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Get started by:  Creating an online store →  |  Getting a domain → Do you have a product or idea you’d like to turn into an online business? Today, it’s easier than ever to sell online by launching an eCommerce website . Whether you're a seasoned business owner or a budding entrepreneur, the online world offers unlimited opportunities to sell your products to a diverse and ever-growing customer base.  The key to your success is learning how to sell and market your ideas online. This article is your guide, providing step-by-step instructions to transform your online selling dream into reality. From defining your niche to starting your online store , we've got every angle covered to ensure you're equipped with the knowledge to thrive when it comes to selling online. Ready to start selling? Create an online store  with Wix. How to sell online in ten steps Choose your products Research the market and define your niche Build your online store Identify your target audience Set up shipping Set up how you get paid Use a marketplace Optimize and grow how you sell online Market your products and use social proof Offer good customer service 01. Choose your products Choosing which products to sell online can significantly impact the success of your eCommerce business  venture. It's not just about what you want to sell but what your customers want to buy. Here are some steps to guide you in making the best product choices to sell online: Align with your niche: Your products should naturally fit your niche. This alignment ensures your offerings are relevant and appealing to your target audience. Research market demand:  Research the market demand for potential products. Tools like Google Keyword Planner and SEMrush can help you understand search trends and consumer interest in different products. Forecast profit potential:  Consider the profitability of the products. This includes understanding the cost of goods, shipping expenses, and the potential retail price. Use tools like Ahrefs to analyze the profitability of similar products in your niche. Develop a unique selling proposition (USP) :  What makes your products stand out? Whether you focus on quality, price, uniqueness or customization options, your USP should resonate with your target market and be an important factor in your product selection. Consider dropshipping :  If you're hesitant to invest in inventory, consider starting a dropshipping business . This model allows you to sell products directly from suppliers without stocking them, reducing the initial investment and risk. You'll need to create a dropshipping website  to get started. Get feedback:  Before fully committing, poll friends, family, or potential customers within your target market to gauge their interest in your product or service. Social media and customer reviews can provide insights into what products are popular and what improvements or variations could be made. Monitor the responses to refine your offering. Learn more: What is eCommerce? How to sell on Wix Can I sell products on Wix? 02. Research the market and define your niche One of the first and most crucial steps to online selling is finding your sweet spot in the online marketplace – your niche. A well-defined niche helps you focus your business strategy, cater to a specific audience and stand out in a crowded marketplace. But how do you find a niche to sell online that is not only profitable but also resonates with your interests and expertise? Focus on your passion: Start with what you know and love. Your passion can be a key indicator of your niche. This alignment keeps you motivated and lends authenticity to your brand. Perform market research:  Dive deep into understanding potential customers' needs and pain points. Platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit can be goldmines for this kind of insight. Join groups and follow discussions to learn what your target audience is looking for and the problems they face. Analyze competitors:  Understanding what your competitors are doing right (or wrong) can offer valuable lessons. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to identify market gaps and low-competition areas that align with your interests. (Note: A Google Ads account is required to access the Google Keyword Planner.) Gauge profitability:  The ultimate goal is to make a profit, so it's crucial to assess the financial viability of your niche. Look for keywords with significant search volumes but lower competition, indicating a profitable niche with room for growth. Using tools to help identify your niche to sell online: Several eCommerce tools  can aid your market research by providing valuable insights into market trends, consumer behaviors and competitive landscapes. As a result, you can make better- informed decisions about your niche and target audience.  03. Build your online store There’s a lot to know about how to start a business  online and building your online store is a critical step in your journey toward selling online. The best eCommerce platforms , like Wix, make this process straightforward and accessible, even for those with no technical background.  Here’s how you can build an engaging and functional online store using Wix: Choose a website template : Wix offers a variety of online store templates . Select one that aligns with your brand and niche. These templates are visually appealing and user-friendly. Customize your website design :  Personalize your chosen template to match your brand identity. Wix's drag-and-drop website builder  makes it easy to customize layouts, add images, and change color schemes without coding. Add your products:  Upload high-quality product images, write detailed descriptions, and add prices. Wix allows you to create a detailed product catalog that is informative and easy to navigate. Optimize for SEO:  Use Wix's built-in SEO tools  to optimize your store's visibility in search engines. This includes customizing your page titles, meta descriptions and URLs. Test mobile friendliness:  Ensure that your online store is mobile-friendly. Wix templates look great on desktop and mobile devices, providing a seamless shopping experience for customers. Still, testing your website from multiple devices is always good practice to create a consistent and cohesive user experience. Select a business name : As a general rule of thumb, your business name should be memorable, catchy, and easy to spell. If you’re struggling to develop a name for your store, Wix offers a free store name generator  to spark your creativity.  Install supportive apps: Enhance your store's functionality by adding apps from the Wix App Market . 04. Identify your target audience In order to sell effectively online you'll need to tailor your online store and marketing efforts  to meet your customer’s needs. This requires you to identify and understand your target audience. In turn, you can create more effective marketing strategies, enhance customer engagement and increase the likelihood of successful sales. Here’s how you can pinpoint and connect with your ideal customers to understand how to sell online: Define demographics:  Start by defining the age, gender, location, income level, education level, and occupation of your potential customers. These demographics provide a basic understanding of who your audience is. Create customer profiles:  Delve into the lifestyle, interests, values, attitudes, and opinions of your target audience to create ideal customer profiles. This deeper understanding helps in creating more personalized marketing messages. Identify a need:  Identify your target audience's specific needs, pain points and preferences. What are they looking for in products or services in your niche? How can you solve their problems or improve their lives? 05. Set up shipping Each shipping method has different advantages and caters to different types of products and customer experiences. Choose an appropriate shipping strategy based on your type of business  model, product types, and the type of customer experience you want to create.  Flat rate shipping: A uniform shipping rate regardless of product size, weight or quantity. Ideal for similar-sized products. Free shipping: Encourages purchases by offering no shipping cost, often with conditions like minimum order value. Absorbed by the business or included in product pricing. Fixed-rate shipping: Shipping costs vary based on criteria like weight or product type, offering more cost-reflection accuracy. Real-time carrier rates: Shipping charges are based on live rates from carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS), reflecting actual costs by weight and destination. Local delivery:  A cost-effective option for significant local customer bases, using personal delivery or local couriers. International shipping: Covers global reach with higher rates and considerations for customs and import taxes, requiring clear cost and delivery time communication. Wix allows integration with various shipping providers to automate the eCommerce shipping  process, provide real-time shipping rates, and streamline order fulfillment. See our Guide to Setting Up Shipping, Delivery and Pickup  for detailed setup and configuration instructions. 06. Set up how you get paid Once you have set up your online store, it’s time to set up a reliable, efficient, seamless payment system. Wix Payments offers a streamlined card payment solution  to handle transactions smoothly no matter where your customers are located or what currency they use. For detailed setup instructions, read:   Completing your Wix Payments account setup . Wix Payments allows you to manage all transactions directly through your Wix account and can integrate with various accounting software. It supports several payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards and digital wallets, making it easier for customers to complete purchases.  Your customers' transaction data is protected with Wix's robust security measures , giving you and your customers peace of mind during transactions. Additionally, Wix's built-in fraud protection mechanisms safeguard against unauthorized transactions and reduce the risk of chargebacks. Track and manage all transactions through the dashboard. This centralized system helps you monitor sales, discounts, refunds and payouts seamlessly. 07. Use a marketplace to expand your sales channels Diversify your reach and increase revenue potential by leveraging multiple sales platforms. This allows you to tap into different customer bases and maximize your online presence allowing customers to shop your products and buy from you no matter where they are. Here are some sales channels to consider: Facebook Marketplace: With billions of users, Facebook is a vast marketplace. You can use Facebook Shop to sell directly from your page, join Facebook groups related to your niche, or use Facebook ads to target specific demographics. Learn more about how to sell on Facebook . Etsy: Ideal for handmade, vintage, and unique goods, Etsy offers a niche market with a community of engaged customers. It's particularly beneficial if your products cater to a creative or artisanal audience. Learn more about how to sell on Etsy. Amazon: As one of the largest global marketplaces, Amazon can significantly increase your product’s visibility. Utilizing Amazon's fulfillment services can also streamline your shipping and customer service processes. Learn more about how to sell on Amazon . eBay: Known for both auctions and regular sales, eBay is versatile and attracts a diverse audience. It's particularly effective for rare items, collectibles, or products that benefit from a bidding process. Learn more about how to sell on eBay. TikTok: A rapidly growing platform, TikTok is excellent for creative marketing and reaching a younger audience. Utilize TikTok's unique video format to showcase your products engagingly. Learn more about how to make money on TikTok. Instagram: With its visual focus, Instagram is perfect for showcasing products through high-quality images and stories. Instagram Shopping also allows for direct sales through the app. Learn more about how to sell on Instagram . Pinterest: Ideal for lifestyle, decor, fashion and DIY products, Pinterest helps drive traffic to your website through visually appealing pins linked to your products. YouTube : The second most visited website in the world is a great place to attract potential buyers. Learn more about how to sell on YouTube . 08. Optimize and grow how you sell online Once your online store is up and running, the focus shifts to optimization and growth to expand your online store’s success. Continuous improvement and adaptation is key to meeting the evolving needs of your customers. There are many ways to maintain a competitive edge while keeping your customers engaged and coming back for more.  Monitor performance: Regularly review your store’s performance using Wix analytics tools  or third-party tools like GA4. Track metrics, such as website traffic, conversion rates, bounce rates and customer engagement, to understand your store's strengths and areas for improvement.  Get customer feedback: Actively seek and respond to customer feedback. This not only helps in enhancing your products and services but also builds customer loyalty. Consider implementing features like customer surveys or feedback forms on your website. Monitor market trends: Stay abreast of the latest market trends and consumer behaviors. Adapting to these trends can help you remain relevant and appealing to your target audience. Search engine optimization (SEO): Optimize your website for search engines to improve visibility organically. Include relevant keywords, create quality content and ensure your site is mobile-friendly and fast-loading. Expand product lines: Consider expanding your product lines or offering complementary products. This can attract new customers and provide more options for existing customers, increasing sales and customer retention. Refine your strategy:  Regularly review and adjust your marketing strategy based on performance data and customer feedback. Experiment with different marketing tactics and channels to find what works best for your audience. Use automation:  Implement automation tools to streamline operations like inventory management, order processing and customer service. Efficient operations can reduce costs and improve customer experiences. For example, you can grow your online store with Wix AI Site Chat , which delivers real-time support that keeps customers engaged and ready to buy. Easy to set up and always on, it smooths the path to checkout so your store keeps moving, even when you’re off the clock. You can also check out the Wix AI Site Chat overview  for a deeper look at how it works. Explore new markets:  Consider expanding into new markets or demographics as your business grows. Research and test these markets before fully committing to ensure they align with your business strategy. 09. Market your products and use social proof Once you’ve built your online store, added products, and configured shipping and payment options, it’s time to start driving traffic to in order to be able to sell online profitably.  A multi-channel marketing approach is an essential step in attracting and engaging customers online. In fact, a well-crafted marketing strategy can significantly enhance your online store’s visibility and sales. Let’s take a look at some of the top ways to sell online and extend your customer reach: Social media marketing: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are potent tools for reaching and engaging with your audience. Share compelling content, interact with your followers and use targeted ads to reach potential customers. Partnerships and collaborations:  Collaborate with influencers, bloggers or other businesses to reach a wider audience. This can include sponsored content, affiliate marketing or co-branded products. Paid advertising:  Invest in paid ads on platforms like Google AdWords, Facebook and Instagram. Target ads to specific demographics, interests and behaviors, ensuring potential customers see your products. Email marketing:  Build an email list and engage subscribers with regular updates, exclusive offers and personalized content. Email marketing is a great way to nurture leads and encourage repeat business. Content marketing: Create valuable content related to your products, such as blogs, videos or infographics. This helps in SEO and establishes your brand as an authority in your niche. You can also leverage social proof to build trust and credibility with potential customers. Social proof can take many forms, such as customer reviews, testimonials, influencer endorsements or case studies, and it serves as validation that others have had positive experiences with your product or service. By showcasing positive feedback and experiences, you reassure potential buyers about the quality and reliability of your offerings. Including elements of social proof on your product pages, social media platforms or marketing campaigns can significantly influence purchasing decisions, helping to boost conversion rates and foster customer loyalty. If you’re a solo entrepreneur, you may need to start with one or two of these strategies and add more as you go. Choose the strategies that are feasible for you to maintain consistently and are most likely to reach your target audience as you start selling online. 10. Offer good customer service Providing exceptional customer service is important in successful online selling. In today's competitive marketplace, buyers have plenty of options, and the service they receive can significantly influence their purchase decision and overall customer experience. To offer outstanding customer service, make sure you respond promptly to inquiries, address concerns and resolve issues efficiently. Implementing a user-friendly FAQ section on your website can help address common questions quickly. You can also consider providing various channels for support, such as live chat, email and social media, to make it easy for customers to reach you. Offering personalized service, such as follow-ups and thank-you messages, can foster a positive relationship too. How to find products to sell online : spot hidden frustrations, explore untapped niches, and turn overlooked problems into products people actually want. Which products are most profitable to sell online? Choosing what to sell online can significantly impact your store's profitability. Some product categories consistently perform well due to high demand, good profit margins, or growing market trends. Here are some of the most profitable product categories to sell online: Beauty and personal care products: The U.S. is the revenue leader in this category, with an average profit margin of  40% . The market is projected to reach $104.74 billion by 2025 and grow at an annual rate of 2.90% (CAGR 2025-2030), showing significant potential for new businesses. Learn more about how to start a beauty business . Apparel: With an average net profit margin of 7.06% and a global industry revenue projection exceeding $1.94 trillion  by 2027, your online clothing business could present substantial returns and growth opportunities. Home decor:  Thanks to an evolving consumer focus on eco-friendly products and smart home innovations, the global home decor market is poised to reach $1.1 billion  by 2032. With an average profit margin of 20%, this sector could result in a potentially lucrative business opportunity​. Candles:   The candle industry is expected to grow to $20.10 billion by 2030, with a 6.4% annual growth. High demand among female millennials for stylish home decor offers an average profit margin of 50%. Children’s toys:  Reaching $108.29  billion in 2023, the global toy market is projected to grow to $156.96 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 4.1%. This could be a viable business opportunity with a 30% average profit margin​. Sunglasses:  With an average profit margin of 50%, the global sunglasses market is poised to reach $25.83 billion  in 2024, with a projected CAGR of 4.38% from 2023 to 2027. You could tap into this growth, fueled by increasing worldwide demand for functional and fashionable sunglasses, with significant revenue and profitability potential. Collectibles and vintage items: The collectibles market, valued at $458.2 billion  in 2022 and expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2033, offers an average profit margin of 30%, with the rarity of items significantly impacting your potential profits. Baby products:  Valued at $320.65 billion  in 2023 and an average profit margin of 40%, you can capitalize on the baby products sector’s growth at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is largely driven by a demand for high-quality, chemical-free products focused on baby health and hygiene​. Online courses:   If you like to develop courses, you could build a successful business within the online education sector. The market is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 8.20%, resulting in a projected market volume of $279.30 billion by 2029. The Wix eCommerce platform includes tools to help you create and sell your programs and courses online. Meal planning: With an average profit margin of  9.28% , your meal planning and food prep business can address various dietary needs and preferences, gaining popularity due to busy lifestyles and focusing on health and wellness​. Small electronics and accessories:  Tap into the growing market for small electronics like earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, watch and laptop accessories with profit margins ranging from 25% to 80% for sellers. Learn more: How to sell party supplies online Online products to sell: explore different types of products, from practical solutions to trending items, that people are eager to buy. What are the easiest products to sell online? Selling online starts with choosing the right things to sell, whether it's your own creations or items from suppliers. Making your own products gives you control over design, branding and marketing, offering something unique like handmade candles, custom mugs, t-shirts or digital downloads. Sourcing from suppliers is quicker and easier to start. Focus on products that are simple to ship and market for online success. Easy to market : Choose products that come with ready-to-use marketing tools. For example, a supplier might offer visuals for personalized jewelry or a demo video for a wireless electric cleaning brush, helping customers quickly connect with the product. Easy to ship : Focus on small, lightweight, durable products to keep shipping costs low and avoid damage. Items like phone cases or tote bags are ideal because they’re cost-effective and hassle-free to deliver. Widely available : Avoid stock issues by choosing products from multiple suppliers. Relying on one supplier can lead to delays or shortages. Items like custom T-shirts or coffee mugs are easy to source from different manufacturers, keeping your inventory reliable. Easy to communicate and understand : Products with a clear purpose are easier to sell. Picture fridge organizers—they instantly show their value, like creating a tidier kitchen, without the need for a lengthy explanation. Evergreen products : These sell year-round, no matter the season. Think reusable water bottles, scarves, home decor or yoga mats. Evergreen items provide steady sales and save you from constantly adjusting your marketing strategy and online store content. Where can you sell online? Choosing the right platform to sell online is key to connecting with your target audience and achieving your business goals, whether you’re building your brand or expanding your reach: Your own online store:  Create a fully branded, customized shopping experience by building your own online store. Wix makes setup simple, giving you complete control over how you present your products. This helps you establish a unique brand identity, build trust and maintain ownership of your data. Tailor your marketing strategies and deliver a seamless shopping experience that’s all yours. Marketplaces:  Reach millions of potential customers quickly with marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Etsy or Facebook Marketplace. These platforms are great for accessing a built-in audience without needing to drive traffic yourself. Each marketplace has its strengths—Etsy is perfect for handmade or vintage items, while Amazon works for almost any product. Keep in mind that fees and limited branding control can be part of the trade-off. Social media platforms:  Sell directly to your followers with tools like Instagram Shopping, Facebook Marketplace or Pinterest. Social media is ideal for visually-focused brands and connecting with customers in a more interactive way. Consistent posts and engaging content can turn your profiles into powerful sales channels, all while keeping your audience close. How to sell online with Wix Wix makes it easy for new and growing businesses to sell online. Its AI website builder  help you create an instant online store and you can start with a free plan to test your ideas. When you're ready, upgrade to a paid plan to connect a custom domain name  and access advanced eCommerce features. Wix lets you build an eCommerce website  in minutes without needing extra platforms or plugins. It even supports dropshipping and automated dropshipping options , so you can sell products without managing any inventory. Create your eCommerce site Set up your store   With Wix’s AI-powered website builder  and pre-designed website templates, you can create professional store pages in minutes. Add high-quality images, clear pricing and detailed product descriptions. Organize items into categories to make browsing easy for customers. Manage inventory , shipping, and dropshipping Track stock, set low-inventory alerts and manage product variations. Wix integrates with dropshipping apps to automatically fulfill orders from suppliers. You can also set shipping rules based on location, weight or price to simplify logistics. Accept payments securely Wix payment processing  accepts all major credit cards, PayPal and digital wallets. You can even set up recurring payments for subscriptions. All your transactions are encrypted so they're super safe. Promote and optimize   Use Wix’s marketing tools to run email campaigns, create pop-ups, offer discounts and improve SEO. Analytics show which products perform best, helping you make smarter decisions to grow revenue. Expand your reach Link your Wix store to marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy. Easily connect with social platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Manage all sales from one simple dashboard. This saves time and cuts down on complexity. Pros and cons of selling online While selling online offers numerous opportunities, it's essential to consider the advantages and challenges involved. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions and strategize effectively for your online business. Pros of selling online Global reach:  Online selling breaks geographical barriers, allowing you to reach customers worldwide. Scalability:  Ecommerce platforms allow you to scale and grow your business to handle increased demand without significantly increasing overhead costs. Lower operating costs:  Compared to physical stores, online selling typically involves lower startup and operational costs. Convenience : Ecmmerce allows for 24/7 operations, offering convenience to you and your customers. You can be always selling. Personalization and targeting:  Online platforms provide data that can be used for personalized marketing and precise targeting of your audience. Cons of selling online Intense competition:  The online marketplace is crowded, making it challenging to stand out and attract customers. Logistical challenges:  Managing shipping, handling returns and ensuring timely delivery can be complex. Customer service demands:  Providing effective online customer service requires prompt responses and can be resource-intensive. Pro tip: Help shoppers find answers by making your return policy easy to find on your website and creating a FAQ to answer commonly asked questions. Technical issues:  Running an online store requires dealing with website maintenance, cybersecurity and potential technical glitches. However, with Wix, the security and technical details are managed for you so you can focus on running your business. Dependence on digital marketing:  Ecommerce success relies heavily on digital marketing, which can be a steep learning curve for some. Tips for selling online successfully To thrive as an online seller, adopting eCommerce strategies that set your business apart and drive business growth is essential. Here are some key tips to help you succeed when it comes to selling online: Careful product selection:  Choose products that are in demand and have a good profit margin. Use market trends and customer preferences to guide your selection. Effective marketing: Utilize multiple marketing channels to reach your audiences, such as social media, SEO, influencers, email marketing and paid advertising. Tailor your marketing strategies to align with your target audience's interests and behaviors. Engaging social media presence:  Beyond using social media to market your products or services, utilize social media platforms to connect with your audience. Share engaging content regularly, interact with your followers and build long-term relationships. Excellent customer service:  To build trust and encourage repeat business, provide outstanding customer service. Respond promptly to customer queries, handle issues efficiently and actively seek feedback to improve your services. Use of analytics:  Leverage analytics tools to gain insights into your customer behavior, website performance and the effectiveness of your marketing strategies. Use this data to make informed decisions and adapt your online selling strategy for better results. Optimal website performance :  Regularly update and optimize your website for speed, ease-of-use and mobile responsiveness.  A well-optimized website attracts more visitors and improves user experience, leading to increased sales and customer loyalty.  High-quality product images:  Use clear, high-resolution images to showcase your products. Quality visuals can significantly impact customer perception and decision-making when it comes to buying online. How to sell online FAQ What's the best platform to sell online? The best platform for selling online depends on the specific market and products you choose to sell. When choosing a platform, it's important to look for one that offers a full suite of eCommerce solutions, like Wix, such as automation, newsletter, marketing, integration and security. These features can help you maximize your sales online. How can I legally sell products online? There are a few things you need to do to legally sell products online : Register your business :  If you are selling products online, you will need to register your business with the state in which you reside. This will give you the legal right to sell products and collect sales tax. Obtain a seller's permit:  A seller's permit is a license that allows you to collect sales tax from your customers. You can obtain a seller's permit from your state's Department of Revenue. Comply with all applicable laws and regulations:  There are a number of laws and regulations that govern the sale of products online. These laws vary from state to state, so it is important to research the laws in your state. Do I have to pay taxes on items I sell online? Yes, you may have to pay taxes on items you sell online. The amount of tax you owe will depend on your location and the type of products you sell. You may also need to pay income tax on the profits you make from selling products online. How to sell online from home? To sell online from home, start by choosing a platform that aligns with your products, such as eBay, Etsy or Wix. Create detailed product listings with clear descriptions and high-quality photos. Set competitive prices and consider offering discounts or promotions to attract buyers. Use social media and online communities to market your products. Implement seamless payment processing and shipping logistics. Provide excellent customer service to build trust and encourage repeat business. Continuously monitor sales and adjust strategies accordingly to optimize your online selling experience. Where can I buy products to sell online? You can source products to sell online from various places, including wholesale suppliers, manufacturers, dropshipping companies, liquidation sales and online marketplaces like Alibaba, AliExpress, DHgate and Amazon. Additionally, consider attending trade shows, networking with local businesses, or using platforms like SaleHoo or Worldwide Brands to find reliable suppliers. Conduct thorough research to ensure quality, pricing and shipping options align with your business goals. Moreover, explore niche-specific forums or social media groups to discover unique products or connect with small-scale producers. Ultimately, diversifying your sourcing channels can help maintain a competitive edge in the online marketplace. How can online sellers tap into the growing market for subscription-based products and services? The best way is by developing their own subscription business model, based on whatever product they plan to sell online. Consider the following: Creating curated monthly product boxes Offering tiered membership plans with exclusive benefits Providing automatic replenishment services for consumables Developing digital content subscriptions related to your products Implementing a "Subscribe & Save" option for repeat purchases What innovative strategies can online sellers use to recreate the tactile experience of in-store shopping? Offering augmented reality (AR) try-on features Providing detailed 360-degree product views Creating interactive product demonstrations or unboxing videos Offering virtual personal shopping appointments

Get started by:  Creating an online store →   The next best-selling product probably won’t come from a flash of genius—it’ll come from something that quietly annoys people every day. The drawer that never closes smoothly. The desk that’s always a little too cluttered. The water bottle that leaks just enough to ruin a bag. Most people shrug and move on. Entrepreneurs pay attention. Finding products that sell is about noticing what people have learned to tolerate—and turning those moments into business ideas that solve real problems. Once you’ve found a product worth pursuing, the next step is learning how to start a business and how to create a website to bring it to market. This guide walks you through how to spot hidden opportunities, validate ideas and design products that feel like they should have existed all along. Ready to start selling? Create an online store  with Wix. What makes a good product to sell online? A good product to sell online quietly makes life easier or solves a problem people didn’t even realize they had. It’s practical intuitive and instantly makes sense to the person using it, so they feel it was made just for them. The most profitable products are simple to handle ship and store. They often offer ways for people to come back for more—like add-ons, upgrades or refillable parts—so the business grows naturally. When a product genuinely improves daily life, demand sticks and you don’t have to rely on trends to keep it selling. How to find products to sell online Solve a problem or fulfill a need Focus on product niches you understand Check demand and competition Explore trending products Validate your product idea Consider storage and shipping Choose products that maximize value and revenue 01. Solve a problem or fulfill a need The best products fix problems people barely tolerate but silently face every day. Look past the obvious annoyances and spot those little frustrations that create constant, low-key stress. Catching these small issues is a big step in figuring out how to sell online . See where frustration hides Watch daily routines and break them into steps. Look for moments where users slow down, struggle or feel small but repeated irritation. Ask yourself: what tasks do people tolerate even though they are inefficient, uncomfortable or stressful? These subtle problems often reveal opportunities for products that save time, reduce stress or simplify life. Office workers deal with neck strain from laptop screens, wrist fatigue from keyboards and eye strain from poor lighting. A standard ergonomic chair improves posture but a chair with adjustable arm angles, built-in lumbar support and breathable fabric tackles multiple issues at once. Home cooks don’t hate their kitchen tools—they hate inefficiency, clutter and extra cleanup. A cutting board that doubles as a prep tray or storage container reduces steps and mental load. Scour Reddit, Quora and niche forums for repeated complaints or “I wish someone made…” statements to find unserved needs. Turn complaints into opportunities Small irritations often reveal bigger opportunities. Items that prevent recurring frustration or save time are easier to sell. For example, a cable organizer that labels cords tackles both visual clutter and confusion, a problem most generic organizers ignore. Targeting subtle pains like these sets your product apart from the competition. Physical products, digital products, subscriptions, services, dropshipping and print-on-demand products  you can sell online, with key benefits and how they work at a glance. 02. Focus on product niches you understand Really knowing a niche well helps you spot problems others might totally miss. Sure, passion is great, but truly understanding how people use things and what they really need helps you see issues coming and build solutions that actually make sense. Dig deeper into customer needs Start by observing how people interact with products and identify where current solutions fall short. Look for weaknesses in usability durability or convenience that often go unnoticed. For example fitness beginners often find that resistance bands snap or lose elasticity unevenly. Creating reinforced bands addresses these issues directly boosting user confidence and safety. Similarly pet owners often worry about their pets' anxiety boredom and safety. A slow-dispensing treat toy or an interactive puzzle can solve several of these problems at once making it more valuable and engaging for both the pet and the owner. Find small but valuable markets Look for subcategories within a niche where small, unmet needs gather. Mass-market products often miss these, but solving them creates huge value. Take home office setups, for example. They involve more than just desks and chairs—think lighting, temperature control, cable management and workflow organization. A desk organizer that doubles as a charging station or storage solution tackles multiple overlooked needs at once. Learn more: Can I sell products with Wix? 03. Check demand and competition Looking at sales rank or review count isn’t enough. To find profitable products, you need a clear method to spot gaps in the market and measure real demand. Analyze reviews and customer feedback Start by reading reviews—both good and bad—across marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy and eBay. Look for repeated complaints or workarounds customers use because products don't fully meet their needs. Pay attention to phrases like “I wish it had…” or “Why doesn’t anyone make…?” These reveal pain points competitors ignore. For example, a posture corrector may slip or pinch during use, frustrating buyers who tolerate discomfort because alternatives are limited. A kitchen gadget might be hard to clean or store, causing users to abandon it after a few uses. By addressing these issues like adding adjustable straps or modular components you create a product that feels superior and solves real problems. Look at related markets Once you've analyzed your niche, look for related audiences facing similar challenges. You can often adapt niche products for these adjacent markets, which helps reduce competition and boost potential demand. Take a yoga mat, for example. One designed for studio use could be tweaked for home users by adding space-saving features, multi-use surfaces or portability enhancements. Or think about desk organizers. While popular with office workers, they could easily be tailored for students or freelancers, solving the exact same workflow issues in a fresh new context. Check online demand for products See what people are typing into search engines and which products they can easily find. Use tools like Google Trends, Ubersuggest or Ahrefs to check how many people are looking for certain items and where there aren’t enough good options. This helps you spot where people are interested but have few choices so you can create a product they actually want. Learn more about dropshipping: What is dropshipping Dropshipping business ideas Dropshipping niches Private label dropshipping Best dropshipping website builders 04. Explore trending products Trending products often gain sudden online attention because they simplify life, offer a unique aesthetic or spark curiosity. These trends can originate in niche communities, forums or small social groups before hitting mainstream platforms like TikTok, Instagram or YouTube. By understanding the core drivers behind a trend—convenience, style or novelty—you can better distinguish products with lasting potential from those with only fleeting hype. Where to find emerging trends Monitor niche forums, Reddit threads and small Instagram communities. Enthusiasts often spot new products before the general public, giving you a head start. Use Google Trends, keyword tools and social listening to see which products people are searching for, discussing or modifying with workarounds. This shows real interest and unmet needs rather than just popularity metrics. Spot gaps in trending products Look at trending products and identify what’s missing. For example, foldable water bottles went viral for portability, leak prevention and easy cleaning. A posture corrector might trend, but adding discreet straps, breathable material or an adjustable fit solves complaints users tolerate. Track micro-trends early Small, engaged communities often spot products before they hit the mainstream. Paying attention to their discussions can highlight items that enthusiasts love but aren't widely available yet. Adopting these trends early lets you offer exclusive products, boosting interest and sales before competitors catch on. Check if a trend will last Use observations and data together to make sure you act on trends with long-term potential, not just short-lived virality. Track search volume over time, social engagement consistency and recurring questions in forums. Products that solve repeated needs, improve routines or add convenience—like compact kitchen tools or ergonomic desk accessories—keep demand beyond the first spike. Learn more about print on demand: Print on demand products How to make money with print on demand How to start a print on demand store 05. Validate your product idea Validation isn't just about getting likes or running surveys. It's about seeing how people actually use your product and spotting the disconnects between what they expect and what they get. Real-world observation reveals subtle issues that surveys or polls often miss. Watch how people use your product Watch how users interact with your prototypes or early versions. A portable desk organizer might look amazing online, but users could ignore compartments struggle to fit it on small desks or find certain features confusing. Recording these interactions or gathering structured feedback helps pinpoint usability issues and areas for improvement. When you iterate based on real behavior, you ensure the product meets actual needs, not just assumed ones. Try different product versions Try offering multiple versions with slight differences in design materials or functionality to see what resonates. For instance, different sizes colors or modular components can reveal what users truly value. Dig through user comments on forums reviews and social media for clues like “I wish it had…” or “Why isn’t there a version that…?” These insights uncover hidden desires and lower the risk of launching a product that misses the mark. Learning how to make money online ? Explore the best print on demand products  to build a store that scales effortlessly 06. Consider storage and shipping To make storage and shipping manageable, choose products that are compact, lightweight and durable. But it's not just about size—you also need to think about shape, fragility and how items fit together. Products that fold, nest or compress can save warehouse space and cut shipping costs. Small design tweaks like detachable parts or collapsible features can make packing easier and reduce damage in transit. Packaging is also crucial. Use protective materials that don’t add bulk or weight. For instance, a set of silicone baking mats can roll up tightly with minimal packaging, cutting shipping costs and storage space compared with rigid trays. Think about the unboxing experience too. Items that are simple to unpack, assemble or start using reduce frustration and returns. A compact toolset with labeled compartments that snaps together for storage saves space, ships efficiently and makes setup straightforward. Planning for storage and shipping during the design stage helps you cut costs, streamline operations and scale your online business more effectively. 07. Choose products that maximize value and revenue Profitability means picking items that keep costs low, minimize complications and let you earn more per sale. The right product choice upfront can mean the difference between thin profits and a sustainable business. Low-maintenance and durable:  Items that don't break easily or require frequent replacements cut support costs and returns. High perceived value:  Products that solve multiple problems or combine features let you charge more without adding production complexity. Opportunities for repeat revenue:  Items with consumables add-ons or modular upgrades create ongoing sales without new customer acquisition. Simple storage and handling:  Products that fit easily on shelves or in boxes cut down on warehouse and handling costs. Optimize long-term demand:  Don't chase short-lived trends. Products that stay useful over time—like versatile kitchen tools or ergonomic office accessories—hold their margins because they sell steadily without constant redesign or marketing pushes. Scalable production:  Pick products that are easy to produce in larger quantities without a huge cost increase. Standardized materials minimal assembly steps or modular designs help you scale sales while keeping unit costs low. How to sell products online with Wix Selling products online with Wix is straightforward and flexible, making it ideal for new and expanding businesses. You can start with a free plan to validate your ideas then upgrade to a paid plan to connect a custom domain name and unlock advanced eCommerce features. Wix is a strong choice because it merges an easy drag-and-drop website builder with integrated tools for payments shipping marketing and SEO, eliminating the need for multiple platforms or plugins. It also supports dropshipping so you can sell products without managing inventory yourself. Set up your store : Wix's intuitive editor and pre-designed website templates help you design professional-looking store pages fast. Add high quality images, clear pricing and detailed descriptions for each product. Organize items into categories to make browsing simple for customers. Manage inventory shipping and dropshipping : Track stock, set alerts for low inventory, and manage multiple product variations. Wix integrates with dropshipping apps, letting you automatically fulfill orders from suppliers without storing products yourself. You can also set eCommerce shipping rules based on location, weight or price, keeping logistics simple. Accept payments securely : Wix supports multiple payment options including credit cards, PayPal and other digital wallets. You can even set up recurring payments for subscription products. All transactions are encrypted to keep you and your customers safe. Learn more: What is Wix payments , eCommerce website security Promote and optimize : Wix comes with built-in marketing tools to run email campaigns, offer discounts, create pop-ups and boost your SEO. Analytics show which products perform best and help guide your strategy to grow revenue faster. Expand your reach : Connect your Wix store to marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy and social platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Sell across multiple channels while managing everything from one dashboard saving time and reducing complexity.

From start to finish, the website development process includes everything involved in how to make a website —from planning the basic website structure to developing content and customizing it for a unique look. In this guide, we'll dive into how to make a website using web development, breaking down the process into the different types and stages. We'll also offer some well-known web development tools to help you start. You can make a website with Wix without being a full-stack engineer. Code masters can create enterprise-level sites and APIs with Velo by Wix or explore the difference between Wix vs. Wix Studio . What is website development? Website development is simply the creation, build and maintenance of a website. This includes markup (the language developers use to create websites, such as HTML), coding (the programming language), network configuration and CMS (content management system). Many use "web development" to describe the actual construction of websites. It includes what you find "under the hood," or on the back end of a website, as well as any coding needed for the visible part of your website, or the "front end." 5 website development tips you should know Focus on your site's user experience : Make it easy for visitors to navigate and find what they need. This also includes developing a mobile friendly site and making sure your site loads fast. When you make a website with Wix, your images are automatically compressed to the web-friendly webp standard, SSR (server side rendering) caching is also deployed to improve your site's speed and performance. Use customizable website templates : These make it easier to build and develop a professional website fast and without any added cost or coding knowledge. Include high quality content: This can include all types of media from text, to images and video. Content should be informative, engaging and related to your site visitors. Optimize for SEO: this includes your site structure, hierarchy and navigation but also your pages and content. The Wix SEO Assistant can help with that. Choose a free website builder with reliable site infrastructure built-in : When you develop a site with Wix, for example, reliable cloud hosting is included for free, you can choose and register a domain name as part of a paid plan (and search for its availability). Wix site's also include enterprise level security, including 24/7 monitoring, SSL certificates and TLS. Web development vs. web design Web development and web design are two distinct but interconnected disciplines in the process of creating websites. Web development involves the technical implementation and functionality of a website. It encompasses the coding and programming required to bring the design to life. Web developers use technologies like HTML, CSS and JavaScript to build the user interface, while implementing back-end logic with programming languages like PHP, Python or Ruby. They may additionally tap into their familiarity with formats like XML files and JSON , which is often used for data interchange, to integrate data into the website. Web design, on the other hand, focuses on the visual aesthetics and user experience of a website. It involves crafting the layout, typography, color schemes, and overall visual appeal to create an engaging and intuitive user interface. Web designers may use tools like Photoshop, Illustrator and Figma to create mockups and find ways to improve the usability, accessibility and branding of a site. Across both fields, there are several types of AI that are changing up the game and that modern-day professionals will want to be aware of. Why is website development important? Website development is important because it allows businesses and individuals to create a presence on the internet. A website is a great way to showcase your products or services, connect with potential customers and build your brand. Here are some of the benefits of website development. Increased visibility A website makes your business or personal brand visible to potential customers all over the world. People can easily find your website by searching for keywords related to your business or interests on Google or other search engines. Credibility A well-designed website gives your business or personal brand a professional and credible image. This is important for building trust with potential customers. 24/7 availability Your website is always available, even when your business is closed. This means that potential customers can learn more about your business and make purchases at any time. Lead generation Your website can be used to generate leads by collecting contact information from visitors. This information can then be used to follow up with potential customers and promote your products or services. Sales You can sell your products or services directly through your website. This can be a great way to increase sales and reach a wider audience. The anatomy of a website for website development When learning how to develop a website, you must answer: What exactly is a website? A website is the collection of web pages which a creator writes using HTML or code (or creates using a DIY low-code, no-code platform like Wix). These web pages are stored, or hosted, on a computer server constantly connected to the internet. In order to be a fully functioning website, it must have the following: Web hosting : The locations where the website files are physically stored. Address: Just like a house or business needs an address to be found, so do websites. A website address is called the URL (Uniform Resource Locators). In order for a website to be accessed it needs a URL name. A website also has a domain name , such as wix.com. The domain name is the overall name of the website, while the URL will take you to any specific page within that website. Homepage : This is the first page welcoming people to the website. Upon landing on a homepage , people get an immediate sense of what the website is about. It also acts as a gateway to the rest of the web pages throughout the site. Design: The overall look and feel of the website through graphics, images, colors, typography, navigation, flow and experience Content: What each page in the website consists of, including text, images and videos. Navigation: The structure and order of a website. Keeping the navigation simple and straightforward helps users find information easily and quickly HTTP: HyperText Transfer Protocol is the process of translating the request to find a website online from the computer to the server. When a query or request is typed into a search engine, the HTTP is what allows the computer and server to speak the same language. Coding: In its simplest form, coding is the process of writing code in programming languages. For computers to communicate with each other, they need a shared language. Coding consists of vocabulary and grammatical rules just like any other human language—except that it's meant to be read by computers, not humans. What does a website developer do? A website developer is responsible for building and maintaining websites and web applications . They'll mainly handle things like: Coding and programming: Web developers will write the code and create the technical structure of websites, using programming languages (like HTML, CSS and Javascript) to build an interactive front end, and server-side languages (like PHP, Python or Ruby) to handle data processing and other tasks on the back end. Testing and debugging: Web developers conduct testing to ensure that the website functions correctly across different browsers, devices and screen sizes. They optimize performance and improve the user experience—using manual testing, automated testing and debugging techniques to identify and resolve issues. Collaboration : Web developers often work as part of a team, collaborating with designers, project managers and other developers to translate wireframes into code, built out functionality and more. They may communicate with clients or stakeholders, too, to understand project requirements and deliver custom projects, which can involve their public-facing sites or private environments like an organization's intranet . Site maintenance and updates : Websites require regular updates, security patches and maintenance. Web developers are responsible for monitoring the website's performance, ensuring its security and making necessary updates over time. They may also handle tasks like website backups, server maintenance and content management system (CMS) updates. Staying up-to-date : Web development is a rapidly evolving field, with new technology like AI , disrupting the industry. Web developers must keep up with these trends, best practices and other related fields—such as SEO (e.g., how to implement robots.txt files , manage web indexing or optimize content for search engine bots )—to continue delivering high-quality websites. 10 types of web development There are multiple specialties within the world of web development. Here are 10 popular types to bear in mind: Front-end development Back-end development Full-stack development Website development Desktop development Mobile development Game development Embedded development Security development Ecommerce development 01. Front-end development Front-end developers focus on what you see on a website, typically called the client-side or user-side. They are responsible for how a website looks. This includes taking into account the visual and design elements, as well as user needs and behaviors. While it might sound like this would fall under the category of web design, there is a distinction: Front-end developers are the link between web design and technology. They are responsible for translating the design and visual ideas into code. This is why many times front-end developers are heavily involved in the user experience aspect of a website build. 02. Back-end development Just as the front-end developer works on what you can see, back-end developers work on what you don’t see. These are the behind-the-scenes workers creating the systems and structures that aren’t visible to the end user but allow the application to work properly. Back-end developers are well-versed in programming languages like Python, Ruby and SQL. They work primarily with servers, operating systems, APIs and databases, as well as manage the code for security, content and site architecture. They ensure the functionality, responsiveness and speed of a website. 03. Full-stack development A full-stack developer understands both the front-end and back-end technologies of a website build. They are multi-dimensional in their expertise, bringing together all the components needed for a website build, from inception to completion. They are experts at HTML, CSS and JavaScript and are adept at navigating their way around the back-end technologies and databases. These multi-talented programmers work with graphic designers and other members of the website development team to brainstorm ideas that turn into prototypes. These prototypes ultimately result in creating the functionality and databases for the end product—a fully functioning, responsive website for the client-facing end user. 04. Website development Just as the name implies, website developers concentrate on creating websites, either from scratch via code or with a no code website builder . Typically, a website developer doesn’t create mobile applications, video games or software—but rather, focuses entirely on creating a website. A website developer can be a front-end, back-end or full stack developer. However, their main mission is building and creating websites. 05. Desktop development Whenever you download an app to your computer or mobile device, you’re downloading the software application a desktop developer created. In its simplest form, desktop development is the creation of software applications for use on computers. Desktop developers specialize in building these types of applications. And, depending on whether or not the app is for a local computer or for the web, their skillset may overlap with that of a web developer. 06. Mobile development Mobile development involves the process and procedures of creating and writing software specifically for mobile devices, such as smartphones and other hand-held devices. Because these applications operate differently than website development, a different skillset and understanding is required for this type of development. Oftentimes, mobile apps are written to take advantage of a mobile device’s unique features. 07. Game development Game developers transform game ideas into playable reality for console games (PlayStation, Xbox), PC games and mobile games. They specialize in writing code for visual elements, programming features and testing iterations until a game is ready to go to market. Game developers can cover the gamut from designing an initial concept of a game to translating visual ideas into code to collaborating with designers, producers, artists and quality control analysts. 08. Embedded development With technology ever advancing, manufacturers now include software in our everyday lives. From computer screens in refrigerators to robots that sweep the floor, embedded development is a fast-growing sector of technology. As usage of interconnected devices continues to grow, embedded developers are becoming increasingly in demand. 09. Security development Security developers work to establish the methods and procedures to keep a website from being hacked. They work as “ethical hackers” exposing any vulnerabilities or gaps in the security of an application or website. And if they do find an area of weakness, they create and develop systems to fix the issue or eradicate it altogether. 10. Ecommerce development Ecommerce development entails the creation of both the front-end and back-end of an online store. It includes creating the product pages, shopping cart, order forms, support pages and a payment gateway so people can purchase online. When building an eCommerce site, a smooth user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) is crucial for ensuring that consumers can find what they’re looking for quickly. To that end, developing an online store includes creating the right filters, search capabilities and user flow—in addition to ensuring tight security, mobile optimization, SEO and a smooth checkout experience. 4 stages of the website development process Across almost every type of web development, there are four key stages of the website development process that you'll need to understand. 01. Planning Performing research and putting a strategy together will get you on the right path to not just designing a website, but designing a website that is built to attract, engage, and convert. Start this planning process by asking the following questions: What is the goal and purpose of your website? Who is your target audience and what do you want them to do when they visit your website? What type of website will you create? (e.g. eCommerce, information, membership) What content will you included? What is the scope of your project? (e.g. pages, functionality, apps) What is your menu navigation going to look like? What’s your budget for the project? Answering these questions at the beginning of the project sets you on the right trajectory for accomplishing your overall website goals. It also helps save time in the long run helping avoid potential obstacles later on in the project. 02. Drafting Once you've planned your goals and strategy, you can create the website's overall look and flow. The drafting stage includes two steps: creating a wireframe then a site map. Create a wireframe : Once you have your goals and strategy planned, now you can begin to create the overall look and flow of the website. Creating a wireframe is akin to a builder’s blueprint. It’s simply an outline presenting the vision for what the final product could look like. It’s a rough presentation of how the content and features would be interrelated based on the scope and definition of the project. You can use a whiteboard or wireframe building tools such as Figma, Invisions, Slickplan or Mindnode. Create a sitemap : A sitemap is simply a listing of the pages featured on your website. It’s a visual diagram representing where these pages will go and clearly communicates to everyone on the team what the flow of the website will look like. To create a sitemap, you'll want to ask yourself: What individual pages do you need? What content will you feature on those pages? How can you organize these pages into categories? What is the page hierarchy? And, how will you link the pages together? Learn more: What is a hyperlink 03. Development Now that all the prep work is done, the actual development phase begins. There are different types of programming languages available for website development (as well as factors such as how AI works with development), but the most commonly used are HTML, CSS and JavaScript. HTML : Hyper-Text Markup Language has been around since the 1990s, and today, HTML5 is the latest version. While it’s used as the foundation for many websites, using HTML alone to create a site isn’t recommended simply because the site wouldn’t be attractive. CSS : Cascading Style Sheets allows for the ability to stylize color, typography and layouts in a programming language, such as HTML. While HTML is the foundation for the site, CSS declares the aesthetics of the site. Without CSS, web pages are just a listing of code and not pretty to look at. JavaScript : While CSS is what makes the aesthetics of a page look good, JavaScript adds yet another fun element: functionality. Animations, automated tasks and interactive features that heighten the user’s experience all fall under JavaScript. When it comes to the functionality of a website, there are three different types: static, dynamic and hybrid. On a static website , the content doesn’t change much. Building a static website is relatively straightforward since all the necessary information showcased on the front end itself. Static websites are typically used for businesses, portfolios or professional profiles. With a dynamic website , the content is stored in a database on the back end. This content changes based on the instructions a user gives. Dynamic content allows for more customization and personalization for the user on the front end. A hybrid website incorporates both static pages and dynamic content. In addition to writing code when creating and designing a website, you need to take into account the backend site structures. As mentioned earlier, the backend is the “behind-the-scenes” programming that enables website functionality. For example, when you upload images to your website, you store them on the backend so people can see them on the frontend of your page. Back-end development hinges on two key components: Database : Where the storing, organizing and processing of the data occurs so it’s easily retrievable from the server. Server : The hardware and software that makes up your computer. Servers send, process, and receive data requests communicating between the database and the client/browser. The browser tells the server, “I need to retrieve this information,” and the server in turn gathers that information from the database and sends it to the client. The database and server work in tandem building the foundation of every website. Many websites also use a CMS to build a dynamic website without writing code from scratch. A CMS allows website owners to quickly and easily create, modify and manage large amounts of content without having to change it on every individual page on a website. For example, website creators using Wix can open the content management system on the backend, input changes to the data and the frontend will automatically update. As browsing the internet from smartphone and tablets becomes ubiquitous, many site owners develop versions of their websites specifically for mobile or even use an app builder tool to create native iOS and Android apps that sync with their websites. Learn more tips on how to turn a website into an app . 04. Launch Once you've fully developed, tested and approved your site, you'll want to launch your website so users can find and access it. When selecting a domain name, choose one that’s memorable as well as one that best describes your business. Use Wix's free domain name generator for inspiration, whether you're looking to launch a personal site or a business site. And make sure to follow this website launch checklist to ensure that you've covered everything before you press "publish." Learn more: What is a domain name? 9 best web development tools Today there are many web development tools available making the web development lifecycle faster and easier. When selecting web development tools for your next website build, keep in mind factors such as security, cost and complexities. Here are some of the top web development tools on the market today. 01. Velo by Wix Velo is a full-stack platform that empowers website developers to quickly build, manage and deploy professional web apps. Use the WYSIWYG Editor to create a UI, then customize for the functionality you need with JavaScript and APIs from Velo or other third-parties like SendGrid, Twilio or Stripe. Built-in tools and integrations help you debug, release and monitor your app as well. 02. Typescript Microsoft created this open source programming language, which includes an appealing error-checking feature. If TypeScript detects syntax mistakes, it executes the code and produces compilation issues. 03. GitHub GitHub stores the code for your program in various programming languages and maintains track of all the modifications developers make. It makes it simple to contribute to open-source projects and helps you create a top-notch document. 04. InVision The all-in-one collaborative whiteboard, this slick web development tool offers everything you need to bring your people, tools and work together. 05. CodePen This popular online tool can be used for testing and displaying user-written program code in languages including HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Available in the community edition, CodePen has a free open-source online code editor. 06. Bootstrap Since its creation in August 2011, Bootstrap offers a front-end-focused open-source framework that developers can use to create webpages and mobile applications. Bootstrap allows developers to create websites and software that work on both iOS and Android. 07. Webstorm When you want to make your coding life easier, check out Webstorm. This integrated development environment (IDE) for JavaScript allows you to write more reliable and maintainable code. It runs dozens of code inspections while you type, giving you a heads up on any potential problems. 08. NetBeans Created as so much more than a text editor, NetBeans is an all-in-one development environment, tooling platform and application framework. This web development tool highlights source code syntactically as well as semantically, allow you to easily refactor code with its wide range of handy and powerful features. 09. IntelliJ IDEA Like WebStorm, this leading IDE makes website development a more productive and enjoyable experience. With IntelliJ IDEA you can write Java code faster with its most advanced editor that searches for possible errors and even provides improvement suggestions. Its deep knowledge of your code offers lightning fast navigation and you can collaborate with other team members without a plug-in. Difference between an element and a tag In website development, HTML elements and tags are closely related but distinct concepts. While they're often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between them. HTML element: An HTML element is a fundamental building block of a web page. It represents a distinct part of the page's content or structure, such as a paragraph, heading, image or link. Each element has a specific meaning and defines the content it contains. HTML tag: An HTML tag is the markup code that defines the start and end of an HTML element. It consists of a name enclosed in angle brackets (< >). Tags usually come in pairs, with an opening tag and a closing tag. The opening tag indicates the beginning of an element, while the closing tag marks its end. Relationship between HTML elements and tags: Tags define elements: Tags are the markers that define the boundaries of an element. They tell the browser where an element starts and ends. Elements contain content: Elements hold the actual content of the web page, such as text, images or other elements. Tags can have attributes: Tags can include attributes, which provide additional information about the element, such as its id, class or style. An HTML element is the conceptual component of a web page, while an HTML tag is the syntactical representation of that component. Tags are the code that defines and structures elements, while elements represent the actual content and meaning of the web page. How web development and SEO work together Web development and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) are two complementary disciplines that work together to create a successful website. While web development focuses on the technical aspects of building and maintaining a website, SEO concentrates on improving the website's visibility and ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). Web development's role in SEO Technical foundation: Web developers lay the foundation for SEO by ensuring the website's code is clean, well-structured and follows best practices. This includes proper use of HTML tags, semantic markup and a logical site structure. Site performance: Web developers optimize the website's performance, ensuring fast loading speeds, efficient use of resources and responsiveness across devices. This technical optimization contributes to a positive user experience and enhances SEO rankings. On-page optimization: Web developers implement on-page SEO elements, such as meta tags, title tags and header tags, to provide search engines with relevant information about the website's content. SEO's role in web development Keyword research: SEO specialists conduct keyword research to identify relevant search terms that potential users are likely to use. These keywords are then incorporated into the website's content and structure to improve its relevance and visibility in search results. Content optimization: SEO specialists guide the creation of high-quality, informative and keyword-rich content that aligns with user intent. This content not only attracts search engines but also engages users and encourages them to stay on the website. Link building: SEO specialists build backlinks from reputable websites to the target website. These backlinks act as endorsements, signaling to search engines that the website is trustworthy and authoritative, boosting its ranking. Effective collaboration between web developers and SEO specialists is essential for creating a website that's both technically sound and search engine friendly. By working together, they can ensure that the website is optimized for both users and search engines, leading to increased traffic. How to get started in web development? If you're looking to get started in website development, begin by learning *HTML, CSS and JavaScript, the fundamental technologies or languages for building websites. HTML provides the structure, CSS styles the appearance and JavaScript adds interactivity. Often a next step is then to become familiar with building a responsive website . This allows you to develop sites that fit to all types of screen sizes and devices — meaning a great user experience on a site, regardless of where they're viewing it. When first getting started consider online resources like free tutorials, coding bootcamps and platforms like Codecademy, freeCodeCam or MDN Web Docs for hands-on practice. Learn to use version control systems like Git and platforms like GitHub to manage your code and collaborate with others. With progress you can consider learning about frontend frameworks (React, Vue or Angular) and backend technologies (Node.js, Django, or Ruby on Rails). Practice by building small sites and projects to practice your skills and gradually tackle more complex ones. Join web development communities, attend meetups or contribute to open-source projects to gain experience and connect with other developers.

The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain →   When it comes to learning how to make a website , understanding the differences between a domain and a website is important in helping you choose the right domain name for your business or brand. A domain name is basically your address on the internet. It is what users type into their browser's address bar to reach your site. A website, on the other hand, is a collection of web pages that are accessible through the internet. It includes all the content, images and functionalities that users interact with when they enter the domain name or URL for that site. Buy a domain name with Wix. What is a domain? A domain is a fundamental component of your online branding and website. It serves as the unique address where users can find your website online. A domain name consists of several parts, including the top-level domain (TLD) and the second-level domain (SLD). The TLD is the suffix at the end of a domain name, such as . com, .org, or .net. The SLD is the part that comes before the TLD and usually represents your brand or business name. Learn more: TLD list What is a domain name?  For instance, if you own a business called Waggles Doggy Daycare, you might register a domain like www.wagglesdoggydaycare.com through GoDaddy or similar providers. This becomes your unique web address, allowing customers to easily find you online. When choosing a domain, prioritize one that aligns with your brand and is easy for customers to remember. A domain should reflect your business and make it simple for people to find you online. Einat Shafir, Product Manager at Wix.com Within this, the Domain Name System (DNS) plays a critical role in managing domains. It translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. This system ensures that when someone types your domain name into their browser, they are directed to your website. Buy a .com domain What is a website? A website is a collection of interconnected web pages that are accessible via the internet, providing information and services to users. Learn more: What is a website? Websites are made up of various elements, including web pages, images, videos and interactive features. Each web page is a document that can contain text, graphics and links to other pages or sites. When users enter your domain name into their browser, the browser requests the web pages from your website's server. The server then sends the requested pages back to the browser, which displays them for users to view and interact with. A website can range from a simple one-page site to complex platforms with multiple sections and functionalities. For example, an e-commerce site might include product listings, shopping carts and payment gateways. Each component works together to provide a seamless user experience. Build your site quickly with ready-made web templates or get a polished, custom look with a website designer . Domain vs website: what are the key differences? So just what are the differences between a domain and website? A domain is like the address of your house, while a website is the house itself. The domain directs users to your website, where they can access content and services. Without a domain, users would not have an easy way to find your website. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the complete web address used to access a specific page on your website. It includes the domain name along with additional path information that directs users to particular content within your site. For example, in the URL " https://www.example.com/about ," "example.com" is the domain, while "/about" specifies a particular page on your site. Learn more: Domain vs URL Third Level Domains, often known as subdomains , are prefixes added to your main domain name. They help organize different sections of your site or create separate sites under one main domain. For instance, "blog.example.com" could be a subdomain dedicated to blog content. Do I need a domain if I have a website? Yes, you need a domain to make your website accessible on the internet. Without a domain, users would not have an easy way to find or access your site. If you create a website with a website builder like Wix, you can get a customized domain name free with a paid plan. Create a free website and you get an un-customized domain. Domain vs website FAQ: Do I need a domain to have a website? Not always. You can create a website using a free subdomain provided by a website builder, but having your own domain makes your site look professional and easier to remember. Does buying a domain mean you have a website? No. Buying a domain only gives you the web address. You still need to build and host a website to display content on that domain. What is the difference between a website URL and a domain? A domain is the main address of your site, like example.com . A URL is the full web address that includes the domain plus any specific pages, like example.com/about . Who actually owns a domain? The person or organization who registers the domain owns it, but ownership is tied to registration fees and renewal. If you stop paying, the domain can be claimed by someone else. Are domain name and website name the same? Not necessarily. A domain name is your site’s address online, while a website name is the title or brand of your site. Sometimes they match, but they can be different.

Your company name is arguably a sacred part of your business. Whether you're drafting a business plan or creating a business website , you know that your business name will need to be at the center of each of these important components. With this in mind, you’ll want to protect your business name against others potentially using and misusing it. To help you determine the best way to register a business name, this guide will walk you through the process and provide you with insight into each option. Select a business name Before you can register a business name, you’ll need to come up with a solid name, which is an essential part of starting a business . While finding the right name takes some creativity and research, the process may not begin the same way for everyone. You might already know that whichever name you come up with, it has to reflect the types of products or services you offer. For example, a nail technician will most likely highlight the word nail in their business name, especially since that’s the core of their work identity. Then there are those whose businesses may be broader or expect to grow and diversify. In both cases, it’s recommended to follow these guidelines on how to name a business from scratch so that you can come up with one that checks all the right boxes. You can also explore store names to help you land on one. Here are the main factors you’ll need to consider: Use a business name generator A company name generator lets you get a head start on the naming process by automatically generating a handful of best company names for you. You can use the options as ideas and modify them to your likening. To use this tool, just type three descriptive words about your business into the search bar. Try to focus on industry-specific descriptive terms when feeding words into the generator, such as: Fitness: Try body , mind and health . Restaurant: Think fresh , market and gourmet . Craftsperson: Emphasize artisan , folk and handmade in your search. Designer: Attribute to concepts like, modern , vintage or edgy . Be original Now that you have a long list of business name ideas, use your personal preferences and professional instincts to narrow down your options. First and foremost, your business name should be original so that it can stand out against your competitors. Ideally, people will come to recognize your unique name and instantly connect it to your brand, which can help you down the road if you choose to register your business name and trademark it. Keep it simple Whichever original name you choose, your customers will need to know how to write it down or type it into a search engine. With that in mind, use a name that is easy to remember and spell. That way there won’t be any confusion or misspellings on their part, as well as by future partners and suppliers for your branded merchandise and dealings. Once you’ve decided on a choice, you may want to operate as DBA and test out the name until you make it official. When you're ready, it’s time to move on to the next step: registering your business name. How to register a business name Now that you have a strong name for your business, it’s time to make it official. Registering your business name is key to protecting your company or brand so no one else can use it. While this guide focuses on the process in the US, if you’re in another country, check with your local government agency for more details. Depending on your business structure and the state where you operate in the U.S., there are several ways to register your company name. Each method has its own purpose, so it’s important to understand the requirements and benefits before moving forward. Choose your entity name Pick a DBA name Buy a domain name Trademark your business name Register with state and local agencies Secure your social media handles 01. Selecting an entity name One method of registering a business name is by filling out the required paperwork for becoming a business entity. The entity name you choose will be the legal name of your business. You will have to sign every official document and contract under this name as required by state rules. Once you decide on what type of business you want to form, whether that’s an unincorporated business (like an LLC) or corporation, you must file registration papers with the appropriate Secretary of State’s office, a Business Bureau or a Business Agency, along with your chosen legal name. Furthermore, state laws prohibit companies from registering a name that’s already in use by another firm and from using certain phrases or words . This is why doing an entity business name search and researching the rules and regulations per state is crucial throughout the process. With that being said, corporation suffixes such as Inc or Co don’t have to feel intimidating as you build a brand. In fact, many of us can trace back our earliest and possibly most enduring encounter with entity names in nostalgic places like the cartoon Looney Tunes and its fictional Acme Corporation. Interestingly, this has left a positive connotation in terms of brand image, showing that entity names can serve to strengthen brand authority. 02. Choosing a DBA name Alternatively, you can choose a Doing Business As name, also known as a DBA. This allows you to do business as a name other than your own or entity name. It’s a good option if you’re a sole proprietor and want to register your business under a name other than your own. In the same line, corporations and LLCs may prefer to use a name that’s different than the one they filed with their legal paperwork (i.e. Fresh Foods Inc. can register their DBA as Fresh Foods). While it doesn’t provide legal protection, most local and state governments require that you register a business name in some form or another. And with a DBA, you’d also be eligible for a federal tax ID number (EIN) and can open a business bank account under it. Registering a business name as a DBA can boost your company strategy and the ways in which you conduct business. 03. Buy your domain name For some small business owners , registering a domain name for your business name is the final step of the naming process. Even if you’re in the early stages of creating a website for your new business, you should learn how to buy a domain name as soon as possible to prevent another business from acquiring it. Keep in mind, however, that registering a domain name does not replace legal name registration or trademarking, which are crucial steps to protect your business identity. A best practice is to use your business name as your domain name so that customers can easily identify and find your business online. But first, you’ll need to conduct a domain name search to make sure that yours is available. Once you’ve got your domain name , you can register it with Wix for as long as you need it, and be ready for when you connect it to your site. 04. Trademark your business name While business names are registered at a state level, when you trademark a business name you take one step further toward protecting your company mark on a national level. Let’s take a deeper dive into what that entails. Under the Lanham Act, also known as the Trademark Act of 1946 , activities such as trademark infringement, dilution of a famous mark and false advertising are prohibited by law. Any word, phrase, logo or symbol that is identified or distinguished by a trademark, such as Betty Crocker, Google or Ford, is entitled to federal judicial protection against infringement. In order to be eligible for trademark protection, your company mark must be “in use in commerce and it must be distinctive,” according to the Act. If you meet the requirements, you may file an application to trademark your business name through the United States Patent and Trademark Office , where you will need to pay a processing fee starting from $250 per class of goods and services. Before you can officially trademark a business name, double check yours against the official database by the USPTO . 05. Register a business name with state and local agencies Registering with state and local agencies helps ensure your business meets all legal requirements beyond just entity registration. Some industries like food services, healthcare or financial services may need special licenses and permits to operate. States often require businesses to register for sales tax, employer identification numbers (EIN) and other tax-related accounts if they hire employees or sell taxable goods. Check with your state’s business office and local government to confirm what’s needed to stay compliant. Skipping these registrations can lead to fines, penalties or even business closure, so staying on top of it is key. Many states also ask for annual or biennial filings to keep your business in good standing. Keeping your documents updated ensures smooth operations and avoids surprise legal issues. If you’re planning to operate in multiple states, you might need to register as a foreign entity in each state where you do business. 06. Secure social media handles Securing social media handles means claiming your business or brand's unique username on social platforms. It’s just as important as registering a domain name because it keeps your branding consistent and stops others from using your name. Before locking in your business name, check platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and TikTok to see if the handle is available. Your social media username should match your business name to make it easier for customers to find and recognize you online. If the exact name isn’t available, try adding words like “official,” “HQ” or something relevant to your industry. Reserving your handles early helps avoid brand confusion and impersonation, keeping your reputation safe. Even if you’re not ready to use social media yet, having those accounts secured means they’ll be there when you are. Consistency across platforms also builds stronger brand trust and recognition. To make things easier, use a handle checker tool to quickly find available usernames across multiple platforms. How to register a company name FAQ Can I register my name as a business name? You can register your personal name as a business name, especially if you're a sole proprietor. If you want exclusive rights to the name or plan to brand it separately, you might need to file for a DBA or trademark it. Is business registration the same as LLC? No, business registration is a broad term that covers different structures like sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations. An LLC is a specific type of business that offers limited liability protection and needs separate registration with the state. Do I need to put LLC after my company name? If your business is registered as an LLC, you usually need to include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" in your official name. This keeps things transparent and lets customers and partners know your business is a legally recognized entity. Is a DBA or LLC better? A DBA is great for businesses that want to use a different name without creating a separate legal entity. An LLC offers liability protection, so it’s the better choice if you want to separate personal and business assets while still using a DBA for branding flexibility. How to create a company name? Start by brainstorming words that reflect your brand’s mission, industry and values. Keep it simple, memorable and unique—then check domain availability and trademarks to make sure it’s secure both legally and online. Find out more about how to name a business

Ready to share your ideas with the world? Start your blog → For many writers, starting a blog is a passion project. We're drawn by the idea of sharing our interests, knowledge and ideas with people all across the world. But as many of us have learned, passion alone doesn't pay the rent. The good news is that it’s possible to make money off a blog, whether you just want to make some extra spending money or turn blogging into a full-time career. Essentially, there are three ways to monetize a blog: sell a product or service, create gated content or promote external brands. This article discusses specific strategies so you can decide which are best for your blog and your monetization efforts. Starting a blog should feel exciting, not overwhelming, right? With the Wix Blog Maker, you get everything you need to create, design and grow your blog from scratch–without needing a tech degree. Use Wix’s intuitive tools to share your ideas with the world.  TL:DR: How to monetize a blog (for beginners and pros) Beginners can monetize a blog in many ways, including online ads, donations or tips, freelance writing, eBooks, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts and brand sponsorships. For long-term growth, consider paid memberships, online courses, podcasts, webinars, virtual summits, coaching or consulting, merchandise, email marketing and blog advertising. How beginners can monetize a blog How to monetize a blog over the long term Online ads Paid membership programs Donations or tips Online courses Freelance blogging or writing Podcasts Ebooks Webinars Affiliate marketing Virtual summits Sponsored posts Coaching or consulting services Brand sponsorships Merchandise Email marketing Blog advertising How beginners can monetize a blog Monetizing a blog can be a time-consuming and challenging process, and it is not something that can be achieved overnight. However, there are a few ways that you can make money off your blog, even if you're blogging as a beginner . Make money from online ads Ask for donations or tips Become a freelance blogger or writer Sell eBooks Do some affiliate marketing Write sponsored posts Get sponsored by a brand Explore ways to make money blogging with display ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, digital products and courses, memberships and subscriptions, freelance and consulting, physical products and guest blogging. 01. Make money from online ads One of the most reliable ways to make money blogging is to display advertisements, usually web banners and banner ads, throughout your site and collect revenue from each click. The advantage of this option is that it requires minimal effort from the blogger’s end. All you need to do is set up an account with an online ads platform and connect it to your website. This is also often referred to as digital display advertising. Using the Google AdSense advertising network, you can define which fields, industries and categories of ads should be displayed on your blog to ensure that they’re a strong fit. In addition, you can design the look of the ads to match the overall design of your blog. When you plan how to make a website and create a blog on Wix, you can add Google AdSense ads to your blog and generate income anytime those ads are viewed or clicked. For the ads on your blog to be profitable, make sure that they relate to your audience’s interests. If your blog is a type of website that deals with health and wellness, your target audience probably won’t feel tempted to click on real estate blog ads. Instead, you'd want to choose ads that promote wellness solutions or health products. You might also want to consider using pay-per-click or paid PPC ads in order to generate users to your website in the first place. The more website visitors you have, the more you can increase the number of converters on your display ads and targeted advertising efforts. 02. Ask for donations or tips You can also monetize your blog by asking for donations. While you shouldn’t be pushy, you can leave a friendly, transparent note to fans expressing your appreciation for their readership and welcoming their support. Your audience will be especially inclined to support you if you’re blogging about a good cause, whether your goal is to promote social justice or support nonprofit work. You might feel more comfortable asking for donations if you are better able to convey the learning aspect of your content. Being able to provide tangible value to readers from your content may make them more likely to donate and you more comfortable with the process. The principle behind donations is that they enable your audience to thank you for providing them with free, valuable content. For this reason, it’s not advisable to ask for donations if you already charge for access to it. 03. Become a freelance blogger or writer Another effective blog monetization strategy is to become a freelance writer for widely read online publications within your niche. Even if your own blog isn’t drawing in much traffic yet, your posts serve as a valuable portfolio of your writing that you can leverage to become a freelancer for other blogs. By using your own content to establish authority and expertise, you can get hired to write for other blogs and might even be able to make it a full-time job. Learn more: How to start a writers blog To find these opportunities, you can research dedicated freelance writing job boards, online marketplaces for freelance work or reach out to brands directly. Whichever route you take, be sure to provide a link to your own blog to highlight your writing skills and experience. 04. Sell eBooks As you build your readership, offer your fans an in-depth, comprehensive angle on your content in the form of an eBook. Your eBook can be an elaboration on topics covered on your blog, or it can introduce a new theme or question that’s highly relevant to your target audience. For instance, if you’re a photography blogger, your eBook could explore the most fascinating locations you have ever worked in and what they taught you about photography. When you create an eBook, draw lessons and stories from your own knowledge and experience. Use your book to teach readers something new, and show them how they can put this knowledge into action in their own lives. Learn more: How to start a book blog Consider using Patreon to create and market your book to your potential readers. Once created eBooks can be a good source of passive income, as you create it once and hopefully sell forever. 05. Do some affiliate marketing When considering how to monetize a blog, some people opt to engage in affiliate marketing . As an affiliate, you partner with a brand to promote their products, earning a commission for every product sale that originates from your blog. From the perspective of both bloggers and brands, affiliate marketing is a win-win situation. This performance-based revenue works best when both parties involved share the same target audience. You’ll need to find a company that your readers are actually interested in to increase the chances of driving leads and sales. Having this affinity for the brand also means that you’ll be more successful in promoting it. By finding ways to connect the product’s value with your blog’s organic content, you’ll make a stronger sales pitch to your audience. While there are a variety of affiliate programs to choose from, one of the most popular choices for beginners is Amazon Associates . As an Associate, you’ll include links to Amazon products within your blog content and receive a commission for every purchase that comes through your site. 06. Write sponsored posts Another option is to create sponsored content that highlights a specific product or service. This is often an effective form of advertising for brands, and it’s also a powerful way to monetize a blog. Your first step is to find a brand to partner with. While businesses will sometimes reach out to bloggers directly as part of their own content marketing efforts, you should also take the initiative to email brands yourself and inquire about partnership opportunities. Sponsored posts usually include a product review or demonstrate how the writer uses the product for professional or creative purposes. It’s a great way to earn reliable income through your blog, since (unlike with ads and affiliate programs) you know exactly how much you’ll be making. If you choose to write sponsored posts, keep in mind the following tips: Look for a brand partnership that enables you to create a series of sponsored posts spread across several weeks or months. This way, you have a recurring and fixed source of revenue. If you're a food blogger, reach out to the brands you use in your own kitchen, making money as a food blogger, for example, when you promote products that you love and use. When you reach out to brands, show them how sponsoring your posts would benefit their business. Tell them about your website traffic, show them how the interests of your fans align with their brand and offer ideas for how you’d include their products in your content. Don’t try to hide sponsored posts. Be honest with your audience and clarify it with a short disclaimer. Don’t compromise your integrity as a blogger. Only recommend products that you believe in and that you think would offer genuine value to your readers. 07. Get sponsored by a brand In addition to creating sponsored posts, another benefit of establishing paid partnerships is to get your blog, or even your entire online presence, sponsored by a brand. With this approach, you don’t necessarily need to devote entire posts to product reviews or recommendations. Instead, you might choose to feature the sponsoring brand in your blog’s website header, with a note in your articles and social media content thanking them for their support. This type of sponsorship can be especially helpful if you find a brand that you genuinely appreciate and is highly relevant to your niche. When you negotiate your agreement, make sure that both sides are clear about expectations so you don't end up compromising your work. Ready to monetize your blog? Start with Wix . How to monetize a blog over the long term If you’ve been blogging for a while and you’re ready to make some bigger commitments, here are a few tips for monetizing a blog over the long term: Build a paid membership program Create online courses Start a podcast Make a webinar Host a virtual summit Offer coaching or consulting services Sell merchandise Leverage email marketing Advertise on your blog 01. Build paid membership plans Your blog posts offer more than just an opinion. They’re a combination of your experience, expertise and unique perspective. People want to read them because they offer special value, whether it’s professional advice, life-hacking tips, personal empowerment or any type of training. While most of your posts should be free and readily available, consider creating a pricing plan in which you set aside exclusive content for paying members. To persuade your readers that this premium content behind a paywall is worth paying for, keep some parts available for free viewing. You can use these free samples as a way to captivate audiences and get them hooked on your blog. In order to keep your publication balanced, indicate in your content calendar which posts you’d like to reserve as premium and which ones will be available to all readers. Another approach is to allow readers to purchase subscription plans so they buy access to your content. This is a popular strategy used in publications across the web. On Wix, you can easily sell subscriptions , simply set up a plan that allows you to monetize your blog. When posts get added to the subscription plan, they’re marked as exclusive content for paying readers. 02. Create online courses Consider repurposing your most popular written content in the form of online courses. This technique for selling videos online will not only help you drive engagement, but it’s also a powerful blog monetization strategy. While you should continue to offer short-form video content for free, you can ask for payment for premium videos that are more in-depth. Using Wix Video , you can sell, rent and enable your video content for download under your own terms. This enables you to determine the pricing and even restrict the duration of the video’s availability. To make the most of your online courses, think about the types of content that your target audience would pay for. For instance, you might create a complex tutorial video that goes beyond anything your audience can find for free online. These might include educational videos such as coding tutorials or a series of fitness training videos. 03. Start a podcast If you want to get especially creative with your blog, another monetization option is to start a podcast . Rather than creating audio content from scratch, you can simply repurpose the existing content on your blog. Podcasts have skyrocketed in popularity within the past couple of years, and taking advantage of this trend can increase blog traffic . On top of that, you can make money from podcasting by selling sponsorship slots to businesses. Essentially, these will be like short radio ads that you incorporate midway through each podcast. 04. Make a webinar You can further use your knowledge to create a webinar and charge people to attend. Not only is a webinar a powerful tool for sharing your insights and teaching participants new skills, but it also helps you build deeper relationships with your audience and increase engagement on your blog. Being a part of the blogosphere is very much about building an online community, and webinars help you do just that. Webinars can take a variety of forms, whether it’s a slide presentation, tutorial, workshop or audience Q&A. Regardless of which format you choose, be sure to focus on a subject you’re especially knowledgeable about. Piggyback on your blog content, but offer additional insights that can’t already be found for free on your blog. You should also offer actionable takeaways so that your audience leaves the session feeling that they’ve learned something tangible. 05. Host a virtual summit Another type of virtual event which you can charge admission for is a virtual summit. Typically, a virtual summit or conference is a video interview of 20 or more experts about a given topic. Often, they’re free for a period of 24-72 hours, after which subscribers may choose to purchase an “all-access pass” to continue viewing. On top of helping you earn an income, virtual summits are a powerful marketing strategy using streaming media to generate new interest in your blog. By helping you expand your reach and increase website traffic, they can generate income short-term while contributing to your long-term blog monetization efforts. 06. Offer coaching or consulting services Once you build authority and trust with your readership, you’re in a position to supplement written content with one-on-one coaching sessions (see how to start a coaching blog ). Regardless of your field of expertise, there’s always more than one way to convert your knowledge into useful training for others. For example, if you use your blog to share your passion for gardening, you could offer one-on-one video sessions offering tips and advice for how someone can improve their personal home garden. Or, if you’re a digital nomad and travel blogger , you can offer customized travel itineraries to clients based on their interests and budgets. Likewise, if you’re an entrepreneur or career blogger, you can offer career or life coaching sessions to your audience. Learn more: How to start a consulting blog 07. Sell merchandise Many bloggers make money by selling products inspired by their content. While some of these bloggers are already well-known influencers, internet fame is not a prerequisite for selling merchandise. Monetize your blog by selling merchandise related to your industry or niche. You can sell specific items relevant to your industry or merchandise stamped with your custom logo . To do this on Wix, you can choose to either add a pay button to your website or open an online store . 08. Leverage email marketing Email marketing is one of the best ways to connect directly with your audience and build lasting relationships. It keeps the conversation going even after someone leaves your site. When you create an email list, you’re giving your readers a space to stay updated on your latest content, products or services. It’s a direct line to the people who care most about your work. Getting started is easier than you think. Add a sign-up form to your site where readers can easily find it—your homepage, the end of a blog post or even a subtle pop-up. Give readers a reason to join by offering something valuable like a free guide, checklist or early access to content. Focus on building real connections, not just collecting emails. When someone joins your list, share content that feels personal and valuable. A great newsletter feels like a conversation, not a sales pitch with enough personality to keep readers engaged. Once your list is set up, use it to share exclusive offers and updates. Consider offering discounts on eBooks, early access to a new course or practical tips that your audience will love. Automating your emails can make this process seamless. For example, new subscribers can receive a welcome email with links to your best content or a freebie. Track the performance of your emails to improve engagement over time. 09. Advertise on your blog   Advertising is a flexible way to monetize your blog no matter your experience level. If you’re just starting out, display ads from platforms like Google AdSense make it simple. Add a small piece of code to your blog and AdSense automatically shows ads relevant to your content. You earn a share whenever someone views or clicks. It’s a hands-off way to start generating income as your traffic grows, no direct negotiations required. This is perfect for new bloggers building their audience. For established blogs with steady traffic, ad networks can take your monetization to the next level. These networks match you with brands and optimize ad placements for better performance and higher earnings. The technical side is handled for you so you can focus on creating great content. Well-placed relevant ads also improve the user experience, striking a balance between earning and readability. If your blog has a large loyal following, consider selling ad space directly to businesses. This gives you full control—set your own rates and choose advertisers that align with your audience and values. While it takes more effort upfront, like pitching to brands or adding a “work with me” page, this approach can deliver higher payouts. Ready to create a blog and monetize it? Get started with the Wix blog maker  today. How to drive blog traffic to maximize profits In order to make a good amount of money from monetizing a blog, you need to establish your credibility, build a following and attract more readers to your blog. Here are some tips for driving blog traffic to maximize your monetization efforts: Know your niche Deliver quality content Offer value Drive engagement Establish your authority Promote your content 01. Know your niche As you set to start a blog, you'll need to define its focus and a clear target audience. Rather than writing about anything that comes to mind, create a specific type of blog with a strong, centralized focus. Use your blog to build expertise in a particular area and fulfill the specific needs of your readers. Not sure what niche to run with, consider these examples: How to start a finance blog How to start a real estate blog How to start a gaming blog How to start a health blog How to start a teaching blog How to start a music blog How to start a tech blog How to start a mom blog How to start a sports blog How to start a beauty blog How to start a lifestyle blog 02. Deliver quality content While the quantity of your blog posts is important, the quality is even more so. Aim to publish posts consistently as part of your blog strategy, but don’t let that limit your ability to create thorough, well-researched content. After all, your goal is for readers to enjoy your articles and come back for more. Read also: CRO tests that have made the biggest impact on the Wix website 03. Offer value Just as every business must offer value to its audience to succeed, so does a successful blog. People read articles in order to address a need—whether it’s to learn something new or find a solution to their problem—and your job is to satisfy it. Go beyond cookie-cutter content and aim to write posts that stand out with original insights and genuinely helpful information. This type of valuable content can also be used to generate backlinks to your blog, from other sites, who share your valuable content in their own blog and news posts. Quality backlinks and content shares send powerful signals to search engines, making your content more visible to more people. 04. Drive engagement Your blog should not only satisfy readers but make them hungry for more. Post creative forms of content such as videos and quizzes, and add community features to build a sense of community around your personal brand. Consider tapping into the potential of social media marketing strategies, such as influencer marketing in order to do this. This means not only sharing your own content on social media platforms but getting others to as well. The more you engage your readers, the more successful you’ll be at monetizing your blog down the road. 05. Establish your authority If you’re a known expert in your field, people will want to read your work. Spread the word about your expertise by building your presence across other online platforms. Guest post on company blogs and other online publications, publish articles on sites such as Medium and LinkedIn and build a strong social media following. These strategies will help you cement your reputation as a thought leader, as well as drive additional traffic to your blog. 06. Promote your content For the above methods to be effective, you’ll need to promote your blog consistently to constantly drive more traffic, engage with your audience and strengthen your readership. As you write blog posts and continue to monetize your content, implement the following digital marketing strategies so that your site stays profitable: Optimize for search engines : Search engine optimization, or SEO, is deeply intertwined with content creation. As you write, you should refine your content to rank high on Google and other search engines. This way, you’ll be able to gain exposure and drive even more traffic to your site. This SEO for bloggers guide lays out valuable steps for developing a robust SEO strategy. The best place to start is always with keyword research from which to plan blog topics and posts. Be active on social media : Blogging and social media marketing go hand in hand. Build and optimize your social channels so that you share your expertise on multiple platforms and gather followers. If you promote your blog on Facebook , YouTube, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn, you’ll be able to maintain a steady flow of traffic to your posts. Engage fans with email marketing : Newsletters are a great option to keep your audience engaged. Promote your latest blog posts with captivating emails that encourage your audience to keep coming back to your website. Work on building up your mailing list, to get more eyes on your content. Expert tip from Dor Cohen, content distribution specialist at Wix: "Even today, email marketing has proven itself as a consistent distribution channel to serve your content. With AI-powered content curation, dynamic content blocks, and hyper-segmentation capabilities, we can deliver newsletters tailored to each subscriber's preferences and behaviors at scale." An important part of promoting your blog is understanding your site analytics . Knowing where your users are coming from while pinpointing what blog posts are sparking their interest and engagement can help you plan better content and generate more traffic to your site. When to monetize a blog Now that you know how to monetize a blog, you need to consider when it actually makes sense for you to do so. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to monetize your blog. However, there are a few factors you should consider before making a decision. Your audience: How big and engaged is your audience? When you're considering monetizing your blog, pay attention to the people who would be making that happen. It's important to have a lot of people who are interested in your content and likely to be willing to pay for it. If you don't have a large or engaged audience, it may not be worth monetizing your blog yet. Your content: What kind of content do you create? If you create high-quality content that people are willing to pay for, then you may be able to monetize your blog sooner. Make sure that your content is well-written, informative and engaging. Your goals: What are your goals for your blog? If you're just starting out, you may want to focus on building your audience and creating great content before you start monetizing. However, if your main goal is to make money from your blog, you may want to start monetizing sooner. Having a clear monetization strategy will help you achieve this more quickly. The future of blog monetization Just as blogging changes and evolves to adapt to a changing blogosphere and audience, so too do the ways in which they can be monetized. Looking ahead, the future of blog monetization is likely to be shaped by several key trends: Blogs will become even more specialized, catering to highly targeted audiences with specific interests and needs. This will allow bloggers to offer more relevant and valuable content, attracting premium advertising and sponsorship opportunities from their audience. It will also help bloggers cut through a super competitive blog landscape. The rise of the creator economy will empower bloggers to diversify their income streams through multiple platforms and channels. This includes expanding beyond blogs to social media, podcasts and other various online communities to make money. Artificial intelligence will play a significant role in optimizing content for search engines, social media visibility and audience engagement. Bloggers can use AI tools to improve their reach, attract more qualified traffic and increase their earning potential. The specific tools and ways this will play out are evolving all the time. Monetize a blog FAQ How do I monetize my personal blog? There are many ways to monetize your personal blog, depending on your niche. Some of the most popular ways to monetize include offering content by subscription, affiliate marketing, online courses, eBooks and selling ad space on your blog alongside sponsored posts. How many views do I need in order to monetize my blog? If you want to sell ad space and use Google AdSense, you'll need at least 1,000 page views on your blog per day, to get started with it. Other types of blog monetization, such as affiliate marketing, don't necessarily require a minimum number of views. However, the more website traffic your blog generates, the easier it will be to seek out and secure monetization opportunities. Do blogs still make money? Yes, blogs can still make money. However, it is important to note that the days of making a full-time income from a single blog are long gone. Nowadays, most bloggers who make money do so by having multiple streams of income. Can you start a blog as a side hustle? Yes, you can start a blog as a side hustle. In fact, blogging is a popular side hustle for many people, as it can be a relatively low-cost and low-time commitment way to make extra money. To start a blog as a side hustle, you will need to choose a niche, create a blog and start publishing content. Once you have a following, you can monetize your blog through a variety of methods, such as advertising, affiliate marketing and selling your own products or services. Can I monetize a blog via Reddit? To monetize a blog via Reddit, engage in relevant subreddits by sharing valuable content and participating in discussions. Build a genuine following and occasionally promote your blog posts, ensuring they provide unique value. Be transparent and avoid spammy behavior to maintain your credibility on the platform. Consider offering exclusive content or promotions to Reddit users who read your blog. If you're using Reddit to try to promote and monetize your blog, it's very important that you adhere to community guidelines. How to monetize a blog on Wix? There are several main ways to monetize a blog built on Wix. You can integrate Google AdSense for display ads. Or consider creating premium content or courses with Wix's membership feature. You can also use affiliate marketing by promoting relevant products from your blog posts or collaborating with bigger brands for sponsored content. Think about setting up an online store using the Wix eCommerce website builder for selling merchandise or digital products.

The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain →   Choosing and owning a domain name  is an important step in in learning how to create a website . Whether you’re starting a blog , creating a personal online portfolio  or starting a business , your domain is your unique address on the web. But have you ever thought about how much that domain is worth? Understanding the value of your domain can help in selling, buying or simply managing your online assets effectively.  This guide walks you through everything you need to know—what a domain is, how its worth is determined and how to assess its value. You’ll also learn why understanding your domain’s worth is important and how you can increase its value for the future.  New to domains? Learn the basics of  what is a domain  and  how to choose a domain name . What is a domain? A domain is the unique name that represents a  web address  on the internet. It’s what people type into their browser’s search bar to visit a website, such as yourname.com. Your domain name serves as your online calling card. It reflects your brand and can significantly influence how users perceive your business—whether it’s professional, creative or credible. If you’re looking to build a website , choosing a relevant, memorable and easy-to-spell domain plays a significant role in establishing your brand’s presence. Use a  domain name generator  if you need help coming up with an idea. Already have an idea? Check the availability with a  domain name search  tool. What is domain worth? Domain worth refers to the market value of your domain name. Like a piece of real estate, its value depends on several factors, such as demand, relevance and its overall appeal to potential buyers or users. Knowing your domain's worth matters when you're considering selling or learning how to buy a domain  or when you're strategizing for your business growth.   6 domain value factors Several factors contribute to the valuation of a domain name. It’s based on structured criteria that define its desirability and usefulness. Here are the key aspects professionals and tools evaluate when determining its worth. 01. Domain age Domains that have been around longer generally hold more value. Search engines see older domains as more credible because they've had more time to establish authority. For example, a domain registered 10 years ago is often seen as more reliable than one created last month. However, age alone doesn’t guarantee high value—it often needs to work alongside the other factors below. 02. Length and brandability Shorter domains are often more valuable because they’re easier to remember and type. A shorter domain, like Coffeebeans.com , is easier to remember and type compared to something longer like Affordablecoffeebeansstore.com . Similarly, domains that are creative, unique and meaningful, such as Starbucks.com, tend to hold higher value as they effectively represent the brand.  03. Traffic and keyword relevant Domains with steady website traffic  or strong, relevant keywords hold significant value, especially for SEO benefits. For instance, a domain centered around a popular keyword like laptopdeals.com or coffeebeans.com can attract businesses and audiences due to high search demand, making it highly desirable. 04. Domain extensions Domains with popular domain extensions  like .com  generally have higher worth due to their global recognition and trust factor. Other popular TLDs include .info , .org , . co , .net , .edu, .biz  .gov and .tv . Niche extensions like .tech can hold value, but their appeal usually depends on specific industries.  Learn more: What is a TLD ? 05. Backlink profile and history High-quality backlinks from reputable websites boost a domain's value by signaling trust and relevance to search engines. However, a clean domain history  is equally important. Domains previously used for spammy or unethical practices can suffer from a damaged reputation, reducing their value. 06. Legal and trademark issues Avoid domains that could face trademark disputes. Ensuring your domain isn’t infringing on existing trademarks is key to preserving its value and usability. You can learn how to trademark a domain name to protect yourself from any issues. How to find your domain name value Understanding your domain’s worth is all about leveraging the right tools and processes.  Look at similar domains to yours Research domains similar to yours that have been sold recently. Their selling prices can provide a strong benchmark for estimating your domain’s value.  Use a domain estimation tool Online tools and appraisal services can provide instant estimates for your domain. These tools analyze elements like search volume, backlink strength and traffic data to give you a ballpark figure. While these tools offer guidance, combining their insights with market trends is crucial. Consult a professional appraiser  For a more personalized valuation, you can also consult domain name experts or professional appraisers who specialize in online assets. They often take into account not just the technical details of your domain but its broader potential in today’s online marketplace.  Why should you check your domain’s worth? Checking the worth of your domain is like taking stock of your online portfolio. By understanding its value, you can make informed decisions about whether to hold onto it, sell it or leverage it for other opportunities.  For business owners, a valuable domain can also justify higher advertising rates or partnerships. On the flip side, if you’re planning to sell your domain, knowing its worth ensures you don’t undersell an asset that could command a much higher price.  Even if you’re holding on to your domain, understanding its value can inform your business strategy. For instance, high-value domains often require additional security layers to avoid theft or misuse.   This is also important because your domain isn’t just for your website—it’s also key to learning how to create a business email address , such as info@yourname.com or contact@yourbusiness.com. Using your domain for email and exploring professional email name ideas adds credibility and trust to your communications, setting you apart from competitors who rely on generic email providers. How to increase your domain’s worth If you want to maximize your domain value, focus on strategies that enhance its relevance, strengthen its branding  and attract the right audience. By investing time and effort into these areas, you can significantly increase its worth over time. Establish quality backlinks Search engines love domains associated with credible, high-authority websites. Building backlinks improves your site’s visibility—and by extension, its perceived value. Improve SEO rankings Focus on enhancing your website’s SEO. Target relevant keywords, optimize your content and improve user experience. Higher rankings attract more traffic, which can significantly increase your domain's worth.  Secure a strong reputation Maintain a clean online presence. Ensure your domain isn’t associated with spam or shady activities and regularly monitor any external links impacting its credibility.  Focus on building trust through ethical and high-quality practices, ensuring no past penalties impact your domain. You’ve got your domain value. Now what? Once you’ve assessed your domain’s worth and worked on improving it (if necessary), it’s time to put that insight to use. If your domain’s value exceeds expectations, selling might be a smart move. Alternatively, if the value aligns with your goals, continue using it as part of your long-term strategy. For those planning to sell, connect with credible platforms and buyers to ensure a smooth transition. Whatever your plans, viewing your domain as an asset will help you make more informed decisions. Learn how to register a domain name  to get started.  Find the domain owner and registration details for a website with a  Whois domain lookup .  How to check your domain worth FAQ How often should I check my domain’s worth? It is recommended to check your domain's worth periodically, especially if you are considering selling it. Valuations can fluctuate over time due to various factors such as market trends and changes in the industry. Checking your domain's worth every 6-12 months can give you a good understanding of its value and help inform any future decisions regarding your domain. How much does it cost to check a domain name’s value? The cost of checking a domain name’s value can vary depending on the method you choose. Some online tools offer free estimations, while professional appraisers may charge a fee for their services. It is important to do thorough research and consider the reputation and methodology of any tool or service before investing in an estimate.

Get started by: Creating a website →  | Getting a domain → Before the Internet took over, a top restaurant thrived on word of mouth. Today, with online searches shaping dining decisions, having a quality restaurant website  is key to keeping your business booming. Your restaurant's website is its digital face, essential for boosting visibility and attracting more customers.  Whether you're starting a business  in the restaurant world or have been in the business for a while, learning how to create restaurant website  is essential. You might be wondering how much does a restaurant website cost. This article breaks down all the key factors to consider when setting a budget for your website design . Ready to create your restaurant website? Get started for free with the Wix website builder  today. How much does a restaurant website cost? If you are creating a website on your own, basic restaurant websites  can cost as little as $16 per month. However, if you're exploring how to create a website with advanced features or need professional assistance from photographers, copywriters, or designers, costs can exceed $10,000. Let's examine the variables that can impact the cost of building a restaurant website. Want to learn more? Check out this course about starting your restaurant site .  10 Restaurant website costs The cost of a restaurant website can vary greatly depending on the features and services you choose for your website. It's like ordering from a restaurant menu—there are different dishes with various prices, and you have the freedom to pick and choose according to your business plan  budget and preference. Every restaurant website is unique, and the services included in web design and development for your restaurant depend on your needs, goals and preferences.  Here’s a detailed breakdown of some considerations that can influence restaurant website costs. Included in each section, we've outlined the average cost ranges to help you estimate expenses. Domain name Web hosting Website security Website builder Logo and branding eCommerce integrations SEO tools Email marketing tools Social media tools Maintenance and updates 01. Domain name Average cost range: $0-$1,000+ per year Think of your domain name  as the address of your restaurant website. It's what people will type in their browsers to find you, like " www.myrestaurant.com ." If you need inspiration, a domain name generator  can help you think of creative ideas. Use a domain name search  to check availability and purchase one from a registrar like Wix. Costs can vary based on the domain extension ( .com , .net , .org), length of registration (yearly or multi-year), website privacy  protection plan and whether it's a new or previously owned domain. Tip: Wix paid plan includes a free domain for the first year, so no need to worry about upfront domain name costs. 02. Web hosting Average cost range: $0-$250 per month Website hosting ensures your restaurant website is accessible to hungry diners anytime, anywhere. Whether they're checking out your menu pricing or making reservations, reliable hosting keeps your digital doors open for business. The cost of a hosting website  varies based on the provider, package and level of service. Some providers, like Wix, include free website hosting  as part of their website builder package. Pick a provider that caters to your restaurant's needs, offering the right features to enhance customer experience and keep your site running smoothly. 03. Website security Average cost range: $0-$200+ per year Ensuring the security of your restaurant website is like securing your restaurant's front door—a must, especially if you'll be taking orders and accepting online payments . Some providers offer basic website security measures at affordable prices, while others may charge more for advanced protection against potential cyberattacks. Being proactive in protecting your restaurant website can ultimately save you money and avoid the cost of dealing with a security breach. Tip: With Wix, website security  is already included when you create a restaurant website. Enjoy 24/7 monitoring to spot vulnerabilities and safeguard your info and visitors. 04. Website builder Average cost range: $0-$70+ A drag and drop website builder  is a software platform that lets you create and manage your restaurant website even without technical knowledge. Wix's templates are ready-made layouts that help shape your site's look and feel without the need to code every detail from scratch. Templates can be handy for nailing down your brand's visual identity while effectively organizing your site's content. Using an AI website maker  can further enhance the website building experience with the help of Wix’s unique, chat-based AI experience. Check out these totally customizable and free  restaurant website templates  to help you get started.   05. Logo and branding Average cost range: $0-$10,000+ one time fee Your restaurant's logo and branding are essential for creating a recognizable and memorable brand. Your brand identity should be cohesive throughout all of your marketing channels, including your restaurant website, social media and print materials. Depending on the complexity of your brand design, creating a memorable logo can range in cost. Consider using a restaurant logo maker  tool to achieve the perfect branding look for your restaurant website atmosphere. Learn more: What is web design? 06. eCommerce integrations Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month If your restaurant offers online ordering or reservations, you'll need to integrate restaurant and eCommerce functionality into your restaurant website. This service allows guests to make transactions directly on your site, making it convenient and efficient for both parties. Consider using apps from the Wix App Marketplace , such as DoorDash Drive for delivery with a flat fee rate, or apps for building a birthday and loyalty club to grow sales and customer lists. The cost of these features can vary depending on the provider and what type of tools you need. Tip: Wix Restaurants is made up of 3 apps—Menus, Orders and Table Reservations—and additional integrations to help you best run your restaurant. Choose a restaurant template or add Wix Restaurants to another site by adding the Wix Restaurants Orders app . 07. SEO tools Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month If you want to rank high in Google searches, so potential diners can find your restaurant's website easily, you need a search engine optimized (SEO) website. Utilize a variety of SEO tools—both free and paid, to pinpoint the best keywords, generate fresh content ideas and understand your target market  better. Wix SEO  provides a comprehensive set of tools to manage your restaurant's SEO strategy. Other tools like Ahrefs, Semrush and Keyword Everywhere can assist in finding relevant keywords for your restaurant's content. Consider starting a blog  to boost your online presence and help with the SEO efforts. 08. Email marketing tools Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month Restaurant email marketing is a powerful tool for restaurants to keep in touch with customers and promote their latest deals, menu items and cocktail trends. By utilizing email marketing tools , you can easily create professional-looking newsletters and send them to targeted lists. The cost to your restaurant website budget can range depending on the number of subscribers you have and the frequency of emails you send. 09. Social media tools Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month Social media is vital for restaurants to market themselves, helping you reach new patrons and showcase your brand. By using restaurant social media marketing tools, you can streamline your online presence by scheduling posts, analyzing data and managing multiple accounts all in one spot. The cost of these tools will depend on the scale of your social media efforts. Look for tools that not only schedule content but also monitor conversations online and analyze your data effectively. 10. Maintenance and updates Average cost range: $50-$200+ per month Once your restaurant website is up and running, it's important to regularly maintain and update it. This can include adding new menu items, updating business hours or even refreshing the design. While you can choose to handle these tasks yourself, hiring a professional web developer can save you time and ensure that your site is always functioning properly. Consider setting aside a budget for regular maintenance and updates to keep your website running smoothly. Advantages of having a restaurant website A restaurant website provides a platform for your customers to learn more about your brand, explore menu options, make reservations or place orders at their convenience. Aside from these basic features, here are some additional advantages of having a business website : Enhanced online visibility: With a restaurant website, potential diners can easily discover your establishment via search engines using keywords related to your cuisine and location. Professional image boost:  A well-designed, informative website enhances a restaurant's professionalism, building credibility and customer retention. It's ideal for presenting a cohesive brand image, incorporating the restaurant logo, branding colors and overall aesthetic. Standing out in competition: In a competitive market, a restaurant website helps your business differentiate itself and compete effectively. Today's consumers expect businesses to have websites, making them more inclined to choose a restaurant that has one. Cost-effective marketing: A website is a good way to promote your restaurant compared to traditional marketing strategies , reaching a broader audience. Additionally, a restaurant website is the perfect platform to showcase essential information like the online menu, operating hours, contact details, the head chef and positive customer reviews. Insightful analytics:  By leveraging analytics tools, you can gain valuable insights into your Wix website performance  and user behavior, empowering you to make informed decisions for your business. Using a website builder vs. professional services When it comes to creating a restaurant website, you have two primary options: you can opt to hire a professional web developer who can tailor the website to your specific needs or utilize a website builder that can offer a more cost-effective solution that allows for easier updates and maintenance. Both routes have their distinct advantages and cost considerations to weigh before making a decision on how to best represent your restaurant online. Hiring a web developer Average cost range: $500-$10,000+ one-time fee If you have specific design ideas in mind for your restaurant website and want to ensure complete customization and control over every aspect, hiring a website designer  may be the best option for you. A professional web developer can bring your vision to life and incorporate any advanced features or integrations that you require. However, this option can add to how much does a website cost and ongoing maintenance costs may also apply. Using a website builder Average cost range: $0-$70+ per month A website builder is a user-friendly, cost-effective alternative to hiring a web developer. With drag-and-drop tools and pre-designed templates, you can easily create your website without any prior coding knowledge. Additionally, many website builders provide SEO tools and integrations to build an eCommerce site , making it a one-stop-shop for all your website needs. Read more for your restaurant business How to start a restaurant business How to create a restaurant business plan 33 restaurant business ideas: Your 2024 guide The story behind the rise of Modern Bread & Bagel and the restaurant website that fueled its growth How much does a restaurant website cost FAQ I already have regular customers and business is going well. Do I still need a website? Having a website can still benefit your restaurant. A website provides a platform for new diners to discover your restaurant and learn more about it, potentially bringing in more business. It also allows for easier communication with current customers, making it convenient for them to access menu options, make reservations or place orders.  My restaurant has multiple locations. Can we list them all on one website? Yes, you can list multiple locations on one website through the use of interactive maps or individual pages for each location. This is beneficial for users who may be searching for a specific location or want to see all available options in one place. It also helps with search engine optimization (SEO) and increases online visibility for your restaurant. Is a restaurant website necessary even with a Facebook page? Having a Facebook page can be beneficial for reaching and engaging with customers, but having a website provides additional benefits. A website allows for more control over your online presence and branding, as well as providing a platform for showcasing essential information like menus, operating hours and contact details. It also allows you to reach those who may not use social media or prefer to search for businesses through search engines. Having both a Facebook page and a website can complement each other and help your restaurant reach a wider target audience . Can I add new features to my restaurant website after it’s been developed? This depends on the chosen option for building your website. If you used a website builder, you can easily add new features through their platform. However, if you hired a web developer who created a fully customized website, adding new features may require additional coding and incur extra costs. It is important to discuss this with your web developer beforehand and plan for any future changes or updates you may want for your website.  Having a clear understanding of the capabilities and limitations of your restaurant website can help you make informed decisions about its development and ongoing maintenance. How long does it take to develop a restaurant website? The time it takes to develop a restaurant website can vary depending on the complexity and features required. For example, a basic website built with a website builder may only take a few days, while a fully customized website may take several weeks or even months to complete. It is essential to discuss your timeline expectations with your web developer and factor in additional time for testing and revisions before the website is launched. Market research  and proper communication between you and your web developer can help ensure that the website is developed efficiently and meets your expectations. Does a restaurant website need to be mobile friendly? Yes, having a mobile-friendly website is crucial for any business in today’s digital age. With more and more people using their smartphones to search for and access information online, having a website that is optimized for mobile devices can greatly improve user experience and increase the chances of converting visitors into customers. It also boosts SEO rankings and helps your restaurant stay competitive in an increasingly digital market.

Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →   Beauty marketing is a specialized type of marketin g that focuses on promoting and selling beauty products and services. It helps brands connect with their target audience, showcase their offerings and ultimately drive sales. In this article, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of what beauty marketing entails and why it's essential for the success of any beauty brand. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. Wix is all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. What is beauty marketing? At its core, beauty marketing involves creating a connection between beauty brands and consumers. It's about communicating the values, benefits and unique selling points of beauty products or services to entice potential customers. This can be achieved through various channels and marketing strategies  such as social media, content marketing, influencer partnerships and more. It’s also often an all-encompassing approach that includes product development, market research, branding and customer engagement. While also acting as the driving force behind brand awareness and customer loyalty in an industry that thrives on innovation and trends. Related: Discover how Natalie Lucas Studio lets website analytics guide its beauty marketing. 8 best beauty marketing strategies Over the years, beauty marketing strategies have evolved to include a variety of platforms and tactics. They include: Digital marketing Content marketing Social media marketing Influencer marketing Subscription boxes Hosting events and workshops Cause marketing Limited-edition collaborations 01. Digital marketing This can involve using online marketing channels to promote your beauty business . Popular digital marketing  channels include: Your own website Email marketing campaigns Search Engine Optimization and Paid search ads Digital marketing means finding your users online and then making sure you show up with a marketing resource where they are. This could mean having your website rank in the first page of search engine results for beauty related queries, or for paid google ad search terms.  02. Content marketing Creating valuable content like blog posts, tutorials and reviews is a great way to educate and engage potential customers. Starting a beauty blog  is one way to build up an engaged audience who return to your content for beauty tips and information. You can then include call-to-actions in your blog content to lead readers to your beauty product or service pages.  Video marketing  is another important part of content marketing  and can be particularly effective for a beauty business. Potential customers may love videos on makeup sessions using your products or services. You can share these on your website, or via Youtube as one example.   03. Social media marketing Social media marketing  has become indispensable in the beauty marketing industry. They offer a direct line to consumers and provide an interactive online space for you to engage with your audience, showcase your products and build a community around your beauty business idea . Social media channels like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok serve as powerful tools for beauty brands to: Showcase visual content: Beauty is visual by nature, and social media is the perfect showcase for high-quality images and videos. Engage with customers: Brands can interact directly with consumers through comments, messages and live streams. You can also engage your audience with contests that encourage them to post with a branded hashtag for a chance to win prizes. Launch new products: Social media is often the first place new products are introduced to the market.  Some examples of beauty marketing on social media are: A skincare brand might use Instagram stories to demonstrate the benefits of their new moisturizer. A makeup company could partner with influencers on TikTok to create viral challenges that feature their products. A hair care line might use Facebook Live sessions to educate customers on how to use their styling tools. 04. Influencer marketing Partnering with individuals who have a strong online following, usually via social media platforms, to promote beauty products in an authentic and relatable manner is a popular way to reach a large target audience in an authentic way. Influencers will usually be paid to use your products online, in a natural way. They may also do it in exchange for free products. Learn more about influencer marketing .   "Influencers need to be open to stick to the brand’s general brief that does include brand guidelines and a clear list of do's and don'ts. Additionally, they should submit to the brand’s representative a general outline for review and feedback before investing in creating the content." - Sarah Adam, head of marketing partnerships and influencer marketing at Wix Studio 05. Create subscription boxes Offer a curated selection of products on a subscription basis, giving customers the chance to explore new items regularly. This might include sending seasonally themed boxes and products.  06. Hosting beauty events and workshops Organize workshops, either online or in-person, to educate consumers about your products and create a community around your brand. You can organize these independently, or sponsor popular beauty events and networking events.  07. Cause marketing This might mean aligning with a charitable cause that resonates with your brand values and donating a portion of sales from specific products. 08. Develop limited-edition collaborations Partner with celebrities or influencers to create limited-edition products that generate excitement and exclusivity. If you’re a new or small business you might need to start with less high profile influencers to build your brand, then work your way and your budget, up to more influential celebrities.  How to a kickstart career in beauty marketing Embarking on a career in beauty marketing can be both exciting and rewarding. With the right approach, you can find your niche within this dynamic industry. Here's how to get started. Internships : Gain hands-on experience and industry knowledge by interning with beauty brands or marketing agencies. Education:  Enroll in beauty marketing courses that offer specialized training and insights into the industry. Networking:  Attend industry events and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. The beauty marketing field offers a variety of roles, including: Brand manager : Oversee a brand's image, product development, and marketing strategies. Social media coordinator : Manage a brand's social media presence and create engaging content. Content creator : Produce compelling content such as blog posts, videos, and tutorials that align with the brand's voice.

A landing page is a standalone web page, that's reached, after a click, either from an email, ad or other online marketing resources. They're a crucial part of online marketing and they're designed to encouraged users to take a specific action. One of the most popular types of landing pages is the B2B lead generation landing page, whose purpose is to capture leads and contact information. They're not a part of a website's established navigation and are used for specific marketing campaigns. A critical tool for promoting your brand, landing pages have enormous power in driving conversions. By using a  landing page builder  to design and customize your landing pages, you can precisely target your audience and guide them through the sales funnel. Online marketing can be a business owner’s best friend. When you take your business online, you'll need a powerful digital marketing strategy that captures your brand message perfectly and promotes it across several channels. That's why we're taking a closer look at one of the most effective tools for doing just that—the landing page. In this article, we’ll discuss the definition of a landing page, explain how to create a landing page and offer some best practices for designing your own. Ready to create a landing page? Get started with Wix today. What is a landing page? A landing page is a standalone webpage that entices users to click on a strategic call-to-action (CTA), such as “Get Started,” “Subscribe” or “Buy Now.” It has a clear and focused call-to-action, minimal distractions and tailored content that matches the visitor's intent and interest. Landing pages focus on a single goal, typically conversion or lead generation. This precision makes them highly effective and lowers the costs of acquiring leads and making sales. They are the destination for people interested in learning more about your business after seeing your online marketing or advertising campaign. Not to be confused with a splash page  or a microsite , landing pages go by several different names including, lead capture pages, single property pages, lead gen pages or destination pages. The concept of landing pages date back to the early days of direct response marketing campaigns, where marketers drove targeted traffic to specific pages to maximize conversion. Since then, landing pages have evolved from traditional print ads to digital marketing campaigns, and now businesses use them all across their digital marketing channels. Where landing pages shine Landing pages are all about focus. Built around a single goal like collecting emails, driving sales or getting signups, they’re far better at driving conversions than a general homepage. For example, a fitness coach offering a free workout guide might use a simple page with an email form to grab leads in exchange for the download. They’re also great for paid ads. If someone clicks on a Facebook ad for a skincare product, the landing page should match the ad, highlighting the same product, using a similar tone and offering a clear call-to-action like "Buy Now" or "Get 15% Off." This consistency keeps people engaged and boosts ad performance. Ecommerce brands use landing pages for product launches, holiday sales or bundles tailored to specific customers. Service-based businesses use them to book free calls or grow waitlists while nonprofits use them to encourage donations or recruit volunteers. The key is keeping it clear—when visitors know what’s on offer and how to act, they’re much more likely to do it. What is the difference between a landing page and a homepage? To fully understand what a landing page is, you need to know the difference between landing pages vs. websites . The main distinction between a website's homepage and a landing page is that a landing page is specific and a homepage is multifaceted. A homepage's content introduces, whereas a landing page provides information tailored to its desired aim. As we’ve mentioned, a landing page only has one goal; homepages, on the other hand, have various goals. For that reason, a homepage typically contains a variety of links. Landing pages typically only provide one link to keep visitors focused on the primary CTA. Therefore, landing pages only provide visitors with two options: to convert or exit the page. Other main differences between a landing page and website page include: Navigation : landing pages tend to have none on purpose. This is because they're designed to encourage users to take a specific action - often to provide their contact information or make a purchase. By contract, webpages are designed to navigate users to other parts of the site easily and efficiently. Traffic : website users may come from multiple sources, including search engines, social media and ads. Traffic to a landing page comes from specific, planned sources - an email marketing campaign, or paid search ads, as just two main examples. To give you a better sense of the difference between the two, we've provided an example template of each below: Homepage template Landing page template What are the key features of a great landing page? Let’s go over the basic elements and anatomy of  landing page design  so that you’ll know exactly what to include: Visuals You have less than 20 seconds to convince your audience to stick around long enough to learn anything from your landing page. Design is your greatest tool for doing so. Images or videos add context and make the page more engaging. Headlines Because customers typically skim through landing pages, they may only read the headlines before decide whether to respond to your CTA. For that reason, make your headlines direct, enticing and brief. A strong and clear headline instantly grabs the user's attention and communicates the value proposition.   This will be the most challenging part of building your landing page, because you have to convince them in three to seven words that your offering provides value. Description Make sure to include a concise and clear description that explains the product or service and how it benefits the user. Calls-to-action aka CTAs Calls-to-actions (CTAs), which are the prompts you’ll use to encourage readers to take a specific action, are typically two to four words long. “Subscribe Now,” “Start Your Free Trial,” “Learn More” and “Request a Demo” are a few good examples. Summary of benefits The summary of benefits should be your landing page's most detailed section. Here, you can provide more information to interested readers who want to learn more. Remember to keep the summary simple. Rather than getting into the nitty gritty, use the space to emphasize the specific benefits they will get from hitting the CTA button. Social proof and trust signals Don’t expect readers to take your word for it. Include testimonials, reviews and awards on your landing page to prove to readers that your claims are valid and customers actually benefit from the touted features. I nclude trust signals like recognizable logos or trust badges to build credibility and reassure visitors. Mobile-friendly design Make sure your landing page delivers a smooth experience on mobile. Use responsive layouts that adjust to any screen size. Simplify forms and CTAs so they’re easy to use on smaller screens, helping you capture leads effortlessly. Closing statement The readers who make it to the bottom of your page likely want your offering, so the closing statement should give them the final push to hit that CTA button. It doesn’t have to be extensive—you can wrap everything up with a strong headline and CTA. For more insight, check out the full article: The Anatomy of a Landing Page   Types of landing pages When considering which landing page type suits your business, think about your goals. Do you want to gather contact information for leads? Are you offering a unique sale? Do you want to collect RSVPs for an event? Focusing directly on this goal will help you build a precise and highly targeted page. Let’s discuss the most common types of landing pages : 01. Lead-generation landing page Also called a “lead-gen” or a “lead-capture” page, a lead-generation landing page generates leads by collecting information about your audience. It typically includes a form where visitors can submit their contact information. Lead-gen landing pages can help you gain insight into your potential customers as well as how to reach them. To encourage users to enter their details, offer an incentive such as a coupon code, e-book, webinar or exclusive newsletter content. Create with this lead generation landing page template . Lead-generation landing page examples: Squeeze landing page:   Squeeze pages are specifically designed to collect user contact information in exchange for a valuable incentive. Coming soon landing page :  Encourages users to sign up for notifications, generating leads before a launch. Try this coming soon landing page template . Thank-you landing page:  Offers additional incentives to nurture leads after a user completes an action, helping to retain engagement. 02. Click-through landing page This type of landing page typically has a CTA that sends visitors directly into the checkout flow, nudging them to buy or subscribe. eCommerce or SaaS sites focused on making immediate sales commonly use click-through landing pages. On top of this landing pages can also be designed as dynamic landing pages  or static depending on whether the content stays the same or changes based on the user. A well-crafted click-through landing page eliminates distractions, keeping users focused on the action you want them to take. Click-through landing page examples: Product landing page:  Highlights a specific product and encourages users to click through to learn more or purchase. Use this product landing page template  to get started. Event landing page:  Promotes an event with options for RSVPs or ticket purchases, leading users to take the next step. Start with this event landing page template . Here are some more examples of landing pages: Long-form landing page:  Includes detailed information and visuals about a product or service, often designed for SEO purposes. Unsubscribe landing page:  Provides users with incentives, options to adjust email frequency or reminders of what they’ll lose if they unsubscribe. Infomercial landing page:  Uses a step-by-step, storytelling approach to detail the value of a product or service, perfect for products needing in-depth explanations. Viral landing page:  Designed to generate excitement and encourage sharing through bold visuals, humor or unique offers. What are the benefits of landing pages? Landing pages offer enormous growth potential for your company and can help your business continue to flourish. Incorporate landing pages into your  marketing strategies  for the following benefits: 01. They dramatically improve your conversion rate As mentioned earlier, landing pages focus on a single goal and compel your visitors to take action. In doing so, they move people further down the marketing funnel—from anonymous visitors to leads and finally to paying customers. 02. They tell you about your audience If you include a signup form on your landing page, you can ask for information about your audience’s demographics to gain a better understanding of your target market. On top of that, the channels that work—or don’t—for your landing page promotion say a lot about your prospective customers' interests and habits. You can use this information to holistically optimize your targeting efforts and marketing strategy. 03. They increase brand awareness An attractive, well-designed landing page conveys your brand's professionalism, value and appeal. Not only can landing pages convert leads in the moment, but they help bolster your brand simply by getting the word out. The more people that know about you, the better off your business. 04. They are measurable By analyzing landing page metrics  such as conversions, bounce rate, page views and traffic source, you can get a sense of how a particular marketing campaign perform. Take a look at where the traffic comes from—for instance, a paid post or an email marketing campaign—to determine which marketing assets prove most effective. 05. They enable targeted messaging Landing pages allow you to craft specific messages and offers aimed at a particular audience based on where they accessed the page, such as an ad, email or social media post. This targeting helps create a more tailored experience, increasing the chance of engagement and conversions. 06. They support testing and optimization Landing pages are perfect for experimenting with different elements like headlines, designs and CTAs. With A/B testing, you can see what resonates most with your audience and continually refine your page for the best results. This process helps improve your campaigns over time. How to create an effective landing page in 7 easy steps Looking to build a landing page of your own? Follow these steps to get started: Determine your goals for any landing page you want to create. Landing pages, by definition, are designed to encourage users to convert — whether it's a sale, a signup or to provide lead gen information. The goal you decide on will determine what type of landing page you choose and your CTAs, so make sure to be clear on these from the start. Use a landing page builder , like Wix, to create your page efficiently and without any technical constraints. Plan and write great copy. It should be high quality and written to encourage your landing page visitors to take a required action. If writing compelling copy isn't your thing, you might want to consider hiring a copywriter to help you. You can also use an AI writing assistant to really save time, just make sure to edit it well. Use images and visuals to improve the design and appeal of your landing page. Many landing page builders include banks of images you can use on your page. Make sure they reflect, as well as possible, your brand and message. Write attention-grabbing headlines. Headlines are crucial on a landing page, they are what makes users stay on your page and move around it. Don't let them go to waste. They should be intentional and clear. Use social proof on your landing page.  Testimonials or reviews from current or past clients and customers are good for building trust with potential customers. Leverage call-to-actions. CTAs are one of the most important parts of your landing page. So choose and position them well. You can also use forms on your page to generate leads. How to drive traffic to your landing pages Now for the fun part—bringing visitors to your landing page so they can convert. The biggest challenge businesses face with landing pages is creating an effective strategy for attracting traffic to the landing page itself. Utilizing other digital marketing practices can help to increase traffic to landing pages. Try these four avenues to grow traffic: 01. Social media As one of the most prominent platforms for engaging with your target audience, start promoting your landing page on social media. Whether it’s on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or Pinterest, create a compelling post with a link to your landing page. That way, you’ll target people already interested in your brand and bring in quality traffic. Each social media platform has its own strengths. For example, Instagram works well for visually appealing products and lifestyle brands, while LinkedIn is ideal for B2B advertisers targeting professionals in specific industries. Tailor your strategy to the platform to maximize results. Pro tip: You can also use a link in bio tool such as Hopp by Wix to direct your community towards specific social channels and simplify content sharing. 02. Email marketing Email marketing remains one of the most effective methods for attracting traffic to your landing page, with 58% of users checking their email before they check social media or the news . If you nail the email subject line, visuals, layout and copywriting, your landing page will get a noticeable boost of incoming visits. 03. SEO Optimizing your landing pages for Google search rankings ensures that the right people will be able to find it. To start, do some research into which keyword SERPs best fit your landing page using SEO tools such as Ahrefs or Semrush. Once you decide on the primary keyword you want the page to rank for, work it into the copy whenever possible, as well as your SEO title and description. Using Wix to create a website means that you can customize your on-page SEO, including meta tags, URL slugs, canonical tags and other page elements. Headers, for example, improve readability for the user, but also contribute to the HTML language that Google reads to determine website ranking. When Google scans website content, it uses headers to help analyze a website or web page's information. Headers are arranged in a hierarchy from H1 to H6, with H1 as the page title. Keep in mind that SEO isn’t a quick-and-dirty strategy that produces immediate effort—it requires sustained attention. The effort pays off because a landing page can maintain SEO authority it has accumulated over time. 04. Paid ads Social media marketing, email marketing and SEO are free ways to draw traffic to your landing page. However, if you think you could use an additional boost, consider promoting your landing page via paid ads. By targeting people based on their interests and demographics, you prompt them with the landing page designated for their specific niche. Search results ads: Based on keywords that you define, search results ads show up on search engines when people include those terms in their queries. Social media ads: When you create paid social media posts, social networks like Facebook and Instagram promote them to people who match the profile of your target audience. For example, if you're running a fitness brand, you can target users who mark themselves as “fitness enthusiasts” on Facebook. Display ads: Another option is to use third-party advertising tools to place banner ads on the websites your audience frequents. Based on your campaign goals, you may choose to diversify your advertising efforts or focus on just one of these platforms. Whichever you decide, consistently monitor your results so that you can adapt your campaign accordingly. Landing page examples To better understand how to implement these strategies, take a look at these landing page examples . (Also, test drive some of the best AI landing page builders today.) 01. SurveyMonkey As a global leader in polling and survey software, SurveyMonkey has designed a landing page that presents two options to their audience upon landing on their page: Go Premium and Sign Up For Free. A brief line accompanies the CTA, describing the product: Voting and polling features to help you capture opinions and get your results in no time. An abundance of white space throughout helps readers follow the content without distraction. As you continue to scroll, you’ll see that SurveyMonkey provides only essential information, including pricing for their three most popular plans and a contact form to receive a demo. The form requires very minimal information, including name, business email address, job title and company name. 02. Tipalti Tipalti is a B2B financial company that has designed a landing page to help them gather new leads. Visitors are immediately greeted with a form to collect contact information along with a large yellow button containing the main CTA, Get a free demo. The company maintains their branding elements, including colors, font and logo, throughout the page to remain consistent with their marketing efforts. As you scroll below the fold, you can see they highlight facts as to why you should choose their service, including testimonials with customer photos. You’ll also see CTA buttons presented several times, providing visitors multiple opportunities to schedule a demo. 03. Miro Miro is an online collaboration tool that allows teams to create visual boards to plan projects and tasks. Upon entering this landing page, a video displaying the tool’s capabilities greets you. Without clicking play, the video shows a preview of how the project boards function. This immediately engages the viewer. The CTA, "Get Started," is located to the left, surrounded by an abundance of blank space which forces your attention to these two places. Toward the bottom, you’ll notice that the site features some of Miro’s biggest clients and displays the main benefits of using the product. This simple, yet captivating design is an excellent example of a landing page done right. 04. Upwork Upwork is a leading freelancer platform that markets both to freelancers as well as businesses who want to hire them. This particular landing page targets businesses looking to hire freelancers for independent work. Get Started, the primary CTA, is located twice above the fold, making it easy for leads to click and convert. Its brand colors, green and white, adorn the page along with a list of leading clients, benefits of hiring through Upwork and a user testimonial at the bottom. The strip at the top of the page features an image of one of Upwork’s top rated freelancers, which helps establish a more personal connection to the business. Best practices for landing pages that convert As you develop your campaign, keep in mind these landing page best practices  to create the most effective one for your business: 01. Perform A/B testing Landing pages allow for experimentation, which can lead to better user experiences and higher conversion rates. With A/B testing, you can test headlines, formats, designs and CTAs to see what performs best. For example, you could use an A/B test to determine whether your CTA button should say “Buy Now” or “Get Started,” based on which has the higher conversion rate. Musatova recommends using Google Optimize or Hotjar for your A/B testing. 02. Minimize navigation To create a straight path from your landing page to the desired action, remove as many links as possible. You can even remove the navigation bar. Ideally, your CTA button will be the only link—any others that need to be on the page should take up as little real estate as possible. 03. Maximize readability Long chunks of text can bore, overwhelm and distract your visitors. On the other hand, making your text short, sweet and skimmable will grab hold of your audience’s attention right away. Every word should serve a very specific purpose and bring their eyes directly to the CTA. Don't get too creative with your content here—save that for your blog. Looking to learn how to create a blog ? Wix has got your covered with thousands of design features, built-in SEO and marketing tools, that will allow you to scale your content, your brand and your business with their blog maker.   04. Maintain consistency “What is most important in creating landing pages is consistency in messaging and design,” said Musatova. To prevent any confusion while moving from point A to point B, make sure your marketing asset's content matches that of your landing page. For example, the SEO headline for the landing page should match the one that appears above the fold. Additionally, your landing page's branding and formatting should coordinate with your site’s homepage. This will allow your audience to move seamlessly through your marketing funnel with ease and minimal distraction. 05. Make your CTA prominent Your landing page should include a CTA that stands out. To achieve this, use clear and direct language and a CTA button that contrasts visually from the background. Place the CTA button multiple times across the landing page so that visitors don’t need to hunt for it. 06. Target specific markets An effective landing page targets potential customers in a specific stage of the marketing funnel. You’ll want the page's content to keep with your audience's intent. Once you’ve segmented leads, you can even create a few versions of the same landing page to better target different groups of potential customers. 07. Simplify actions The more you simplify the action you’re expecting readers to take, the more likely they will do so. For example, Musatova recommends limiting forms to only the most essential information. “You don’t want to scare people away with long, time-consuming forms,” she explained. “People also get a bit concerned about sharing information.” You might even consider only asking for email addresses and finding out more information later. 08. Focus on the consumer Your landing page's content should focus on the reader rather than your company. Instead of talking about how great your business is and all of its achievements, focus on the ways your offer can benefit the customer. 09. Place important content above the fold Don’t depend on visitors to scroll to convert. Place at least one CTA button above the fold where it’s immediately visible. Place other key elements of your landing page, such as the image and headline, above the fold as well. 10. Make it mobile-friendly Make sure your landing page not only looks great on any device, but that it also loads quickly. A good portion of your traffic will come from mobile browsing, and these visitors will be less likely to convert if the page looks clunky on their smaller screen or if it loads too slow. Check out these mobile landing page examples  to learn more. 11. Use landing page templates Most of the best landing page builders  will offer thoughtful landing page templates  to speed up the creation process. Professional designers and marketing experts built these templates, so they’re destined to drive conversions and make sales. You can also fully customize each one to best fit your branding. You can even use the opportunity to design two different pages and see which one performs better amongst your audience. What is a landing page FAQ What are the components of a landing page? The essential components of a successful landing page include a clear headline, a concise description, a prominent CTA, engaging visuals and trust symbols boasting social proof. How do you optimize a landing page? By carefully crafting your messaging, streamlining your form and analyzing your data, you can optimize your landing page and boost conversion rates. What's the purpose of a landing page? The primary goal of a landing page is to convert visitors into leads for your business, but you can also use it to capture information about your audience, increase brand awareness and measure your results. What is the difference between a landing page and a service page? A landing page is a standalone web page designed to drive a specific action, such as signing up or making a purchase, often with a single clear call-to-action and minimal navigation. A service page, on the other hand, is part of a website and provides detailed information about a company’s services, helping users understand offerings while linking to other relevant parts of the site. The primary focus of a landing page is conversion, while a service page prioritizes informing and engaging users. Can any page be a landing page? While technically any web page can act as a landing page, true landing pages are purpose-built for a specific campaign or goal. They focus on one action, such as capturing leads or driving sales, and remove unnecessary navigation to keep users on track. Can you have a landing page without a website? Yes, you can create standalone landing pages without a full website. Many platforms allow you to build and host pages independently, making them ideal for short-term campaigns or testing new ideas. How long should a landing page be? The length of a landing page depends on its purpose. Short pages work well for simple actions like signing up, while longer pages are better for products or services that require thorough explanation. Focus on delivering only the information needed for conversion. Do you need a domain for a landing page? Every landing page needs a domain. If you don’t have a custom domain, Wix lets you publish on a free Wix subdomain (e.g., yoursite.wixsite.com), which is secure and functional. While this is great for starting out, upgrading to a custom domain can enhance your brand’s credibility and make your page more memorable. Wix makes it easy to connect a domain when you’re ready.

Build your website in minutes, try Wix for free today → This article was thoughtfully co-authored by SEO expert Adi Avraham and ASO expert Roni Bass, whose insights and expertise brought this piece to life. As your business or passion project takes off, two important terms will invariably come up—ASO and SEO. While both contribute to your online presence, they focus on different platforms and require distinct strategies. ASO is aimed at increasing your mobile app's visibility in app stores, making it easier for users to find and download. Meanwhile, SEO focuses on improving your website’s ranking in search engine results to drive organic traffic.  As a business owner, knowing the difference between ASO and SEO is essential to reaching a broader audience. This article breaks down the key differences and similarities between ASO and SEO, helping you decide which one to prioritize based on your goals. Ready to learn how to make a website ? Get started with Wix's website builder . What is app store optimization (ASO)? ASO, or app store optimization , is the process of improving your app’s visibility within app stores like Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Its primary goal is to increase the number of downloads your app receives by improving its ranking within the store’s search results. ASO involves optimizing both visible and invisible elements of your app listing, like: App title App subtitle  App description (for Android) Keyword field (for iOS) Tags (for Android) Creative assets like icons, screenshots and preview videos To truly master ASO, you must understand what app store users are searching for and with what intent—then take steps towards ensuring that your app appears for those keywords. For example, you wouldn’t want your app to rank for an unrelated keyword like “sleep app”—even though it has the highest search volume, it isn’t relevant to your business.  What is search engine optimization (SEO)? SEO is the process of making your website easier to find on search engines like Google. The aim of SEO is to drive more organic traffic to your site by getting your webpages to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs) for relevant keywords. SEO relies on two main facets: On-page SEO: Optimizing elements directly on your website, such as content, HTML structure and technical aspects like site speed. Off-page SEO: Building authority and trust for your website by acquiring backlinks, improving social signals and other external factors. SEO is key for any business that depends on its website to drive sales, gather leads or promote content. But bear in mind that search engines consider hundreds of factors, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every keyword has its own intent, competitiveness and search volume. And more recently, AI has started playing a role too with AI overviews (AIO). Plus, it’s not just about your homepage—each page needs its own optimization to rank well. Want to dive deeper? Learn the answer to " What is SEO? " and check out the best keyword research tools .  ASO vs. SEO: similarities and key differences Here’s a breakdown of how ASO and SEO differ: Ranking factors Platforms SERP features Conversion metrics Reliance on data Optimization processes Quality monitoring Cost considerations Ranking factors Similarities  Both ASO and SEO are all about using the right keywords to improve visibility—ASO does this for app stores, while SEO focuses on search engines. It’s all about picking the terms your audience is searching for. Things like content quality, user reviews and ratings also play a role. The goal is the same: make it easy for your audience to find what they’re looking for. Differences  ASO enhances your app's presence in app stores by focusing on elements like app title, descriptions and screenshots. Meanwhile, SEO increases website visibility through site structure optimization, backlinks and content targeting relevant keywords.  ASO relies heavily on visual elements like icons and video previews for downloads, while SEO emphasizes more site-wide signals, like mobile-friendliness, internal linking, topic clustering and page load speed. Platforms Similarities  Both ASO and SEO hinge on knowing individual platforms inside and out. You need to have a good grasp of the rules, algorithms and ranking factors of each platform; just like how every search engine works a little differently, each app store has its own quirks. Differences  ASO targets app stores like Apple App Store and Google Play, which focus solely on mobile apps. SEO targets search engines like Google and Bing, covering personal or professional websites, blogs and eCommerce sites. ASO's focus is on overall app quality, app titles, descriptions, keywords and visuals, while SEO prioritizes content quality and backlinks. SERP features Similarities  Both SEO and ASO aim to stand out in search results by using features that grab attention. Think about AI Overviews (AIO), People Also Ask boxes and visual stories for SEO, or app packs and top charts for ASO. The goal is the same—make your content impossible to miss. By optimizing for these features, you’re not just increasing visibility—you’re actively encouraging users to click and engage. Both strategies let you use search results to your advantage and connect with your audience more effectively. Differences  The SERP features in app stores are very different from the ones you might find on Google. For example, on Google, you have SERP features like AIO, People Also Ask, Featured Snippets, etc., which are all features that you can’t control. While you can make changes to influence your rankings, ultimately, Google decides who will show up in these places.  In app stores, the only SERP features you’ll find are called app events (an event that you can create for your app search results or for a specific timeframe). App events are available to every app owner, but aren’t relevant to every app. You have the power to decide if you’ll use app events or not. For example, Netflix can do an in-app event for a new TV show they’re releasing. In this sense, ASO gives you more control over the SERP. Conversion metrics Similarities Both ASO and SEO focus on user actions that drive business goals. Both aim to encourage valuable interactions—whether that's getting users to download an app in ASO, or prompting purchases or sign-ups on a website via SEO. These conversion metrics also provide insights into how often users engage with an app or website and how well these platforms turn visits into meaningful actions. Differences For ASO, important metrics include app downloads, which show when someone goes from viewing your app to installing it; post-download actions, like user retention; and how long people stay in your app. This is all about the app store experience.  With SEO, the focus shifts to things like clicks, sales and website sign-ups. ”Conversions” can be defined as product purchases, lead submissions or even demo requests. It all depends on what your website aims to accomplish. Reliance on data Similarities In ASO and SEO, data is important for refining your strategy and getting more visibility. More specifically, analyzing keyword data is essential for optimizing your success, whether in app stores or search engines. You must understand search volumes and what users are interested in to choose the right keywords, and to ultimately make it easier for people to find you.  Differences The scope of data available for ASO and SEO is significantly different. App stores offer insights like volume score and downloads. You can even link a user's app download to their in-app actions, such as what they did and what they purchased from your app. However, with ASO, you lack detailed keyword performance metrics; while you can easily segment traffic data by country, language and device, you can’t see which keywords drive the most traffic and downloads. This limitation makes it harder for ASO to measure the specific impact of each keyword on app performance.  On the other hand, SEO platforms provide average monthly search volumes for every keyword, as well as detailed insights into impressions, clicks and segmented traffic. This information allows SEO specialists to precisely analyze how keywords perform and adjust their strategies to improve rankings and engagement. Optimization processes Similarities ASO and SEO are ongoing processes that need constant tweaking and testing. Adjusting things like keywords, titles and descriptions can help you keep up with changing user behaviors and algorithms—and, in turn, improve visibility, engagement and conversion. Regular updates and A/B testing are key to staying competitive in the ever-shifting digital world. Differences ASO and SEO have different approaches and timelines. ASO mainly focuses on optimizing app-specific elements like icons, screenshots and videos. Within app stores, keyword and metadata updates tend to happen every four to six weeks. It’s also common practice in ASO to A/B test textual assets like title and description, as well as creative assets like app icon and preview video screenshots. While ASO focuses on adjusting visual and metadata in shorter cycles, SEO's optimization process has a wider scope, addressing both content and technical aspects for long-term growth in web visibility. Quality monitoring Similarities ASO and SEO are pretty similar when it comes to keeping an eye on quality. Both involve regularly tracking things like keyword rankings, user engagement and conversion rates so you can tweak your strategies and stay ahead as algorithms change. Differences In ASO, app owners are expected to deliver smooth user experiences by minimizing crashes and preventing “app not responding” errors. Quality is reflected in user engagement—i.e., how long people spend in the app, how often they return daily and whether the app delivers on its promises. Downloads alone aren’t a measure of quality; just because an app is downloaded frequently doesn’t mean it’s good. True quality lies in how well the app performs and retains users. In addition, uninstall rates are a measurement of quality control.  In contrast, SEO considers the structure and quality of content, along with technical aspects like page speed and mobile-friendliness. These all play a part in search rankings.  Cost considerations When it comes to deciding where to invest your resources, think about the costs associated with both ASO and SEO: ASO: When you’re working on ASO, you’ll likely use keyword research tools like AppTweak, in addition to A/B testing platforms for creative assets (although you can perform tests directly through the consoles where you manage the app, sometimes third-party tools can also provide extra insights). You may choose to pay for app store advertising for quicker results, and don’t forget that you’ll have to make regular updates to your app listings, which will require time and expertise. SEO: SEO expenses often include investments in tools like Google Analytics, Semrush or Ahrefs for keyword tracking, as well as content creation costs. Off-page SEO efforts, like link-building campaigns, may also require a financial investment. Tip:  Check out this list of free SEO tools  to help mitigate some costs, including Wix SEO. Or, go to the Wix SEO Learning Hub  for detailed tips and processes.  Factor ASO (app store optimization) SEO (search engine optimization) Platform App stores (mainly Apple App Store and Google Play) Search engines (e.g., Google, Bing and DuckDuckGo) Search target Apps and games Websites, blogs and eCommerce stores SERP features In-app events People Also Ask, videos, discussions and forums, local pack, Things to Know, images, from sources across the web, People Also Search For, featured snippet, AI overview  Ranking factors App title  Subtitle Keyword field (iOS)  App description (Android) Tags (Android) Title tags  Meta descriptions Structured data Content quality that fulfills user intent Backlinks Conversion metrics Impressions App downloads (Side note: creative assets like icons and screenshots contribute to strong impressions and downloads) Clicks Conversions (sales, signups) Data  Volume score; limited insights on keyword performance  Cannot directly measure keyword impressions or downloads and also the amount of actual searches in a month Number of average monthly searches for every keyword Detailed data on keyword impressions Clicks and traffic by device Optimization process A/B testing of creative and/or textual assets (icons, screenshots, videos) Textual assets (title, subtitle, description)  Metadata updates every four to six weeks Content optimization (titles, descriptions, headers, paragraphs, images, videos) Internal linking optimizations, updates every six months or more frequently depending on competition Focus on user reviews User reviews can influence rankings and visibility—and as an outcome, downloads   User reviews are important for credibility and social proof, but not a direct ranking factor Quality Crashes User retention Session length Engagement Click-through rates (CTR) Dwell time Page view Purchases How ASO and SEO work together Although ASO and SEO focus on different platforms, they can, in fact, complement each other. If your business has both a website and an app, combining your ASO and SEO strategies can strengthen your overall online presence. Cross-promotion: You can drive app downloads via your website by integrating calls to action (CTAs ) that direct users to app stores. Likewise, you can link back to your website from your app’s store page. Ratings and reviews: Encourage app users to leave reviews and ratings through your website to promote your app’s visibility. Positive reviews on your app page can serve as social proof on your website. Backlinks: Build backlinks to your app page from your SEO-optimized content, and vice versa, helping your app rank higher in app store search results. Multiple web entry points for the app:  Create multiple web pages for your app. For example, if you're a gym owner and you have an app that allows users to sign up to different classes, you can build web pages for yoga classes, Pilates classes, spinning classes, aerobics classes, etc. Integrated ASO and SEO strategy:  By using consistent messaging and branding across both your app and website, you ensure that your content marketing efforts support both SEO and ASO by targeting similar keywords and themes. ASO and SEO best practices Mastering ASO and SEO means optimizing keywords, content and user experience to enhance discoverability and stay competitive. Here are some best practices to keep in mind. ASO best practices Perform keyword research: Understand what users are searching for in each app store and what they’re looking to achieve. Are users looking to be entertained when they search a specific keyword? Or, are they looking for a helpful tool they can use? Optimize all metadata fields: Include the most important keywords in your app or website’s metadata. Use the most essential keywords in the title, then subtitle and finally in the keywords list/description. Keep things fresh every four to six weeks: Regular updates show that your app is actively maintained. In addition, it’s recommended to optimize your metadata to increase your rankings. Don’t optimize iOS and Android the same way: These algorithms are unique from one another and weigh different factors. Taking a blanket approach to optimization may hurt your rankings. Design attractive icons, screenshots and videos: Take it from The Advanced App Store Optimization  book—this is what converts users the most. Keep your icon simple and memorable, and use your screenshots and videos to highlight the most important features of your app. A/B test your creative assets: Test different versions to see which one drives more installs. Localize: Localize and optimize your texts and creatives for different regions to suit local preferences and cultural nuances. Pay attention to your ratings and reviews: Prompt satisfied users to leave positive reviews and address negative feedback constructively. Keep your performance high: Monitor downloads, user engagement and crashes. A well-performed app has more chances of getting ranked in the app stores. Keep an eye for algorithm updates: Be ready to adapt your ASO strategies to align with any Google Play policy updates or algorithm changes. If your app page doesn’t match the new policy, it may hurt your app’s visibility.  Pro tip:  Check out these common ASO mistakes  to avoid. SEO best practices Try testing out some of these marketing strategies  as a part of your SEO effort, so your business can improve its visibility and climb the ranks in both app stores and search engines. Perform keyword research  Identify target keywords: Tools like Google Keyword Planner , Ahrefs  and Semrush  can help you discover what people are searching for in your industry. This includes high-volume keywords, long-tail keywords  and related terms. Understand search intent: It's not just about finding the most popular keywords but understanding the intent  behind those searches. Are users looking for information, trying to make a purchase or comparing products? Tailoring your content to this intent is essential. Using keywords in the page's content: Once your keywords are identified, naturally integrate the chosen keywords into your content while maintaining readability. They should be used throughout your pages, such as the title tags, meta descriptions, headings, URLs and body content. Use Wix’s SEO features  along with built-in blogging and text creation tools to optimize your pages content. Enhance SEO title tags: Write title tags that are concise, keyword-focused and reflective of the page's content. Remember to keep it up to 60 characters max. Write engaging meta descriptions: Craft meta tags  that are compelling, include keywords and encourage users to click through from search results. Remember to keep it up to 160 characters max. You can use Wix’s AI meta tag creator  tool to streamline your efforts. Implement structured data: Structured data is a set of HTML code that helps search engines understand your content better. By adding schema markup to your site’s code, you make it easier for search engines to categorize and display your information on search results. This can amplify visibility and click-through rates. Use tools like Merkle schema generator  to create the necessary code for your site. Focus on mobile- friendliness: The majority of internet browsing—over 61% —happens on mobile devices, outpacing desktop and tablet use. Plus, Google prioritizes the mobile version of your website, making mobile-friendliness essential. Focus on providing an intuitive user experience for visitors on mobile to stay ahead. Utilize internal linking: Internal links are the links that your visitors can click on to get to another page on your site. When crafting your page's content, think about how to insert links to other relevant pages of your site so that it’s easy for visitors (and web crawlers) to find them and spend more time on your site. Optimize anchor text: Optimize your anchor text (the clickable text in a hyperlink that directs users to another page) by including keywords related to your website’s niche. For example, using “ SEO tools ” as anchor text linking to a page about SEO tools can help improve your ranking for that keyword, while also making it clear what the linked page is about. Elevate your images: This is essential for improving your website's speed, user experience and increasing your image search visibility. Two important factors are compressing images and providing relevant alt text. Compressing images: Large image files can slow down your website, leading to poor user experience and lower rankings. Aim for 80 KB to 100 KB per image for most website use cases, like product photos, blog graphics, or thumbnails. This strikes a balance between quality and performance. Tools to try: TinyPNG or Befunky . Alt text:  Read by screen readers for visually impaired users and helps search engines understand the image content. Describe the image’s content and try including keywords naturally. For example, if your page targets "vegan cake recipes," a good alt text might be "Slice of vegan chocolate cake topped with fresh strawberries.” ASO or SEO? How to make the right choice for your business The decision to prioritize ASO, SEO—or both, depends on your business model and your specific audience. When to focus on ASO If your business primarily revolves around an app , focusing on ASO is important for  increasing visibility and downloads within app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store. When your primary goal is to drive more app installs , use ASO to optimize for app store rankings and conversions. If you notice that your app is not ranking well for relevant keywords in the app store or that competitors are outranking you, it's time to focus on ASO. If your audience primarily engages with mobile devices and apps , invest more effort in ASO to ensure you capture those users directly within app stores. When to focus on SEO If you have a website as a core asset , like an eCommerce website  or a blog, SEO is essential for driving organic traffic from search engines like Google. When your goal is to increase website visits , generate leads or convert users online— focus on SEO to improve your rankings for relevant keywords and attract targeted audiences. If you aim to reach users across devices (desktop, mobile or tablet) and different touch points (blog, social media or search engines), prioritize SEO to cover all aspects of your digital strategy. When your focus is on creating content to educate, inform, solve audience problems or entertain users, and you're competing for rankings on search engines, SEO will be key. When to focus on both If your business operates through both an app and a website , be sure to prioritize both ASO and SEO simultaneously to make sure that users can find you through search engines and app stores. In addition, if you're launching a new app and a website together, creating a unified ASO and SEO strategy will get more eyes on your business and attract new customers. When your goal is to drive app downloads through your website or vice versa , aligning your ASO and SEO strategies sharpens your approach, improving user experiences and increasing conversions across both app stores and search engines.For example, a yoga studio owner with an app primarily used for class signups and check-ins could enhance its value by sharing additional resources. They could include a link within the app to provide more information, promote new deals, share yoga tips or offer courses. Another idea is to use member profile pages to share personalized updates or exclusive content. Match made in heaven: combining ASO and SEO for a holistic strategy As in many types of marketing , a unified strategy is often a winning strategy. When combined, ASO and SEO can offer even greater visibility and conversions by helping your business capture a broad audience across both channels. By understanding the unique and overlapping elements of ASO and SEO, you can make informed decisions that will increase your digital presence and ultimately grow your business.

Get started by: Creating a website →  | Getting a domain → Forum software platforms have been a staple of online communities since the early days of the internet. In spite of the earth-shattering growth of social media networks over the last decade, these platforms have remained a safe haven for those looking to connect with like-minded individuals on a more global, anonymous scale. Nowadays, the practice of how to make a website and an online forum is becoming increasingly popular among businesses, as online communities have proven to be an incredibly valuable asset. Regardless of whether you have a startup website , are a small business owner, or enterprise decision maker—to get started on your own, we recommend creating a website for free with a website builder like Wix that has a built-in, free forum software that can easily be added. Forums can serve as a way to simply bring your audience together, or as a source of feedback and inter-user support. Regardless of what purpose you aim for these types of websites to serve, one of the most gratifying results is always the strengthened sense of connection between users and your product or services. Take a look at this selection of the best forum software available and start planting the seeds of your future thriving online community . What is forum software? Forum software is a type of application that enables users to create and post messages, read and reply to messages posted by others and engage in discussions organized around specific topics or interests. These online discussion boards, also known as forums or message boards, serve as platforms for communities to exchange knowledge, share experiences and seek support. Best forum software Wix Groups phpBB vBulletin MyBB Vanilla Flarum Simple Machines Forum Discourse XenForo Invision Community 01. Wix Groups Price: Free Wix Groups allows you to build outstanding community sites without a single line of code. You can start from scratch or choose one of the platform’s professionally designed website templates . In both cases, you’ll be able to customize every aspect of your forum and complement it with additional apps either with a membership website or other type. This solution is focused on building vibrant online communities and providing powerful social features that encourage users to engage with each other and create meaningful relationships. Wix Groups takes a page from the popular social media book to provide users with personal profile pages where other members can see all their posts and follow them. Key Wix features : Built-in advanced SEO tools Customizable interface Social features Mobile-friendly platform Members and profile pages Reliable and secure web hosting 02. phpBB Price: Free phpBB is one of the oldest and most well-known free forum solutions out there. First launched in 2000, this platform is constantly updated to keep up with the latest industry trends including mobile-first indexing compliance and anti-spam capabilities. The forum’s user-friendly interface, paired with a solid administration panel and documentation, make it highly accessible even with little technical knowledge. It includes all the basic features needed on a forum software, such as user moderation, notifications, security and multi-language support. Additionally, there are hundreds of free extensions available. phpBB is open-source and self-hosted, which means that you won’t have to pay for its use but will need to invest in a robust website hosting platform. On a high-quality host, this forum software solution can handle a large number of message boards and thousands of users. Key features: Detailed documentation and video tutorials Robust messaging capabilities Built-in SEO tools Extensive management panel Responsive design and cross-browser support 03. vBulletin Price: Plans for vBulletin Cloud start at $14.99/month, vBulletin 5 Connect license requires a one-time $249 payment Broadly considered one of the best premium forum software, vBulletin has been around for over two decades. This platform provides powerful administration, security and SEO tools, and has an AI-powered engagement feature that encourages community growth. This forum software was created with large communities in mind. In addition to using machine learning and natural language processing to boost participation, vBulletin also allows users to create private forums and groups. Furthermore, it’s possible to create a blog within the platform in order to provide added value to members and strengthen the forum’s SEO performance. The platform offers both self-hosting (vBulletin 5 Connect) and cloud hosting (vBulletin Cloud) options, making it equally accessible for users with varying degrees of technical knowledge. Both versions can be set up in just 15 minutes and provide the same features. Key features: Mobile device optimization Highly customizable themes Powerful media capabilities Built-in SEO tools Task scheduler 04. MyBB Price: Free As its name suggests, MyBB allows users to make the platform their own. This powerful open-source, free forum software is fully customizable, providing ready-made templates and a theme editor to make it easy for users to achieve their design goals. Its customization capabilities are also available for end users, as they can easily adjust the way they view discussions. This solution provides all the basic features of a solid forum software, as well as several additional plugins available for those who want to take their boards a step further. Examples of these include anti-spam tools, gamification features, email blast support, and CDN capabilities. While the list of extensions offered by MyBB falls short of the variety other solutions in this list offer, its easy accessibility and modern style make it a feisty contender in the fight for the title of best forum software. Key features: Database management integration Multi-language support Complete design customization Broad range of plugins Email blasts 05. Vanilla Price: Free open-source version, business plans start at $689/month Vanilla offers both free and premium versions of its forum software. The former provides users with a self-hosting platform with basic features and community-built plugins, while the latter is a powerful cloud-based solution aimed at enterprise-level customers. Some of this forum software’s most renowned features include a wide array of marketing integrations, automatic content curation and gamification practices. These are not only aimed to support and increase user engagement but also to empower business effectiveness. Vanilla can also be used as a help desk software to create a robust ticket system for customer support efforts. The platform’s built-in knowledge base system also makes it possible for businesses to easily develop a self-service that relieves support demand. Key features: User-friendly set up process Mobile-friendly interface Social and data sharing integration Wide range of themes and plugins Auto-saving feature 06. Flarum Price: Free Despite being relatively new in the, Flarum has already made a name for itself as one of the best free forum software out there. The main reason for this lies on the core ethos upon which the solution has been built: simple, modern and fast. It’s fair to say that these values are more than present in Flarum’s platform. This new-gen forum software is easy to install and loads fast thanks to its lightweight JavaScript framework. Out of the box the platform’s user interface is modern and sleek, with a heavy focus on user experience. This elegant, simple design is complemented by smooth animations and large buttons which provide an overall professional look. But what truly makes Flarum stand out is its two-pane interface. This unique feature provides users with a flexible environment where they can participate in numerous discussions without opening a handful of different tabs. Other engagement-focused capabilities include a floating message composer, discussion-organized notifications, live cha t and user mentions. Key features: Easy forum set up User-friendly design tools Two-pane interface Advanced permission settings Comprehensive APIs 07. Simple Machines Forum Price: Free Also known simply as SMF, Simple Machines Forum is an open-source forum software built with large online communities in mind. Its interface stays clear of flashy decorations, opting instead for a clear and sober approach that gives the platform a professional look. In order to allow for optimal performance and scalability, this free forum software offers a broad variety of customizable features and plugins, along with structured code documentation. As a result, SMF’s module and system is among the most flexible in the space. Furthermore, SMF’s advanced package manager allows users to implement large-scale user modifications quickly. In just a couple clicks, you’ll be able to apply changes to large user databases. Long gone are the days when these modifications took endless hours and lines of code. Key features: Advanced security features Highly customizable extensions Supports 46 languages Paid user subscriptions Built-in SEO tools 08. Discourse Price: Free open-source version, business plans start at $100/month Discourse offers a modern take on the notion of forums. A quick look at the platform’s interface makes it evident that this open-source solution has little in common with the traditional forum structure. This, combined with a long list of available features and integrations and complete mobile optimization, have granted this solution a spot among the best forum software. One of Discourse’s most groundbreaking features is a unique user ranking system that provides experienced members with certain moderation capabilities. This results in a self-moderated community where users are rewarded for their engagement and meaningful collaborations. If you are interested in this open-source forum software and don’t know how to host a website or don’t have the resources to do so, Discourse offers a managed hosting solution for a monthly subscription starting at $100. Key features: Mobile device optimization Advanced moderation settings Business plugins and social media integrations Rich messaging tools Performance analytic tools 09. XenForo Price: $160/year XenForo is a self-hosted forum software created for businesses. The platform presents an elegant interface that can be easily customized to match the business’s brand identity. You’ll be able to change the forum layout, create your own typography style and implement your brand colors without a single line of code. There are more than 2,000 plugins available in the platform, ranging from enhanced search capabilities to premium area paywalls. Among these, one of the XenForum’s core defining features is the use of gamification to encourage user engagement. This includes social sharing, activity milestones, appreciation tools and a reward scheme. In addition to the basic yearly license, XenForo offers several premium services users can add to their forums such as a media gallery, enhanced SEO tools and advanced resource management. Extra additions can be purchased from third-party vendors. Key features: Built-in SEO User engagement rewards Robust content tools Customizable templates Wide range of add-ons 10. Invision Community Price: Plans start at $45/month Invision Community is deemed to be one of the best forum software solutions for businesses and enterprises. It combines a fully customizable interface with rich content creation tools and a comprehensive admin panel that makes it easy to set up and manage. The platform enables users to customize every aspect of their forums, down to the activity feed on a user basis. This flexibility extends to end-users as well, as they can create and manage their own online communities within the forum. Known as clubs, these areas get designated managers and can control private forums, galleries and calendars. Furthermore, Invision’s solution can be used beyond forum platforms to build fully functional and mobile-responsible support ticket systems, blogs, file-sharing networks, eCommerce sites, content management systems and more. Key features: Achievement rewards Premium clubs memberships Powerful business tools Advanced security settings Comprehensive content apps What are the benefits of using forum software? Forum software offers numerous benefits for individuals, organizations and businesses, making it a valuable tool for communication, collaboration and community building. Here are some of the key advantages of using forum software: Fostering community amongst your users and customers Forum software creates a platform for individuals with shared interests to connect, interact and form meaningful connections. It facilitates discussions, encourages sharing of knowledge and experiences and helps build a sense of belonging and community. Enhanced customer support Companies can u forum software to provide comprehensive customer support, allowing users to ask questions, seek solutions and share feedback. This direct interaction with customers helps improve product development, identify areas for improvement and enhance customer satisfaction. Effective knowledge management Forums serve as a repository of valuable information, capturing discussions, FAQs and solutions to common problems. This collective knowledge base can be easily searched and accessed by users, reducing the need for repetitive support requests and streamlining problem-solving. Brand building Active forum participation allows organizations to establish themselves as thought leaders in their respective industries. By engaging with users, providing valuable insights and addressing concerns, companies can build brand credibility and enhance their reputation. Market research Forum discussions provide valuable insights into user needs, preferences and pain points. Companies can analyze these conversations to gather market research, identify potential product improvements and develop features that align with user expectations. How to choose the right forum software Choosing the right forum software for your online community is crucial for ensuring a thriving and engaging online space. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision: Define your community's goals and needs Before diving into software options, clearly define the purpose and objectives of your online community. What do you hope to achieve? What are the specific needs of your target audience? Understanding these goals will guide your software selection. Assess your technical expertise Consider your technical capabilities or the availability of technical support. Some forum software requires more technical expertise for setup and maintenance, while others offer user-friendly interfaces and simplified management tools. Evaluate features and functionality Research and compare different forum software options based on their features and functionality. Consider essential features like user profiles, threaded discussions, moderation tools, search and navigation and integration capabilities. Consider scalability and growth Choose software that can accommodate your community's growth. Ensure the software can handle increasing user traffic, data storage requirements and potential feature expansions in the future. Review pricing and licensing options Compare pricing structures and licensing models of different software providers. Open-source software may be cost-effective but may require more technical expertise, while paid software often provides support and regular updates. Test and evaluate potential software Most forum software providers offer free trials or demo versions. Utilize these opportunities to test the software's user interface, features and compatibility with your needs. Seek community feedback Gather feedback from potential users or existing community members to understand their preferences and expectations for the forum software. Their insights can help you identify the most suitable option. Prioritize security and data protection Ensure the forum software prioritizes user data security and privacy. Check for robust security measures, data encryption and compliance with relevant data protection regulations. Consider mobile compatibility In today's mobile-first world, choose forum software that offers a responsive design and a user-friendly mobile experience. This ensures your community can access and engage with the forum on various devices. Seek support when needed Don't hesitate to seek assistance from the software provider or the online community if you encounter any technical difficulties or have questions about the software's functionality. What features should forum software offer? Forum software should offer a range of features to facilitate effective communication, collaboration and community engagement. Some essential features to look for in forum software include: Discussion threads and topics : Enable users to create and engage in discussion threads organized by topics or categories for easy navigation and focused conversations. User registration : Allow users to register accounts, create profiles and customize their information, fostering a sense of community and personalization. Moderation tools : Provide robust moderation tools for administrators and moderators to manage content, including thread locking, post deletion and user banning, ensuring a safe and respectful environment. Search functionality : Offer powerful search capabilities to help users quickly find relevant topics and posts within the forum, enhancing usability and user experience. Notification system : Implement a notification system that alerts users to new replies, mentions or updates to subscribed threads, keeping users engaged and informed about ongoing discussions. Best forum software FAQ How much does forum software cost? The cost of forum software can vary depending on the features and functionality of the software. Some forum programs are free to use, while others require a license fee. There are also many open-source forum programs available, which can be downloaded and used for free. Is it hard to create a forum website? The difficulty of creating a forum website depends on your technical expertise. If you're comfortable with coding and web development, you may be able to create a forum website yourself. However, if you're not familiar with coding, you may want to hire a professional to create the website for you. Can you make money running a forum? Yes, you can make money running a forum. There are a few different ways to monetize a forum, such as: Advertising: You can sell advertising space on your forum to businesses that want to reach your audience. Premium memberships: You can offer premium memberships that give users access to exclusive features or content. Affiliate marketing: You can promote products or services on your forum and earn a commission for each sale that is generated through your forum. The amount of money you can make from running a forum will depend on a number of factors, such as the traffic of your forum, the demographics of your audience and your ability to attract advertisers or sponsors.