Search Results
1678 results found with an empty search
- How this serial entrepreneur made a big career pivot in her 50s
They say food is the window to the soul. In the case of Raven Rising, food is also a window to the wider world. “Food is the one language that every single human being on this planet understands,” says Founder and CEO Tammy Maki, who, for the last four years, has been making chocolates specially crafted from ‘global indigenous’ ingredients. Those ingredients run the gamut: lingonberry from northern regions of the globe, seaweeds plucked from the bottom of the ocean, nutmeg from Grenada—even mustard from Western Canada. “I’ve found ingredients that I’ve never heard of before. Never would have even thought of,” says the Canadian chef. “I've tasted things and it's just like my eyes roll back in my head, I'm just like, ‘oh’—like Homer Simpson with doughnuts. It's just phenomenal.” But unlike Homer Simpson’s doughnuts, Raven Rising’s chocolates and history are complex and, in many ways, unexpected. The first of the surprises starts with Tammy herself: the pastry chef who opened a chocolate shop in her 50s with hardly any experience in chocolate-making. “At Raven Rising, we blend the world of fine chocolates with the rich traditions of Indigenous cultures.” Ready to create your own success story? Create your eCommerce website with Wix. It started with a midlife crisis “I flopped around for 35 to 40 years.” Tammy’s referring to the period of her life when she spent 30 years in the electrical trade, following in the footsteps of her electrician father. Her only exposure to pastries at the time: baking all types of cakes—wedding cakes, birthday cakes, anniversary cakes—and pastries out of her kitchen under the guidance of a Betty Crocker cookbook. “And then, in my mid-forties, [I had] my midlife crisis,” she states. “Instead of, you know, starting to date somebody new and buying a Corvette, I went back to school and took baking and pastry arts. And from the second I walked into that classroom, I knew that was where I was meant to be.” Of course, dreams don’t always find us at the best times. Several years after graduating and opening a pastry consulting business, Tammy faced another big obstacle called COVID-19. The pandemic raged. Business stalled. And Tammy moved back home. Eventually, she shuttered her business altogether. Tammy had a decision to make. What would be her next move? What could she realistically do with the pandemic still wreaking havoc on in-person retail and services? “Honesty, I looked at Amazon and I went, ‘If they can have an eCommerce [site] that can service the world—for God's sake, why can't I?’” And so it went: Tammy researched types of businesses that could satiate her longing to start a business in indigenous foods and also exist online. She settled on chocolate (“Iike duh, it’s one of the most well-known indigenous ingredients in the world”). Chocolate, she figured, could be easily shipped and infused with diverse ingredients—the latter being an important ingredient to her recipe for success. The Sixties Scoop roots Every founder’s aha moment looks a bit different. Tammy’s dates back to finding out about her Sixties Scoop background. Coined by researcher and author Patrick Johnston in 1983, the Sixties Scoop is a period when a series of policies were enacted in Canada that allowed indigenous children to be “scooped up” from their birth families, usually without consent. Between 1951 and 1984, it’s estimated that more than 20,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children were forcibly removed from their homes and adopted into predominantly white, middle-class households. As Tammy would come to find, she was one of them. “I’m finding out a lot about my Indigenous roots now,” Tammy told Rise in 2020 , when she won the organization’s 2020 Bell Let’s Talk Start-up Award. “But I was adopted into a wonderful Finnish family, and many of my earliest memories are of me and my mother in the kitchen.” Tammy is a member of the White Bear First Nation in Saskatchewan. Today, her confections are designed to reflect her heritage while celebrating the rich traditions of other indigenous communities. A portion of proceeds are also donated to various societies, plus used to support an indigenous student in the Baking and Pastry Arts program at George Brown College. “The food that I make, the chocolate that I make, the art that I do—it's my story.” An online-first chocolatier Every bit of Raven Rising’s brand—be it the design of its bonbons or the physical space where Tammy works—is created with intention. The name, for that matter, honors Tammy’s journey as a founder. “I talked to my friend, and she owns a couple of restaurants,” recalls Tammy. “She said, ‘Oh, you should call it Phoenix Rising [because] you keep rising out of the ashes.’ And I said, well, Phoenix in my culture doesn't hold any significance…but my spirit animal is a Raven. Raven Rising is perfect.” Now nearing 60 years old, Tammy has weathered her fair share of challenges. Among them: getting fired (which she fondly refers to as a pivotal moment in her career), running two other businesses before Raven Rising, her midlife crisis and figuring out this thing called eCommerce. “I’ve been a long-time Wix customer,” she mentions. “It’s given me the tools, the resources and the knowledge that there is no way that I would have been able to figure out on my own.” Her website created using the Wix website builder now serves customers across Canada. Through her online store, customers can place orders, purchase digital gift cards or inquire about custom orders. Meanwhile, Tammy often finds herself in the back office of her site, keeping an eye on her email and social media campaigns. As visitors hail from various channels, she points to Wix Analytics as being particularly useful: “It's not like Stephen Hawking speaking science to me. It’s Wix telling me, ‘Oh, this is where all your business is coming from’...It's like a really easy-to-read book and I am not a numbers person, but I can actually understand and break down those numbers, apply them and [know where to focus].” A long way from retirement So, what’s next for Raven Rising? Already the winner of several awards, including the 2024 Extraordinary Female Entrepreneur Award by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), Tammy still has a long to-do list. “I've experienced so much since starting the business that it blows my mind and I'm almost 60 years old,” says Tammy. “Most people [my age say,] ‘Oh, yeah, I'm retiring next week and I gave my notice after 45 years.’ And I'm like, ‘Wow. Here I am four years into this new business and I wanna go everywhere.’” “Everywhere,” according to Tammy, could mean exporting. New chocolate concoctions. Opening up shop in her first nation in Saskatchewan. The sky’s the limit. “Aside from wanting to do more, I couldn’t imagine not doing this,” she says. “This is my zen.” Read also: The story behind the world's most photographed bookstore Lessons from Tammy Every story of entrepreneurship has its own flavor. For Tammy, becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t so much a choice as it was a natural progression of her interests and talents. That’s not to say it wasn’t tough—as she shares below, there are several key tips she’d impart to others in her shoes: Take the chances : “Life is full of pivots and challenges and decisions. Every single day there's gonna be some big decisions that you have to make and then there's gonna be small decisions. But sometimes the small decisions are some of the biggest ones that have the most lasting effect, right?” Put your heart and soul into it: “If you're gonna [start a business], don't do it half-a**. Just do it right the first time so you're not revisiting things over and over because if you're a business person, you don't have the time to [correct those mistakes].” Ask for help: “Don't be afraid to look for help because you're gonna need it.” Whether you need guidance on how to create a website or keeping your finances in order, talk to people who are masters in these fields and can help you get it right the first time. Expect the unexpected, but keep going: “I think as a small business person, you always hope that things are gonna be super smooth…and maybe for some people it is. But for the other 99.99% of us, it's not. There's major peaks and major valleys and you're not [always] sure if you're gonna crawl out of that valley and ever see another peak.” Do your due diligence: “Know your stuff; don't guess. Like [if] you're in the food industry and whether or not it's regulated…understand that if you're selling food, you have to ensure that your consumer is safe…So you need to care about what you're doing, not just be doing it to do it.” Read about our other Upgrade with Wix winners: How this founder created ‘the first hanger worthy of Vogue’ Heroes INN’s epic quest into the world of trading cards
- How this founder created ‘the first hanger worthy of Vogue’
Some things in life are easy to take for granted. Hangers are one of them. When a hanger works well and keeps our clothes snugly in place, then we hardly pay attention to them. But when a hanger fails to do its job and our closets suffer for it—well, then we notice. Angus Willows first noticed his hangers in college. With only 10 hangers to his name, then-19-year-old mechanical engineer student Angus felt the frustration of watching his clothes slip off their plastic rods, or worse, seeing hangers break under the weight of everyday use. Before long, he found himself putting his engineering hat on—and alas, the first iteration of the Kangaroo hanger was born. Photo source: Kangaroo Ready to get your own business online? Try Wix's eCommerce site builder on for size. Uncovering the wasteland of hangers Most of us probably know as much about hangers as we do about kangaroos. In those early days, Angus was about to discover more flaws in the hanger industry than meet the eye. Turns out that the hanger industry is outrageously wasteful. By measure of one internet sleuth , coat hangers of any type (be it wooden, wire or plastic) are not accepted by 99% of local recycling programs. “I think a crazy number—over 8 billion hangers per year—end up in a landfill,” says Angus. And that’s only an estimate. If you were to google this today, you’d find estimates jumping into the teens if not higher. Or, as one retail blog eloquently put it, “an amount that could fill the Empire State Building 20 times over.” What most manufacturers struggle to do these days is find a design and material that are both perfectly priced and perfectly durable. The common plastic hanger, for example, is often made of polystyrene (“which is essentially Styrofoam that’s compressed,” explains Angus to us non-engineer minds), polycarbonate and/or a mixture of other plastics. This makes it significantly cheaper to produce—“You could sell these at the dollar store and still make somewhat of a profit,” says Angus. Unfortunately for the earth, these plastics are often too costly to recycle and leach toxic chemicals when they degrade. On the other hand, the popular “velvet” hangers use glue, flocking (synthetic fibers) and metal, which makes them nearly impossible to recycle. The only recyclable bit: the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) that makes up its bone structure, but this, too, is rendered unrecyclable once the glue and flocking are slapped on. This was just the tip of the iceberg. As Angus came to find, the hanger industry was grappling with a serious environmental crisis. Read also: The story behind the world's most photographed bookstore Sustainable by design You could say Kangaroo’s mission came before the product; sustainability is at the core of both the product idea and design. “The beauty of the Kangaroo hanger is that I designed it in a way so that it’s single material,” explains Angus, “and that’s super important for recycling. Otherwise, the materials have to be separated in some way for it to be recyclable.” The material in use? ABS. Yes, that ABS. The same material you find inside velvet hangers that give it strength and durability. The original “Hangaroo” by Kangaroo features unadulterated ABS in all its glory. “This is 100% recycled ABS,” says Angus about the Hangaroo. “ABS is also what LEGOs are made of [and] I wouldn’t be surprised if these hangers are partially made out of LEGOs because our manufacturer sources these recycled materials from all over.” ABS is accepted by most recycling centers, according to Angus, and in the municipalities that don’t take ABS, he hopes to set up a recycling program. “The goal of this is that you won’t ever have to recycle this because it’s so strong and it lasts forever. But if you do need to, it’s recyclable…I could recycle this hanger five times and it would still have essentially the same properties as it has right now.” Leaping into final design and patenting Today, the Kangaroo hanger is built with both mission and function in mind. It has a thicker, more resistant structure than many of its predecessors. If you look closely, you’ll see that the hanger resembles the I-beam of a building, which gives it its sturdiness. It’s also designed to hold all types of clothes in place without wrinkling or tugging the fabric. You can hang a collared shirt without buttoning anything up. You can store a strappy top without relying on hooks that snag on other clothing. It is definitively an all-purpose hanger. Drawings from Kangaroo’s patent filing. (Photo source: Kangaroo) Of course, such a design requires protection. “I knew I needed to patent it because if I didn’t have a patent when I started selling it, then it wouldn’t be worth it,” recalls Angus. “I had this ‘Patent It Yourself’ book that I bought on Amazon,” he adds, referring to this 624-page guide by David Pressman, which he scrupulously studied. Together with a patent attorney, the young inventor filed for his first patent. And thus began his pursuit of turning his idea into a business. The TikTok that changed it all If you go to Kangaroo’s TikTok account, you’ll find a mix of videos featuring product demos (including an inventive “Can it hang?” series) and business lessons (“Come write a patent with me” invites Angus in another video). But, perhaps the most notable of these is a video from 30 days into Angus’s TikTok venture. “This is my invention, and I hope it completely changes the billion-dollar hanger industry that produces millions of tons of waste every year,” a fresh-faced Angus says on screen, holding up one of his earliest models. The video was a smashing success. Within the first few hours, it amassed a hundred thousand views. The next morning, it had 2 million. “It was life-changing. It was totally life-changing,” says Angus, who still lights up at the memory of viewers flooding his inbox. The video now sits at 7.2 million views—second to another video that the founder posted two days later that exceeded 17 million views. “By some grace of luck, I had my website already set up”—(on Wix, we might add)—“and I had preorders available.” The money from those preorders afforded Kangaroo’s first production run. This included months of molding, testing, manufacturing and shipping the final products. By the following January, the hangers were in buyers’ hands, and “people absolutely loved them.” “My initial thought [behind TikTok] was maybe I can show people this invention and they’ll like it, and they’ll give me ideas on how to make it better. Maybe there will be someone who’s also better at business than I am and can give me some advice.” Where Kangaroo hangers are headed in the long jump The Hangaroo hanger is available for purchase online via Amazon and the Kangaroo site. It comes in four playful colors: charcoal, tangerine, pinkity and oakmilk. The next move for Angus? Taking Kangaroo into new territories. New product lines. New partners. Additional R&D. Manufacturing closer to home. But no matter how the business evolves, one thing remains true: the business exists to make a difference. “I’m not about selling products. I want this to be a wake-up call for a lot of industries…to get people thinking what other industries are like this and how can we create something that’s better for the planet and better for people.” Kangaroo's latest line of alloy hangers made with sustainably sourced Beech wood The call for change has earned Kangaroo plenty of fans already. In the words of Vogue: “Kangaroo Hanger’s conscious effort to consider material choice and design while addressing functional needs gives home and commercial users a guilt-free alternative. With this, the Kangaroo hanger is the first hanger worthy of Vogue.” - Vogue UA (2024) Lessons from Angus Founders, take note: entrepreneurship is rarely what many of us imagine it to be. It usually starts with a great idea—or perhaps multiple good ideas, of which, only a few make for okay businesses. If you’re interested in becoming an entrepreneur , remember these words of wisdom: Know your why: “There were many times when I was discouraged and wanted to just get a normal job. [But if I could go back in time,] I would tell my younger self, don’t be discouraged…If you’re really doing something that you love and that you’re passionate about, you’re going to do something great…and there are an infinite number of opportunities that come with something great, even if they don’t come right away.” Write every idea down: “I think I see design flaws in stuff. Like with the hanger, I saw it and I thought, ‘Really?’...My brain starts working out ways to fix it on its own…then a couple of days down the road, I’ll wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and I’ll write it on my phone. I’ll investigate the next morning [and see] whether it was worth anything.” Learn from doing: “[There are] really random, weird things that you gotta just figure out…there are so many roadblocks that are always happening every single day in every aspect: product design, financial, growth, social media—everything.” Use the right tools from the get-go: “One of the reasons why I love Wix and chose Wix for my website: it’s a whole business tool. You can handle everything on there for your whole business—it’s crazy. The thing that I loved about it over all of the other platforms out there is that you’re able to customize everything on your website so that it’s really yours…The way that I was able to customize the site made it both easy for people to understand the product but also easy to preorder.” Read also: How to make a website Expect success to look different: “When I was growing up and I had all of these inventions…I always thought that it could potentially take years—10, 20 years—until something life-changing happened. But I kept on pushing towards that…A lot of the time, success and stability don’t come until far down the road. Far after you think that it’s going to come.” Accept help and seize opportunities: “There’s so much money that’s required to start a business and really get things running…Thanks to the Upgrade with Wix contest, we were not only able to create a new product…but we were also able to get a ton of new inventory in the 100% recycled, heavy-duty hanger…that upgrade was one of the main factors that kept us afloat and kept us moving towards the direction we want to be moving.” Photo source: Kangaroo Read about our other Upgrade with Wix winners: Heroes INN’s epic quest into the world of trading cards How this serial entrepreneur made a big career pivot in her 50s
- How Forge to Table became Noah Rosen’s culinary calling
Your business ideas deserve a website, secure your domain to begin → Noah Rosen always knew he wanted to start a business . At the ripe age of 12, he was managing a food blog. By 15, he was running a catering business. By the time he was in culinary school—well, anyone who knew Noah wouldn’t have been the least surprised to find him selling chef knives out of his dorm room. Today, Noah is a 30 Under 30 founder whose business, Forge to Table , is about to turn eight years old. Unlike many people his age, he has rubbed elbows with some of the best chefs—and mentored some of the youngest ones—in the world. He has also equipped them with the very tools that they cook every day with. In Noah’s own words, Forge to Table is “meant to be affordable and [serve as] a gateway knife to introduce people to crafted, Japanese-style blades.” And just like the blades he sells, Noah’s entrepreneurship story is anything but conventional. Even he couldn’t have predicted that his best idea yet wouldn't come by design but by staying bold, adaptable and ready when opportunity knocked. Got a business idea? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. From forge to dorm Before it was ‘forge to table,’ it was forge to dorm. As a bright-eyed (and “broke,” adds Noah) culinary student, being able to afford even a used Japanese knife meant saving up two weeks’ worth of pay. All that changed in 2017. “I had tagged along on my dad's business trip,” Noah recalls, thinking back on a Chicago houseware show that he attended. It was there that he first came across the most immaculate display of Japanese kitchen knives—and with it, Carole Zheng. As it would turn out, Carole was representing her family’s third-generation business of blacksmiths. “I essentially pretended to be something besides just a culinary student to get a custom knife,” Noah says. “I was like, ‘Oh, I'm a chef. Yes, oh yes, I have all these business ideas.’ And we started this conversation and developed what became a friendship.” Before long, Noah got a hold of a beautiful bespoke knife, hand-forged by master blacksmith and Carole’s husband, Alex. “Forge to Table started from my sole selfish desire to have a custom chef knife,” Noah freely admits today. “I brought that chef knife into class, showed it to my peers in my culinary labs, and they asked me, ‘Oh, whose knife is that? What brand?’” “That was the ‘light bulb moment’ that showed me that there was something to this…I ordered 200 hand-forged knives to my dorm room and built a Wix website to sell them.” Related reading: The story behind Fork n' Film’s unique cinematic experience that’s going global Developing a taste for eCommerce You could say eCommerce was somewhat of an acquired taste for Noah—one that stuck as he warmed up to the idea of breaking away from the traditional career path of a chef. “I loved being a chef, but working in someone else's kitchen just wasn't cutting it for me,” he says. In his final year of school, when he was “already 150 knives sold into this” and managing a new Kickstarter campaign, he was still applying to culinary jobs. But eventually, “I went solo and built my own online knife empire.” Noah now commands a business that runs entirely online. Forge to Table serves more than 30 different countries and offers more than 40 kitchen products. At the back of the house, Noah is supported by a staff of culinary artists and creatives. At the forge, Alex and Carole are backed by a large team of blacksmiths, polishers, blade fitters and logistics specialists. Noah himself remains at the front of the house, greeting online visitors as they enter his Wix site. “Customer service is the core of what the food service world is, and it's the same with great retail and eCommerce,” he says simply, noting his team’s mise en place approach to the online experience. Every detail—from the live chat and testimonials, to the navigation and product pages—is carefully curated. Ready to get your own business idea off the ground? Create your business website with Wix. His philosophy: “We design every knife with intention and deliberate action, and we want our website to showcase that same precision.” With Wix, he had all the ingredients to concoct a highly custom experience and stay in control of every customer interaction, order and more: “I think Wix offers the perfect medium for everyone—even someone like myself, a really good cook, but a monkey with a keyboard. I’m able to drag-and-drop edit or build an email newsletter that looks nice.” Create your store, your way— get started Wix's online store creator today. Serving everyone from chefs to home cooks If Forge to Table hosted a dinner party, the guest list would run the full gamut. You’d find first-time home cooks sharing a table with classically trained veterans. You’d bump into old cooks, young cooks, bakers, chefs and everyone in between. It’s a classic case of being in the right place at the right time, according to Noah—with his first customers being fellow students at school; Forge to Table’s first patron being a chef whose restaurant he frequented; and COVID birthing a new wave of home cooks, eager to rediscover their love of cooking. He also credits the company’s recipe blog ("a big point of pride for us…we want to offer our customers something that they can come back and see without just the, ‘Hey, come buy a knife’”) as well as email marketing, live chat and online ads, which are all managed through Wix. Read also: The story behind the world's most photographed bookstore “We're just a click away for people to find our brand, order a knife and upgrade their kitchen,” he says proudly. It’s that level of accessibility that put Forge to Table on the map for influencers, culinary students and even those looking for a perfect gift idea. To top it off, Noah and his team remain deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of chefs. They serve as judges for high school cooking competitions, support the National Restaurant Association's ProStart program (which reaches more than 214,000 high school students who have an interest in culinary arts and restaurant management) and team up with other like-minded brands. “Our work with culinary students, both high school and college level, has brought us even more full-circle moments,” Noah shares. “We have people that we worked with when they were 19 and 20 in school, now working at some of the best restaurants in the world with our knives.” “As a chef, the biggest joy comes from watching someone do their little food dance when they take the first bite…for me, that [joy came from] passing this knife on to someone who immediately started to love cooking with it.” The lasting beauty behind the blades When asked, ‘What’s so great about your knives, anyway?,’ Noah doesn’t bat an eye. Rather, his eyes light up. He animatedly describes his blades’ design— “Our best-selling Gyuto knife has elements of Chinese and Japanese craftsmanship, but in a familiar profile to the American blade.” The weight— “The Gyuto knife is one-third the weight of what you'll find in a German chef knife of the same size.” The material— “We're able to source our steel from some of the greatest steel manufacturers in Japan.” The price— “The price point appeals to people because when I first started, I was just selling to culinary students.” And when asked to pick a favorite one? “That's like asking someone to pick their favorite child.” Noah still has many aspirations for Forge to Table, including expanding its product line, testing new designs and bringing customers’ ideas for their kitchen tools to life. The business is only just getting started, and so are Noah’s dreams of making an impact, one kitchen at a time. “If we can give you a knife that makes you love cooking for your friends and family again—that makes you happy to eat well and live healthy—that's what we want to do.” Noah’s tips for running your own business The journey to becoming an entrepreneur is full of twists and turns—Noah would know. Throughout the various chapters of his career, he has encountered his fair share of surprises and setbacks. But through it all, several key lessons have helped him stay afloat: Seize the opportunity: “If you have an idea that you're passionate about, take the leap. Do it, do it, do it—and do it yourself. Build a portfolio. Build a website. Build a network. Write it down. Tell your friends and your mentors. Because if you have a passion, if you have an idea, you are the person who can make it succeed. And you should start right now.” Break the mold: “My career path isn't the usual career path, and it's been exciting to share that because if you're 10, 12 or 15 years old and you want to become a chef…There's so little consideration for all that exists in the food world, like food policy or starting a small business that isn't purely cooking-based….now there's so much more in the career paths for students.” Share your idea: “When you start talking to someone about wanting to start a business, you're going to inevitably meet someone that's in a business network or has a group that they work with…and they're going to say, ‘Hey, let me connect you with so and so’ and this is going to take you to the next level. This is going to help you get started.” Pick your website builder carefully: “Wix plays an enormous role for me. It’s how we reach customers, work with our existing customers and provide our recipes and our knives to the entire world…Wix is my business partner, my assistant, my CRM and my marketing assistant.” Take accountability: “The only person that I'm accountable to is myself. I always joke that my boss is just a hard-ass and makes me get up early for work, and work late and work weekends. But that's self-motivation and that self-drive is a must as an entrepreneur.” Define your ‘why’: “I found myself really doubting where this was all going a lot of times. But I always held it together because of the faces of the people that we give our knives to: the chefs, or the culinary students that are leaping into their careers with our blades in their kits. Those are the people that drive me forward and drive our whole team to keep doing what we're doing and make amazing knives.”
- Taste the movies: the story behind Fork n' Film’s unique cinematic experience that’s going global
Start generating business ideas with the Wix Business Launcher → Francesca Duncan and Nick Houston want you to play with your food—and have fun doing it. It’s far from the message their parents gave them at the dinner table as kids, but it’s now a mission statement helping drive the couple’s business. Fork n’ Film offers an immersive culinary experience where you can watch a movie in a venue while being served food inspired by what’s on screen. The business idea came one night while Francesca and Nick were watching the movie Matilda and that infamous chocolate cake scene sparked a lightbulb moment. “I thought, ‘I’m really hungry. I wish I could try that [cake],’” recalls Francesca. “How cool would it be to put on an event where people are able to eat what they see on screen?” (Spoiler: very cool). At the time, the Los Angeles social scene was still recovering from the COVID lockdown and, according to Francesca and Nick, there wasn’t enough for young people to do in the city. That’s when they decided to put their unique idea to the test—and quickly realized the value of website creation , since knowing how to make your own website helps attract and manage guests. Ready to get your own business idea off the ground? Create your business website with Wix. DIY-ing their first event After weeks of planning, the couple hosted a trial event on the rooftop of Nick’s apartment block showing Harry Potter . It was all hands on deck as Francesca, Nick and some friends scrambled to bake dozens of cakes and cook chicken in one oven while running up and down to the 34th floor to serve guests. “We were the chefs, managers, the servers and janitors,” jokes Nick. Only he’s not joking. It was a true lesson in DIY events. Despite some initial teething problems with the sound system and running behind schedule, the pair managed to pull it off. Not only was it a success, but a social media post by an attending influencer went viral overnight. “That's when we knew, ‘Wow, we have something really, really special,’” says Francesca. It prompted the duo to release tickets for their next event, which sold out in less than a second. “We ended up putting on a bunch of events that summer, and I had to quit both of my nanny jobs to give this our full attention.” What started as a novel pop-up event in 2023 transformed into a self-funded events company hosting around 180 screenings per month across eight locations in the U.S. and one in London (plus pop-ups in Hawaii and Tokyo). In less than two years, Fork n’ Film has grown to a team of around 100 staff, amassed more than half a million followers on Instagram and generated over $11 million in sales. Read also: The story behind the world's most photographed bookstore Tapping into their superpower Before becoming self-professed “multifunctional entrepreneurs,” Francesca and Nick were first and foremost creatives. Both are singer-songwriters, while Francesca has some notable acting credentials and a talent for social media. They describe this creativity as a superpower they regularly tap into for Fork n’ Film. This superpower came in handy when the couple recognized that their startup needed a strong and professional online presence. “From that DIY to viral moment, we realized almost immediately that we needed a website,” says Francesca. “We wanted people to know that we were a legitimate company.” The pair decided to build the website themselves so they’d have complete creative control and be able to turn it around quickly with minimal costs. Wix had been Nick’s go-to platform since college for creative projects, so for him, it was an obvious choice. However, it was the built-in event website capabilities, eCommerce platform and scheduling software that made it the right fit for Fork n’ Film. For the site’s look and feel, the couple wanted to capture that same energy guests experience at their events. “When people first go onto our website, I want them to feel the magic,” says Francesca. “I want them to feel excited, like they're buying tickets to Disney World.” Taking their magic online Before building their website, Francesca and Nick immersed themselves in the world of cinema, drawing inspiration from movie posters, graphics, branding and typography. They chose four key characteristics to guide their design: cinematic, immersive, bold, and structured but playful. The couple incorporated subtle yet quirky movie-themed design elements, such as ticket stub graphics, frame-like imagery and film-inspired fonts to give the website its cinematic feel. They also added a mix of layered visuals, close-up photography and full-screen sections to create a multi-sensory experience for visitors. Inspired by iconic films like Kill Bill and Little Miss Sunshine , Francesca and Nick opted for a bold contrast of black and white, complemented by a vibrant yellow accent for their brand colors and chunky text for the headers. (It packs a punch on the website’s footer.) Working with a large amount of content, the couple was mindful to keep things organized. To achieve this, they used a rhythmic, center-aligned flow across different pages, reminiscent of closing credits in a film. They also added image overlays and surprising transitions to make the user experience light and fun. Real footage from Fork n’ Film events added extra authenticity. The final result: a highly engaging, easily navigable website bursting with that energy Francesca and Nick were looking for. So much so that it even surprised them. “In the [design] process, we learned how capable we are of building a website, which is crazy,” says Francesca. “We literally built our website with Wix with our own two hands, and we’re proud of that. It’s really cool to say that we are the owners [of Fork n’ Film], but also the website developers.” Finding their audience in the numbers Apart from Wix’s website builder, its email marketing tools and website analytics have been central to helping the founders understand their audience and drive ticket sales. In fact, the latter prompted the company to launch in Portland after the city showed up as a location with high ticket demand. “I love the analytics on Wix—it tells a big story about who we are as a company and who our customers are,” says Nick. “When it comes to expansion, we want to go off data. We don't want to just go off assumptions.” The couple likes to drill down into the numbers to discover where their customers come from, how long they spend on the website and which movies they want to see. The analytics also tell them how successful influencer partnerships have been and who Fork n’ Film’s top customers are, including one loyal individual who spent over $16,000 in one year. Today, there’s no shortage of die-hard fans within the Fork n’ Film community—one went as far as getting a Fork n’ Film tattoo on her ankle. As wild as that might be to Francesca and Nick, this super fan has been their go-to persona when channeling what it is their customers want. Because that’s what keeps the couple motivated most—witnessing a customer’s inner child come out at screenings. “Seeing how even for one night we’re able to make people forget about any problems that they're having…and being able to bring people together is super motivating for me,” says Francesca. “For me personally, it’s seeing the looks on people's faces, especially when the food comes out and matches the [movie’s] scene,” adds Nick. Going big with the Fork n' Film brand Whether it’s doing collabs with influencers, working with big food PR firms or co-hosting events with D23, the official Disney fan club, partnerships have formed a core part of Fork n’ Film’s growth strategy. Unfazed sitting at the same table as iconic brands like Pixar and Disney, Francesca and Nick have big ambitions for the company. “In the past two years, we have proven to ourselves and everyone around the world how special a concept this is,” says Francesca. “We've done really well in all of our locations. So I think now, our goal specifically for this year is tightening a lot of things up, getting out of startup mode and moving into real business mode, hiring the people we need, automating certain processes and being more efficient.” Nick has his sights on…well, something not far off world domination. “Fork n’ Film needs to be a household name in every single state and country,” he says. “At the end of the day, we want people to look at Fork n’ Film as they look at Disney—something you can bring your loved ones or friends to to have a nostalgic experience and reconnect.” Francesca and Nick’s tips for running your own business There’s no perfect guide on how to become an entrepreneur , as every entrepreneurship journey is unique. However, it’s always helpful to learn from those who have taken the leap and found success. Here are five tips from Francesca and Nick on starting a business: Just do it: “People have a tendency to want to perfect something before doing it,” says Francesca. “The number one piece of advice is ‘just do it.’ Even if you don't know how to do it, because you’re going to learn while doing it. Working at Fork n’ Film has been the best college class that I've ever taken. So, I think it's literally like the Nike slogan says—just do it.” Choose the right platform for you: “If we didn't have our website, we would not have a business,” says Francesca. She and Nick note that for them, Wix was the right fit for Fork n’ Film because of the built-in analytics, events and eCommerce solutions. The pair also cite Wix’s website templates as giving them a strong starting point for the design. The platform’s intuitiveness meant they could onboard staff quickly, while the dashboard makes it easy to manage the business across nine locations. Consider how your business name will translate online: Francesca and Nick took some time coming up with a business name, whittling it down to a shortlist of 12 that encapsulated the fusion of food and cinema. The deciding factor was having one that was available as a website domain and an Instagram handle. They didn’t want it to be a mouthful, either—hence the shortening of ‘and,’ which Nick says is a nod to Guns N’ Roses, too. Get advice from the experts: Francesca and Nick had to learn on the job fast (or, as Nick puts it, “build the plane while flying”). One of the biggest challenges they faced when the business took off was understanding film licensing. Luckily, they sought support from content licensing company Swank. “Long story short, we've built an amazing relationship with them and learned the ins and outs of movie licensing and how to do things right,” says Nick. Have fun: It’s clear Francesca and Nick have relished their business journey to date, so it’s no surprise they advise others to enjoy the ride. “If you fail, that’s okay,” says Francesca. “Just have fun along the way and do everything without expectations—literally [take it] day by day in baby steps.” Nick adds: “Trust yourself and have fun.”
- What is a virtual assistant website, why you need one and how to make
Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → A virtual assistant website shouldn’t be considered a luxury for your business but a necessity. With the virtual assistant market expected to grow to $19.4 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 24.4% , having a strong website is more important than ever. It acts as your digital business card , your portfolio and your first point of contact with potential clients. A well-made virtual assistant website can improve your professional image and help you stand out in a crowded market. To manage and market your virtual assistant business , you’ll need a website that helps you run your business better. In this guide, we’ll explain what a virtual assistant website is, why you need one and how to make one step by step. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. We’re all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. What is a virtual assistant website? A virtual assistant website is your dedicated business space where potential clients can learn about your services, experience and how to work with you. It typically includes key pages like your service offerings, about section, portfolio or case studies, pricing and contact details. More than just an online profile, a virtual assistant website helps you build credibility, attract the right clients and manage inquiries in one place. Whether you’re a freelance virtual assistant or running a growing VA business, your website acts as the foundation for your brand and long-term growth. Learn more: What is a website? , Website vs blog Why do you need a virtual assistant website? Virtual assistants tackle a wide array of tasks, from administrative duties to customer support and everything in between. The role of a virtual assistant is versatile, catering to the specific needs of each business or entrepreneur. In order to help you manage these different roles, a virtual assistant website can be a big help. A website dedicated to your virtual assistant services does more than just list what you offer. It serves as a testament to your professionalism and commitment to your work. It's a platform that can significantly enhance your visibility among potential clients who are searching for reliable and efficient assistance. And it can help you make money as a virtual assistant. The benefits of a website can also include attracting international clients and diversifying your client base by connecting with a variety of clients from different industries and geo's. Your online portfolio is your proof of what you do. It's essential to highlight your past work and experience on your website. This not only showcases your skills but also gives potential clients an idea of what you're capable of achieving. Include case studies, samples or descriptions of previous projects that demonstrate your expertise. Your virtual assistant website can also serve as a hub for client communication and project management. By incorporating features like online booking systems or client portals in this type of a website , you can allow clients to book appointments directly through your website. You can also use integrated tools to track progress, share updates and collaborate with clients seamlessly. Key features of a virtual assistant website A virtual assistant website should be more than just designed well. It needs to have certain key components that not only make it functional but also help in converting visitors into clients. Here's what your website must include to serve its purpose effectively: Service offerings: Clearly outline the services you provide. This helps potential clients understand what you can do for them and sets clear expectations about your services. About section : Introduce yourself and share your story. This personal touch can help build trust and rapport with prospective clients. Contact information : Make it easy for clients to reach out to you with visible contact details or a simple contact form. Testimonials: Displaying reviews from past clients can greatly enhance your credibility and reassure potential clients of the quality of your work. Free consultation : Offering a free consultation can be a game-changer for attracting new clients. On your website, make sure there's an easy way for clients to schedule this consultation—whether through an integrated calendar, booking system or a simple sign-up form. Domain name First, choose a domain name that reflects your brand and is easy to remember. This will be your unique address on the web. Next, select a hosting provider to host your site and make it accessible to visitors (compare web hosting costs in this guide). Consider learning how to create a website with a website builder like Wix, you can choose a domain name for free with a paid plan and reliable hosting is included in your site’s infrastructure . Expert tips from Esin D. Habif, Product Marketing Lead Outbound at Wix The most important consideration is to choose a website builder that grows and scales with you and your business. Learn more: What is a .com domain? The right virtual assistant website template When building your site, you'll want to choose a website template that aligns with your brand and the services you offer. Look for virtual assistant website templates that are: Professional: Your template should have a clean, professional look that conveys trustworthiness. Customizable : You'll want the ability to tweak colors, fonts and layouts to match your branding. Design elements The design of your website plays a crucial role in how potential clients perceive you. Here are some important design elements to consider: Navigation : Make sure it's easy for visitors to find what they're looking for with clear menus and intuitive layout. Call-to-Action (CTA) : Encourage visitors to take action, whether it's contacting you, booking a consultation, or signing up for your newsletter. Visuals: Use high-quality images or graphics that complement your content and add visual interest. Content: Write clear, concise copy that communicates your value proposition and speaks directly to the needs of your audience. Looking to learn how to design a website with AI ? Consider using an AI website builder . How to make a virtual assistant website in 5 steps Follow these five steps to create a professional virtual assistant website that attracts clients and showcases your services. Step Summary 01. Choose a website builder Select a website builder or CMS that fits your technical skills and budget. 02. Define a clear brand identity for your business Develop a clear brand identity including your business name, logo and color scheme to create a professional image. 03. Create great content for your site Showcase your skills and experience through engaging content about your services, industries and testimonials. 04. Focus on your website design Create a user-friendly design with clear navigation, calls to action, contact details and a mobile friendly layout. 05. Promote your virtual assistant website Use social media, online directories and freelance platforms to promote your services and grow your audience. Choose a website builder Define a clear brand identity for your business Create great content for your site Focus on your website design Promote your virtual assistant website 01. Choose a website builder Select a website builder or content management system (CMS) that suits your technical expertise and budget. Popular options include Wix for example. 02. Define a clear brand identity for your business Develop a clear brand identity, including your business name, logo, and color scheme. This helps establish a professional image and resonate with your target audience. 03. Create great content for your site Showcase your skills and experience through engaging website and online content. Write about your specific services, target industries and client testimonials. 04. Focus on your website design Prioritize a user-friendly website navigation and design. Include clear calls to action, contact information and if necessary a portfolio showcasing your past work. Implement mobile friendly design for optimal viewing across different devices. 05. Promote your virtual assistant website Use social media platforms, online directories and freelance marketplaces to promote your virtual assistant website and services. Network with potential clients, engage in professional communities and actively seek opportunities to showcase your professional expertise. Virtual assistant website examples to inspire your own T hese virtual assistant website examples show how professionals present their services, highlight their skills and connect with clients online. Use them as inspiration to design a site that reflects your brand and attracts the right audience. Task Flow is a professional platform that helps businesses outsource tasks and boost productivity by highlighting services like Admin & Customer Support and Ecommerce Support with clear CTAs. Elevated Virtual Assistants website is a polished freelance website that showcases unique offerings with strong branding, featuring a professional headshot, tagline and key services to position the business as high-value. The Virtual Assistant Store is a service-focused website offering professional support to entrepreneurs and small businesses, with clear messaging and prominent CTAs that combine client conversion and lead generation. 3rd Party Virtual Assistance is a technology-powered virtual assistant company with a full roster of experienced, college educated administrative assistants. Tikino Virtual Assistants is a full service virtual assistant service that offers top quality virtual assistant services for any industry. How to make a virtual assistant website FAQ Do I need technical skills to create a virtual assistant website? You don’t need to be a coding expert to create a professional virtual assistant website. With modern website builders and templates, you can easily design pages for your services, portfolio and contact info. Even beginners can set up a polished site in just a few hours, making it simple for clients to find and hire you online. Can I make a virtual assistant website for free? You can create a fully functional virtual assistant website for free using Wix, which offers customizable templates and basic features. The free version includes Wix branding and limited storage, but it’s a great way to start building your own virtual assistant website. Can I integrate scheduling or payment tools into my virtual assistant website? You can integrate scheduling and payment tools directly into your virtual assistant website, including booking calendars, appointment forms and payment gateways. This allows clients to schedule your services and pay online, saving time and creating a smooth professional experience that encourages more clients to hire you.
- How to make a fitness website in 9 steps
Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → Building your digital presence is a lot like building muscle: it takes time, but the results are worth the effort. It all starts with learning how to create a fitness website . A professional fitness website can set you apart from the competition and give you the edge you need when learning how to start a business and when working out how to surpass your business goals. Whether you’re a bootcamp trainer, an indoor cycling instructor, a Pilates studio owner or a fitness influencer, creating a fitness website will help you grow your business and show prospective clients what you’ve got. Create a website that gets clients moving and signing up. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. We’re all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. TL;DR: How to make a fitness website In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a professional fitness website that helps you attract clients, showcase your services and grow your business. From choosing the perfect template and securing a custom domain to personalizing your site’s branding, adding videos, live chat and interactive features and optimizing for search engines, we cover every step. You’ll also learn how to promote your site, track performance and make improvements so your website works hard for you, helping you build a strong website and turn visitors into loyal clients. How to create a fitness website in 9 steps Choose a template for your fitness website Secure a domain name Build your fitness website Pump up your branding Add video, live chat and other features Download your app Optimize your website for SEO Launch and promote your fitness website See how your site is performing 01. Choose a fitness website template You don’t need to learn code or become a designer, you just need to find the right website builder. With Wix, you can learn how to develop a website for your fitness brand or business with easy-to-use features and professional tools. When thinking about the plan for your website , templates should be first on your list. For starters, you can use a ready-made template to do all the heavy lifting. Browse these sport and fitness website templates , which are especially designed for fitness professionals. Pick the one you love, then customize it to suit your brand’s colors and voice. As you explore, you’ll find everything you need to highlight your services, sell merchandise, schedule classes, upload images, add videos and so on. Look through professionally designed templates to find one that suits you and your brand. 02. Secure a domain name Next, choose a domain name . If you own a yoga studio called, “The Sutra’s Fitness Studio,” your domain name might be thesutrasfitnessstudio.com. If you’re just starting out and need help finding a name, use this handy Business Name Generator to choose both a company name and a corresponding domain name. Remember to choose a domain name that’s easily identifiable, includes your business name (if available) and isn’t hard to spell. Your domain name should feel cohesive with your brand. Try not to include numbers in place of letters (like “2” for “to,” or “4” for “four”) and avoid dashes in your domain name. Both can make it harder to say your website name. You’ll also need to choose an extension: the ‘.com’, the ‘.org’ or the ‘.biz’ that will follow your domain name in the website address. There are many more extension options to choose from, and you can read more about available domain extensions to understand which is right for you. Just an FYI: You get free web hosting when you create your site on Wix, plus advanced security the second you hit Publish. 03. Build your fitness website Now, the best part: designing your fitness website and bringing your business to life online. Your fitness website needs to make an immediate impression to keep visitors engaged with your content. Make sure to include... A welcoming homepage: Think of your homepage like the foyer of a house (or gym). It's an inviting entrance that showcases the style and vibe of the home. This is the first page that visitors will see, so make it count. An informative “about us” page: Highlight your purpose, values, vision and mission statement. What's your business all about? A products or services page: Whether you’re selling pre-recorded workout videos, branded merchandise, gym memberships or one-on-one sessions, you need to make sure your products and services page is clear, accessible and engaging. Include eye-catching visuals and informative product descriptions to highlight what you’re selling. An online booking system: Integrate scheduling software directly with your website so customers can book classes, schedule appointments or services and easily pay online. As the gym owner, you’ll be able to manage calendars for both your staff and your clients. A “plans and pricing” page: Like a products or services page, a “plans and pricing” page showcases your membership packages. Consider a brief description to outline who might benefit from a specific package. A clear “contact us” page: This is one of the most important pages on your fitness website, so make sure it’s clear and visible. Include relevant info, such as phone numbers, email addresses, a physical address, a social bar and any other methods of getting in touch. Also include necessary contact information in the footer of your fitness website. To encourage communication, consider a contact form, which makes it easy for visitors to email you directly from the site. A testimonial page: If you promise results, prove it with user testimonials. Keep in mind that “success stories” are more than just weight loss before-and-after photos. Encourage happy clients to share a range of experiences: a boost in confidence, more energy to keep up with their kids and the like. A friendly staff bio page: Create a page to highlight the other trainers on your team. Include their expertise and show off their personalities with a brief bio and favorite workout songs. 04. Pump up your branding You’ll need to consider your website’s visuals to build your fitness brand online. Here are some branding elements to think about. Color: Your favorite color might not be the best one for your brand. Consider the psychology of colors. Example: Yellow is correlated with happiness, warmth and optimism; green represents health, earth and prosperity; blue evokes trust and peace; orange is confident and approachable. What color will convey the feel and value of your fitness business ? Color also impacts the user experience on your site. Select a white or black background and integrate no more than two additional colors. Fonts: The font you choose should align with your overall image and help convey your message. Is your brand bold and energizing? Sleek and fuss-free? Logo: Your logo instantly represents your fitness business. If you don’t already have a logo, use this free logo maker . Include your logo on all your branding assets, like merchandise, business cards and—you guessed it—your website. Check out these fitness logo ideas to help you get started. 05. Add video, live chat and other features Now that you've told your customers what your business is all about, consider a few other features to add value for your clients. A live chat feature helps you speak directly with clients and answer questions in real-time. Learn how to shoot a workout video like a pro. Integrate Zoom to host live workouts or beef up your video library with on-demand content. The Wixel video maker can help you create demo videos and the social cuts to promote them. Create a free blog to engage readers and show off your expertise. You can also invite external writers, staff members of other industry leaders to publish on your fitness blog. Add a members-only area to your site to offer exclusive discounts, educational videos or private workshops. With Wix, users will create unique accounts to access this content. Online programs and fitness challenges will keep clients engaged and bring in passive income for your fitness business. 06. Download your app A mobile app makes life easier for everyone. The Wix Fit app helps you manage all facets of your fitness website conveniently from your phone. Here are a few of the features. Easily manage your site from anywhere: Update your site and send marketing emails directly from your phone. Chat with your clients: Use the live chat feature to talk directly to your visitors. Manage your online store: Update inventory, accept payments, upload product images, take customer orders and track sales. Track your progress: See live stats to measure the success of your fitness website. FYI: Your clients will use the Fit by Wix app or the Branded App by Wix . They have the same functionality, but the latter allows for your own branding. 07. Optimize your website for SEO Between HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and BMI (body mass index), you’ve got plenty of acronyms to remember. But don’t sleep on SEO. Also known as search engine optimization, SEO is all about improving your site’s content and layout to rank higher in search engines like Google. The higher your fitness site ranks, the more prospective clients will visit your site. Include keywords (the specific words or phrases people search for) within your text, headings and images. Read more in our guide to SEO . To make things easier, Wix SEO can support your optimization efforts with a customized plan for your fitness website. This free and handy tool will personalize your SEO strategy to help the right people find your site. 08. Launch and promote your fitness website Once you've launched your fitness website, there are many ways to promote it, too. You can try different methods to see what works best for you. Consider fitness marketing strategies, like working with influencers, hosting an event or sending a fitness newsletter. Keep in mind, people want value from your content, no matter the marketing method. Always ask yourself, what am I giving my audience? If it's just a sale's pitch, dig deeper. 09. See how your site is performing Finally, maintain those gains and keep your site up to date. Use Wix Analytics to measure your site’s performance and review valuable insights, like booking statistics. This will help you see what's resonating with your clients: Which classes do they prefer? At what time? Who's their favorite coach? If knowledge is power, data is the advisory board. Consult it often. Looking to grow your nutrition practice online? Check out how to create a nutritionist website for a complete guide to building the perfect site. Why you need a fitness website It doesn’t matter how awesome your kettlebell class is if no one knows it exists. As much as you hate sitting at a desk, you’ve got to admit that potential clients are looking online for their next workout—and you need to meet them there. That's where your fitness website comes in. A strong fitness website serves as a marketing tool and educates potential clients about your offerings. A super strong website also streamlines your payments and scheduling, so you can focus on the fun stuff: your clients. How to make a fitness website FAQ What is the best website builder for fitness? The best fitness website builder needs templates designed for gyms, trainers and health clubs. Make sure it includes tools like booking systems, membership management and class scheduling to stay organized. Mobile optimization, high-quality images, payment gateways and SEO tools are essential. Social media integration and call-to-action buttons keep visitors engaged and help turn them into members. How to create a website for a gym? Pick a gym-focused website builder with bold, energetic templates. Include features like class booking, membership sign-ups and personal training options. Add high-quality gym photos, workout videos and clear CTAs like “Sign up for a free workout!” Optimize for local searches like “top gym in [city]” and link your social media. A blog with fitness tips, workouts and nutrition advice can keep visitors hooked and boost your search ranking. Key pages to include in a gym website: Home (highlight your gym's atmosphere and equipment) About (your gym’s story, mission and trainers) Services (group classes, membership levels, personal training and specialty programs) Schedule (class times with easy booking options) Pricing (clear membership and drop-in rates) Testimonials (client success stories and reviews) Contact (location, hours and a contact form)
- 5 best website builders for creatives in 2026
Build your website in minutes, try Wix for free today → You’ve poured your heart into your art, and now it’s time to let the world see it. A professional website gives you the platform to showcase your work exactly how you envision it. But how do you build a website from scratch , especially if you don’t have any technical expertise? That’s where a website builder comes in. With intuitive design tools and professional creative arts website templates , you can create a stunning portfolio without any hassle. And if you want to speed up the process, an AI website builder can generate a site tailored to your needs in minutes. With that in mind, we’ll explore five top website builders for creatives to help you find the perfect fit for your business. We’ll also show you how to build your site. Learn more: What is a website builder? When choosing a website builder, you want one that’s flexible, powerful and easy-to-use. Wix is the go-to platform for millions of users looking to create a stunning website effortlessly. See what makes Wix stand out from the crowd and why it’s the right fit for you. TL;DR: best website builders for creatives We handpicked five of the best website builders for creatives to help you bring your vision to life online. Whether you want to showcase your portfolio, sell products or build a personal brand, this guide highlights the platforms that offer the right mix of design tools and marketing features to fit your creative goals. Each builder provides unique strengths to help you create a professional, customizable site that connects with your audience and supports your growth. Website builder Standout features Pricing Wix Drag-and-drop website builder, huge template library, AI builder, powerful eCommerce, built-in SEO and marketing Free plan available, paid plans start at $17/month Wix Studio Custom CSS and animations, Blocks workspace, AI tools, eCommerce and SEO integrations Plans start at $19/month Squarespace Modern templates, drag-and-drop editor, AI site generation, built-in eCommerce and SEO 14-day free trial, paid plans start at $25/month Format Portfolio templates, easy editor, built-in SEO, digital downloads store 14-day free trial, paid plans start at $12/month Pixpa Responsive templates, AI text writer, eCommerce and marketing tools 15-day free trial, paid plans start at $8/month Editor's note: All information in this table is accurate as of March 27, 2025. What features should you look for in a website builder for creatives? T he best website builder for creatives should have the following features: Customization options Your website should reflect your personal style. That’s why customization options should be at the top of your list when choosing a website builder . Look for a website creator that offers a user-friendly interface and a drag-and-drop builder so you can design your website with ease. Customizable templates also give you a great starting point while allowing room for personal touches so your site feels unique to you. eCommerce functionality If you plan to sell products like digital downloads or merch, you need an eCommerce website builder with powerful features. Consider a platform that offers a built-in store functionality so you don’t have to rely on third-party plugins to handle payments and inventory. Mobile responsiveness A 2025 report by DataReportal found that 5.78 billion people —about 70.5% of the world’s population—use a mobile phone. That means if your site isn’t optimized for smaller screens, you could be missing out on a huge audience. To ensure a seamless experience for every visitor, choose a website builder that offers responsive designs so anyone can access your website on any device. Check out our article on how to make a website mobile-friendly to help you design a site that operates well on smartphones. SEO and marketing tools Having a beautiful website is great, but what's the point if no one can find it? Look for a builder with built-in SEO features to improve your search engine rankings and bring in more organic traffic. Marketing tools are just as important. Integrations with email marketing platforms, social media accounts and blogging tools can help you connect with your audience and keep them engaged. Learn more: How to start a blog "Leveraging SEO and integrating it into the website creation process is vital. Various studies have shown that organic search is the single greatest provider of traffic to websites, which is even more pronounced in the B2B context. Additionally, traffic from organic search, when done correctly, is essentially built to last (with proper maintenance over time, of course) and forms a crucial part of a site’s long-term growth." - Mordy Oberstein, head of SEO branding at Wix Scalability and reliability Your website might be a simple portfolio now, but what happens when your business takes off? You don’t want to be stuck with a platform that can’t keep up. That’s why scalability and site reliability matter when choosing a website builder. An ideal platform should let you start small and add features as your audience grows. Look for one that guarantees strong uptime and great website performance so your site stays reliable and accessible. Learn more: How to make a portfolio Portfolio websites Professional portfolio Portfolio layouts Best website builders for creatives Wix Wix Studio Squarespace Format Pixpa 01. Wix Wix is the ultimate platform for creatives who want a simple yet powerful builder to bring their ideas to life. With its intuitive drag-and-drop website builder , you can tweak layouts and add images, videos and text to create a site that reflects your brand. You can also choose a design from the massive library of website templates and make it your own. Want to get online even faster? Wix’s AI builder can design a fully functional website for you in minutes. Just answer a few quick questions about your creative project, and the AI will handle the rest. If you plan on selling products or digital downloads, Wix’s powerful eCommerce platform has you covered. You can manage up to 50,000 products, giving you the flexibility to grow your business with ease. Moreover, built-in SEO tools help boost your search engine rankings, while seamless marketing integrations with tools like Google Ads, Facebook Catalog and Google Tag Manager make it easy to drive traffic and sales and track your online campaigns. Pricing: Free plan is available with limited features. Paid plans start at $17 per month. Check out this article on the different types of websites you can cre ate with Wix for more inspiration. 02. Wix Studio Wix Studio takes every feature from Wix and elevates it with advanced capabilities. This makes it an ideal website creator for agencies and enterprises looking to grow their online presence. You can pick a website template or work with pixels or custom CSS to incorporate complex elements like animated cursors, no-code animations and stunning visual effects. If you love building interactive experiences, the Blocks workspace lets you create custom widgets and interactive elements and sell them on the Wix app market. Wix Studio also offers other advanced features, including: Wix Studio AI to speed up your workflow. Wix Studio eCommerce to set up and scale your online store. Wix Studio SEO tools to boost your search engine rankings and drive more traffic. Pricing: Plans start at $19 per month. Comparing Wix Studio: Wix vs. Wix Studio Wix Studio vs. Elementor 03. Squarespace Squarespace strikes a balance between flexibility, design and ease of use, making it a good choice for creatives. With a wide range of modern templates, you can build a visually appealing website without a hassle. Simply pick a design and customize it using the drag-and-drop editor. Squarespace’s Blueprint AI can also generate a personalized website for you in minutes. For those looking to sell online, the built-in eCommerce tools make it easy to set up a store, manage inventory and accept payments from one platform. Squarespace also offers advanced SEO tools and marketing features to help you reach more customers and grow your business. Pricing: 14-day free trial. Paid plans start at $25 per month. Learn more: Wix vs Squarespace Wix vs Shopify Squarespace alternatives WordPress alternatives Shopify alternatives 04. Format Format is a website builder made for creative professionals, photographers and videographers who want to build an online portfolio. It offers a variety of beautiful templates that make it easy to create your site by choosing a design and customizing it with the intuitive editor. The Format Store helps you sell digital downloads, services or physical products directly from your site. And to help people find your site, the platform includes built-in SEO tools that improve your website’s visibility. That said, Format doesn’t offer AI-powered tools beyond its website builder. So, if you’re looking for AI-assisted design, you might want to consider other platforms like Wix. Pricing: 14-day free trial. Paid plans start at $12 per month. 05. Pixpa Pixpa is a website builder for creatives who want a simple platform to showcase their work online. It offe rs a variety of responsive templates designed for different creative fields. You can choose a template and customize it easily using the drag-and-drop editor. While Pixpa doesn’t have a full AI website builder, it does include an AI Text Writer to help you generate website content quickly. Beyond design, Pixpa provides eCommerce capabilities so you can sell products, services and digital downloads on your website. It also comes with a suite of SEO and marketing tools to improve your site’s visibility, attract more visitors and increase engagement and sales. Pricing: 15-day free trial. Paid plans start at $8 per month. Editor's note: All information in this content was accurate as of March 27, 2025. What is the best website builder for creatives? Wix is considered the best website builder for creatives due to its drag-and-drop editor, customizable templates and robust features like Wix Analytics , which help you design a professional website that looks great and works seamlessly. Learn more: Best AI website builder Best website builder for small business Best one-page website builders Personal website builders Free website builders Cheap website builder Travel website builders How to build a creative website Here’s a simple website launch checklist to help get your site up and running quickly: 01. Register a domain name Before building your portfolio website, you need to lock in your domain name , which is basically your online address. It should be memorable and reflect your creative profession. If you already have a name in mind, do a quick domain name search to see if it’s available. If it’s already taken (which happens a lot), don’t stress. A domain name generator can help you brainstorm creative alternatives that align with your brand. Learn more: What is a domain name? 02. Choose a web hosting provider Think of a web host as the home for your website. It’s where all your files, images and content are stored so people can access them anytime. If you’re just starting out, free website hosting can be a great way to get your site online without spending money upfront. But as your business grows, you can invest in premium hosting plans for more control, faster site speeds and better website security . Check out these articles on what is web hosting and how to host a website to make an informed decision when choosing a web hosting service. 03. Create your website Set up key web pages like your homepage, portfolio, about page and contact page. Each page should be clear, visually appealing and easy to navigate. Consider adding a logo to add a professional touch. If you don’t have one yet, a logo maker can help you design something unique without needing design skills. Want to provide more value? Start a blog . Writing about your creative process or offering industry insights can help you showcase your expertise and attract potential clients. Read on how to make a website accessible so you can make it easy for everyone to navigate your site easily. Best website builders for creatives FAQ What is the best website builder for creatives? The best website builder for creatives depends on your specific needs, but top choices include: Wix – Offers highly customizable templates, intuitive drag-and-drop editing and robust portfolio features. Format – Tailored for photographers, artists and designers (consider these best website builders for designers ), with strong portfolio and client-proofing tools. If you want full creative control with ease of use, Wix is a top pick due to its flexibility, stunning design options and built-in eCommerce and SEO features. Learn more about why you should use a website builder . What website do most artists use? Many artists use Wix to create their websites because it provides everything they need to showcase their work professionally and effortlessly. With highly customizable templates, artists can design a site that reflects their unique style, whether they specialize in painting, photography, digital art or mixed media. The intuitive drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to build and update a website without coding, allowing creatives to focus on their art instead of technical details. Wix also offers built-in portfolio tools, enabling artists to display their work in visually stunning layouts, add interactive elements and even create password-protected client galleries. Additionally, eCommerce features let artists sell prints, originals or digital downloads directly from their site. With SEO and marketing tools, they can attract more visitors and grow their audience, making Wix a powerful all-in-one solution for artists looking to establish a strong online presence. What website builder has the most customization? Wix is one of the most customizable website builders available. It offers a fully flexible drag-and-drop editor, allowing users to place elements anywhere on the page without restrictions. Unlike many other builders that rely on rigid grid systems, Wix gives complete design freedom, making it ideal for creatives, businesses and anyone looking for a unique online presence. Some key customization features include: Hundreds of designer-made templates that can be fully modified. Advanced design tools, including animations, custom fonts and video backgrounds. AI-powered design assistance for fast, personalized site creation. With these features, Wix stands out as the best choice for those who want full creative control over their website. What is the best website builder for freelancers? The best website builder for freelancers is Wix. It offers a user-friendly interface with customizable templates perfect for showcasing your portfolio, services and personal brand. Freelancers can easily create a professional website without coding knowledge, thanks to Wix’s drag-and-drop editor. Key features that make Wix ideal for freelancers include: Portfolio display options for various industries, including photography, design, writing and more. Integrated booking and payment systems, making it easy to schedule meetings or accept payments directly through the site. SEO tools that help boost visibility and drive traffic to your site. Flexible design elements to reflect your unique style and service offerings. With Wix, freelancers can quickly create a standout website that looks professional and functions seamlessly. Learn more: Best website builders for freelancers How to create a freelance website Freelance websites Is Wix good for creatives? Wix is a great choice for creatives. It prioritizes stunning website design with stunning, design-forward templates specifically built for portfolios. Its intuitive drag-and-drop editor grants complete creative control over layouts without needing code, allowing artists, designers and photographers to showcase their work professionally and uniquely.
- 11 of the best domain name generators
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain → If you asked me how to make a website , I would tell you that you had to get a domain name before you did anything else. Being the address for your online property, it’s a critical element of your website infrastructure . Now, grabbing the perfect domain might sound easy, but it's often trickier than you'd think. You've got to find a name that's available, aligns with your brand and doesn't break the bank. That's where a domain name generator comes in handy. These nifty tools use algorithms to whip up a variety of domain name options that are up for grabs and could be the perfect match for your brand. Stick around, because in this article, we're diving into the top 11 domain name generators that could help you pinpoint your ideal digital address. Learn more: What is a domain? TL;DR: best domain name generators In this guide, you’ll discover 11 of the best domain name generators, including Wix, each designed to help you find the right fit. You’ll also get expert tips for choosing a domain name that’s simple, memorable and reflects your brand for the long term. Key takeaways: Your domain is your website’s address, so choose one that reflects your brand Use domain name generators to quickly find available creative options Wix offers tools to simplify brainstorming and check trademarks Keep your domain short, easy to spell and memorable Pick the right extension, check availability and protect your brand 11 of the best domain name generators Wix Looka Nameboy Lean Domain Search DomainTyper Instant Domain Search LOGO.com Domain Wheel TRUiC Bust a Name NameStation 01. Wix Navigating the world of domain names is a breeze with Wix’s domain name generator . You simply pop in a keyword or a phrase you have in mind, and voilà. Wix rolls out a curated list of domain names tailored just for you and allows you to learn how to buy a domain name right on the spot. The beauty of Wix's generator is its intuitive design. It's tailored for ease of use, ensuring that whether you're a tech whiz or a novice, you'll find the process straightforward and enjoyable. This user-friendly approach makes the often overwhelming task of choosing a domain name surprisingly simple. Learn more: Is Wix a domain registrar? But the beauty doesn't stop there. Once you've picked that perfect domain name and purchased it, you can effortlessly link it to your Wix website without ever having to jump ship to another tool or site. It's a one-stop-shop experience, streamlining your journey from domain name brainstorming to website creation. So, not only do you get an array of name choices, but you also get the convenience of keeping everything under one digital roof with all Wix features . Furthermore, the extensive range of over 75 domain extensions that Wix supports is a game-changer. It means you have the freedom to choose a domain that not only fits your brand but also connects with your audience on a more personal level. Whether you're looking to figure out what .com is or something more niche, Wix's variety ensures that your domain name will resonate with your desired audience. Some of the most popular extensions include: .de .xyz .co . co.uk .ch .be .store .info .tv .tech .wiki .company .digital .ca .fr .nl .ch . com.br .net .com .biz .site .fit .at .blog .studio .world Get a free domain name from Wix when you sign up for a premium plan. 02. Looka If you're in the early stages of building your brand and haven't quite decided on a name, Looka should be on your radar. This multi-faceted tool wears many hats: it not only functions as a domain name generator but also as a business name generator . That means you can use it to brainstorm a catchy business name and simultaneously find a corresponding domain that's available, streamlining your brand creation process in one convenient place. There are two ways to get the creative juices flowing with Looka. You can either plug in your own list of keywords into the search field or pick from the list of relevant keywords that Looka readily provides. Opt for the first route, and you can even specify the length of the domain name you're after. Looka takes that info and churns out suggestions that are easy on the eyes—and easy to read. But Looka takes things a step further by giving you a deep dive into each domain name it suggests. You get insights like search volume, which tells you how often people are looking up that particular name in search engines. Worried about stepping on legal toes? Looka's got you covered there too. It automatically checks if the name is a registered trademark in the U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System. This way, you're not just getting a name; you're getting a name that's poised for success, backed by valuable data. 03. Nameboy In search of a creative domain name? Nameboy has your back. It takes your keyword and presents you with search results divided into two neat categories: Extensions and Generator. In the Extensions section, you'll see your exact keyword paired with popular top-level domain extensions like .com, .org or .net . But the real magic happens in the Generator section. Here, Nameboy uses your input merely as a jumping-off point, offering you a slew of alternative domain names—each one exclusively with the .com domain extension, the one that most of us are already familiar with. And there's a cherry on top. Nameboy has teamed up with Bluehost to give you a sweet deal to get a free domain. If you decide to go ahead and purchase a year's worth of hosting through Bluehost, you'll get a .com or .net domain name for free. So, not only do you get to learn how to choose a domain name from a range of options, but you could also snag one without spending an extra dime. It's a pretty savvy way to kickstart your online presence. Learn more about how to get a free domain name . 04. Lean Domain Search Looking for a quick and accurate way to find a domain name? Lean Domain Search has you covered. This tool specializes in generating names in the top-tier domain zones of .com and .blog. One of its standout features is its speed and accuracy. The team behind it claims that about one in 20 of the available suggestions actually gets registered , showcasing its knack for hitting the mark. But the perks don't stop there. Lean Domain Search also brings excellent filtering and sorting options to the table. Want to sift through your options based on popularity, length or even alphabetical order? You can do that. Plus, you can refine your search even further by choosing domain names that either start or end with your entered keywords. It's all designed to make your quest for the ideal domain name as smooth as possible. 05. DomainTyper While many domain name generators offer available versions of your dream domain and some even throw in pricing details, DomainTyper kicks it up a notch. Aside from showing you available extensions, DomainTyper compares the domain name’s cost from three different domain registrars for you. It's like having a personal shopper who knows exactly where to find the best deals on domains. Learn more about How much a domain name costs Best domain registrars 06. Instant Domain Search If you're on the hunt for a domain name with options aplenty, Instant Domain Search has got you covered. Besides the usual Domain Extensions and Suggestions you'd expect from a domain generator, this tool features a "Domains For Sale" section. Here, you'll find a curated list of premium domains that you can either buy outright or bid on. Each domain comes with its own price tag and a handy link to make your offer or purchase. And here's a little extra something to consider: investing in a premium domain could give you an SEO boost. That's because search engines have already indexed these premium names, making them a potentially valuable asset for your online presence. So, if you're looking to go beyond the basics and are willing to invest a bit more, Instant Domain Search might just have the perfect domain for you. 07. LOGO.com LOGO.com isn't just another domain name generator; it's part of a comprehensive branding toolkit designed to give your brand a cohesive look and feel. The domain generator within this toolkit spins out domain name ideas based on your inputted keywords. But here's the twist: the suggestions won't always incorporate those keywords directly. This allows for a wider range of creative possibilities. And if you're particular about what you want, LOGO.com's tool offers multiple customization options to tailor the generation process to your liking. You can specify where you'd like your keywords to appear in the domain, set a character limit to keep things concise and even filter your search down to specific domain extensions. All of this makes LOGO.com's domain generator a versatile tool for anyone keen on perfecting their online brand identity. 08. DomainWheel DomainWheel shines as an AI-powered domain name generator tool that serves up unique and relevant suggestions at the click of a button. The smart filtering options let you sort by domain extension and word length, helping you find the perfect fit for your needs. Plus, the tool crafts SEO-friendly names, avoiding generic or overly short options. 09. TRUiC If you're crafting a website for a business with a strong local focus, TRUiC is the domain name generator for you. Just pop your city or state into the designated field, and TRUiC will deliver available domains tailored to your location and keywords. Found a name that catches your eye? Hit "Show more names like this" to explore variations. TRUiC excels at refining your search, making it easier than ever to land on a domain name that truly speaks to your business's local essence. 10. Bust a Name While Bust a Name may not win any beauty contests with its vintage interface, it more than makes up for it in functionality. Start by feeding it a list of keywords that matter to your business, and watch it generate a host of relevant domain name ideas. The tool additionally offers a range of customization options that let you tweak your search just the way you like it. Want to add a prefix or a suffix? No problem. Looking to pluralize some nouns? Bust a Name has got you covered. 11. NameStation NameStation goes beyond basic keyword matching to offer a variety of search techniques, such as fusing compound words or tweaking the keywords you provide. But what really sets it apart is its active community. You can tap into collective wisdom by launching a naming contest or browsing popular domain name suggestions shared by other users. So, if you're looking for a tool that combines smart technology with human creativity, NameStation could be your perfect match. Do a domain name search on Wix today. Tips for choosing the best domain name with a domain name generator Choosing the best domain name for your website is crucial as it represents your online identity and can impact your brand's success. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect domain name: Keep it short and simple Shorter domain names are easier to remember, type and share. Aim for a domain name that is concise and easy to spell, preferably no more than 15 characters. "Simplicity is key. Choosing a name with an easy spelling and pronunciation, secures quick recognition and recall. A great business name captures attention, evokes emotion, and sticks in the mind. It should be unique yet memorable, reflecting your brand's essence and values," says Daniele Pitkowski, Product Marketing Manager - Alternative Flows at Wix.com Make it easy to pronounce and spell A domain name that is easy to pronounce and spell will be easier for people to remember and type into their web browsers. Avoid using complex or confusing words, numbers or hyphens. Consider your branding Your domain name should reflect your brand identity and resonate with your target audience. Choose a name that is memorable, catchy and aligns with your brand values and image. Expert tip from Adi Avraham, SEO Growth Specialist at Wix.com: "Focus on creating a name that reflects your brand identity and resonates with your target audience. Additionally, conducting thorough keyword research can help you identify relevant terms to incorporate into your business name or domain, without sacrificing originality." Choose keywords that align with your brand and value proposition to clearly convey what your website or business represents. This not only strengthens your branding but also enhances your online visibility. Think about the emotions you want your domain name to evoke—hope, confidence, joy, inspiration. A name that resonates with these feelings can help you create a meaningful connection with your audience. Finally, consider your industry, whether it’s business, technology or marketing. A relevant domain name provides context and sets the right expectations for users before they even visit your site. Learn more about smart domain name management strategies to keep your online presence strong. Avoid trademarked terms Ensure that the domain name you choose does not infringe on any existing trademarks or copyrights. Conduct a thorough domain name search to avoid legal issues and potential conflicts in the future and learn how to trademark a domain name . Choose the right domain extension Select a domain extension (also known as a top-level domain or TLD) that best suits your website's purpose and audience. While the .com domain is the most popular and widely recognized extension, consider alternatives like .net, .org or country-specific extensions if they better represent your website. Expert tip from Einat Shafir, Product Manager Domains at Wix.com: "The most popular and widely recognized domain extension is .com, and it's typically the best choice for businesses. However, there are other extensions like .net, .org, and country-specific extensions that can also work well depending on your business." Learn more about what a TLD is with our guide to domain extensions . Check availability Use a domain name registrar or domain search tool to check the availability of your desired domain name. Avoid choosing a domain name that is already registered or too similar to existing websites, as this can lead to confusion and traffic loss. Think long-term Choose a domain name that will remain relevant and meaningful over time, even as your website and business evolve. Avoid using trendy or dated terms that may become obsolete in the future. Protect your brand Consider if you want to learn how to register a domain name and its variations, including common misspellings, to prevent competitors or cyber squatters from capitalizing on your brand. You can also consider purchasing domain privacy protection to keep your personal information private. Get feedback Once you've narrowed down your options, get feedback from friends, family or colleagues to ensure your domain name is clear, memorable and resonates with your target audience. Expert tip from Karen Friedlander, Product Marketing Manager Domains at Wix.com: "There’s a positive correlation between clear and relevant domain name and strong online visibility. I can say that a thoughtfully chosen domain name impacts the brand’s exposure." Learn more: Most expensive domain names How to choose the best domain name generator Domain names are more important than ever— by the third quarter of 2025, there were 378.5 million domain name registrations across all top-level domains . With so many websites already online, using the right domain name generator is crucial: Look for a tool that's easy to use and generates a variety of creative suggestions based on your keywords Choose a generator with customization options like filtering by domain extension, length or keyword placement Consider integration with your website platform so you can search, purchase and connect your domain in one place, like Wix Check for useful features such as trademark checks, bulk search options and availability alerts to save time and protect your brand Pick a generator that balances ease of use, flexibility and reliability to help you secure a domain that fits your brand and online presence Why trust Wix’s experts? This article was created by Wix’s in-house domain experts, with years of experience helping people choose, register and secure the perfect domains for their businesses and online projects. The guidance, tips and best practices shared here come directly from real Wix projects, so you can be confident they’ll help you find a domain that represents your brand, stays secure and supports your long-term goals. At Wix, we’ve guided millions of entrepreneurs, creators and small business owners in establishing a strong online presence. Our team keeps up with the latest in domain management, security and branding, making sure the advice you get is practical and backed by proven results. Think of this article as your trusted resource for every stage of domain ownership, from finding your first custom domain to protecting and growing your online identity. Best domain name generators FAQ How does a domain name generator work? A domain name generator works by generating suggestions for available domain names based on keywords or criteria provided by the user. It utilizes algorithms to combine words, phrases or keywords to create unique and relevant domain name options. Users can input their desired keywords, preferred domain extensions and other criteria to generate a list of available domain name suggestions. How much does a domain name generator cost? The cost of a domain name generator can vary depending on the provider and the features offered. Some domain name generators are available for free, while others may require a one-time payment or subscription fee to access advanced features or additional functionality. Prices typically range from free to a few hundred dollars for premium domain name generators. How to choose the right domain name generator? When choosing a domain name generator, consider factors such as ease of use, customization options, availability of domain extensions, pricing and customer reviews. Look for a generator that offers a user-friendly interface, customizable search criteria and a wide range of domain name suggestions to choose from. Additionally, consider whether you need advanced features such as bulk domain searches or integration with domain registration services. How do I create a catchy domain name? To create a catchy domain name, consider the following tips: Keep it short and memorable. Use keywords relevant to your website or business. Avoid numbers, hyphens and complicated spellings. Be creative and unique. Make it easy to pronounce and spell. Consider your target audience and brand identity. What is the most trustworthy domain name? The most trustworthy domain names are those that are reputable, reliable and secure. Generally, domain names from established and well-known domain registrars or providers are considered trustworthy. Additionally, domain names that use secure protocols such as HTTPS and have valid SSL certificates contribute to their trustworthiness. It's also essential to choose a domain name that accurately reflects your brand or website and avoids any misleading or deceptive elements. What are good alternatives to a .com domain name? If a .com domain isn’t available or doesn’t fit your needs, there are plenty of great alternatives to choose from. For businesses, options like .co or .biz can work well, while creatives might prefer extensions like .art, .design or .studio. If your focus is regional, domains such as .ca, .co.uk or .de can strengthen your connection to a local audience. These alternatives not only give you more freedom to find the perfect URL but also help communicate what your website is all about. How do I use my domain to look like a local company? To make your domain and website feel like a true local business, start by using a local domain extension, like .ca for Canada or .co.uk for the UK. Include your address, phone number and any other regional contact information prominently on your site. Tailor your content to reflect the local culture, language or trends to build stronger connections with your audience. You can also feature customer reviews from nearby clients or mention partnerships with other businesses in the area to enhance your local credibility.
- Rethinking the power of domains and B2B partnerships
Domain offerings tend to be pretty straightforward. An SMB , creator or entrepreneur looks to secure real estate online, leading them to purchase their unique domain name. They choose their domain and continue on their business journey, deciding how to build a website , how to set up digital marketing campaigns and more. But domain innovation is an untapped power. There are so many ways to work with domains and so much underutilized opportunity, from enabling small businesses to better envision their new domain and website, to paving more accessible and plentiful roads toward a successful purchase. To reel in customers, a B2B partnership with a company that offers the best in domain and web innovation can be exactly the key. Let’s look at some examples of domain innovation: One step beyond the domain Making the domain offering proactive Domain innovation with B2B partners One step beyond the domain Sometimes it’s not about the domain itself, but what comes afterward. Giving customers a glimpse into what their domain purchase can lead to—a complete and custom web presence—is a convincing way to encourage a decision. Take Wix for example. The Wix platform is the best web builder for SMBs . With top expertise in both websites and domains, the company can connect the puzzle pieces of an SMB’s journey. Wix’s website preview solution, also available externally , allows customers to see a sample website that matches their potential domain. Say a baker named Terry decides to start a business selling homemade organic cakes and desserts. Terry is interested in a domain called terryorganicdream.shop . But they aren’t quite ready to make the leap online. The custom domain looks nice, but the idea of building a website and selling online is intimidating. Plus, Terry isn’t much of a designer. The thought of a new project makes them drop out mid-journey, step away from the screen and focus on their next batch of cookies instead. Now imagine that as soon as Terry chooses their domain, they have the opportunity to see a full-blown website preview. The site is an online store showcasing Terry’s mouth-watering desserts, with a quick button to order. And the brand name “Terry’s Organic Dream” is already displayed front and center on the homepage, in a playful font with vibrant colors. Suddenly building and launching a website is not a distant or difficult dream, but an exciting and promising reality just within reach. Making the domain offering proactive Let’s go back to the earlier stages of the domain journey. Domain name generator Besides the usual domain name search , customers may be more engaged by the experience of a domain name generator . Unlike a regular search, a domain name generator is a proactive tool that leverages AI to offer customers a fitting domain. Customers are prompted to enter a keyword or phrase related to their brand, and the tool comes back with a slew of relevant domain name options. Domain name suggestions Then there’s domain suggestions . With this tool, customers enter a potential domain name and receive the best-match options that are available. The tool is like a professional partner, highlighting one or two top recommendations to guide customers and streamline the selection process. A full list of additional available options is also provided in case the customer wants to explore different directions. Domain extensions tools and resources Another strategy in domain registry is educating customers on the different popular domain extensions available to small businesses. While .com still remains the most popular top-level domain worldwide, there are many other worthy options out there that are gaining traction. The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority currently lists over 1,500 domain extensions—that’s a whole world of real estate for small businesses to explore. Providing customers with educational resources like blog articles, videos and quick tips can support them in their domain name search and TLD selection. From business type extensions like .shop or .org to locations like .us or .world to more creative options like .pro or .today, raising awareness of domain extension options can empower creators and small businesses and give them a new outlook on their future online presence. Link in bio products For certain customers like artists, influencers and entrepreneurs, there is another great way to supplement their domain name. These customers may be looking to claim their personal identity online with a relevant domain extension like .bio, .me or .link. Offering this together with link in bio products creates the perfect combination. It lets customers strengthen and connect the dots of their online presence, from domain to website to social media. Domain innovation with B2B partners Innovation, like happiness, is best when shared. B2B partnerships provide a way for brands to join forces in creating the most enticing domain offering for small businesses, without having to develop all the solutions in house. For example, Name.com partnered with Wix to offer websites to customers, helping to provide them with a full online identity. The partnership includes Wix’s website preview solution, showing customers what their potential website would look like based on their domain name preference. In the first period, Name.com saw a whopping 551% increase in web builder sign ups compared to their previous free trial offering. The right innovative solutions from the right B2B partner can completely revamp an offering. VistaPrint partnered with Wix to offer customers both domains and websites. Through Wix’s unique Domain API, Vista is able to provide customers with a fully functional domain name checker and suggestions, right on its own marketing pages. Customers can then build out their own website from there, or choose to do so first before purchasing a domain. This partnership allows Vista—best known for print, logo and design—to provide the next step in best-in-class online branding and business solutions to customers. With so many innovative ways to work with domains, those in the industry face three options: develop competitive solutions in house, partner with a leader in domains and website building, or find the balance in both. Those with the power to shake up domain offerings will see the impact directly in their customers’ success. Related reading: Becoming the compass: a proactive approach to B2B success management Learn how a channel partnership with Wix can drive growth for your business and your SMB customers.
- Best responsive website builders for 2026
Design high-end sites with efficiency on Wix Studio. Start creating today → Looking for the best responsive website builder ? Your site needs to look great and work smoothly on desktops, tablets and smartphones. Responsive website design ensures layouts, images and text automatically adjust to any screen. The best website builders today incorporate responsive design principles, ensuring your website automatically adjusts layouts, images and text sizes to fit various screen dimensions. Platforms like Wix Studio simplify this process even further, automatically optimizing your design for seamless performance across devices. Try Wix Studio AI today to see how an AI website builder can help you create a site that looks perfect on every screen. What makes a website builder responsive? Ever scrolled through a website on your phone, only to find cut-off text or buttons you can’t tap? You’re not the only one, and it’s a problem freelancers, agencies and enterprises can’t afford to ignore. With over 60% of global web traffic coming from mobile devices , every site you create needs to be responsive. The best responsive website builders ensure that your design dynamically adjusts to different screen sizes and resolutions without compromising usability or aesthetics—making it a smart solution if you’re looking for how to make an existing website mobile friendly . Learn how to make a responsive website or how to make a website from scratch . TL;DR: best responsive website builders Here's a quick comparison of how top responsive website builders meet these criteria: Website Builder Built-in mobile optimization Responsive templates Customization tools Interactive navigation Wix Studio Responsive AI, advanced breakpoints, CSS grid, Flexboxes 375+ free, responsive templates Advanced responsive behaviors, responsive AI tool Optimized with responsive behaviors & layout control Hostinger Mobile-specific editor 150+ mobile-optimized templates Drag-and-drop editor, mobile editing Adjust mobile view separately Weebly Auto layout adjustments 50+ responsive themes by default Preset content blocks, drag-and-drop editor Auto-rearranges for mobile/tablet WordPress Dependent on theme or plugin Thousands of responsive themes CSS/media queries, responsive plugins Plugin/theme-dependent; highly customizable Carrd Based on templates 200+ responsive templates Basic layout tools, visual editor Minimalist layout auto-adjusts Webflow Custom & preset breakpoints, CSS grid, Flexboxes 6000+ responsive templates Full layout control with CSS logic and visual canvas Full control over visibility settings per device Ucraft Mobile preview, responsive layout options 45+ responsive templates Block-based editor with custom code options Auto-adjust layout + manual tweaks for mobile Squarespace Auto-optimized layouts + mobile editing 180+ mobile-optimized templates Visual editor, style customization per screen Responsive design adapts per screen Want to see what great responsive design looks like in action? Check out these responsive website examples for inspiration across industries and screen sizes. 8 best responsive website builders In this section, we'll review the most popular responsive website builders in detail, covering their standout features, ease of use and pricing options. Wix Studio Hostinger Weebly WordPress Carrd Webflow Ucraft Squarespace 01. Wix Studio Wix Studio is the website building platform for freelancers, agencies and enterprises. With high-end design capabilities, streamlined workflows and powerful business management tools , it empowers freelancers and agencies to build, manage and scale exceptional websites with maximum efficiency. Whether you’re focused on Wix Studio design , website development or marketing, this platform brings flexibility and speed at every stage of your project. “Responsiveness isn’t just an afterthought in Wix Studio—it’s built into the entire design and development workflow. From the first breakpoint to publishing, everything adapts perfectly.” - Roy Wax, PMM at Wix Studio Recognized as one of the best website builders for designers , Wix Studio includes 800+ responsive templates, a powerful Figma-to-Studio plugin and a comprehensive suite of AI tools designed to speed up workflows from design to delivery. The platform is especially strong for agencies managing multiple clients. With reusable components and templates, you can reduce production time without sacrificing quality. Wix Studio developers benefit from features like a cloud-based IDE and Wix Studio headless solution, working alongside the visual builder for maximum flexibility. These Wix Studio features are tailored to meet the needs of professional teams at scale. For content-heavy sites, the Wix Studio CMS supports advanced content management and dynamic data structures. If you’re selling online, Wix Studio eCommerce tools help you build sophisticated, responsive shopping experiences that look and function seamlessly across all devices. And with built-in Wix Studio marketing integrations , you can automate campaigns, manage SEO and analyze performance all from one plac e. “With Wix Studio, you don’t have to hack your way to a responsive site. The platform gives you granular control across devices, without slowing you down.” - Roy Wax, PMM at Wix Studio Best for: Agencies, enterprises and any professional building websites for others who want full creative freedom without being boxed in by code or platform limitations. Best features: Responsive editor: The Studio Editor gives you full control over how elements behave across breakpoints, allowing you to edit for any breakpoint, including custom screen sizes. Cascade system : Changes you make on larger breakpoints trickle down to smaller breakpoints, but changes on smaller breakpoints don't affect larger breakpoints. Scale proportionally: You can start by designing in pixels and watch elements scale by default with scale proportionally. Flexboxes : These smart containers streamline the way you showcase content. They are made up of responsive containers that adapt to any screen and elevate the style and functionality of any site. CSS grid : In the Studio Editor, you can use an a dvanced CSS grid to organize the layout of elements and sections. You can choose the number of rows and columns you want and set their size using responsive measurements. Responsive AI: This tool streamlines site creation by automatically optimizing layout and sizing adjustments for all screen widths with a single click. This tool significantly reduces the time spent manually adjusting content across different devices. Templates: Access over 375 free, fully responsive templates plus 500+ partner-made templates covering various industries and design styles, allowing users to start their projects with professionally designed layouts. Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $19/month (billed annually), with m onth-to-month billing also available. Free: without a custom domain or try any plan subject to a 14-day money-back guarantee. Basic ($19/month) : Build online brands. Standard ($27/month) : Accepts online payments. Plus ($34/month) : Capture leads and boost sales. Elite ($159/month) : Scale business growth. Enterprise (price available upon request) : Site management for large-scale businesses. Curious how Wix Studio stacks up against other platforms? Explore these comparisons: Wix Studio vs. Wix | Wix Studio vs. Shopify | Wix Studio vs. Framer | Wix Studio vs. Elementor | Wix Studio vs. Webflow | Wix Studio vs. Duda | Wix Studio vs. WordPress 02. Hostinger Hostinger Website Builder offers AI-powered tools and a drag-and-drop builder , helping users build professional-looking sites without any coding knowledge. The builder supports users with mobile first capabilities, letting you adjust the mobile version of your site independently for better visual consistency across devices. With 150+ mobile-optimized templates and fast-loading website infrastructure , Hostinger ensures that sites look good and load efficiently on any screen size. Best for: Small business owners, solopreneurs and first-time website creators looking for a simple way to create a responsive website. Best features: Responsive editor: Hostinger’s editor allows users to customize mobile versions separately—adjusting element positioning, font sizes and spacing—so designs don’t break on smaller screens. Changes you make on larger breakpoints do not trickle down to smaller breakpoints, and vice versa. Responsive templates: The platform offers over 150 free responsive website templates designed to meet a variety of industry needs. All templates are mobile-optimized and editable with a simple drag-and-drop editor. AI tools: Hostinger includes built-in AI design tools that help generate copy, layouts and entire site sections, cutting down on setup time and helping users get online faster. Pricing: Paid plans start at $3.99/month (billed annually), month-to-month billing also available. Premium Website Builder ($3.99/month): Includes a free domain for one year, responsive templates, AI website builder tools and mobile editing. Business Website Builder ($4.99/month): Offers advanced AI tools and eCommerce website features. Launch your responsive website with the perfect domain name —use a domain name search or a domain name generator to find a name that looks great and performs well on every screen. 03. Weebly Weebly is a website builder designed with ease of use in mind offering a drag-and-drop editor and built-in responsive templates that adjust automatically to desktop and mobile views. Since its integration with Square, Weebly's payment solutions makes it particularly suitable for small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to sell products or services online. Best for: Small business owners, hobbyists and first-time website builders who need responsive functionality. Best features: Responsive layouts: You can build and update responsive layouts using pre-set content blocks, which resize to fit desktop and mobile screens. Mobile builder: Weebly’s content and navigation "rearrange" themselves to better fit on a desktop, tablet or mobile device. Responsive templates: Weebly’s templates are responsive by default, which means content adjusts automatically to different screen sizes with no extra effort required. Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $10/month (billed annually), with m onth-to-month billing also available. Free: Basic responsive site with Square ads and limited customization. Personal ($10/month) : Connect your own domain and access basic customization tools. Professional ($12/month) : Unlock site search, video backgrounds and more advanced eCommerce capabilities. Performance ($26/month) : Online store solution. Learn more: Mobile vs. responsive web design What is web design? What is the mobile web? Best eCommerce website builders How to make an eCommerce website 04. WordPress WordPress is an open-source CMS that pow ers approximately 43.5% of all websites globally . It offers flexibility and control, allowing users to create fully responsive websites through a combination of themes, plugins and custom code. While it requires more setup compared to visual builders, WordPress is a solid option for experienced users. Best for: Developers, content creators and businesses that want full control over site responsiveness and design behavior. Best features: Responsive themes: WordPress offers thousands of free and premium themes that are mobile-optimized, adjusting layouts and components automatically across different screens. Additionally, native blocks support responsive layout behavior and column stacking, facilitating the creation of mobile-friendly pages without the need for plugins. Mobile editing plugins: Tools like WPtouch and Elementor provide mobile-specific layout controls and previews. Breakpoints and CSS control: While not as intuitive, WordPress does give full access to CSS and media queries, allowing advanced users to set custom breakpoints and rules for how a site behaves on any screen. Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $10/month (billed annually), with m onth-to-month billing also available. Free: Basic features with WordPress.com subdomain . Personal ($4/month): Includes free domain for one year, removes WordPress.com ads and offers email live chat support. Premium ($8/month): Adds monetization tools, premium themes and advanced customization. Business ($25/month): Offers plugin installation, advanced SEO features and the ability to install plugins. Commerce ($45/month): Provides feature for online stores , including payment gateways and premium integrations. Enterprise (starts at $25,000/year): For businesses that require more scalability and data-driven capabilities. If you prefer more straightforward website builders, check out this article on the best WordPress alternatives . Learn more: What is CMS in web design? Website builder vs. CMS Best content management systems 05. Carrd Carrd is a streamlined one-page site builder that emphasizes responsiveness from the ground up. It’s built for speed and simplicity, with every design automatically optimized for mobile, making it one of the best one-page website builders on this list. Best for: Freelancers, independent creators and small projects. Best features: Built-in responsiveness: Every template automatically adapts to screen size. No need for breakpoints or manual mobile adjustments. Responsive layout controls: Elements stack, collapse or resize as needed and spacing can be tweaked specifically for mobile. Mobile-friendly embeds: Carrd’s integration-friendly widgets like forms and Stripe checkouts work across all devices. Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $9/year. Free: Build up to three sites per account, limited features with Carrd branding. Pro Lite ($9/year): Connects to custom domain and removes branding. Pro Standard ($19/year): Build up to 10 sites and access more elements, forms and integrations. Pro Plus ($49/year): Build up to 25 sites using advanced element settings like attributes and styles, infrastructure, support and website security features. 06. Webflow Webflow combines a designer-friendly visual editor with developer-level control, making it a favorite. Every element can be styled separately for mobile, tablet and desktop, using custom or pre-set breakpoints. Best for: Designers and devs who want advanced visual control over how a site behaves across devices. Best features: Custom breakpoints: Add or modify breakpoints to control design behavior on any screen size. Responsive canvas: Preview and style designs for mobile, tablet or desktop views directly in the editor. You can use Flexboxex for precise alignment and stacking control when designing layouts. Visibility settings: Show or hide elements by device to simplify layouts for smaller screens. CSS grid: Webflow allows you to create whatever structure your project needs by defining rows, columns and gaps visually. Mobile-responsive animations: Build scroll-based and interaction-driven animations that work on all screen sizes. Webflow AI Assistant: By providing basic details, the AI Assistant will generate a fully responsive website, which you can edit and adjust to fit your needs. Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $14.00/month (billed annually), with m onth-to-month billing also available. Starter (free): Suitable for those just getting started with Webflow. Basic ($14/month): Includes a custom domain and 10 GB bandwidth. CMS ($23/month): Ideal for blogs and content-driven sites. Business ($39/month): Designed for higher traffic websites and includes faster performance. Enterprise (custom pricing): Tailored solutions for large-scale needs. Choose a responsive blog maker and learn how to start a blog that looks great on mobile, tablet and desktop. 07. Ucraft Ucraft is a block-based website builder that emphasizes responsive design and simplicity. It offers a range of templates and device-specific editing tools to help users create mobile-friendly websites. Best for: Entrepreneurs and small teams looking for a visual, drag-and-drop builder with mobile-first layouts. Best features: Responsive templates: Among its 1200+ templates, you can find designs that have built-in responsiveness and automatically adjust to screen sizes. Mobile preview: Users can preview and adjust layouts for desktop or mobile views. You cannot edit for tablets specifically though, instead, you can choose to generate the view from either the desktop or mobile versions. Code access: For advanced customization, Ucraft enables adding custom HTML/CSS. Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $12.00/project/month (billed annually), with m onth-to-month billing also available. Free: Best for learning how to use Ucraft. Website ($12/project/month): Best for landing pages , portfolios, blogs and info sites. Free website hosting included. Learn more: How to make a portfolio Best website builders for portfolios Best landing page builders 08. Squarespace Squarespace combines web design-focused templates with responsive functionality, making it a great choice for creatives. Every template is built to scale across screen sizes and mobile previews let you optimize the experience before publishing. Best for: Creatives, photographers and small business owners. Best features: Responsive templates : Over 100 mobile-optimized themes designed with clean layouts. Style editor: Customize font sizes, padding and section visibility based on device view. Built-in mobile adjustments : Preview and modify mobile designs within the visual editor. Advanced behaviors with code: Squarespace gives you the ability to use code to create flexboxes and CSS grids in order to fit different breakpoints better. Blueprint AI: Squarespace’s native AI site builder creates a fully responsive site with high-quality, personalized content. Check out our Wix vs Squarespace and Squarespace alternatives articles to learn more. Pricing: Paid plans start at $16.00/month (billed annually), with m onth-to-month billing also available. Basic ($16/month): Access to fully customizable templates and a free custom domain. Core ($23/month): Advanced website analytics and a full array of business features. Plus ($39/month): Selling tools to help grow your business and 1% transaction fees. Advanced ($99/month): Maximize your revenue with the lowest payment processing fees from all the plans and advanced business tools. Editor's note: All pricing updated as of December 31st, 2025. What to look for in a responsive website builder When evaluating the best mobile website builders , certain features directly impact the quality of the responsive design experience. These key elements help ensure your website delivers the best possible user experience—especially when creating mobile websites that look and perform great across devices. Here’s a breakdown: Built-in mobile optimization features Mobile-specific tools, like mobile preview and automatic content adjustments, improve the user experience significantly. Variety of responsive templates Templates designed specifically for responsiveness help you build functional websites that also look good, more efficiently. Look for a wide selection of mobile templates to make sure your design works well on smaller screens right from the start. Learn more: responsive vs adaptive design Ease of customization and custom breakpoints Simple, intuitive editing tools allow you to adjust layouts effortlessly without advanced technical knowledge. Advanced website builders let pros add or tweak breakpoints beyond the standard desktop/mobile set. Consistent navigation on all devices Reliable navigation across all devices ensures visitors can easily find information, enhancing usability and visitor retention. With today’s responsive website builders, you have more control than ever to create a site that adapts beautifully to any screen. The best choice depends on your goals and how much flexibility you need. If you’re building large-scale sites or client projects, look for a platform with visual editing power, custom breakpoints and developer-friendly tools. Wix Studio, for example, offers responsive AI, reusable components and code-friendly options designed for professionals who need precision and speed. For simpler sites, intuitive platforms with flexible pricing are a good starting point. Consider your investment too. While some builders suit small projects, platforms like Wix Studio combine responsive performance, business tools and scalable infrastructure including SEO, hosting and eCommerce under one roof. No matter your starting point, the right builder makes responsive design effortless. Wix Studio provides creative freedom, AI-enhanced efficiency and infrastructure that grows with you, giving you everything needed to build boldly. Learn more about Wix Studio: Wix Studio for web designers Wix Studio for agencies Wix Studio for freelancers Sign up for Wix Studio for free and start building fully responsive websites with powerful, professional-grade tools. Editor’s note: all pricing and information are current as of December 31st, 2025. Best responsive website builders FAQ How do I make my website 100% responsive? To create a responsive website, start by choosing a platform that supports automatic layout adjustments across different screen sizes. Most modern website builders, like Wix Studio, include responsive templates and design tools that let your content adapt to desktop, tablet and mobile views. Using features like section-based design, flexible grids and scalable media ensures your site will look good and function well, no matter the device. What is a responsive website? A responsive website is one that automatically adjusts its layout, content and design elements to fit different screen sizes and devices—whether it’s a desktop, tablet or smartphone. Instead of building separate versions for each device, responsive sites use flexible grids, scalable images and CSS media queries to ensure everything displays properly in one unified design. Is Wix/Wix Studio responsive or adaptive? Most Wix templates and tools use responsive design, so your content adjusts automatically to different screen sizes. The Wix Editor still has some adaptive behaviors, like separate layouts for mobile and desktop, which may require manual adjustments. Wix Studio, on the other hand, is fully responsive. It features a flexible grid system, AI-powered layout tools and advanced breakpoints, letting your designs adapt seamlessly across all devices while giving you full control over how each element appears on desktop, tablet and mobile.
- 10 best eCommerce platforms of 2026
Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix eCommerce → It's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of starting an online store . But choosing the right eCommerce platform can save you hassle, headaches and time with making an eCommerce website that not only looks great but runs well in the background, complete with all the tools you need to grow your business. For entrepreneurs and eCommerce aficionados, there’s never been a better time to build your store . There is a wide range of options available to launch your venture, and we’ve curated a list of the best platforms to help you get started in creating a successful eCommerce website. In this article, we’ll cover 10 best eCommerce platforms and review their features to help you decide the best solution for starting your eCommerce business . Ready to start your eCommerce journey? Now’s the perfect time to bring your vision to life. With Wix eCommerce, you have the tools to build a professional online store and create a website that captivates your audience, drives traffic and boosts sales. Take the first step and explore Wix eCommerce today. Make your mark online and turn your ideas into success. TL;DR: Best eCommerce platforms Choosing the right eCommerce platform can set the tone for your entire business, shaping how you sell, scale and connect with customers. This guide breaks down the leading platforms this year, with a close look at their standout features, pricing and how well they support different types of online stores. We also share expert-backed tips on what to look for in a platform so you can build a store that’s efficient, branded and built for growth. Criteria we considered Why it matters Built-in selling tools Helps you manage products, payments and inventory with less friction Design flexibility Lets you create a branded experience without heavy development Scalability Supports business growth without needing to switch platforms Marketing and SEO features Boosts visibility and drives traffic to your online store Ease of use Saves time and lowers the barrier to launch and manage your site What is an eCommerce platform? An eCommerce platform is a software application that allows businesses to create and manage online stores, facilitating the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. These platforms provide a comprehensive set of eCommerce tools and features to support various aspects of your operations, including product catalog management, online payment processing, order fulfillment, inventory management, marketing and customer relationship management. 10 best eCommerce platforms of 2026 Wix BigCommerce Squarespace Shopify WooCommerce Weebly Shift4Shop Big Cartel Centra Ecwid 01. Wix Having full control over your website isn't just a luxury, it's essential. And Wix ensures that with its intuitive eCommerce interface. To start, Wix's industry-renowned website builder makes creating a site simple. It's perfect for those who may not have a technical background, offering hundreds of customizable online store templates , plus a powerful AI website maker for creating a fully functional site in minutes. If you do have a more technical background, you can start from scratch as Wix is built on an open platform that allows you to create your own customized solutions via code. Wix’s eCommerce platform provides you with a comprehensive suite of professional tools to establish, design, manage and grow your online store. You can sell products across multiple sales channels , including native mobile apps, physical point-of-sale (POS) systems, external eCommerce marketplaces and social media platforms . In addition, Wix’s all-in-one approach to eCommerce goes beyond just how to make a website . It enables you to manage all aspects of running your online store from end to end, covering everything from sourcing products, managing inventory, accepting payments and fulfilling and shipping orders. Plus, built-in marketing and analytics tools mean even less reliance on outside systems. Beyond that, the platform also includes hundreds of native and third-party app integrations to further curate a custom eCommerce experience. While many apps are free (or have free plans available), some do come at an additional monthly cost. Another key feature of Wix is that your business model isn’t limited to an online store, as the platform supports all manner of business websites . “Wix is not only an eCommerce website builder,” says Oren Inditzky, vice president and general manager of online stores at Wix. “It covers all types of business, and as such, it can allow you to further grow and expand your business. In addition to selling products, you can also offer services to book , events to attend , blogs to read and so on.” No matter how large (or small) your business is, whether it's serving directly to consumers or operating as an B2B eCommerce business , Wix’s infrastructure also promises industry-leading speed, scalability and enterprise-grade security. Thanks to the wide array of features, tools and integrations, Wix is your best overall choice when it comes to launching and maintaining a successful eCommerce store. Key Wix features Offers comprehensive, built-in end-to-end merchant and merchandising solutions Integrates with hundreds third-party apps Supports omnichannel selling across a variety of marketplaces and social media platforms Offers hundreds of customizable online store templates Has advanced AI capabilities for site building, content generation and more Offers 24/7 support Price Free and multi-solution premium plans available Pro tip: Your free eCommerce hosting on Wix is automatically set up when you publish your site—no installation needed—and supports successful online stores of every size. 02. BigCommerce BigCommerce is a good option for eCommerce businesses of various sizes and types, including enterprise operations. The platform has the fundamental tools for running a successful eCommerce store, such as SEO tools, setting up a blog and detailed order and inventory management. When you need the extra push to earn more sales, you can easily implement features like discount codes or side-by-side product comparisons to take things to the next level. For small businesses just dipping their toes, the Standard plan is a good place to start. And while it's ready to use straight out of the box with a nifty site builder, the tech-savvy can have fun tweaking the CSS and HTML code for that extra oomph. When it comes to larger businesses, BigCommerce has been highly focused on building out its suite of enterprise tools, complete with options for wholesaling, international shipping and more. You will need to contact a sales representative to discuss pricing for the Enterprise plan. Key features of BigCommerce Advanced sales and marketing tools for enterprise businesses Includes a "Buy Online and Pick Up in Store” (BOPIS) feature Offers a 15-day free trial Price Standard plans start at $39 per month 03. Squarespace Popular amongst sellers whose first priority is creating a handsome, modern-looking site, Squarespace is a website builder with eCommerce functionality, offering options for various business owners, creatives and artists to showcase their work. Getting started is straightforward, with an assortment of elegant website templates that can be customized to your liking via simple drag-and-drop interface. The platform offers two Commerce plans, each coming with a suite of built-in merchandising and analytics tools. For the more advanced plan, you also have access to additional shipping and discount tools, plus the ability to sell subscriptions . One thing of note is that Squarespace does not currently offer multichannel-selling capabilities, so there is no direct integration with other online marketplaces. Users can only use PayPal, Stripe and Afterpay for online store payments. However, you can accept in-person payments via Square if you download the Squarespace app. Key features of Squarespace No transaction fees under the Commerce plans Provides an uncomplicated and beginner-friendly interface Offers a 14-day free trial Price Commerce plans start at $36 per month Looking for the best Squarespace alternatives ? Try Wix for free and see how it compares in this Wix vs Squarespace guide. 04. Shopify In deciding you want to start an eCommerce business, you’ll find there are dedicated eCommerce platforms as well as multi-faceted website builders with eCommerce capabilities. Shopify falls into the former category. Selecting your store's look is a simple process, courtesy of over 100 professionally-designed templates. While there are free themes available, choosing one of Shopify’s premium themes will come at an additional cost. Shopify's templates offer the basic framework you need to get started, and users can add additional functionality to their store via the platform’s diverse app store. As for the app store, Shopify offers more than 6,000 third-party app integrations to ensure that you can tailor the platform to your specific needs. This includes community support, marketing tools, payment processing options and more. Note that many of these apps also come at an additional monthly cost. Key features of Shopify Offers 24/7 support Integrates with more than 6,000 apps Supports omnichannel selling across online and offline platforms Price Basic plans start at $39 per month Learn more: Shopify alternatives Wix vs Shopify 05. WooCommerce WooCommerce offers a way to add eCommerce functionality to an existing WordPress site. The plugin is free to install and use, but you'll need to pay for your hosting and domain name, in addition to any extensions you decide to add. WooCommerce offers more than 800 extensions that handle things like return and warranty requests, shipping, accepting online bookings and more. These extensions range in price from free to $299 each. Design freedom is a major plus here, as there are thousands of website themes in the WordPress library that you can customize into your own digital storefront. But if technical know-how isn’t your strong suit, WooCommerce might feel somewhat challenging. After the initial setup, you're on your own. Maintenance and upgrades are all on you. But if you've got the will, WooCommerce is a canvas ready for your masterpiece. Key features of WooCommerce Open-source flexibility that works with WordPress More than 800 eCommerce extensions and integrations Offers users full control over the design and functionality of their online store Price Plugin is free; extensions range from free to $299 06. Weebly It’s often best to keep things simple when you’re ready to start a business . Weebly, which is owned by Square, is a good option if you’re in that boat. Weebly's drag-and-drop website editor is known for its simplicity; there’s no technical know-how required. The platform intuitively provides all the basics you need to get your eCommerce site up and running fast. While Weebly's simplicity is its strength, it's a bit limited in design options compared to some of the bigger eCommerce and website builders on the market. Where it shines, however, is in the fact that it offers a robust free plan that lets you set up a store without breaking the bank, complete with unlimited items, in-store pick up, automatic tax calculator and more. But, the free plan comes with one caveat: if you want a custom domain name (which you likely will), you’ll have to upgrade to a paid subscription. All in all, for those who want a straightforward, no-frills approach to eCommerce, Weebly is a solid choice. Key features of Weebly Very simple interface that works well for beginners Offers a robust free plan (though you cannot connect a domain name) Provides budget-friendly premium plans Price Free and premium plans available starting from $13 per month 07. Shift4Shop Ever heard of 3dcart? It's now called Shift4Shop, and it's a good option for folks wanting a free eCommerce solution, no matter what type of business they run. Shift4Shop is a fully hosted shopping cart, so you won't have to worry about coding or technical setup. You can create as many product pages as you like, plus you have access to a built-in blog, SEO tools, email marketing, coupon system, gift registry setup and more. One of the star features of Shift4Shop is that there are no transaction or setup fees. In fact, you can run your online store entirely for free if your monthly sales are $500 or more. If you process less than that, you may be charged a monthly software as a service (SaaS) fee. Shift4Shop offers free domain name registration for all plans. However, it’s worth noting that this platform is for U.S.-based sellers only. Key features of Shift4Shop Does not charge transaction fees (though you may pay a monthly SaaS fee) Offers free domain name registration for all plans Stores processing over $500 pay nothing for the platform Price Free for businesses that process at least $500 per month; $29 per month otherwise 08. Big Cartel If you’re a creative type, you probably want to spend less time and effort figuring out how to sell online and more time, well, creating. Big Cartel stands out as an affordable option for artists who want to sell their pieces online, making your creations the star of the show. Big Cartel does this by making it really simple to set up a basic site with the essentials. You can list up to five products for free, or upgrade to a paid plan to list between 50 and 500 products. All plans allow you to use a custom domain name and come with an assortment of basic eCommerce tools, including real-time stats, shipment tracking and sales tax automation. To note, Big Cartel only offers a handful of templates and themes to choose from. But if you're an artist or creative person and want a platform that's simple and straight to the point, Big Cartel is a good choice. Key features of Big Cartel Offers a budget-friendly option for creatives Users can accept payments in-person with the Big Cartel app Integrates with Facebook Shop for cross-channel selling Price Free and premium plans available starting at $9.99 per month 09. Centra One of the newer kids on the eCommerce block, Centra has already caught the eye of accessory and apparel brands like Nudie Jeans, Ideal of Sweden, Stronger, Eton Shirts and Sandqvist. With Centra being a headless SaaS tool, you can craft any front-end experience you desire without compromising on back-end efficiency. Its user experience and interface are designed not just for looks but for intuition, guiding you through the setup process relatively easily. As for products, whether you're offering bundled deals or individual items, Centra offers robust product and catalog management. Native support ensures that the journey from ideation to product listing is smooth. In the vibrant world of fashion and direct-to-consumer brands, Centra stands out as a quality contender, merging simplicity with efficiency. Key features of Centra Provides an effective eCommerce solution for fashion and lifestyle brands Options for direct-to-consumer and digital wholesale commerce Offers five-star support Price Not publicized; contact Centra for a quote 10. Ecwid Thinking about how to start an online store for your small business? Or maybe you have a blog and want to add a shop to it? Ecwid might be what you're looking for. At its core, Ecwid is a shopping cart tool for websites. The platform allows you to build an online store that integrates right into your existing website or blog, including your Wix website . There's also a newer feature called "Instant Sites" that allows users to create a standalone landing page quickly, which is useful if you need a special page for a product or an event. If you're just starting out and have five or fewer products to sell, Ecwid's free plan has you covered, albeit with very basic functionality. Paid plans are available for 100 up to unlimited products and offer additional eCommerce tools such as automated tax calculations, POS integration, an abandoned cart saver and more. Key features of Ecwid Does not charge setup or transaction fees Offers a simplified approach to online selling Provides quick integration of an online store into an existing blog or website Price Free and premium plans available starting at $19 per month Eager to start selling? Sign up for Wix today and test drive our site builder for free. How to choose the best eCommerce platform Choosing the best eCommerce platform for your business means identifying your specific needs, budget and long-term goals. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision about what's right for starting your business : Define your requirements: Start by identifying your business requirements, including the type of products you sell, expected sales volume, desired features, scalability needs, budget constraints and technical expertise. Consider factors such as ease of use, customization options, integrations and support. Research available options: Research the best eCommerce platforms available in the market, considering factors such as features, pricing, user reviews and industry reputation. Consider ease of use: Evaluate how user-friendly the platform is for building and managing your online store from both the administrator and customer perspectives. Check for intuitive interfaces, drag-and-drop functionality and tools that make it easy to handle products, orders and other key tasks. Also, consider if the platform provides customizable templates and themes to align with your branding. Evaluate features: Compare the features and flexibility offered by each platform, including product catalog management, payment processing options, shipping and fulfillment capabilities, marketing tools, analytics and scalability. Determine whether the platform supports your desired integrations with third-party apps, payment gateways and shipping carriers. Assess pricing: Evaluate the pricing structure of each eCommerce platform, including monthly fees, transaction charges, setup costs and any additional expenses for add-ons or premium features. Consider the total cost of ownership over time by factoring in your projected sales volume and growth. Look for platforms with transparent pricing and scalable plans that fit your budget. Review customer support: Evaluate the level of customer support and resources offered by each eCommerce platform, including documentation, tutorials, community forums and dedicated support channels. Consider whether the platform provides responsive customer support, ongoing updates and training resources to help you succeed. Test drive: Take advantage of free trials or demo accounts offered by the best eCommerce platforms to test their features, functionality and user experience firsthand. Use this opportunity to explore the platform's capabilities, experiment with customization options and assess whether it meets your expectations. Consider long-term scalability: When selecting an eCommerce platform, think about your business's future growth. Can the platform handle increasing sales and product volume as your business expands? Choose one that can support growing traffic, sales and product offerings without major disruptions or expensive migrations. Look for options that prioritize scalability, flexibility and room for growth. Learn more: How does eCommerce work? Key features of the best eCommerce platforms It's important you make sure you have access to all the features you need to build your eCommerce site. Here are the key ones: Storefront creation: Tools for designing and customizing the look and feel of the online store, including templates, themes and layout options. Product management: Capabilities for adding, editing and organizing product listings, including descriptions, images, pricing and inventory levels. Shopping cart: Secure shopping cart functionality that allows customers to add items to their cart, review their selections and complete the purchase process with integrated checkout and payment gateways. Payment processing: Support for various payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers and alternative payment options, ensuring secure and convenient transactions. Order management: Tools for managing orders, including order tracking, status updates, invoicing and fulfillment processes, to streamline operations and ensure timely delivery. Inventory management: Features for tracking and managing product inventory levels, including stock alerts, backorders and automatic inventory syncing across multiple sales channels. Marketing and promotion: Built-in marketing tools, such as email campaigns , discount codes, loyalty programs and SEO optimization , to attract customers, drive traffic and increase sales. Analytics and reporting: Reporting and analytics tools, like Wix Analytics , to track key performance metrics, monitor sales trends, analyze customer behavior and make data-driven decisions to optimize business performance. Security and compliance: Built-in website security measures, such as SSL encryption, PCI compliance and fraud detection, to protect sensitive customer information and ensure secure transactions. eCommerce hosting: Reliable hosting services that ensure your online store is always accessible with fast loading times, scalability to handle traffic spikes and robust uptime guarantees. Hosting should also include features like backups, domain management and support for custom domains. AI capabilities: Features powered by artificial intelligence, including personalized product recommendations, automated chatbots for instant customer support, dynamic pricing strategies and AI-generated content suggestions to enhance user engagement and streamline business operations. Learn how to design a website with AI . Best eCommerce platforms FAQ Which eCommerce platform is best for beginners? For beginners looking to start an eCommerce business, it's important to choose a platform that's user-friendly, comes with strong customer support and offers essential features without being overly complicated to setup and run. For example, Ease of use: Wix is known for its intuitive drag-and-drop website builder, making it easy for beginners to design and set up an online store without any coding knowledge. Templates: Wix offers a wide range of professionally designed templates specifically for eCommerce. Tools: Wix covers all the eCommerce essentials, including payment gateways, inventory management and marketing tools. Which eCommerce platform is best for profitability? The profitability of an eCommerce platform can depend on various factors including the type of products or services you sell, your business model, scalability and how efficiently you use the platform's tools and features. While no platform guarantees profitability, certain platforms have proven to be highly effective at driving sales and growth for online businesses. For example with Wix, Ease of use: User-friendly interface which lets you quickly set up and manage your store, letting you focus more on marketing and sales. Design: Professionally designed templates can help create a visually appealing storefront, potentially attracting more customers. Marketing tools: Built-in marketing tools, such as email campaigns and social media integrations, can help drive traffic and increase sales. How much does an eCommerce website cost? The cost of an eCommerce website varies based on its features and complexity. Platforms like Wix offer customizable website builders, with basic plans priced between $17 and $36 per month. For small businesses, professionally designed websites with advanced features can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. Fully custom-built solutions for larger businesses usually start at $10,000 and can rise significantly depending on specific needs. What eCommerce platform is best for a small business? The best eCommerce platform for small business depends on your needs, budget and comfort with technology. Wix offers user-friendly tools, affordable pricing and powerful features. It stands out with its flexibility and design options including essentials like secure payment processing, inventory management and customer support, helping you confidently start and grow your online store.
- 50 eCommerce statistics to help you sell better
As a small business owner, you've got a million things to juggle at once. Keeping up with the latest eCommerce statistics can feel like an extra chore. But the reality is, these numbers are key to understanding what your customers want and how they shop. With global eCommerce sales expected to reach $6.42 trillion in 2025 ( eMarketer ), knowing the trends behind that growth can help you make smarter choices that directly impact your business and your marketing strategy . Keep reading for the latest stats—plus practical tips you can use to grow your business, no matter what type of business you run. Skip to a section: The state of eCommerce in 2025 (overview) Consumer demographics and behavior statistics AI in eCommerce statistics Payment and checkout statistics Shipping, returns and customer expectation statistics The state of eCommerce in 2025 (overview) The global eCommerce market is expected to account for 20.5% of total global retail sales in 2025 (19.9% year-over-year growth) ( eMarketer ). Ecommerce is growing at its slowest pace since 2022 —mostly due to China's economic slump and trade tensions—but is still holding up strong overall ( eMarketer ). Online shopping is expected to make up 41% of all retail purchases by 2027 ( Boston Consulting Group ). Amazon is still the most popular online marketplace worldwide, accounting for 37.6% of eCommerce sales ( Forbes ). The average eCommerce site conversion rate ranges between 2% to 4% , depending on the industry ( Convertcart ). Clothing is the most popular eCommerce category in the U.S., with 43% of consumers having bought clothing online in the past year ( Oberlo ). Nearly two-thirds (64%) of consumers still prefer shopping in person, but that’s mostly driven by older generations ( VistaPrint/Wix ). 81% of consumers say that it’s important for a business to have a branded website—and 15% say it’s a dealbreaker if a business lacks a website ( VistaPrint/Wix ). By 2030, agentic commerce could drive up to $1 trillion in U.S. B2C retail revenue , with global figures potentially reaching $3–5 trillion ( McKinsey ). Ready to start selling? Build your eCommerce website with Wix. Consumer demographics and behavior statistics More than half of shoppers (55%) browse a retailer’s website before heading to the store, and 25% look it up while shopping in-store ( Capital One Shopping ). 29% use YouTube to research products before buying, followed by Facebook ( 21% ) and Instagram ( 10% ) ( SurveyMonkey ). 62% of consumers say that branding is an important consideration when buying from a new business, showing that first impressions (whether online or offline) matter ( VistaPrint/Wix ). More than half (55%) of Gen Z consumers prefer to shop online versus in-person, making them the only generation that prefers online shopping ( VistaPrint/Wix ). 55% of Millennials prefer in-person shopping over online shopping, following a trend shared by older generations; 69% of Gen X and 83% of Baby Boomers prefer in-person shopping ( VistaPrint/Wix ). In 2025, Millennials are expected to account for about a third of global social commerce spending , followed closely by Gen Z at 29% and Gen X at 28% ( Statista ). By the time they turn 25, Gen Z is expected to surpass earlier generations in per capita spending, positioning them as the richest generation in the U.S. ( NIQ ). 70% of millennials engage with retailers on social media ( Statista ). Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to wait for discounts before making online purchases, while Gen X is the least likely to do so ( Statista ). More than half (55.1%) of Gen Z shop with buy now, pay later (BNPL) ( Exploding Topics ). Read also: How to start a business Best business ideas to start with little money How to start an online store How does eCommerce work? AI in eCommerce statistics Nearly nine out of 10 retailers report they are either actively using or assessing using AI in their operations ( NVIDIA ). 58% of retailers say that AI is helping to improve operational efficiency and throughput, while 45% say AI is helping to reduce supply chain costs. Meanwhile, 42% say that AI is helping them meet shifting customer expectations ( NVIDIA ). In the U.S., 95% of eCommerce companies report "very good" return on investment from AI adoption ( Statista ). The majority of brands (over 70%) expect AI to be a game-changer for personalization and marketing strategies ( Twilio Segment ). 58% of business leaders predict that AI chatbots will have the greatest impact on AI-powered personalization in the next five years ( Twilio Segment ). 44% of users who have tried AI-powered search now regard it as their "primary and preferred" source for internet searches, compared with 31% who prefer traditional search ( McKinsey ). Nearly six in 10 shoppers (58%) now feel comfortable using GenAI and other conversational AI tools on retail websites, up from 52% in 2024 and 42% in 2023 ( Constructor ). Younger shoppers trust AI more: 25% of Gen Zs (ages 18–29) believe AI could pick a better gift than their partner, compared with just 7% of Boomers (ages 60+) ( Constructor ). A majority of younger consumers view AI positively in eCommerce, with 59% of Gen Z adults and 65% of Millennials expecting it to improve their online shopping experience ( Mintel ). Almost a quarter (24%) of U.S. consumers regularly use chatbots while shopping online, with most appreciating them for being available 24/7 ( SellersCommerce ). 51% of consumers favor bots over humans when they're seeking immediate service ( Zendesk ). 67% of consumers are asking AI and chatbots a wider variety of questions than before ( Zendesk ). Payment and checkout statistics Among American adults, 30% possess a single credit card, 24% hold two and 26% own three or more ( Motley Fool Money ). The average cart abandonment rate sits at 70.2% ( Baymard Institute ). The top reason shoppers abandon their online carts is that extra costs (shipping, taxes, fees) are too high ( Baymard Institute ). The average large-sized eCommerce site could boost conversion rates by 35% just by improving checkout design; this translates to $260 billion worth of lost orders that could be recovered ( Baymard Institute ). 20% of online shoppers cite slow delivery as a reason for not completing a purchase ( Statista ). Industries such as luxury or home and furniture typically see higher abandonment rates than sectors like food and beverages ( Statista ). By 2026, digital wallets ( 54% ) are expected to be the top global eCommerce payment method, followed by credit cards ( 16% ) and debit cards ( 10% ) ( Statista ). Among Americans who used digital wallets in 2023, 69% used PayPal the most, followed by Google Pay ( 56%) , Apple Pay ( 53% ) and Samsung Pay ( 52% ) ( Capital One Shopping ). In 2023, nearly half of U.S. consumers (47%) made a purchase through social media, and 58% were interested in doing so ( Mintel ). Subscription-based payments are growing at a 20% annual rate ( Clearly Payments ). Shipping, returns and customer expectation statistics Product quality is the top reason that people become repeat customers, with 73% of consumers saying that if a product meets their quality expectations, then they’re likely to shop with a business again ( VistaPrint/Wix ). 90% of consumers are likely to buy again from a brand that delivers a positive delivery experience ( Veho ). 60% of consumers will stop purchasing from a brand after a negative delivery experience ( Veho ). 76% of consumers say free returns are a major factor when choosing where to shop ( NRF ). In 2024, the average return rate in eCommerce was 16.9% ( NRF ). 67% of shoppers review the returns page before making a purchase ( Ivesp ). "Received wrong item," "product received looks different" and "received damaged product" are the top three reasons for a returned product ( Ivesp ). Around 49% of retailers now offer free shipping ( Ivesp ). Most shoppers—about nine in 10 —don’t mind waiting two or three days for delivery, especially if it means avoiding shipping costs ( McKinsey ). What these eCommerce statistics mean for you The eCommerce landscape is full of opportunity, but it rewards businesses that adapt quickly. Here are some ways that you can keep up. Keep your website fresh Even if your customers visit your store in person, most will check you out online first. And with a majority of consumers expecting a branded website—and some saying it’s a dealbreaker if you don’t have one—your digital storefront is just as important as your physical one. Use it to tell your brand story and highlight what makes you different , while making sure it loads fast and looks professional. Prioritize convenience and transparency on the checkout page There's evidence to say that convenience and trust drive conversions . People are still quick to abandon their carts if shipping costs are too high, return policies aren't clear and the eCommerce checkout experience is more complicated than it needs to be. Simplify the process: offer free or low-cost shipping where possible, accept digital wallets like PayPal or Apple Pay and consider a single-page checkout. Small tweaks like these can recover lost sales and build customer trust. Learn more about: Ecommerce marketing Wix payment processing Basics of eCommerce shipping Be precise with your descriptions A lot of returns happen because products don’t match expectations. Make sure your descriptions are crystal clear and your product photos show exactly what customers will receive. Include sizing charts and other aids to help visitors find the right products for them. Bear in mind that AI isn’t just for big brands anymore Most retailers are already using AI, and for good reason. It can handle repetitive tasks and personalize the shopping experience. Explore AI features that can help improve product suggestions, answer customer questions around the clock, predict customer needs and grow your eCommerce business faster. "While generative AI has made most of the headlines lately regarding how well it creates new, original content, machine learning has tremendous power in providing predictive insights that can automatically improve any aspect of your business." - Oren Inditzky, VP and GM of Online Stores Explore more about AI in eCommerce . Pay attention to Gen Z Younger consumers—especially Gen Z, who are about to become the richest generation in the U.S.—prefer shopping online and expect fast, personalized experiences. They research on YouTube, engage with brands on social media and often use “buy now, pay later” options. If your business hasn’t optimized for social selling or mobile-first checkout yet, now’s the time. Ready to put these statistics to use? Get started with Wix's free Commerce website builder . It has all of the tools and features you’ll need to take advantage of these trends. Ecommerce statistics FAQ What are the latest eCommerce statistics for 2025? Online sales keep growing and now make up a big share of total retail. Growth has slowed a bit since the post-pandemic surge, but shoppers are still buying more online each year. By 2027, almost half of all retail purchases will happen digitally, so even businesses that rely on in-person sales need to think about how customers find and interact with them online. Which demographics are driving eCommerce growth? Gen Z is expected to become the wealthiest generation in the U.S. by their mid-20s. They’re also the most comfortable using tools like buy now, pay later (BNPL) and AI chatbots, and they expect brands to be socially aware. Millennials still make up a big share of online spending—especially in social commerce—but they tend to be more price-sensitive, often waiting for deals. Older generations still prefer shopping in-person shopping, but they’re researching products online first, meaning even brick-and-mortar businesses can’t afford to skip having a strong digital presence. How does AI impact eCommerce? AI is becoming part of everyday operations for online stores. It’s used to recommend products, personalize emails and handle customer questions instantly. For small teams, it’s a way to work more efficiently—AI can take care of repetitive tasks so you can focus on strategy and customer relationships. What are the main reasons for cart abandonment? Most shoppers leave before checkout because something slows them down, be it hidden fees of long forms. Cleaning up your checkout process, being upfront about costs, and offering quick payment options like PayPal or Apple Pay can make it easier for customers to follow through. How do shipping, delivery and returns affect customer loyalty? Customers remember how easy (or frustrating) the delivery and return process was. Packages that arrive on time and in good shape build trust, while slow or confusing experiences push people away. Keep communication clear and make returns simple, focusing on reliability over speed.











