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Images are a core element of any website, they shape first impressions, improve your storytelling and influence how users engage with your content. As a  website builder , Wix provides an intuitive platform not just for uploading and managing images but also for optimizing them for speed, quality and SEO. In this guide, we’ll explore what Wix images are, how Wix image optimization works and share actionable tips to make the most out of your visual assets when understanding how to build a website .  Learn more: Why use Wix? What are Wix images? Wix images refer to all image content used within the Wix platform, including: Uploaded media like JPEGs, PNGs, SVGs, and WebP files Stock photos available via Wix’s free media library Gallery and background images Images used in product pages, blog posts or social media feeds Wix has a media manager  that acts like a central hub for all your media assets. From here, you can upload, organize, rename and reuse images across different pages and projects. Wix images supported file types Wix allows you to upload the following image formats: JPEG / JPG / JPE / JFIF : Ideal for photographs and images with gradients. PNG : Supports transparency; suitable for logos and graphics. GIF : Supports simple animations and transparency. BMP : Standard bitmap image format. HEIC / HEIF : High-efficiency formats commonly used by Apple devices. TIFF / TIF : High-quality images, often used in printing. WEBP : Modern format offering superior compression. AVIF : Advanced format with excellent compression and quality. RAW : Includes various camera-specific formats like .arw, .cr2, .nef, etc. JPEG 2000 : Advanced JPEG format with improved compression. Note: Animated WEBP images are currently not supported and will be converted to static images upon upload. What is Wix image optimization? Wix Image Optimization refers to the automated process by which Wix enhances the performance of your images across devices and browsers. The goal? Reduce load time, improve user experience and boost SEO visibility, without compromising on image quality. Here’s how Wix goes about optimizing your website images: 01. Automatic compression When you upload an image, Wix compresses it intelligently. This means: Large file sizes are reduced But visual quality is preserved Your site loads faster—especially on mobile This compression happens automatically in the background and doesn’t require any user intervention. 02. Responsive image scaling Wix dynamically serves different versions of an image based on: Device (desktop, tablet, mobile) Screen resolution (Retina displays) Browser support This ensures that a visitor with a smartphone won’t have to load a 2000px desktop image. Instead, they’ll get a smaller, faster-loading version. 3. Format conversion to WebP Where supported, Wix converts images to WebP, a modern image format that offers: 25–35% smaller file sizes Similar or better quality compared to JPEG or PNG WebP support enhances site speed and SEO scores on platforms like Google Lighthouse. 4. Lazy loading By default, Wix implements lazy loading , meaning that images load only when they’re about to enter the viewport. This significantly improves page load speed and performance for users. Why Wix image optimization matters Faster site performance Slow-loading websites frustrate users and increase bounce rates. Optimized images reduce page weight, leading to faster load times and higher engagement. Quick-loading images lead to smoother interactions, reducing friction for users who may be on slow mobile networks or older devices. Better visual quality across devices Optimized images ensure sharp visuals on Retina and high-DPI screens without bloating your site. This is especially important for eCommerce stores and photography portfolios. Image SEO on Wix Wix doesn’t just optimize your image files—it also helps with Image SEO, an important but often overlooked part of search visibility. Here’s how: Custom file names : When uploading, you can rename files with descriptive, keyword-rich names. Alt text:  You can (and should) add alt text to every image, helping search engines understand the image’s content. Structured data:  You can add schema markup to relevant images, especially in blog posts or product galleries, increasing the likelihood of appearing in Google Images. Wix image optimization: pro tips 01. Start with high-quality, properly sized images Upload images to your website or portfolio website that are: Already cropped to the appropriate dimensions Less than 5 MB in size (preferably below 1 MB) In the correct format (JPEG for photos, PNG for graphics, SVG for logos) Avoid uploading massive 4000px-wide images if they’ll only be displayed at 800px on your site. 02. Use Wix’s built-in image editor Before publishing, you can crop, resize, and apply filters using the Wix image editor. This ensures consistent visuals and reduces the need for external tools. 03. Add alt text to every image Use descriptive, specific phrases. Instead of “image1.jpg,” try “handmade ceramic bowl with blue glaze.” This helps with accessibility and improves SEO. 04. Name files strategically Search engines crawl file names, so include target keywords in them. For example: Instead of: IMG_2345.jpg Use: eco-friendly-tote-bag.jpg 05. Use galleries wisely Wix provides different gallery types: slider, grid, masonry and more. Choose layouts that: Enhance your user flow Prevent unnecessary loading of high-res images all at once 06. Consider image background effects Wix allows you to add scroll effects, fixed backgrounds, and parallax transitions. These are engaging, but be careful—they can also slow down your site if overused with large images. 07. Enable lightbox effects Use lightbox effects to allow users to see images in full size without navigating away from the page. 08. Use SVGs for icons and logos SVG files scale infinitely without losing resolution and are typically smaller in size than JPEG or PNG logos. Tip for image management If you need to replace an image, Wix allows you to: Swap an image without breaking its link or layout Retain SEO attributes like alt text and captions Automatically apply the same image settings to the replacement This feature is especially useful for seasonal content updates or product catalog changes. Wix image optimization tips for eCommerce For eCommerce businesses, images are more than decorative—they’re the online equivalent of a product on a shelf. The quality and load speed of your product images can directly affect conversion rates. When it comes to your ecommerce website , your product images should be high-resolution but optimized to load quickly on both desktop and mobile. Use multiple image views: front, side, detail shots, and context-of-use images to build buyer confidence. Wix’s auto-optimization is especially useful when you have a large product catalog, as it minimizes the need for manual resizing. Remember to name your files with product-related keywords (e.g., leather-crossbody-bag.jpg ) and use consistent alt text like “Black leather crossbody handbag with silver buckle – women's fashion.” This enhances your visibility on image search engines like Google Shopping. Additionally, use zoom-in functionality or a lightbox feature to allow closer inspection without slowing down the page. For categories or homepage carousels, stick with compressed hero images. Wix’s lazy loading and WebP format mean faster page loads which is critical during high-traffic sales events. Wix image optimization for photographers For photographers, your website is your portfolio—it must be visually stunning, fast and easy to navigate. By supporting high-resolution images Wix lets you showcase your work using customizable galleries such as masonry, grid, full-width or slideshow formats. With Wix you can organize your images into genre-specific folders like weddings, landscapes, portraits, etc. Use SVG logos for branding and opt for WebP or JPEG images under 1 MB each to ensure faster load times without compromising on your quality. Wix’s automatic scaling ensures your images look perfect across all devices but you can also take control with manual cropping, hover effects and gallery captions. Each image should include alt text, not just for SEO but to improve accessibility, a detail that makes your site accessible for everyone. You can even enable client-proofing galleries using password-protected pages to privately share sessions. Add watermarks to protect your work and use Wix’s integrations for print services or digital downloads.  Wix image optimization for bloggers As a blogger you probably rely heavily on images to break up text, support storytelling and boost their SEO. Whether you write about travel, lifestyle, food or business, well-optimized images enhance readability and help illustrate your key points. Wix makes it easy to add images to your blog posts using its drag-and-drop editor or by embedding visuals through the rich text editor. Start each blog post with a feature image that's eye-catching and relevant. Resize it before upload to about 1200x630 pixels for optimal loading and social sharing. Always add alt text that reflects the content or emotion of the image. For example, “Sunset at Cinque Terre coastline” is better than “travel1.jpg.” Wix’s automatic WebP conversion and lazy loading features ensure that even image-heavy blog posts load efficiently. Use visual storytelling by creating image grids, pull quotes, and infographics—just make sure they’re mobile-optimized. You can also link images to related blog posts or landing pages to keep readers engaged longer. Top 9 tools to create images for every purpose with Wixel Images play a vital role in creating impactful content across all platforms. They not only enhance visual appeal but also help communicate your message more effectively. Whether you're crafting a how-to guide, sharing a personal story, or promoting a product or service, the right image can elevate and strengthen your message. However, not all images are equally effective. When creating or choosing visuals, it's essential to consider their purpose and how they align with your brand and messaging strategy. This approach ensures your visuals resonate with your audience and support your overall goals. With the   Wixel  suite of tools, you can easily create images for a variety of purposes. Here are some of the features and how you can use them to enhance your creative projects. 01.  AI image generator Turn your idea into a visual in seconds. Just describe what you’re imagining, pick a style, and let the AI do its thing. Whether it’s digital art or photorealistic images, you’ll get something tailored to your needs. 02.  Photo editor Easily fine-tune your photos. Adjust colors, tweak details, swap out backgrounds, or add new elements with AI tools. Whether you’re going for small touch-ups or bold edits, this makes it simple.  03.  Photo filters Give your pictures some personality with filters. Choose from moody, retro, vibrant and more to get the vibe you’re after. Play around until you find the look that fits your story.  04.  AI image enhancer Fix blurry photos, sharpen details, and brighten colors in a few clicks. It’s like giving your images a quick refresh with a little AI magic.  05.  AI image extender Add more background or space around your image effortlessly with this tool—ideal for extending skies in landscapes or creating room for text. 06.  Image resizer Resize your images without them getting blurry. Whether it’s for social media, websites, or something else, this tool makes sure your visuals fit perfectly.  07.  Image converter Change your image file format in no time. Convert to JPG, PNG, WebP, and more without losing quality. Plus, you can process multiple files at once to save time.  08.  Image cropper Crop your photos exactly how you want. Use presets like square or widescreen, or go freestyle to focus on what matters most. You can even edit several images at once to stay consistent.  09.  Social media templates Design content that stands out on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. These templates are easy to customize—just tweak the colors, fonts, and images to make them your own. Perfect for posts, stories, and banners.

At its core, a business is only as strong as the relationships it builds with its customers. This is especially true if you’re starting a service business and want to set yourself up for success. First and foremost, you’ll need to prioritize your audience’s wants or needs. Once you nail this, you can begin shaping the essential components of your venture, from the types of services you’ll offer to your business website . To make an impactful entrepreneurial debut, take a look at this comprehensive guide on how to start a service business (and check out some service business examples ). From refining your business idea to registering your business and learning how to make money online , these eight steps will help you build a strong foundation for your company. Build your service business website with Wix . What is a service business and why should you start one? A service business is a type of business that provides services to customers over physical goods. These services cover a wide range of industries and activities, from professional services like consulting and legal advice to more personal services such as catering, cleaning and hairdressing. Starting a service business is a popular choice for many small business owners because they generally require less startup capital and investment than other types of businesses. Depending on the service, they're often in high demand and provide services people always need—like haircuts or car servicing. They also can be started small and then scaled to meet demand and your business capabilities. How to start a service business in 8 steps Refine your business idea Create a service website Write a business plan Organize your finances Register your business Develop a pricing plan Level up your skills Promote your business 01. Refine your business idea With so many service business ideas to choose from (as well as types of businesses to choose from), you’ll want to settle on one that offers something people are actually looking for. This requires you to do your homework and ask around to see if there is a demand for your service idea in the marketplace. Survey relatives, friends or community members who fit your ideal client’s persona, and use this information to determine what your audience wants. Let’s say you’re interested in becoming a professional organizer. Start by defining the different areas of your industry. You can do everything from simple closet and pantry organization to specialized services, like working with seniors. Whichever niche you choose, customize your offerings to better meet your target audience's needs. You could even consider packaging your services into productized services tailored to different audience segments. During this market research phase, checking out your competitors is important. Find out their strengths and weaknesses by performing a SWOT analysis, and consider how you might offer better services. Brainstorm different ways you can further capitalize on your skill sets to find new opportunities that’ll help you stand out from competitors. Going back to the example of a professional organizer, compare what is already known about your target audience and how others are currently servicing them. Ask yourself, “Are people hiring professional organizers also looking for someone who can advise them over time and prevent clutter?” In that case, you might want to consider adding consultation services to fortify your list of offerings. Or, if you decide you want these sessions to serve as the core of your business, learn how to start a consulting business here. Looking for more service business ideas and how to get about starting them? Check out: How to start a gym business How to start a babysitting business How to start a plumbing business How to start a coaching business 02. Create a service website Starting a business means that you are the product. Unlike an item on a shelf, that’s not always easy for others to conceptualize. Rather, the best way to highlight the value of your skills is to create a service website that explains what you offer and also helps establish your credibility. Whether you are creating a hotel website , a health and wellness website or a salon website , you must have an online presence. First, you’ll need to choose a website builder that offers many ways to customize your site and handle all your business needs. Among the options out there, Wix offers an array of inspiring and highly effective business website templates . For sites like this list of best hotel websites , advanced web tools like online scheduling software are ideal for accepting bookings, payments and invoices directly from your site (see best scheduling software to learn more). Second, you’ll need to get a hosting plan to make your site live and a domain name , also known as your online address. Wix’s free website hosting is secure and provides large storage space that keeps your site up and running. For your domain name, you can use your business name, which falls in line with best practices to better branding. Something else you can do to position yourself well in your field is to make sure you have a logo that represents your brand and attracts new customers. Use an industry-specific logo maker to inspire and help you create your own. For example, if you're a cleaning service, try using a Cleaning Logo Maker . Pro tip: Great businesses are built on great conversations, but you can’t always be online to start them. Wix AI Site Chat  bridges that gap by answering questions, handling bookings and keeping visitors engaged. It provides a smooth, reliable first touchpoint for potential clients while giving you more time to focus on running your business. You can also check out the Wix AI Site Chat overview  for a deeper look at how it works. 03. Write a business plan To plan or not to plan? Apparently, that’s no longer the right question to ask. According to an academic study, entrepreneurs who formulate a plan are more likely to achieve “venture viability” than those who don’t. That’s because planning helps you focus on the important aspects of starting a business. It can transform your vision into a series of actionable steps toward organization, innovation and growth. Bottom line: “It pays to plan.” Make your ideas as precise as possible by creating a written business plan. This is a document that lays out the purpose, operation, finances, management and future revenue projections of your venture. To facilitate this process, begin by downloading our business plan template . Then, follow the steps outlined in the document, and remember that you can always revise your plan later. The important thing is to have something to work with now. By the end of the exercise, you should be more confident about the professional direction you’re taking. 04. Organize your finances The main reason that people decide to start a service business is the relatively low overhead costs of running one. That said, you’ll need to have a clear understanding of how much it costs to start a business and get your business off the ground. In turn, this information will help you determine whether you’ll want to apply for a loan, find an investor or set up using your savings alone. Depending on the service, you might need to buy special equipment. For example, if you’re providing cleaning services, there is a wide spectrum of tools, from rubber gloves and cleaning supplies to vacuum cleaners, that you must own before you start taking jobs. These are examples of sunk costs , which means the money spent will not be regained. Create a price list of all necessary items so that you can track every anticipated expense along the way. This will also help you determine how to price your services. Think of it this way: You want your business to operate on a cash flow, not have to survive on one. Otherwise, those startup funds will dry up before you generate revenue. 05. Register your business By making your service business official, you become entitled to personal liability protection, legal and trademark protection and tax benefits. You can open a business bank account, which is a great way to separate your personal activities from your professional ones. The advantages are multifold. Registering your business also qualifies you for business credit cards and small business loans. Lenders and investors must see proof that your business is properly registered to approve you for a loan. In the U.S., all registered businesses must have an Employer Identifying Number (EIN) with the Internal Revenue Service. This establishes that your business is paying taxes and legitimizes it as a legal operation. You’ll also need that tax ID number to hire employees once you scale your venture. If your business is located outside of the U.S., you must read about the different rules and regulations for registering a business in that country. Check in with the relevant government agency websites for additional information. 06. Develop a pricing plan Setting prices for your business can be hard, whether you need to determine your restaurant menu pricing or cleaning service costs. They can’t be too high or too low. In either case, you could miss out on important sales or revenue. Yet, with the right strategy, you’ll be able to design a pricing plan that can maximize profits for your business while considering consumer demand. Here are some types of pricing strategies you can use for your service business: Hourly rate: This is one of the most widely used forms of pricing. Take the example of Acupuncture with Fabi , which offers different treatments, all priced by the hour. It also creates an inclusive atmosphere for every budget out there. Package pricing: Likened to charging a flat fee, this option lets you bundle two or more complementary services. It’s a great way to introduce your clients to a few of your offerings at once. Value-based pricing: This pricing model is based on the customers’ perceived value of the service and how much they are willing to pay for it. The advantage of this strategy is that you can command higher price points depending on whether your service is viewed as specialized or prestigious, such as a certified fitness trainer or professional consultant. Not sure how to price your services when starting out? Start by researching competitor prices and industry standards. Consider your costs, desired profit margin and target market's willingness to pay. Initially, you might offer introductory rates to attract clients but then as you gain experience and reputation, gradually increase prices. Always communicate your value proposition clearly to justify your pricing. 07. Level up your business skills You might have guessed that it’s never been easier to start a service business. This is great news for you, but it also means that there’s a lot of competition within the service industry. One way to stand out from the crowd is by educating yourself about business management and strategy. There are several skills you’ll need to acquire to stay competitive and relevant, whether you have a tourism website or a healthcare website . For example, you will need to become financially literate, act like a leader, master community building and learn how to hire and train others, most of which comes with work experience over time. That said, you can pick up some essential business skills now by enrolling in an online course on Udemy or Coursera . In particular, service providers are investing in excellent customer service more than ever before. This is because consumers also play an integral role in the production of your business. You’ve got to actively listen to your customers and ask them how you can better serve them. Master the art of communication. Concerned about how to balance personalized service with scalability as your service business grows? Be ahead of your growth curve by implementing efficient processes and systems early on. This might include using customer relationship management (CRM) software to maintain personalized business interactions at scale —use technology to automate where you can, with booking appointments for example, but don't neglect your human touch. 08. Promote your business Prospective customers need to resonate with you for you to reel them in and become repeat customers. To gain new customers and build deeper relationships with your audience, find ways to engage them on your website and social media pages. Here are some ways to promote your business and get people to buy: Email marketing: From your website, you can access professional email marketing tools that help you build and maintain awareness of your brand. For example, a new restaurant may want to take advantage of restaurant email marketing to promote itself. You’ll be able to create customizable email marketing campaigns and newsletters, which in turn can drive traffic to your site. You’ll also be able to grow an email list as you collect more potential clients via compelling calls-to-action and email signups on your website. Social media marketing: On social networks, like Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram, you’ll want to craft shareable content that will market your service . For instance, if you’re targeting parents for your home organizing business, you can reveal valuable information that appeals to them, such as some of your best tips for storing Legos. If you're opening a restaurant, be sure to invest in restaurant social media marketing, particularly Instagram, which is an incredibly useful tool for restaurant promotion. In fact, almost 50% of diners claim they visit a new restaurant after seeing it pop up on their feed. Another way you can encourage people to share your content is by inspiring them. Here’s your chance to tell your unique story, like how serving others in your community has left a positive impact on their lives and yours. What are some innovative ways to showcase my service quality when I don't have a physical product to display? One way to do this is to create detailed case studies or success stories highlighting client outcomes that you can add to your website and share on social media — use video testimonials from satisfied clients, for example. Consider offering free consultations or trial periods to demonstrate your expertise alongside workshops or webinars to share and show your knowledge. Starting a service business in the US checklist Task Completed Define your service and target market 2. Conduct market research 3. Write a business plan 4. Choose a business structure (LLC, Corp.) 5. Register your business name 6. Obtain an EIN 7. Register for state and local taxes 8. Apply for necessary licenses and permits 9. Obtain business insurance 10. Create pricing strategy Types of service businesses to start Professional services Legal services Accounting and financial consulting Management consulting Marketing agencies IT support and software development Personal services Hair salons and barbershops Fitness training and coaching Childcare services Elderly care services Pet care and grooming Home and maintenance services Cleaning services Landscaping and gardening Handyman services Plumbing and electrical services Creative services Photography and videography Graphic design Writing and editing Event planning

With the growth of e-commerce , selling toys online has become a viable and profitable business opportunity. Whether you're a parent looking to declutter or an entrepreneur aiming to tap into this playful industry, starting a business selling toys is an accessible and potentially low cost business idea. How to sell toys online in 8 steps Choose your toy niche Register, license and name your toy business Select the right ecommerce platform Consider selling via online marketplaces Source your toys to sell Establish your pricing and sales strategies Become a toy reseller Market your online toy store 01. Choose your toy niche Choosing a toy niche to sell online requires careful consideration of market trends, competition and your own personal interests. Some popular toy niches that are also easy to sell online are: Educational toys : STEM kits, coding toys, language learning games Collectibles: Action figures, mini figurines, limited edition items Eco-friendly toys: Sustainable materials, plastic-free options Sensory toys: Fidget toys, stress relief items, tactile toys Classic toys : Board games, puzzles, building blocks Tech toys : Robotics kits, AR/VR toys, interactive pets Outdoor toys : Sports equipment, playground accessories Arts and crafts supplies: DIY kits, art sets Baby and toddler toys: Developmental toys, teething items Licensed products : Popular TV/movie character toys To choose your own niche you'll need to research market trends, using tools such as Google trends. This research can also help you identify niches with a steady or growing demand. Take a look at your competition in the toy selling space, including what they sell and how. Consider also the long term viability of your business, selling trending toys might be a quick way to start a business and make money fast, make sure it also leads to a sustainable business that you can scale and grow. Before choosing a niche to tell, think about your target audience — their age, location and interests could all impact which toys will sell the best. You can also factor in your own interests, as it's often easier to sell something you also love and value. Don't forget to factor in profit margins for the toys you want to sell, as a successful business is always a profitable one. Consider also factors such as seasonality, which can massively impact toy sales especially holiday seasons. A well-crafted business plan is your roadmap to success in the toy industry. It should outline your vision, strategies, and the actionable steps you'll take to turn your toy business ideas into a profitable reality. This plan is not just a document for securing funding it's a detailed guide that will help you navigate through the complexities of starting and running your toy business. Your toy business plan should include: An executive summary that captures the essence of your business A market analysis that identifies your target customers and competitors A marketing and sales strategy that outlines how you will attract and retain customers Financial projections that provide an estimate of your startup costs, operating expenses, and revenue In a market filled with countless toys and brands, having a unique selling proposition (USP) is crucial. Your USP sets you apart from competitors and gives customers a compelling reason to choose your products. Whether it's an innovative design, educational value or eco-friendly materials, ensure that your USP resonates with your target audience and is highlighted throughout your business plan. 02. Register, license and name your toy business When starting a toy business, it's crucial to navigate all legal and financial regulations with care. These considerations form the backbone of your business operations and ensure that you're compliant with regulations while managing your finances effectively. To legally operate your business, you'll need to obtain the necessary registrations and permits. This may include a business license, resale permit and possibly a safety testing certification for your toys, depending on local laws. It's important to research the specific requirements in your area or consult with a legal expert to ensure you're fully compliant. For example if you plan to sell toys in Arizona you'll need: • A business license from your city/county • Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license • Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) • Comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations • Adhere to Arizona's consumer protection laws • Follow federal toy safety standards (CPSIA) • Obtain resale certificate for wholesale purchases • Register your business name with Arizona Secretary of State • Buy liability insurance • Comply with labeling requirements for toys You'll also need to set up dedicated business accounts to keep personal and business finances separate. This simplifies accounting processes and provides clarity for tax purposes. Speaking of taxes, understanding your tax obligations is essential. You may be subject to sales tax, income tax and other levies that impact your bottom line. The structure or business entity you choose for your toy business can have significant implications for liability, taxes and day-to-day operations. Whether you opt for a sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) or corporation will depend on factors like the size of your operation, risk level, and financial goals. Learn more: How to register a business 03. Select the right eCommerce platform When it comes to selling toys online, not all platforms are created equal. Your success can hinge on selecting a platform that aligns with your business goals and target audience. Whether you're looking to sell toys online for cash quickly or want to establish a long-term presence in the market, there's an eCommerce platform that fits your needs. With numerous options available, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each to find the best fit for your business model. Wix, for an example, is one good choice for selling toys online due to its user-friendly interface and robust eCommerce features and here's why: Easy setup: No coding required, drag-and-drop editor . Mobile-friendly designs and templates : Crucial for modern shoppers. eCommerce website templates : Customizable for your own toy business. Secure payment options : Multiple gateways, including PayPal and Stripe. SEO tools : Help improve visibility in search results. Marketing tools: Run email marketing campaigns, social media integration. Inventory management : Track stock levels efficiently. Customizable product pages: Showcase toys effectively. Abandoned cart recovery: Boost sales conversion. Shipping options: Flexible rates and methods. Wix Analytics: Track sales and customer behavior. App market: Extend functionality as needed. Customer support: 24/7 assistance available. Enterprise-grade website security features : Including 24/7 monitoring, bug bounty program. Reliable web hosting : free, robust infrastructure with every site. Pro tip: Shoppers today expect convenience at every step, and a quick answer can often be the difference between a sale and an abandoned cart. With Wix AI Site Chat , you can meet that need instantly. It helps customers move confidently from browsing to checkout, giving them the reassurance they need to complete their purchase. You can also check out the Wix AI Site Chat overview  for a deeper look at how it works. 04. Consider selling via online marketplaces There are a number of well-known online marketplaces you could choose to sell toys from. The most popular and largest being Amazon. As one of the world's largest marketplaces Amazon offers vast customer reach and a trusted platform. However, competition can be fierce, and their fees may impact your profit margins. Learn more: How to sell on Amazon Amazon seller fees Another option is eBay which is great for selling both new and used toys, with its auction-style and fixed-price listings. It's known for its diverse buyer base but keep in mind the listing fees and competitive pricing. Learn more: How to sell on eBay Cost to sell on eBay You can also try Mercari, which is a user-friendly app that's gaining in popularity for selling toys online. It has lower fees than some competitors but it's a smaller marketplace, which might mean less traffic. Social media platforms like Facebook Groups have also become hotspots for selling toys. They allow you to connect directly with interested buyers in your community or specialized groups. Other apps like Instagram or dedicated toy-selling apps can also provide a direct line to consumers without the need for traditional marketplace structures. Learn more: How to sell on Facebook How to sell on Instagram 05. Source your toys to sell There are a number of ways to source toys to sell online. Some of the most used are: Wholesale suppliers: Connect with established toy wholesalers or distributors. Websites like Alibaba, Global Sources, or ToyDirectory can help find suppliers. Trade shows : Attend toy fairs like the New York Toy Fair or Nuremberg Toy Fair to meet manufacturers and discover new products. Dropshipping: Partner with suppliers who ship directly to customers, reducing inventory costs. Local manufacturers : Support local businesses and potentially secure unique products. Liquidation sales : Purchase overstock or discontinued items at discounted prices. Handmade items: Create your own toys or partner with artisans for unique offerings. Private label: Work with manufacturers to create your own branded toys. Thrift stores/garage sales: Find vintage or collectible toys to resell. Online marketplaces : Use platforms like AliExpress or DHgate for smaller quantity orders. Remember to verify product safety standards, obtain necessary certifications, and thoroughly vet suppliers before committing to larger orders. Start with small orders to test the quality and market demand before scaling up. 06. Establish your pricing and sales strategies To sell toys online successfully, it's not just about where you sell but also how you sell. Here are some strategies to help you move your inventory quickly if you need to. It starts with pricing your toys competitively and you can do this by looking at similar or even the same toys on other sites or marketplaces to understand the going rate. You can also consider using bundling of toys together to sell at a higher price point, allowing you to move more stock, faster. Another sales tactic is to run seasonal clearance sales to move older inventory and make room for new items. The way you present your toys online can make a significant difference in how fast they sell. Use high-quality, clear images show buyers exactly what they're getting. Accompany these with detailed and accurate descriptions help buyers make informed decisions and reduce questions. Some other tried and tested selling strategies include: Discounts : Offer attractive discounts for bulk purchases to entice buyers looking for a deal. Lot listings : Create listings for toy lots, grouping similar items together to appeal to niche collectors or resellers. Shipping options : Provide reasonable shipping options for bulk orders, as this can be a deciding factor for buyers. 07. Become a toy reseller Entering the toy reselling market can be an exciting and easy to start business idea. But it's important to understand what reselling toys entails. You'll need to do considerable research to understand toy trends and the value of vintage or antique toys. Some popular places to source used toys include garage sales, thrift stores, liquidations sales and local buyers. You can also check online, including sites like eBay, Facebook and specialized toy resale sites. One of the main challenges with reselling toys is ensuring safety and quality. You will need to make sure that the toys you sell meet the required safety requirements in your state and in some cases they may need certification to prove this. The same goes with staying up to date and compliant with consumer protection regulations which vary from state to state. 08. Market your online toy store Marketing is a crucial component of any successful online business. For your toy store, it's about creating a brand that resonates with customers and using the right marketing strategies to reach them. As part of this its crucial to create a strong brand and vision for your toy store. This includes designing a memorable logo, color scheme and overall aesthetic that reflects the spirit of your toy store. Consistent branding across all platforms and marketing materials is also important. Some effective online marketing strategies for selling toys online include: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) : Optimize your website and listings with relevant keywords to improve visibility in search engine results. Social media marketing : Engage with customers on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to build a community around your brand. Email marketing : Use email campaigns to keep customers informed about new arrivals, sales, and special events. On top of your marketing efforts it's important to connect with your audience in other ways to build trust. This means providing excellent and consistent customer service, perhaps starting a blog to connect with customers via content marketing and encouraging positive reviews from customers on your website and social media sites. Toy store businesses built on Wix ZonJot ZonJot sells fun and educational toys for children through their online store. They're inspired by sourcing and selling toys that help children create and develop. Well Made Toy Manufacturing Corp. Well Made Toy's offers toys that inspire and encourage the imagination. They can design and manufacture toys for vendors and businesses to sell online. They also manufacture and supply toys to major retailers, such as Walmart. Happen's Toy Lab This toy lab offers a unique approach to the making and selling of toys. They allow guests to create their own toys from donated old and broken toys given from the community. Playahoy Playahoy sells educational toys that help develop key skills, such as fine motor skills and bath toys. They offer a small, carefully curated selection of toys in their online store. How to sell toys online FAQ What's the best platform to sell toys online? The best platform depends on your specific business needs and goals. Amazon and eBay are great for reaching a large audience, while niche sites cater to collectors and enthusiasts. Social media platforms can also be effective for connecting with buyers directly. Ir's also a plus to create your own online store with an ecommerce website.

Got a passion for fashion? Express your style and your flair by starting an online boutique that’ll let you make money doing what you love. While boutiques typically sell clothing and accessories, you can also get creative and sell artisanal soaps, designer home goods and other luxury items in your store.   The benefits of setting up your boutique online are clear. In an era dominated by online shopping, creating an online store  for your business has become a necessity. Not only does it allow for contactless purchases, selling online  let’s you target a much larger audience with only a fraction of the costs involved. And on top of that, eCommerce platforms  offer powerful tools for branding and marketing, which is so crucial when you’re trying to make a name for yourself in the field of boutique eCommerce .   So how do you start a business , like an online boutique and make a recurring revenue? Plan your boutique business Before jumping in, spend a few hours researching the field you’re entering. If you haven’t already done this, get to know the market, the competition, and the brands you love. Look at stores with different business models and get a feel for which one will work for you. Gain inspiration from different styles and looks and write down what you love and don’t love about the businesses already on the market. Do a competitor analysis  to see what different online boutiques are selling and how much they’re charging for their products. Once you get a sense of the field and what’s out there, use a business plan template  to nail down your business blueprints (and check out how to create a clothing line business plan ). This plan may have to be modified as you move forward, but try your best to make it thorough, organized and focused. Then, create a mission statement  that expresses exactly what you are setting out to do in a couple of sentences. What will set your boutique apart? After that, it’s time to get started. We compiled a step-by-step guide on how to start a boutique to help you fulfill your potential as a fashion guru and business owner. With these tips and best practices you’ll have everything you need to know about how to open an online boutique. How to start a successful online boutique Connect with an eCommerce platform Choose the right online store template Name your business Source or create products to sell Create a consistent brand Streamline the checkout process Design detailed product galleries Optimize your mobile store Boost traffic through social media Combine SEO and brand-driven content Offer incentives to your shoppers 01. Connect with an eCommerce platform   To get started, pick an eCommerce platform that’ll host your online boutique and help you accomplish all your business goals. It's a good idea to choose a platform that offers plenty of professional eCommerce features  so that you can ensure your online boutique will be able to grow and succeed. Here are some things to consider when choosing an eCommerce platform: Will I be able to scale up?  While you may not want to spend too much money on your platform plan from the start, you’ll want to make sure you’ll be able to grow your capabilities as your needs expand. Is a domain name included?  Some platforms, like Wix eCommerce, offer a free domain name  when you acquire a premium plan. Does it automate sales tax ? If you plan to sell your products online to different regions and states, you’ll need to make sure you’re charging the correct amount of sales tax. Choose a platform that gives you the chance to automate this so your store stays compliant. Can I create a unique design for my site?  You’ll want your website to look professional and match your specific style. Make sure your platform offers varying eCommerce templates to use to get started, but also lets you easily customize them so that it looks unique. Also double check that you’ll be able to customize your checkout experience to optimize for sales. Are there options to integrate dropshipping ? When you’re creating your product list, it can be extremely helpful to boost your inventory with a dropshipping supply. Pick a platform that’ll make it easy to add products to your store from a dropshipping supplier. Can I sell on multiple channels? Integrate your store with eBay , Amazon , and social media  to expand the opportunities to reach your customers. Learn more: How to make a website   02. Choose the right online store template   The simplest and most productive method for setting up your store is by using an online store website template . Building your store with an already-made template will allow you to create an entirely unique-looking site that includes all the fundamental elements your store needs.     When choosing your template, check that it includes the basics of what you’ll need for your store: A gorgeous product gallery Clean product pages An intuitive check-out flow The next requirement depends more on your own stylistic choices and on your branding vision. Templates are often designed with a particular niche or genre in mind. Choosing one that reflects your brand identity and the audience you’re hoping to reach will save you a lot of work when you personalize the template. Remember that you’re looking for a template that includes the features you want. But if you decide later on that you want to add more tools or remove others, you can easily do that from the site editor. You can also rearrange and restructure your website to match your needs as you grow. 03. Name your boutique Now that you’ve got your creative juices flowing a bit, it’s time to come up with a name for your boutique. There are a few ways you can go about naming your business : Create a word bank.  Build a list of words and add to it from time to time with terms you love or feel capture your vision. Then compile them into your business name. Use a business name generator . Or, more specifically, you can use a boutique name generator . Add a word you want to include or the types of items you plan to sell in your boutique and let the generator steer you toward your business name. You can also consider these boutique business name ideas  for further inspiration. Build off of what already exists. Discover what’s already out here and get ideas of the styles of names people are using. Are they one word? Do they include two nouns with an “and” in the middle, like Coal and Canary ? Once you come up with a name, check Google and social media to make sure it’s not already being used by a different business. While you want to get a little creative with the name, you’ll also want to choose a name that’s memorable, easy to spell and not too weird. You’ll have to live with this name and proudly tell it to customers, clients, investors and partners, so make sure you feel completely comfortable with it. Once you’ve committed to the name, it’s time to buy a domain name. Your website’s domain name should match your store’s name exactly so customers can easily find your business online. 04. Source or create products to sell Now it’s time to figure out what you’re going to sell and then stock your inventory. There are a few methods you can use to go about choosing products: Make the products yourself Do you have the skills to create the products for your boutique on your own? Then pull out your sewing machine or your tool chest and start working. Here are some things to consider: You’ll need to spend a significant amount of time creating products. It’ll be difficult to scale a business like this. Make sure to charge enough that it’s worth your labor. Design your own products and have them made Create a design, perhaps with the help of a designer. Then, find manufacturers  who can create your ideal products and supply you with your inventory. Here are some things to consider: Start off small until you learn which products your customers like. Create a break-even analysis and determine how many products you’ll need to sell at how high a cost so that you’ll still make a profit. You’ll need to find a place to store and manage your inventory . Showcase designers you love Do some research to find some boutique clothing or accessory designers and brands who you love. Then showcase them on your site. Ecru Emissary’s stock is filled with clothing from various designers, but lets you shop by designer, if you want. Here are some things to consider: You may have to charge more for your products. Take account of the competition. Find out who else is selling these brands and do a competitor analysis. You’ll need to work with the designers to create a plan for managing your inventory. Partner with a dropshipper Avoid the hassle of fulfilling orders, managing inventory or storing your products. Use a dropshipping supplier  to provide your business with products and fulfill your orders. All you need to do is market the products and choose a price. Here are some things to consider: You are reliant on the stock available by the dropshipping company, so your options are limited. Make sure to buy every product you plan on selling so you can verify that it’s high quality and that you’re comfortable including it in your store. Dropshipped orders will be fulfilled by the third party, so you have less control over shipping speeds and packaging. 05. Create a consistent brand   Whether your boutique specializes in vintage clothes or toddler chic, whether you sell minimalist designs or an eclectic beautiful chaos, your store embodies a defined style. Creating a harmony between that style and your store’s design, logo and promotions will strengthen your eCommerce branding  and make your target audience feel at home when they visit your online store.   Start off by using a logo maker  (or more specifically in this case, a Boutique Logo Maker ) to design the perfect boutique logo for your new venture. Consider the color palette, fonts and design that’ll capture the essence of your style. Once you choose these, you’ll want to use them throughout your site and marketing materials.   Let’s look at Stolen Goods online boutique, for example. One of the key characteristics of their designs is their use of bright, poppy colors, which they cleverly translate into the color palette of their website. The result is this beautiful and colorful dialog between the products and the platform where they are put on display. Remember, visuals are everything In order to sell clothing items online, you must first stimulate your shoppers’ visual appetite. The images on your online boutique should be so beautiful that shoppers will be immediately tempted to imagine themselves walking around, dressed in your amazing merchandise. Quality  product photography  is of the essence here, so it may be worthwhile to invest in professional photoshoots as well as take the time to edit your photos with a tool like the  Wix Photo Studio . You can take it one step further and add videos  of your products to your site as well to give customers all the information they need to feel confident buying your product.   An additional perk of quality images is that it helps alleviate returns. When customers can see exactly what they’re buying, they’re less likely to want to return it later.   06. Streamline the checkout process   Online shopping should be a simple and straightforward activity. The last thing you want is to have your shoppers struggle with the payment process. If they do, many of them will choose not to complete their purchase, and all of the hard work you’ve put into your online boutique will go down the drain.   If you built your store with Wix, connect with Wix Payments in order to make sure your store accepts online transactions . Then consider giving your customers a few options to pay online . Depending on your location, choose payment methods like: Credit/debit cards Digital wallets (like PayPal ) Bank transfers In-person payment Buy now, pay later solutions Then, optimize the check out process by following these two key processes: Minimize the necessary steps required to complete the purchase. Try to keep it down to a few simple clicks. Regularly make sure everything is functioning properly. Test different scenarios – adding items to the shopping cart, removing items, choosing colors or sizes, changing amounts and editing shipping details. Check also that your store management options are working smoothly.   House of Sunny’s  shopping cart also displays an overview of the check out steps on the top of the page and indicates where you are along the process. This helps customers understand what they need to do next and lets them feel secure in the check out procedure. Small businesses thrive on connections, and Wix AI Site Chat  makes those first interactions effortless. From handling bookings to answering questions instantly, it keeps visitors engaged and guides them toward becoming loyal customers, all while giving you more time to focus on what you do best: running your business. You can also check out the Wix AI Site Chat overview  for a deeper look at how it works. 07. Design detailed product galleries Shoppers enjoy knowing that they have options, especially when it comes to fashion, accessories and clothing. They want to be able to make an informed choice about what they buy and to pick items that really match their style and their needs. You can easily assist them by making your product galleries comprehensive and precise.   Here are some tips to keep your catalog organized and optimized for sales: Add product options  to your product pages. Categorize your products into product galleries . Add filter options  to your catalog so shoppers can find products based on collection, price, size and colors. Include a quick view option  so shoppers can view product details without leaving your catalog. Give customers the option to add items to their cart directly from the catalog page.   Check out how CeliaB’s  product galleries are neat, include large colorful images and the option to get a quick view of the product without leaving the page. 08. Optimize your mobile store   In this day and age, you must take into account that many shoppers will visit your online boutique using a mobile device. To guarantee that your store looks absolutely fabulous on all screen sizes, optimize the mobile view and test it from multiple devices.   Mobile shopping experiences are not quite the same as shopping on a regular computer. Mobile users prefer long scrolling to clicking, so your mobile store needs to be designed vertically even if your full store uses the full width of the screen.   Images and texts should be large enough and spaced out so that they are easy to see and click. Organize your product collections and options in an intuitive and simple way, allowing shoppers to locate their preferences quickly.   The  Wix app  is a great tool for optimizing websites for mobile users. You can easily activate and customize it, and you’ll have yourself a professional online boutique that can be reached anywhere, anytime. Check out VB Fashion's  mobile store. The product pages let you easily filter products by collection, size and color. Popups on the bottom of the screen notify you about what other customers are buying , adding a level of urgency and giving you ideas of other products to buy.   09. Boost traffic through social media   In a perfect world, visitors would find their own way to your store. In reality, however, you need to actively promote your store on their favorite online platforms. In other words, you need to be social-media-savvy. Social marketing on platforms with a strong visual element are especially important for boutiques and online stores, so focus your efforts on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.   Establishing a powerful social media presence does not happen in one day. But if you keep an active and frequent stream of content and attune yourself to your audience’s habits and lingo, you will no doubt see great progress and an increase in traffic.   Talliah Rose  built up its Instagram following to 144,000 followers by providing consistent quality content.   Integrate your store with Facebook and Instagram. Create a Facebook shop  to allow your customers to buy from your business on social media. Connect your Instagram to your store to give customers the chance to access your product pages straight from your photos.   You can also run Facebook Ads  to show your products directly to your customers while they scroll through Facebook. If you created your online boutique with Wix, with just a few clicks and information about your target audience, you can create ads that are optimized for your ideal customers. You can also track it all straight from your Wix dashboard.     10. Combine SEO and brand-driven content Search engine optimization (SEO)  is absolutely foundational for any website. A significant portion of online traffic is directed through search engine results, and it’s therefore vital that you integrate content that is optimized to show up on Google results.   But as important as search engines are for your traffic, you don’t want your site’s content to be totally dictated by SEO. Your content should be genuine and authentic, not something that looks like a bunch of random keywords. Find the right balance that combines SEO and branding effectively. Greet your visitors with a human voice that is not too “salesy”.   You can find an excellent example of this fine balance on  Bowtie Behavior’s  online boutique. With a friendly and personal   About section  and a  cute blog , this brand is succeeding through online content.   11. Offer incentives to your shoppers Buying clothes, accessories or decor items online can be a bit intimidating. There’s always the risk that the material might not be just what you wanted or that sizes won’t fit quite right. You can do a lot to reduce these risks by offering incentives that make the experience much more pleasant and appealing.   For instance, you can offer free shipping and free returns and provide your customers a safety net. You can also add a detailed size chart to give more specific information about measurements. And of course, sales, and coupon codes are always a great motivation for any shopper. Who doesn’t love a good deal?   Use social media, email marketing , and lightboxes  to let your customers know about your promotions. Then, watch the sales come rolling in.   Ready to start your online boutique? Create your free eCommerce website  and start selling today.

These days, it’s not enough to be selling on one channel as an eCommerce business . As buyers hop from channel to channel, it’s nearly a prerequisite for your brand — and online store — to adopt a multichannel retail strategy to stay competitive. After all, think about the last time you shopped. Chances are you didn’t simply waltz into a store and pick up the first t-shirt that you saw. No, you probably sifted through multiple racks. Then went home and fired up your computer to see what other deals were available online. Or perhaps you were scrolling through Instagram, only to be stopped in your tracks by an ad for a stylish brand that you’ve never even heard of before. Your customers today are inundated by ads and products everywhere they turn. Your brand must meet them where they shop, while remaining strategic about where you sell online . What is multichannel selling? Multichannel selling is when you list your products on more than one sales channel at a time. A multichannel selling approach lets you tap into the existing customer bases of other platforms and online selling sites , growing your reach and sales. A strong multichannel strategy doesn’t simply rely on a spray-and-pray approach. Rather, it leverages a select mix of channels, based on who’s shopping on each channel, customer expectations or assumptions and the overall competitive landscape. For this reason, multichannel retailing requires a deep understanding of your target buyers and thorough investigation into the channels you’re looking to test. Where should you sell? With all that in mind, here are several main types of sales channels worth considering. Your online store An eCommerce website  legitimizes your brand by offering real estate that’s entirely controlled by you. Your site should be mobile-friendly, fast-loading and carefully branded. It should act as a space where customers can learn all about your brand, browse your latest products and complete a purchase with ease. Read Also: How to start an online store It's also a hub that lets you collect customer contact information, promote special events or deals, and build loyalty—several things that are much more difficult to do on a third-party platform. Read Also: How to start a business   Online marketplaces Online marketplaces  include many of the sites that we’re all familiar with. They’re often one of the first places people look when researching products or are looking for alternatives to higher-end (read: pricey) brands. Selling on these channels gives you instant access to a large audience of shoppers, so long as you abide by each channel’s regulations and are able to differentiate your products from the competition. Here are several of today’s most popular marketplaces, though the list goes far beyond these. Amazon : With roughly 310 million customers worldwide —nearly a third of whom are loyal Prime members—Amazon remains the largest online retailer in the U.S. This also means that it’s one of the most competitive channels to sell on, so it’s important to learn the ins and outs of selling on Amazon  before jumping in. ( Read also: Amazon seller fees  you need to know about.) Walmart Marketplace : The  retail  behemoth allows third-party sellers to list their items alongside Walmart-exclusive merchandise, just like you would on Amazon or eBay. Walmart.com currently flaunts 120 million monthly visitors , and manages a relatively strict application process for new sellers. eBay : eBay boasts over 138 million  active buyers worldwide and more than 18 million active sellers, including big names like Adidas and Bose. Selling on eBay  is a particularly good option if you offer niche products like vintage items or collectibles, and it helps that the cost to sell on eBay is not as steep as others. Google : Google is not just a search engine; it's also a key player in your multichannel sales approach. Google Shopping accounts for 36% of product discovery online , with 1.2 billion monthly searches on the platform. You can get started by learning more about how to sell on Google . Etsy : Etsy currently has more than 95 million active buyers  and 7.7 million active sellers. Now a household name, Etsy continues to be a go-to sales channel for merchants who excel in the DIY space (read: how to sell on Etsy ). However, there are other Etsy alternatives  worth entertaining, especially if Etsy fees  start to rack up. Wish : Wish’s mobile-first marketplaces boast more than 100 million monthly active users across more than 60 countries. Wish is also a discovery-based platform where over 70% of transactions take place without a search, VP of Product Mauricio Monico told Wix . Not to mention, the platform has a special appeal to small- and mid-sized sellers who are looking to reach value-conscious shoppers. Social media Platforms like Instagram, Facebook (see our guide on how to sell on Facebook Marketplace ), and TikTok are growing in popularity—not only as social platforms, but also as sales channels in their own right. Think: Instagram Shopping, which enables customers to purchase products without ever leaving the app (see our guide on how to sell on Instagram ). These social commerce  features are a powerful complement to existing selling capabilities, such as being able tag products in your Instagram posts and drive people to your site. The beauty of social media is that you’re engaging customers on the channels they visit every day. While some users may not be looking to make a purchase right away, participating on these channels can keep your brand top of mind. Search engines Search engines offer a plethora of organic and paid opportunities—such as Bing Shopping , Google Shopping , and Google Ads —to draw attention to your products. Unlike traditional SEO strategies, the latter two are managed through the Google Merchant Center , where you can upload your product feeds and select which Google properties (including selling on YouTube , Gmail and Google-owned apps) to feature your products on. If you're a Wix user, you can create a GMC account directly from your site’s dashboard, then use the built-in Google Merchant Solutions connector  to sync listings with the products in your online store. Participating in these programs will allow you to showcase your products more prominently as shoppable posts. Search engines will then drive users to your site to complete a purchase, supporting each stage of the buyer journey. Physical (aka brick-and-mortar) stores Physical retail is far from dead. More accurately, it’s changing. Nowadays, many DTC brands are adopting clicks-to-bricks  approaches, using physical stores as showrooms if not fully stocked stores. As you list your products to multiple online channels, it’s worth considering how to better integrate any store locations with online experiences, moving towards a true omnichannel retail  experience. Rather than treating each channel as separate avenues, think about how they all play together, and how your customers are likely moving fluidly from one to the other. Top benefits of a multichannel retail strategy While increased sales opportunities is the most obvious benefit of multichannel retail, it's not the only one. Other benefits include: New customers Every shopper is different. Some prefer to go straight to the source, while others may search for the best price across multiple channels. Adding more ways for people to buy from you only makes sense to reach the maximum amount of potential customers. A competitive advantage f you’re not on a sales channel that your competitor is on, you obviously lose out on a sale, but worst of all, you run the risk of the competition completely dominating the mind share of your target audience. This means, you automatically lose out on even the potential of a sale in the future, as customers will never think of buying from you when in product-search mode. ‘Free’ marketing Joining an online marketplace gives you the advantage of that marketplace’s marketing efforts and technology. For example, the attention driven by Amazon’s Prime Day gets your brand in front of millions of potential buyers who may buy from you that day and even in the future through your own website. Increased brand recognition The more places you are, the more people come to recognize your brand. This in turn builds trust and increases the likelihood of a future sale. Reduced risk Many eCommerce businesses tend to over-rely on one particular sales channel, especially if they’ve seen pronounced results from it. But the eCommerce industry is dogged by many carpet-pulls, leaving merchants in the lurch when a channel changes drastically due to internal or external forces. A multichannel approach helps mitigate channel risk. Top challenges of multichannel selling But for all of its advantages, multichannel selling still comes with its own challenges. Those include:   Deciding where to sell It ’s all too easy to stretch yourself thin across too many channels at once. To avoid becoming overwhelmed or wasting your time on channels that don’t attract the right audience, you’ll need to be intentional about where you sell. Maintaining consistency The more channels you add, the more complicated it gets to keep your product details (e.g., prices, titles, descriptions, pictures, branding) in order. You must establish one source of truth for your product data and a system for implementing any changes across every channel. Remaining compliant Each third-party marketplace has its own way of doing things. Be it the way it categorizes its products or how it evaluates seller performance, each has its own requirements for merchants on its platform. You need to familiarize yourself with marketplace regulations, alongside any policy changes (no matter how suddenly they crop up) to retain your selling privileges. Multichannel fulfillment Beyond catering to various shipping expectations, you’ll need to consider which fulfillment method makes most sense in terms of speed, cost, and competitiveness. For example, nearly 90% of Amazon sellers use Amazon FBA —at least in part— for fulfillment because it gives them a competitive edge (read: the coveted “Prime” status). Inventory management Poor inventory management can lead to out-of-stock items or overselling—two things that can damage customer trust in your brand. To avoid inaccuracies, especially as orders stream in for the same product on multiple channels, you’ll need to develop an inventory management  system that’s able to keep up with orders and inventory movement 24/7. 6 survival tips for multichannel sellers In short, multichannel retailing is a proven way to boost sales, but it takes the right strategy to avoid inefficiencies and costly errors. The below tips can help you to get started the right way. 01. Evaluate your channels carefully Avoid falling victim to “shiny object” syndrome and blindly selling on channels just because they’re popular. This spray-and-pray approach often leads to massive disappointment and causes many sellers to prematurely rule out channels as failed platforms. Instead, do your research and focus on the channels that make the most sense for your business. Look at important factors, such as: Target buyers Top-selling products Average price points Seller services and/or features Reviews from other sellers Fees and commissions Taxonomies Ranking algorithms Listing policies Pricing policies Payment options Customer service policies Returns policies While there will always be a learning curve, it’s well worth it to take the time upfront in researching and learning how each platform operates. 02. Automate repetitive tasks When you’ve got products listed in multiple places, it quickly becomes impractical to manage each channel by hand. From creating your listings to updating available quantities—there are many tedious tasks that can be done faster and more accurately with automation. Wix’s multichannel features , for instance, include listing, inventory, pricing and order management tools. You can save yourself from hours of manual data entry by importing your Wix catalog to new channels. Or, you can manage shipping policies and promotions on a channel-by-channel basis. Moreover, as sales start coming in, you can rest assured that channels will be updated with the right inventory counts automatically. Great businesses are built on great conversations, but you can’t always be online to start them. Wix AI Site Chat  bridges that gap by answering questions, handling bookings and keeping visitors engaged. It provides a smooth, reliable first touchpoint for potential clients while giving you more time to focus on running your business. You can also check out the Wix AI Site Chat overview  for a deeper look at how it works. Save your energy for more strategic tasks; leave the redundant ones for Wix to manage. 03. Optimize for mobile shoppers Mobile commerce (aka mCommerce) is projected to account for nearly 42%  of all eCommerce traffic by 2024. But this reality is already palpable on channels like social media or Wish, where most users are entering from their mobile devices. For this reason, it benefits you to audit the mobile experience of your eCommerce site, ensuring that any mobile visitors can seamlessly navigate your store. From Wix, simply go to your Editor and toggle the icon in the upper-left corner to see (and customize) your mobile storefront. All in all, you’ll want to make sure that the mobile experience: Is fast-loading Includes text, images, and buttons sized appropriately for small screens Has a clean, easy-to-use navigation menu Offers mobile payment options like Apple Pay and PayPal Is free of clutter on every page 04. Make sure that your product details are consistent Inconsistent pricing, outdated information or pictures, and expired offers can sideline a sale—or worse, turn customers away from your brand completely. To prevent this, establish a central database for storing and updating your product data. For example, you can use Wix to create your product listings. From there, you can choose to sync your listings to other sales channels, and customize certain details by platform. You’ll want to ensure that everyone on your team knows to check this database for the most up-to-date product information. Your database should also be synced with your in-store POS systems so that everyone from your eCommerce team to your in-person sales team is kept up to speed. 05. Practice price parity As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to make sure that your pricing is consistent across channels. It’s not uncommon for marketplaces to “ding” your account if it finds that your product can be bought at a much lower price elsewhere on the internet. That said, you can always reserve certain products for certain channels, and tailor your pricing that way. In other words, you could sell your latest or premium products via your online store, while reserving overstock items or last year’s models for marketplaces like eBay. This gives you more flexibility in terms of pricing. 06. Protect your brand identity When you sell on a third-party platform, you inherently lose some control over how you brand and display your products. However, there are still steps you can take to drive brand awareness while playing by each channel’s rules. For starters, create detailed product descriptions that demonstrate your brand’s personality, quality standards, values, and other differentiators. Avoid copying and pasting the same description to each channel, and tailor your copy to each unique audience. Another idea: provide strong, memorable product images. Make sure any product labels are easy to read. Take photos of your product at every angle, as well as lifestyle photos that illustrate the intended use and mood you’re looking to create. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll want to provide the best customer experience possible. Often the best way to build connections on any channel is by showing that you care and will follow through on your promises (e.g., ship times, product quality, etc.). So, you’ll want to be extra mindful of responding to user queries quickly and thoroughly, no matter which channel they come in from. Handle complaints and/or return requests sensitively too, understanding that even negative first impressions can be turned into positive experiences. Embrace multichannel retail with Wix A successful multichannel retailing strategy can bear lots of fruit for your business. Just make sure to do your research, choose your channels wisely, and automate what you can. Wix Store owners can seamlessly manage multiple channels from their Wix dashboard including selling on Amazon, eBay, Facebook, and more. Simplify and streamline the process so that all you need to worry about is making more sales. Get started with Wix for eCommerce  today.

No, we’re not talking about ordering lunch. In website jargon, a hamburger menu refers to a three lined icon typically placed on the top right- or left-hand corner of a website. A simplified, graphic take on the quintessential barbecue dish, the hamburger button opens up to display your website’s navigation menu—a.k.a. its meat and fillings—enabling a clean, clutter-free design and a convenient user experience. Since its emergence over 30 years ago, the hamburger menu has been equally adored and despised - its advantages and disadvantages debated heavily in the web world. But in reality, the hamburger menu is an option that can be extremely useful for website owners and users alike. When creating your own website , you might consider using this element. To help you along, this article will cover what exactly a hamburger menu is, its pros and cons and examples of websites that have perfected their hamburger menu practices. What is a hamburger menu? Since its creation in the 1980s by designer Norm Cox, the hamburger menu has not ceased evolving in the world of UX design . The original four-lined icon symbolized to users of the Xerox machine that if they pressed it, it would open up a list of actionable items. Flashforward to the 2020s, the hamburger menu is more popular than ever. While it goes without saying that the original icon has been tweaked throughout the years, its function is now so widely recognized that many website owners take creative liberties to modernize and implement the image in different ways. Its popularity can likely be attributed, but not limited, to the emergence of the mobile website , where the screen real estate is much smaller, and content design needs to be reformatted or condensed. Using a hamburger menu can also be an asset to the desktop version of your website, for example if you want to bring the focus to impressive full-screen visual elements, and tighten website navigation . Pros and cons of the hamburger menu Despite its advantages, the hamburger menu is not accepted by all as a winning feature. Let’s go over some of the pros and cons commonly discussed over the years to see if this is the right type of website menu for you. Hamburger menu pros Everyone recognizes it Very few UI symbols have received as widespread adoption as the hamburger icon. The ubiquitous hamburger menu button is almost always understood, and its form and function are consistent, avoiding confusion by users. Squeaky clean design Sometimes, less is more. Using a hamburger menu will allow you to have a squeaky-clean website. By collapsing items behind the menu, you can avoid overloading or distracting users with too many options. Hello, screen real estate It goes without saying that you’ll have more room on your screen if you hide some items behind the hamburger menu icon. This is especially useful for mobile navigation design. Plus, if there are certain features of your site that you know are less relevant than others, you can still keep them there without giving away prime screen real estate. Direct access There’s no question about it—once users click on a hamburger menu, they will have direct access to the menu items without having to go through extra steps to find the information they need. Some might argue that just clicking on a hamburger menu is an extra step, but when it streamlines the process of collecting information, it can only benefit the user experience. Hamburger menu cons Out of sight, out of mind Many UX designers believe that the hamburger menu creates an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality for visitors, opting for noticeable solutions like breadcrumbs or status bars . When it comes to website navigation, hiding items behind the hamburger menu might signify to users that these features are not as important. Harder to reach = lower click through rates While the hamburger menu is generally well recognized, there are some who find that—especially on mobile devices—discoverability is low. Some users have a hard time when items are hidden, which will result in less engagement. Creates extra steps for the user Hiding information that you’d prefer the user to see right away is inefficient because they’ll have to go through more steps to get there. The case is different for each individual, and you might find that the benefits outweigh this disadvantage when implementing a hamburger menu into your site. Pro tip: If you're looking for something different, explore hamburger menu alternatives . 10 hamburger menu examples Bhroovi Gupta: UX Designer Overport: Branding Agency Yang's Place: Restaurant Pei Jung Creative: Graphic Designer 8590 Group: Creative Media Agency JR Taylor: Choreographer Ducknology: Jewelry Shop Miranda Sofroniou: Illustrator The Wild Collective | Art Collective Daniel Aristizábal | Artistic Director 01. Bhroovi Gupta | UX Designer Talk about personality! Bhroovi ’s groovy website has a lot of it. Her clean-cut hamburger menu icon is perfectly aligned within her website’s header, preventing distraction from the energetic work displayed on her homepage . Once opened, the menu presents a full page of navigation options. Maintaining a uniform design, Bhroovi’s hamburger menu uses a font style and size that’s consistent with the rest of her site. 02. Overport | Branding Agency Overport is an Australian branding agency that specializes in managing their client’s social media accounts. They’ve used the space on their homepage to display a slideshow of photographs that exemplify their work. In contrast, their full-page hamburger menu opens up into a clean, distraction-free design, providing a designated spot where visitors can find important information easily. 03. Yang’s Place | Restaurant Yang’s Place ’s hamburger menu offers good value to their user experience. Yang’s Place’s homepage is full of delicious images and staggered navigation items that might seem overwhelming—until users click on the hamburger icon at the top of the page. Once it unfolds, the hamburger menu provides site visitors with the same information, but in a more organized and streamlined fashion. 04. Pei Jung Creative | Graphic Designer Pei Jung Ho’s design portfolio stands out for so many reasons: eye-popping animation, the clever use of parallax scrolling features and of course, her tongue-in-cheek approach to the hamburger menu. The animated emoji is something that users will not miss, and fits well with her “appetite for design” slogan. Best of all, Pei Jung’s hamburger menu shows off her creative skills. 05. 8590 Group | Creative Media Agency The 8590 Group website portfolio is a starting point for visitors who want to connect with the variety of projects led by the creative agency. Their homepage is a space that gives visitors an instant taste of 8590’s world, but the list of projects on the hamburger menu allows users to follow through to get more detail and really understand what they do. 06. JR Taylor | Choreographer JR Taylor is a talented choreographer who has moves like you’ve never seen. JR boasts his work by adding a video montage with cool video effects to his homepage, and there’s no reason why he should sidetrack his viewers with a standard navigation bar. Instead, JR’s site has a perfectly visible hamburger menu for when visitors are ready to see more. 07. Ducknology | Jewelry Shop Ducknology treats the homepage on their online store like a display window, placing images of their jewelry products and prices in the forefront. A classic hamburger menu icon is placed on the upper left corner of their site. The strategic placement almost guarantees that users will click to see what’s behind it, but because the visual focus is put immediately on their products, visitors are likely to spend time browsing and shopping before they click for more. 08. Miranda Sofroniou | Illustrator Miranda ’s illustrations are placed front and center on her homepage, presented in an engaging, full-screen gallery layout. She’s perfectly placed a tiny hamburger menu icon into the frame of her homepage, ensuring that it doesn’t take the attention away from her works. Take note of the matching hues she’s chosen for her images’ hover effect and her menu’s background. Complementing the color scheme of your site with that of your hamburger menu will provide users with a pleasant—and sometimes more interesting—visual experience. 09. The Wild Collective | Art Collective Wild Collective is all about bold visual and written statements, and the large elements on their site really emphasize this aspect of their work. The hamburger menu icon is a bit different than the standard, in the sense that it uses lines of varying lengths, but it's clear that its function is the same. The icon hides information such as press opportunities and the collective’s full manifesto. Because it is pinned on the homepage, visitors can browse through the rest of the site, while having continuous access to navigation. 10. Daniel Aristizábal | Artistic Director Daniel’s minimalistic hamburger menu is the perfect way to balance out the outstanding graphics on his site. While many UX designers worry about small hamburger menus like this being overlooked—it’s pinned to the homepage, so users can scroll through the page and be totally immersed in Daniel’s work, without missing the hamburger icon. 10 tips for the best hamburger menu design When it comes to designing a hamburger menu for your website, it's worth keeping some of these design best practices in mind: 01. Visibility and placement Top left or top right? This is the first question to ask yourself. Place your menu icon in the top left or top right corner of the screen, where users typically expect it. At the same time make sure your hamburger menu is in the same position across all of your webpages - aim for consistency in placement as this is essential for a smooth user experience. 2. Icon design Make sure you use the standard three horizontal lines (☰) to represent the hamburger menu. It's widely recognized and understood by users. Any icon you choose to use should be simple, clear and large enough to be easily found and tapped on mobile. 03. Animation and feedback Consider adding a subtle animation to the icon when it's clicked to provide visual feedback. This can really improve the user experience. Then think about having your menu icon change to an 'X' or another symbol when the menu is open to show that it can be closed. 04. Menu design When designing your hamburger menu, organize menu items logically, grouping related items together. Be aware of keeping the menu items to a minimum to avoid overwhelming users. Then choose legible fonts, with enough contrast between the text and the background. 05. Mobile-friendly design Make sure your hamburger menu works and is accessible on mobile as well as on desktop. This also means menu items should be large enough to be easily tapped on mobile or touchscreens. 06. Accessibility When designing your hamburger menu there are a few key accessibility principles to keep in mind. One is to make sure that your menu can be navigated using the keyboard. Consider using ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to make the menu accessible to screen readers. 07. Smooth transitions You should use smooth transitions for the menu opening and closing to enhance the user experience. Alongside this you need to make sure that your menu transitions are quick enough not to delay users but slow enough to be noticeable. 08. Content optimization When planning your hamburger menu always make sure to position the most important items at the top of the menu. You can also think about using icons next to menu items to make them more recognizable and improve navigation speed. 09. Background overlay Good hamburger menu design can often mean dimming the rest of the screen, when the menu is open. This is designed to draw attention to the menu and focus a user on it. Another good design option is 'click to close', where menu users can click on any part of the screen outside of the menu to close it. 10. Testing and feedback Always get real users to try and test your hamburger menu before implementing it. If you need to you can make design adjustments based on this feedback.

The 2021 edition of Pride Month marks 51 years since the first Pride march was held in New York City, marking a pivotal moment in the Gay Liberation Movement, the Stonewall demonstrations. It’s a time each year when LGBTQ+ communities celebrate who they are, and advocate their desire to be free from persecution and discrimination. Here at Wix, we believe inclusivity on the web is an essential part of website design —not only during Pride Month, but every day. By planning how to make a website that’s LGBTQ+ friendly, you can make browsing experiences more inclusive and welcoming for different communities. To help you get started, here are some tips on how to make an LGBTQ+ friendly site that will embrace the diversity of the Pride community and that will elevate your online presence. Create the perfect site for you with Wix's website builder . Notes from Wix Rainbow: Why does designing an LGBTQ+ friendly website matter? An LGBTQ+ friendly website is one that is designed to create an authentic and inclusive experience for members of this diverse community. Before we get into the basics of how to make your site LGBTQ+ friendly, we sat down with Alejandro de la Torre, head of Wix Rainbow USA, to get a better understanding of why it matters. (Wix Rainbow is an internal and grassroots initiative that empowers, inspires, supports, and encourages our employees to be inclusive, and advocate for, and support their local LGBTQ+ communities). Create an inclusive user experience for LGBTQ+ visitors When asked why a business or individual should pay attention to making their website LGBTQ+ friendly, de la Torre says that many people don’t recognize that there are unconscious biases in design and language. “The LGBTQ+ community is constantly experiencing microaggressions in everyday conversations or online visits that shouldn't be part of the speech to begin with,” he says. Making your site inclusive starts with user experience. When you learn how to design a website , you’ll start to consider the visual elements that make your site look good, and the functional elements that will ensure a positive browsing experience for users. But there are some properties of web design that go beyond form and function; the images, language, and data you use can also impact your site visitors emotionally. For businesses online, emotional engagement with a brand’s digital content is a powerful marketing tool that nurtures customer loyalty. When it comes to LGBTQ+ websites , designers should be cognizant of how their website ideas and content might make groups feel excluded and even discriminated against. “The online platform, in general, should be more people-friendly and inclusive,” says de la Torre. We should stop assuming, become less concerned about what our society thinks is right or wrong and instead focus on creating a better, more beautiful world for all.” Learn more: What is web design? An LGBTQ+ friendly site is good for business Making your website LGBTQ+ friendly is also smart for business, de la Torre points out. “Everything should be about inclusion. Businesses who pay attention to this are not only going to be inclusive and celebrate diversity, but also they will experience growth,” he says. Running an inclusive business and website will help carve out space for your brand within the LGBTQ+ world—and with 5.6 percent of adults in the United States alone identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender , it’s safe to say that market is significant. Most importantly, providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ customers to browse, shop and interact online will improve your brand image and foster a sense of loyalty. Pro tip : Start with easy-to-use free web templates to build a site that looks great and helps you earn online. Design tips for an LGBTQ+ friendly website Whether you're creating a website for a business, a blog , or an online portfolio , or any type of website , one of your goals should be to design a site for the wide range of people who will interact with it, including the LGBTQ+ community. Small steps can lead to big changes, and here are seven ways to make your website more LGBTQ+ friendly: How to create an LGBTQ+ friendly website Use diverse images of LGBTQ+ individuals Incorporate gender neutral terms into your site’s copy Implement LGBTQ+ friendly security practices Optimize for LGBTQ+ searches Protect LGBTQ+ users from harassment Support LGBTQ+ products Don’t just talk about inclusivity, show it 01. Use diverse images of LGBTQ+ individuals Visuals can be used throughout your website’s design to help visitors understand your business’s community, products or services. These visuals are not only representative, they also set the tone for your brand’s style and voice, shaping the public’s perception of what you stand for. When it comes to choosing the imagery for your site, you’ll want to prove that your brand is inclusive of all people. You can include the LGBTQ+ community by using images of gay and lesbian couples, transgender people, and other groups. This will allow your brand to tell a more diverse story, while showing the LGBTQ+ community they are represented. Before you start your image search, keep in mind that many free stock photo sites are still concentrated with cliches. When seeking more diverse options, we recommend checking out Shutterstock , Unsplash , and Vice’s The Gender Spectrum Collection , each offering hundreds of free high-quality images and curated diversity collections. When you design a site with Wix, you can add images to your site from the Wix Media Manager, where you’ll find many options for Pride photographs and vector art. 02. Incorporate gender neutral terms into your site’s copy Written content plays a big role in your website’s perception and performance, whether it’s how you describe yourself in an About Us page , product details on your online store, or the copy used in contact forms . When writing your web content, you’ll need to be mindful that not everyone within the LGBTQ+ community puts themselves in a “male” or “female” box. For many individuals, coming out with their sexual orientation is just the first step toward understanding or defining their gender identification. It’s not uncommon for a transgender individual to experience frustrations when, for example, they are asked to confirm their gender online but aren’t provided with an option that’s relevant for them. “Businesses should remove questions about gender from the conversation,” says de la Torre. “Questions like ‘what's your gender?’ make everyone transitioning or identifying themselves with a gender outside the gender roles that our society built feel discriminated against and alienated.” You can use more inclusive language online by applying gender neutral syntax throughout your site’s text. For instance, you may opt for gender neutral occupations (e.g. using “server” instead of “waitress” and “waiter”) or using “they” instead of “he” or “she” when relevant. As de la Torre emphasizes, you’ll want to be especially cognizant when requesting information from users on your site. One place to consider is your email signup form. “We should be using a more neutral language that supports and enforces inclusion, and online businesses should embrace the change,” he says. “Instead of pre-populating answers for gender-related questions, why not leave a blank space for users to share whatever they want?” If there is a form on your website that requests visitors to check off a box for “male” or “female,” you should also have an option for “other.” Alternatively, you may choose to skip this step altogether. 03. Implement LGBTQ+ friendly security practices Imagine this: A user decides to pay for password protected content on your website. They take out their credit card, start filling in personal details, choose a username and finally, a password. Next, they get to the security questions, a common—and even comforting—practice users come across when interacting with an extra secure website. The first question they’re asked is “What is your mother’s maiden name?” However, what if the user doesn’t have a mother, but two fathers? Microinteractions like this may seem trivial, but they create a barrier between you and the customer. Your site can easily facilitate a less discouraging experience for LGBTQ+ visitors by omitting instances where they might be stumped by a sense of cyber-alienation. 04. Optimize for LGBTQ+ searches Metadata are short bits of text used throughout your website that let search engines know how you should appear in search results. These include meta (or SEO) descriptions, alt text, and tags. Strategic incorporation of metadata can boost your site’s traffic and let you reach the right audiences, including the LGBTQ+ community. This isn’t simply a hack to perform better on search results. When members of the LGBTQ+ community seek a product or service online, it’s likely that they’re specifying their search further to find the brands that welcome them. For example, if you’re running a fitness website, including “LGBTQ friendly” in the meta description of a group class will grab the attention of LGBTQ+ customers looking for a safe and inclusive space to workout. When it’s relevant, you might want to include phrases like “LGBTQ+ friendly” within your website’s metadata. This will allow your site to be more easily found, used, and embraced by the LGBTQ+ community. It will also undoubtedly increase traffic to your website. 05. Protect the LGBTQ+ users from harassment A website has the power to build a community around your personal brand or business. But that relationship isn’t a one-way street. As a business, it’s your responsibility to protect your community of customers when they’re in your space. This is especially true of the language used in the comments sections, online forums, and blogs; LGBTQ+ users might experience harassment and discrimintation due to insensitive or hateful remarks in any of these forums. To protect the LGBTQ+ community on your site, you can monitor comments and posts on your website, help a user if they tell you they’re uncomfortable, and investigate or resolve other problems. 06. Support LGBTQ+ products The booming eCommerce industry provides us with manifold opportunities for supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Many companies will show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community during Pride by creating special collections of products and merchandise, often donating a percentage of sales to mark the occasion. That said when you make a website LGBTQ+ friendly, try to think beyond rainbow merch and the month of June alone. One way is to consider adding a non-gendered section to your product page. This provides potential shoppers with a break from fashion gender norms and will likely inspire them to share this with their community. 07. Don’t just talk about inclusivity, show it It’s easy to talk about your love for the LGTBQ+ community online, but proving your business is friendly to the community requires action. Even brands that back Pride Month in big ways by investing in sponsorships, merch, or social media campaigns still overlook the issues LGBTQ+ users regularly experience on the web. De la Torre points out that some brands “create Pride collections and then force you to select either male or female to see the items.” So although they are ostensibly showing support for the LGBTQ+ community, they’re not doing it in a thoughtful, deliberate, and inclusive way. While there’s nothing wrong with gestures big and small playing a positive role in normalizing LGBTQ+ culture, as individuals we can make an impact by concentrating on the people we interact with on a daily basis. As owners of business websites, blogs, online stores, and more, this must include making an LGBTQ+ friendly website. We hope you’ve learned how to apply these important, inclusive changes to the different parts of your site . We also recommend reviewing resources about LGBTQ+ awareness, talking to members of the community, and—if the opportunity presents itself—ask a friend, family member or colleague from the LGBTQ+ community to review your website, and listen to their suggestions.

https://www.wix.com/studio/blog/microcopy-boost-conversion-ux-writing When you watch a movie you expect it to take you on a journey; one filled with laughter, emotion, gratitude, or even inspiration. One of the main goals for movie producers is to get viewers to enjoy what they see and watch it until the end. When you think about it, this bears a striking resemblance to what you do when you create your own website . You want to provide a memorable and easy experience.   A good website is measured by a few important elements, one of them being the length of each visit. The longer they stay, the more they will learn about your business and engage with what you offer. That brings us to our main topic; UX design . UX stands for user experience, which means that in order to have a successful website you must ensure it’s accessible, usable, efficient and easy on the eyes. All of these elements together will help you create a joyful journey for your visitors and maintain an exceptional UX design for your website. There are a few methods and bits of UX design examples that will help you master the art behind building websites that generate great engagement and user experience, and we’ve broken down the most important ones: Design for the users Browse UX research websites to help you identify who your user's persona is, and keep them in mind when creating every aspect of your website in order to meet their needs. This also means that you should listen to your users and change the structure of your site according to their feedback. Pro tip : Start with easy-to-use website design templates to create a site that looks great and works smoothly. Less is more Researchers have identified that today, online users only have an 8-second attention span . That means you’ve got to lure them in quickly with an excellent user interface , UX content strategy and microcopy . Your homepage should only include the most important details, like what your biz is all about. Since you’ll have a ton of great content to share, it’s best to link to inner pages or add anchors leading to different points on your page, where more information can be found. Flow The flesh of your website is built on the framework you create. You need to establish structure and provide the necessary points a user needs. One of the best ways to do this is by working with wireframes . Create a flow that makes sense, is easy to follow and approachable to your target audience. Visuals “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Who knew that this phrase from the early 20th century would be so relevant to our online world? One photo can help you keep your visitors interested and focused. Catch their eyes with a high-quality image that will lead them to useful information in just a click. Text Text is crucial to use for any piece of information (including this blog, right?) But take caution; there are some strict rules regarding how to include written content correctly throughout your site: check it’s readable (size and font type), don’t use more than three types of fonts and use graphical bullet points if there are instructions of some sort. Navigation bar Website navigation is the control point that links the user to sections within your website (see our guide on mobile navigation ). Think of your horizontal and vertical menus as your GPS for those who are visiting. Make things clear, visible and easy to explore. Your website menu design is your home base, so when a visitor clicks on it, they should be brought back to where their journey began; your homepage. White space Often referred to as negative space, white space is the portion of a page left unmarked or blank. So if you’re a hoarder, make sure to clean out the trash when it comes to your online home! You must organize accordingly so that all different kinds of content (text, images, icons, etc.) have enough space to give your viewers a breather. That space between each element is super important for the flow and the processing of your website. Above the fold News Flash! Back in the day when newspapers were the main form of media, editors would ensure to include the important pieces of information on the first page, “above the fold.” This refers to the way people would hold the paper in their hands; placing the most important text in the most visible space. The printed journalism industry has almost disappeared, but the idea of keeping what’s hot on top is still a necessity when it comes to your homepage. Links These are like the tour guides of your website. Use them to direct your visitors where you wish them to “travel” next. Important fact: if the link is leading to content within your site, don’t let it open in a new tab. If it’s an outside source, then direct it to open a new window. CTA These three letters stand for Call to Action. These are the buttons that tell your viewers exactly what you want them to do. Place them in strategic locations, add 2-3 words of action and choose a color that will pop! For example: Go to the Next Point>> but seriously now, please move to the next bullet point :) Contact details A success story usually ends when your visitors are interested in getting in touch with you! Your contact info needs to be located in an easy-to-reach place, and don’t forget to add all the necessary means of communication (email, phone, address). Social media links Does your small biz have a presence on social media (it really should by now!)? If so, then our point above relates to this as well. Think of these links as the sequel to your movie (aka website) you’ve just let your visitors go through. Placing your social links in a visible place will encourage your users to keep navigating along the journey of your business. Music As much as we probably would love dancing to your tunes, we don’t recommend adding music that starts to play automatically. If you are a musician and this is part of your business, don’t let it play on loop Forever, forever, ever, forever, ever . Mobile compatibility In a world where even your dog has its own Instagram account, you must take into consideration that most of your website’s visitors will surf via their mobile. There are so many different types of screens available, and your goal is to show that good things come in small packages :) Use our Wix mobile Editor to create a site that would be suitable to use from any device. Footer You care about what shoes you wear each day, right? Then you should be treating your footer the same way. The bottom of your site needs to be as informative and visual as the rest of your homepage. Place links to the following pages:  About Us, Contact Us, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and a Site Map (the list of all the pages you have included in your site), to really hammer home a smooth user journey . Seems like a lot to do for your website, huh? Well, it’ll be worth all the time you put into it when your visitors have the best possible user experience. Don’t forget: If you follow these tips, they will come!

https://www.wix.com/studio/blog/microcopy-boost-conversion-ux-writing When you watch a movie you expect it to take you on a journey; one filled with laughter, emotion, gratitude, or even inspiration. One of the main goals for movie producers is to get viewers to enjoy what they see and watch it until the end. When you think about it, this bears a striking resemblance to what you do when you create your own website . You want to provide a memorable and easy experience.   A good website is measured by a few important elements, one of them being the length of each visit. The longer they stay, the more they will learn about your business and engage with what you offer. That brings us to our main topic; UX design . UX stands for user experience, which means that in order to have a successful website you must ensure it’s accessible, usable, efficient and easy on the eyes. All of these elements together will help you create a joyful journey for your visitors and maintain an exceptional UX design for your website. There are a few methods and bits of UX design examples that will help you master the art behind building websites that generate great engagement and user experience, and we’ve broken down the most important ones: Design for the users Browse UX research websites to help you identify who your user's persona is, and keep them in mind when creating every aspect of your website in order to meet their needs. This also means that you should listen to your users and change the structure of your site according to their feedback. Pro tip : Start with easy-to-use website design templates to create a site that looks great and works smoothly. Less is more Researchers have identified that today, online users only have an 8-second attention span . That means you’ve got to lure them in quickly with an excellent user interface , UX content strategy and microcopy . Your homepage should only include the most important details, like what your biz is all about. Since you’ll have a ton of great content to share, it’s best to link to inner pages or add anchors leading to different points on your page, where more information can be found. Flow The flesh of your website is built on the framework you create. You need to establish structure and provide the necessary points a user needs. One of the best ways to do this is by working with wireframes . Create a flow that makes sense, is easy to follow and approachable to your target audience. Visuals “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Who knew that this phrase from the early 20th century would be so relevant to our online world? One photo can help you keep your visitors interested and focused. Catch their eyes with a high-quality image that will lead them to useful information in just a click. Text Text is crucial to use for any piece of information (including this blog, right?) But take caution; there are some strict rules regarding how to include written content correctly throughout your site: check it’s readable (size and font type), don’t use more than three types of fonts and use graphical bullet points if there are instructions of some sort. Navigation bar Website navigation is the control point that links the user to sections within your website (see our guide on mobile navigation ). Think of your horizontal and vertical menus as your GPS for those who are visiting. Make things clear, visible and easy to explore. Your website menu design is your home base, so when a visitor clicks on it, they should be brought back to where their journey began; your homepage. White space Often referred to as negative space, white space is the portion of a page left unmarked or blank. So if you’re a hoarder, make sure to clean out the trash when it comes to your online home! You must organize accordingly so that all different kinds of content (text, images, icons, etc.) have enough space to give your viewers a breather. That space between each element is super important for the flow and the processing of your website. Above the fold News Flash! Back in the day when newspapers were the main form of media, editors would ensure to include the important pieces of information on the first page, “above the fold.” This refers to the way people would hold the paper in their hands; placing the most important text in the most visible space. The printed journalism industry has almost disappeared, but the idea of keeping what’s hot on top is still a necessity when it comes to your homepage. Links These are like the tour guides of your website. Use them to direct your visitors where you wish them to “travel” next. Important fact: if the link is leading to content within your site, don’t let it open in a new tab. If it’s an outside source, then direct it to open a new window. CTA These three letters stand for Call to Action. These are the buttons that tell your viewers exactly what you want them to do. Place them in strategic locations, add 2-3 words of action and choose a color that will pop! For example: Go to the Next Point>> but seriously now, please move to the next bullet point :) Contact details A success story usually ends when your visitors are interested in getting in touch with you! Your contact info needs to be located in an easy-to-reach place, and don’t forget to add all the necessary means of communication (email, phone, address). Social media links Does your small biz have a presence on social media (it really should by now!)? If so, then our point above relates to this as well. Think of these links as the sequel to your movie (aka website) you’ve just let your visitors go through. Placing your social links in a visible place will encourage your users to keep navigating along the journey of your business. Music As much as we probably would love dancing to your tunes, we don’t recommend adding music that starts to play automatically. If you are a musician and this is part of your business, don’t let it play on loop Forever, forever, ever, forever, ever . Mobile compatibility In a world where even your dog has its own Instagram account, you must take into consideration that most of your website’s visitors will surf via their mobile. There are so many different types of screens available, and your goal is to show that good things come in small packages :) Use our Wix mobile Editor to create a site that would be suitable to use from any device. Footer You care about what shoes you wear each day, right? Then you should be treating your footer the same way. The bottom of your site needs to be as informative and visual as the rest of your homepage. Place links to the following pages:  About Us, Contact Us, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and a Site Map (the list of all the pages you have included in your site), to really hammer home a smooth user journey . Seems like a lot to do for your website, huh? Well, it’ll be worth all the time you put into it when your visitors have the best possible user experience. Don’t forget: If you follow these tips, they will come!

Fashion lovers all over the world are excited about the New York Fashion Week which is kicking off tomorrow. It’s one of the most anticipated events of the industry, with tons of catwalks, shows, displays, workshops, performances, parties and other hyped and exciting things that are going on in the Big Apple. Believe it or not, Wix has a thing for all things couture. In fact, we consider ourselves the fashionistas of website builders. That’s why we want to greet the New York Fashion Week in two wonderful ways: The Catwalk//Sidewalk exhibition at the Wix Lounge From the Catwalk//Sidewalk exhibition at the Wix Lounge NY Fashion photographers Liam Alexander and Galo Delgado are exhibiting their fascinating work in the Wix Lounge New York until March 1st, 2013. This exhibition aims to juxtapose images from urban scenery with inside photos from the fashion industry. They explore the boundaries between the catwalk and the sidewalk—where does one start and the other end? If you’re in New York sometime this month, be sure to visit the lounge and check it out! Website showcase: beautiful fashion sites Fashion websites are by far one the most creative groups of sites we see on Wix. We have a large variety of fashion templates and logo options in our Clothing Logo Maker , and we constantly come across inspiring websites that were created with them. Just like in real life, when you see fashion designs that really catch your eye and just don’t let go, great fashion websites have a way of popping out of the screen and leave a truly stunning impression. They are daring and unique, and we love them for it! So in honor of the New York Fashion Week, here are 18 examples of fashion websites that are totally en vogue. Spring Onion Hilde Heim Carlottina Lab Culturata Child of the Indigo After 10 Shoes 2nd Avenue Saints Drop Fabego Magazine Fruit Bijoux Singlespeed Gregory Wendell Ja Runway La Piccola Tshirteria Moosh83 Parallux Persy

Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix eCommerce →   The success of your online store doesn’t just boil down to the products you offer; your eCommerce site’s  user experience (UX) also matters.  From the moment a customer lands on your homepage to when they complete a purchase, every part of the shopping journey is shaped by UX design. Good eCommerce UX considers your customer’s needs, preferences and shopping habits. It goes beyond the aesthetics of your site and involves guiding shoppers down the right path, helping them find what they need as easily as they would when shopping in a physical store.  Keep reading to learn what eCommerce UX is and how to implement it throughout your site.  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 free 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. The importance of UI and UX in eCommerce Two main elements define a shopper’s experience on your eCommerce site: the user interface (UI) and the user experience (UX). While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different aspects of web design . UI  is about the actual elements that you interact with on the site. Think: buttons, images, text and other visual items. It's akin to the layout and decor of a physical store; it needs to be visually appealing and functional. UX  is more holistic. It encompasses all aspects of a person’s end-to-end interaction with an eCommerce site. It's not just about how things look but how they work. Good UX results in an intuitive, efficient and satisfying shopping experience. UI and UX work together to create a seamless shopping experience. A beautiful UI can attract customers. However, without a solid UX to back it up, customers may leave your site out of frustration or confusion. Conversely, great eCommerce UX can keep customers engaged even if the UI isn't cutting-edge. Ready to start selling? Use an eCommerce platform  like Wix. 10 essential steps for improving eCommerce UX When it comes to improving the UX of an existing site, it can be hard to know where to start. However, a structured approach can help. Consider these 10 steps for getting started.  Related reading: 6 lessons from my 6 years in UX that can be applied to your site 01. Research your audience Knowing your audience inside and out is key to standing out. It's like throwing a party—you want to make sure you've got the right music, food and vibe for the people you're inviting onto your property.  By digging into who your customers are, what they like and what frustrates them, you can design a site that feels just right for them. This means chatting with them through surveys, diving into your site's analytics and maybe even doing a few user interviews. The insights you get from this research can help you identify areas of your site that need adjusting or map out new ways to engage shoppers.  02. Analyze your current eCommerce UX Take a close look at your existing eCommerce site. Use analytics, like Wix Analytics , to see where users drop off or spend the most time. Tools like heatmaps can show you exactly where people are clicking and scrolling, revealing hot spots and dead zones.  Don't forget to ask for feedback directly from your users; sometimes, their insights can be the most revealing. Conduct usability tests where real users complete tasks on your site and watch where they struggle or succeed.  03. Set clear objectives for your eCommerce UX plan Define what you want to achieve with your UX redesign. Are you aiming to reduce cart abandonment, speed up the checkout process or simply make the site more visually appealing?  Be specific with your goals. For example, "Increase the checkout completion rate by 20% in the next six months" is much clearer than saying "Improve the checkout process." Having these clear objectives can keep your team focused and aligned.  It will also make it easier for you to measure your progress and see if your changes are making a difference. Regularly check in on your goals and be ready to tweak them if needed.  04. Create user personas User personas can help you visualize your customers as real people with specific needs, behaviors and goals—then help you tailor your site accordingly.  Start by gathering data from your audience research, such as demographics, purchasing habits and feedback. Then, build personas that represent different segments of your user base.  For instance, you might create "Budget-Conscious Brenda," a thrifty shopper always on the lookout for deals, or "Tech-Savvy Tom," who loves the latest gadgets and smooth, fast online experiences.  These personas help to keep your users at the forefront when designing and refining your site. Every decision, from layout tweaks to new feature rollouts, can be guided by asking, "How would this improve Brenda's or Tom's experience?" This personalized approach will ensure that your UX enhancements are relevant and impactful, making your site more user-friendly and enjoyable for everyone. 05. Map the user journey on your eCommerce site Outline the path customers take from landing on your site to completing a purchase. Doing so will help you chart out every stop your customers make, including key touchpoints and potential friction points.  Pay attention to different paths that users might take. Use tools like journey maps to visualize these steps, highlighting the emotional highs and lows your shoppers experience along the way. Are people prone to get distracted while navigating through your site? Do they get overwhelmed by too many choices? Are you using eCommerce merchandising strategies that can keep shoppers on your site longer and guide them toward a purchase? Conversely, do you notice higher purchase rates on pages where product reviews are prominent and positive? Keep an eye out for key motivators at each stage.  06. Design with empathy Put yourself in your customers' shoes and design for their convenience and comfort. Make navigation intuitive and information easily accessible. Think about accessibility, too. In other words, design for users of all abilities. When you approach UX with empathy, you're not just making changes for the sake of it; you're considering your customers’ emotional journey and creating an experience that feels personal and caring. This thoughtful approach leads to a more intuitive site, happier customers—and ultimately, better business results. Learn more: What is web design? 07. Implement a mobile-friendly design Design your site with a mobile-first mindset, i.e., declutter your pages and make sure your layout is easy to navigate on smaller screens. If you use a website builder  like Wix, you should be able to easily customize the mobile version of your site. Hide non-essential elements from view and make sure buttons, plus navigational menus, are easy to click with a thumb.  Test your site on various devices and screen sizes to catch any issues as you build out your design.  08. Conduct user testing Before finalizing any changes, test them with real users to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments. Recruit a diverse group of real users who match your customer personas. Then, ask them to complete key tasks, like finding a product, adding it to the cart and checking out.  Observe where users struggle, what confuses them and where they sail through with ease. Encourage them to think out loud so you can get insights into their thought process.  Use a mix of methods, like in-person sessions, remote testing and A/B testing, to gather a broad range of feedback. Afterward, you should be able to analyze results and identify common pain points.  09. Iterate based on feedback Use the insights from user testing to refine your UX design continuously. Start with the most critical issues that are causing frustration and/or hurting sales, and make those adjustments first.  Then, roll out these changes and keep a close eye on how users respond. Continue using your analytics, heatmaps and follow-up user tests to see if the tweaks are hitting the mark. Don’t be afraid to go through multiple iterations; each round of feedback brings you closer to a smoother, more intuitive site. Remember, this is an ongoing process. As user needs and behaviors evolve, continue to gather feedback and make adjustments 10. Stay updated with training The world of UX is always evolving, with new trends, tools and best practices emerging all the time. To stay ahead, regularly invest in training and professional development.  Take online courses and attend webinars. Follow industry blogs or join UX communities to learn from experts and peers. Experiment with new techniques to see how they can enhance your site. Top eCommerce UX best practices If you want your eCommerce site to truly shine, it's important to follow some proven design tips. Here are some key suggestions to help you out: Create intuitive product pages: Make sure your product pages are beefed up with all the essential information—such as high-quality product photos, commonly requested product information and shipping information (among others). Avoid using fluffy language on these pages and instead, seek to inform. Did you know? When designing a product page on Wix, you can enlist the help of AI-powered writing tools that take UX best practices into consideration. Simplify the checkout process: Reduce cart abandonment by streamlining the checkout process. Minimize the number of steps and ask only for essential information, plus accept multiple payment methods via solutions like Wix Payments .  Use clear call-to-action (CTA) buttons:  Place your CTAs where users are most likely to see them and take action. This often means placing them above the fold, near product descriptions or at key points in the user journey .  Keep them simple, using direct language that tells users exactly what you want them to do. Offer easy navigation:  Ensure that your site's navigation is straightforward and logical. Use clear categories and filters to help users find products quickly. Additionally, incorporate breadcrumbs that show users their current location within the site hierarchy and allow them to easily backtrack. This is especially useful for sites with a lot of categories. Provide accessible customer support:  Make it easy for customers to get help when they need it by offering accessible customer support options like live chat or a comprehensive FAQ section. Examples of websites with strong UX Sometimes the best way to learn is by mimicking the experts. Below are three iconic examples of websites with strong eCommerce UX.  Amazon  Amazon sets a high standard for intuitive design with its simple navigation, personalized recommendations and one-click purchasing option—all of which contribute to a seamless shopping experience. Zappos  Zappos excels in customer service with its easy returns policy and helpful product reviews, making the online shoe-buying process as user-friendly as possible. ASOS  ASOS provides an excellent case study in eCommerce UX with its use of high-quality imagery, detailed product information and a mobile app that mirrors the functionality of its website. Challenges in eCommerce UX to be aware of Creating a top-notch eCommerce user experience comes with its own set of challenges. From navigation issues to mobile optimization, here are some common obstacles you may face and tips on how to overcome them, when building an eCommerce site : Dealing with a diverse user base: Your customers will have varying levels of tech-savviness and preferences. To cater to this diversity, use clear navigation, simple language and helpful tooltips to guide users of all experience levels through your site. Balancing aesthetics with functionality:  While a visually stunning website can attract users, functionality should never be compromised. When learning how to build a website , make sure that its design helps with usability rather than detracting from it. Optimizing for speed:  Slow loading times can frustrate users and lead to higher bounce rates. Some ways to combat this: optimize images (Wix automatically compresses images to Webp), work with a reliable website builder and minimize the use of heavy scripts. Ensuring consistency across platforms:  Users expect a consistent experience, whether they're shopping on a desktop, tablet or smartphone. Maintain uniformity in design and functionality across all platforms. Securing user data: With increasing concerns about data privacy, it’s wise to study the website security  behind your site. Check that any user data is protected against breaches, especially when you’re collecting online payments.  Gathering actionable user feedback: Collecting feedback is one thing; translating it into meaningful improvements is another. Use surveys, user testing sessions and analytics to gather actionable insights. The future of eCommerce UX The UX landscape is always changing. In eCommerce specifically, there are several trends that you should keep your eye on.  Artificial intelligence and machine learning AI and machine learning are becoming integral to personalizing the shopping experience. They can predict user preferences, provide tailored recommendations and automate customer service through chatbots.  “The AI breakthroughs we’ve witnessed over the last year are just beginning,” says Oren Inditzky, Wix’s VP & GM of Online Stores. “Right now we’re seeing generative AI dominate headlines and become mainstream.” “Pretty soon, though, we’ll see the democratization of advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms. Capabilities that were once limited to eCommerce giants will be accessible to any and every online seller.”- Oren Inditzky, Wix VP & GM of Online Stores Augmented reality (AR) AR technology allows users to visualize products in their own environment before buying. Brands like IKEA and Warby Parker have already paved the way in this realm. But as technology advances and becomes more accessible, AR is expected to become a standard feature on eCommerce sites. Voice commerce As voice-activated devices gain popularity, voice commerce is set to become a significant channel for online shopping.  “We still have a ways to go, but soon, voice search will be far more prevalent than it is today,” says Giorgia Foscarini, team lead of international blogs at Wix. “We already see people using virtual assistants every day, whether through their phones, smart TVs or smart watches.” “Optimize your content for voice search by addressing conversational queries,” she advises. “Think about how people would actually speak into their devices, and tailor your writing accordingly.”  Sustainability and ethical practices Nearly 90% of global consumers have changed their shopping habits to be more eco-friendly, according to Capital One Shopping , and 80% of these consumers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly products.  Think of ways to incorporate sustainable practices into your operations. However, avoid “greenwashing” (that is, making misleading claims about the environmental benefits of your product, service or company practices to appear more eco-friendly than they actually are).   Wix’s eCommerce UX design capabilities Looking for a website platform that points you down the right path? Wix offers several advantages to help with eCommerce UX: Drag-and-drop, AI-powered builder:  Wix's intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows you to design your online store without needing to code. Wix even offers an AI website creator , making the process accessible to everyone. Customizable templates: With a wide selection of eCommerce-specific templates , Wix allows you to choose a design that aligns with your brand and customize it to fit your unique needs. Mobile optimization: All Wix websites are automatically optimized for mobile devices but you can tweak the mobile site however you want through the Editor. App market: Extend the functionality of your online store with apps from the Wix App Market, including tools for marketing, analytics, shipping and more. SEO tools: Wix provides built-in SEO tools  to help improve your online store's visibility and attract more traffic. Secure payment solutions: Offer customers secure payment options with Wix Payments, which supports a variety of popular payment methods. If you're ready to take your eCommerce UX to the next level, explore Wix's eCommerce solutions  and discover how you can enhance your online presence.

Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →   When learning how to make a website , many people tend to overlook a little finishing touch that can actually make a big difference: the favicon. This tiny addition to your web design leaves an impression that’s much bigger than its actual size—so don’t underestimate its importance. What is a favicon and what makes it such a powerful element in website design ? In this article, we’ll shed some light on its importance, and teach you everything you need to know about how to create one. 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. We’re 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. What is a favicon image? Favicon history Favicon standardization Why favicons are important Favicons and SEO Favicon challenges How to create a favicon for your website Tips for designing a favicon How to add a favicon in HTML How to add a favicon to your Wix site Testing your favicon What is a favicon image? A favicon is a small, 16x16 pixel icon used on web browsers to represent a website or a web page. Short for “favorite icon,”’ favicons are commonly displayed on tabs at the top of a web browser, but they’re also found on your browser’s bookmark bar, history and in search results, alongside the page url. In some instances, such as on Google Chrome, favicons will even make an appearance on your browser’s homepage. In other words, when you create a favicon, it serves as your website’s icon, or a visual identifier for users to spot your website around the web. A favicon may also be referred to as a shortcut icon, tab icon, URL icon or bookmark icon. Favicon history The first version of the favicon was introduced by Microsoft in Internet Explorer 5, released in 1999. It was a 16x16 pixel icon in the ICO format, which could be added to the root directory of a website and automatically displayed in the browser. The idea of using a small icon to represent a website dates back even further than 199 however. In the early days of the web, before graphical browsers were commonly used, text-based browsers like Lynx would display a small symbol next to the website name to indicate whether the site was secure or not. The concept of the favicon was later adopted by other browsers, including Firefox and Chrome. At the same time the format evolved to support larger sizes and multiple image formats. Today, the favicon is an integral part of all of our web experience's. As custom-designed icons they are used to enhance the brand identity of companies big and small. Favicon standardization Over time favicons have been standardized in terms of their format, size and location on a website. This standardization has developed from a need for favicons to be implemented consistently across different browsers and devices. This process of standardization began in 2005 when the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) published a recommendation for favicons, which said that the file should be named "favicon.ico" and placed in the root directory of the website. Their recommendation also outlinked size and format requirements for the icon. The W3C then updated their own recommendations again in 2011, when they added additional image formats and sizes for favicons. They also included support guidelines for multiple icons across various devices. Favicon standardization has had several benefits. The primary one being that it means they are displayed properly across a variety of browsers and devices. Before standardization, they may have shown clearly on one browser, but not on another, affecting the user experience. It's also simplified the favicon creation process for web designers and developers, as they no longer have to design or format them specifically for different browsers and devices. One design and format should work. This also improves and standardizes the web experience for all web users. Learn more: What is web design? Favicon on a web browser Favicon on the bookmark bar Favicon on your browser’s history Favicon in search results Why favicons are important Despite their miniscule size, favicons are of great importance to the overall effect of your website's imagery , improving its user experience, branding and professionalism. User experience: Favicons act as memorable visual cues to your website, enhancing user experience. Since they help users easily locate your website’s tab on their browser and across different applications, such as the bookmark bar, a favicon makes it easier for users to revisit your site over and over again. Favicons can also have a positive impact on the user experience when it comes to mobile. Web design on mobile is all about making an impact, and many times, nothing does that more powerfully, or easily, than a great favicon. Branding: For a truly cohesive brand, even the tiniest of details matter. Despite their small size, favicons contribute to the branding and visibility of your website by extending your brand’s language outside of your site and stamping it onto the web browser. Favicons also add to the legitimacy and professionalism of your website, making it look complete. Credibility : While favicons have no impact on how secure your site is, anecdotally, users seem to trust sites with a favicon. That’s because they signal to users that they’re clearly on your site,—regardless of whether they found you through a branded or non-branded search. Return users : Favicons are a powerful brand identifier, making it easy for your site to stand out, either in search result pages or a user's browser history. Because of this, a recognizable favicon helps users return to your site more frequently. Additionally, when users bookmark your site, a favicon will make it easier to find amongst their collection of other saved ones. Favicons and SEO Favicons don’t have a direct impact on a site's SEO. However, since they make it easier for browsers to identify and improve overall user experience—a favicon’s qualities can organically improve how well your site ranks in search results in a few ways: Favicons can help Google and other search engines identify your website. When Google crawls your website, it looks for the favicon file. If it finds it, it uses the favicon to identify your website in its search results. Favicons can help users remember your website. When users see your favicon in their browser tabs, bookmarks or search results, it can help them remember your website. This can lead to more clicks on your website in search results. Favicons can help improve the user experience. A well-designed favicon can make your website look more professional and polished, leading to a better user experience. Favicon challenges While a powerful brand identifier, designing favicons is not without its challenges. We've put together some of the main ones below, - Limited design space: Turning your brand's logo into a favicon friendly size can be a challenge, especially if you expect it to be able to convey the true messaging of your brand. - Security: Favicons can be used in a number of potential cyber security attacks including malicious code injection, malware, spoofing attacks and phishing threats. - Website load time and speed: As with all web images, favicons must be optimized for website performance, or they can negatively impact a site's load speed. - Accessibility: As a small image, favicons can be hard for accessibility purposes. They can be too small to include explanatory text or other cues. - Compatibility issues: Even with the standardization of files and formats for favicons, there can still be issues with how they display across different browsers and devices, which can impact how they are seen on the web. How to create a favicon for your website First and foremost, a favicon should usually be a simplified adaptation of your brand’s logo. Because it’s an extension of your branding efforts, and it should strengthen the brand identity you’ve already built, rather than distract users from it. To do this, you might consider hiring a professional designer . But you can also make one yourself using a design program of your choice, or several online tools. One such recommended tool is the Wix Logo Maker , which allows you to create a professional and personalized favicon to best reflect your style and needs. You could also use the free Wix icons or Vector Art vector illustration tool found in your Editor. We’ll go over some favicon design tips in the section below, but for now here are important guidelines to keep in mind: S izes The optimal size for creating a favicon is 16x16 pixels, which is the size in which they are most commonly displayed. However, they can appear in larger dimensions too (such as 32x32 pixels). If you need help getting the right size for your favicon , try using Wixel's Image Resizer tool. Here are some standard favicon sizes, and guidelines for when you need to use each: 16x16: Browser favicon 32x32: Taskbar shortcut favicon 96x96: Desktop shortcut favicon 180x180: Apple touch favicon Learn more: what is a pixel Subscribe to the Wix blog  for a weekly dose of fresh web design tips and trends. Files The original favicon format was the ICO. Today, the preferred image file type or vector art for a favicon is PNG or JPEG . SVG is an increasingly popular choice, since more and more browsers are starting to support it. Browsers are also able to display favicons created as a GIF, small size makes GIF favicons harder to see. ICO: Developed by Microsoft, this was the original file format for favicons. It is supported by all browsers and can include several sized images within one file. This allows you to size and scale your image, without relying on the browser. In many instances, and where a favicon is saved as an ICO and one other file type, the browser will still choose to display the ICO version. PNG: This is a popular file format for favicons since it’s one website creators are very familiar with. It’s an easy format to create, and generally delivers high quality images and favicons. PNG files also have the added bonus of being lightweight, meaning they load quickly. SVG: These files are known for being lightweight. The biggest benefit of this type of file format for favicons is its ability to deliver high quality images that don’t slow down page speed or site performance. In the past, SVG use for favicons has been limited due to a lack of browser compatibility, but this is changing. Transparency : In case your design has a transparent background, be sure to save your file as a PNG with its transparency setting turned on using a PNG maker . Tips for designing a favicon Designing something so tiny may seem like a walk in the park. However, the fact that website icons are so small means that you have to be extra accurate. Here are a few tips on creating a favicon that best suits your brand and website: Simplicity The small size of favicons requires your design to be precise. Refrain from going into too much detail by avoiding elements like small lines, textures or shading. Instead, aim for a bold, clear and simple icon that’s instantly recognizable. Jewelry designer and Wix user Ilaria Bonard i ’s favicon is a great example of a simple favicon design, made up of three simple dots. We also love the quirky fun of Ducknology’s simple favicon — the duck is adapted from their logo, and represents everything that makes this site and brand so unique. Brand identity A favicon should encapsulate the spirit of your website and brand, retaining the same visual language and color scheme as the rest of your website. For graphic designer Bhroovi’s Wix website, the rainbow colored favicon is a continuation of the same colorful visual language as their website. eBay’s favicon merges the brand’s colors with a little shopping bag icon, perfectly capturing the site’s spirit with an abridged version of their logo design. Little to no text If you want to include text in your favicon, limit yourself to between one and three characters. Initials or abbreviations are often good solutions for shortening texts, like your brand name. The Wix website for the non-profit organization Arte, uses the A initial from their logo as a favicon, with an added neon green background to draw attention. Alternatively, the favicon adorning Brooklyn-based Red Fern ’s Wix website has no text at all. Instead, it only extracts the leaf icon from their logo, to create impact while strengthening their brand. Logo use While some logos can look their best even in favicon size, most are hardly legible when shrunken down. If you want to use your logo as a favicon, you’ll probably need to make a few adjustments. Omitting the tag line, or using only one initial, are some of the ways to make logos work in favicon sizes. Notice how Google’s favicon is slightly different from its logo, while embodying the same design values. The favicon shows only the familiar G initial, while seamlessly incorporating all four of the brand colors into that single letter. A different approach was taken by illustrator and Wix user Charlotte Me i , who uses the initials from her hand-drawn logo as her favicon. Color Keep in mind that your site’s favicon will be displayed on different colored backgrounds, depending on the context and browser used. Therefore, make sure to test your favicon on gray, white and black backgrounds before finalizing the design. How to add a favicon in HTML If you have made your site with a website builder, adding your favicon in HTML is not necessary. This step only applies to sites built by a developer. Below is how your favicon image would need to be inserted into the header of the code in order for it to show on your website. Creating your site with Wix? Next, we’ll show you how to easily customize and add your favicon to a site. How to add a favicon to your Wix site Wix sites automatically include a standard default favicon, but you can customize it by upgrading to a Premium Plan and connecting your site to a domain . You can easily change your favicon on your Wix site: In your site’s dashboard, go to Settings. Click ‘Manage’ next to ‘Favicon’. Click ‘Upload Image’, and select an existing image or click on ‘Upload Media’ to upload an image from your computer. Click ‘Add to Page’. You’ll now see a preview of what your favicon would look like on your browser tab. Click ‘Save’, and ta-da! Your website now has a favicon. It will appear on your website’s tab once you hit publish. Testing your favicon Once you’ve inserted your favicon, it’s a good idea to check how it looks in all the places where it will be displayed. When you do this we recommend switching to incognito mode, to avoid caching issues. Now check for your favicon in all the places a user to your site would view it — the browser, the bookmark tab, the browser history, and if possible, in search results too. Not ranking for any organic keywords yet? If your site is indexed, you should be able to find it in search by searching for your company or brand name. Once you spot your favicon, you know it’s implemented properly. This is also a good time to think about how your favicon looks. Does its final visual design manage to capture the essence of your brand? If so, your favicon is ready to share with the world. If you're looking to learn more about Wix image optimization , check out our guide. Favicon FAQ What is a favicon used for? A favicon, short for "favorite icon," is a small icon that represents a website. It's displayed in the browser tab, bookmark list and address bar when a website is open. Favicons are used to help users identify websites quickly and easily, and they can also help to improve brand recognition. Is a favicon the same as a logo? A favicon is not the same as a logo. A logo is a larger, more detailed icon that represents a brand as a whole. A favicon is a smaller, simpler version of a logo that is specifically designed to be displayed in a browser tab. How do I create a favicon? There are many ways to create a favicon. You can use an online favicon generator or you can create one yourself using an image editing program. O ne such recommended tool is the Wix  Logo Maker , which allows you to create a professional and personalized favicon to best reflect your style and needs.