Search Results
1643 results found with an empty search
- Why's everyone so obsessed with productized services?
Imagine this: You walk into a restaurant, sit down and instead of glancing at a menu, you call the chef over to your table. Now, picture yourself explaining your tastes, dietary preferences and cravings in great detail. Then, you negotiate with the chef on how your meal should be cooked and how much it should cost. Absurd, right? That's why (most) restaurants don't work like that. They have menus with clear options and set prices. Every customer knows exactly what they’re getting. This is the essence of productized services. Instead of negotiating with your clients every time you do business, you offer a set "menu" of ready-to-go services that your customers can choose from. Ready to tap into the productized services trend? Learn how to start a business of your own and create a website with a website builder to showcase your services. What are productized services? Productized services are essentially a way to package your expertise into clear, marketable products. Think of it like this: In the world of SaaS (software as a service) , companies like Wix offer various packages, each with a different set of features and price points. Customers can easily see which package suits their needs and purchase accordingly. Now, apply that concept to your service-based business. Whether you’re a consultant, designer or gardener, you can convert your services into predefined packages that customers can understand without the endless back-and-forth. Productizing doesn’t mean everything is self-serve or that you can avoid educating potential customers altogether. It simply means you’re offering your services in a way that’s easier for clients to grasp, much like how products are sold off the shelf. Who are productized services for? Productized services are a game-changer for a wide range of professionals. Freelancers, consultants, agencies, startups and even traditional service businesses can benefit. In other words, freelancers can offer several packages that include a set number of revisions and specific turnaround times. Instead of vague hourly rates and scope creep, consultants can charge fixed prices for specific outcomes, like a market analysis or a strategic plan. Agencies can bundle their services into packages that cater to different client sizes and needs. Startups can streamline their offerings to make it easier for potential customers to understand what they’re getting. Learn more : Service business ideas and service business examples 12 productized service examples Let’s look at several more examples to illustrate the versatility of productized services. Photography Consulting sessions Home cleaning Interior design Life coaching Fitness training Website optimization services SEO services Web design Travel tours Sports lessons B2B marketing solutions 01. Photography Many photographers already take the productization approach to set the right expectations. For instance, Zion Adventure Photog sells photography packages for families venturing into the Zion and Southern Utah wilderness. Each package is defined by a minimum number of images and a maximum photoshoot time. Each also comes with a fully edited gallery and your choice of location. 02. Consulting sessions Offer predefined consulting sessions focusing on specific topics, such as business strategy, marketing or financial planning. Packages can be categorized as "Business Strategy Session," "Marketing Audit" and "Financial Planning Workshop." Each package could include a set amount of time and specific outcomes, such as a strategic plan or marketing analysis. Explore how to start a consulting business , consulting business ideas or these consulting websites for inspiration. 03. Home cleaning Cleaning services must often cater to different levels of cleaning: basic, deep clean or move-in/move-out services. You can create packages based on these needs. Each package may include specific tasks and time estimates, making it easy for clients to choose the right service. This approach not only simplifies the booking process but also helps cleaning businesses manage their schedules more efficiently. Learn more: Cleaning business ideas that can be productized, plus booking websites 04. Interior design Even less predictable, highly personalized services can be productized. Take Wix user Casa Vilora Interiors as an example. Founder Veronica Solomon breaks out each part of the consulting and design process into separate appointment types. A two-hour, in-home consultation will cost $600, while a two-hour art curation session will cost $400. 05. Life coaching In both business and life, many of us could use a little push in the right direction. Wholistic life coach Angela Kerri aims to support professional women in achieving their life goals. Her various packages set the tone for what’s to come. While one package offers a 12-month course with group coaching sessions, office hours and self-service resources—another package offers many of the same perks but for a shorter six-month period. 06. Fitness training Fitness packages can be catered to different fitness goals or familiarity levels. In the case of Aly Gray Fitness , membership plans grant different levels of access to virtual classes, coaching and other resources that are available on her fitness website . For example, the AGFitFam plan includes unlimited on-demand streaming, alongside live classes, pre-recorded workout videos and Aly’s Kitchen Cookbook. Meanwhile, the Online Coaching package comes with a personalized fitness program, workout videos, meal plans, weekly check-ins and more. 07. Website optimization services Imagine offering a "Website Health Check" or “Landing Page Audit” package. For a fixed fee, you could review a client’s website, identify areas for improvement and provide actionable suggestions. This type of productization may be valuable for clients who want to optimize their site but aren’t sure where to start. Plus, it serves as an excellent lead generation tool—clients get a taste of your expertise, which can lead to more in-depth projects. 08. SEO services SEO services are a prime candidate for productization. You can create packages like "Basic SEO," "Advanced SEO" and "Premium SEO" that bundle different types of SEO tasks together. For example, each package could include a set number of researched keywords, on-page optimizations and link-building efforts. Clients can choose the package that fits their budget and needs, making it easier to seal the deal and set clear expectations. Tip: Use Wix SEO tools to work more efficiently at scale. 09. Web design Create packages for different levels of design work, from a basic logo design to a full brand identity package. Designers can offer tiered packages like "Logo Design," "Brand Identity" and "Complete Branding Package" to include specific deliverables like initial concepts, revisions and final files. This approach simplifies the buying process for clients and allows designers to showcase their range of services. Looking for an easy way to manage multiple web design projects at once? Check out Wix Studio . 10. Travel tours Travel tour services can come pre-packaged with pre-defined itineraries and accommodations. Arizona Private Tours , as an example, makes it very clear what each tour package entails. Travelers can choose an eight-hour Grand Canyon tour, which includes lunch and a private tour guide for a fixed price. Or, those who are looking for an extra thrill can opt for a full-day Jerome Ghost Town tour that explores “the riches of the Verde Valley” and includes lunch plus entry fees. Check out these tourism websites to help round out your online presence. 11. Sports lessons Many trainers and coaches may offer lessons for an hourly fee, giving their students unlimited flexibility in terms of the length and duration of their training. But, in the case of companies like Gather and Glide Surf Academy , productized services can help you appeal to a larger range of students without spreading yourself too thin. The surf academy offers “progression courses,” which give new or semi-new surfers an unintimidating way to get started. Students can choose between a “Level One Beginner Course,” “Level Two Improver Course” or “Level Three Advanced Course” that each includes multiple days of lessons. 12. B2B marketing solutions If you’re in the business of offering B2B marketing services, you could split your services up by business need and budget. The most basic package might include essential services, like target audience research, persona development and a monthly content calendar. Meanwhile, a second tier might include social media management for three platforms, a monthly email marketing campaign and a quarterly performance report. A third (more premium) tier could include paid advertising management, a comprehensive SEO strategy and monthly performance reports with in-depth strategy sessions. The benefits of productization Why should you consider productizing your services? Let’s break it down. Clarity for customers : Clear packaging helps customers instantly understand what they will receive. This transparency eliminates confusion and simplifies the decision-making process. It also builds trust, as clients feel more confident knowing there are no hidden fees or surprises. Efficiency for you : Instead of creating unique proposals for each client, you can streamline your process by offering set packages. This allows you to focus more on delivering high-quality work and less on administrative tasks. Predictable revenue : When you productize your services, you establish fixed prices for each package. This helps you forecast your income and manage your cash flow more effectively. Knowing exactly how much revenue to expect each month enables better financial planning and business growth strategies. Scalability : Standardized packages are easier to train others on. This, in turn, makes it easier to and delegate tasks and grow your business without compromising on quality. You can hire team members to handle specific parts of the service, ensuring consistent delivery while you focus on expanding your client base. Trendiness : The concept of productized services is gaining traction in various industries. As more businesses adopt this model, customers are becoming more familiar with pre-packaged services. Some customers may even favor packaged solutions over custom quotes. The downsides of productization While productizing your services can offer numerous benefits, here are potential downsides worth considering as well. Let’s take a closer look at some challenges you might face. Loss of personalization : When you standardize your services into fixed packages, you might lose the ability to tailor your offerings to each client's unique needs. This loss of personalization can be a drawback for businesses that pride themselves on providing bespoke services. The good thing is, the packages you build can be a great base for a more tailored offering if a client demands it. Upfront work : Developing clear, compelling packages alongside the necessary marketing materials takes time and effort. This upfront work can be daunting, especially for small businesses or solo entrepreneurs. That said, the efforts you put into understanding your target market will affect multiple parts of your business and be worth your time in the long run. Perceived value : Some clients may view productized services as less valuable because they’re not tailored to their specific needs. This perception can affect your pricing power and the overall appeal of your offerings. It’s crucial to communicate the value of your packages effectively to overcome this potential downside. Why should you care about productized services now? The timing has never been better to jump on the productized service bandwagon. Here’s why: AI competition : With AI tools (such as Wix’s AI website builder ) now capable of performing tasks instantly, professionals need to offer something more defined and valuable. To stay competitive, professionals can differentiate themselves by offering clearly defined, value-added services that AI cannot replicate. Productized services provide a structured and personalized touch that AI often lacks, making them more appealing to clients. Increased competition : The freelance economy is booming, and it has become easier and cheaper to find experts all over the world. By offering productized services, you can stand out from the crowd and differentiate yourself on platforms like the Wix Marketplace . Clear, well-defined packages make it easier for potential clients to understand what you offer and why they should choose you over others. Consumer behavior : People are used to buying products to solve their problems, whether they’re shopping for software or physical products. Productized services tap into this familiar buying behavior. How to productize a service: the 5-step playbook Eager to take advantage of productized services? Here’s a simple playbook to get you started. 01. Identify core services Analyze what your business does best and what services are most loved by your customers. This step is about finding the most valuable and enjoyable services you already offer. One important thing to keep in mind is that different customers might like different services (which also means some customers are just not for you). There are various methods you can take to identify your best offerings. One popular method is the 80/20 analysis, or the Pareto Principle, which states that 80% of the outcomes come from 20% of the causes. You can analyze your sales data and see which services are the most popular in different segments. Alternatively, you can use a method that a lot of tech companies use when analyzing product-market fit: survey your customer base, then do a bunch of analysis on the data. But I might just need to write a whole piece on it. 02. Standardize the delivery process Take out a piece of paper, or digital canvas, and write down all the steps that are part of delivering the actual service, focusing on the ones that can be standardized for every client. This will help you in the next step of actually turning these steps into a package. 03. Package your services Create two to three packages for these core services, similar to a restaurant menu. Offer solutions that address your customers' most common problems in an organized and efficient way. Each package should be designed for quick and consistent delivery. 04. Set clear pricing Establish a straightforward, flat-rate pricing for each package. The pricing should be simple yet flexible enough, eliminating the need for custom quotes for every client. At this stage, it’s important to be transparent about your pricing. To this end, it can help to provide a comparison table showing the differences between each package. Or, you can call out who each package is intended for so that it’s easy for customers to make a decision and buy your service. Remember that you can always offer add-ons and extras that clients can purchase at will. 05. Market and sell Display the packages and their pricing prominently on your website, making it easy for customers to understand their options. You should ideally offer a checkout option right on your site. This means that when learning how to build a website or updating your existing one, you'll need to install a payment gateway like Wix Payments. You can also add a call-to-action button allowing customers to instantly contact you via email. This step aims to streamline the sales process and attract clients who are willing to buy directly from your website.
- Podcast topics: 104 engaging podcast ideas for your show
Research service eMarketer forecasts that over the next two years, 40 million Americans will begin listening to a podcast at least once a month—joining the 120 million listeners who have already adopted this habit. While podcasts are a pretty developed medium at this point, you can still succeed with a niche topic geared towards a specific audience and expertise. For example, rather than start a run-of-the-mill career advice podcast, I used my experience interviewing at Google and LinkedIn to launch my own pod and give unique career advice to women in their job interviews. While it may seem daunting, picking a solid podcast topic doesn’t have to be hard. Here, I’ve not only compiled how to decide on a topic, but I’ve also put together 104 ideas to jumpstart your process. Tip: After selecting your topic, create a website using these podcast website templates and display your show using the built-in Podcast Player . You just need to choose a podcast hosting site and connect your RSS feed. Starting a podcast? Use this podcast name generator to name it. How to decide on a podcast topic? A dream job needs to interest you, play to your strengths and, most importantly, pay you. Similarly, starting a podcast requires many of the same criteria. For a good foundation, choose a topic that hits these four factors: Strong personal interest Existing audience Unique differentiator Monetization ability 01. Strong personal interest You must have extreme passion for your chosen topic, as you will invest a lot of your time talking and researching it. It’s easy to discuss a topic at length if you’re interested in it, whether you know it from your life, career, education, or hobbies. Plus, you’ll automatically feel more confident speaking about it. Even more so, your genuine interest will motivate you to dig deeper. For example, filmmakers and friends Nathaniel Hendricks and Preston Jeter found they shared a mutual obsession for Canadian actor and SNL legend Dan Aykroyd while watching one of his movies. When they discovered that his IMDB page included more than 100 credits, " The Best Legs in Chicago " was born. Each episode follows the pair as they watch the movie and discuss how it relates to Dan's career as well as the culture of the time. 02. Existing audience Do others share your interest in this topic? While a niche target audience can help you quickly gain listeners, the pool of potential listeners should still be large enough to ensure success. We recommend you check to see if a community currently engages in your topic. Social media groups, Reddit threads, blogs and even other podcasts can help you gauge the topic’s popularity. For example, recap shows like Office Ladies are great podcast topics because they come with a baked-in audience. 03. Unique differentiator No one is you and that’s your power. What unique vantage point can you offer on your topic? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but having an original take on a popular podcast topic will help you stand out and gain more listeners. True crime podcasts are the best example of this. While My Favorite Murder quickly captivated the genre with its comedic spin, new shows like Very Scary People always find their way to the top of the charts with unique offerings like celebrity hosts or in-depth investigative journalism. 04. Monetization ability Launching a podcast might begin as a passion project or hobby, but soon you may see glimmers of success—and even a potential for profit. Ensure you pick your podcast topic with monetization options in mind. Common ways to monetize a podcast are sponsorships, affiliate marketing, paid courses, services, premium content and podcast advertising . For example, if you're a social media guru and your show shares tips and best practices, you can sell a course on social media marketing and even offer paid services to help other companies with their efforts. When deciding on your podcast name , be extra careful not to corner yourself. Let’s say your podcast name includes the word “taxes” but you also offer other financial advice. You don’t want to miss out on future monetization options from advertisers who offer loans or mortgages. Podcast topic ideas listeners will love By analyzing the leading podcast genres , scanning numerous podcast directories such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and finding exploding topics across the web, I’ve narrowed down these categorized ideas for your show. Arts and entertainment Storytelling True crime Music Food Business and technology Finance and money Sports and gaming Fitness, health and wellness Lifestyle Educational News and politics Comedy Kids and family 01. Arts and entertainment Art, culture and celebrity life has always entertained the public in various forms—and podcasts are just a new format for following these entertaining topics. If you're an artist, let your creativity shine and your craft transform into words. A podcast about your work can be an excellent way to introduce yourself to new audiences and share your skills. You can even possibly use it as a marketing channel for offering online courses or art sales. On the other side of the spectrum, if you're a huge pop culture junkie, you'll love gossiping about the latest and hottest news in Hollywood right from your couch. From landing your TV show to possibly getting hired to write for a magazine, covering entertainment can even open doors to media jobs or PR opportunities. 1. Poetry or prose readings , like The New Yorker: Poetry 2. Arts materials , like Real Paint Talks of PSC 3. Photography or filmmaking, like Shutter Stories: A Canon Podcast on Photography, Filmmaking and Print 4. Industry tips, like Voice Acting 101 Podcast 5. Arts education , like MFA Writers 6. Artist interviews , like The ADHD Artist 7. Celebrities, like Life is Short with Justin Long 8. Popular culture, like Who? Weekly 9. Book or film reviews, like The Potterverse: A Harry Potter Podcast 10. Artist tips , like Surviving Art 11. Marvel , like Marvel’s Voices 12. Audio sketch, like Live from the 405 02. Storytelling Storytelling is a human instinct that spans generations, dating back to early cave drawings and oral traditions and shaping our culture over time. From bedtime stories to business anecdotes, we have a natural ear for consuming information through audio. Are you a natural storyteller who enjoys speaking at length? If so, this podcast idea might play to your strengths. Fiction, nonfiction and everything in between is welcome here. You can draw content from real life events, like funny dating experiences, to create relatable, yet interesting content. Maybe your stories will even lead to publishing or speaking opportunities. 13. Humor, like Dating Funnies - Actual Stories 14. Mystery, like Weird Darkness: Stories of the Paranormal, Supernatural Legends 15. Sleep stories, like Dreamful Bedtime Stories 16. Business, like How I Built This 17. Parenthood, like Responding to Life: Talking Health, Fertility and Parenthood 18. Dating and intimacy, like Girls Gotta Eat 03. True crime True crime is the third most popular podcast topic, leading the market with an 18% share. Lure this audience in with a niche topic, such as love crimes. If gruesome crime stories are like music to your ears, this genre might be perfect for you. From true crime to fiction, you can walk listeners through the spookiest cases out there. Once people get hooked with suspense, you can keep them waiting for your new episode releases. Maybe your show will get turned into the next Netflix original, or the success of your work will lead you to publish a novel. Another route to cash in on, is to grow your fan base and get donations through websites like Patreon or Kickstarter . 19. Murder stories, like True Crime Daily 20. Investigative , like Nightmare in Chowchilla: The School Bus Kidnapping 21. Love crimes, like Crimes of Passion 22. Paranormal, like Ghost Town: Strange History, True Crime, and the Paranormal This ready-made true crime podcast website template might help you “kill” your online presence. 04. Music Whether you play in a band or simply love music, these podcast topics below can incorporate your interests. You may explore music news, updates and the latest changes in a specific genre, or differentiate yourself by going deep into one area like country music or following a band’s life like The Beatles. Both topics already have a solid fan base to tap into. If you play a musical instrument, share your skills with tips for other players. Maybe you'll land some private music lessons from it or a record deal (aim for the stars). Concert ticket sellers or instrument equipment brands may even want to advertise on your show. 23. Music history, like The Queen Podcast 24. Music criticism , like Your Favorite Band Sucks 25. Craft, like Songwriter Theory 26. Genre or artist specific, like Jazz United 27. Music culture , like Making Ways: The Art of Music You can display your show on this music podcast website template . 05. Food Food podcasts provide listeners with the perfect "bite"-sized information. These podcast topics can vary from recipes to vegetable gardening tips. If you're often in the kitchen cooking already, you might record and document each step in real-time. While food may be a broad topic, we all need to eat to survive. Just think of a sub-niche within food, like diets such as keto or flexitarian, which have a targeted, but strong following. When your fan base grows, cookbooks, affiliate deals and chef courses can be excellent podcast monetization options. 28. Dietary lifestyles , like Active Vegetarian 29. Global cuisines, like Pass the Chipotle Podcast 30. Baking , like Modernist BreadCrumbs 31. Gardening, like The Joe Gardener Show 32. Wine, like Wine Talks 33. Wellness and nutrition, like Food Psych 34. Recipes , like Play Me a Recipe We cooked up this food podcast website template , so you can dish out your great recipes immediately. 06. Businesses and technology Started a business and ready to share your learnings? Think back on which advice you wish you knew when you began. Business podcasts are amazing for networking, building new professional relationships and exposing your brand. Your podcast can cover general business topics or your company can have a podcast related to your industry. For instance, Wix started the podcast Now What ? to discuss the future of technology, eCommerce and web design. The show highlights ideas and conversations with leaders in the space and brings the industry closer together. Besides marketing your website or online store, your podcast can also lead to brand deals from sponsors that offer software or solutions to your business listeners. For instance, a sales podcast that coaches reps on how to close more deals might get sponsored by sales enablement tools. 35. Strategy, like Strategy Simplified 36. Leadership , like Women in Leadership Podcast 37. Careers, like Career Chasers 38. Sales , like Sales School with Jordan Belfort 39. Advertising , like Asians in Advertising 40. Entrepreneurship , like Where Are They Now? 41. Economics , like The Economist Podcasts 42. Social media and marketing, like The GaryVee Audio Experience 43. A day in a professional's shoes , like Experience A Day in The Life 44. Teach your profession, like The Teacher Career Coach Podcast 07. Finance and money We all need money—and often want more of it. You'll have a large audience at your fingertips by starting a podcast about finance tips, investing, and money management. If you choose one of the podcast ideas within finance, ensure you have strong authority to discuss and advise on such sensitive topics. After all, you want to make sure listeners can trust you with their big financial decisions. Similar to business podcasts, you can easily partner and advertise for fintech, financial solutions and banking companies. If you want to go solo, offer financial consulting services on your site or offer guides, eBooks and paid email marketing newsletters as bonus paid content. 45. Real estate, like BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast 46. Investing , like Millennial Investing 47. Stock markets, like Daily Stock Market News 48. Financial tech, like Crypto Banter 49. Retirement, like Ready for Retirement 50. Personal finance, like Listen Money Matters 08. Sports and gaming Sports podcasts have a 17% share and are the fourth leading topic. The mass of spectators watching the Superbowl, NBA and Olympics show the demand for this category. But which unique angle can you take? Sports fans, gamers and athletes can all add unique perspectives. These days, people truly commit to their favorite players and teams. Break into a niche by covering one player at a micro level, or be a one-stop-shop for the latest updates on sports. Who knows, maybe a sports team, sporting news channel, or brand will want to become a sponsor. If you’ve accumulated a massive audience of runners, for example, they might want your recommendations on which gear and shoes to shop for—and those brands will want to maintain a solid relationship with your audience. 51. Training , like Runners High With Bala 52. Strategy , like Smart Poker Study 53. Sports culture , like Game Theory 54. Professional leagues , like The Ringer NBA Show 55. Outdoors , like Modern Outdoor Survival 56. Athletes, like Just Women’s Sports 57. Gaming industry trends, The GamesIndustry.biz Podcast 58. Fantasy leagues, like Fantasy Footballers 59. Video games , like What’s Good Games Check out this sports blog and podcast website template that perfectly combines written and audio content. 09. Fitness, health and wellness Data from YouGovAmerica suggests that the most popular New Year's resolutions are about self-improvement (living healthier 23%, losing weight 20% and exercising 7%). Sometimes we all need that extra encouragement and a podcast can be that motivating voice in our ears. If you choose this topic, your workout tips or nutrition guidance can possibly land you private clients. You may just launch a personal training business and even teach virtual classes on your fitness website . Starting a successful YouTube channel to show your workouts can also maximize your talents. 60. Medical conditions and support , like Let’s Talk Bipolar 61. Sleep , like Get Sleepy: Sleep Meditations and Stories 62. Mindfulness , like Mindful In Minutes Meditation 63. Yoga, like Let’s Talk Yoga 64. Fitness fundamentals , like Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth 65. Nutrition , like Thinking Nutrition 66. Alternative medicine , like Gutsy Health 10. Lifestyle We all face different obstacles and your unique lifestyle podcast might just be that life-changing voice someone needs to hear. Whether you're a stylist, relationship guru or simply a parent who knows how to articulate life’s lessons, you can find your niche and monetize it. Maybe you’re a beauty brand and want to sell your own products. If you're advising and podcasting about sensitive issues that people turn to for meaningful guidance, then donations could be a way for others to thank you for your service. 67. Religion , like Daily Jewish Thought 68. Love and marriage , like Modern Love 69. LGBTQIA+ , like Coming Out + Beyond 70. Pets , like DogLogical: Making Sense of Your Dog’s Behavior 71. Philosophy , like How to Be a Better Human 72. Travel tips , like Travelogue 73. Wedding planning , like Bridechilla 74. Beauty , like Clean Beauty School 75. Parenting advice , like Talking to Teens 76. Friendship banter , like Q and A 77. Commentary, like Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain 78. Lifehacks , like Caregiver Lifehacks 79. Hobby , like Seamwork Radio: Sewing Stories 11. Educational Why are TED talks so successful? You feel you learned a lot in a short period of time. Educational podcasts thrive on a similar motivation. Share your rich insight and authority on your episodes. Is psychology your strong suit? Or is it feminism? Help people invest their time in consuming exciting topics on the go. If you have not only a unique expertise, but you disseminate factual and reliable information, your credibility can grow a large audience. TED doesn't just let anyone take the stage, and typically the speakers begin with sharing their background. You can easily repurpose your educational content and monetize your podcast, too. Create a blog with paid ads and affiliate links or premium downloadable eBooks that offer in-depth guides. 80. History , like This Day in History 81. Riddles , like Brain Drop Puzzles 82. Space , like Deep Space Podcast 83. Science , like Science Vs 84. Biographies , like 5 Minute Biographies 85. Society , like How Your World Works 86. Technology, like Invention by iHeartPodcasts 87. Psychology, like Reverse Psychology 88. Trivia, like Crazy Random Cool 89. Languages, like Spanishland School 12. News and politics Global health, elections, geopolitical conflicts—news is always breaking and listeners naturally want to stay informed. While many major news outlets have launched their own podcasts, the world still needs nuanced perspectives on hundreds of local, political and international events. Take advantage of your freedom of speech, just ensure you take the topics seriously to avoid spreading misinformation. News podcast topics will likely lead you to running ads during your show, especially when you’ve grown a large, consistent audience. 90. Local news, like In Search of Portland 91. Global news , like BBC’s Global News Podcast 92. Breaking news , like CNN Breaking News Alerts 93. Debates , like Modern-Day Debate 94. Political commentary, like Political Divide 13. Comedy If you have a few jokes up your sleeve, start a comedy podcast. Comedy is the #1 leading podcast genre —understandable, as laughter is the best medicine. Podcasters share funny stories that happened to them, interview others, and make amusing commentary on events. In this genre you need excellent improvising skills, so make sure you can think on your feet. If you dream of an agent discovering you, podcasting can be a way to grow fans. To make money from your show immediately, create a membership website to let fans access your old content. 95. Lifestyle humor, like Kiss and Tel Aviv 96. Stand up comedy , like Midlife Mixtape 97. Pranks , like Phone Pranks with Jubal Fresh 98. Embarrassing moments, like OMG! Stories This comedian website template comes with a built-in podcast player, so even if people can’t see your stand-up shows, they can at least listen. 14. Kids and family Kids podcasts can perfectly catch the whole family's attention—grown-ups included. And not just while listening, kids can play an equal part in crafting and launching the podcast. Consider many fun topics in this niche such as jokes, riddles and fairy tale stories. New kids are born every year—meaning there’s always an audience for your podcast. You may want to target expecting, single, or young parents. Or you can explore a popular children's topic in detail, like animals. Just be mindful of your audience. If you share relatable—but not kid-friendly—parent content, make this clear upfront. Alternatively, if you produce suitable content for all ages, make that obvious, too. Parents buy a lot for their children, from toys to food and clothes; you'll have plenty of ways to sell merchandise or promote affiliates. 99. Trivia, like But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids 100. Storytelling, like Car Ride Stories for GIGI Kids 101. Animals , like Kids Animal Stories 102. News for children, like Wow in the World 103. Children’s humor, like Kids telling jokes to kids 104. Disney , like Kid Friendly Disney Fun Facts Podcast
- What is UX? A glimpse into user experience and the UX design process
From the mug we use to sip our morning coffee, to our favorite mobile applications and website design examples—much of our daily routine involves, even depends on, regular interactions with digital and material products. These interplays generate feelings that leave a lasting impression on us as users, otherwise known as UX, the user experience. UX design is the art of thoughtfully shaping products in order to improve these experiences, and if you ask me, it’s the unsung hero of the 21st century. With the potential to improve and support our complex relationships with products and technology, UX is becoming an increasingly integral part of the design industry. So, what is user experience? And why is it so important? We’re going to answer these questions, diving into the ambitious ideas and principles that drive the UX world. Whether you're interested in a career as a UX designer, want to gain insights on how to create a website with these ideas in mind, or if you’re simply curious to learn more about this fascinating field—continue reading to learn more. In this comprehensive guide to UX, we’ll go over the following topics: What is UX design? What makes a good user experience? What does the UX process look like? 5 websites with great UX design What is UX design? Albeit its significance, UX, which stands for user experience, is equally as misunderstood to the general public as it is a part of our everyday lives. UX is a field of design whose “human first” approach emphasizes supporting users as they interact with a particular product from start to finish. As consumers, we have experiences with every product we use—maybe it's navigating a website to make an online purchase, using a mobile app to order food, or even something as trivial as opening an umbrella. These encounters provoke a range of opinions and emotions associated with the product; it could be frustrating or satisfying, high quality or poor, significant or forgettable, necessary or superfluous, etc. Don Norman, the author of Designing Everyday Things , coined the term “user experience” in the 90s, and described it like this: “A product is more than just the product. It is a cohesive, integrated set of experiences. Think through all of the stages of a product or service – from initial intentions through final reflections, from first usage to help, service, and maintenance. [UX designers should] make them all work together seamlessly.” By designing strategically, the ultimate goal of UX design is to develop or improve a product so that it provides the best possible experience for target audiences from start to finish. Related reading: 6 lessons from my 6 years in UX that can be applied to your site What is the difference between UX and UI? They sound similar, but when you understand the differences between UX and UI , you’ll realize that they’re far from interchangeable. While both UX and UI ( user interface ) design involve shaping the best possible end product for users, there's a definite distinction between the two disciplines. UX design involves an analytical process that’s concerned with the entire picture of a product’s design and launch—from user research and prototyping, to marketing the product. It's the job of UX designers to bridge the gap between the needs of the user and those of the business or brand. If UX is about constructing an entire experience, UI hones in on shaping the visual and tangible elements that users will interact with. UX and UI designers work together harmoniously to develop a product—and each role is equally vital to its success. Let’s say you have a UX/UI design pair working together on a website design; a UX designer will focus on the site’s entire flow and functionality, consulting with product designers, analysts, users and marketers along the way. In this case, they’ll use this process to discover what features are needed to give visitors a smooth website browsing experience, and hand over their insights to the UI designer. From there, a UI designer will make the aesthetic decisions necessary to bring these solutions to life: the size of images, arrangement of content, amount of text and so on. They’ll ask questions like: What is the best website layout for the user? How much information should sit on the homepage ? Is the interface as a whole visually appealing and engaging? What makes a good user experience? Successful UX design can only be accomplished with a deep understanding of users’ wants, needs and values. And as any designer will tell you, the definition of good user experience can’t be pinned down to just one factor. Each interaction between user and product represents unique potential, and every design has its own goals. Shani Sharabani, UX designer at Wix, has some bonus insights about the user experience which are included throughout this section. She starts by telling us, “the key to good UX design is that you need to anticipate what the user will want, and answer their questions before they ask them.” Usability is not enough Most people assume that a product with good UX design is one that is simply “usable.” But that would mean any product that manages to bring us from point A to point B has a good user experience. While usability is important, it’s not enough to satisfy the entire scope of the user experience. A product might be usable on a surface level, and still manage to disappoint users along the way. Furthermore, context needs to be taken into account—what is considered usable for some might present challenges to others; and a product that formerly solved a solution, can appear outmoded today. A classic example of this is the old Heinz glass ketchup bottle. You know, the one that required users to “tap on the 57” and patiently await their condiment to pour out of the bottle. When Heinz first released their classic ketchup bottle toward the end of the 19th century, this interface was an innovative solution. The bottle allowed users to consume the product, and the employment of glass made it possible to see how much ketchup remained. Flash-forward to 2021, and we’re acutely aware of the fact that Heinz’s plastic squeezy container is a far more convenient option for removing ketchup from the bottle. It’s fast, it’s easy, and most importantly, it taps into a unique group of target users—kids. While a glass bottle is noticeably difficult for children to maneuver, they are equipped to handle the plastic option with ease. 7 principles of user experience If not only usability, then what qualities contribute to a good user experience? Let’s discuss some dependable guidelines and look at how they can be applied to website design. The following are seven core principles that outline UX, identified by designer Peter Morville : Useful Usable Findable Credible Desirable Accessible Valuable Useful Does the product or website serve a purpose? The first indication of good UX design is whether or not the end product presents a solution for the target user. Without a distinct use, it won’t succeed in a market full of purpose-driven products. What is or is not useful can also be determined in the eyes of the beholder. Sometimes, a product fulfills a specific value that is not practical or obvious to others, such as aesthetic appeal or pleasure. Take, for example, the mobile app recently released by Tanner Villarette , which users can install on their iPhones to view and interact with the classic iPod touch interface from 2014. Talk about a throwback! Though this software has little pragmatic significance—it offers a positive user experience to audiences driven by nostalgia who value its aesthetic. How is usefulness applied to web design? When designing a website, usefulness is when the site itself will help users accomplish a specific goal; such as making a purchase, acquiring information or signing up for a course. Not only that, but usefulness should be evaluated with each element of the site’s design. When using an online store maker to build your site, for example, you might have questions about a certain product. A visible live chat feature on the site’s homepage seems like the perfect solution for getting answers. You send a message and wait, until eventually you realize the feature wasn't activated by the owner. This design element is superfluous, setting false expectations for the user and resulting in poor user experience. Usable The most successful UX designs enable users to reach their end goal intuitively, efficiently and successfully. While a product can definitely serve its purpose without high levels of usability, it is less likely to succeed in the market. But a product that makes day-to-day tasks easier and more efficient for users will absolutely stand out. How is usability applied to web design? A usable website is one that helps users to accomplish their goals quickly and efficiently. Let’s say you arrive at a fitness website . Your reason for visiting this site is to learn more about the teachers and classes themselves, and ultimately to sign up for a class. Imagine two possible scenarios for booking: one requires you to jump around the website until you find an obscure sign up form, fill out your personal details, and wait for the Yoga instructor to send an email before confirming registration. In another case, you find a prominent “Book Now” button at the website header, which leads you to an online booking calendar. You choose your preferred class, pay for it online and immediately receive confirmation that you’ve successfully signed up for the class. While both scenarios are technically “usable” in the sense that they’d get a user from point A to point B—there is a definite distinction in the level of user experience. One is easy-to-use, seamless and satisfying, but the other requires many steps and a long waiting time that will frustrate customers. Findable How useful would a product be if your target audience can’t find it? In UX, findability means ensuring audiences can locate and access a product when they want it. In the case of using a digital product like a website, this would require them to find the content they’re seeking with ease. How is findability applied to web design? One of the criteria for creating a website with good UX is guaranteeing users can identify the web pages they need. This is done by anticipating what aspects of the site are the most important for visitors and displaying them in a convenient location. Sharbani tells us that “When a visitor enters a page, they need to understand in a few seconds what the goal is, and where to find the content they need. It’s a combination of good design, organization and making sure it’s not too crowded.” Picture yourself arriving at a restaurant website whose advertising promises customers they can conveniently order delivery online. You find the menu and decide what you want, but there’s just one (big) problem. After browsing the homepage and searching through the site, there’s no indication of how or where to place your order. Visitors to a site like this will feel disappointed when they can’t find what they need to complete their intended action of ordering food. Credible Credibility is all about honesty and living up to the reputation built around a brand. This is especially important if we consider the emotions of targeted users. A user expecting a certain quality or encounter with a brand, based on advertisements or word of mouth, will feel deceived if they aren’t given the experience promised to them. On the other hand, brands with established credibility will acquire long-term users who trust in their product. That forged relationship will likely proliferate toward new, loyal customers. It’s likely that a website or product won’t get it right on the first shot, but that doesn’t have to come at the cost of credibility. Brands can be held in high esteem by their users just by listening and responding to their complaints and requests. Sharabani again elaborates, “There will always be users who are disappointed, and when we release a product we know that there will be things to improve on. I think the most important thing is to give users the feeling that we’re listening to them and that we take their feedback into consideration. Even if you don’t have the features they want now, it’s good to let them know that you’re listening.” How is credibility applied to web design? There are many reasons businesses create websites: to strengthen branding, give customers a convenient place to accomplish tasks (e.g. making a purchase) and to build an online presence. Whatever the goals are, a website is a place where brands can establish themselves and offer even more value to customers. A credible website is one that is updated, functioning and provides a true representation of the brand or business it serves. Let’s say you arrive at an eCommerce website advertising a spring sale for 20% off all purchases. You choose your items, arrive at the checkout and make an online payment only to discover that you were charged full price because the sale has ended. An experience like this will leave users with a negative impression of the brand, since their website content is unreliable and out-of-date. Desirable By fostering an aesthetic and emotional connection between a brand and its target users, businesses will generate feelings of desirability toward new products, events and other offerings. As long as the brand lives up to its expectations, this is a great way to kick-off the user experience, which will ultimately create a ripple effect of excitement surrounding your product. Another benefit of cultivating desire around a product or brand is that users who own or interact with it will likely show it off to their friends. This can feed into a ripple effect of new audiences who’ll want to test it out. How is desirability applied to web design? Making a product desirable relies heavily on authentic and consistent branding. By creating a logo , choosing distinct brand colors and writing enticing advertising copy, a brand can strengthen its impact in the market. All of these elements make it recognizable and trusted among target audiences. When it comes to web design, this means ensuring that all elements of a website are on-brand. For example, arriving at a site that doesn’t include the brand’s logo or business name , or uses unrelated colors and language, will likely confuse customers. While it doesn’t directly affect their feelings about the end product, a user in this situation would probably leave the site in search for a familiar brand. Accessible Accessibility means removing barriers that will prevent users with disabilities from using a product. This includes designing products, applications and websites that can be used by individuals with a wide range of capabilities, and ensuring that they can successfully complete their end goal without frustration. While this aspect of user experience is often overlooked, it can benefit your business altogether by extending your market reach to individuals who seek accessible products. Additionally, when you improve the level of accessibility of your website or product, it will often make it easier to use altogether. How is accessibility applied to web design? There are many important details to consider when making a website accessible —color contrasts, font sizes, alt texts and more. It is important for businesses to ensure that their sites meet the most basic accessibility requirements in their area using tools like the Wix Accessibility Wizard to guide their design. While accessibility is a responsibility, there is also a benefit to businesses who pay attention to it. An accessible website will help strengthen the perception of a brand, improve performance and minimize legitimate legal risks. Valuable Creating value for your brand or product is the lifeline of the user experience. It can best be defined as the sum of all the individual characteristics mentioned previously. Since each user comes with a unique perspective, the aspects discussed will resonate differently with every individual, and certain elements of UX may be more valuable to some over others. By covering the qualities discussed above, a business or product is much more likely to appear valuable to target audiences. Ultimately, value will help brands to bring satisfaction to their users and succeed in a market full of options. What does the UX process look like? We’ve understood the importance of UX, and how to determine what good UX looks like. Now, let’s go over how designers actually go about creating these experiences. Great user experience can only materialize with a deep understanding of users’ values, capabilities, needs and desires. Skilled at design, analysis, and problem solving, the initial goal of a UX designer is to understand what target users want and need, as well as how they feel about using a particular product. They'll go through an in-depth process to uncover potential or current issues in order to find solutions and shape the ultimate user experience. There’s no one-size-fits all approach to UX design, and rarely a one stop solution. Each UX project requires a bespoke set of UX design tools and methods for discovering the best way to design, produce and market a particular service or product. It’s also an iterative process that requires listening to users’ initial responses and re-visiting features to improve or update a product based on reviews. Stages of the UX process There are many facets to UX design. It’s important to note that, as a whole, shaping the perfect user experience involves a fluid workflow, rarely following a strict sequence of steps. For example, UX designers might start at different stages depending on whether or not a version of the product already exists. Whatever the individual approach, the UX process should always try to accomplish the following tasks in order to understand the user and product before launching it: Ideation and definition Research Analysis Design Testing Finalize, launch, repeat Below we’ll go over what these stages look like, and common practices for accomplishing each of them. Stage 1: Ideation and definition The first stage of UX design is fully understanding the product, user and brand—and making sure that as concepts, they fit together harmoniously. While many brands tend to hyper-focus on the success of a product from a marketing perspective, a UX designer's strategy underscores supporting the user while simultaneously meeting the needs of the business. Understanding how every aspect of a product will come to life, the goal of the ideation and definition phase is to set the stage for the rest of the UX design process. It’s a time when everyone involved in the product’s development—UX and UI designers, marketers, stakeholders, etc.—will take the time to brainstorm, shape and define what they’re setting out to achieve. They’ll ask questions like: what problems do we want to solve? What obstacles might get in our way? Who will use this product? What are our KPIs? and more. Whether the end result of a UX project is a physical product, application or website—it’s crucial to start by fine-tuning its concept and goals. This involves research, brainstorming, strategic thinking and planning—all of which should result in a solid foundation, before taking concrete steps toward developing, designing and marketing. Some of the most effective methods a UX designer will consider at this stage are: Stakeholder interviews Concept sketching Kickoff meeting Stakeholder interviews Stakeholder interviews are one of the best ways to cooperatively discover insights from the get-go of the UX design process. The purpose of a stakeholder interview is to uncover valuable knowledge from experts invested in the outcome of the project. Deciding which stakeholders a UX designer will interview depends on what sort of guidance they’re looking for at the start. Generally, it’s recommended to sit down with those who make financial decisions or are important to the organization of the project. UX designers will use this conversation to clarify the direction of the project. This includes elements such as who exactly the target user is, the roles of each team member, overarching goals and KPIs. Concept sketching Concept sketching is a helpful way to generate ideas early on. This process involves consulting with design team members at the start of the process to gain valuable input. Each participant should present their ideas to the team, sharing the intent behind them. The UX lead will usually use this collection to kickstart the design process. Kickoff meeting Designing a user experience can (and should) be a collaborative process. So, it’s always important to define the project’s goals from different angles. When there are many people involved in a single project, conducting a group workshop or kickoff meeting is an efficient way to align everyone involved. A kickoff meeting can be headed by the UX lead, and should include players that represent different aspects of the project: business, marketing, design and users. During the meeting, the team will define the purpose and objective of their product, who the ideal users are, design tasks, research goals and how they’ll measure success. In addition, a kickoff meeting should be moderated in a way that allows team members to express their concerns. By the end, the UX design team should walk away with a clear understanding of who is responsible for making final decisions, be confident that everyone involved is on the same page and feel inspired to get started. Stage 2: Research Kicking off a UX design project will lead to critical questions about target users and the industry market. That’s why research is normally the next stage. UX research allows designers to focus on collecting qualitative and quantitative information that will help them understand the scope of their project and make educated decisions. Let’s look at some of the best methods for conducting UX research: User research Market research Usability testing User research Since UX is driven by user-centered design, it’s essential to invest time to deeply understand the behaviors, wants, capabilities and needs of the end user. These insights will become an advantage to UX designers throughout their process by helping them understand the user/product relationship. There are manifold approaches for conducting user research, some of the most popular methods, including: User interviews: This is a fool-proof way to collect data about target users and understand their experiences. UX designers will prepare a set of questions for the user interview, sitting down one-on-one with individuals who represent their target audience. The goal is to unveil data about their behaviors, needs, desires and pain points, or to hear feedback about your product. Focus groups: Facilitated by UX designers, the purpose of a focus group is to lead a group discussion about a product in order to gain feedback. The major benefit of this method of user research is gaining multiple perspectives in one sitting through an organic conversation. User surveys: Surveys are questionnaires sent out to representatives of the target users which will include strategic questions related to the product. User surveys can be sent to large groups of users at once, making them a convenient way of gaining user insights and collecting measurable data. Market research Less focused on the direct experience of the user, market research will help brands understand their competitors, demand for the product, and standards or trends within their industry. These insights, along with data acquired from user research, will inform the branding, marketing and sales decisions for a particular product. Usability testing When there’s a low fidelity version of the product ready, or an existing product that functions similarly, it can be extremely helpful to offer targeted users a test run, and follow up with questions about their experience. This is known as usability testing, and will allow UX designers to observe first-hand how users react to their product. Key observations will include seeing if the user can successfully complete their tasks, if they enjoy using the product, if it sufficiently meets their needs and if they’d use it again. Whenever problems arise, it’s an opportunity to find solutions that help users avoid frustrations and challenges. Stage 3: Analysis The data obtained from research opens the doors to new wisdom about a UX designer’s audience and market. After a deep analysis of this information, they can get rid of most uncertainty and assumptions about their product. With a better understanding of how to support target users, a UX designer will take the insights they’ve gained to shape a journey that provides an all-encompassing user experience. The following are elements that a UX designer will commonly use to make sense of their research, and adjust the objectives for their product: User personas User journey User personas Throughout the UX design process, user personas help visualize the target user in order to devise a more accurate approach to designing their product and experience. These are fictional characters created by UX designers based on their research. They represent a range of real target users, and can be referred to constantly throughout the design process. A user persona comes with a fictional name and image, and will include basic demographic information inspired by user research; such as age, gender, nationality and more. Additionally, a UX designer will assign behaviors to these personas; such as spending habits, likes and dislikes, pain points or social media usage. User journey map A user journey map outlines how target users experience a product’s design, step-by-step. It’s usually visualized as a timeline, listing all of the touch points when a user interacts with a product in a specific order. Creating a user journey will help a UX designer ensure their product is consistent with the needs and capabilities of users, and that it helps them complete their intended tasks. It does this by imagining the user’s context, outlining the steps it takes to realize their end goal and identifying the level of functionality for each action. Stage 4: Design After completing research and analysis comes the actual design phase. With the knowledge and insights UX designers have gained,, they can start to establish the visual composition of their final product. Like most of the UX design process, this isn’t done in one shot. It’s an iterative experience that involves ongoing brainstorming, sketching and the input of multiple key players. Designing involves the work of both UX and UI professionals, branding and marketing experts and other key players from the product’s team. Here are some dependable practices used within the UX process to accomplish a successful design for a product, application or website: Wireframes Information architecture Microcopy Wireframes Wireframes are the blueprint of a digital product, usually presented as a rough sketch of an app or website's user interface. These low-fidelity sketches are used to formulate and decide on the basic layout of a design, and define what essential elements should be included in order for it to function properly. Sans color, fonts or text, wireframing allows designers to hone in on the foundations of a user interface before getting into the nitty gritty of aesthetic details. After all, what good would it be to add color to a design if a user can’t interact with its primary structure? Believe it or not, wireframes are often made using a simple pen and paper (see wireframe examples ). However, some UX designers will embrace software like Adobe XD to provide a more detailed or accurate sketch of a product’s interface. Information architecture Information architecture is the process of organizing content in a way that’s logical and intuitive for users. From written content and imagery, to calls-to-action and online forms—the goal of consciously mapping out this information is to ensure users navigating an app or website can find the content they need quickly and easily in order to accomplish their goals. For example, a site where any page can be found in under three clicks would be defined as "flat architecture". This process includes establishing a hierarchy of information on individual pages, as well as considering the overall website navigation so that users can flawlessly jump from one item to another. A UX designer will start by grouping together relevant content, then drawing out a sitemap to visually represent parent pages and sub-pages. They will then map out navigation systems such as menus, breadcrumbs and filters, and finally create content labels to identify to the user what content lies where. Microcopy Used throughout the interface of an app or website, good microcopy will guide a user with words, helping them identify where, when and how to take certain actions. It’s helpful to remember that a user’s experience isn’t only shaped by the visual aspects of design, but with language as well. Texts that tell users to sign up for a newsletter, confirm the purchase of an item or apologize for an error create interactions that influence the user’s feelings towards a brand or product. Some of the best practices for crafting microcopy include being concise, clear, helpful and in line with the overall brand identity attached to a website or application. For example, a colloquial tone can foster a friendly brand-user relationship in some settings, while in others, the users will expect to be greeted with a formal and professional voice. Stage 5: Testing To truly design for the best user experience, testing a website or product is an essential last step before officially launching it. Also known as validation in the UX world, testing a product should start after the initial research and design stages are complete, and a high-fidelity iteration of the design is ready for use. It’s important to test using a precise version of the design since it will help designers and stakeholders more accurately evaluate it. The following elements pertain to the this stage of UX design: Prototypes User testing In-house testing Prototypes A prototype is an early version of a product designed specifically to inspect the user experience. As already mentioned, it is recommended to use a more advanced, or high fidelity prototype during the testing stage—one that is aesthetically pleasing and functions closely to the final design. User testing Users who represent the target audience will generally be observed in action. Designers at this stage will pay careful attention and take notes on how users interact with specific features of a product throughout use. They will also ask for their opinions, develop surveys and record feedback that will help them point out flaws and improve the overall user experience. In-house testing It’s good practice for designers themselves to test out the product, too. By regularly using their own design and interacting with it first-hand, designers and stakeholders will gain a clearer understanding of what works and what doesn’t. Stage 6: Finalize, launch, repeat The last step of the UX design process is launching the product. A culmination of research, designs and feedback gathered along the way, launching the finalized product is an exciting and rewarding moment. Usually, this will start with a Beta launch. This refers to releasing the product to a limited number of people in order to discover and resolve outstanding issues before it becomes available to the general public. While launching a product or website represents the end of the design process for a particular product, it doesn't mean the work is finished. It’s rare that a design will be flawless on the first try. To truly deliver a product with first-rate user experience, brands should listen to the reactions of users and seek feedback that will help them improve their design. The best UX designers are receptive to constructive criticism, and will jump at the chance to revisit a product’s design in order to meet a user’s needs. 5 websites with great UX design Since we’re in the website creation business, it seems only fitting to take this knowledge of UX design, and see how these methods can be applied to create a beautiful and functional site. From logical layouts and clear microcopy, to engaging with current UX design trends , the following websites with great UX design provide an example of what a great user experience looks like: 01. Jung Design Designer Jung Hoe has mastered the art of information architecture. Since the purpose of his portfolio website is to gain new clients, he provides the perfect amount of information to grab visitor’s attention and inform them about his practice and professional goals. Easy access to Jung’s CV, clear examples of his work and an accessible contact form support users who are interested in hiring him for their next design project. Plus, the cool animation and vibrant colors add points for harnessing desirability. 02. Extra & Ordinary Design As far as eCommerce websites go, Extra & Ordinary Design provides a seamless and enjoyable online shopping experience for visitors. While browsing through their unique pottery designs, users can easily filter the display to show the type of items they’re interested in within any given price range. Once a user clicks on an item, they’re navigated to a dedicated product page which includes valuable details about the design, including the materials used, prices and shipping information. Should visitors decide to make a purchase, all they have to do is click “add to cart,” check out and pay—a seamless process guided by impeccable microcopy and design. 03. Mikaela Rubin The user experience of Mikaela Rubin’s site begins with her intriguing homepage design. Perfectly balanced, with a touch of animation, visitors who arrive at this website will become engaged with Mikaela’s visual storytelling without getting lost (or bored). Users who want to uncover details about Rubin’s services can continue to browse the organized content on her homepage, or alternatively, use the website menu at the header of the site for a shortcut to what they need. Even better, a search bar at the top of the page makes it easy to look for specific recipes and filter according to dietary restrictions, ingredients and dish type. 04. Noni Ceramica With mobile devices accounting for 52% of global internet traffic , a large part of designing a website with good user experience means ensuring visitors have the same range of capabilities when browsing a mobile version of a website. In the case of Noni Ceramica, the condensed hamburger menu allows users to easily navigate the site without being overwhelmed by content. A prominent shop button makes purchasing on-the-go easy, a convenient feature that is sure to please customers and increase the amount of online sales for the brand. When designing a site for mobile, you may also consider the responsive vs. adaptive design debate, and choose a website building platform based on these preferences. 05. HERoines HERoines is a non-profit organization aimed at motivating and supporting women. Because of the importance of their mission, it's imperative that their site is informative, inspiring and generates new interests and support for the organization. Here, parallax scrolling facilitates a continuous flow of information, creating an engaging experience for visitors at each section of the site. Additionally, a horizontal scroll is used to create a banner of inspiring quotes and calls to action, such as “join now” or “donate.” Large fonts and contrasting colors make the website easy to read, improving accessibility for users who might otherwise have trouble. The color scheme emphasizes strong branding, which is a helpful way to foster a trusting relationship between the organization and website users.
- 150+ Tech business names to elevate your brand
Your name idea deserves a home. Secure your domain now → When it comes to starting a tech business or indeed starting any business , one crucial step often takes a back seat—the choosing of your business name . Your tech business name is the initial point of contact between you and your customers and can play a pivotal role in shaping their perception of your business. That’s why we’ll explore why choosing the right business name is an essential aspect of building your brand. Naming your tech business just got a whole lot easier . The Wix Business Name Generator gives you custom, on-brand ideas fast—along with the tools to bring your idea to life. Coming up with cyber security company names starts with words that signal trust, protection and sharp tech skills. For a strong defense vibe, options like IronGate Security or Sentinel Harbor work well. For a modern feel, names like CipherNest or BlueShield Labs add a tech edge. 150+ tech business names Explore this section for a curated list of tech business names designed to inspire your search for the perfect name that resonates with your tech style and vision, whether you're looking for something innovative, catchy or entirely unique. Unique tech business names Catchy tech business names Funny tech business names Professional tech business names Inspirational tech business names Location-based tech business names Timeless tech business names Clever tech business names Modern tech business names Classic tech business names Minimalist tech business names Unique tech business names 1. QuantumQuasar Tech 2. ByteBridges Solutions 3. Innovixus Labs 4. CodeCanvas Creations 5. NexaNovel Tech 6. CyberFusion Systems 7. PentaPrime Innovations 8. TechNebula Nexus 9. BitVoyage Innovators 10. SparkSphere Technologies 11. LogicLoom Labs 12. QuantumQuest Innovations 13. SyntaSphere Tech 14. DataDynamo Solutions 15. GeniTech Genesis Found the perfect name for your business? Lock in your domain before someone else does. Catchy tech business names 1. CodeCrafters Collective 2. TechTide Innovations 3. InnovateWave Labs 4. SparkNest Systems 5. ByteBuzz Creations 6. Synergetic Tech Titans 7. QuantumQuake Innovators 8. PulsePixels Tech 9. DataDreamscape Labs 10. Innovixity Nexus 11. ByteBrilliance Innovations 12. LogiLink Labs 13. QuantumPulse Innovators 14. InnovateIQ Tech 15. GeniGears Collective Funny tech business names 1. Giggles & Gadgets Tech 2. CodeComedy Creations 3. LaughLogic Labs 4. PunnyProgrammers 5. ByteBanter Innovations 6. QuantumQuirks Tech 7. DataDoodles Labs 8. NerdNirvana Innovators 9. TechTickles Collective 10. InnovateItch Labs 11. QuantumQuirk Innovations 12. CodeChuckles Tech 13. SynergeticSnickers Labs 14. LaughLaunch Innovators 15. ByteBloopers Tech When naming your SaaS company , start with what your product helps people do. Think about its main function, like tracking projects or handling invoices and then explore styles that fit. You could create short blended words like Taskory or Invoxia, action-oriented names like Syncup or Flowrun or even modern abstract names like Corli or Avara. Professional tech business name ideas 1. ProTechSolutions 2. InnovateLogic Systems 3. PrimePulse Technologies 4. PrecisionBytes Tech 5. TechTitans Nexus 6. LogicLine Innovations 7. QuantumQube Tech 8. DataDriven Dynamics 9. Innovixus ProLabs 10. ByteBridge Systems 11. SynergeticSolutions Tech 12. PrimePath Innovations 13. NexaNova ProTech 14. QuantumQuotient Systems 15. GeniTech Professionals Inspirational tech business names 1. InspireInnoTech 2. TechTriumph Innovations 3. RiseTech Revolution 4. PinnaclePixels Tech 5. InnovateInfinity Nexus 6. QuantumQuest Creations 7. SparkSolutions Spectrum 8. SynergeticSpark Tech 9. CodeCrafted Aspirations 10. Innovixus Inspiration Labs 11. ByteBrilliance Innovations 12. QuantumQuotient Tech 13. InnovateEmpower Nexus 14. SparkSphere Innovators 15. DataDreamscape Aspirations Found your perfect tech business name? Claim your domain with Wix in minutes, set up a custom website and business email and enjoy secure hosting, full privacy and 24/7 support—all in one place. Location-based tech business names 1. [City] Innovixus Solutions 2. [City] QuantumQuake Tech 3. [City] TechTrails Innovations 4. [City] ByteBridge Systems 5. [City] InnovateHub Labs 6. [City] QuantumQuest Nexus 7. [City] InnovateIQ Innovators 8. [City] SynergeticSolutions Tech 9. [City] PrimePath Innovations 10. [City] DataDriven Dynamics 11. [City] ByteBridges Tech 12. [City] LogicLine Innovators 13. [City] QuantumQuotient Systems 14. [City] TechTitans Nexus 15. [City] GeniTech Innovations Looking to start a business in Arizona ? Try out these location-specific tech company names. Scarsdale SynergeticSolutions Tech Phoenix PrimePath Innovations Tucson TechTitans Nexus Timeless tech business names 1. TimelessTech Innovations 2. ClassicCodeCrafters 3. HeritageBytes Tech 4. VintageVortex Systems 5. EternalLogic Labs 6. PrestigePulse Innovations 7. AntiqueAlgorithm Tech 8. EnduringExpanse Labs 9. LegacyLogiLink Systems 10. Time-HonoredTech Titans 11. PerennialPulse Innovators 12. CodeClassics Tech 13. TimelessTech Trails 14. ClassicCodeCraft Nexus 15. EvergreenElectronics Labs Clever tech business names 1. CleverCodeCrafters 2. LogicLegends Innovations 3. ByteBender Labs 4. InnovateIQ Nexus 5. QuantumQuirks Tech 6. SparkSculptors Innovators 7. SynergeticSynapse Labs 8. ByteBrilliance Tech 9. TechTacticians Nexus 10. Innovixus Intellect Innovations 11. QuantumQuake Creations 12. InnovateInsights Tech 13. LogicLoom Labs 14. QuantumQuotient Nexus 15. SmartSphere Innovations Modern tech business names 1. UrbanUplink Tech 2. InnovateWave Nexus 3. MetroMatrix Innovations 4. LogicLink Labs 5. ByteBoost Systems 6. QuantumQuotient Tech 7. Innovixus Synergy Innovations 8. TechTrend Nexus 9. InnovateIt Labs 10. QuantumQuest Systems 11. ByteBridge Innovations 12. SynergeticSolutions Tech 13. CodeCrafted Nexus 14. TechTide Innovations 15. SparkSphere Systems Classic tech business names 1. TimelessTech Innovations 2. ClassicCodeCrafters 3. HeritageBytes Tech 4. VintageVortex Systems 5. PrestigePulse Innovations 6. AntiqueAlgorithm Tech 7. EnduringExpanse Labs 8. LegacyLogiLink Systems 9. Time-HonoredTech Titans 10. PerennialPulse Innovators 11. CodeClassics Tech 12. TimelessTech Trails 13. EvergreenElectronics Labs 14. ClassicCodeCraft Nexus 15. QuantumQuake Innovations Minimalist tech business names 1. CleanCode Nexus 2. ByteBasics Tech 3. PurePixel Innovations 4. ZenTech Innovators 5. LogicLines Tech 6. BareBytes Systems 7. NeatNode Innovations 8. SynergySphere Tech 9. StreamlineSolutions Nexus 10. MinimalMatrix Labs 11. PurePulse Innovations 12. ChicCircuit Tech 13. EffortlessElectronics Systems 14. BasicByte Innovations 15. SleekSynergy Tech Learn more: Service business examples How to choose a tech business name In your pursuit of the perfect name for your tech business, follow these five steps to ensure you discover one that encapsulates your brand's style, grabs attention and leaves a lasting digital impression as you start your service business . Outline and define your business identity Brainstorm ideas and relevant words Use a business name generator Check and confirm name availability Gather feedback on your tech business name 01. Outline and define your business identity Begin by outlining your tech business's niche, focus and unique selling points as these can help you understand what you’re looking for from your name. Consider the services or products you offer and the target audience you aim to reach, as these should strongly influence your choice of business name. Learn more: Service business ideas 02. Brainstorm ideas and relevant words Put together a list of keywords and concepts related to technology, innovation and your business's mission. It’s much easier to narrow down your choices if you start from a bigger list. If you already have a team, ask them for their opinions and ideas. You can also do the same with your intended audience. 03. Use a business name generator Consider using tech-specific business name generators . These tools are an efficient way to come up with a great name, fast or they can provide options for you to work from. Be inspired by: Marketing business names App names Website name ideas eCommerce business names Trucking business names Real estate business names Food truck business names 04. Check and confirm availability As Keren Friedlander, product manager at Wix says, "When your domain name closely matches your business name, it helps reinforce your brand, making it easier for customers to remember, also enhancing brand credibility and trust." Make sure your chosen name is not already in use by conducting online searches, checking domain name availability and searching trademark databases such as USPTO . This is an important step at this stage because once you choose a business name, start learning how to make a website from scratch and start using it, it can be time-intensive and expensive to replace it on all of your business assets. 05. Gather feedback on your tech business name Narrow down your list of generated names to a shortlist of your favorites. Share these options with colleagues, friends, or mentors to gather feedback. Consider their perspectives and how well each name aligns with your tech business's identity. Testing your business name by incorporating it into email name ideas can also provide insights into its effectiveness and appeal. Make a final decision based on this input. What to consider when choosing a tech business name These are the essential factors to consider when selecting a tech business name to ensure it aligns with your long-term goals and values: Uniqueness : Select a name that stands out in the crowded tech industry. Avoid generic terms or names that could easily be confused with existing brands to ensure your business is memorable. Relevance to the industry : Choose a name that aligns with the tech field and resonates with your target audience. It should convey your brand’s values, focus or product offerings to create instant associations with your business. Simplicity : A name that’s easy to say and spell increases the likelihood that customers will remember it and share it with others. Avoid overly complex or ambiguous names that might create confusion. Domain name availability : Ensure your desired name has an available domain to create a cohesive and professional online presence. Look for a simple, recognizable domain (ideally a .com) to enhance legitimacy and searchability. Trademark checks : Research thoroughly to confirm your name isn’t already trademarked by another company. Securing a trademark for your brand name protects you from future legal complications and reinforces your ownership of the name. Cultural sensitivity : Be mindful of cultural contexts, ensuring your name doesn’t carry unintended negative connotations in other languages or markets. This is especially important if your tech business plans to operate internationally. Future scalability : Pick a name that allows room for growth. Avoid being too specific to one product or service, as your business may expand into new areas over time. For example, a software company shouldn’t restrict itself with a name tied only to apps. Tech business name ideas FAQ Why is choosing the right tech business name important? A well-chosen tech business name can convey your brand's identity, professionalism and innovation to potential clients. It's your first impression in what can be a highly competitive industry, so you want to make not only a good impression but also stand out. Should my tech business name reflect our services? It can help if your name reflects your tech offerings but it's not always possible as a business name should be reasonably short. Many successful tech companies have names that are more abstract and memorable, like Apple, as one famous example. Can I change my business name later if needed? Yes, you can change your name but it can involve rebranding efforts and notifying clients, both of which can be time and resource-intensive. It's best to choose a name you're committed to from the start. Should I include tech-related terms in the name? There are both pros and cons. Pros: 1. Clearly indicates industry 2. SEO benefits 3. Instant recognition Cons: 1. May limit future pivots 2. Can feel generic 3. Potentially dated quickly What length is ideal for a tech business name? The ideal length for a tech business name is: 1. Typically 1-3 words 2. Under 20 characters total 3. Easy to remember 4. Simple to spell 5. Fits on app icons 6. Works in URLs Should I consider international markets when naming my business? When considering international markets: 1. Check for negative meanings in other languages 2. Prioritize easy pronunciation globally 3. Avoid culture-specific references 4. Consider trademark availability internationally 5. Test with a diverse audiences How do I test potential names with my target audience? To test potential names with your target audience: 1. Use online surveys 2. Conduct focus groups 3. A/B test on social media 4. Ask for feedback in forums 5. Use crowdsourcing platforms How to come up with a catchy tech business name? To create a catchy tech business name, brainstorm keywords related to your industry, products and values to spark ideas. Consider using wordplay or puns to make the name fun and memorable, but keep it short and easy to pronounce for maximum impact. Test your top choices with potential customers to gauge their reactions and ensure the name resonates with your target audience. Lastly, make sure it aligns with your brand’s image and is available as a domain or trademark to establish a cohesive presence.
- 80+ finance business name ideas
Your name idea deserves a home. Secure your domain now → Choosing the right business name is a crucial first step in establishing a strong presence in the finance industry. Your name and business website are often the initial points of contact for potential clients and can significantly influence whether or not people choose to use your financial services. A catchy and distinctive finance business name can help your business stand out in a competitive market. A successful business name should possess several key qualities. It should be memorable, easy to pronounce and relevant to the type of financial services you offer. Naming your finance business just got a whole lot easier . The Wix Business Name Generator gives you custom, on-brand ideas fast—along with the tools to bring your idea to life. Bookkeeping business names should feel professional but approachable. You can go classic (Ledger & Co, Prime Books), modern (ClearCount, BalanceWise) or playful (BeanCounted, MoneyMates). Focus on words that highlight accuracy, reliability or simplicity and check that the domain is available so clients can easily find you online. 80+ finance business name ideas to get you started Unique finance business names Catchy finance business name ideas Professional finance business names Location-based finance business names Modern finance business name ideas Timeless finance business name ideas Clever finance business names Funny finance business name ideas Unique finance business names 1. Insightful Investments 2. Wealth Impact Solutions 3. Clarity Capital 4. Money Maven 5. Empower Equity 6. Financial Frontier 7. Zen Assets 8. Serene Savings Services 9. Quantum Quest Finance 10. Illuminate Insight Investments Found the perfect name for your business? Lock in your domain before someone else does. When naming your accounting business , think about the vibe you're going for: professional, modern or friendly. You can then pair it with words that build trust and suggest accuracy like “Ledger” “Balance” or “Numbers.” Some examples are TrustLedger, Numera or Precision Accounts. Catchy finance business names 1. Spark Success Finance 2. Thrive Treasury 3. Pivot Point Partners 4. Momentum Money 5. Flourish Funds 6. Radiant Returns 7. Dream Team Dynamics 8. Catalyst Capital Collective 9. Empowerment Capital 10. Vibrant Ventures Professional finance business names 1. Executive Excellence Finance 2. Pro Portfolio Partners 3. Leadership Luminary Investments 4. Career Capital Catalysts 5. Precision Performance Finance 6. Royal Returns 7. Finance Maestro 8. Pro Progress Provisions 9. Executive Empowerment Solutions 10. Professional Portfolios Location-based finance business names 1. [City/Neighborhood] Capital Corner 2. [City/Region] Insight Oasis Financial Studios 3. [City] Momentum Money Junction 4. [City/State] Empowerment Epicenter Finance 5. [City/Neighborhood] Radiance Returns 6. [City] Flourish Funds Fusion 7. [City/Region] Finance Connections 8. [City/State] Clarity Cove Capital 9. [City/Neighborhood] Zen Zone Finance 10. [City] Illuminate Interactions Investments Modern finance business name ideas 1. Urban Wealth Experience 2. Posh Portfolio Parties 3. TechThriving Finance Design 4. Trendy Treasury Talks 5. Digital Discovery Dynamics 6. Edgy Equity Events 7. Modern Money Moments 8. Finance Innovation Co. 9. CyberSavings Solutions 10. Insightful Investments Innovations Timeless finance business names 1. Classic Capital Concepts 2. Time-Honored Treasury 3. Heritage Holdings Haven 4. Finance Classics Collective 5. Vintage Value Ventures 6. Nostalgic Net Worth 7. Traditional Treasury Treats 8. Finance Legacy Services 9. Evergreen Empowerment Investments 10. Ageless Assets Affairs Clever finance business names 1. Wealth Wizards 2. Asset Puzzles 3. Financial Charades 4. Portfolio Brainwaves 5. Savvy Savings Solutions 6. Witty Wealth Networks 7. FinanceCrafty Creations 8. Money Puzzle 9. Serene Investments Brainstorms 10. Financial Conundrum Funny finance business name ideas 1. Chuckle Change Champions 2. Giggling Growth Gurus 3. Laughter Lifts Finance 4. Dare to Dream Dynamics 5. Hilarious Holdings Happenings 6. Funny Fund Fiesta 7. Laugh Lines Investments 8. Whimsical Wealth Affairs 9. Grin and Gain 10. Finance Funnies Found your perfect finance business name? Claim your domain with Wix in minutes, set up a custom website and business email and enjoy secure hosting, full privacy and 24/7 support—all in one place. Examples of finance business names Washington Financial Services This finance business, specializing in providing insightful financial and investment solutions, includes its location in its name to provide a clear indication of the community it serves. MTM Capital Group This finance service business, which provides innovative financial solutions, selected a name that radiates professionalism and gives a clear brand image. Freedom Tax & Bookkeeping This finance business uses the term "freedom" to highlight their aim to relieve clients of the stress and time commitment of having to do their own finances. Build with these business website templates. How to choose the right finance business name Choosing the perfect name for your finance business involves thoughtful consideration. Follow these tips to make an innovative but professional decision that reflects your brand and business. 01. Consider your target audience Understand your target clientele and tailor your name to appeal to their financial preferences. For example, if you're targeting clients who seek investment advice, consider a name that reflects this niche. All of this should be included within your finance business plan . 02. Consider your brand identity Reflect your desired brand image in your finance business name, whether it's high-end, casual or specialized. If you offer a unique financial service like retirement planning, incorporating this or something associated with retirement planning in your name and finance slogan , could be a smart choice for branding purposes. 03. Be creative Embrace creativity to make your finance business name stand out and be memorable. This might mean brainstorming, creatively combining words and working with a business name generator for further inspiration for your small business name idea . 04. Test your name ideas Gather feedback from friends, family and potential clients to refine and select the best name when starting your business . Find out what appeals to them and what doesn’t. Then, use that information to decide on the perfect finance business name that works for you. You can also test your name by including it in your business email address as one of your email name ideas. Remember these additional tips: Avoid generic names. A name like “Financial Solutions Ltd.” might describe what you do, but it risks getting lost in a competitive market. Instead, aim for something distinctive that reflects the unique value your business provides. Make the name easy to pronounce and remember. A complicated name could make people hesitant to recommend your services, so keep it clear and simple. Check name availability for trademarks and domain registration . As Keren Friedlander, product manager at Wix says, " There’s a positive correlation between a clear and relevant domain name, and strong online visibility. I can say that a thoughtfully chosen domain name impacts the brand’s exposure." Looking for more business name ideas? Coaching business name ideas Cleaning business name ideas Hotel name ideas Creative portfolio names Architecture business name ideas Catering business name ideas Sports business name ideas Flower business name ideas Print on demand business names Finance business names FAQ Why is choosing the right name so important for my finance business? Choosing the right name for your finance business is crucial because it serves as the first impression for potential clients. A well-crafted name sets the tone for your brand, aids in marketing efforts and significantly influences how customers perceive your financial services. A memorable and relevant name can contribute to the success and growth of your finance business. Should I think about further expansion and scale when choosing my business name? Yes, it's advisable to consider future expansion and scalability when choosing your finance business name. Select a name that can accommodate potential growth and diversification of services. Avoid overly restrictive or niche-specific names that may limit your business's adaptability as it evolves. Can I change my finance business name in the future? While it's possible to change your finance business name, it's generally better to choose a name you can commit to for the long term. Changing a business name can be logistically challenging and may result in client confusion. If a name change is necessary, plan it carefully, communicate it effectively and update all relevant materials and platforms. Can I use my own name for my finance business? Using your own name for your finance business is a personal choice. Some financial professionals opt for a personal touch, especially if their reputation is a significant selling point. However, consider the scalability and branding implications of using your name. If you plan to grow beyond a personal brand, a more versatile and descriptive name may be beneficial.
- Why I regret never building a website for my business
Ready to create your own website? Get started with Wix's website builder . I lied to my customers for five whole years. The lies mostly came out during those initial discovery calls. You know, the exciting ones that start off great but somehow always end with the same response, “Sounds great… Can you send me a link to your business website ?” And that was it. The moment they expected me to point them to a webpage proving who I was and why I was worth their money. Instead, all that would come out of my mouth was: “My website is under construction… but don’t worry, I’ll send you something.” I said that sentence so many times I could print it on a tote bag. And the worst part? I specialized in content and presentation design and was running my own small studio that had its own brand book. That’s to say, I helped other businesses look polished, clear and professional, while I had no website at all. Looking back, I 100% regret it. Not just because I lied (which I hated doing), but because not having a website cost me opportunities, time, energy and confidence. So, consider this article your piece of digital tough love—a gentle-but-firm scolding from someone who made all the mistakes, so you don’t ever have to say, “Here’s why I regret never building a website for my business.” TL;DR: Why I regret never building a business website Not building a website for your business can cost you more than you think—just ask Haim Mahlouf, who spent five years without one. In this article, Haim reflects on ‘why I regret never building a website for my business,’ sharing how it created extra work and made it harder for clients to choose his business. It serves as a reminder to business owners to start simple with a template or use AI—and embrace imperfection. The 3 reasons why I regret never building a website for my business When a potential client asks for your website and you don't have one, I discovered (the hard way) that three things tend to happen. 01. You look unprofessional From the client’s perspective, the request to see my site was totally logical: “Send me your website so I can see if you’re a good fit.” But instead of giving them a simple, polished link, I gave them a story: “It’s under construction…,” “We’re updating it right now…,” “I’m in the middle of a rebrand…” Of course, none of those were true. And even if the client didn’t call me out on it, I knew. That gap between the professional I claimed to be and the fact that I didn’t have an online presence was exhausting. I didn’t just look less professional—I felt less professional. 02. You create more work for yourself Because when you don’t have a website and someone asks, “Can I see some examples of your work?”...what do you do? You open a blank slide deck or PDF. Dig through old files to find “good enough” samples. Design a mini-portfolio from scratch. Export. Attach. Send. Pray. I would spend hours creating custom PDFs for potential clients—every single time—rather than having a single link that did the job for me while I got on with something else. And the irony? I wanted to appear modern and innovative. Instead, I was sending giant PDF attachments that felt like they arrived by carrier pigeon. 03. You make it harder for clients to choose you A good website doesn’t magically make you talented. But it does make it easier for people to say “yes” to you. Indeed, a whopping 81% of consumers say that “it’s important” for a business to have a branded website . Not having a website added friction to my prospect’s decision-making process. Instead of a clean, quick, “Here’s my site—you’ll find everything you need there,” I sent patched-together materials that didn’t feel consistent, polished or easy to browse. I made potential clients work harder to figure out if I was right for them. And some of them just…didn’t. Read also: 15 benefits of a website for your business (+5 for you) Do I really need a website? How hard is it to make a website? The excuses that kept me stuck for five years You’re probably wondering how I managed to avoid building a website for half a decade while literally helping other businesses with their content and design. Easy. I told myself very convincing stories. These stories became the foundation of why I regret never building a website for my business. Maybe you’ll recognize one (or all) of them. "I don't actually need a website" “I already have enough clients.” “Everything comes from word-of-mouth.” “I’m doing fine without it.” On paper, that sounded smart and pragmatic. In reality, it kept my business small. I had no digital home. No place for people to find me if they were referred by a friend. No way to curate my best work and show what I actually wanted to do more of. "A website is too much commitment" “If I build a website, I’ll have to maintain it.” “I’ll never have time to update it.” “It will just become another thing on my to-do list.” So instead of one living, editable website, I ended up creating 57 different files that had to be exported manually for every single client. They had names like: “Portfolio_final_NEW_reallyfinal.pdf” “Portfolio_for_Alex_June_version.pptx” Now, tell me which option sounds more exhausting. If cost is holding you back, Wix offers affordable plans that fit most small business budgets. "What if it comes out bad?" This one hit hard: “What if I build a site… and it’s not good enough? What if people judge me?” So I avoided the hypothetical embarrassment of an imperfect website, and chose the very real embarrassment of having no website. Perfectionism is sneaky like that—it convinces you that doing nothing is safer than doing something imperfectly. "I don't even know where to start" I started comparing the best website builders , like Wix vs. Squarespace and Wix vs. Shopify . I read articles, scrolled through comments and “expert” opinions. Ten tabs became 20. Research became avoidance. Everything felt like a risk: “What if I choose the wrong platform?” “What if I hate the design later?” Spoiler: the real risk was never choosing at all. Related: How to choose a website builder The hypocrisy: I told my clients the exact opposite Here’s where it gets funny (depending on whether you like your humor dark). When my clients—most of them small business owners like me—hesitated about their branding or presentations, I was quick to give them pep talks, like: “Small businesses take branding way too seriously.” “You don’t need perfection to move forward.” “No one is going to remember if you change it next month.” I truly believed what I was saying. I’d tell them, “You’re not Nike. If Nike changes its logo tomorrow, the world will know about it. If you change your logo tomorrow, most people won’t even notice—and that’s your superpower.” I’d remind them that small businesses have a secret advantage: You can move fast. You can experiment. You can change direction quietly, without a PR crisis. I wore my “business coach” mask with pride, helping hesitant clients make decisions and launch imperfect things into the world. And yet, I absolutely refused to take my own advice. It was the classic cliché of the shoemaker’s children going barefoot—in action. So here's my advice to you (that I wish I'd taken) If you’re a freelancer, a small studio, a creator, a coach or any kind of small business owner without a website, here’s my honest suggestion: Start. Today. And use a template. Not “one day when things slow down.” Not “after I finish this big project.” Not “once I figure out my entire brand strategy.” Just start. And here’s how. Pick a template that feels "good enough" Your template doesn’t have to be perfect. Nor does it have to be the purest expression of your soul. It can just have a layout you like or a structure that fits your business and the content you want to include. That’s it. Wix offers free website templates for small businesses that are already 80% of the way there. Your job is to fill in the last 20%, not to reinvent the entire internet. Beat the paradox of choice and discover how to choose a template with Wix . Get started on your business website with this designer and art director template . Explore other free website templates: Portfolio website templates Personal website templates Landing pages website templates Most popular website templates Accept that the first version is not the final version Remember, your first website is not a monument; it’s a draft. You will change it. You should change it. That’s the point. Once your site is live and real people interact with it, you’ll suddenly see everything more clearly, like: Which services you actually want to highlight What clients keep asking you about What’s missing from your messaging Which visuals feel “right” and which feel off You don’t discover your brand in a notebook. You discover it by publishing, watching, learning and adjusting. Want to understand what’s working and what’s not? Wix Analytics lets you track the performance of your website and make decisions backed by data. Let your website work for you Imagine this version of your sales process: Potential client: “Can you send me something to look at?” You: “Sure—here’s my website. You’ll find examples, pricing and a bit about how I work.” Done. No more late-night PDF design sessions. No more lies about “under construction.” No more feeling like your online presence doesn’t match your offline talent. Instead, your website becomes your assistant: It pre-answers basic questions. It shows your best work. It signals professionalism before you say a word. Related reading: How to plan a website How much does a website cost? A tiny challenge for the next 24 hours If you’ve read this far, I’m going to assume you probably do need a nudge. So here it is, I challenge you to take these three steps. In the next 24 hours, write three simple sentences: - Who you are - What you do - Who you do it for Pick one template that feels close enough. Or use a free AI website builder to get your basic site structure down. But don’t overthink it. Create a one-page site with: - Your three sentences - One photo or visual (The Wix AI image creator lets you generate a custom image in seconds) - One way to contact you (form, email, or booking link) That’s it. That’s your starting line. In three months, you can revisit, expand, refine, redesign—whatever you want. But at least you’ll have something real to iterate on. After all, some of the best business websites are still a work in progress. I spent five years being “the professional with no website,” drowning in excuses, PDFs and lies. You don’t have to do that. Nor do you have to know everything about how to create a website or how to make a business website . Use a template or AI. Customize it. Click publish. Let future-you be embarrassed—not because you had no website, but because your first site was so simple compared to how far you’ve come. That’s the kind of embarrassment worth aiming for. Read also: How long does it take to build a website? No more ‘no website’ excuses Hearing those voices again about why you shouldn’t build your own website? Here’s how to respond when the volume gets too loud. Voice Solution "What if I choose the wrong platform?" Run a free trial with a few top website builders. See which one feels the most intuitive and best fits your needs. " I don’t have time for this." Block out just a few hours. With a good template, you can get a simple, professional site up and running faster than you think. "I’m not a designer." You don’t have to be. Pick a pre-designed template that looks good enough for now and make it your own with your text and images. Or use an AI website builder and get a site built with just a few prompts. " It’s too expensive." Start with a free plan. Many website builders offer solid free versions, and you can always upgrade later as your business grows. "My business is based on word-of-mouth." That’s great. But a website gives those referrals a place to land and learn more about your business. "What if I build it and no one comes?" Your website is a tool, not a magic wand. Share it on your social media, in your email signature and on your business cards. Why I regret never building a website for my business: FAQ What's the biggest regret people have about not building a website sooner? Many entrepreneurs regret missing out on new customers. Without a website, people searching for your services online can't find you, which means they find your competitors instead. It’s a missed opportunity to grow and connect with people who are ready to buy. Can a business really succeed today without a website? While some businesses rely on word-of-mouth, not having a website puts a cap on your growth. A site works for you 24/7, answering questions, collecting leads and building trust even when you're not working. Regretting a late start is common because a website makes it much easier to attract new clients and look professional. How much does not having a website really cost my business? In short, the costs are high. You lose credibility when potential customers can't find you online. You miss out on leads from search engines and social media. And you spend more time answering basic questions that a website could handle for you. Many business owners look back and see how much growth they sacrificed by waiting. I regret not having a portfolio to show potential clients. How can a website fix this? A website is the perfect place to create a gallery of your best work. You can display photos, case studies, and testimonials that build confidence in your skills. It gives potential clients a clear and immediate sense of your quality and style, helping you win more projects. Which business needs a website the most? Any business that relies on customers finding them online, such as service providers, retailers and consultants, needs a website the most. It’s essential for visibility and credibility. Is it too late to build a website if I already regret waiting so long? Absolutely not. The best time to start was yesterday, but the next best time is right now. Creating a website is faster and more affordable than ever. You can get a simple one-page site live today and build on it as your business grows. The sooner you start, the sooner you can stop regretting and start growing.
- How to buy a domain from Wix
Get started by: Creating a website → | Getting a domain → Buying a domain from Wix is a straightforward process that you can do entirely online, allowing you to create a website without hassle. Whether you’re looking to purchase your first domain or switch from another platform, Wix offers tools and features designed to simplify the process. Wix as a domain registrar (for .com and .net extensions) and as a reseller for all the rest, provides an integrated platform to register and manage your domain seamlessly. Here’s everything you need to know about how to register a domain name through Wix. New to domains? Learn about what is a domain and what’s the easiest way to get a domain . Your domain is more than just a web address; it’s the first impression of your online brand. With Wix, finding the perfect domain name is easy. Wix helps you secure the name for your business, blog, portfolio or any online presence, so you can focus on bringing your project to life. Ready to claim yours? TL;DR: How to buy a domain from Wix Here’s what you need to know about how to buy a domain name from Wix, plus how it helps you get started online with confidence. Step / Feature What to expect Search for availability Find the perfect name using Wix’s search tool Choose your domain Pick a name that represents your brand or project Complete your purchase Register your domain, pick your term and pay securely Connect automatically Domain connects to your Wix site without extra setup Privacy protection Option to keep your contact info private (WHOIS privacy) Easy renewal Manage or auto-renew domains right from your Wix dashboard Support 24/7 help available if you have questions along the way Why buy a domain from Wix? Purchasing a domain through Wix seamlessly integrates with your website, giving you everything you need in one place. Wix Domains provides private registration for enhanced security, helping protect your personal information. When you buy a domain directly from Wix, you also get easy domain management tools to update records or renew your domain. Wix simplifies the process if you are learning how to make a website for the first time, offering an all-in-one website builder without the need to juggle multiple platforms. Plus, Wix ensures a smooth and user-friendly experience for managing your website and domain in one centralized location. Expert tip from Ofir Gvili, domains PMM at Wix: “When you buy your domain through Wix, you’re not just getting a name, you’re getting peace of mind. It comes with security, reliability and smooth integration, so your brand can shine without extra work.” How to buy a domain from Wix in 3 steps Check for domain availability Choose the right domain Complete your purchase 01. Check for domain availability The first step to buying a domain from Wix is making sure your desired name is available. To do this, log into your Wix account , go to the Domains page and use the domain name search bar to type in the name you want. Wix will process your input and show you whether the domain is available. If your preferred name is taken, don’t worry—Wix provides alternative domain suggestions to help you find the perfect match. Try our domain name generator to find the perfect name for your website. 02. Choose the right domain Once you find an available domain, you can choose one that best fits your brand or project. When choosing a domain name , consider the following tips for an impactful and memorable name: Keep it short and simple—long or overly complex domains are harder to remember. Use relevant keywords to clarify your niche or business type. For example, if you’re a photographer, you might incorporate the word “studio” or “photo” in your domain. Avoid numbers, hyphens or uncommon spellings, as they can cause confusion. First time choosing a domain? Check out our guide to domain extensions for tips or see what 23 business owners consider their worst domain naming mistakes . 03. Complete your purchase Once you’ve selected a domain, Wix will guide you through the checkout process. You’ll need to choose the registration period (typically one to ten years) and whether to add features such as private registration (more on this below). After configuring these options, proceed to payment and your domain will be officially registered. Wix accepts multiple payment methods, making it easy to finalize your purchase. And here’s a bonus—if you’re on an eligible Wix premium plan , you might get your first year of domain registration for free. Discover how Wix offers free domains , and start building your website today. Setting up your new Wix domain Connecting your domain to your site Once your domain is registered, it’s time to connect it to your Wix website. The process is automatic if you purchased the domain through Wix. Your domain will be synced with your site, removing the need to manually update DNS settings. If you need to connect a Wix domain to another website or service, you can update your DNS records via the Domains page in your Wix account. Expert tip from Ofir Gvili, domains PMM at Wix: “With Wix, securing your custom domain is simple and seamless. In just a few clicks, you’ll have a professional address that makes your brand look established from day one.” Activating privacy protection Privacy protection is a crucial consideration when buying a domain. When you register a domain, your personal details (like your name, email and phone number) are publicly available through the WHOIS database. Wix Domains allows you to activate private registration as an additional layer of website security . Read more: What is domain privacy ? To enable this feature, you can select it during your domain purchase or add it later through your Domains page. This simple step keeps your personal details private, while reducing spam and unwanted contact. Renewing your domain Your registration comes with a domain expiration date, typically set one to three years from the purchase date, depending on your chosen term. Wix Domains makes it easy to renew your domain, either manually or through auto-renewal. Enabling auto-renewal ensures you won’t accidentally lose your domain because of an expired registration. You can manage your renewal settings from your Wix account, where you’ll also find reminders and renewal updates. Wix domain pricing Buying a domain on Wix is designed to be flexible, so you can choose what works best for your project and budget. Domain pricing depends on your chosen extension (like .com , .net , .org or specialty TLDs ) and the registration period, which usually ranges from one to three years. Most standard domain extensions start at around $14.95 to $24.85 per year, but prices can vary if you select less common or premium domain names. Many creators appreciate the annual renewal option, but you can also purchase multiple years in advance for added convenience. If you sign up for a Wix plan, you will get a free domain for the first year. Learn more: How to get a free domain name How much does a domain name cost? What is Wix domains ? If you want extra features like privat e registration (to keep your information off public records), look for that add-on during checkout for a small additional cost. You’ll see all prices and options clearly before you make your purchase, so there are no surprises. *Editor's note: Plans and pricing are current at the time of this writing. They are subject to change at any time. Exploring Wix domain features One platform for all your needs With Wix, your domain integrates with your website seamlessly, but there’s more to it. You can also create branded business email addresses using Google Suite, like info@yourdomain.com , to establish strong brand identity and give your business a polished look. Additionally, all domain settings—like DNS record management—are easy to control directly from your Wix dashboard, where Wix simplifies domain name management for users. Scalability and support Wix domains are scaled for businesses and creators of all sizes. Whether you’re starting a blog or expanding an online store , the process is simple enough for beginners, yet robust enough for seasoned entrepreneurs. And if you encounter any bumps along the way, Wix provides 24/7 customer support to help you out. 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. Ready to get a website domain name ? Get started with Wix today. How to buy a domain name from Wix FAQ Do I need a Wix Premium Plan to buy a Wix domain? No, you can purchase a Wix domain without a Premium Plan. However, a Premium Plan is required to connect the domain to your Wix website. Can I buy a domain from Wix and connect it to a site on another platform? Yes, it’s possible. You’ll need to manually configure your domain’s DNS settings in your Wix account to point it to the external site. What happens if my Wix domain registration expires? If your domain registration expires, Wix provides a grace period where you can renew it before it becomes available to others. Be sure to check your renewal notifications or enable auto-renewal to avoid losing your domain. Does Wix offer refunds for domain purchases? Wix doesn’t typically provide refunds for domain registrations, as they are processed immediately. Make sure you’re sure about your domain choice before completing the purchase.
- 9 professional consulting websites to inspire your own
Get started by: Creating a website → | Getting a domain → ten When thinking about consulting websites, you should see them as your shot to make a strong first impression. It’s m ore than just about looking professional—it’s about building trust, sharing your expertise and turning curious visitors into loyal clients. Using a website builder makes it easy to build a website that ticks all the boxes. Rebecca Tomasis, blog SEO team lead at Wix, puts it perfectly: “A great consulting website should guide your website visitors through a journey of discovering your services all the way to taking action. If you want to learn how to make a website that truly reflects your consulting business, it all begins with knowing your audience and presenting your expertise in a way that feels effortless and inviting.” Not sure where to start or just looking for some design inspo? We’ve handpicked nine of the best consulting websites built on Wix, categorized by consulting niches to make things easy. These sites aren’t just smart and effective, they’re full of creative ideas you can use on your own consulting site. Each example comes with tips for Wix experts to help you create a website that feels right for you and your consulting business. Discover how to make a consulting website in minutes using an AI website builder . TL;DR: consulting website examples We’ve put together these inspiring consulting website examples that really get what it means to look professional and approachable online. Your website is often the first impression potential clients get, so it has to communicate your expertise clearly while making visitors feel confident and welcome. These sites show how you can strike that perfect balance: clean design that feels polished but not stuffy, messaging that’s clear without jargon and easy navigation that helps people find what they need fast. Plus, they include smart features that encourage visitors to reach out and start a conversation. Here’s what we looked for when choosing the examples: Clear value propositions that tell visitors exactly what you do, and why it matters to them. Designs that build trust with professional yet friendly visuals. Navigation that’s intuitive, so visitors don’t get lost or frustrated. Strong calls to action that make it easy to get in touch or learn more. Content that’s focused on helping clients, like case studies, testimonials and service overviews. What makes a great consulting website Feature Why it matters Clear value proposition Grabs attention fast and keeps people interested Professional design Shows you know your stuff and builds confidence Easy navigation Keeps visitors on your site longer and reduces frustration Strong CTAs Makes it easy to connect and turn visitors into clients Client-focused content Builds social proof and helps visitors feel confident Trust signals Adds credibility and sets you apart from competitors Responsive design Makes sure no one misses out no matter how they visit Contact & lead capture Makes reaching out hassle-free and boosts leads Educational resources Shows you’re an expert and keeps visitors coming back What each example brings to the table: Tailored messaging for different consulting specialties, whether it’s marketing, IT, finance or management. Clean layouts and modern fonts that make reading a breeze. Trust signals like client logos, certifications and glowing reviews. Helpful features like contact forms, newsletter sign-ups and resources you can download. 9 consulting website examples Empowered Artist: Entertainment Consultants The Bruin Group: Startup Consulting Shadé Zahrai: Professional Consulting MK Palmore: Management Consulting S Kaba Consulting: Pharmaceutical Development Consulting Bridge Investment Group: Real Estate Consulting Aristotle Performance: Psychology Safety Consulting Blue Force: U.S. Government Consulting Consultants for Good (C4G): Nonprofit Consulting 01. Empowered Artist: Entertainment Consultants Empowered Artist 's website is a masterclass in niche branding. Created by entertainment industry consultant Jenny Langer, the site blends personality with professionalism to connect with independent artists looking to grow their careers. Why it works: Clear, relatable messaging: The tagline, “Elevate your skills and brand as an independent artist,” speaks directly to its audience. Straightforward pricing: Clearly labeled services help potential clients make informed decisions. Authentic storytelling: Jenny’s personal experience as an industry expert makes the content engaging and trustworthy. What our experts say: "Empowered Artist’s website nails the balance between personal and professional with its bold branding and crystal-clear messaging. Every detail, from the friendly tagline to upfront pricing, reflects Jenny Langer’s expertise and makes visitors feel instantly at ease. It’s a standout example for consultants who want to build trust and keep things engaging." - Rebecca Tomasis, blog SEO team lead at Wix 02. The Bruin Group: Startup Consulting The Bruin Group takes us in a unique approach by focusing on student-led consultants made up of UCLA undergraduate students dedicated to providing pro bono advisory services across industries like technology, healthcare and even fashion. Their website highlights their mission to equip students with real-world consulting experience while delivering high-quality strategic insights to clients. By combining academic excellence with hands-on industry engagement, this type of website not only supports businesses but also empowers the next generation of consultants. Why it works: Student-driven expertise: The site showcases the talent and dedication of UCLA undergraduates, positioning them as capable, driven consultants. Diverse industry reach: From tech to fashion, the firm’s broad client base highlights its adaptability and willingness to take on complex challenges. Commitment to impact: By offering pro bono services, The Bruin Group demonstrates a strong commitment to learning, mentorship and real-world problem-solving. What our experts say: "The Bruin Group’s website proves that students can make a real impact through consulting. With a mix of sharp academic insight, hands-on industry experience and a passion for pro bono projects, they show how young professionals can start shaping the business world long before graduation." – Chaya Arbiv, SEO blog expert at Wix 03. Shadé Zahrai: Professional Consulting Shadé Zahrai , an award-winning leadership strategist and peak performance educator, uses her website to immediately connect with visitors. The homepage opens with a warm, “Hi, I’m Shadé,” followed by a concise and powerful mission statement. For anyone looking to start a blog or wondering how to start a blog effectively, Shadé’s approach is a shining example. Her impressive credentials—Harvard training, global influencer reaching over 4 million learners and collaboration with major brands like Procter & Gamble and Deloitte—are prominently featured. Client testimonials and industry accolades further establish trust, positioning Shadé as a top-tier consultant. The site’s design is just as polished, with clean typography , a modern layout and high-quality imagery that reflect both authority and approachability. Why it works: Strong personal branding: The friendly introduction combined with high-profile credentials makes the site engaging and credible. Trust-building content: Testimonials from global brands and clear proof of expertise reinforce her authority. Professional design: A clean layout, strategic typography and premium visuals create a polished, high-impact experience. What our experts say: "Shadé Zahrai’s website effortlessly combines a welcoming vibe with rock-solid credibility. From the warm intro to the thoughtful testimonials, every detail builds trust and showcases her expertise. It’s proof that consultants can create a site that's both personal and professional. " – Sharon Hafuta, SEO blog editor at Wix 04. MK Palmore: Management Consulting MK Palmore's website grabs your attention with its bold, modern design and sharp focus on leadership development and cybersecurity. The homepage features a striking black background and dynamic animations, capturing the complexity of the field MK navigates so confidently through his keynotes and thought leadership. Built using a powerful website template , the site blends style and functionality, making it easy to explore his background, speaking engagements and published work. From the first click, MK’s authority in his industry is undeniable. Visitors can quickly access his book and newsletter, keeping his audience engaged even after the last slide of his talks. His three standout presentations—Zone Leadership for the Professional, Leadership for Youngsters, and The Cybersecurity Challenge—showcase how he connects with professionals at every career stage. Why it works: Striking visual design: The bold animations and dark aesthetic create a strong, memorable first impression. Clear thought leadership: The homepage effectively showcases MK’s expertise, from his keynote topics to his published work. Engagement-driven content: With a newsletter, book and speaking highlights, the site offers multiple ways for visitors to stay connected. What our experts say: "MK Palmore’s website shows how smart design and thoughtful content can work together to build trust and authority. The bold visuals draw you in, while the clear, organized layout keeps you hooked. It’s a great example of how consultants can create a site that feels both professional and engaging." – Sharon Hafuta, SEO blog editor at Wix Related reading: How to start a service business 05. S Kaba Consulting: Pharmaceutical Development Consulting S Kaba Consulting’s website utilizes a two-column banner on the top fold, dividing introductory text on the left with a video loop on the right. The site does an excellent job of highlighting key information using short bullets and paragraphs, providing vital facts in a way that doesn’t confuse or overwhelm visitors. There are multiple Get in Touch buttons featured throughout the page, while a contact form strategically sits at the bottom of the homepage. By providing multiple opportunities to reach out to the company, S Kaba emphasizes the importance of building strong communica tion with clients. Why it works: Clean, organized layout : The two-column design keeps the homepage visually engaging while delivering essential information efficiently. Effective call-to-action strategy : Multiple “Get in Touch” buttons and a contact form encourage client interaction. Balanced use of media : A looping video adds visual interest without distracting from the site’s messaging. What our experts say: "S Kaba Consulting’s website strikes the perfect balance between approachable and professional. Its clear messaging, bold visuals and well-placed engagement options make it easy for visitors to feel informed and connected. It’s a great example of how a consulting site can build trust and spark client relationships." – Chaya Arbiv, SEO blog expert at Wix 06. Bridge Investment Group Contrast can be a powerful way to ramp up your website design, and that's exactly what we see on Bridge Investment Group 's site. Black segments are used to break up the traditional white background and provide variation in color, allowing the text and images to truly pop. Hints of lime green and turquoise add to the contrast, which are used sparingly to highlight headers and buttons. A moving background image on the top fold also differentiates the consulting website’s sleek and modern design, helping the website truly stand out from the crowd. Why it works: Strategic use of contrast: Black and white sections create a sophisticated, high-impact design. Subtle, effective color accents: Lime green and turquoise elements highlight key information without overwhelming the aesthetic. Engaging visual elements: The moving background adds depth and modernity, ensuring a memorable first impression. What our experts say: "Bridge Investment Group’s website shows how contrast and movement can completely transform a consulting brand’s site. With bold color choices and dynamic visuals, it delivers a polished, eye-catching experience that keeps visitors engaged." – Rebecca Tomasis, blog SEO team lead at Wix Build your dream site today with the best real estate website builders . 07. Aristotle Performance: Psychology Safety Consulting Specializing in psychological safety certification and training, the site is structured to clearly communicate expertise while maintaining a welcoming, user-friendly feel. Aristotle Performance shines in how it divides its services. Categories like "Courageous Leadership" and "Executive Sessions" are descriptive, helping potential clients understand their value without unnecessary jargon. The homepage also builds credibility by displaying client logos—like Pepsi—and focusing on industry awards, reinforcing their authority in its field. Why it works: Clear service descriptions: Simple, jargon-free explanations make offerings easy to understand. Trust-building elements: Client logos and awards establish credibility and expertise. Professional design: The website maintains a balance between authority and approachability. What our experts say: "Aristotle Performance’s website gets it just right for the consulting world. Clear messaging, trust-building details and a super easy-to-use design come together to create a site that’s both professional and welcoming—exactly what clients want." – Sharon Hafuta, SEO blog editor at Wix 08. Blue Force: U.S. Government Consulting Blue Force’s website is a great place to go if you’re looking for modern logo design ideas . Shades of blue and white coordinate seamlessly to create a powerful emblem that reflects the mission of the company: to consult with the US government to improve Air Force operations. "Blue Force" is also written in a futuristic font reminiscent of outer space, while multiple arrows cascade upwards behind it. The elements combine to provide a feeling of strength and valor that transcends throughout the site. Why it works: Cohesive branding: The blue-and-white color scheme reflects trust, authority, and the company's Air Force connection. Mission-aligned typography: The font choice and upward-moving arrows symbolize innovation and progress. Strong visual identity: Every design element works together to communicate power, precision, and purpose. What our experts say: "Blue Force’s website nails brand consistency like no other. From the bold color palette to the sleek, futuristic typography, it all works together to create a site that feels confident. It’s the perfect example of how thoughtful design can bring a company’s mission to life." – Rebecca Tomasis, blog SEO team lead at Wix Design your brand's identity effortlessly with our easy-to-use logo maker . 09. Consultants for Good (C4G): Nonprofit Consulting The Consultants for Good (C4G) website excels at creating a sense of community, specifically tailored to mission-driven consultants and nonprofit professionals. The site’s layout is clean and features straightforward navigation, which makes finding information easy for first-time visitors. The thoughtful use of white space and a well-organized structure ensures the content doesn’t feel overwhelming. A crucial feature that sets C4G apart is its emphasis on community. Testimonials from and pictures of current members provide social proof while highlighting shared struggles and successes. Potential members know exactly what to expect—access to collaborative networks, advice and professional growth. The website also reinforces this through its commitment to values like diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ). Why it works: Community-centric design: Testimonials and member photos create an inviting, trust-building atmosphere. Clear and simple navigation: The well-structured layout ensures a smooth user experience. Mission-driven messaging: A strong focus on DEIJ values resonates with nonprofit professionals and consultants alike. What our experts say: "The Consultants for Good website is a great example of building a space where community connection thrives. With a clean layout, strong trust signals and a clear mission, it invites visitors to come together and collaborate for a greater purpose." - Sharon Hafuta, SEO blog editor at Wix Create a bigger impact with the best website builders for nonprofits today. How to build a consulting website Before you browse through our list, check out these general tips for building an effective consulting website of your own with the help of the best website builders for consultants . Or get inspired by how Nicole Michler used her consulting website to launch a new career coaching business . Pick a consulting website template that conveys the right message about your service. Each Wix template is designed to meet the needs of a specific consulting business idea , whether that’s in the medical, financial or marketing field. Know your type of website and choose your template accordingly. Choose a domain name that’s unique yet simple to remember. Choose a free website hosting provider, too. Next, explore this list of consulting business name ideas for inspiration. Add an "About" page to describe your company and what services it provides to clients. Use impactful CTAs that are visible to site users and can take them to the next step. Maintain your website by updating web content, improving your marketing strategies and enhancing your SEO features . Use Wix Bookings features to make managing your calendar a breeze. You'll need to set yourself apart with creative business web design , professional appeal and a stellar user experience, no matter what type of business you pursue. We also recommend using a consulting company name generator to really get a name that represents your brand. Haven't started your consulting journey yet? Start by learning how to start a consulting business . Find the perfect domain for your consulting business with a quick domain name search or a creative domain name generator . Essential features of a consulting website Looking to create your own consulting website? No matter if you're building your site with a lawyer website template , a financial layout or a business consulting design, there are a few important pages and design features ,as part of planning a website , to consider before starting. There are a few important pages and design features ,as part of planning a website , to consider before starting. Your homepage : This is many people's first point of contact with your brand and business, so make it count. It should contain clear information about what you do and include clear website navigation to all the other parts of your site. Don't forget to include a clear call-to-action on your homepage, whether its to contact you or direct lead gen. About page: Here is where you can continue the story of who you are and what you do. This is an important page to tell your story and business history, while laying out some of the brand values that are important to you. Services page/s: As a consulting business these are an essential part of your consulting website design. These should include your full range of services, what each includes and examples of past projects you've worked on related to each of your services. Including pricing depends on your type of business, if you have a set fee you can, or if your prices are customized—so you can avoid it. Case studies and testimonials: Show previous projects you've completed, including the precise services involved and your role in making impact with your consulting. Testimonials are a great way to build trust with new customers and clients. Contact page: Make sure people can contact you, either to ask questions about your services or to express their interest. Adding a contact us page or several ways for clients to get hold of you is the best way to go about building solid communication with prospective clients. When choosing a website builder for your consulting website, make sure to choose one with robust web infrastructure —this means advanced site security and website performance . Discover everything you need to know about the best website builders: Best website builders for law firms Best website builder for small business Best AI website builder Best one-page website builders Free website builders Cheap website builder Personal website builders Best hotel website builders Best website builders for freelancers Website builders for service businesses Membership website builders Best website builders for SEO Traditional vs AI website builder Best booking website builders Located in Canada? Check out the best website builders Canada Best consulting websites FAQ If I want to build a consulting website for my small business agency where should I start? Depending on your budget you should start with a website builder. You can design and create a great, functional business site efficiently - with enterprise grade web infrastructure, such as hosting, domain name and security included. Learn more: What is a domain ? What are some web design tips for consulting websites? For consulting websites, go for a clean and professional design. Use a simple, intuitive layout with easy navigation. Highlight your services and expertise with concise, quality content and clear calls-to-action. Always incorporate client testimonials and case studies for credibility. What should a consulting website look like? A consulting website should have a clean, professional and modern design that builds credibility and attracts potential clients. It should feature a minimalist layout, high-quality images and a color scheme that reflects the brand's identity. Clear navigation, strong call-to-action (CTA) buttons and trust elements (such as testimonials and case studies) are essential. The website should also be mobile-friendly and optimized for fast loading speeds. What is a consultancy website? A consultancy website is an online platform for a consulting firm or independent consultant to showcase services, expertise and client solutions. It typically includes information about the firm’s industry focus, case studies, team members and ways to contact or hire their services. Many consultancy websites also feature blogs, whitepapers or resources to demonstrate thought leadership in their field. Who are the Big 3 consultants? The Big 3 consulting firms, also known as MBB, are McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Bain & Company. These firms are considered the most prestigious in management consulting, advising top corporations and governments worldwide. They specialize in strategy, operations, digital transformation and other high-level business challenges.
- 9 mouth-watering restaurant and bar websites
Bring your inspiration to life with a Wix website → Nowadays people are increasingly turning to the internet to decide where to eat their dinner and get their drinks. They’re looking for the hottest places in blogs, the spots with the top ratings and reviews on j ackso, and the venues that are trending in their social circles. So if your bar or restaurant isn’t active on Facebook, Twitter, Yelp and Google Local, or if you still don’t have an awesome Wix website , then it’s high time you got on top of that. To give you a little inspiration and help you get started, we’ve put together a collection of great-looking bar and restaurant websites . Looking forward to seeing yours! Need inspiration for your website? With Wix, building a standout site is easier than ever. Choose from hundreds of customizable templates and use Wix’s easy drag-and-drop website builder tools to make your vision come to life. Turn your ideas into reality and see just how simple it is to create a unique, professional website. To inspire you, we’ve hand-picked these standout examples to help you create one of the best restaurant and bar websites with Wix. Whether you’re opening a new spot or giving your existing brand a digital refresh, explore the smart design features and creative touches that make these best websites truly shine—then use them as inspiration for your own site. The Pickle Jar >> Brick Yard NYC >> Sofer >> Napa on Providence >> Aglio Olio >> Chiles Grill >> Rodos Bar Baltimore >> Jackson’s Food + Drink >> Stogies Cigar Bar >> Over to you What’s your favorite out of this bunch? Did we miss a site that you think should have been included? Let us know in the comments below! Looking to grow your bar's online presence? Learn: How to make a bar website How to create a winery website Winery websites
- Your complete guide to domain brokers
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain → Domain brokers are the professionals who specialize in the buying and selling of domain names. They have the expertise and networks to help you buy a domain for your business or sell one that you own. Whether you're looking for a specific domain that's already taken or trying to find a buyer for one you no longer need, a domain broker can be your guide through this complex process. Ready to get started? Use Wix to create a website and put your perfect domain to work for your business today. What’s the role of a domain broker? Domain brokers offer a range of services, from searching for domains that meet your criteria to negotiating prices with sellers. They handle the details so you don't have to. They also act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, ensuring that both parties are satisfied with the deal. This includes handling offers, counteroffers and sometimes even disputes. Using a domain broker service can save you time and help avoid potential pitfalls in buying or selling domains. With their knowledge of market values and negotiation skills, they can also help ensure that you're getting the best possible deal. Learn more: How to choose a domain name How to register a domain name I have a domain name, now what How to check your domain worth How do domain brokers make money? By playing a pivotal role in the buying and selling of domain names. Domain brokering is not just about facilitating transactions; it's also about understanding the value of domain names. Like any market, the domain name market operates on supply and demand. Rare or highly desirable domain names can sell for substantial amounts, sometimes even millions of dollars. Knowledgeable investors can profit from buying domains at a lower price and selling them when their value increases. Often businesses will pay a premium for a domain that aligns perfectly with their branding or marketing strategy. For example, CarInsurance.com marked a significant milestone when it was auctioned off to QuinnStreet for a record-breaking price of $49.7 million in 2019. Most domain brokers earn their income through commissions, meaning they receive a percentage of the sale price when they successfully match a buyer with a seller. Some brokers also offer additional services such as domain appraisals, advice on domain investment and portfolio management, which can provide them with other revenue streams. The commission-based structure of domain broker services means that brokers are motivated to secure the best possible deal for both buyers and sellers. Their success is directly tied to the satisfaction and financial outcomes of their clients. Learn more: Domain name cost Most expensive domain names How much does a domain name cost How domain brokers work Navigating the domain market can be daunting, especially if you’re looking for a specific or premium domain name but domain brokers streamline the process. They bridge the gap between having a domain name in mind and making it legally yours, or converting it into cash. Here are some of the typical steps a domain broker takes to facilitate a transaction. Initial consultation : You'll start by discussing your needs with the broker. If you're buying, you'll talk about what kind of domain you're looking for. If selling, you'll want an appraisal of your domain's value. Domain appraisal: The broker evaluates the domain's worth based on various factors such as keyword relevance, branding and historical sales data. This is especially important for dropped domains . Market research: They search for available domains or potential buyers, depending on which side of the transaction you're on. Negotiation: The broker then enters into negotiations on your behalf, using their expertise to argue for the best price. Payment facilitation: Once both parties agree on a price, the broker helps facilitate payment and transfer of the domain name. Learn more: What is a domain name ? Who might use a domain broker? The world of domain brokering is filled with tales of savvy negotiations and strategic acquisitions. Some potential use cases include: A company was able to acquire a domain that perfectly matched their new brand identity, thanks to a broker who negotiated a deal with a domain investor. A tech startup secured a short, memorable domain, giving them an edge in their marketing efforts and brand recall. An individual who invested in domain names early sold a premium domain at a significant profit with the help of an experienced broker. It’s also worth considering the option, which many businesses choose, to register your domain name yourself. With Wix, you can brainstorm and search different domain name options via domain name generator. You can also check its availability, with a domain name searc h and price in the same place. Once you choose and register your domain name with Wix, it’s automatically connected to your Wix site. How to choose the right domain broker Choosing the right domain broker can make a significant difference in the outcome of your domain transactions. With numerous brokers available, it's crucial to evaluate each one based When looking for the best domain broker, consider these factors: Their track record : A broker's history of successful transactions can be a reliable indicator of their expertise and reliability. Any fees: Understand how the broker structures their fees. Some may charge a flat rate, while others work on a commission basis. The services offered: Look for brokers who provide comprehensive services, including appraisals, negotiations and secure transfer processes. Secure payments: Ensure that the broker has a system in place for secure financial transactions to protect both buyers and sellers. Domain brokers FAQ Can a domain broker guarantee the acquisition of any domain? Brokers are generally very skilled negotiators but they can't guarantee the purchase of a domain if the current owner is unwilling to sell. All domain brokers charge exorbitant fees? Not necessarily and the truth is that fees vary widely in the industry. Some brokers may charge a flat rate, while others take a commission based on the sale price. Are domain brokers only for premium domains? It depends and they're mainly used for high-value transactions. Most businesses are able to search, choose and buy a domain name from one of the many domain registrars offering these services.
- How to make a landscaping logo in 10 steps
As a landscaping business owner, you need to establish a distinct visual identity that sets you apart from competitors—starting by designing logo that enhances brand recognition and conveys professionalism, trustworthiness and the unique essence of your services. Your landscaping logo isn't merely a symbol, it's a visual representation of your company's ethos, values and commitment to transforming outdoor spaces. From lush gardens to pristine lawns, your logo should evoke the beauty of nature while reflecting the professionalism and innovation of your services. In this guide, we'll delve into the essential steps and strategies to learn how to make a landscaping logo that not only captures the essence of nature but also resonates with your audience, allowing you to leave a lasting impression both on- and offline. How to make a landscaping logo Define your vision Sketch initial concepts Digitalize your landscaping logo Incorporate nature-inspired elements Choose appropriate colors and typography Balance simplicity with detail Ensure versatility across platforms Solicit feedback and iterate Finalize your design Implement your logo across branding materials 01. Define your vision Before diving into the design process of making a landscaping logo, you must first define the vision for your brand. Consider the essence of your landscaping business: are you known for sustainable practices, intricate garden designs or specialized outdoor transformations? Understanding your unique selling points and target clientele helps shape the direction of your logo design, ensuring it reflects your brand identity accurately. Whether you're aiming for a modern, minimalist aesthetic or a rustic, nature-inspired look, defining your vision will allow you to set the tone for a landscaping logo that not only captures your business's essence but also resonates with your audience. 02. Sketch initial concepts Start the logo design process by sketching basic ideas that reflect your landscaping business' identity and values. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of logos , shapes and compositions, keeping in mind logo psychology —round shapes convey a sense of harmony and friendliness, while angular shapes suggest strength and professionalism. Use this phase to explore various ideas and layouts, allowing creativity to flow freely. Remember that these sketches will serve as the foundation for your landscaping logo, so embrace experimentation and innovation. 03. Digitalize your landscaping logo Once you have refined your initial concepts, it's time to digitalize your sketches using a landscaping logo maker . This user-friendly tool will guide you through the creation process, offering a range of layouts, icons, fonts and customization options to transform your ideas into a professional brand. Learn more: Background ideas Online logo makers provide a convenient and cost-effective solution for creating professional-looking logos without the need for advanced design skills or software. Embrace the flexibility of these platforms to iterate on your design until you achieve the perfect landscaping logo that captures the essence of your business. Pro tip : You can test out a few versions of your logo with AI logo generators to see what you like best. 04. Incorporate nature-inspired elements Elevate your landscaping logo by infusing it with nature-inspired elements that reflect the beauty and essence of the outdoors. Consider incorporating symbols like trees, leaves, flowers or landscapes to convey your connection to nature and the environment. These elements not only evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony but also establish a strong visual association with your landscaping business. Experiment with different shapes, textures and arrangements to create a design that resonates with your audience and effectively communicates your brand's commitment to enhancing outdoor spaces. Let nature be your guide as you craft a captivating landscaping logo that leaves a lasting impression. Scroll down to learn more about picking the right icon for your landscaping logo . 05. Choose appropriate colors and typography Selecting the right colors and typography is crucial for crafting a compelling landscaping logo. Your logo colors should be inspired by nature, such as shades of green, brown, or earth tones, to evoke feelings of tranquility and harmony - these colors resonate with clients seeking outdoor beauty and sustainability. To learn more about finding the right hues for your brand, read about the importance of color in landscaping logo design . Additionally, choose typography that complements the overall design aesthetic and reflects the professionalism of your landscaping business. When it comes to the landscaping industry, the best fonts for logos to consider are clean and legible fonts that convey reliability and trustworthiness, ensuring your logo communicates your brand identity effectively to potential clients. Striking the right balance between colors and typography enhances the visual impact of your landscaping logo. 06. Balance simplicity with detail While simplicity ensures clarity and memorability, adding subtle details can elevate the logo's visual appeal and convey the intricacies of your landscaping services. Aim for a clean and uncluttered design that incorporates elements like trees, leaves or landscapes, while avoiding unnecessary complexity. Consider using minimalist shapes and lines to convey a sense of elegance and sophistication, ensuring your logo remains timeless and versatile across different mediums. By striking the right balance, your landscaping logo effectively captures the essence of your business while making a lasting impression on clients. 07. Ensure versatility across platforms It's crucial to ensure your landscaping logo can be efficiently implemented on various platforms and mediums, remaining clear and impactful whether you're learning how to make a website , business card or signage. Be inspired by how these landscaping website examples achieve this. Consider how the logo will appear in both digital and print formats, ensuring it retains its visual integrity and readability, and simplify any intricate details that might not maintain their clarity at different sizes. Additionally, select a color scheme that translates well across different backgrounds and lighting conditions, guaranteeing consistency and effectiveness across all implementations. 08. Solicit feedback and iterate Once you have made a landscaping logo you're happy with, it's time to seek feedback from peers, clients and design professionals. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights and perspectives, helping refine your logo to better align with your brand vision and resonate with your target audience. Be open to suggestions for improvements and iterations, considering aspects like color adjustments, typography changes or overall design tweaks. Iterating based on feedback ensures your landscaping logo evolves into a polished and effective representation of your business. 09. Finalize your design After incorporating feedback and making the necessary iterations, it's time to finalize your landscaping logo design. Ensure all elements are cohesive and harmonious, reflecting the essence of your landscaping business and brand identity, and pay close attention to details such as color accuracy, typography consistency, and overall visual balance. Consider how the logo will appear across different platforms and mediums, ensuring it retains its impact and readability. Once satisfied with the final design, make any last-minute adjustments and prepare the logo files for distribution. Finalizing your design marks the culmination of the creative process, resulting in a professional and compelling landscaping logo that you can be proud of. 10. Implement your logo across branding materials With your landscaping logo finalized, it's time to integrate it across various branding materials to establish a cohesive and recognizable brand identity. Incorporate your logo on business cards , signage, vehicle decals, and uniforms to ensure consistent branding across all touchpoints. Whether online or offline, prominently display your logo to enhance brand visibility and leave a lasting impression on clients. Consistent implementation of your landscaping logo strengthens brand recognition and reinforces your professionalism in the competitive landscaping industry. Picking the right icon for your landscaping logo The icon you choose for your landscaping logo is more than just a pretty picture; it's a crucial component that communicates the essence of your business at a glance. These logo design tips will help you select an icon that plants the right image in your customers' minds. Nature: Choose icons that reflect elements commonly found in landscaping, such as trees, plants or landscapes. Relevance: Ensure the chosen icon aligns with your landscaping business's services, values and target audience. Uniqueness: Aim for an icon that stands out from what's already out there by avoiding commonly used icons and opting for distinctive imagery. Simplicity: A simple icon can be more impactful and easier to recognize at smaller sizes, which is important for various applications of your logo. Personal Touch: Modify a generic icon to include elements that reflect your brand's personality or specialty. Consistency: Ensure that the style of the icon matches the overall look and feel of your brand. Scalability: Make sure that the icon looks good and remains legible even when scaled down for use on business cards or promotional items. Modernity: Consider incorporating logo design trends to give your landscaping logo a contemporary look. The importance of color in landscaping logo design Color psychology has a profound impact on landscaping logos, influencing how clients perceive and connect with the brand. For example, green hues evoke feelings of growth, harmony and nature, making them ideal for conveying a sense of tranquility and environmental consciousness; while earthy tones may suggest stability and reliability, aligning with the industry's commitment to quality and professionalism. Green: Often associated with growth, health, and renewal, green is a natural choice for landscaping businesses. It can range from a soft sage to a vibrant lime, each shade setting a different mood. Brown: This earthy color is commonly associated with earthiness, reliability, and groundedness. In landscaping logos, it can evoke feelings of stability, durability, and authenticity, reflecting the industry's focus on natural elements and craftsmanship. Blue: Of ten associated with tru st, reliability, and professionalism, blue is a popular choice for a wide range of industries, including landscaping. It conveys a sense of stability and competence, making it suitable for businesses seeking to establish credibility and instill confidence in their services. → Learn how to make a blue logo Yellow: Symbolizing optimism, energy, and warmth, yellow is a vibrant choice for logos aiming to convey creativity and friendliness. While less common in landscaping logos, accents of yellow can add a playful touch or highlight specific aspects of a brand's personality. → Learn how to make a yellow logo Earth tones: Including shades of brown, beige, and terracotta, earth tones evoke a sense of warmth, comfort, and natural beauty. They are often used in landscaping logos to convey a connection to the land, authenticity, and a rustic charm that resonates with outdoor enthusiasts. Neutral Tones: Colors like gray, black, and white are often used as accents or background colors in landscaping logos. They provide contrast, balance, and sophistication, enhancing the overall visual appeal and ensuring the primary colors stand out effectively. → Learn how to make a black logo Landscaping logo examples Use these creative landscaping logo examples, created using Wix's logo maker tool, to draw inspiration from before you begin your logo design journey. Landscaping logo design FAQ Why is a logo important for a landscaping business? A logo serves as the visual representation of your landscaping business, conveying professionalism, creativity and the unique essence of your services. It helps establish brand identity, fosters recognition and distinguishes your business from competitors in the market. It's a crucial part of your landscaping marketing . What makes a great landscaping logo? A solid landscaping logo should be memorable and easy to recall. Keeping it simple and straightforward often makes a logo more effective and flexible across different uses. It must align with your brand identity and appeal to your target audience. And aim for a timeless design that will still look fresh years from now, not just trendy for the moment. How do I come up with a landscaping logo? Research current landscaping and design trends but ultimately aim for a classic, lasting logo. Check out your competitors' logos to ensure your logo pops and stands out. Experiment with different combinations of visuals, typography, colors and symbols until you land on the perfect fit for your brand. What elements should be included in a landscaping logo? A landscaping logo should incorporate elements that reflect the natural world, such as trees, plants, flowers or landscapes. It can also include tools commonly used in landscaping, like shovels, lawnmowers or watering cans. You can also include a landscaping slogan in your logo to convey your brand's values and mission. Can I create my own landscaping logo? Yes, you can make a landscaping business on your own even if you don't have any design experience. An online landscaping logo maker is a convenient and budget-friendly option that provides a wide range of layouts, icons and customization options; guiding users through the design process step by step. What file formats should I have for my landscaping logo? It's crucial to have your landscaping logo in various file formats to ensure compatibility across different platforms and mediums. Common file formats include vector formats (such as .ai or .eps) for scalability without loss of quality, as well as raster formats (such as .png or .jpeg) for web and digital use. If you need to create or edit these formats, use a reliable PNG maker . Additionally, having a transparent background version of your logo can facilitate seamless integration into various designs and backgrounds. How often should I update my landscaping logo? While consistency is key to building brand recognition, it's essential to periodically review your landscaping logo to ensure it remains relevant and reflects any changes in your business or industry trends. You'll need to consider a logo redesign if it no longer resonates with your target audience, appears outdated or if your business undergoes significant changes, such as rebranding or expanding services.
- Create a forum and build your own online community
Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → It's safe to say that forums have existed since the beginning of time. Well, more like the beginning of the internet (which is basically the same). Online forums allow virtual communities to come together to share knowledge and enthusiasm. By adding an online forum to your website, you can greatly increase user engagement and grow your online community. In addition, creating a forum is valuable in boosting your website’s content and adds an element of fun for your site visitors. In this article we’ll introduce the features of Wix Groups , as well as dive into the benefits of adding a forum to your site, regardless of your specific website idea , and the best practices for doing so. You can incorporate it into creating your membership site , or any other site you choose to create. Like other features in the Wix website builder , setting up your forum is simple, intuitive and free of charge. Create a website that amplifies your cause with a website builder for nonprofits . 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. Why create a forum in the first place? There are many reasons to create a forum or a forum website. Believe it or not, forum members are not strictly identified with Justin Bieber fans or Minecraft enthusiasts. If you search the web, you will find flourishing forums dedicated to almost every theme or niche, from military history to interior design. The primary benefit of creating a forum is to build a community around a shared interest. Your forum will be providing this community with a space to exchange ideas, compare experiences and also enjoy a conversation with people who share a particular profession, hobby or worldview (and for almost any type of website - be it your church website or non-profit website ). An online forum also opens a new channel of communication between the site owner and site visitors. Newsletters and site comments are excellent for engaging with visitors, but both tend to place an emphasis on one side of the discussion. A forum, on the other hand, allows for user engagement that is more open and organic. The forum moderator or admin retains control over the platform, but an eye-level discussion is free to develop as long as participants abide by the rules. Finally, creating a forum can improve your site’s SEO . Think of it as an additional source of website content that can be indexed by search engines. As long as it is active, and as long as your members make good contributions to the discussion, the forum essentially creates frequent, high-quality content that search engines love. Learn more: Website vs blog vs forums How to make a forum Now that you know why you should consider forums while learning how to build a website , let’s discuss the steps you need to take to get started. Here’s how to create a forum: Choose a forum software Define your forum’s theme Be clear about the rules Encourage active participation Promote your forum regularly Enhance your forum with special features 01. Choose a forum software You can start creating a forum by simply choosing a forum software . By selecting a forum maker that fully integrates with your professional website, whether that's your consulting website , or something else, you can build interest in your site and keep website visitors engaged with your project, organization or brand. Meet Wix Groups – your online community builder After adding the Wix Groups app to your membership website in the Wix Editor, you can easily customize the layout, set up admin capabilities and define the content and interests of your community. Here are some of the highlights that make Wix Groups so good: It’s 100% mobile friendly, with a beautiful mobile design. Users sign up, log in and participation is easy and intuitive. You can choose a classic forum layout or a fancy cards display – both layouts are customizable. A rich text editor allows you and your forum members to add beautiful posts, including images. Managing the forum is simple, so being an admin requires minimal effort. Each member gets a profile page that documents their forum activity. 02. Define your forum’s theme Think about the specific themes that bring your members together and that might offer them a shared sense of community. Which issues are important, useful or entertaining in their eyes? Choose a general topic that broadly resonates with your audience, and then set up various discussion threads by creating forum categories . For example, if you run an LGBTQ website , you might make categories like queer history, dating advice and trans rights. 03. Be clear about the rules As forum admin, you need to set the tone and determine what would be considered appropriate or inappropriate behavior in your community. Create an introductory post in which you list the rules for the community, and then pin the post to the top of a forum category. 04. Encourage active participation Forums thrive on discussion. If your members are just passive observers, there won’t be much action going on. You can encourage them to participate by posing questions, commenting on other people’s posts or soliciting a specific member’s opinion. Try to get a sense of what makes your members respond, whether it’s opening up a compelling discussion, starting a poll, or reviewing events that are relevant to your community. You can also encourage users to ask questions of their own by creating a Q&A forum. This helps strengthen your forum community by allowing members to build discussions organically and learn from one another’s insights. It’s also a useful way for brands to create a support channel, talk about new releases and build personal connections with clients. 05. Promote your forum regularly When you first create a forum, you’ll need to attract as many new members as possible by promoting your forum on external platforms. Use your personal or business social media channels to highlight specific threads and, if some members are particularly active, ask them to promote your forum within their own networks. If you run a newsletter , use it to invite subscribers to visit the forum. You can also drive engagement by sending out notifications that update all members on new posts, replies and likes. 06. Enhance your forum with special features Once you’ve learned the basics of how to make a forum, you can provide more value to users with special features that benefit both you and your community. First, you can reward your participants with member badges as they go from new users to forum experts. This increases your community members’ engagement, as it encourages them to participate consistently in forum discussions. You can customize badges to match the look and feel or your website, as well as assign different badges for different roles (e.g., teacher and student). Second, you can earn money from your forum by creating pricing plans . This involves restricting forum access to selected members. While it’s a good idea to keep some conversations open for general access, you can offer exclusive membership to categories that cater to a specific niche. Best practices for creating a forum The ongoing contribution of content by forum members is what gives a forum its character. Here are the most effective ways to maintain a vibrant, dynamic online community . Stay on track: A sense of shared interest among participants is the glue that holds your community together. Make sure that the discussions you start, the questions you raise, and the visual materials you upload are directly related to your forum’s theme. Don’t over-thread: Creating multiple discussion threads with different focal points is a great way to create a forum, but you should be careful not to set up too many of them. When too many threads are available, visitors (especially first-time visitors) can get overwhelmed. Too many topics may also lead to a situation in which some threads have only very little conversation going on in them. It’s better to narrow down the options and keep a lively discussion going. Make it beautiful: While forums thrive on words, their look and feel is also important. Make sure your forum is consistent with your website design overall, as members will feel more at home on a forum that’s visually pleasing, user-friendly and resonates with their interests. By customizing the layout, fonts, colors and more, you can design your forum in a way that reflects your project or brand and attracts new members. Be a present admin: As the forum’s administrator, you have a responsibility to participate actively and contribute your own content to the community’s discussions. Be proactive, answer questions, start conversations and encourage community members to share their thoughts. Stay informed: As the admin, you also need to show expertise and authority in your field. Keeping up to date on the latest news, developments and trends will help you add high-quality content to your community and keep your members interested in what you have to say. Turn your forum into a reliable source of information and your community will reward you with traffic. How to maintain a strong forum website When considering how to make a forum, you’ll need to think not just about the content you’ll want to include, but also about the practices you’ll need to avoid. As any savvy forum admin will tell you, you’ll need to stay alert to keep your forum running strong. Remember to regularly check for the following elements, as this will ensure a safe, friendly and positive community: Spammers Spammy content is not only annoying, but it can cause SEO problems. Search engines like Google can penalize you for spammy posts on your site if you don’t weed them out. Trolls As forum admin, you bear the responsibility to ensure that all forum members are safe, and you owe it to them to keep trolls away. Uninspiring content Make sure that the discussions taking place on your forum remain interesting, fun and engaging. The key is to stay committed as the admin of your forum. If you regularly participate in discussions, take a proactive approach, raise relevant and interesting issues and acknowledge valuable and contributing members, you’ll provide your community with a forum they’ll love. How much does it cost to create a forum? The cost to build a forum with Wix, for example, can vary depending on your specific needs and the plan you choose. Here's a breakdown of the potential costs: Wix plan Light plan: $17/month Core plan: $29/month Business plan: $36/month Business elite plan: $159/month Domain name Free for the first year with annual plans After a year, you can renew your domain for pricing plans anywhere between $13.95 and $15.95 a year. Wix Groups app Free version available Paid version: $9.99/month for advanced features All pricing was accurate as of 12th September, 2024.










