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Get your professional business email address →  Customers, partners and suppliers can easily spot the difference between a free Gmail address and a professional email on your own domain. Switching from a generic account to you@yourbusiness.com  adds credibility but comes at a cost.  Business email pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. A single account might only cost a few dollars a month, while multiple users or extra features can drive up the price. So how much should you expect to spend and how can you set up an email that’s professional, functional and budget-friendly? Learn more: How to create a business email TL;DR: how much does a business email cost Business email costs depend on the provider, number of users, storage and extra features. Choosing the right plan, starting small and bundling services like email, domain and website management can help save money. Here’s what we’ll cover:    What business email is and why it matters Factors that affect email costs Hidden fees like domain renewals and extra storage How to choose the right plan for your team Security, management and collaboration features included How to scale accounts as your business grows How Wix business email can save time and money Get your business email up and running fast. Wix provides built-in security, plenty of storage and real-time tools to help you stay on top of your work. Everything’s backed by 24/7 support so you can focus on growing your business. What is a business email? A business email is an email address that uses your custom domain name . Having a business email helps you look more professional and builds trust with your customers. Plus a business email usually comes with more features than a free account. This includes better security, more storage, collaboration tools and integration with your website and other business apps. You can also connect multiple users under the same domain. The price of your business email will depend on which extras you choose. Learn how to build a website . Learn more: how to set up a business email . Factors that affect the cost of a business email Understanding what drives the cost of a business email helps you plan your budget and avoid surprises. Different providers, domains, user counts and extra features all impact what you’ll pay each month or year. Email provider The provider you pick shapes what you'll pay. There are free options out there, but they usually cap your storage, block custom domains or show ads—which just doesn’t look professional. Paid plans start at just a few bucks each month and grow with your team size and the features you want. Learn more : What are custom domains? Say you’re a solo entrepreneur—you might grab a plan for $5/month with one email account, 10 GB of storage and basic security. Running a small team of five? You’ll pay $25–$30/month for five accounts and extra storage, simple as that. On top of regular emailing, paid providers often toss in some extra tools like advanced security, spam protection or smooth integration with your website and favorite business apps. If you already use the Wix website builder , rolling your email, domain and website hosting together makes setup a breeze, reduces separate bills, and keeps everything in one place. Custom domain A custom domain is at the heart of a professional email. Prices vary depending on how catchy or short your domain is and the extension or TLD (top-level domain) you choose. Most domains have a yearly renewal fee too, which is good to keep in mind for your budget. For small businesses, the yearly domain name cost is pretty minor compared to the trust it earns. Paying $15–$20 a year for a clean, branded domain is a small spend for a polished professional image. Learn more: What is a domain How to choose a domain name How to register a domain name Number of users Every email account adds a monthly or yearly charge. If you’re flying solo, that’s cheap. Add team members and the cost grows fast. A founder kicks off with one account at $6/month. When the team hits four people, that’s $24/month total. Some businesses sidestep extra costs by sharing a general inbox for customer questions until they really need more accounts. Planning ahead is smart—not every role needs a separate email. Sharing inboxes or using forwarding can keep your paid account number down. This way, you save money but still keep emails looking polished and professional. When choosing your business email name idea , think about the part before the @ and how it matches your domain. Using your name adds a personal touch while your business or brand name builds recognition. Industry or product-based names highlight what you do, and adding a location or role helps keep things organized. Addresses like team, info, support and sales make it simple for clients to connect with the right person. Storage and advanced features Storage doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but it can raise the cost. If you’re sending big files or saving long threads, you could outgrow the basic plan’s allowance. Most providers charge a bit extra when you need more storage. Here’s a real-world snapshot: a design studio goes with 15 GB storage per account for $6/month. After a year and a stack of files, they bump it to 50 GB for another $3/month per account and turn on advanced spam filters for $2/month per account to keep client emails safe. Bonus features like encryption, priority support, backup and spam filters can nudge up your fee too. You don’t need them all at once, but they’re well worth it if you’re dealing with sensitive info or want to keep everything running smooth. Need a business email? Handle everything in one place with Wix’s drag and drop website builder . Hidden or extra costs of business email Even with a paid business email plan, extra expenses can pop up that impact your budget. Knowing about them upfront helps you avoid surprises and plan smarter. Domain renewal fees Custom domains require annual renewal, with prices varying based on the domain extension and popularity. Standard domains usually renew for $10–$20 per year, which covers most small businesses’ needs. Premium or short domains often cost more to renew, sometimes exceeding $50 annually, depending on demand. Take, for example, a small online store that purchases a business email. While the domain itself is affordable, the store also needs multiple email accounts, which increases the total yearly cost. If the domain expires, the business risks losing the professional email addresses tied to it. This is why budgeting for renewal is crucial, especially since renewal costs are often higher than expected. Extra storage and advanced security Your paid plan will usually come with a set amount of storage and standard security. But as your business grows these limits might feel a little tight. If you’re sending large files high-resolution photos or a lot of attachments you may need extra storage. Similarly premium website security features like encryption advanced spam filtering or malware protection can cost a few extra dollars per user each month. Email setup or migration fees Switching from a free email provider or combining multiple accounts can come with a one-time fee. This fee usually covers importing old emails, setting up your domain and making sure everything works properly. It might seem optional but skipping this step could mean losing messages, missing client emails or dealing with technical issues down the line. For example, a photography business moves from Gmail to a custom domain email. Migrating hundreds of client emails costs a one-time fee of $50 for setup help. It’s an upfront expense but now the business has all its emails in one place making it easier to manage clients and look professional. Other potential hidden costs Premium support:  Some providers charge extra for priority customer support which can be helpful if your business relies heavily on email. Collaboration tools:  Shared calendars, task management or integrated apps sometimes come as paid add-ons. Compliance or legal features:  Businesses handling sensitive client information like financial or health data may need additional security or compliance options, adding to monthly costs. Picking the perfect business email plan Choosing the right business email plan means finding the features and costs that fit your needs. The goal is to stay professional, secure and organized without paying for extras you won’t use. Figure out what you really need for your business email Before you make a move, take a moment to think about what your business actually needs. Number of users:  How many people on your team need their own email accounts? Not everyone has to have one—a shared inbox or a forwarding address can handle general questions just fine. Storage needs:  Think about the files you send. If it’s things like contracts or big images, you’ll want a plan with plenty of storage. Security and features:  Got sensitive info to protect? Go for plans with spam filters, encryption or automatic backups. Take a look at bundled business email options Bundled plans keep things easy and can help your wallet too. Some providers let you manage email, website hosting or domain stuff all in one go for a set monthly or yearly fee. When you compare bundles, don’t just look at the sticker price. Check what features, storage, support and domain renewals are included. Sometimes paying a little more upfront can save you money over time by covering the essentials. Start small and grow your business email with confidence It’s smart to begin with only what you need, then add more as your business grows. Most plans make it easy to upgrade users, storage or security whenever you’re ready. Starting off simple helps you avoid surprise expenses and gives you room to see how your business actually uses email. How a Wix business email can save you money A Wix business email comes with features that save your business time and money. By combining email, domain and website management into one plan, it cuts down on extra services and helps you budget. Money-saving perks of a Wix business email All-in-one management:  Keep your domain, website and email in one place, reducing extra subscriptions and surprise bills. Lower setup costs:  You won't need to hire IT help to connect your email or configure security settings. Predictable renewals:  Bundled services make budgeting easier and prevent costly lapses. Scalable accounts:  Add users only when needed so you don't overpay for unnecessary plans. Built-in tools:  Forms, chat and customer features reduce the need for paid apps. Reduced downtime:  Integrated domain and email setup lowers the risk of costly email outages. Custom emails for your team Give everyone on your team their own custom email address with Wix. It helps keep communication clear and your business looking its best. Everyone can schedule emails, write faster with Google Smart Compose and work together on documents, spreadsheets and presentations in real time. Plus, you can easily add or remove users as your business grows, so you only pay for what you need. Security and email management Your Wix business email includes built-in phishing and spam protection to keep your team safe. You can also control how emails are routed and delivered. For example, messages from unknown senders can go to a catch-all address instead of bouncing back to keep your inbox organized and secure. Google Workspace features through Wix Wix integrates Google Workspace into your email, giving you access to Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet and Chat all in one place. Store files securely starting at 30GB per user, schedule meetings and collaborate with your team in real time. Keeping everything on one platform eliminates the need for extra apps and subscriptions, saving you money and simplifying management. How much does Wix business email cost? The cost depends on the Google Workspace plan you choose. Plans are billed per user, and you can pay monthly or yearly. You don’t need a Wix Premium plan to get email since it’s sold separately. Each plan includes: A custom email address with your domain Anti-phishing and spam protection Cloud storage from 30GB to 5TB per user Access to Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, Meet and Chat Gemini AI productivity tools Security features like 2-step verification and endpoint management 24/7 support through Wix Learn more: What is a professional email address? Business email cost FAQ Is it worth paying for a business email? Yes. A professional email with your own domain builds trust with clients and keeps your communications organized. It also often includes security, storage and collaboration tools that free personal emails don’t provide. Is a business email address free? You might find some free business email services but they usually have limits like less storage, no custom domain or ads in your messages. Paying for a business email gives you full control, security and features made for professional use. How do I get a business email for my LLC? You can get one by registering a domain for your LLC and signing up with a business email provider like Google Workspace through Wix. Once set up, you can create addresses for yourself and your team like info@yourcompany.com and manage them all in one place. Is Gmail ok for a business email? A free Gmail account is fine for personal use but it can look less professional for your business. When you get a business email with Google Workspace you can use your own domain and get access to extra features security and organization tools.

Nothing says you're serious about your business like a custom email address . If you’re starting a business and still using a generic email like coolbiz123@gmail.com , it might be time for an upgrade. With Wix, you can get your very own Google Workspace business email that matches your website's domain . Think something like maria@musicbymaria.com or info@pureblissspa.net. Clean, branded and also super professional. Learn more: Is Wix good for small business? Is Wix good for business email? How to set up a business email Already have a business email? You can head over to the Business Email page in your Wix account to see what you’ve got. Bought your email elsewhere? You can still connect it to your Wix site in just a few steps. Why an email with Wix is worth it A business email isn’t just a nice-to-have, it adds serious credibility to your brand. Plus, if you’re using Wix’s built-in marketing tools , your custom email keeps everything consistent and productive. Learn more: How much does a business email cost With Wix you can learn how to create business email addresses  for every team member. That means: hello@mywebsite.com for customer service sales@mywebsite.com for inquiries name@mywebsite.com for individual team members It’s a great way to keep things organized and help your customers reach the right people without unnecessary back-and-forth. Google Workspace also comes with a range of useful productivity features such as: Smart compose Email scheduling Real-time collaboration on docs, slides and sheets Built-in chat to ping your team when needed Wix and Google Workspace doesn’t just help your business look good, it also comes with phishing protection, spam filters and 24/7 customer support (chat, email or phone). There are also advanced delivery options to route emails, set rules for unknown senders, or catch-all addresses if you like to keep tabs on everything. As noted by Meghan Kennedy, founder of lucid ladybug  (sustainable styling and coordinating services), who attended a recent Wix x Google workshop:  "As a sustainable stylist, I work to individualize and customize every client experience and event. I trust Google Workspace to help streamline all communication and utilize email, Google Sheets, Google Docs—and now, Google Gemini and NotebookLM. Having a shared workspace allows me to run notes between clients, eliminating excess back-and-forth and relieving my bandwidth as a solopreneur." Wix makes things simple by offering Google Workspace plans directly within your Wix account. You get: Access to Google Calendar 30GB (or more) of inbox + Drive storage File sharing and collaboration tools Access to the Google Gemini AI assistant and NotebookLM Everything you need to run your business from one place. Pro tip:  If you're serious about your business, having a custom email is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. And with Wix, it takes just a few clicks to set it up. How much does email with Wix cost? The cost of a business email depends on the Google Workspace plan you choose. You don't need a paid Wix plan to buy a business email. But you must own a Wix domain . * Some Workspace business email plans are not yet available in all regions.  Each plan offers different services and has different amounts of cloud storage per user. Plans can be upgraded at any point. Business Starter Business email Gemini AI for Gmail Phishing and spam protection Ad-free email experience 2-step verification Enforced ssl connections Alert Center: notifications of potential security issues Basic endpoint management ( secure connection on different devices) 30 gb cloud storage per user Up to 100 participants in Chat and Google Meet video calls Business Standard All the features of Business Starter with the following extras: Gemini AI for Gmail, Docs, Meet and more 2 TB cloud storage per user Up to 150 participants in Chat and Google Meet video calls Record Google Meet meetings Shared Drives for teams Business Plus All the features of Business Starter with the following included: Gemini AI for Gmail, Docs, Meet and more 5 TB cloud storage per user Up to 250 participants in Chat and Google Meet video calls Advanced endpoint management (ensuring secure connection on different devices) Google Vault for eDiscovery and information governance You can also learn more information on plans from Google. Learn more about how to use Wix  as a website builder and to manage your business.

Get your professional business email address →  A messy email address can make your business look careless and turn potential clients away. Numbers, nicknames or long strings of letters create confusion before you even start a conversation. The right email name makes you look organized, professional and easy to reach. This guide gives smart practical ideas to get it right. TL;DR: email name ideas A solid business email starts with a good domain and a name that’s easy for people to remember. If you’re making a website , this is the perfect time to set up a professional email. You can keep it personal with your name or tie it to your business, industry, product, location or role. Team, info, support and sales addresses help guide messages to the right place with zero confusion. Hooking your email to your domain also keeps your brand looking sharp and your domain management running smoothly. You’ll learn: How to pick a professional, memorable email name Email formats that suit your business or role Tips for keeping emails clear, simple and consistent How connecting your email to your domain improves branding Examples of smart email names for different purposes Get your business email up and running fast with built-in security, plenty of storage and real-time tools that help you stay on top of work. Everything’s backed by 24/7 support so you can focus on growing your business. Why your business email name matters Starting a business means every detail counts, including your email. Learning how to create a website and setting up a professional email address are key steps to building a strong first impression when reaching out to clients." A thoughtful email name: Signals professionalism and credibility Makes it easy for clients to contact you Reinforces your business brand across messages Learn more: Does Wix have email for my business? How to create an email with a domain? What is a professional email address? How a domain shapes your email options Your domain name defines what your email can look like. Using a generic Gmail or Yahoo address might work, but it doesn’t strengthen your brand or make you look professional. Owning your domain gives you flexibility to create emails for different roles, consistency across your team and authority that builds trust. Compare: john@yourbusiness.com  – clean, professional and instantly recognizable coolguy123@gmail.com  – casual, hard to remember and doesn’t reflect your business Learn more: how to set up a business email . What makes an email name professional To get a professional email that works for your business, focus on a few key components. Here’s what to think about when choosing your business email name. Username Start with a recognizable username, incorporating your first name, middle name, initials or business position like "editor@yourblogname.org." This personal touch makes your email memorable and easily identifiable, ensuring contacts can easily find and remember you. Domain Choose a custom domain to follow the ‘@’ symbol, like "@yourbusiness.com." A custom domain makes your emails easy to recognize, keeps your business consistent across messages and shows clients you take your business seriously Pro tip:  Find the domain owner and registration details for a website with a Whois domain lookup .  Top-level domain (TLD) Top-level  domain extensions  are typically used to convey authority. Therefore, when deciding on your domain name and corresponding business email , select from the  types of domains  that align with your business values, such as  .com ,  .net  or more niche options like  .info  or  .email  to indicate your business’s scope and reach. Learn more:  What is a top-level domain ,  Org vs com vs net Clarity and relevance Ensure your email address is clear, straightforward and relevant to your business or profession. It should reflect the brand identity you're building and be memorable and recognizable.  Use a  domain name generator  if you need help coming up with an idea. Already have an idea? Check the availability with a  domain name search  tool. When picking your business email , focus on the part before the @ and how it fits your domain. Use your name for a personal touch or your business or brand name for recognition. Industry- or product-based names show what you do while adding a location or role keeps things organized. Team, info, support and sales addresses make it easy for clients to reach the right person. Email name ideas and formats for business domains When brainstorming email name ideas for your business, consider the following recommended structures and tips on  how to choose a domain name :  Using your name  Using your name in the email address adds a personal touch and authenticity. By adding your name, you provide users with a direct point of contact, creating a more personal connection right from the start. This practice is particularly beneficial when you're aiming to establish yourself as an individual professional brand, especially if you manage different  types of websites  to showcase your work. Moreover, having a personalized email address makes it easier for people to remember and reach out to you on other digital assets like LinkedIn. This small yet significant detail can greatly impact your professional image and networking efforts. Example : john.jones@example.com Using your business name  Using the business name enhances brand identity and recognition, making it a favored approach among businesses looking to strengthen their branding strategies as it ensures consistency across different platforms and touchpoints with consumers. By consistently presenting your business name, you can build stronger brand recognition and improve online visibility. Example : info@businessname.com Using your industry Incorporate your industry into your email name to make it clear what your business is about. For example, if you’re in marketing, you could use something like "team@creativeads.co." This helps establish relevance and professionalism as part of your  marketing strategies . Example: info@yourmarketingbrand.com Using your brand name  Including your brand name in your communications helps build trust and foster recognition with your audience. A strong, recognizable brand name creates consistency across all touchpoints, making it easier for customers to connect with and remember your business. Over time, this consistency in what web design  is helps establish credibility and loyalty, encouraging repeat customers and positive word-of-mouth. Using your product name Using your product name in website management ensures your offerings stand out and remain memorable to your customers whenever they need solutions. By reinforcing your product in their minds, you create a lasting association between their needs and your business. This also helps differentiate your product in a crowded market, ensuring it becomes the go-to choice when they are seeking a solution to a specific problem. Using a name and location Including a location can personalize the email address and establish a local presence, making it an ideal option for small businesses targeting specific regions. By including a specific location, the email address becomes personalized and tailored to a particular geographic area, fostering a sense of familiarity and trust amongst target customers in the targeted region. Similarly, including a  web address  can enhance your online presence, making it easier for customers to find and connect with your business. This localization strategy also reinforces your business's connection to a specific community, enhancing brand recognition and credibility while focusing on serving local clientele. Example : sales@southfloridaflorist.com Position name + business name Adding a position name clarifies the role or department associated with the email address, fostering transparency by providing users with a clear understanding of whom they are communicating with. By incorporating a specific job title or department designation, the email address instantly identifies the role or responsibilities of the individual or team handling the correspondence. This transparency allows your clients to easily direct their inquiries to the relevant staff member, leading to quicker responses and smoother interactions. Choosing to add your position name as an email name idea showcases a structured and organized business environment, reinforcing your credibility and demonstrating a commitment to efficient customer service. Example: marketing@sportsclub.com or coo@businessname.com Learn more about how to register a domain name  and the best domain registrars . Tips for creating email name ideas Keep it consistent : Stick to your professional email address, avoiding frequent changes that may confuse recipients. Avoid using nicknames : Your email name should leave a good first impression, but when you're learning how to create a business email , try to use variations of your real name instead of nicknames to maintain a professional tone. Steer clear of numbers and special characters : Try to avoid including numbers and special characters in your email name idea as they can complicate readability and make it harder for people to remember how to reach you. Make it easily pronounceable : Keep your email name short where possible. Ensure that it’s easy to read and spell out to avoid mistakes when clients wish to send you emails. Consider future scalability : Your email name should be relevant and flexible as your business grows and evolves. Learn more:  How much does a business email cost How much does a domain name cost How to buy a domain name Dos and don'ts for email name ideas Do : Keep it memorable, professional and relevant to your brand or industry. Do : Ensure it aligns with your brand image and values. Don't : Use complex or hard-to-spell words in your email name. Don't : Include special characters or excessive numbers that may confuse clients. Examples of email name ideas  m.johnson@example.com : Start with the first letter of your first name followed by your last name. info@yourcompany.com : Use general terms like "info" with your company's domain for an easy-to-remember email. editorial@nameofyourblog.com : Use an email name related to your department or position, making it easier for clients to reach out with specific questions.  Jane.doe@example.com : A timeless choice is to use your first name followed by your last name, separated by a period. sarahgreen@example.com : Merge your first and last name into one for a straightforward email address. flast@example.com : Use the first initial of your first name plus your entire last name to keep your email concise yet professional. welcome@yourdomain.com : A warm and inviting email address like "welcome" combined with your domain name can create a great first impression. Learn more: What is a domain name? Connecting your email name to your domain name Linking your email to your domain is key for strong brand image and smooth domain management , making sure your email works seamlessly with the Domain name system (DNS) . Setting up a business email is easier than it sounds—using a domain registrar or website builder like Wix, you can connect your email in just a few clicks and start sending professional, branded messages right away. Once you’ve purchased your domain, you can create your email in a few clicks: Go to the Domains page in your Wix account. Select the domain you want to connect your email to. Follow the prompts to set up your email address. If your email is hosted outside of Wix, you can still connect it to your domain. Wix can automatically add the necessary MX and DNS records for most popular providers so your emails keep working. If needed, you can manually add MX or other DNS records by selecting "Other" in the provider list and entering the details from your email host. Important tips: Make sure your domain is connected via name servers not pointing. Check that any automatically added records match your email provider’s requirements. Connecting your email doesn’t transfer ownership—you’ll still manage billing with your provider unless you purchase a Google Workspace email through Wix. Don’t have a domain name? Try the Wix   domain name search generator to generate a free domain name . Business email name ideas FAQ What are good names for emails? Good email names are simple, easy to remember and professional. They can be based on your personal name, your business or brand, your role or your product. Avoid confusing symbols, long strings or overly casual nicknames so clients and contacts can reach you easily. What is a unique email? A unique email is one that stands out and is easy to remember. It shows who you are or what your business does while still looking professional. For example, john.marketing@, ecofilter@ or j.smith.consulting@ are all simple, clear and memorable. How do I get a cool email address? Pick something short, easy to spell and tied to your personal or business identity. You can get creative with your name, brand, product or even a specific role while keeping it professional. Should your email be your name? Using your name is great if you want a personal, approachable feel. It’s especially useful for freelancers, consultants or anyone building a professional personal brand. Pairing your name with your domain keeps it clean, recognizable and professional. What should I make my Gmail name? For Gmail, choose a name that’s professional, easy to remember and clearly identifies you or your business. You can use your name, a combination of your name and role or your business/brand name. Keep it simple to avoid confusion and make sure it looks credible to clients or contacts.

Get your professional business email address → What is a business email ? A business email isn't just a communication tool; it's a digital handshake. It's a branded email address that tells your customers that you're established, credible and ready to work. Just as choosing the right domain name  shapes your online identity, your email address plays a powerful role in how professional your business appears. When you're making a website and building a brand, every detail counts, from your logo design to your website layout. So if you're still using a generic provider for your client communications, it's time for an upgrade. In this guide, we'll break down exactly what a business email is, why it's a non-negotiable for serious entrepreneurs and how you can set one up in minutes. Get your business email up and running fast. Wix provides built-in security, plenty of storage and real-time tools to help you stay on top of your work. Everything’s backed by 24/7 support so you can focus on growing your business. TL;DR: what is a business email? Short on time? Here’s the lowdown on why ditching the generic email address and using a business email address is the best move for your brand. A business email is a custom email address that uses your company's domain name (e.g., info@mybrand.com) rather than a generic service provider domain (e.g., mybrand@gmail.com). Feature Personal email Business email Structure name@gmail.com name@yourbusiness.com Perception Casual, personal, hobbyist Professional, established, trustworthy Branding Promotes the email provider Promotes your brand with every send Control Limited administrative control Full control over accounts and data Scalability Hard to manage as teams grow Easy to add employees (e.g., sales@...) Learn more: How to create a business email . What is a business email address? At its core, a business email address is a professional email address that matches your business's domain name. Instead of relying on free providers like Gmail, Yahoo or Outlook, which tack their name onto yours, a business email puts your brand front and center. Think of it like this: if you walked into a high-end law firm, you wouldn't expect the lawyer to hand you a card that says lawyer123@yahoo.com. You'd expect name@lawfirm.com. That custom domain signals that the business owns its digital real estate. With Wix, you can create a business email to match your domain, allowing you to create a cohesive brand identity across all channels. It’s the difference between looking like a temporary project and a permanent business. Why a business email is worth it: benefits explained Switching to a custom domain email does more than just look good on a business card. It has tangible benefits for your operations and your reputation. Instant credibility When customers see a custom domain, they instantly trust you more. It shows you've invested in your business. 60% of consumers say they prefer to be contacted by brands through email , underscoring why using a professional, domain-based business email can be a strategic advantage for credibility and customer interaction. You may also be interested in custom domains . Brand consistency Every time you send an invoice, a newsletter or a reply, you are reinforcing your brand name. Wix offers business email addresses with Google Workspace integration, meaning you get the branding power of a custom domain with the reliability of Gmail's interface. Learn more: Is Wix good for business email? Better deliverability Generic email addresses used for business mass-mailing often get flagged as spam. Business emails, authenticated properly, have a much higher chance of landing in the primary inbox. Team organization As you grow, you can create aliases for different departments (like ' support@' or 'billing@' ) without creating entirely new accounts. This keeps your communication organized and professional. Learn more: How much does a business email cost? How to set up a business email A professional business email starts with the right foundation, and Wix makes it seamless from the very first step. Wix offers custom business email addresses tailored to your brand, giving you a business email that perfectly matches your domain and strengthens your credibility. Plus, Wix offers business email addresses with Google Workspace integration, so you can enjoy powerful tools like Gmail, Calendar and Drive, all working together under your business identity. Here’s how to set it up your new business email with Wix: Get your domain Choose your business email plan Create your email addresses Create and verify automatically 01. Get your domain Start by securing a domain name for your business. When you build your website with Wix, you can search, register and manage your domain directly from your account for a smooth, all-in-one experience. Check out Wix's domain name search tool and domain name generator . 02. Choose your business email plan Through Wix’s partnership with Google Workspace, you can easily purchase a custom business email address that uses your domain (like info@yourbusiness.com). This gives you enterprise-level email, storage, security and collaboration tools. 03. Create your email addresses Set up the addresses you need, whether that’s personal inboxes (yourname@), department emails (support@) or role-based accounts (sales@). You can add as many as your business requires. Learn more: Business email address examples Business email name ideas 04. Connect and verify automatically When you set up your business email through Wix, the technical configuration is handled for you. Wix automatically manages DNS records and verification, so you don’t have to deal with complex setup steps. Just follow the guided wizard and you’re ready to start sending professional emails. You may also be interested in: Is your domain costing you business? Domain name mistakes What is a professional email address? Business email vs personal email : key differences When it comes to communicating with clients, partners or prospects, not all emails are created equal. Understanding the difference between a business email and a personal email can make a huge impact on how your brand is perceived. Personal email address These are the free, generic accounts most people use for everyday communication, like Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail. While convenient for personal use, personal emails can make a business appear amateurish or untrustworthy when used for client communications. Emails like yourname@gmail.com don’t signal professionalism, and recipients may question the legitimacy of your business. Business email address A business email is tied to your domain name, such as info@yourcompany.com. It immediately signals credibility, professionalism and brand authority. Beyond appearances, business emails come with tools and features designed to help you manage communication efficiently, including shared calendars, cloud storage and advanced security options, especially when integrated through services like Google Workspace. Discover more about domain name management . C ommon challenges when using a business email While the pros heavily outweigh the cons, there are a few hurdles you might face when setting this up. Here is how to handle them: Cost Unlike a free personal account, a business email usually comes with a small monthly fee. However, the return on investment in terms of trust and branding makes it worth every penny. Tech setup Connecting a domain to an email server can sound intimidating if you aren't technical. Pro tip:  Platforms like Wix streamline this process. If you already have a domain, connecting a Google Workspace email is usually just a few clicks. Learn more: I have a domain name, now what? Managing multiple inboxes If you have a personal email and a business email, checking both can be annoying. Pro tip:  Most mobile apps allow you to toggle between accounts easily, or you can set up forwarding rules so you never miss a message. You may also be interested in: How to register a domain name How to trademark a domain name Types of domains What is a business email? Examples of business email formats Not sure how to structure your new address? Here are a few popular formats used by successful brands: First name only:  sarah@yourdomain.com (friendly and approachable). First and last names:  sarah.jones@yourdomain.com (professional and clear). Department-based:  hello@yourdomain.com or press@yourdomain.com (great for general inquiries). Role-based:  editor@yourdomain.com (good for specific job functions) Learn more: How to create an email with your domain . How to set up a business email What is a business email FAQ Can I use a free email for my business? Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Using a free email like @ gmail.com  can make your business look like a hobby or a scam. It also lacks the administrative controls and branding benefits of a custom domain. How much does a business email cost? Costs vary depending on the provider, but it typically ranges from $6 to $12 per user per month. This usually includes storage, support and business tools like video conferencing and shared calendars. Can I keep my emails if I switch website hosts? Yes. Your email is tied to your domain, not necessarily your website host. However, you will need to update your DNS settings (specifically MX records) to ensure your email service continues working if you move your domain management. Learn more about free website hosting .

Get your professional business email address →   Your company needs a reliable way to handle client and team communication. A business email  lets you set up official addresses, manage multiple accounts and keep messages organized and secure. TL;DR: How to create a business email In this guide, you’ll learn how to handle domain registration , pick an email provider and set up addresses for your whole team. It will also explain how to keep your mailbox organized, add your brand’s personality to every email, handle common issues and even get started for free. You learn how to: Register and protect your domain Choose the best email provider Set up custom addresses for you and your team Manage and organize your inbox Add your branding with custom email signatures Keep your email secure and troubleshoot common issues Create a free business email Get your business email up and running fast. Wix provides built-in security, plenty of storage and real-time tools to help you stay on top of your work. Everything’s backed by 24/7 support so you can focus on growing your business. What is a business email address? A business email address is the official email a business uses to communicate with clients and manage internal work. The most professional format uses your company name in the domain, like you@yourcompany.com. This way, anyone who receives your email immediately knows it’s from your business, and it looks trustworthy. While you could put your company name at the beginning, like yourcompany.support@gmail.com, it doesn’t have the same professional feel. Using your own domain instead of a generic email shows you mean business and builds trust with every message you send. Learn more: how to set up a business email How to create a business email Register your domain name Choose an email provider Set up your custom email address Access and manage your mailbox Add branding and professionalism to your email Maintain your business email Troubleshoot your business email To create a business email , register a professional domain and connect it to an email provider. Set up your main address and any team accounts, access your mailbox, secure it with strong passwords and 2FA and test that emails send and receive correctly. 01. Register your domain name Pick a domain that matches your business name and is easy to spell and remember. Skip the numbers, hyphens or anything that could confuse customers. Use a domain name search tool to check if your domain is available. If it’s taken, you can try small variations, add your location or pick a different extension from a tld list like .net , .co or .org . You can even get creative with industry-specific endings like .design or .studio to tell people what you do.   Try Wix domain name generator  to find the perfect match. You can also use a Whois domain lookup  to see who owns a specific URL and check its registration details. Once you’ve got your domain, connect it to your site using a website builder so your website goes live. Choosing the  best domain registrar  ensures that your business email is properly set up. Learn more: What is a domain name? How to register a domain name Org vs com vs net Protect and connect your domain When you complete your domain registration, consider adding domain privacy protection to keep your personal info hidden from public records. Make sure your domain is connected to DNS correctly. This ensures your email can send and receive messages and links your domain to your website. Check MX records for email and A records for your site to avoid issues. Keep track of renewal dates so you don’t lose your domain. If possible, turn on auto-renew and manage all your domains in one place to simplify updates and security. Learn more: What is domain protection What is DNS What is a top-level domain 02. Choose an email provider A solid email provider should support your team's day-to-day needs and protect your business from common email risks. This means having enough storage for large attachments and archives strong security features to block spam and malware access from any device so you can work on the go and tools to organize search and manage emails efficiently. If you have employees or multiple departments, you’ll need the ability to create, customize and control multiple email accounts without complicated setup. Storage:  Make sure your inbox has enough space for business emails, attachments and important files. Most providers let you expand storage as your business grows. Security:  Look for built-in spam and malware filtering, encryption and two-factor authentication to protect sensitive client data and prevent phishing attacks. Management tools:  Features like folders, labels, filters, and search functions make it easy to stay organized and find messages quickly. Some providers also let you delegate access or share mailboxes with team members. Team accounts:  Create multiple addresses for your employees or departments assign roles and control permissions. This keeps communications organized and professional. Multi-device access:  Make sure your email syncs across desktop mobile and web so you can read reply and organize messages anywhere. With Wix you'll get secure and branded email addresses for your business, simple multi-account management for your team and access from any device—all backed by our reliable support and storage options. Learn more: How much does a business email cost How to create an email with a domain Does Wix have an email? What is a professional email address? 03. Set up your custom email address Now that your domain is good to go, you can start creating personalized email addresses for you and your team. To keep things professional, try to stick to one naming format across the board. Here are some popular ways to do it: First name only:  alex@yourcompany.com First name + last initial:  alexb@yourcompany.com Full name:   alex.brown@yourcompany.com Multiple accounts for your team If your business has multiple departments you can set up separate addresses—like sales@ support@ or info@—to keep conversations clear and organized. Customers will know exactly where to send their questions and your team can respond faster without emails getting lost or mixed up. You can even assign different team members to manage specific inboxes to make delegation simple. As your team grows, adding or removing accounts is easy and keeps your email system flexible. You won’t have to change existing addresses, and each new employee or department can have their own account without disrupting your workflow. To set up business email , enable access on desktop and mobile, organize with filters and forwarding, secure accounts with 2FA and SPF/DKIM/DMARC, manage user roles, back up messages and integrate with calendars and collaboration tools. 04.  Access and manage your mailbox Once your business email is set up, it’s time to manage it. You’ll want your email to be professional and organized. A good business email works on your computer, phone or tablet so you can check and reply to messages from anywhere. Keep your emails organized Features like forwarding automatically send messages to the right person or team so nothing important slips through the cracks. You can also use spam blocking to keep junk and potential threats away from your main feed, saving you time and protecting your data. Want to make sure you never miss a beat? Set up a catch-all address to capture emails sent to slightly incorrect addresses. This way, every message from your clients and partners finds its way to you. Make your email work for you Some email services like Wix include tools that help you stay organized and collaborate efficiently. Shared calendars let you schedule meetings, set reminders and see your team’s availability at a glance. Cloud storage and document editors allow you to create, share and edit files in real time so everyone stays on the same page without sending endless attachments back and forth. Scheduling tools let you draft emails now and send them later—perfect for reaching clients across the globe or staying on top of a hectic day. Smart suggestions speed up your writing by predicting phrases and catching typos, while built-in chat features make quick check-ins a breeze without filling up your inbox. Your business email can support marketing efforts too. Many services let you send newsletters or campaigns directly from your email contacts and track their performance, helping you see who opens, clicks or responds. Using these features strategically turns your email into a productivity and communication hub that saves time and keeps your business running smoothly. Keep your business email safe Strong passwords are your first line of defense for your business email. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols, and avoid obvious choices like “password123” or your business name. A password manager can help you create and store unique passwords for each account. Spam and phishing protection is just as important. Filters catch suspicious messages, but it’s still smart to double-check emails before clicking links or downloading attachments. Watch for unusual senders, unexpected requests or messages that pressure you to act. Email security tips for your business Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security. With 2FA, even if someone guesses your password, they can't access your email without a second step, like a code sent to your phone. Back up your emails regularly so you’re protected if something goes wrong like an accidental deletion, a hacked account or server issues. Many email providers have built-in backup options or you can export important messages manually. Finally, keep an eye on your inbox for anything out of the ordinary. Unexpected password change alerts, unfamiliar login locations or sudden spikes in sent messages can signal a security issue. Spotting these things early can prevent bigger problems and keep your business communications safe. Learn more: Is Wix good for business email?   05. Add branding and professionalism to your email Get your business email ready for the spotlight by creating an email signature for every account. You should include: Logo : a simple way to build brand recognition. Name and job title : so people know exactly who they’re talking to. Phone number and email : to help your clients get in touch fast. Website and social links : the perfect spot to drive traffic and get more followers. Use the same format across your team. Pick consistent fonts, colors and layout so all emails look uniform. This consistency strengthens your brand and makes your business look professional. Keep it simple and readable. Skip long disclaimers or extra images that distract from the main message. A clean, well-designed signature shows professionalism and builds trust without extra effort. 06. Maintain your business email Keeping your email accounts updated helps your business stay professional and secure. Focus on these areas: Update passwords regularly:  Use strong, unique passwords and change them often. Remove access for former employees to prevent unauthorized logins. Manage employee accounts:  Add new team members, remove access when someone leaves and assign roles or permissions to keep everything organized. Monitor storage:  Keep an eye on mailbox space to avoid full inboxes. Archive or delete old messages so important emails don’t get blocked. Check DNS and delivery settings:  Ensure MX and A records are correct. Misconfigured settings can cause emails to bounce or land in spam. 07. Troubleshoot your business email Even if you stay on top of things, hiccups can happen. Use these tips to find and fix them fast: Emails aren't sending or being received:  Check your filters, forwarding rules and blacklists. Emails are landing in spam:  Verify your DNS settings like SPF, DKIM and DMARC records. You can also review your sending practices to stay in recipients’ inboxes. Use your platform’s tools:  Your email service likely has dashboards and logs to help you track delivery issues and find problems fast. How to create a business email for free If you’re just starting out, you don’t always need to pay to have a business email. Free tools help you set up an official address in minutes so you can start reaching your goals. While using your own domain name builds more trust as you grow, starting for free is a great way to get moving right now. Choose a professional free email:  Use a free provider like Gmail and include your business name in the address. Avoid nicknames or random numbers that look unprofessional. For example, yourbrand.services@gmail.com is clear and easy to remember. Connect your email to your domain:  Even with a free account, you can often link it to your website domain for a more professional look. Wix lets you start with a free Gmail-style account and later upgrade to a custom email with your domain, like info@yourdomain.com. This keeps your email branded, secure and easy to manage as your business grows. Tips to create a professional email address Your email address is often the first impression someone has of your business. A polished, professional email address helps build trust and credibility, whether you're connecting with clients, partners or customers. Here are some tips to ensure your business email address reflects your professionalism: Avoid nicknames : Keep your email address straightforward and formal. While your friends might know you as "JennyBear" or "MikeTheGuru," such nicknames don't project a business-first approach. Instead, use your full name or initials for a clean and professional look. Exclude numbers : Numbers can make your email address harder to remember and might appear less professional. Stick to names and words only. For instance, choose "JohnSmith@yourbusiness.com" instead of "JohnSmith1987@yourbusiness.com." Don’t use job titles : Avoid including your position or title—like "SalesManager@" or "CEO@"—in your email address. Job roles can change over time, and email addresses tied to a specific title could create confusion or appear outdated later. Make it memorable and pronounceable : A simple, readable email address is easier for people to recall. Ensure your address flows naturally and avoids complex combinations of letters or special characters. For example, "alex.brown@yourbusiness.com" is a more professional option than "a.brown_xyz@yourbusiness.com." Choose the right domain : Figuring out  how to choose a domain name  is a key part of your email address. Select a domain that aligns with your business name or brand to make it recognizable and trustworthy. For instance, "info@yourbusiness.com" looks far more professional than using a generic provider like "yourbusiness@gmail.com." If your preferred domain isn't available, consider different  types of domains , such as adding a location ("yourbusinessus.com") or industry keyword ("yourbusinessdesign.com"). Learn more: Business email address examples Business email name ideas Why do I need a business email? The main reason for getting a business email address is so that customers can easily identify your company, thus raising credibility, promoting your brand and establishing corporate identity. With that said, clients and other businesses are more likely to trust a professional email account, which they can use to find your business website for more information. Learn more: How to make a website Additionally, when you or your employees send emails using an address with your business name, customers are rest assured that they may confidently open the content and hit reply whenever they need to be in direct contact with you. A business email also helps you stay organized and productive. Your inbox is there purely for work-related messages, making it easy to stay on task, manage your contacts and store important files. Learn more:   How much does a domain name cost How to buy a domain name How to create a business email FAQ How much does it cost to have your own business email? The cost of having your own business email depends on the provider you choose. Some providers offer free business email accounts, while others charge a monthly or annual fee. The cost will also vary depending on the features you need, such as the amount of storage space, the number of email addresses you can create and the level of support you receive. When you are create a business email with your official website domain, it might cost more than one with an unofficial provider. Should I pay for a business email? Whether or not you should pay for a business email depends on your specific needs. If you are a small business with a limited budget, you may be able to get away with using a free email provider. But if you need more features or support, you may need to pay for a premium business email account. Some benefits of a paid account include: Custom email address:  You can create a custom email address that includes your business name. This will make your email address look more professional and will help build trust with customers and clients. Increased storage space:  Business email accounts typically offer more storage space than free email accounts. This means that you will have more room to store your email messages, attachments and contacts. Enhanced security:  Business email accounts typically offer enhanced security features. This includes features such as spam filtering, virus protection and two-factor authentication. Better support:  Business email providers typically offer better support than free email providers. This means that you will have access to technical support if you need help with your email account. What is email hosting in relation to a business email? Email hosting is the process of storing and delivering email messages. When you create an email account, your email messages are stored on a server that is owned and operated by your email provider. When you send or receive an email message, your email provider delivers the message to the recipient's email server. There are two main types of email hosting: Shared hosting:  Shared hosting is the most common type of email hosting. When you use shared hosting, your email messages are stored on a server that is shared with other users. This is the most affordable option, but it also offers the least amount of flexibility and control. Dedicated hosting:  Dedicated hosting is a more expensive option, but it offers more flexibility and control. When you use dedicated hosting, your email messages are stored on a server that is dedicated to you. This means that you have more storage space and bandwidth, and you have more control over the settings of your email account. Should I use a custom email for my business? Using a custom email address for your business is highly recommended. It presents a professional image, builds trust with clients and helps you manage communications effectively. Think of it as an investment in your business's identity. Is an email free on Gmail? You can create a free business email address on Gmail using a custom domain name. However, you'll need to purchase a domain name separately from a registrar like Wix. So, the email itself is free but the domain name will incur a cost. Can I use my personal email for business? Using personal email for business isn't recommended. It can: Appear unprofessional Limit credibility Mix personal and work communication Compromise security Hinder brand consistency Is it necessary to have different email addresses for different departments? Having different email addresses for departments can: Improve organization Streamline communication Enhance customer service Increase efficiency Provide better accountability Simplify workflow Boost professionalism Aid in task delegation Facilitate team collaboration Improve email management How can I ensure my business emails are secure? To ensure the strongest business email security: 1. Use strong passwords 2. Enable two-factor authentication 3. Encrypt sensitive emails 4. Use secure email providers 5. Regularly update software 6. Train employees on security practices 7. Implement spam filters 8. Use firewalls 9. Backup data regularly 10. Monitor for suspicious activity What's the difference between POP3 and IMAP? POP3 downloads emails to one device, deleting from server. IMAP syncs across devices, keeping emails on server. IMAP offers better multi-device accessibility and synchronization. Are there any legal requirements for business emails? Some legal requirements for business emails include: CAN-SPAM Act compliance (US) GDPR compliance (EU) Unsubscribe option Accurate sender information Physical address inclusion Opt-in consent Privacy policy link Data protection measures

Get started by: Creating a website →  | Getting a domain → Thanks to the evolution of website builders , you can no easily design a website and build an impressive online presence of your own. So, what is web design and how do you get started? From choosing your website builder and domain name, to understanding how to design each element of your site from your design concept, this complete guide will walk you through designing a website. TL;DR: How to design a website Designing a website is about more than just making it look good—it’s about creating an experience that engages your audience and supports your business goals. This guide walks you through each step, from defining your site’s purpose and structure to choosing a design, adding content and optimizing for performance. You’ll also learn how to make your website functional, mobile-friendly and ready to scale as your business grows. What you need to design a website Item Why it matters A domain name Your domain is your website’s address online (e.g., example.com) and helps people easily find your business. Web hosting Hosting stores your website’s files and makes sure your site is always accessible to visitors. A website builder or CMS Tools like Wix give you everything you need to design and manage your site, from customizable templates to built-in features. Design assets High-quality images, videos and fonts make your website look professional and engaging. How to design a website Set your goal Choose a website builder Define your layout Create wireframes Claim your domain name Gather your content Add the right pages Design your website elements Pick the professional tools you need Make it accessible to everyone Optimize for mobile Strengthen your SEO Engage with visitors Ask for feedback Publish and update Monitor and adjust 01. Set your goal Before you design a website, be crystal-clear about what you want to achieve. With so many types of websites out there, you should start by deciding which kind will help you meet your goals and meet your target audience and market where they are: An AI store builder or eCommerce website to sell your products Use a portfolio maker to showcase your art A business website to manage and grow your business A resume website to grab the attention of potential employers A blog to share your knowledge with the world An event website for weddings, parties and company events A photography portfolio website to display and sell prints A fitness website to book new clients A restaurant website to help with online orders, delivery and payment As part of this step you'll want to make sure you do plenty of research into how your site should be structured and designed, both for the type of site it is and your brand. eCommerce sites are designed differently to blog websites, for example — and mainly because of the user experience (UX) and user intent (UI) and how they differ on each unique site. Look first to your competitors to see how they've designed their sites, maybe there are must have pages, content or layout you should have. Once you decide which type you need, it’s time to start the exciting part - designing your site. As you set off on this journey, keep your overarching purpose in mind and think about how the design will help achieve your objectives. Get started with a web design checklist. As you move forward with designing a website, you’ll find that your choice of elements to include will vary depending on what you want to accomplish. For example, if you want to sell your photos online, try displaying your work in a portfolio format and including an online store where you can sell prints. Or, if you’re creating a website with the goal of landing a job, a simple and professional resume website sans embellishment might suit your needs perfectly. Be inspired: Design thinking If you need help envisioning a design that meets your goal, browse through these Wix website examples for inspiration. You should also tap in web design trends and galleries for further inspiration. Consider also creating a mood board, just to brainstorm colors, styles and anything else relevant to the early stages of designing your website. Starting a design business? Use this design name generator to name it. 02. Choose your website builder Now that you’ve identified your goal, your next step is to choose the right website builder to accomplish it. A website builder (also known as a CMS) is a platform on which you can design, personalize and publish a website without any knowledge of coding. There are dozens of platforms available on the market. Not sure which one to use? Wix.com is an HTML website builder that was ranked # 1 out of the best website builders in the world, and for good reason. Learn more about the advantages of Wix: Wix vs Squarespace Here are a few Wix advantages: Diverse pricing models : Creating, publishing and hosting your website is totally free , for as long as you wish. If you want to upgrade your online presence with some tailored features, Premium packages are also available. They include everything you need to succeed online, from professional templates and web design features, to a custom domain name . Learn more: How to vibe code a website Design customization: Whether you’re a seasoned web designer or are still learning how to design a website, you’ll find that Wix offers different creative routes for everyone. One option is the Wix Editor, whose drag-and-drop technology and WYSIWYG software gives you complete design freedom. Each element of your website’s design can be customized for the look you want, while plenty of tools and built-in features will heighten its professional presence. You don't need to know or understand markup languages ( HTML , CSS , Javascript ) to build a Wix website. Beginners might also enjoy using Wix’s AI website builder , a first-of-its-kind chat-based experience that taps into Wix's ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) to help you design a website in record time. Simply chat with AI about the vision for your site, and you’ll get a complete website that you can customize as you wish. Learn more about some of the best AI website builders and how to find the right balance between AI vs. human creativity . At the same time, experienced creators can look into Velo by Wix , which lets you dive into your site’s engine and interface to build sophisticated apps, APIs and databases . You get to own your website development. This way, you’re sure to have a one-of-kind result that suits your brand perfectly, and looks like no other website in the world. Also look at Wix Studio , an advanced web creation platform build for agencies, who need more from their web creation platform. Professional solutions: Because your website is the hub of your online life, Wix puts all of the professional solutions you need in one place. Tools like email marketing, invoices, bookings, social media accounts and more can be integrated into your website’s design for the best experience of managing your site and business. On top of this, you’ll also be able to optimize your site with Wix SEO to increase your chances of getting found on Google. "As a creator or entrepreneur, you're often wearing multiple hats. You're designing the website, you're optimizing for SEO. This means you need a website builder that makes it easy and very learnable for you to do all of those things, on the same platform and still deliver as if working with experts in those fields. Esin D. Habif, product marketing lead for outbound at Wix.com Unique design features: Wix’s design features are completely customizable, which means you can design your website exactly the way you want. From a suite of imagery and backgrounds to innovative features like transparent videos and scrolling effects, you’ll have plenty of options to start with, and you can always upload files of your own. Learn more about some of the best website builders for designers. Customer service: You’re not alone in your journey of learning how to design a website. If you need assistance, you’ll always have someone to talk to thanks to Wix’s 24/7 support team and social media pages. If you want to read up on web design tips , find web design tutorials , and get inspiration, you’ll find plenty of helpful material available online, too. To grow your knowledge in web design, online marketing, SEO and more— take a look at the Wix Blog (sincerely yours) and Help Center . Ready to design a website with the Wix Editor? Here’s how to get started: Go to Wix.com from your desktop or mobile. Enter your email address, pick a password—and voilà. You now have your account, from which you can create as many websites as you wish. Explore the vast collection of website templates, pick the one that’s most relevant for your needs, and start customizing it with the tools and features of your choice. If you’d rather build your website from scratch, you can start with a blank canvas and take it from there. Learn the ins and outs of building a website with the Wix Editor with this online course. 03. Define your layout Once you’re logged into your platform of choice, it’s time to conceptualize your website layout. If you want to start from scratch, you may want to plan map out your website’s design (and structure) on paper before you start to use the drag and drop website builder . However, another option is to use a template, which is a pre-designed layout created by a professional designer. Wix offers an extensive library of free website templates . You’ll find designs for every kind of website, whether you’re looking to create a business website, a blog or a personal website.Start by browsing through the hundreds of options until you find a layout that you love. Then, you can make it your own by fully customizing all its elements and removing, adding or changing details like text, images and color. Of these designs, you can pick between a multi-page template and a single-page one. If your website includes a hefty amount of content, you’ll probably opt for a multi-page site. However, with less content to display, you may want to look into one page website templates . This trendy option is a popular choice for landing pages, event websites and other short-form content sites. Pro tip: There’s no better way to get your web design juices flowing than by seeking creative inspiration. A good way to start is to look at website examples that got it right. Grab a pen and paper, and jot down ideas you like as you browse through some of the best website designs. There are plenty of social media platforms dedicated to design inspiration, such as Pinterest and Dribbble , so make sure to check those out too. You can also expand your design knowledge by exploring concepts such as the golden ratio and how it applies to effective website design, specifically the layout. "The most important thing before building a website is good research. Know what you want to do and collect good inspirations that will contribute to your design." - Anna Suntsov, blog and social design team lead at Wix.com 04. Create wireframes Wireframes are simple black-and-white sketches of your website that outline the basic structure of each page. Think of them as the blueprint for your site’s design, helping you map out where elements like text, images, buttons and menus will be placed. Creating wireframes gives you a clear vision of your layout and allows you to make adjustments before jumping into the actual design process. You can create wireframes using freehand sketches on paper or online drag-and-drop platforms. Start by sketching your homepage to decide what visitors will see first and how they’ll navigate through your site. Then, move on to other essential pages like your About, Blog or Contact sections, outlining how all the pieces will connect. Pro tip: Wireframes don’t need to be detailed or perfect. Keep them simple, focusing on functionality and layout rather than aesthetics. Once you're happy with the structure, you can move on to customize and fine-tune the design for a polished final look. 05. Claim your domain name To put it in simple terms, your domain name is your address on the internet. It’s what your visitors will see in the bar of their browser, right after the “www.” Registering your domain name is critical for online success. Websites with a customized domain are automatically perceived by internet users as more professional and trustworthy. When chosen wisely, a domain name also helps search engines (like Google and Bing) understand what your website is about. This is important because it helps bring in more traffic to your website. Now, how do you choose a domain name for your brand? To make it memorable, keep it: Short: The longer it is, the higher the chances of visitors misspelling it. Simple: Avoid symbols, special characters and numbers. Professional: Your domain name should incorporate your own name or your business name, to avoid confusion. Evocative: Hint about what you do into your domain name by incorporating words that are related to your business. You can find out if your dream domain name is available by using this domain registration tool . If your top choice is still up for grabs, don’t hesitate to acquire your piece of virtual property. If it’s not, don’t panic. Try out different variations of your original choice by playing around with the word order, or adding “the” at the start. Pro tip : Picking a domain name also means using the right domain extension. From .org to .com and .net , you can choose from 45 top-level domain extensions. It’s best practice to use one that suits your business type and geographic location. Choosing a domain also means selecting the right web hosting provider . With Wix, reliable and secure web hosting is standard with every site designed. 06. Gather your content Now that you’ve set the foundations for your digital design , it’s time to get practical and prepare the content that will be featured on your website. This includes all of your web content —images, text, logo, videos and more. Use your own material as much as possible to ensure you’re offering unique and branded content. If you’re not using original content, just make sure to acquire your resources legally. Wix comes with a wide selection of media features, including a library of over one million free photos from our partners at Unsplash, Vector illustrations and interactive videos that are exclusive to Wix. There’s also endless stock photo and image reservoirs you can check out. Or, Wix's AI image tool. Read also: 7 things you can do in 30 seconds using Wix’s AI image tools While having plenty of material on your website is great, remember to always put quality over quantity. In an era of decreasing attention spans, the best way to catch your visitors’ attention is to showcase only your best content. Finally, make sure your content is fully branded. Think of your website as an online persona—everything from the written content to the colors and fonts you use should reflect who you are or what your brand identity is. Pro tip: New to the marketing game, or feel like you could sharpen up your brand language? From creating a logo to defining your tone of voice, this guide explains everything you need to know about building a solid brand identity. 07. Add the right pages Every business is unique, and so is every website. Nevertheless, there are some traditional sections that your site visitors will expect to see. If you’re going for a multi-page website design, here are some must-have web pages: Homepage : You have one chance to make a good first impression, and your homepage is it. Since it’s likely to be the first thing visitors will see, aim for a homepage that’s clean, organized and eye-catching. It should clarify who you are and what you do and serve as a starting point for visitors to navigate through your site. Make sure it contains the most crucial information: your logo, the name of your business and a navigation menu inviting visitors to browse further. Once you’ve got these basics down, consider what sort of website background, imagery, written content and calls-to-action you can add here to engage with visitors. About Us page: Tell your story and share your values, methods and any other information that defines your brand with an About Us page. Welcome new visitors by using the first person (“I” or “We”), since it adds a friendly touch of friendliness and warmth. Also, don’t forget to include a picture of yourself or your team members, since clients always like to see the face behind a business. Contact page: When visitors want to reach out, they should be able to get hold of you easily. That’s where a contact page comes in. Make sure to include your phone number, postal address, business email address and social media accounts. You can also consider adding a live chat widget that gives visitors the chance to reach out and get an immediate response, or a contact form where they can write their message directly through your site. Extras (but highly recommended): Your product or service page : The product page (or service page, depending on your industry) is where your visitors discover what you have to offer, and if they’re convinced, take out their credit card and make a purchase. When you design a website with a product or service page in mind, here are some key recommendations: Add high quality product photography, write precise and engaging product or service descriptions, and be transparent about your conditions (such as shipping, return, or cancellation policies). A blog: Starting a blog with a blog creator boosts your reputation as an expert, helps you foster a loyal community, and is an effective way to drive traffic to your website. If you’re not a natural-born writer, don’t fret - you have much more to say than you think. You can write about your clients (success stories, case studies, interviews) or yourself (events you attend, new employees and more). But the most valuable blog ideas will come from your own expertise. Your readers will love to discover the tips, methods and hacks you use to solve the problems you meet and will definitely appreciate the added value. Testimonials: An honest testimonials page is a wonderfully effective addition to your website design. Studies show that 77% of satisfied customers will recommend your business or service to a friend after having a positive experience. If the purpose of your website is to bring in new customers, leverage the power of word-of-mouth and let your satisfied clients do the selling for you. You can also consider using social proof examples as part of this page as well. This can help lend credibility to both your site and business. Splash page: A splash page acts as a preview to your site, greeting visitors before they reach your homepage. This is a great way to engage with visitors using high quality visuals or interesting text, or to promote a special offer or event. FAQ page: An FAQ page is a dedicated page on your website that provides visitors with quick and simple answers to common questions in an organized and structured manner. It can save time by providing automated answers and provide a great experience for users. Privacy page: This may be necessary for legal compliance, so be sure to check in your own country. A privacy policy helps you establish yourself as a transparent brand, whom customers can trust. Also often using third-party services, such as web analytics platforms, or monetizing your website through ads, can mean you need a privacy policy page to work with these partners. Once you've decided which pages you need, your next priority should be to plan and structure them within your website. Establishing a hierarchy of pages is important for your site's navigation and to make sure people can move throughout the site with ease. This will also help you decided which pages and links to prioritize on your header and footer. 08. Design your website elements You’ve got your content ready, claimed your domain name and set up your website’s pages. It’s officially time to design the elements of your website. In this section, we’ll talk about all the details that will bring your website together and how to arrange them to form one cohesive design - whether that's inspired by minimalist, modernism, brutalism or something else completely. Ultimately, these decisions should be guided by your brand identity - the distinct appearance and voice you use to communicate your message to audiences. On top of this, keep usability in mind: your website should always facilitate easy navigation and strive to give visitors an engaging user experience. Here are some elements to work on when learning how to design a website: Website architecture : In order to provide the best website navigation experience for visitors, your pages need to be properly connected to one another. Make sure visitors can easily find the pages they need by adding a navigation menu and implementing internal links. Ultimately, follow the “two-click rule.” Your visitors shouldn’t have to click more than once to access any page of your site, wherever they are. "When it comes to making a website it's worth considering building a plan for all your website pages from the start of the process. This means creating a clear website plan that includes your planned and potential future pages. This allows you to then build a url structure for your site that is clean and consistent. This in turn can also mean you avoid having to make fixes to your url structure later, with redirects and manually having to update our change your internal linking." - Nitsan Eiges, team lead of technical SEO at Wix.com Menu: This central element of your design will display the different items featured on your website, ensuring that visitors can easily find and navigate from one page to another. Website menus range from the standard horizontal header menu, to the condensed hamburger menu. Whichever style you choose, it’s recommended to make it accessible on every page of your site and to keep the number of items to a minimum to avoid clustering the screen. Colors: Color psychology proves that different hues have different impacts on human behavior, which is what makes it such an important aspect of website design. The colors you choose may involve different emotions in your users and can impact your site's bounce rate . When choosing your website color scheme, a general rule is to limit yourself to three shades: one primary color (60% of the mix), one secondary color (30%) and one accent color (10%). Of course, if you’ve already solidified brand colors for yourself or your business, these should be included. Don't forget to think about your color palette and your use of the concepts of web colors and color space . Fonts: When you choose fonts for your website, pick typefaces that are legible (both on desktop and mobile) and consistent with your brand identity. While the world of web typography is vast, opt for a maximum of three fonts in order to avoid visual chaos and to ensure readability. Header and footer: Your website’s header and footer are found at the very top and bottom of your website, respectively. Both of these elements can be used in your website’s design to enhance usability and engagement. Both your header and footer contribute to the visual hierarchy of your site, which is important for users and search engines to understand what your site is about and who it's for. A website header is a great place to include features that you want visitors to discover immediately, such as your own logo or navigation menu. While a website footer won’t be seen right away, it can still be used to help your visitors in a number of ways. For example, it’s a great place for you to add your contact information, social media buttons, or an email sign up form. Motion: This refers to all of the non-static, multimedia elements of your website, which can be very handy when you’re trying to catch the eye of visitors. Motion can come in many shapes, sizes and locations across your website design: implementing hover effects to encourage interaction, using VideoBox to add stunning effects or even uploading a full video background. While website animations will definitely spruce up your site, use them in moderation. This guide explains all the dos and don’ts of adding animation to your website design. Scroll effects: As the name suggests, scroll effects appear when the visitors scroll up or down your site. Their sophistication has the potential to draw attention, but most importantly, they help create a smooth transition between the different layers of a website page. One such effect is parallax scrolling. This professional 3D effect can add a sense of depth to your page, resulting in a lively browsing experience. This, along with other scroll effects (such as reveal or zoom-in), can be achieved using the Wix Editor. Favicon: A favicon is a small icon that will be used in a website browser to “represent” your website. Take a second to look up at this tab in your browser, and you’ll see a tiny Wix logo in the left-hand corner—that’s a favicon. Despite its small size, a favicon is a great tool for helping users locate your website in those moments when one too many tabs are open. It will also contribute to your website’s branding by presenting your logo in an extra location, and its sharp appearance adds a measure of professionalism to your website design. Responsive design: Responsive design enables your visitors to have a seamless browsing experience, regardless of whether they are using a desktop computer, tablet or mobile device. With Wix Columns, your website automatically adjusts and stacks content vertically based on the screen size or device being used to view it. This ensures that your website maintains its functionality and visual appeal across various platforms. Whitespace: This is the area of your website that doesn’t include anything. Frightened by all this empty space? Don’t be. First of all, despite the name white space doesn't mean the absence of color, but rather negative space. Also, white space gives your visitors room to “breathe” between images or pieces of content, contributing to a much better user experience. It also supports Hick's law , that the more choices people are given, the harder it can be for them to make a decision. You want to avoid this on your site where the goal is to get users to interact and move around it. Visual hierarchy: Visual hierarchy is the strategic arrangement of elements on a webpage to guide users' attention to what matters most. By using techniques like larger fonts for headings, bold colors for call-to-action buttons and contrasting sections, you can create a clear and structured path for viewers. Spacing helps prevent clutter and maintains a balanced, inviting layout. A strong visual hierarchy enhances user experience while ensuring your key messages are noticeable and effectively communicated. Pro tip: What would artists like Leonardo da Vinci have to say about how to design a website? A lot, we imagine. Some of the same rules that governed art and design for centuries are also applicable to the internet. From balance to symmetry, discover how the principles of design can be applied to websites. Don't forget you can also test how your website looks with a mockup or website wireframe , that will help show you your design and structure before you press publish. Ready to put your website design skills to action? Start designing your site now. 09. Pick the professional tools you need The internet is becoming one of the most important marketplaces in the world. It’s estimated that in 2022, over 2.14 billion people worldwide will purchase goods and services online. For the creative and professionally minded alike, adding some of the following tools to your website can help facilitate efficient and secure transactions. It can also help ensure the scalability of your business through your website. To further help you design your site, Wix encompasses several bespoke solutions to help businesses across all sizes and industries interact with clients. Incorporating these features will elevate your website so that it not only looks good, but operates seamlessly and functions how you need it to: Scheduling software: If you run a service business, your website needs to be able to receive online reservations and payments, 24/7. Wix’s scheduling software does just that. It includes the most sophisticated options on the market, from letting clients book appointments online to the ability to manage your staff’s calendars. Online store: Want to sell your goods online and generate a continuous stream of revenue? An online store is the way to go. From tracking your orders to accepting payments online , to getting paid easily, you’ll be able to manage everything from one dedicated place. Social posts: Raise brand awareness and drive traffic to your site by creating eye-catching social media graphics and sharing your posts directly to Facebook and Instagram. Music: Wix Music is a cutting-edge platform for musicians who want to expand their audience while maintaining total creative freedom. It enables you to sell your music directly on your website and keep 100% of the profits. Simultaneously, it distributes your tunes to over 120 digital stores. Video Maker: Did you know videos can boost organic search traffic to your website by 157% ? With the Wixel Video maker you can enhance your website design with customized videos in order to engage with your audience and improve traffic. These can be used to promote your products or services, share exciting updates and more. Wix app: The Wix app conveniently allows you to run your site from anywhere, whether this means live chatting with visitors, or designing your website on-the-go. You’ll even have a mobile space where your regular followers and clients can join. Expert tip: The Wix App Market includes a large selection of apps to boost your website’s business potential. From chat to payment, pop-ups and advertising on Google, there’s a tool for every aspect of your business. 10. Make it accessible to everyone These days, a truly great website design should be accessible to everyone. Web accessibility ensures that all people, regardless of their abilities, can comfortably experience and interact with your website. This includes people with vision impairment, temporary injuries, hearing loss and more. With over one billion people living with some form of disability, catering to everyone’s needs is crucial. It also shows that you and your business value inclusivity and diversity. There are a number of ways to improve user experience on your website for everyone. Make sure to build your website layout hierarchically, using clear headers to define the different levels of information. In addition, ensure that your site is fully operable with a keypad, write alt text for your images, use heading tags and more. "An accessible website benefits not only people with disabilities, but all people. Websites with good contrast for example are not only more welcoming and usable for people with low vision ,but also Improves the experience of a user using the smartphone while walking outside on a sunny day." - Nir Horesh, head of Wix SEO & accessibility 11. Optimize for mobile Smaller screens do not equal smaller impact. With an increase in smartphone and tablet usage, it’s crucial that you ensure a seamless browsing experience across all devices by optimizing your mobile website design. When creating a site with Wix, a mobile version of your site is automatically generated with the Mobile Editor. This means that you won’t have to worry about building a new structure from scratch. However, it’s still up to you to make sure you’re optimizing your content to fit this smaller piece of real estate. Firstly, on your mobile website design, try to keep only the most important elements on the page, removing whatever isn’t absolutely necessary. Secondly, optimize the space above the fold by placing the most vital bits of information there, such as your menu or name. This is what your visitors will see first on a mobile browser, so keep it engaging and informative. 12. Strengthen your SEO After you design a website, nothing is more satisfying than watching the number of visitors grow. One way to increase traffic to your website is to build a website design with SEO best practices. SEO (search engine optimization) is the practice of optimizing your website’s content so that it ranks well in search results. SEO requires time, patience and persistence in order to get results, but you can start setting up your SEO as you design your website. Here are some SEO tips that you can apply to your content to improve your chances of ranking in the top results: Conduct keyword research : Keyword research will help you find the keywords that are most relevant for your site. Once you have them, pick one main keyword and a couple of secondary ones—but no more than that. Place your keywords in strategic locations across your site (SEO title and description, homepage, etc.), but don’t overdo it. Search engines penalize websites that “stuff” keywords unnaturally into their content. Include on-page SEO: This is about telling search engines what your pages include. On each page, your website builder will ask you to fill in the meta-data. This includes the URL, the SEO title (the blue link you see on Google’s results page) and the description. Although visitors may not notice these elements, they’re important when it comes to ranking. Add alt text: Alt text refers to the descriptions that you give to your pictures. These won’t be visible to your visitors, but they give a strong indication to Google as to what the media is about. Google may have a lot of knowledge, but it can’t “see” photos or GIFs (yet!). Alt text will help your visual content appear in Google results pages. Plus, writing SEO friendly alt text for your images is also an important practice in improving your website’s accessibility. Boost internal linking: This will ultimately make it easier for Google’s bots to navigate through and recognize your website. Adding links throughout your website design will also encourage visitors to discover more pages. Create a sitemap: This will make it easier for Google and other search engines to crawl your site and understand what it's about. This can be done automatically with a Wix premium plan. Subscribe to the Wix blog  for a weekly dose of fresh web design tips and trends. 13. Engage with visitors These days, visitors expect to engage with you on your site and beyond. Including some of the following features when you design a website will keep your audience connected and informed. Connecting with your followers across multiple channels is a powerful way to build relationships with them—and will ultimately bring more eyes to your site. Live chat: Adding a live chat widget to your site makes a big difference in your visitors’ ability to interact with you. Whether it’s to provide fast customer support or to help undecided visitors make their way to the cart, this small window at the bottom of your users’ screen is a friendly addition. Social media: Similar to your website, your social media channels are an important aspect of your online presence. As you design your website, add links to your social accounts to build your social following and provide another outlet for visitors to connect with you. These should be located somewhere visible, such as under the menu, on the right or left side of your page, or in the footer. Newsletter: Email marketing is a great way to maintain a connection with your audience. You can use email newsletters to update visitors about the latest sales on your online store, promote new blog articles, or celebrate your achievements with subscribers. Invite visitors to subscribe to your newsletter by placing a lightbox on your website. Forms: One powerful way to build long-lasting relationships with your customers is to ask for their feedback. Creating an online form for your website makes sure that visitors have a safe place to share their thoughts about your products, services, website or customer support. Pro tip: Learn how to engage your visitors effectively with techniques like website gamification . 14. Ask for feedback, test and edit At this point, you may know how to design a website successfully, but there’s still room for growth. Being impartial is especially difficult when it comes to your own creation, which is why designing a website involves asking for honest feedback from individuals you trust. Be receptive to their critique and remember that you may not always like what you hear. To ensure a flawless final result, ask a friend or colleague to double check the following elements: Is the text correct? Spelling mistakes can ruin the professional reputation that you’ve worked so hard to build. Are the pages easy to navigate? If it takes too long to find a strategic page of your site, it means that you may need to rethink your site architecture or improve the visibility of your menu. Is your web design optimized for mobile? Over 50% of internet users browse websites using a mobile device. You certainly don’t want to leave half of the world’s population frustrated. Are all the links working? Click on every link to make sure none of them return a 404 page (this indicates that the page doesn’t exist anymore). Check to make sure your call-to-actions (CTA's) are working with the correct links too. Are the SEO elements filled out correctly? From alt text to title tags, there are some items to verify so you can rank higher and grow your search engine visibility. Run manual, automated and user experience tests to ensure everything works as expected. UX testing helps identify design issues before launch, ensuring the website meets user needs. Usability testing with real users highlights pain points, while A/B testing compares design variations to determine what performs best. Heatmaps reveal how visitors interact with your site, guiding improvements. These insights allow you to fine-tune your design for a smoother and more engaging user experience. Test your website on different browsers and devices to make sure it works perfectly for everyone. Something that runs smoothly on one browser might not on another, and the same goes for desktops, tablets or smartphones. This step ensures a consistent experience for every visitor, no matter their setup. Fix any errors or usability issues before launch. Check for broken links, speed up page load times and smooth out navigation or design hiccups. A fully functional, user-friendly site helps you make a great first impression right from the start. 15. Publish and update Having a website is a necessity. But having a website that is up-to-date is what really makes the difference. A site that looks like it’s been lying dormant for too long is uninviting and unreliable. Make sure to be alert, stay in-the-know and update or redesign your website's content as often as you can. As you learn how to design a website that constantly grows and evolves, you’ll need to know how to update your site. There’s always room for improvement, and you want to make sure that you keep your website design fresh. Stay savvy by keeping up with web design trends and UX design trends —use that knowledge to update your site’s design overtime. Don’t forget to keep your content up-to-date, too. Make sure it’s always relevant and proves to visitors that you’re on top of the latest developments in your industry. 16. Monitor and adjust your website Once your website is live, consistently track its performance. This will help you gain insights into user behavior, page traffic and engagement metrics. Regularly check these analytics to understand what's working and what may need improvement. Pay attention to high bounce rates, exit pages and user flow to identify any areas where visitors might be having trouble. User feedback can also be invaluable—consider implementing surveys or feedback forms to glean insights directly from your audience. Track your website’s performance by monitoring traffic and user behavior with tools like Google Analytics. These tools help you understand key metrics such as visitor demographics, session length and page views. Connect your site to analytics to make smart, data-driven decisions effortlessly. Use these insights to improve your content and make necessary updates. For example, if you notice high bounce rates on certain pages, try simplifying navigation or enhancing the content to keep visitors engaged. Armed with this data, be prepared to make necessary adjustments to your content, design or functionality to enhance user experience and achieve your website goals. Remember, a website that evolves with user needs and technological advancements will remain relevant and successful. Pro tip:  You can regularly track the growth of your web traffic  and performance of your site by utilizing Wix’s marketing integrations and connecting your website to tracking tools, like Google Analytics  or Google Search Console . What you need to design a website To design a website, you'll need the following: A domain name: This is the address of your website on the internet, such as example.com. You can register a domain name through a domain registrar. Web hosting: This is the service that stores your website's files and makes them accessible to visitors. You can purchase web hosting from a web hosting provider. A website builder or content management system (CMS): This is a software tool that helps you to create and manage your website's content. Using Wix as a CMS for web design offers you a wide range of templates, ease of use and affordability. Design assets: This includes images, videos and fonts that you will use to design your website. You can find design assets for free or purchase them from stock photo websites and other online resources. What to keep in mind when you design a website When it comes to designing a website, it's worth keeping the following in mind: Who are you designing the website for? What are their needs and interests? What kind of information are they looking for? This is all part of setting your goals for your website. What do you want visitors to do on your website? Do you want them to learn about your company, buy your products or contact you? Learn more: Why is web design important? Decide what your brand values are and what kind of image you want to project when you are designing your website. What colors, fonts and images will represent your brand? This is what your audience will come to associate with you, so choose carefully. Deciding how your website will be structured involves answering important questions, from figuring out how many pages it will have to how visitors will navigate from one page to another. Your website should be mobile-friendly, meaning that it looks good and functions properly on all devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Make sure your website is accessible to people with disabilities, too. This means using high-contrast colors, large fonts and clear navigation. UX (user experience) is the overall experience of using a website. A good UX makes it easy for visitors to find what they're looking for and complete their desired tasks. On top of that, it's important that the design of your website be eye-catching and easy to use. Use colors, fonts and images that complement your brand and make the website easy to navigate. Make sure that your website is secure from hackers and malware. This means using secure passwords, encrypting sensitive data and keeping your software up to date. Pro tip:  Explore old-school types of layouts in nostalgic web design  and Y2K website design . When to design a website yourself or hire a web designer Whether you should design a website yourself or hire a web designer depends on a number of factors, including the following. Budget Hiring a web designer can be expensive, so it's important to consider your budget before making a decision. If you're on a tight budget, you may want to consider designing your own website using a website builder or CMS platform. Time commitment Designing a website can be a time-consuming process, especially if you're not familiar with web design. If you don't have the time to commit to designing your own website, then hiring a web designer may be the best option. Skills and experience If you have no experience with web design, then it may be difficult to create a website that is both visually appealing and functional. If you're not confident in your ability to design a website, hiring a web designer could be the best option. However, website builders like Wix offers easy-to-use templates for beginners, so it's not a necessity. What does a web designer do? A web designer brings a website to life by focusing on how it looks and feels. They choose colors, fonts, images and layouts that reflect your brand and create a visually appealing experience. But design isn’t just about aesthetics—a good web designer also thinks about usability, making sure your site is easy to navigate and guides visitors toward the actions you want them to take. Web designers plan for every device, creating layouts that look great on desktops, tablets and smartphones. They add visual content like icons, images and videos to support your message and collaborate with developers to make sure your site functions exactly as intended. The goal is a website that’s both beautiful and practical, giving visitors a smooth, intuitive experience from start to finish. Beyond design and functionality, web designers help maintain consistency across your brand. They ensure your website aligns with your company’s style, messaging and values while also optimizing usability and accessibility so everyone can enjoy a seamless experience. How to design a website with AI When it comes to designing a website, AI can enhance various aspects of the design process, from user experience (UX) to visual design and even content creation. The simplest way to get started is by firing up a platform like Wix's AI maker. A solution like this can connect you with advanced AI tools that take care of the back-end and front-end development of your site, so you can focus on the vision for your brand and business. Meanwhile, AI will suggest the best layout and design for your site based on business goals. Platforms like Wix will go a step further and set you up with the right pages and business applications. For example, if you run a gym that hosts events and also sells its own apparel, Wix will automatically connect your site with its Bookings and Stores apps. This ensures that you not only have a professional-looking website, but also a fully functional workspace for managing all aspects of your business online. Sign up for Wix and test drive its AI website maker for free today. How to design a website FAQ How much does it cost to design a website? The cost of designing a website varies. You can start designing a website for free, with a website builder like Wix or choose from a premium plan. Using a designer or expert to design your website could cost from several hundred to thousands of dollars. Can I design a website by myself? Yes. With an easy to use website builder like Wix, you can create a website by yourself for your business or brand. Do businesses really need a website? In today's digital age, businesses need a website more than ever. A website is a great way to reach new customers, promote your products or services, and build your brand. If you don't have a website, you are missing out on a lot of potential opportunities. How do you design a website from scratch? Here are some tips for designing a website from scratch: Start with a clear plan: Before you start designing your website, it's important to have a clear plan of what you want your website to achieve. What do you want your website to do? Who is your target audience? What are your goals for your website? Do your research: Once you have a clear plan, it's important to do your research. This includes researching different website design trends, as well as researching your target audience. Choose the right tools: You can design a website for free using a website builder like Wix. If you want a more powerful website, you will need to upgrade to a paid plan. Start designing: Once you have chosen the right tools, you can start designing your website. This is where you will put all of your ideas together and create the look and feel of your website. Test and refine: Once you have designed your website, it's important to test it and make sure it works properly. You should also refine the design based on your feedback. What are the best platforms for designing a website without coding knowledge? Wix is a popular platform for users with no coding experience. They offer drag-and-drop interfaces, customizable templates and built-in features What are some common mistakes to avoid when designing a website? Common website design blunders include neglecting user experience, focusing solely on aesthetics over functionality, ignoring mobile friendly techniques, overusing visuals and animations, neglecting clear navigation and choosing a slow loading website. How to design a mobile friendly website? Wix's mobile editor, for example, allows you to preview and edit your site's mobile view. Ensure your content is easily readable and accessible on small screens. Use large buttons and clear navigation for easy interaction.

Your name idea deserves a home. Secure your domain now → In the fast-paced world of eCommerce , your business name is your first impression, your brand's vibe and a big part of standing out from the crowd. Picking the perfect name is a big deal if you’re starting a business  or building an ecommerce site . Why does it matter? Your business name is often the first thing people notice when they check out your products or services. A great name can highlight what your brand is all about, make it feel more relatable, stick in people’s minds and help you make money online . Naming your eCommerce 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. eCommerce business name ideas to brainstorm Discover a curated selection of eCommerce business names designed to inspire you. Whether you're in need of a professional, unique, or distinctive name, these suggestions can assist you in finding the perfect fit for starting your eCommerce venture . Unique eCommerce business name ideas Catchy eCommerce business name ideas Funny eCommerce business name ideas Professional eCommerce business name ideas Inspirational eCommerce business name ideas Location-based eCommerce business name ideas Timeless eCommerce business name ideas Clever eCommerce business name ideas Modern eCommerce business name ideas Classic eCommerce business name ideas Minimalist eCommerce business name ideas Unique eCommerce business names ShopFusion ClickCart Connect TrendTrove ByteBoutique QuikCyber Mall PixelPulse Emporium SkylineShopper ZenCartopia GigaGoods Galore VirtuVend Ventures EcomGrove ShopNest Quest WebWhimsy World NovaNet Niche QuantumQuik Shop Found the perfect name for your business? Lock in your domain  before someone else does. Catchy eCommerce business names ShopSizzle ClickCharm SwiftCart TrendEra Emporium BuzzBuy Boutique FlashFusion Finds SparkleCart ChicCraze Creations PopCart Pulse GlimmerGroove SnapShop Selections TrendyTraverse BlissCart Bazaar GlamourGaze Goods VogueVenture Create your online store without inventory or upfront risk. Start dropshipping now   → Funny eCommerce business names ClickKaleidoscope ShipShop BlinkBasket WinkWares GrinGroceries SnapSack ZipZapZone SpinSplurge WhizWonders QuirkQuick ZingZest JoltJunction BoingBuy TickTrove WhirlWheel Professional eCommerce business names EliteCommerce Solutions ProVenture Marketplace PremierWeb Retail EminentEshop Hub AscendCart Ventures PinnacleOnline Emporium SuperiorSelect Store PrimeWeb Merchants OptiMarket Empowerment LuxeCommerce Network SummitShop Central NobleWeb Retailers PrestigeCart Exchange ApexOnline Emporium ExecutiveeCommerce Mall Inspirational eCommerce business names InspireCart Creations RiseAbove Retail DreamPulse Emporium VisionaryVista Ventures AchieveAllMart SuccessSail Store EmpowerEshop Hub ThriveTrove Exchange ElevationEmporium DriveDream Marketplace SparkSpirit Shop AspireFusion Finds PeakPower Products UnleashUtopia Mall EvolveeCommerce World Location-based eCommerce business names [City] Cart Creations [State] Shopper's Hub [Region] Retail Emporium CoastalConnections [City] Explore [State] Store [City] Marketplace Masters [Region] Finds & More [Country] Treasures Online [State] Savings Central [City] Corner Shop [Region] eCommerce Emporium [Country] Cart Collectibles [State] Style Selections [City] Elegance Emporium [Region] Wonders Online Starting a business in Washington ? Take a look at these creative name ideas: Evergreen Wonderland Wares Cascade Mountain Treasures Puget Sound Delights Depot Space Needle Souvenirs Showcase Rainforest Retreat Finds Timeless eCommerce business names Trademark Treasures ClassicCommerce Co. Timeless Trends Marketplace Vintage Value Ventures Eternal Elegance Emporium Heritage Haven Hub Everlasting Essentials Shop Perennial Picks Online Enduring eCommerce Exchange Time-Tested Tidbits Ageless Allure Finds Relic Retailers Network Iconic Items Emporium Endless Charm Collectibles Timepiece Treasures Store Clever eCommerce business names ShopIQ ClickWit Creations ByteBrilliance Boutique PunnyCart Emporium EurekaEshop SmartyPants Shopping BrainyBuys Central ThinkTank Treasures WitWhimsy World SavvySpree Store CraftyCart Collectibles CogniCommerce Co. SharpShopper's Showcase WittyWares Depot IdeaFusion Finds Modern eCommerce business names TechTrendy Mall DigitEase Emporium EcomWave Creations CyberCart Central InnovateShop Solutions WebWorld Wonders ModernMarketplace Hub ByteBoutique Network FutureFinds Store UrbanClick Co. EcomTech Innovations DigitalDwellings Depot InstaShop Pro NeoNet Retailers iCommerce Connect Subscribe to the Wix blog  for a weekly dose of business tips and industry trends. Classic eCommerce business names Heritage Elegance Emporium Timeless Traditions Treasures Royal Retailers Online Vintage Vogue Ventures ClassicCart Creations LegacyLuxury Mall Prestige Picks Shop Noble Niche Network Opulent Options Co. Traditional Treasures Depot GracefulGoods Gallery Regal Finds Showcase ElegantEmporium Central GrandMarketplace Hub Time-Honored Tidbits Store Minimalist eCommerce business names PureCart ZenMarket SimpleGoods CleanClicks ChicCommerce BasicBoutique ModCart NeatNiche Streamlined Store EffortlessEmporium SleekSelects UnclutteredGoods SubtleShop MinimalMall ClarityCart Get started with  making a website  using Wix, or follow our guide on  how to build a website . eCommerce business real name examples Pelch Pelch Music captures the heart and soul of Canadian singer-songwriter Pelch. From breakout hits to new EPs and an upcoming album, fans can explore his journey, check tour dates, watch music videos and grab exclusive merch. This musician has included a store as part of building his eCommerce website . The name "Pelch" reflects his intimate, authentic style—distinctive, memorable and full of individuality. Galactic Soccer Kits Galactic Soccer Kits brings you the best in new and classic soccer jerseys, handpicked for fans who love the game’s history and passion. From iconic kits worn by legendary players to vintage treasures and rare releases, every piece tells a story. The name Galactic Soccer Kits captures the magic and global love for soccer, reminding us why it’s the beautiful game. Batmoon Batmoon shop is where bold meets edgy, offering unique fashion staples like oversized hoodies and compression wear, all crafted with a dark gothic twist. The name says it all—mysterious, rebellious and inspired by the night. Famous eCommerce business names Many of the largest eCommerce brands in the world are known for their super simple, yet impactful names. These include: Amazon: cleverly involves the size, scale and fame of the world's largest rainforest eBay : this famous eCommerce platform was originally intended to be named Echo Bay before its founder discovered that name was already taken Etsy : this now super famous name was specifically chosen because it's nonsensical, the founder wanted to create a brand from scratch and so it was important the name had no context or other meaning Learn more: Online store names How to choose the right eCommerce business name Deciding how to name your business is a crucial step in establishing your online store, as well as your brand identity and attracting customers. Follow these six steps to come up with the perfect business name for your online store: Define your brand identity Brainstorm topics and names Narrow down and refine Check domain availability Test and feedback Perform a legal check 01. Define your brand identity Begin by thoroughly understanding your eCommerce business, its mission, values and the products or services you offer. Identify your target audience and what sets you apart from competitors within your niche. This clarity will guide your naming process. 02. Brainstorm topics and names Make a list of relevant keywords, phrases and concepts associated with your eCommerce business. Consider your product categories, unique selling points and any industry-specific terminology. In order to have as many names as possible to choose from, use a business name generator or a list of store names to combine keywords and concepts in order to get access to options that you might not have thought of. 03. Narrow down and refine Review the list of generated names and select the ones that resonate the most with your brand's identity and target audience. Keep in mind that your business name should be easy to spell, pronounce and remember. Eliminate any options that are too long or complicated. 04. Check domain availability In the eCommerce world, having a matching domain name is crucial. Verify the availability of domain names for the business name ideas you've shortlisted with a domain name search . It's important to have a consistent online presence, so choose a name for which the corresponding domain name is available when making a website. Make sure to check social media channels as well to ensure you can secure the relevant handles. Expert tip from Karen Friedlander , Product Marketing Manager at Wix, “There are three WIN Pillars for choosing a great domain name: Words - Keep it short and easy to spell. Identity - Make sure it’s relevant to your business. Name - Ensure it’s unique and distinguishable. Avoid numbers and hyphens as they can complicate the domain”. 05. Test and feedback Share the top name choices with friends, family and potential customers to gather feedback. Make sure the name is easy to pronounce, spell and remember. Feedback can help you refine your options and choose the most suitable name. 06. Perform a legal check Ensure that the business name you choose is not already trademarked or in use by another business, especially in your industry. Conduct a trademark search to avoid legal issues down the road and then register your business name to protect it and make it official. Learn more: Ecommerce tools , eCommerce website builder Benefits of choosing a great eCommerce business name A great eCommerce business name is key to your success. It shapes how customers see your brand and helps build visibility, trust and loyalty. Here's why choosing the right name matters: Boosts brand recognition : A memorable name makes it easy for customers to remember you and come back. Builds trust : A name that reflects your values and professionalism reassures customers about your store's reliability. Improves searchability : A clear, relevant name enhances SEO, helping potential customers find you online. Strengthens marketing : Consistent, effective branding amplifies your ads, social media and email campaigns. Sets you apart : A unique name highlights what makes your business special, standing out in a crowded market. Attracts your audience : A name that hints at your products or services aligns with your customers’ needs. Fosters loyalty : Over time, a strong name becomes linked to quality and satisfaction, encouraging repeat customers. Grows with your business : A smart name adapts seamlessly as your eCommerce store expands. Looking for a business name for another business idea? Trucking business names Consulting business names Real estate business names Food truck business names Marketing business names Construction business name ideas Photography business names Craft business name ideas Found your perfect 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. eCommerce business name ideas FAQ Why is choosing the right eCommerce business name so important? Your online shop name is the first impression customers have of your brand. It can influence their perception of your business, make your brand more memorable and impact your overall success. A well-chosen name can help establish trust and attract customers. How do I choose a good online name? Choose a name that’s short, easy to remember, and reflects your personality or niche. Make sure it’s unique by checking domain availability and social media handles to keep things consistent across platforms. Bonus tip: avoid hard-to-spell words so people can find you easily. Should my business name reflect my eCommerce niche? While it's not mandatory, having a business name that reflects your product or niche can be beneficial. It helps customers understand what you offer at a glance. However, creative and unique names can also work well if they align with your brand's identity and messaging. What are some key things to consider when coming up with an eCommerce business name? A memorable business name is typically short, easy to spell and easy to pronounce. It should convey a sense of your brand's identity, values, or unique selling points. Avoid using complicated or obscure words, as clarity and simplicity often make for a more memorable name. How do I know if my business name is legally available? Search the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to see if the name is already registered. Check your state’s business name registry too to avoid conflicts with local companies. Can I trademark my eCommerce business name? If your name is unique and not too generic or descriptive, you can apply for a trademark through the USPTO. This gives your brand legal protection and stops others in your industry from using a similar name. Should my eCommerce business name and domain be the same? Ideally, yes. Matching your business name to your domain makes your website easier for customers to find and remember. It strengthens brand consistency essentially. If an exact match isn't available, try adding a relevant keyword (like "shop" or "store") or a location to keep it intuitive.

Ready to share your ideas with the world? Start your blog → Learning how to write a blog post is one of the best ways to share your ideas and expertise. I remember starting out feeling excited and unsure, wondering if anyone would read what I wrote. I quickly learned that strong blog posts need more than inspiration. With the right tools, like a reliable website builder , and a clear plan, it becomes much easier to turn ideas into engaging content. If you’re learning how to start a blog that connects with readers, you’re in the right place. For this guide, I spoke with Sharon Hafuta, SEO blog editor at Wix and an expert in creating blog posts that perform. She shared practical advice on what makes a blog post effective. This step-by-step guide will show you how to write a blog post with confidence, from choosing a topic to publishing. Learn more: How to start a blog Starting a blog should feel exciting and effortless. With the Wix Blog Maker, you get everything you need to create, design and grow your blog from scratch. Explore how you can use Wix’s intuitive tools to share your ideas with the world. TL;DR: How to write a blog post Starting a blog is a bold move—and a smart one. It gives you a platform to share your voice, build credibility and grow your brand. This guide walks you through every step of writing a strong blog post, from developing your idea to hitting “publish.” Along the way, you’ll get expert tips from Wix’s own SEO blog editor to help you write content that truly connects and performs. Whether you're writing your first post or refining your process, this is your blueprint for creating blog content with confidence. Feature of a great blog post Why it matters Strong purpose and idea Keeps your content focused and aligned with what your readers care about Engaging headline Grabs attention and encourages clicks Organized structure Guides readers through your message in a way that’s easy to follow Valuable, original insights Builds authority and keeps your audience coming back Optimized for SEO Increases visibility and drives consistent traffic to your site Learn how to open a website . What is a blog post? What is a blog?  A blog post is like a conversation starter between you and your audience. It’s your chance to share ideas, tell stories or offer helpful tips that spark curiosity and build connections. Whether you’re writing about travel adventures, business know-how or that amazing mac and cheese recipe, every blog post works as a piece of your bigger story. When I first started blogging, I thought a blog post was just words on a page. But over time (and with some trial and error), I learned that it’s so much more. It’s about crafting something that resonates with your readers and keeps them coming back for more.  Sharon Hafuta, the SEO blog editor I mentioned earlier, explained it perfectly when she said, “A blog post isn’t just an article; it’s an entryway into your world, wrapped in value, inspiration and authenticity.” That perspective changed everything for me. A good blog post doesn’t have to be long or overly complicated. It should feel approachable, deliver value and have that personal touch that shows readers there’s a real person behind it. Trust me, once you get the hang of shaping your thoughts into a blog post, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. This is where your blogging adventure takes off, one post at a time. Dive into our guide on blogging for beginners  to start creating content that resonates today.  Ready to get blogging? Get started with Wix  today. How to write a blog post in 13 steps Writing a great blog post can feel overwhelming at first, but breaking it into smaller steps makes it totally doable. Thankfully, Sharon has outlined her go-to process that simplifies the whole thing. Here’s how you can create a blog post that feels impactful and reader friendly: Brainstorm blog topics Refine your topic with keyword research Define your audience Create an outline Write engaging content Craft a headline that gets clicks Choose a blog template Select a blog domain name Use images to level up your post Implement calls-to-action Optimize for SEO Edit and polish Hit publish and share your work 01. Brainstorm blog topics When writing a blog post, whether you're  guest posting  for someone else or writing for your own blog, you’ll want to cover topics that bring value to your readers and fall in line with their interests, as well as your own. Start by jotting down topics that excite you or align with your goals. “Think about the questions your audience might be asking or blog niche ideas ,” says Sharon. For example, if you’re writing a food blog, take note of seasonal recipes or cooking techniques people are searching for. This step is all about unleashing your creativity without judgment. The more ideas, the better. There are several places you can look to spark new topic ideas: Browse other blogs within your niche with competitor analysis . If you’re starting a food blog , for example, simply Google “food blog” to see what your competitors are writing about. Use AI,  like an AI website builder  or AI writing tools , at your disposal to generate topic ideas. Use Google Trends to find out which topics are trending. Look for current events and recent news stories related to your field. Find out what people enjoy learning about by browsing online courses on Udemy , Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning . Once you find some interesting ideas online, think about the unique ways you can approach those topics. Consider the various ways you can play around with topic ideas to come up with something that isn’t only trendy and relevant, but that’s also original and fresh. You'll also need to consider making sure your blog post is up to date and this will mean including relevant data and statistics related to the topic. Let’s say, for instance, that you want to write about chocolate chip cookies. There are a few different angles you might consider taking here based on your target audience and potential for website traffic : A how-to post that instructs readers how to do something with clearly ordered steps (e.g., “How to Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies from Scratch”). A curated list that offers a set of recommendations for your readers (e.g., “The Top Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes”). A tips and advice post that provides expert guidance and resources. (e.g., “Tips for Making Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies Extra Gooey”). A definition-based blog post that helps explain the meaning of a term or topic (e.g., “What Are No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies?”). A top trends article that highlights what’s currently popular (e.g., “The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes From This Year”). A personal or business update that lets you unveil something fresh or recently unknown (e.g., “My New Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Revealed”). Sharon also recommends keeping a running list of potential blog topics in a place you can easily access, like a notebook or a digital note app. “When inspiration strikes, capture it!” she emphasizes. This habit will come in handy when you’re ready to write your next post and need a spark to get started. Get brainstorming with these best  blog ideas . 02. Refine your topic with keyword research Part of writing a blog post involves keyword research. This crucial SEO practice is used as a marker to see which terms you can potentially rank high for in certain online searches. Once you’ve chosen a direction for your blog post, and before you get started with the writing process, you’ll need to figure out the chances of its success on search engine result pages—which ultimately means getting more eyes on your content. In order to succeed, conduct keyword research to find the most relevant queries for your topic. You can find keywords for your own articles by using various keyword research tools. If you’re new to blogging, you’ll probably want to start with free tools such as Ubersuggest and Google Keyword Planner . Afterwards, you may want to upgrade to more advanced tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs . While conducting keyword research, keep in mind that the more specific the phrase, the more closely it will match your audience’s intent. On the other hand, broader keywords tend to have higher search volumes—meaning more people are searching for them each month. Think about the benefits of opting for a broader phrase, like “chocolate chip cookies,” over a more precise phrase, like “how to make chocolate chip cookies.” Choosing the right keywords means striking a balance between high search volume and high intent. Once you’ve selected your keywords, you can use them to shape the structure of your content. Google those phrases to find out which articles have successfully targeted those same keywords, and spend some time browsing their content. This will give you inspiration for your own article in terms of what to include and how to structure it. Don't forget to also tap into your own experience as an entrepreneur or writer, when choosing what to write about. “Keyword research sets the foundation for your blog post,” says Sharon. “It’s like a treasure map that leads you to what your audience is searching for. The more intentional you are with this step, the better your chance of connecting with readers and driving meaningful engagement.” 03. Define your audience Now that you know what you’ll be writing about , you need to find out who you’re writing for . Anticipating the kinds of people who will be reading your posts will help you create content that is interesting, engaging, full of relevance and shareable. “Tailoring your content to a specific group makes it more personal and engaging,” Sharon advises. She adds, “Think about their challenges or goals and how your blog post can offer value.” Once you know who you’re talking to, you’ll naturally know the tone, examples and even the right format to use. Of course, your audience largely depends on your type of blog . If you run a baking blog, your website content  will probably be geared towards an audience of people who love baking and are seeking recipe inspiration. Even more specifically, if you run a healthy baking blog, you’ll be writing for people who similarly love baking but who want to make their culinary creations healthier. It’s important to keep these nuances in mind when crafting your content, since your goal is to write articles that resonate strongly with readers. So, how do you figure out your audience in the first place? Start by taking another look at the other blogs in your field. Consider who they seem to be writing for, and the kinds of assumptions they’re making about their readers’ interests and lifestyles. For example, you might find that most of the blogs address a particular gender or age group. Pro tip: Create a reader persona to really hone in on your audience. Think about their age, lifestyle, challenges and goals. Are they busy parents looking for quick recipes? Or maybe they’re health-conscious professionals experimenting in the kitchen. The more specific you get, the easier it is to write content that feels like you’re speaking directly to them. You can also use online forums to find the main questions asked by your audience, or visit Facebook groups to read what topics they like or talk about. This will help you create content that piques their interest, sparks their curiosity and answers their questions. Whether you're  starting a health blog , a fashion blog , travel blog  or something else—defining your audience should come first. 04. Create an organized outline Think of an outline as the backbone of your blog format . It helps you organize your thoughts and ensures a structured flow that’s easy for readers to follow. Break your post into clear sections like an introduction, main points and conclusion. Pro tip: Jot down bullet points under each section to focus your ideas before you start writing. It saves time and keeps you from veering off track. Having a roadmap not only makes writing easier but also results in a more polished post. If it’s a step-by-step guide or a list of tips, start building your outline by listing out all the main points clearly, as in the example below: Outline: How to Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies from Scratch 1. Gather your ingredients 2. Mix and knead the dough 3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper 4. Scoop mounds of dough onto baking sheet 5. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit Add bulleted notes within your introduction and under each of your subheadings. This will help you formulate your main points. If you find yourself getting stuck, use one of these blog post templates to guide you through the outline process. Dive into our guide on blogging for beginners  to start creating content that resonates today.  05. Write engaging content Turning something you love and know a lot about into blog posts is a great strategy to attract readers: they’ll come for the knowledge, but they’ll stay for your authentic outlook and first-hand experiences. Be yourself,” Sharon encourages. “Authenticity is what turns a good post into a great one.” Now that you’ve outlined your blog post, you can start writing (or, use AI to write your blog posts ). Keep in mind that blog posts, like many other types of writing, typically include three main elements: an introduction, the body text and a conclusion. So, how long should a blog post be?  "Well, it’s not about the exact word count," Sharon says. "The key is creating content that holds your readers’ attention. Start with a strong opening sentence to hook them, and then keep them engaged by weaving in stories, relatable examples or even a bit of humor." She adds, "Don’t stress about sounding perfect. Your readers want your authentic voice, not something robotic. The more genuine you are, the more your readers will connect with you, and the polish will follow naturally." Pro tip:  Keep your paragraphs short, and use headings or bullet points to break up the content. This not only makes it easier to read but also keeps your audience coming back for more. Let’s break down the elements of a great blog post: Start with the introduction. In the first few sentences of your article, you should already grab your readers’ attention. Begin with a relevant quote or statistic, tell a short story or share an interesting fact. Then, set the tone for the article by sharing a brief summary of what you’re going to talk about in the body text. This gives your readers a reason to keep going. Next, fill in the body text. In your outline, these are the bullet points below each subheading. This is the meat of your blog post, so it should be clear and compelling. Avoid fluff and repetition, and instead offer deep value by sharing your knowledge, research and insights. A concluding section isn’t always necessary—in fact, our blog rarely uses one—but it can be useful in the case of storytelling or when wrapping up a very extensive article. You can tie your main points together using a short bulleted list, or by sharing some closing thoughts in a few sentences. No matter the case, you’ll want to end on an engaging note. At this stage you'll also want to consider your writing style, this is usually determined by your blog audience. If you're targeting a professional business crowd, you might want to consider adopting a more formal writing style. If your target audience is home bakers, something more light and fun might be the best style. Within this consider your tone too, blogs, even formal business ones, are meant to open up communication and inspire conversation. Make sure your tone is relevant to your writing style and audience, but also use welcoming and inspiring language where possible. Sharon suggests these important concepts to consider in your content creation process: Viscosity : Essentially the ease with which a reader can understand and flow through a piece of text. It is akin to the "fluidity" of the writing and how smoothly the ideas and information are conveyed to the reader. High viscosity in writing implies that the text is dense, complicated and difficult to read, while low viscosity indicates that the writing is clear, concise and easy to comprehend. Rhythm: The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, sentence structures and the flow of words that create a musical or harmonious quality in the text. It's the cadence and beat that give the writing a sense of movement and can make the language more engaging and memorable. Creativity : The ability to express oneself imaginatively and inventively through the written word. It involves using one's unique perspective, original ideas, emotion, pathos and artistic flair to craft compelling stories, poems, essays or any form of written content. Creative writing allows writers to explore their thoughts, emotions and observations in an innovative and expressive manner. Storytelling is a huge part of writing a blog post and shouldn't be neglected. Sentence and clause structure: Fundamental elements of grammar that govern how sentences are constructed in the English language. They determine the arrangement of words (verbs, adjectives), phrases and clauses to convey meaning and ensure clarity in communication. Understanding sentence and clause structure is crucial for effective writing and communication. Learn more: Microblogging Blogosphere What is blog cadence?  06. Craft a headline that gets clicks Your headline is the first impression of your blog post, so make it compelling. Sharon explains, “A strong headline should be specific, pique curiosity and set the right expectations for your content.” For example, instead of “Healthy Snacks,” try “10 Quick and Healthy Snacks You Can Make in Under 5 Minutes.” If you’re unsure about your headline, write a few versions and choose the one that feels the most dynamic. A little effort here goes a long way in drawing in readers. The best blog titles  often balance creativity with clarity, helping readers know exactly what they’ll gain by clicking. Writing a good headline also depends on how well you put yourself in the shoes of your audience. Use the title to promise readers that your blog post will provide valuable insight that will benefit them in some way, whether by satisfying their intellectual curiosity, teaching them something new or helping them solve a problem. This will increase the chances that they’ll click on your article and read it. Just don't go overboard and remember to avoid clickbait, which is writing a hyperbole headline just to get clicks through to an article. Here are some examples of headlines that we are quite proud of, to give you a general idea for your own content: Create a Powerful Free Landing Page in Under an Hour 20 Best Time Management Apps to Organize Your Life How to Design an A+ School Website (With Examples) Make a Change: Using Photography as a Tool to Raise Awareness If you're looking for inspiration to get started, try out this blog post title generator . 07. Choose a blog template The design of your blog is just as important as the content itself. “Your blog’s template should be clean and easy to navigate,” Shar on emphasizes. Whether you’re highlighting gorgeous photography or crafting detailed guides, your blog design  should support—not distract from—your message. Sharon also suggests using a website builder that offers customizable and free blog website templates . “Pick something that fits your style but keeps user experience in mind,” she says. A seamless design can make your content shine. If you’re wondering how much does it cost to start a blog?  Good news, many of the best blogging platforms (like Wix) offer free or low-cost solutions to get you started. Many of these platforms come with a large selection of the  best blog templates  that are professionally designed, allowing you to effortlessly bring your vision to life. For inspiration, check out these  blog examples  to see how others have transformed these templates into beautiful, content-rich powerhouses. 08. Select a blog domain name Your  domain name  is your blog’s address on the web, so choose something memorable and reflective of your brand or topic. “Keep it short and simple,” Sharon advises. “Names that are easy to spell and pronounce stick with readers.” When it comes to  naming your blog , you can gather ideas from a  blog name generator  and see if the domain name is available. Spend time thinking about how your blog and domain name fit in with the blog post topics you will cover. Make sure that your name reflects your blog’s persona, topic and niche. Pro tip: It’s also a good idea to check if your domain name matches your branding, including your blog logo . Consistency across your blog name, design and logo makes your brand unforgettable. If you're working on a tight budget, look for services that include free website hosting when you purchase a domain name. Many platforms bundle hosting and domain registration together at an affordable price, saving you from juggling multiple providers. Stuck on  how to choose a domain name ? Use a domain name search  tool to see if the exact name you want is available, and if not, try a domain name generator to find the perfect blog domain name.  Learn more: What is a domain? How to register a domain How much does a domain name cost? 09. Use images to level up your post Visuals bring your blog post to life and make it more engaging. Sharon emphasizes that “the right images can help illustrate your points and keep readers scrolling.” Use high-quality photos, graphs or even custom artwork to enhance what you’ve written. Don’t just add visuals for the sake of it, though. Choose ones that feel meaningful and connected to the content. Tools like stock image websites or creating your own graphics can be game-changers in this department. With Wix, you can add a professional photo gallery to individual posts and embed your own pictures within your articles. You can also choose from an array of media content from Wix, Shutterstock and Unsplash directly within your site’s editor. 10. Implement calls-to-action In the same way a blog is meant to inform people about specific topics, it can also be used as an important tool that motivates readers to take a certain action. This includes everything from subscribing to your blog to making a purchase. This element is referred to as CTA, or call-to-action, and is presented as an embedded link or button that states your objective in an alluring manner. Some of the most common call-to-action examples for blogs include “Subscribe,” “Download our e-book” or “Sign up.” Using CTAs can help you transform your website traffic into engagement and, eventually, profit. While your immediate goal is to get more readers, you may eventually want to monetize your blog further down the road. 11. Optimize for SEO Here’s where strategy comes into play. When it comes to SEO for bloggers , a strong blog SEO plan involves optimizing your content both before and after writing the blog post. Not only does this include doing keyword research prior to the outline phase, but it also includes using those keywords to polish your final piece. Optimizing your post for search engines helps it reach a wider audience. Sharon suggests starting with simple steps like incorporating your chosen keywords naturally into the content, headings and meta descriptions. “ Website SEO doesn’t have to be complicated,” she reminds us. “Think of it as making your content easy to find.” This begins with sprinkling relevant keywords throughout your article. Let’s say you’ve chosen to target the keyword “business strategies.” Use this exact phrase in your headline, throughout the body text and one to two subheadings if it’s a natural fit. You’ll also want to add the keywords to the URL of your article, as well as in the alt text of your blog post’s images. Use these SEO features to give your blog an overall performance boost. 12. Edit and polish With so many common blogging mistakes out there, you’ll need to thoroughly check your article for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, repetition and any other unprofessional content. Take the time to edit your post for clarity and accuracy. Proofreading might feel tedious, but it makes a world of difference. Sharon recommends stepping away from your draft for a bit before reviewing it again with fresh eyes. “You’ll spot things you missed the first time around,” she says. Furthermore, make sure your ideas flow coherently throughout each section, signaling a clear and purposeful message to readers. You can read about other essential aspects of blogging in this comprehensive blog post checklist . We recommend even asking a friend or colleague to give your blog article a glance before it goes live. Direct them to look for any discrepancies or ambiguity. It’s also important to emphasize quality over quantity in order to keep your readers interested and to establish your credibility. Then, once you’re happy with your written work, it’s time to hit publish. Pro tip:   Reading your post out loud is another great editing trick. It helps you catch awkward phrasing and ensures your tone sounds natural. 13. Hit publish and share your work This is the moment you’ve been working toward. Once your post is live, don’t forget to share it. “Promotion is key to growing your audience,” Sharon says. “Don’t be shy about telling people what you’ve created.” Every piece of content you share adds to your blogging experience and confidence. Celebrate this step, and get ready to create your  content calendar .  Two of the most effective ways to promote your blog post and get readers are email marketing and social media marketing. Email remains one of the most reliable platforms for marketing, as it allows for a direct communication channel between you and your audience. This highly effective digital marketing strategy involves sending out customized emails to prospective users with the aim of converting them into loyal fans. If you’re interested in getting started, this powerful email marketing service can help you send custom newsletters for your blog. Beyond emails, sharing your article on social media can also go a long way. For example, if you want to accrue a wide audience, promote your blog on Facebook or Instagram, which have one of the largest and most diverse user bases. Whichever channels you choose, make sure to actively engage with followers on a day-to-day basis. This will ensure that you not only write a great blog post, but that you get people reading your article, too. Learn more: Increasing blog traffic Social media marketing Newsletter examples Looking to really get your blog off the ground? Take a look at our Build Your Own Blog online course to get you started. How to structure a blog post checklist Crafting a blog post is part art, part strategy. With this checklist, you’ll have all the tools to create a post that connects with readers and keeps them coming back for more. Here's how we break down blogs here at Wix: Headline: Make it crisp, catchy and totally relevant. Your headline is your blog’s first impression, so don’t shy away from adding keywords to boost SEO while staying clear and compelling. Introduction: This is your chance to hook your readers. Sharon says, “Answer their search intent by outlining your blog’s purpose and spotlighting its main idea right away. Set the tone early, and they’ll stick with you.” Subheadings: Think of these as signposts guiding your readers through your blog. Arrange your content with easy-to-read sections and use subheadings that follow a logical flow. Body: Here’s where you deliver the goods. Writing in a conversational tone, share valuable information backed by examples, stats or credible evidence.  Visuals: A blog post isn’t all words and no color. Add images, infographics or videos that complement your content. Sharon notes, “Well-chosen visuals keep your readers scrolling and learning.” Engagement: Invite your audience to interact. Whether it’s comments, shares or answering a question you pose, interaction keeps the conversation alive. Editing: Before anything goes live, it has to go through a thorough check. “Don’t skip this step,” Sharon advises. Fix grammar, smooth out the style and double-check facts. SEO: Sprinkle relevant keywords naturally throughout the post and make sure you’re still answering what your readers are searching for. It’s a balance between smart optimization and authentic writing. Readability: Stick to clean, consistent formatting with short sentences that are easy on the eyes. Links: A good post shares the love. Include internal links to guide readers to your other posts and external links to boost credibility and expand on your topic. Social sharing: Make it easy for readers to spread the word. Add social sharing buttons and craft shareable snippets of content they'll want to repost. Review: Read through your post once before hitting publish, and again after it’s live to catch anything you may have missed. Using AI tools for blogging AI features are totally changing the game for bloggers, taking some of the weight off your shoulders and speeding up the content creation process. From brainstorming topics to pulling research and creating outlines, these features can save you hours when you’re just getting started.  But here’s the deal, blogging is about so much more than getting it done quickly. Readers don’t just come to you for answers; they’re here for your personality, humor, and insights. Sharon points out, “Your audience con nects with your voice, not a robot’s. AI is amazing for tweaks and suggestions, but only you can bring that human touch to the table.” Think of AI as your trusty sidekick. Sure, it can help polish your text, offer SEO tips or tweak your structure—but the main role? That’s all you. Your stories, perspective, and wit are what keep people coming back. Sharon says, “Blend the efficiency of AI with your unique style, and you’ve got magic.” When you use these tools wisely, they complement your creativity rather than replace it. The result? Posts that are well-researched, optimized and still totally, authentically you. Isn’t that the perfect balance? Get started with the Wix AI website creator . Firsthand insights from a construction business founder with a blog Gita Jacobson, founder of In the Deets , used her website to share her expertise. She created a blog offering tips for anyone considering a renovation and used SEO features to drive traffic to her site. She believes that too many construction sites are stuffed with irrelevant, space-filling text. Every word on the In the Deets website has purpose, whether that’s outlining the company’s construction process or sharing the human story behind the business. Gita also emphasizes that a blog should grow over time. “I'm always looking for ideas and inspiration as I browse the web,” she says. “A website should be an ever-evolving content machine. It's not a one-and-done thing.” For her, creating a blog post isn’t just about writing. It’s about combining clear, helpful content, compelling visuals and regular updates to keep readers engaged. Why trust Wix’s experts? This article was created by Wix’s in-house blogging experts, with years of experience helping people build and grow successful blogs. The tips, templates and examples shared here come directly from real Wix projects, so you can be confident they’ll help you create a blog that looks professional, functions smoothly and supports your long-term goals. At Wix, we’ve guided millions of bloggers, entrepreneurs and creators in sharing their ideas online. Our team keeps up with the latest in content strategy, SEO and design, making sure the advice you get is both practical and backed by proven results. Think of this blog as your trusted resource for every stage of blogging, from publishing your very first post to building a thriving, long-term blog. How to write a blog post FAQ How to write my first blog post? Writing your first blog post can be an exciting but daunting task. To make it easier follow these basic steps - choose a compelling topic, plan out your post, hook readers with a killer introduction, provide meaningful content, hone your conversational style and include visuals where you can. What are 5 easy steps to writing a blog post? 1. Choose a topic. 2. Outline your post. 3. Write your introduction. 4. Expand on each of your points. 5. Summarize and conclude. How to write a blog post with AI? AI can be a valuable asset throughout the content production process, from generating topic ideas to serving as a proofreader. AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard can help brainstorm blog topics, provide research insights, construct outlines and even write drafts. However, it's crucial to review and refine AI-generated content to ensure accuracy, relevance and adherence to your brand voice. Additionally, grammar checkers like Grammarly and ProWritingAid can assist in proofreading, but their suggestions should be considered carefully to avoid altering creative writing styles. How to write a blog post as a beginner? Start with a compelling headline to grab attention. Introduce your topic in the opening paragraph, addressing the reader's pain point or curiosity. Organize your thoughts into clear sections with subheadings. Use concise, engaging language. Include visuals for impact. Conclude with a strong call-to-action or thought-provoking ending. Edit for clarity and brevity. What is a blog post example? A blog post is a piece of content published on a blog that typically provides information, insights, opinions or entertainment on a particular topic. An example of a blog post could be a "How-to Guide" on cooking a specific recipe, a "Listicle" highlighting the top 10 travel destinations or a "Product Review" discussing the pros and cons of a new gadget. What is the format of blog writing? The format of blog writing typically includes the following components: Title Introduction Body Subheadings Images or multimedia Conclusion Author bio What are some tools that can help with writer's block when planning blog posts? There are a number of AI-powered tools that can help with this. You can choose an AI blog assistant, like the one within the Wix editor; or use a tool like ChatGPT for inspiration. You can also use SEO research tools, like Ahrefs to come up with new ideas, or look through community forums and discussions in your niche for new blog post ideas. How do I make sure my blog post resonates with my audience? To make your blog post resonate with your audience, research their interests and pain points. Then format and organize it, so its to easy to read with clear headings and visuals. Using a conversational tone will help.

Ready to showcase your best work? Start building your portfolio →  To help you build a high-impact portfolio website , we've put together these stunning marketing portfolio examples, including a guide on how to make a website . These examples effectively show off marketing skills, from content strategy and social media management to branding and data analysis. To give you the best portfolio website inspiration , we've gathered a mix of creative, professional and minimalist designs along with the portfolio website templates  used. You’ll see how top marketers present their work, tell their stories and attract clients. Explore all of Wix's free website templates → With Wix’s portfolio builder, you can create a professional, eye-catching portfolio in just a few clicks. Customizable templates and intuitive tools make it easy to showcase your work with confidence, leaving a lasting impression on every visitor. TL;DR: marketing portfolio examples This post breaks down how to make a portfolio  with stunning examples built with Wix. You'll find examples that are creative, professional, modern and minimal, along with their website templates  and key features that make them stand out.  Feature Why it matters Striking visuals Captures attention quickly and leaves a strong impression. Easy navigation Makes it simple to browse projects and find details. Unique personality Shows your distinct style and creative identity. Strong case studies Demonstrates your process, skills and the results you deliver. Strong branding Builds trust and makes your portfolio memorable. Clear CTAs Encourages visitors to get in touch or explore more. Mobile-friendly design Ensures your portfolio looks great on all devices. Detailed project pages Helps visitors understand your process and skills. Social links Makes it easy for clients to connect with you. Contact options Makes reaching out straightforward and inviting. What is a marketing portfolio? A marketing portfolio is a curated collection of your best work. It shows your skills, experience and achievements in the marketing field. It serves as both a visual online resume  and a powerful tool that demonstrates your abilities. In fact, 48% of freelancers with portfolios report  finding clients through their  portfolio websites , making it a lot more than just a nice to have.   "Portfolios are ideal for professionals, individuals or businesses who want to showcase their work in a visually engaging manner to attract clients or enhance their online presence." - Hani Safe, product lead at Wix. See more: How to make a UGC portfolio How to make a copywriting portfolio How to make a PR portfolio Marketing portfolio examples Ready for some inspiration? Here are some marketing portfolio examples that nail it. Each one has a unique way of presenting work and personality. Tim Butler Tim Sommerfeld Kyle McMahan Morse Code PR TJ Rudy Ali Bartlett Brandon Dexter Uinification Jason Farrell Paul Cam Demour Breen Goldy Productions K Kloss Lauren Price Seth Mollerup Tommy Burns Mark Zhu Horse Copywriter Taralyn Wallace Shawn Yaney Michele Pew Christian Carrillo 01. Tim Butler Tim Butler 's portfolio uses a clean, modern design with a strong visual hierarchy. This makes it easy for visitors to see his skills and experience at a glance. Key feature: His software proficiency is displayed with clear percentage bars. This gives a quick, visual summary of his technical abilities. Why it works: The portfolio layout  is scannable and professional. It immediately establishes his expertise and directs users to his resume and work samples. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: UX designer website template 02. Tim Sommerfeld Tim Sommerfeld’s  portfolio is a great example of a visually-driven site. It uses a grid of high-quality images to create an engaging and artistic feel. Key feature: A full-bleed image gallery fills the screen. This immersive experience puts the focus entirely on his photography skill. Why it works: The minimalist design lets the images speak for themselves. This is perfect for a photographer or visual marketer whose work is their strongest asset. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Graphic designer website template 03. Kyle McMahan Kyle McMahan’s  portfolio is clean and project-focused. It uses a simple grid layout to present case studies in a clear, organized manner. Key feature: Each project is a clickable card with a representative image. This makes the portfolio easy to navigate and visually appealing. Why it works: The design is straightforward and user-friendly. It allows potential clients to quickly browse through his work and dive into the projects that interest them most. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Graphic designer website template 04. Morse Code PR Morse Code PR’s  website is a masterclass in professional branding. It communicates the agency's mission and expertise with concise, powerful text. Key feature: The tagline "connecting the dots to advance clients' business objectives" is clear and compelling. It perfectly summarizes their value proposition. Why it works: The design is clean, sophisticated and all about the message. It establishes credibility and positions the agency as a strategic partner. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Strip header website template 05. TJ Rudy TJ Rudy's  portfolio is simple, clean and direct. It’s a one-page site that gets straight to the point, showing his work and how to get in touch. Key feature: The minimalist layout with plenty of white space makes the content easy to digest. It feels calm and organized. Why it works: This portfolio is efficient and no-fuss. It’s perfect for a professional who wants to let their work do the talking without any distractions. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Fashion blog website template 06. Ali Bartlett Ali Bartlett's  portfolio is bright, colorful and full of personality. The playful design and friendly tone make it feel welcoming and creative. Key feature: Fun illustrations and a vibrant color palette give the site a unique and memorable look. It feels fresh and modern. Why it works: The portfolio reflects Ali’s creative energy. It’s a great example of how to inject personality into a professional portfolio . Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name : Art director website template 07. Brandon Dexter Brandon Dexter’s portfolio is sleek and professional. It uses a dark theme and clean typography to create a sophisticated look. Key feature: The case studies are presented with a clear structure, detailing the challenge, solution and results. This shows his strategic thinking. Why it works: The portfolio effectively demonstrates his expertise through well-documented projects. It builds trust and shows his value. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Photographer website template 08. Uinification Uinification 's portfolio gives off a futuristic and techy vibe. It uses animation and interactive elements to create an engaging user experience. Key feature: Animated graphics and a dynamic layout make the site feel alive and modern. It’s a great way to show off digital marketing skills. Why it works: The interactive design captures attention and keeps visitors engaged. It positions the agency as innovative and forward-thinking. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Creative agency website template 09. Jason Farrell Jason Farrell’s  portfolio is a great example of personal branding. His photo is front and center, creating an immediate connection with the visitor. Key feature: The "About Me" section is prominent and well-written. It tells his story and explains his marketing philosophy. Why it works: The portfolio feels personal and authentic. It builds trust by showing the person behind the work. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Vintage car garage website template 10.  Taylor Engle Anderson This portfolio website from Taylor Engle Anderson  is a strong example of a writer-led personal brand. The homepage clearly introduces who she is and what she does, setting a confident and professional tone from the start. Key feature: The site is organized into focused sections, including work samples, client testimonials, PR offerings and a blog with insights on writing and marketing. Why it works: The portfolio feels clear and credible. It builds trust by combining real client results with thoughtful content that reflects her approach to brand storytelling and public relations. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Coming soon landing page website template 11. Demour Breen Demour Breen's  portfolio is clean, organized and easy to navigate. It uses a simple layout to present her work in a professional manner. Key feature: The portfolio is divided into clear sections like "Writing," "Social Media," and "Strategy." This makes it easy for visitors to find what they're looking for. Why it works: The clear structure highlights her diverse skill set. It’s a practical and effective way to showcase her expertise. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Filmmaker website template 12. Goldy Productions Goldy Productions’  portfolio has a fun and retro feel. It uses a nostalgic design to stand out and create a memorable brand. Key feature: The vintage-inspired graphics and color scheme give the site a unique personality. It’s playful and creative. Why it works: The distinctive design makes the brand instantly recognizable. It’s a great way to attract clients looking for a creative and unconventional approach. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Videographer website template 13. Kristine Kloss Kristine Kloss'  portfolio is minimalist and elegant. It uses a simple color palette and clean typography to create a sophisticated look. Key feature: The use of ample white space gives the design a breathable and uncluttered feel. It puts the focus on the content. Why it works: The minimalist design is timeless and professional. It conveys a sense of confidence and refinement. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Graphic designer website template 14. Lauren Price Lauren Price's  portfolio is warm and inviting. The friendly tone and personal photos make it feel approachable and authentic. Key feature: Testimonials from happy clients are prominently displayed. This builds social proof and credibility. Why it works: The portfolio focuses on building trust and relationships. It’s a great strategy for a freelance marketer. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Start from scratch website template 15. Seth Mollerup Seth Mollerup's  portfolio is a great example of a clean, one-page design. It’s easy to scroll through and get a quick overview of his work. Wix simplifies your portfolio website  setup, so you can focus on showing your talent. Key feature: The long-scrolling format tells a cohesive story. It guides visitors through his experience, projects and skills in a logical flow. Why it works: The one-page design is simple and effective. It provides all the necessary information without overwhelming the visitor. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name:   Minimal layout website template 16. Tommy Burns Tommy Burns’  portfolio is all about results. He uses data and metrics to show the impact of his work. Key feature: Case studies feature specific numbers and KPIs, like "increased engagement by 300%." This provides concrete proof of his success. Why it works: The data-driven approach is powerful and persuasive. It demonstrates his value in a clear and measurable way. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name:   Classic layout website template 17. Mark Zhu Mark Zhu's  portfolio is modern and interactive. It uses animation and hover effects to create a dynamic user experience. Key feature: The interactive elements make the site fun to explore. It keeps visitors engaged and encourages them to learn more. Why it works: The dynamic design shows his technical skills and creativity. It’s a great way to stand out in the digital marketing space. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Marketing agency website template 18. Brett La Frombois, Horse Copywriter Brett La Frombois’  portfolio has a unique and memorable brand. The "Horse Copywriter" name and a consistent Western theme make it stand out. Key feature: The strong, consistent branding creates a distinct identity. It's quirky and unforgettable. Why it works: The niche branding attracts a specific type of client. It’s a bold choice that pays off by creating a strong connection with the right audience. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Start from scratch website template 19. Taralyn Wallace Taralyn Wallace’s  portfolio is professional and polished. It clearly outlines her services and expertise. Key feature: The "Services" section is detailed and well-organized. It explains exactly what she offers and how she can help clients. Why it works: The clear service offerings make it easy for potential clients to understand her value. It positions her as a capable and reliable professional. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Creative CV website template 20. Shawn Yaney Shawn Yaney’s portfolio combines design and marketing. It shows his ability to create visually appealing and effective campaigns. Key feature: The portfolio features a mix of graphic design, web design and marketing projects. This shows his versatility. Why it works: The blend of skills makes him a valuable asset. It shows he can handle both the creative and strategic sides of marketing. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Start from scratch website template 21. Michele Pew Michele Pew's  portfolio is clean and content-focused. It uses a blog-style format to share her writing and marketing insights. Key feature: The portfolio doubles as a blog. This allows her to continuously add fresh content and demonstrate her expertise. Why it works: The content-driven approach establishes her as a thought leader. It attracts visitors through valuable information and keeps them coming back. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Art gallery website template 22. Christian Carrillo Christian Carrillo’s  portfolio is bold and energetic. The vibrant colors and dynamic layout create a sense of movement and excitement. Key feature: The use of bright, contrasting colors makes the design pop. It’s eye-catching and full of energy. Why it works: The energetic design reflects a passion for marketing. It’s a great way to convey enthusiasm and creativity. Like what you see? Create your own marketing portfolio with this same template. Template name: Graphic designer website template How to create a marketing portfolio Knowing how to create a marketing portfolio  is more straightforward than you might think. Start by gathering your best work and thinking about the story you want to tell. Choose your best projects: pick a variety of work that shows your skills and the results you've achieved. Write compelling case studies: for each project, explain the challenge, your solution and the outcome. Use data to back up your claims. Pick the right platform: choosing the  best website builder for portfolio  websites can make the process much simpler. For instance, Wix provides an easy-to-use website builder  that lets you bring your ideas to life. You can also start with professional portfolio templates to get a head start. Show your personality: use your portfolio to express your unique style and voice. This helps you connect with potential clients on a personal level. Make it easy to contact you: include a clear call-to-action and a simple contact form. Wix makes portfolio website creation easy. With its intuitive portfolio maker  and drag and drop website builder , you can design a beautiful site without knowing a single line of code. Wix also offers reliable and free website hosting , with the option to buy a domain name  along with a matching business email  and create online forms .  “A portfolio isn’t just a collection of projects, it’s your opportunity to demonstrate how you approach a problem, analyze the data and transform it into something meaningful. That’s what sets you apart as a true analyst.” - Doreen Weissfelner, head of Wix analytics and home  Related posts:  Should I make a website for my portfolio? What should a portfolio website include?  How to create a graphic design portfolio Portfolio name ideas Marketing portfolio examples FAQ What should a marketing portfolio include? Your marketing portfolio should include your best work, such as case studies from campaigns, content you've created, social media results and any data that shows your impact. Also, include your resume, an "About Me" section and a clear way for people to contact you. How do I make a marketing portfolio with no experience? If you don't have professional experience, create your own projects. You could create a blog , manage social media for a local club or create a mock campaign for a brand you admire. These projects show your skills and initiative. How many projects should be in a marketing portfolio? Aim for 3-5 of your strongest projects. It’s better to have a few high-quality examples with detailed case studies than a lot of weaker ones. Focus on showing a range of skills and impressive results. Do I need a website for my marketing portfolio? Yes, a website is the most professional way to present your portfolio. It allows you to control the design, tell your story and make it easy for potential employers to see your work. Wix offers a free  AI website builder that can create a unique, business-ready site for you in no time. How do I get my marketing portfolio noticed? Share your portfolio on LinkedIn, include the link in your email signature and mention it on your resume. You can also optimize your portfolio for search engines with relevant keywords so that people searching for marketers can find you.

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

The perfect domain is just a click away:   claim your domain →  If you're wondering 'Can you buy a domain name forever?', the short answer is no—but also, sort of yes. Say you’ve just come up with the perfect, catchy, memorable name for your website. Naturally, you want to lock it down so no one else can snag it. But realistically, can you buy a domain name forever? Technically, when you create a website , you can’t buy a domain name outright in the same way you buy a house or a pair of shoes. It’s more like a lease. However, with the right strategy and auto-renewals, you can essentially keep that domain for as long as you want (or as long as the internet exists). In this article, we’ll break down exactly how domain registration works, why "forever" isn’t really an option and the smart ways to make sure your domain stays yours for the long haul. Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. TL;DR: can you buy a domain name forever? Short on time? Here’s what you need to know about keeping your domain name for the long term: Feature The reality Ownership You rent the domain from a registrar; you don’t own it permanently. Max registration Most domains can be registered for up to 10 years at a time. "Forever" plans Some registrars offer "lifetime" deals, but in practice they just automate renewals for you. The solution Set up auto-renewal and keep your payment info updated. Risk factor If you miss a renewal payment, your domain could go back on the open market. What is a domain name? Think of a domain name as your address on the internet. If your website is your house, the domain name is the street address people type into their GPS (or browser) to find you. For example, wix.com  is a domain name. Behind the scenes, computers use complex strings of numbers called IP addresses to communicate. But because humans aren't great at remembering strings like 192.0.2.1 , we use domain names instead. When you "buy" a domain, you are registering that specific address with an organization called ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). They manage the central database of all web addresses. You pay a registrar (like Wix) to reserve that name for a specific period, usually between one and ten years. Learn more: How to choose a domain name How much does a domain name cost Benefits of holding on to the same domain name While you can’t technically buy it forever in one transaction, keeping the same domain for decades is incredibly valuable. Stability matters for a number of reasons: 01. Builds brand authority If you change your business name or URL every few years, it’s hard for customers to trust you. A long-standing domain signals that you are established and reliable. It’s a stamp of legitimacy that tells visitors, "I'm here to stay." “If we were a smaller company, we probably would have been encouraged to look for a new domain, but the costs of change and potential traffic loss weren't worth it. The value of our domain is purely from the branding perspective. We could move the whole content, redirect all the SEO value and links we have, but the branding is what makes the domain name important to us.” - Kacper Rafalski, Demand Generation Team Leader at Netguru 02. Strengthens SEO rankings Search engines like Google tend to trust older domains that have a history of good content and steady traffic. If you switch domains, you essentially reset the clock on your SEO efforts, losing the "juice" you built up over the years. Sticking with one URL helps you climb the search results and stay there. 03. Consistent traffic Direct traffic, i.e. people typing your URL directly into their browser, is gold. If you’ve printed your URL on business cards, shared it on social media or have it linked on other websites, changing it means all those potential visitors hit a "404 Error" page. Keeping your domain ensures you catch every single visitor. Learn more: what is a URL? Can you buy a domain name forever? Common challenges explained Since true "forever" ownership doesn't exist, you need to be aware of the hurdles that could cause you to lose your domain: Expired credit cards This is the number one reason people lose their domains. You register a domain for five years, forget about it, and in that time, your credit card expires. When the renewal date hits, the payment fails and the domain eventually drops back into the public pool. Learn more about domain expiration . Registrar bankruptcy It’s rare, but it happens. If the company you registered your domain with goes out of business, complications can arise. Usually, ICANN steps in to transfer domains to a new registrar, but it can be a headache you don’t want to deal with. Learn more: how to transfer a domain . Missing renewal emails Registrars send plenty of warnings before a domain expires. But if you used an old email address you no longer check, or if those emails go to spam, you might miss the memo entirely. You may also be interested in: Dropped domains Parked domains Examples of domain names with longevity Most domain names are only registered for one year at a time, with 60% of .com domains lasting no more than one year before expiration or renewal. Moreover, under current policies, the maximum registration period for any domain is 10 years at a time before it must be renewed again. However, some domains have been around almost as long as the public internet itself. These examples prove that while you can't buy "forever," you can certainly hold on for a lifetime. Symbolics.com:  Registered in March 1985, this was the very first .com domain ever registered. It is still active today. IBM.com:  Also registered in 1986, showing that big brands understood the value of digital real estate early on. Wix.com:  We’ve held onto our domain since 2006, building a reputation and authority that helps millions of users create their own sites today. These sites prove that with simple management, a lease can effectively become permanent ownership. Learn more about the domain lifecycle . Can you buy a domain name forever? Let's find out Ready to secure your name for the long haul? Here is the step-by-step game plan to get as close to "forever" as possible. Choose a reliable registrar Max out your registration period Turn on auto-renew Keep your contact info current Add a backup payment method 01. Choose a reliable registrar Start with a trustworthy registrar that is accredited by ICANN. You want a company with a solid track record, good support and transparent pricing. Wix offers easy domain name search and registration, making it simple to find and lock down your ideal name. Learn more: how to choose a domain registrar . 02. Max out your registration period Most registrars allow you to register a domain for up to 10 years at a time. If you are serious about this business, don’t go year-to-year. Pay for the full decade upfront. It saves you the hassle of annual renewals and locks in the price. “Changing domains down the road can be costly and confusing, so it pays to choose thoughtfully from the start. A well-chosen name grows with you, making every step of your brand journey feel consistent.” - Ofir Gvili, Domains PMM at Wix 03. Turn on auto-renew This is non-negotiable. Go into your account settings and ensure "Auto-Renew" is toggled on. This grants permission for the registrar to charge your card automatically when the time comes. Learn more about best domain registrars . 04. Keep your contact info current Make a calendar reminder to check your domain settings once a year. Ensure your email address and phone number are up to date so you receive renewal notifications. 05. Add a backup payment method Don’t rely on a single card. Add a secondary credit card or PayPal account to your file. If your primary card fails, the system can try the backup, saving your domain from accidental expiration. You may also be interested in: Domain flipping Domain history How to buy a domain name that lasts with Wix When you buy a domain name with Wix, you get a simple, secure foundation for your online presence from day one. Wix simplifies domain registration for your business, making it easy to find, register and manage your domain in one place. With secure domain registration backed by SSL certification, your site and visitors are protected from the moment you go live. Plus, Wix offers quick domain registration, so you can lock in your web address fast and focus on building, growing and protecting your website with confidence. Learn more: How to get an SSL certificate How much does an SSL certificate cost? Can you buy a domain name forever FAQ Can I buy a domain name permanently? No, you cannot buy a domain permanently in a single transaction. The domain name system works on a renewal basis, similar to renting an apartment. However, you can renew it indefinitely. As long as you keep paying the renewal fee, the domain is yours. What happens if I forget to renew my domain? If you miss the renewal, your domain enters a "grace period" (usually about 30 days) where you can still renew it without penalty. After that, it may enter a "redemption period" where retrieving it costs extra. If you still don't act, the domain is released back to the public, and anyone else can register it. Are there "lifetime" domain registration services? Some companies market "lifetime" domain registration. Be cautious with these. Usually, you pay a large upfront fee, and the company promises to handle the annual renewals for you. The risk is that if the company shuts down, your "lifetime" deal disappears with them. It is generally safer to manage the renewals yourself through a reputable registrar.

The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain →   Your website starts with a name and a good one makes all the difference. Choosing and registering a domain name can feel tricky—names get snapped up fast, extensions can be confusing and tech details can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to slow you down. This guide walks you through the process step by step so you can claim a domain that fits your brand, works for your audience and gets your website online. TL;DR: How to register a domain name Registering your domain starts with picking a registrar you trust and a name that perfectly fits your brand. After you make sure it's available and choose the right domain extension just enter your details and complete the registration. Next you’ll connect it to your website or email manage your DNS settings and set up privacy protection. Don't forget to keep an eye on renewals to stay in control. While you can also transfer domains or buy pre-owned ones staying on top of management and security is what makes it work for your business. Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place—business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. You’ll learn: How to pick a memorable, brand-ready domain name How to check availability and what to do if your preferred domain is taken Free vs paid domains and understanding long-term costs How to choose the right domain extension How to transfer a domain without downtime Common security risks and how to protect your domain What happens after registration, including DNS setup, renewals and ownership Legal considerations, including trademarks, copyrights and compliance What is a domain name? What is a domain name , exactly? This term describes the address that you type into a browser to arrive at a website. It is essentially a website’s home, so every domain is unique. An example is www.wix.com. Domain names were created so people could more easily access a website’s Internet Protocol (IP ), a string of numbers representing individual websites. Every URL has an IP address, and unless you are a computer, a domain is much simpler to remember than a string of numbers. For example, take the IP address 185.230.63.164: to most, this is just a complicated string of numbers. Its domain name, wix.com , is not only easy to remember, but it also conveys a distinct brand that numbers cannot. How to register a domain name Select a domain registrar Choose the best domain name Check the availability of your domain name Select your domain extension Enter your details Purchase your domain To register a domain,  choose a trusted registrar, pick an available name and extension, enter your contact and payment details and complete the purchase. Connect it to your website or email and enable privacy and auto-renew to keep it secure. 01. Select a domain registrar Before you can start choosing a domain name, you need to first know where and how to buy a domain name . A domain registrar is a company that reserves and manages domain names. While the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers ( ICANN ) manages all domains worldwide, a registrar deals with ICANN on your behalf. When picking a domain registrar , choose a company with a good reputation reliable customer support and strong security. Check out their domain extensions renewal policies and transfer rules. See if they offer extras like email hosting or SSL certificates. Make sure they’re ICANN-accredited and offer privacy protection to keep your personal info safe. When choosing among the best domain registrars , keep in mind: Customer support: Check if the registrar offers 24/7 support, accessible via phone, live chat or email. Reliable customer support can be crucial if you encounter technical issues or need help managing your domain. Range of domain extensions: Consider the variety of domain extensions (TLDs) available, especially if you're interested in less common or niche extensions, such as .tech, .ai or country-specific domains. Additional offerings: Look for value-added services such as web hosting, email hosting, SSL certificates and a free website builder , which can simplify managing your online presence in one. Reputation: Research the registrar’s reputation by reading customer reviews and checking industry ratings. A trustworthy registrar with a good track record is less likely to experience outages or take unexpected actions like domain locking or price hikes. Security: Consider the infrastructure the registrar has in place to ensure your domain is secure. Attacks specifically targeting domains include domain hijacking, DNS spoofing , DDoS attacks , typosquatting, domain squatting  and malware distribution, so make sure you understand how to secure your domain. Privacy:  Look for a registrar that offers domain privacy protection to keep your personal information safe from public Whois searches. With Wix you can opt for domain privacy  for no extra fee, when you register your domain. ICANN accreditation:  Choose a registrar accredited by ICANN to ensure they follow industry standards and operate legitimately. Renewal fees: Pay attention to the renewal costs of your domain. While initial prices are often low, you’ll need to renew periodically, so understanding ongoing fees is important to avoid surprises. Learn more: how much does an SSL certificate cost? Tip: With Wix, you can get a unique domain and create your site all in one place. When you upgrade to a premium plan , you’ll even get a voucher for a free domain name for your first year. All Wix sites come with SSL and TLS protocols for added security plus you can set up a custom business email to help you build your brand. Register your domain →   02. Choose the best domain name You must consider many factors when choosing a domain name for your site. First, select a name that reflects your brand’s tone and messaging. Stick to a name that is short and catchy, so that people can easily remember it, such as nbc.com. To improve your SEO efforts, you can incorporate an associated keyword into your brand’s domain name, too. Basic rules for a valid domain name When selecting a domain name, it’s important to follow these basic rules to ensure it’s functional, professional and compliant with domain standards: No spaces : Keep your domain as one continuous string of characters. Stick to letters, numbers and hyphens : Special characters like @ or % aren’t allowed. Use hyphens wisely : Avoid placing them at the beginning or end and don’t use multiple hyphens in a row. Stay within the character limit : Each section of your domain can be 3–63 characters with a total length of up to 253 characters. Case doesn’t matter : Your domain works the same in uppercase or lowercase. Tips for a memorable and brand-friendly domain Keep it short and simple : Choose a name under 20 characters so it’s easy to remember and type. Align it with your brand : Your domain should reflect your business name or purpose to strengthen your identity. Avoid tricky combinations : Watch how words flow together to prevent accidental or confusing meanings. Stick to standard spellings : Creative spellings can be fun but might make it harder for people to find you. Try not to overcomplicate things either, as Lindsay Sutula, founder and CEO of Top Fox Marketing, says as she prioritized three key factors: simplicity, memorability and alignment with their brand identity. According to Lindsay: "I wanted a name that was easy to spell and remember, especially in an age where a strong online presence is critical. The domain had to resonate with our audience and reflect the essence of what we do-helping businesses navigate the complexities of digital marketing with clarity and strategy." Tip : Try using a website name generator to brainstorm ideas to include in your domain name. Also, consider these tips for future-proofing your domain or the best .com alternatives (according to other business owners). 03. Check the availability of your domain name Existing companies may already own your preferred domain names which is why it's important to check for availability. Try out an unlimited number of options for free on a domain name search platform. If your desired name is unavailable, the tool will come up with additional ideas. You can also play around with alternatives with a domain name generator until you find the perfect one. Once you've chosen your name and completed the process of registering it, your details including your name, email and phone number, will be submitted to the WHOIS database. This is a global resource which is publicly accessible and can be queried through the WHOIS protocol (this just means sending a request to the WHOIS server to deliver all of the stored information for a specific domain name) or through an online tool which can send the query. This information can be useful when pursuing intellectual property rights, and cybersecurity threats arising from domain name abuse or hacking. In order to run a WHOIS search, simply use Wix's Whois Lookup tool. You can block access to your information being public accessible via the WHOIS privacy protocol. This involves paying an extra fee to replace your contact information as the domain owner with a third party service. This service will then handle any messages or requests made to you via WHOIS. However this is generally not recommended for public service websites or businesses required to provide contact information. 04. Select your domain extension According to Nick Drewe, the Founder & CEO of Wethrift, Consider the extension. While .com is the go-to, don't shy away from specific ones like .store or .tech if they fit your niche. Lastly, avoid numbers and hyphens. They often confuse people—"Is that 'five' or '5'?" Plus, they just don't look as clean or professional. Understanding domain extensions and TLDs Also known as top-level domains (TLD), domain extensions quickly identify certain website elements such as purpose, owner or geographic location. There are five official types of TLDs, with generic top-level domains (gTLD) accounting for the majority of the 366 million registered domains worldwide. The most popular gTLD choices are .org, .com and .net , making them the easiest to recall. Other specific and significant domain types besides the classic .com , .co , or .net are some of the most popular domain extensions. Other specific and significant domain types besides the classic .com, .co or .net are also gaining traction. For example, .ai , originally a country code TLD for Anguilla, is now widely adopted by artificial intelligence startups and tech-forward companies due to its relevance and memorability. With over 20,000 new registrations each month, this extension continues to grow in popularity as AI-driven businesses look for names that reflect their niche. Other options include .edu and .gov. Country domain extensions, also often known as country code top level domains ( ccTLD s), are a popular choice as well, such as . co.uk (United Kingdom) or .de (Germany). You can check out ICANN’s complete list of domain extensions here . Second-level domains Generally the name you place before your extension, is referred to as the second level domain. So for example, in www.wix.com the second-level domain is "wix." Our domain name "wix.com" is registered with the ".com" top-level domain extension, which is managed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and is one of the most commonly used top-level domain extensions for commercial websites. If your domain name is already taken, try it out with a different extension—you may find an available option. However, keep in mind that an extension like .org is better used for nonprofit organizations, while .com usually represents for-profit companies. Learn more with our guide to domain extensions , what .com is and what .net is . 05. Enter your details Once you’ve selected a domain name for your site, claim it before someone else does. Start by entering accurate contact details—your name, address, email and phone number. This information is essential for managing your domain and staying compliant with ICANN regulations. Double-check everything to avoid issues with renewals or updates later. Next, add your billing details to complete the registration. Make sure your payment info is current to avoid any delays. Many registrars offer an auto-renewal option, which is a great way to ensure your domain stays active without interruptions. With your details submitted, you’re ready to finalize your purchase and officially own your domain. 06. Purchase your domain Here’s how to register a domain name with Wix: Head over to the domain registrar. Type in your preferred domain name and click Search . If your name is available, click Get It to proceed. If not, browse the additional ideas or type another option into the search bar. Once you’ve found a domain name that suits your site’s needs, click Get It . Next, decide whether you’d like to register for one, two or three years. The longer your registration period, the more money you save each year. Once you’ve chosen, click Continue and continue to checkout. Connect the domain name to your site and share it with your desired audience, be it friends and family or an internet niche. Types of domains Top-level domains (TLDs)  are the last part of a domain name and the highest level in the Domain Name System (DNS) . They include: Generic TLDs (gTLDs):  Non-geographic domains for general use, like .com, .net and .org. There are over 1,500 gTLDs available. Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs):  Geographic domains for specific countries, like .uk, .ca and .au. There are over 300 ccTLDs. Internationalized TLDs (IDN TLDs):  Domains in non-Latin scripts, such as Arabic, Chinese or Cyrillic, to make the internet more accessible globally. Test TLDs:  Used to test new domains before public release, not intended for general use. Learn more: Domain lifecycle What is a domain registrar? Answering 12 web domain-related questions you’re probably too shy to ask What happens after you register a domain Registering a domain is only the starting point. Once it's yours, it's time to put it to work by connecting it to your website or email service. This is done through DNS settings, which act like a map telling the internet where to find you. If you're using a website builder, this step is usually handled for you. If not, you can manually update your nameservers or DNS records to get everything connected. Next, lock down ownership basics. Turn on auto-renew so you don’t lose the domain by accident and enable domain privacy to keep your contact details out of public records. Many domains are lost because renewal emails went to an outdated address or payment failed. Taking five minutes to confirm renewal settings can save you from expensive recovery fees later. Lastly, take a moment to learn where to manage your domain. You should know how to update DNS, change contact info and review renewal dates. Treat your domain like a long-term asset, not a one-time purchase. Domain ownership and management Registering a domain gives you the exclusive right to use it, but only for the period you’ve paid for. Most domains are registered for one to ten years and ownership is maintained through timely renewals. If you renew on time, nothing changes. If you don’t, the domain doesn’t disappear instantly. It usually enters a short grace period, then a redemption phase where recovery gets more expensive, and finally it can be released back to the public. Active domain name management is key to keeping ownership intact. This means tracking expiration dates, enabling auto-renew and knowing exactly where your domain is registered. Many domains are lost simply because renewal emails were missed or went to an outdated inbox. Management also includes DNS control, transfers and registrar changes. You should know how to update name servers, lock your domain to prevent unauthorized transfers and move it if pricing or service isn’t working for you. Domain security and potential risks Domains are a common target for bad actors because they can unlock your website email and brand trust all at once. Your biggest risk is account security. If someone gets into your registrar account through a weak password reused credentials or a hacked email they can change your DNS settings redirect traffic or even transfer the domain away from you. Recovering your domain after a takeover is a long process. It can involve identity verification registrar disputes and working with registries. While this is happening your website and email might be offline or misused. If you didn't have the right security steps in place you may not get your domain back at all. Your registration details can also be a hidden risk. Incorrect or outdated contact info can block renewals prevent transfers and cause you to fail ownership checks. Many registrars use email verification for important actions. If that email address doesn't work you can lose control without even knowing it. Transferring a domain later You’re not stuck with one registrar forever. Domains can usually be transferred after they’ve been registered for 60 days as long as they’re unlocked and you have the authorization code. Transfers are common when people consolidate services, find better renewal pricing or move their site to a new platform. The process is simple but time-sensitive. Transfers typically take a few days and require approval from both registrars. During this time, your website and email usually stay active, but mistakes like expired domains or incorrect contact emails can cause delays. Before you transfer, check renewal dates and fees. Some registrars add a year to your registration during transfer while others don’t. Planning ahead helps you avoid downtime and unexpected costs. Buying a domain that’s already taken If your ideal domain is unavailable it doesn’t always mean it’s gone for good. Many registered domains aren’t actively used and you can get them through the aftermarket. These domains are sold by their current owners often at higher prices based on demand length or keyword value. Before buying do your research. Check how the domain was previously used confirm it hasn’t been associated with spam or penalties and understand its true market value. Prices can range from reasonable to extremely high so you need to know when to walk away. In many cases a smart alternative name or different extension can perform just as well without the risk or cost. The goal isn’t owning the “perfect” domain at any price it’s choosing one that supports your brand and growth without creating unnecessary friction. Learn more: How to check if a domain name is available How to check domain authority Free domain name registration Here are a couple of ways to get a free domain name: Register a free subdomain . A subdomain is a prefix on a domain name that connects independently functioning sites. Certain hosting platforms and site builders offer users a fully-functioning website for free with a customized subdomain. For example, if you're learning how to build a website with Wix AI website builder , you can publish it for free using a URL like this: username.wixsite.com/siteaddress . Take advantage of free web hosting . Several hosting sites offer free customized domain registration with purchase, giving you a professional online presence without the cost. How much does a domain cost? While you can get a domain for free, you may want to purchase one instead. A free domain will contain a designated prefix of the registrar, which is best if you’re establishing an online presence or only temporarily need a website. If you want your website to professionally stand out and grow with your brand, however, then invest in a domain name. With Wix, the cost of a domain name depends on several factors, including: The plan you purchase Domain extension Local currency Local VAT laws However, all Wix premium plans come with a domain for one year, which otherwise cost between $14 and $39 a month. After a year, you can renew your domain for pricing plans anywhere between $13.95 and $15.95 a year. You can read more about domain name costs in detail, to understand what’s right for you and your business. Learn more: How much does a domain name cost Domain extension Typical use Starting price for 1 year at WIx Availability .com Commercial businesses, personal brands $9.90 Highly popular, often limited .org Nonprofits, charities, open communities $14.95 Moderately available .net Tech companies, networking services $14.95 More available than .com .co Startups, entrepreneurs, modern brands $30.95 Good availability . co.uk UK-based businesses or audiences $14.95 Widely used in the UK .de Germany-based businesses or audiences $14.95 Widely used in Germany .shop eCommerce stores, retail businesses $45.95 Generally good availability .online General online presence, portfolios, blogs $36.00 Generally good availability .biz Businesses and commercial use $15.95 Alternative to .com for businesses .info Informational sites, resources $16.95 Good for informational content .tech Technology startups, projects $40.00 Trending with tech-focused businesses The information presented in this table is true as of January 19th, 2026 unless mentioned otherwise. In general, some other factors to consider that can impact the cost of a domain include auto-renew costs, privacy and protection costs and transferring domains. For example, you can also purchase a domain that already exists from another person or business. This is why having a desirable domain name can be good for your bottom line—if you ever want to sell it, you can make significant money. For example, in 2010, CarInsurance.com was sold for $49.7 million as one of the ten most expensive domain names in the world . Domain name and email hosting Domain registration and email hosting are separate services, but many providers bundle them. Email hosting lets you create addresses like info@yourdomain.com, with features such as webmail access, spam filtering, virus protection and email forwarding. Bundling domain and email hosting can simplify setup and management. When choosing a provider, it’s also important to compare domain pricing , as costs can vary depending on the registrar, extension and registration length. With a website builder like Wix you can easily connect your domain and business email  for a professional business website and streamlined brand building experience. Learn more: Does Wix have email for my business? Legal considerations when registering a domain Choosing a domain comes with legal responsibilities. Domains can create conflicts with trademarks, copyrights or local regulations if you’re not careful. Understanding these rules protects your website, prevents disputes and keeps your domain fully under your control. Trademarks and intellectual property Before you register a domain, do a quick trademark check. Even if a domain is available it could still infringe on another brand or product in your industry. A good place to start is your country’s trademark database. Remember to look for similar names not just exact matches. If you use a name that clashes with someone else’s trademark you could end up in a legal battle and lose your domain. Copyright considerations Steer clear of any copyrighted names, slogans or logos. This means staying away from famous phrases found in books, movies or software. Even short phrases can be protected if they’re unique to another brand. Stick to original names for your domain to avoid legal headaches and keep your site fully under your control. Accurate registration information ICANN needs your domain registration to have the right contact info, like your name, address, email and phone number. If things are out of date or wrong, you might run into trouble renewing your site, moving it or winning a dispute. Understanding registrar policies Each registrar has its own set of rules for things like renewals, transfers and domain locks. Give these terms of service a quick read so you’re always in the loop on how your domain is handled. We recommend turning on auto-renew and privacy protection—it’s an easy way to secure your ownership and keep your personal info hidden from public WHOIS records. Domain disputes and UDRP If a company claims your domain infringes on their trademark you might face a Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) claim. A UDRP is a process for settling trademark disputes and can force a transfer or cancellation of your domain. If this happens to you acting quickly with the right documents and understanding the process will help you keep it. Local regulations Country-specific domains (.uk, .de, .ca) often have eligibility rules. Some require proof of residency or business registration. Check local rules before registering to make sure your domain remains valid and avoid losing it unexpectedly. Avoiding cybersquatting Never register a domain just to resell it to another company. Cybersquatting is illegal and can lead to lawsuits, fines and forced domain transfer. Focus on choosing names that align with your brand, project or purpose to stay compliant and avoid legal issues. How to register a domain name FAQ Can I register a domain name for free? Some domain services provide free domain name registration. However you'll then have limited control over ownership of the name, and you may have to accept advertising and other conditions in exchange for a free name. How much does domain name registration cost? It varies between providers. Wix premium plans come with a domain for one year, which otherwise cost between $14 and $39 a month. After a year, you can renew your domain for pricing plans anywhere between $13.95 and $15.95 a year. How to register my domain name? Choose a domain registrar, the purchase and pricing plan you want, then choose your name. Can I register and own a domain name for forever? Generally, no. Registering a domain name does't constitute ownership of that name, it generally means you're renting it for an agreed period and it will need renewing every set number of years, according to the contract between you and your domain registrar or website builder. How to register a domain name for free? With Wix you can register a domain name for free with a paid plan, or use another free domain registrar. How to register a domain name online? To register a domain name online, you'll need to use an online domain registrar, like Wix and then follow the steps provided for registration. Can I permanently buy a domain name? No, it's not possible to permanently buy and own a domain name. They work on a leasing arrangement. They longest they can be registered for at a time is ten years and most are renewable every 1-2 years. ICANN sets the ten year limit to prevent individuals or businesses buying and hoarding domain names. It's common to ask can I buy a domain name permanently?  We explain why that isn't an option and how to use a domain long term. How long do you own a domain name for? No one ever owns a domain name. They can be registered, aka leased. The maximum they can be leased for at one time is ten years. What makes a domain name valid? To be valid a domain name must meet naming protocols and be unregistered. For example, it can contain letters (English) and numbers but not special characters. It should include a recognized domain extension. Should I register my domain with an eCommerce hosting solution? If you’re planning to start an online store, consider registering your domain with an eCommerce hosting solution . This can streamline the setup process, ensuring compatibility with tools like inventory management and payment processing, while also offering a unified solution for your business. What's the easiest way to register a domain? The easiest way to register a domain, is to do it while you're building your website. If you're creating a site with a website builder you can do a domain name search, pick your name and domain extension and register it in minutes.