to optimize your site the way you want to. Wix, for instance, offers the ability to customize your meta tags, URLs, structured data markup, and more. Check to see which SEO capabilities your platform has to offer. AI capabilities: Online stores never close, and your customer support shouldn’t either. Wix AI Site Chat delivers real-time support that keeps customers engaged and ready to buy. Easy to set up and always on, it smooths the path to checkout so your store keeps moving, even when you’re off the clock. You can also check out the Wix AI Site Chat overview for a deeper look at how it works. Wix supports high-performance eCommerce operations with AI-driven product recommendations, automated discount logic, abandoned cart recovery and customizable checkout workflows. According to Itay Shmool, VP of Wix Domains at Wix: "For most small businesses, reducing technical overhead is more valuable than chasing marginal cost savings across multiple platforms." In practice that means: three or four cheap individual services can look like a saving on paper and cost more in time, integration headaches and missed sales than a single bundled platform. The biggest replatforming costs come not from the migration itself but from the operational time lost while a business is mid-move. Choose an eCommerce platform, like Wix, that can flex into adjacent business models (subscriptions, bookings, multi-channel) without forcing a rebuild. Worth knowing: the cheapest plan today is rarely the right answer for a business with growth plans. Most eCommerce platforms (including Wix) let you upgrade without rebuilding the site, so you can start small and scale up. The bigger lock-in risk is choosing a platform that can't add eCommerce features, bookings or shipping integrations later, since that's where a migration actually costs you time and money. Pro tip: your free eCommerce hosting on Wix is automatically set up when you publish your site (no installation needed) and supports successful online stores of every size. 05. Name your store and get a domain Finally. It’s time to get working on your brand. Start by thinking of a memorable name for your business. A great name can help give you a competitive advantage in your target market Brainstorm words associated with your product, industry, values, or unique selling point. Or, use a store name generator to gain some inspiration. To guide your name choice, consider SEO. Identify terms that shoppers are using to find either physical or digital products like yours. You can use Google Trends or keyword research tools, like Semrush, for help in this area. Plus, you can check out our SEO guide for additional tips. It may not be a bad idea to mention your product category or product type directly in the name. This will let shoppers know what you offer right away. For example, if you’re selling hats, you can include the word “accessories,” “fedoras” or “caps” within your name. Check for uniqueness and simplicity But above all, make sure your business name stands out and is not already being used. You can do this in one of several ways: Research your direct competitors Search your name ideas on Google and social media Check your local business registration service Simplicity is key. Choosing a name with an easy spelling and pronunciation, secures quick recognition and recall. A great business name captures attention, evokes emotion, and sticks in the mind. It should be unique yet memorable, reflecting your brand's essence and values. Daniele Pitkowski, Product Marketing Manager - Alternative Flows at Wix.com Register and connect your domain After you’ve decided on a business name, choose the best domain name for your site from a domain name registrar. Try to match your store name exactly. This will help your customers find and remember your brand online. Note that for any domain name, you’ll likely pay around $10-$15 per year. With Wix eCommerce, you can register and connect a domain name directly from your site. In fact, once you’ve set up your store, you’ll have the option to get your domain name for free for one year. 06. Design your online store for sales This is the fun part. Here is where your creativity can shine. The trick here is to design a store that’s both well-branded and optimized for conversions. Your customers should not only be impressed by the look-and-feel of your store, but should also be able to easily find your products and confidently make a purchase. According to Oren Inditzky, Head of Online Stores at Wix, who has spent years working with internet apps and online businesses: "Five seconds. That's how fast someone can form an impression of your website." The implication for new sellers: the first scroll on your homepage and the first scroll on every product page do almost all the work of converting a visitor. Treat those screens as the highest-leverage design decisions in your build. Learn more: What is an online store?, Website vs online store Pointers for designing your site Use an eCommerce template: There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Wix offers plenty of online store templates that can be adjusted and customized to make sure your store looks entirely unique. At the same time, these templates will include all the key features your store will need so you won’t have to create it all from scratch. Carefully think through your site’s structure: Observe how other major brands and retailers use navigation menus, filters, breadcrumbs and shopping carts to create a smooth user experience. Avoid cluttering up any nav bar or page, and hone in on the search behaviors and terminology that resonate with your target audience. Follow the three-click rule: As a general rule of thumb, your products should be accessible within three or less clicks. Meaning, it should be easy for your customers to get from your homepage (or any other landing page) to their desired product page. They shouldn’t have to dig through many layers of your site to find what they’re looking for. Don’t forget about key links—like your shipping information, returns policy, and contact info—which could be included in your footer. Be clear about what you sell: Your visitors should know what you sell immediately upon arrival. While your off-site advertising and marketing efforts should help with this, you’ll want to reaffirm your area of expertise via clear page headings, clear search menus, and powerful imagery. Pro tip: Update your site’s metadata to include the type of store you are. For example, if you’re a t-shirt business called PlopTee, your site’s meta title should read “PlopTee | T-Shirt Store.” Write clear calls-to-action (CTAs): At every stage throughout the buying process, your customers should know what they should do next. Create button text and other prompts that are intuitive and compelling. The customer should know exactly where each click will lead (e.g., “Add to cart” or “Explore more products like this”). Learn from these 14 high-converting product page examples. Don’t skimp on your product descriptions: It’s easy to get lazy with your descriptions, especially if your manufacturers already provide copy for you to use. But failing to write original descriptions is a big missed opportunity. Between their impact on SEO and on brand trust, your product descriptions can influence your return rates, visibility, and more. See tips for writing strong product descriptions. Be intentional with your images: You don’t need us to tell you that product photography is an extremely important aspect to selling online. Customers often sift through images first and sometimes rely heavily on your photos to make their purchase decision. Use professional photos and videos to showcase the product’s looks, feel, size, dimensions, proper use, and more. View more eCommerce product photography tips. According to Amanda Weiner, CRO Manager at Wix, who manages all conversion rate experiments on the Wix website: "My job itself is fully dedicated to testing different elements of our site. Whether we're dealing with a landing page, product page, or this very blog that you're looking at, my role as CRO manager is to question everything." For a new online store, that habit of questioning every element is what separates a store that converts from one that just looks nice. Build a culture of small tests from day one. A/B test product page layouts, CTA wording and checkout flows once you have enough traffic to make the data meaningful. One Wix user who built her store around tight design-for-sales principles is Jenna Spencer, co-owner of The Last Bookstore in downtown Los Angeles: "It ignited a viral chain reaction, leading to thousands of orders. We needed an online store, fast, and Wix gave us the agility to adapt." A single Instagram post promoting book bundles generated thousands of orders overnight. The Last Bookstore now ships bundles, gift cards and merchandise globally from a physical store that draws up to 1,000 customers on Saturdays. The takeaway: design-for-sales pays dividends not just on planned launches but on the unplanned viral moments that turn into your biggest revenue days. 07. Connect a payment provider In order to earn your first dollar from eCommerce, you need to decide how you’ll get paid. It’s always a good idea to offer multiple payment methods. Just think about the last time you walked into a store or restaurant. You likely expected them to accept credit cards, or even Apple Pay. However, on occasion you may walk into a store that only accepts cash—in which case, you’re either in or out of luck. The same logic applies online, where you can offer payment options like: Credit/debit cards Digital wallets (like PayPal) Bank transfers In-person payment (if you have a brick-and-mortar store) Buy now, pay later solutions NFT Choose the right payment gateway There are also various payment gateways (aka payment processors or providers) to choose from. Payment gateways are what ensure a safe, successful transfer of funds. Some gateways may be better than others, depending on your location and business type. Whichever you choose, your provider will need to verify your bank account before you can take home the money that you earn. Before deciding on a payment gateway, make sure you're aware of any associated costs. These can include: Domain registration fees Hosting plans Transaction fees Integrated payment solutions with Wix Payments For U.S.-based businesses, Wix Payments is a popular website payment solution for accepting credit, debit, Klarna (buy now, pay later) and other methods at checkout. It’s free to set up on your Wix account, with standard processing fees of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for U.S. cards (3.7% + $0.30 for American Express). You ultimately benefit from having one integrated dashboard to personalize your payout cycles and more. Another option is to select from third-party plugins, which include 100+ payment gateways worldwide. Wix doesn’t charge additional transaction fees and can immediately be integrated with your gateway-of-choice. Worth knowing: payment processor fees typically run 2.5% to 3% per transaction plus $0.30 per sale. On a $30 product with a 30% margin, those fees represent 8% to 10% of your profit, not your revenue. That math matters most for low-ticket products, where high transaction volume can compress margins fast. For high-ticket products (over $100), the fee impact on margin is much smaller. Factor processor fees into your pricing model from day one rather than discovering them in month three. Set up shipping and fulfillment Once payments are in place, decide how orders will reach your customers. Set your shipping rates (flat rate, free shipping over a threshold, or real-time carrier rates), choose which regions you ship to and pick a fulfillment method, whether you pack and ship yourself, use a third-party logistics provider or rely on a dropshipping supplier. Clear shipping options and delivery estimates at checkout reduce cart abandonment, and a written returns policy sets expectations before a customer buys. With Wix eCommerce you can configure shipping rules, print labels and offer local delivery or in-store pickup from your dashboard. 08. Optimize your eCommerce website Once your online store is up and running, you need to optimize it so people can find it on Google and other search engines. This helps you attract and retain customers, as well as improve your overall sales performance. Top tips to optimize your site: Improve site speed: Ensure your website loads quickly by compressing images and leveraging browser caching. A faster site enhances user experience and can improve search engine rankings. Enhance mobile responsiveness: With an increasing number of customers shopping on mobile devices, make sure your site is fully responsive. Test your site's performance on various devices, ensuring a seamless experience across all platforms. Use SEO best practices: Optimize your product pages with relevant keywords, descriptive meta tags and high-quality content. This will help increase your site's visibility in search engine results, driving more organic traffic. Streamline navigation: Make it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for by organizing your site navigation logically. Use clear headings, categories and search functionalities to guide users effortlessly through the shopping process. Improve checkout process: Simplify the checkout process by reducing the number of steps required to complete a purchase. Offer guest checkout options, multiple payment methods and clear calls-to-action to enhance user satisfaction and reduce cart abandonment rates. Consider also using back in stock pre-alerts to optimize your sales and inventory management. Wix reduces purchase friction at every stage of the buyer journey with Quick Buy functionality, a sticky mobile Add-to-Cart button and performance-optimized checkout flows. Learn more about adding an online shopping cart to your store. Test your store before you launch Before you go live, run through your store as if you were a customer. Place a test order to confirm checkout, payments, taxes and shipping all calculate correctly, then check that confirmation emails arrive. View every page on mobile, since most shoppers browse on their phones, and click each link, button and product variation to catch anything broken. Confirm your contact details, return policy and store policies are visible. A short pre-launch checklist catches the small issues that quietly cost sales once real traffic arrives. 09. Start your marketing campaigns Your store is now ready to take on sales. It’s time to start shouting it from the rooftops. Drive customers to your online store using a variety of marketing strategies. Organic marketing tools Social media marketing: Create a business page for yourself on social platforms like Facebook and Instagram, choose the social platform where your target market is most likely to be found. Update your business information and leverage your channels as both a sales and customer service vehicle. Channels like Instagram and TikTok support checkout directly from their platforms. Learn more about your social commerce options. Consider using influencer marketing to really make impact with your business and drive brand loyalty. You might also want to consider using social proof as a trust signal on your online store website. Email marketing: Emails are far from dead. In fact, emails grant you direct access to customers who have opted into your communications via your content marketing campaigns. To get started, create a business email address. Then develop an email list by adding a lightbox to your site that encourages sign up, adding signup as an option at checkout, or including a link in your footer. You can additionally offer a special discount or other incentive, like gift cards, if a customer joins your email list. Plan on sending regular newsletters, promotions, business updates, product recommendations and other types of eCommerce emails. Remember to adhere to privacy regulations and laws in your country of business before sending email marketing materials. SEO: Use this digital marketing strategy to ptimize your site to rank high on Google’s search results and generate more traffic to your store long with long term brand awareness. Optimize your meta titles and descriptions for each site page, and follow other eCommerce SEO best practices. Moreover, take advantage of other free tools like Google Shopping and Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business). Each of these help with local search, in addition to overall visibility on Google. Loyalty program: A loyalty program can help to secure repeat customers and increase your customer lifetime value rates. While they require thoughts and careful planning, Wix loyalty program plugins can help to streamline the process. Offer rewards for each order placed, or special actions like sharing your product on social media. Drive more attention while taking good care of your existing customers. Paid marketing tools Facebook and Instagram ads: Facebook and Instagram offer various ad placements, which help you to target certain demographics or interest groups on their respective platforms. Wix lets you create Facebook and Instagram Ads directly from your site dashboard and uses AI to optimize your ads around the clock. Google Shopping ads: Google Shopping ads are pay-per-click (PPC) ads that help you to skip to the top of relevant search results. When a customer clicks the ads, they’re either sent directly to your website or a Google checkout page, depending on your settings. Discover more about Google Shopping and other types of Google ads. Analytics Analyzing data from your marketing campaigns is key to understanding their impact and improving your store's performance. With tools like Wix Analytics you can track site traffic, product sales and customer behavior to uncover valuable insights. See how visitors find your store and which pages grab their attention most. Identify your best-selling products and discover which items might need more promotion or tweaks. By studying customer behavior—like their journey to making a purchase—you can better anticipate their needs and refine your strategies. Regularly reviewing your analytics keeps you connected to your audience and helps you make informed data-driven decisions. Stay ahead and ensure your store continues to grow and succeed. One Wix user who used analytics to drive expansion is Nick Houston, co-founder of Fork n' Film, a Los Angeles-based cinematic dining brand that grew to $11M+ in revenue in under 2 years across 9 locations: "I love the analytics on Wix, it tells a big story about who we are as a company and who our customers are. When it comes to expansion, we want to go off data. We don't want to just go off assumptions." For an early-stage store, the lesson is to instrument the things you'll need to make decisions about later. Set up your analytics on day one even if the data isn't useful yet. The compounding insight value of having 6 months of data when you need to make your first scaling decision is enormous. 10. Create a customer service plan Developing a comprehensive customer service plan is vital for the success and reputation of your online store. A well-thought-out plan ensures that you meet your customer's needs and foster loyalty. Begin by outlining the channels through which customers can reach you, such as email, phone, live chat or social media. Establish clear response times to inquiries and set protocols for resolving different types of issues efficiently. Training your team to handle customer interactions with empathy and professionalism is key to providing exceptional service. It's also good to have a feedback mechanism for continuous improvement, as listening to your customers helps identify areas for enhancement and development. A solid customer service plan not only satisfies your current customer base but also attracts new customers through positive reviews and word-of-mouth referrals. Wix supports long-term eCommerce growth with built-in loyalty programs, subscription commerce, back-in-stock notifications and flexible digital gift cards designed to increase customer lifetime value. How much does it cost to start an online store? When starting your online store, every choice you make is a building block for your business and a misstep can be costly. Slow hosting, clunky navigation or unreliable suppliers can hurt your sales, waste your time and cause major headaches. Imagine your site crashing during a huge sale or a customer returning an item because it wasn't what they expected—no one wants that. The secret is to plan ahead, avoid common traps and focus on what directly impacts your customers and daily workflow. Think of each decision as an investment in your store’s future not just another expense. Making smart choices now will make your business easier to run and help it grow faster. Here’s a realistic look at what to expect. eCommerce platform Your platform is the engine of your online store. It powers everything from product pages to checkout, inventory tracking, and marketing tools. A basic plan might let you list products and accept payments, but it often lacks features that save time and prevent problems as you grow. Spending a bit more upfront can prevent headaches, missed sales, and costly platform migrations down the line. For example, without abandoned cart recovery, you could lose customers who were ready to buy but got distracted. Paid plans often include features like real-time shipping rate calculations, which prevent overselling and surprise shipping costs—something that keeps both you and your customers happy. Higher-tier plans usually also include analytics to see which products sell best, mobile optimization for shoppers on their phones, and integrations with marketing apps. Here’s what you can expect to pay for different plans and what you’ll get for your money (prices may vary by provider): Free: $0/month Great for testing ideas or listing a few products. Comes with limited features, manual processes and basic checkout options. You might outgrow the platform quickly or miss out on tools that help boost sales. Basic: $10–$39/month Covers standard product listings, checkout and payments. You’ll likely get some automation and basic reporting. A good fit for small stores but might lack the advanced tools you need to grow faster. Advanced: $40/month and up Adds powerful automation and optimization tools like marketing support, inventory management and checkout enhancements. Usually includes detailed analytics, reporting and mobile optimization. Helps you avoid headaches, lost sales and pricey platform migrations as your business gets bigger. Domain and hosting Your domain is your store’s address, and hosting is the foundation it runs on. Both are important for making your brand look professional and keeping your store running well. A domain name that’s easy to remember builds trust instantly and helps customers find you again. Spending $10–$15 a year on a clean domain is a simple move that makes a big difference. Hosting is a bit more complex. Cheap hosting for around $5 a month might seem like a bargain, but it often leads to slow loading times or crashes when you get a lot of visitors. If your pages take too long to load, customers will probably just buy from a competitor. More reliable hosting, which usually runs from $10–$30 a month, will give you faster speeds, better security and the power to grow without losing sales. Branding and design Your store’s vibe really changes how many sales you make. A great logo, matching colors and a clean look build trust and make shopping simple. Putting a bit more into branding and design now means fewer problems (and costly fixes) later. It also helps customers trust you more and makes your marketing work harder. Even small tweaks, like better product photos or clearer navigation, can quickly boost your sales online. How much you spend depends on who does the work: DIY / template-based ($0–$50): Use free or cheap templates and DIY logo tools. It keeps costs super low, perfect for trying out ideas. Just know it might not look as unique or polished. Freelancer / mid-tier design ($100–$500): Get a freelancer for your logo, colors or custom layout. This brings a professional touch and can really push those sales. For instance, putting a strong color scheme and a clear call-to-action can bump up "Add to cart" clicks. Agency / premium design ($1,000+): A full-service agency gives you a unique store that's ready to win. This means custom design just for your users, pro photos and everything you need for marketing. Product sourcing and inventory How you get your products impacts your costs, control and customer perception. Dropshipping means low upfront costs (just a few dollars to list) but smaller profit margins and less control over shipping speed or quality. If a custom mug arrives late or broken, it reflects poorly on your store, even if it's out of your hands. One thing worth knowing: dropshipping has the lowest barrier to entry of any eCommerce model, which means competition is the highest. Margins are typically 10% to 30% (much thinner than private-label or handmade eCommerce) and most dropshipping stores lose money in the first 90 days because new sellers underestimate paid ad costs. Treat dropshipping as a test bed for marketing skills and supplier relationships, not as a quick passive-income path. The sellers who succeed at it usually move up the value chain (private label, branded packaging, custom products) once they prove a niche. Buying inventory on the other hand requires more cash upfront, but gives you full control over quality, packaging and shipping speed. For example, buying 50 handmade candles lets you brand the packaging and set delivery times, helping you charge more and build customer trust. Always order samples to check quality. This avoids costly returns and keeps customers happy. Payment processing Payment gateways usually charge 2–3% per transaction plus occasional monthly fees ($0–$30). Offering multiple options—credit/debit cards, digital wallets or installment plans—makes buying easier and can boost sales. For instance, a shopper might abandon their cart if your store only accepts cards but they prefer a digital wallet. Integrated systems, like those included in higher-tier eCommerce plans, prevent failed transactions, reduce manual reconciliations and ensure you don’t lose revenue due to technical issues. Marketing and promotion The best store won’t sell itself—you need people to find it. Organic marketing, like SEO, social media posts, and email newsletters, brings in traffic without costing a dime for clicks. You might spend a little ($0–$100/month) on tools like scheduling apps or email services. Or, if you're strapped for time, you could hire a pro to handle this for you, which would be an added service cost. Paid marketing is a great way to spread the word. You can start small, like $50–$200 a month for ads on search engines or social media. Then, as you see results, you can do more. A $100 Instagram ad targeting your ideal customers can quickly show you which products are a hit and help you make sales. This helps you invest smarter. Analytics tools, either free or up to $50 a month for more in-depth tracking, help you understand what’s working, where your visitors are coming from, and how to improve your campaigns. Without good tracking, you might just be throwing money at ads that don't bring in new people. Optional tools and apps Apps for inventory management, loyalty programs or advanced analytics can make running your store easier but aren’t necessary when you first start. Costs usually range from $0–$50/month per app. For example an inventory app can prevent overselling popular items while a loyalty program encourages repeat customers. Start lean and only add tools once you see a clear need. Overloading your store with apps too early can complicate things and add unnecessary costs. Open an online store with a dropshipper (optional) If you want to start selling quickly, you could always give dropshipping a whirl. A dropshipping business includes some key perks, like minimal upfront costs and easy management. When you own a dropshipping business, you work with a supplier who handles manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping—all on your behalf. Here’s a play-by-play of how it works: You choose the products you want to dropship from your supplier’s catalog You list those products on your dropshipping website and set your own prices A shopper purchases the products and pays for it on your site You forward the customer’s order (plus pay) your supplier Your supplier ships the product directly to your customer’s address Wix eCommerce offers direct integrations into popular dropshipping services like Modalyst and Spocket. By using our integrated solution, you can manage and list products from your suppliers without leaving Wix. Any customer orders will also be automatically routed to your software and suppliers, allowing you to easily manage all of your back-office and customer-facing tasks in one place. According to Chris Victory, Head of Partnerships at Printful: "The native Wix and Printful integration makes it incredibly easy for any Wix user to create and launch their own custom product line with no tech headaches, just instant access to Printful's catalog, instant mockups and seamless store setup, all within the Wix dashboard." Why eCommerce is important eCommerce is crucial in today’s business landscape for reaching a broad, global audience and breaking down geographical barriers that traditional stores face. It enables businesses of all sizes to access new markets and customer bases that were otherwise unreachable. On Wix, AI agents acting on behalf of shoppers can browse products, check availability, compare options and complete purchases without manual navigation. Economically, eCommerce reshapes industries by reducing operational costs, as online stores require less overhead than physical stores. It also fosters competition, driving innovation and product improvement. One Wix user whose pivot to eCommerce kept her business alive is Orly Gottesman, co-founder of Modern Bread & Bagel, a gluten-free restaurant chain in New York that nearly closed during COVID: "We had to pivot. We could have gone out of business if we didn't." Modern Bread & Bagel rebuilt their model around pre-ordering and Wix Stores nationwide shipping. They now run 8 stores with 4 more in development and around 300 staff, with dine-in, takeout, catering and nationwide shipping all routed through their Wix infrastructure. For an early-stage seller, the lesson is that the right infrastructure pays off most when the business model has to change unexpectedly. A flexible platform turns a near-failure into a multi-channel growth story. Wix is an all-in-one eCommerce platform that supports physical products, services, specialized business models like rentals, donation-based commerce, online ordering and digital programs such as online courses, all from a single backend. Common mistakes to avoid when starting an online store One common mistake new online store owners make is not clearly communicating what makes their business unique. Decent products and discounts aren’t enough to stand out. You need to answer this key question: “Why should customers choose you?” Highlight the problems your product solves, the benefits it offers and what sets you apart from competitors. Build a compelling story around your brand and make it the heart of your marketing strategy. A strong value proposition helps establish trust and creates an emotional connection with your audience. Another challenge is underestimating the power of branding and marketing. Branding isn’t just about a catchy name or logo—it’s about tapping into what your audience values. Combine this with a smart marketing plan and allocate at least 30% of your revenue to marketing efforts. Paid ads, like Facebook or Google Ads, can generate traffic, but professional, creative campaigns are essential. Avoid relying solely on discounts or generic products. Instead, focus on a unique brand identity and high-quality items that resonate with your niche. Finally, rushing your launch or skipping key planning steps can hurt your store’s long-term growth. Take the time to research your niche, understand your products and deeply know your audience. Avoid shortcuts like copying others—what works for them might not work for you. Quick success is rare, and the challenges can be overwhelming without proper preparation. By planning carefully and staying flexible, you’ll set yourself up for lasting success and build a business that stands out. Using Wix eCommerce to open an online store Your online store could be launched within a matter of days. Wix eCommerce provides everything you need to get set up quickly, from inventory management and payments to website analytics and beyond. Once you have a solid business plan in place, you can create your online store and start selling right away. Wix combines enterprise-grade infrastructure, web security and compliance with developer-friendly tools like Velo and Service Plugins, while connecting seamlessly to ERP, CRM, WMS and PIM systems to support complex eCommerce operations. Selling online with Wix means: Built-in AI features and no-code creation tools to build your store faster Hundreds of fully customizable free eCommerce website templates Sell physical and digital products, subscriptions, dropshipping and print on demand from one platform AI image editor for better product photos AI product descriptions AI product recommendations Wix retail POS for selling in-person Reach shoppers on Google, eBay, Etsy, Amazon, Facebook Instagram, TikTok and Wish and manage it all from your Wix dashboard Sell internationally with Wix multilingual, currency converter and 80+ trusted global payment providers Customizable data reports and real-time analytics Native shipping solutions Enterprise-grade infrastructure for reliability, security and scale Those who want a fully custom storefront with a reliable backend can use Wix Headless, which lets you own and control your frontend while Wix handles secure payments, optimized checkouts, automated sales taxes and order management on the backend. Learn more about Wix Headless: What is Wix Headless What is a headless CMS How much does Wix Headless cost How to start an online store FAQ What is the best platform to sell online for beginners? The best eCommerce platform for beginners is easy to use, secure and flexible. It should handle payments smoothly, offer customizable templates, support mobile shopping and scale as your business grows. It should also include basic marketing tools, analytics and inventory management to help you run your store efficiently. Wix eCommerce lets you set up a professional online store without coding, manage payments and inventory in one place and access tools for marketing and analytics to grow your business over time. How much does it cost to open an online shop? The cost to open an online shop can vary widely based on factors such as the eCommerce platform you choose, the complexity of your website design and your marketing strategies. On average, initial costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your specific needs and scale. Can I open an online store without an LLC? Yes, you can open an online store without forming an LLC. However, operating as a sole proprietor means you are personally liable for the business's debts and obligations. Forming an LLC can offer personal liability protection and potential tax benefits. It's advisable to consult with a legal professional to understand the implications and benefits of choosing the right business structure for your online store. Where can I get products for my online store? You can source products for your online store through various channels, including wholesaler suppliers, manufacturers and dropshipping partners. Consider attending trade shows or using online marketplaces to find potential suppliers. You can also explore white-label or private-label options to offer unique products under your brand. How do I start an online store with no money? Starting an online store with no money requires leveraging free resources and platforms. Consider using a free eCommerce platform or a trial version to set up your store. Try dropshipping to avoid upfront inventory costs. Use free marketing strategies such as social media and content marketing to promote your store. Look for opportunities to barter or collaborate with others for services you need. Can you sell online without a business license? Yes, in some regions you can start as a sole proprietor without a license. However, having a license adds legal protection, credibility and makes it easier to open a business bank account and manage taxes properly. How do I secure my online store and customer data? Use a secure eCommerce platform with SSL certificates to encrypt customer data during checkout. Keep software and plugins updated enable strong passwords and consider two-factor authentication for accounts. Regularly back up your store and monitor for suspicious activity to prevent breaches. Should I keep inventory or use dropshipping? Keeping inventory gives you full control over quality packaging and shipping speed. This can boost customer experience and allow higher profit margins. Dropshipping cuts upfront costs and storage needs but often means lower margins and less control over fulfillment. Pick what works best for your budget storage capacity and how much control you want. What are the most important sections that my online store should have? Essential sections for your online store include: Homepage: An engaging introduction to your store and brand. Product pages: Detailed information and images for each product. Shopping cart and checkout: A seamless and secure purchasing process. About us: Information about your brand’s story and values. Contact page: Easy ways for customers to reach you. FAQs: Answers to common customer questions. Return policy: Clear information on returns and exchanges. How do I price my products for profit? Factor in all costs including production, shipping, platform fees, marketing and taxes, then add a margin that reflects your value and market positioning. Research competitor pricing to make sure your prices are competitive while staying profitable. Adjust prices over time based on sales trends, demand and customer feedback. How do I know which products will sell best? Research market trends, customer reviews and best-seller lists in your niche. Test products with small batches, social media ads or pre-orders to gauge interest before investing heavily. Track performance using analytics to see which products drive the most engagement and sales. Do I need to collect sales tax for online sales? Sales tax rules vary depending on your location and your customers' locations. Many regions require online sellers to collect tax if you have a physical presence or meet certain sales thresholds. Use your eCommerce platform's tools or consult a tax professional to ensure compliance. How do I handle returns and refunds? You need a clear, easy-to-find return policy. It should explain the conditions, timelines and procedures for returns. Offer simple, hassle-free refunds to build trust. But protect yourself with restocking fees or specific conditions for high-value items if needed. Process returns quickly and communicate clearly with customers to maintain satisfaction. Is it profitable to open an online store? Yes, opening an online store can be profitable, but success depends on several factors. Key elements include conducting thorough market research, identifying a profitable niche and effective marketing. Profitability is influenced by product demand, competition, pricing strategy and your ability to manage operating costs. What legal considerations should I be aware of when selling online? First, make sure your business is properly registered and follows all local business laws, including getting the right licenses and permits. You also need to protect intellectual property, respect privacy laws and create clear terms of service for your site. Stay aware of advertising, tax and consumer protection regulations to avoid fines or legal issues.