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- Wix vs. Squarespace: a side-by-side comparison of key features
Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → Wix vs Squarespace is one of the most common comparisons for anyone researching a website builder and learning how to make a website . What once required technical skills can now be done with a website builder, giving creators, entrepreneurs and small businesses the tools to design, customize and publish a professional site in hours, not weeks. Both Wix and Squarespace are leading platforms for building websites, whether you’re launching an online store , promoting a service or showcasing creative work. But while they may seem similar at first glance, they take very different approaches to design, flexibility and ease of use. In this guide, we break down Wix vs Squarespace across key features to help you choose the right website builder for your goals. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can design, customize and launch a professional website in minutes. Everything about Wix is built to simplify the process so you can focus on what really matters: bringing your ideas to life. Ready to make it happen? Start creating the website you’ve always envisioned today. Intro to Wix and Squarespace Both Wix and Squarespace emerged onto the scene in the 2000s, establishing themselves as pioneering website builders distinguished by their unique brand identities and offerings. Wix Now trusted by over 6.3 million subscribers (or a total of 263 million registered users when you include free users on Wix) across 190 countries, Wix is primarily known for its user-friendly platform and versatile business solutions. “We’re constantly developing and releasing new features to simplify the website building process so our users can focus on running their businesses,” writes Wix’s Co-founder and CEO Avishai Abrahami about Wix’s culture of innovation. You can also read Wix reviews direct from users who've built a website or started a business. Create a website with Wix today. Squarespace Squarespace, on the other hand, is often praised for its elegant design templates and features that are tailored to creative professionals and artists. True to its mission (“We believe design is the ultimate competitive advantage. We build products that help entrepreneurs stand out and succeed.”), the company puts design front and center. By the end of Q1 2024, Squarespace had surpassed 4.9 million unique subscribers . Wix vs. Squarespace: key features Drag-and-drop capabilities Web design (and AI) Templates Security and reliability Blog Ecommerce Marketing SEO Customer support Pricing Drag-and-drop capabilities When it comes to drag-and-drop, Wix arguably sets the gold standard. It has been prioritizing its DIY web builder from the get-go, launching with an intuitive drag-and-drop site solution back in 2006, when code-only platforms were the norm. Today, Wix offers two website editors: the original editor, built for SMBs and independent creators looking for a unified business solution—and Wix Studio, designed specifically for agencies and enterprises looking to create exceptional design experiences for their clients. Wix Studio represents the height of Wix's offerings. With intricate design features and detailed CSS control, Wix Studio gives you the freedom to create captivating and highly distinctive websites. Squarespace, on the other hand, broke into the market in 2004 with a block-editing engine catered towards individuals with little-to-no design experience. The Classic Editor, (which is still accessible today) allowed users to drag elements across a gridded canvas; upon Squarespace’s Fluid Engine release in 2022, more flexible drag-and-drop capabilities were added to the platform. Fluid Engine still allows you to move elements on the page within a controlled grid area, but lets you work within a bigger canvas and has fewer constraints than the Classic Editor. Bottom line: While Wix and Squarespace both excel with their intuitive website builders, Wix offers more customization by putting fewer limitations on how page elements can be placed or structured. For those seeking more design flexibility and responsiveness, Wix Studio emerges as the ideal solution. Explore Wix Studio to elevate your web design, or read more about Wix vs. Studio . Web design (and AI) Wix has been a trailblazer in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) for website building since 2016 when it introduced its artificial design intelligence (ADI)—a powerful tool that could suggest a website layout based on a few simple questions. Today, the influence of AI runs deep within Wix; from site creation to business management, AI features are seamlessly integrated throughout the platform. With its newly minted AI website builder , you can quite literally chat back and forth with AI to design an entire website from scratch. Once your site has been created, you can continue chatting with AI to tweak the theme, layout and other design elements. Further tweaks can then be made in the Editor itself, where you can use built-in AI tools to generate images, content and video trailers (among other things). Squarespace has its own AI website design system dubbed Blueprint AI, which helps you decide on the proper website structure, colors and other elements of your site. The elements are then pieced together—a bit like a puzzle—to form your website. Instead of the conversational approach that Wix takes, Squarespace’s Blueprint AI tool walks you through a series of pre-set questions and steps. When it comes to AI features, Squarespace's products revolve around text generation (think: video descriptions, product descriptions and website copy). Bottom line: Wix has built-in AI tools for text and image generation, marketing, analytics and much more, enabling you to create a functional website in minutes and run your businesses more efficiently. Squarespace's AI website generator is more like putting a puzzle together as opposed to top-to-bottom website creation, and its AI tools are primarily focused on text generation. Templates Both Wix and Squarespace offer impressive template libraries to kickstart your website design journey. Wix has website templates that cover a wide range of industries and styles. Once you’ve chosen a template, you can customize it however you see fit in the Editor. Squarespace offers fewer templates with 180+ in their bank compared to Wix’s 2,000+, but curates its templates to ensure a high level of quality. Bottom line: While Wix offers far more templates than Squarespace, the ones that Squarespace offers are carefully curated. Security and reliability Security and site reliability are paramount when it comes to web hosting. Hackers and error messages should be the least of your concerns when you’re managing a business online. Wix prioritizes these aspects, offering advanced protection measures and boasting an impressive uptime rate of 99.99%. Squarespace also places a strong emphasis on security, with a 99.9% uptime rate, built-in SSL encryption and reliable website infrastructure . Learn more about website security on Wix. Bottom line: Both Wix and Squarespace ensure a high degree of security, so you can put your focus where it’s needed—your business. Blog Both Wix and Squarespace have sound blogging capabilities, so you can create and manage engaging content in the same place as your website. Wix includes blog templates to help you design a stylish blog. Beyond this, enjoy various tools to manage and drive traffic to your blog, including AI-powered tools for SEO, email marketing, analytics and more. These AI tools can even help you brainstorm topic ideas, outline pieces and write blogs from top to bottom, which you can then supplement with images designed by AI. The community and monetization capabilities in Wix give it another edge. Readers can sign up as members, create profiles, like and comment on posts and follow each other's activity. You can also play with the contributor permissions, so multiple authors can manage your articles without compromising security. Regarding monetization, you can manage content subscriptions, members area, online courses and/or eCommerce offerings within Wix. Squarespace provides flexible layout options and design customization tools for building a blog. Its monetization capabilities include content subscriptions, membership areas and online courses. Like Wix, Squarespace offers essential features like AI writing assistance, content scheduling, contributor permissions, SEO optimization, social integrations, email marketing and analytics. The main limitation with Squarespace’s blogging capabilities is that it doesn’t have an autosave or revision history feature, so if your computer crashes mid-sentence, the rest is history. Bottom line: If you’re a blogger, both Wix and Squarespace offer fantastic blogging capabilities, but Wix’s added features ( like its autosave function and advanced AI blogging features ) mean it comes out a smidge on top. Learn how to make a blog with Wix. Ecommerce Wix offers a robust backend system for managing your online store. It connects your eCommerce website design to any in-person sales through Wix's POS solutions, creating a cohesive experience for your business. Wix further allows you to sell a whopping 50,000 physical and digital products, with advanced features like abandoned cart recovery, free shipping configuration, local delivery options and inventory management. Wix also supports a number of multichannel selling options, so you can easily list your products across major sales channels like Amazon, eBay and Facebook. You can even take advantage of built-in dropshipping features to expand your product catalog without holding any physical inventory. While Squarespace is no slouch for eCommerce , providing unlimited storage and product uploads across most plans, it has fewer sales features and multichannel integrations than Wix. For instance, tools like appointment scheduling require paid add-ons, and Wix lets its users take orders and accept offline payments upon delivery, a feature not yet offered by Squarespace. When it comes to making online payments, Wix supports more payment processors and methods. Wix Payments lets you accept payments from major credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, BNPL, iDeal and Pay Now by Klarna. Alternatively, you can choose from 100+ other third-party payment processors worldwide. By contrast, Squarespace Payments supports major credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Afterpay/Clearpay and Klarna. Or, you can connect your account to several third-party processors: Stripe, PayPal or Square. Explore these eCommerce website examples for inspiration. Bottom line: Both platforms allow you to create a professional online storefront. However, if scalability and omnichannel selling are top priorities, Wix provides a more expansive eCommerce solution . Its built-in features, third-party integrations and payment options make it better equipped to support ambitious eCommerce businesses. Create an online store with Wix today. Marketing Wix and Squarespace both offer a suite of marketing and SEO tools to optimize your website for search engines and attract more visitors. However, their strengths in these areas differ. When it comes to email marketing tools , both platforms offer built-in features and third-party integrations like Mailchimp. Easily grow subscriber lists, send newsletters and set up automated emails. Wix offers an additional advantage with its AI email generator. While Squarespace offers an AI tool to help craft email content, it doesn't match the full capabilities of Wix's email generator. Wix takes it a step further crafting full-fledged emails based on your business type and campaign objectives. Its email generator not only creates the written copy, but also produces a complete email layout specifically designed for your campaign objectives. The tool incorporates relevant images to complement the email content, allowing you to quickly produce polished and engaging campaigns. For social media marketing, Squarespace allows you to connect your social accounts to your site and publish posts directly from your site, plus offers social selling for Facebook and Instagram. However, Wix takes it one step further by offering unified publishing and scheduling across Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and more. It also offers native integrations to embed feeds, run ads from your dashboard, create campaigns with AI and sell on more channels like YouTube Shopping. Bottom line: Wix’s marketing tools outnumber that of Squarespace’s, but both have helpful integrations and self-service features. The “best” solution will depend on the types of channels you plan to engage on, and the types of automation you desire. SEO When it comes to SEO, Wix takes the crown. While both website builders include standard free SEO features like mobile optimization, 301 redirects and an SEO checklist, Wix takes it a step further. It directly integrates with Semrush so you can research and analyze keywords for optimized content within your Wix dashboard. Its new AI meta tag creator leverages AI to automatically generate optimized title tags and meta descriptions. Meanwhile, its AI Visibility Overview tool lets you see how your site is performing across major AI platforms, so you can account for all modern traffic sources. Diving deeper into some of the SEO-specific features: Meta titles and descriptions: With both Wix and Squarespace you can customize the meta to specific pages, while Wix also allows you to use AI to create optimized content for you. URL structures: Both let you get creative with custom URLs for pages. Heading tags : With Wix, you can utilize heading tags from H1 to H6 on standard pages, and H1 and H2 on blog posts. Squarespace, on the other hand, limits heading tag usage to H1 through H4 across all pages. Image alt text: Both Wix and Squarespace let you set alternative text for images, a crucial accessibility and SEO feature. AI visibility: Wix offers AI Visibility Overview, a tool that tracks how your website is mentioned across AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity and Claude. Squarespace doesn't currently have this capability. SSL encryption: Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption, which is essential for protecting user data and improving SEO rankings, is available on all plans for both platforms. Sitemaps: Both website builders automatically update your sitemap whenever you make changes to your site and allow you to download it if you want. Google Search Console integration: Both Wix and Squarespace enable you to connect your website to Google Search Console for monitoring and managing search performance. Bottom line: When it comes to having native SEO functionality, Wix provides a more advanced toolset compared to Squarespace's solid but slightly more basic capabilities. Customer support Responsive customer support is crucial when building and maintaining a website and while both Wix and Squarespace offer great support options there are a few key differences. Here’s how they stack up against each other. Wix customer support offers: Callback support (24/7 for English speakers) Live chat (EN live chat available Monday through Friday, 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET; also available in other languages) Ticket submission Help center (FAQ and forum) Knowledge base articles with video tutorials Squarespace customer support offers: Email (24/7) Live chat (available Monday through Friday, 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET; other languages available, and hours may differ for Australia and New Zealand) X (24/7) Help center (FAQ, knowledge base articles, videos, webinars, forum) Bottom line: Both platforms have thorough support systems in place, but Wix's 24/7 callback phone line and support for additional languages give it an edge. Pricing In terms of pricing, Wix and Squarespace offer tiered plans to cater to a range of budgets and needs. Wix's pricing plans are structured to provide flexibility and scalability. It has options for individuals, businesses, eCommerce and agencies. Squarespace offers a similar range of plans with additional features tailored to creative professionals and online merchants. Wix’s annual pricing plans: Free plan ($0): Limited features and ads. (Learn more: Is Wix truly free ? ) Light ($17/month): Basic plan for simple sites. Core ($29/month): Basic eCommerce features and marketing suite. Business ($39/month): Geared towards growing your brand. Business Elite ($159/month): Unlocks unlimited storage and scaling capabilities. Enterprise: Custom plan for large corporations. With each plan, you’ll get a free domain for one year. The amount of storage space increases with each plan along with how advanced the eCommerce and marketing features are. When it comes to payments, you’ll be able to take online payments with the Core plan and above. You can use Wix’s free plan for as long as you like. This is a great way to get familiar with it without spending a dime, but we do recommend upgrading your plan to remove the Wix ad banner. An upgraded plan will also allow you to use your domain and unlock more marketing, eCommerce and analytics features with larger storage space. Learn more about how to build a free website with Wix, or you can try any of Wix’s paid plans for 14 days, and if you’re not 100% satisfied, you can get your money back. Wix pricing plans Plan Price (monthly) Best for Free $0 Trying Wix Light $17 Simple websites Core $29 Small online stores Business $39 Growing brands Business Elite $159 Scaling businesses Enterprise Custom Large organizations Squarespace’s annual pricing plans: Basic ($16/month): Basic website and selling features. Core ($23/month): Full access to business features. Plus ($39/month): Lower payment processing fees for growing businesses. Advanced ($99/month): Low payment processing fees and our most advanced commerce tools. Enterprise: Custom plans for larger teams. With each Squarespace plan, you’ll get free domain registration, a mobile-optimized site and the ability to send invoices for free. Regarding eCommerce, you can sell products and services starting with the Basic plan, though you’ll have to pay a transaction fee unless you upgrade to a Core plan. Core plans and above come with more merchandising features, shipping labels, eCommerce analytics and more. Squarespace plans include a 14-day free trial and essential features like support and mobile optimization. Squarespace pricing plans Plan Price (monthly) Best for Basic $16 Simple websites Core $23 Small businesses Plus $39 Growing businesses Advanced $99 High-volume sellers Enterprise Custom Large teams Bottom line: Wix and Squarespace both offer cost-effective plans, though Wix offers a free forever plan. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for and in both cases, the better the plan, the more you get. Related reading: Wix vs. GoDaddy or Wix vs. Shopify So who will it be—Wix or Squarespace? Deciding between Wix and Squarespace ultimately depends on your specific business and preferences. Overall, Wix emerges as a top contender, with a long list of integrated tools for sales, marketing and customer management that guarantee that your site is ‘business-ready’ from the get-go. Squarespace emerges as a good option for someone looking to design a straightforward and attractive website but isn’t seeking the level of advanced business tools that Wix has to offer. Start a free account with Wix . Editor's note: The information presented in this article is true as of December 22nd, 2025, unless mentioned otherwise.
- What is a .co domain extension?
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain → Ever thought you found the perfect name for your business, only to discover the .com domain is already taken? That’s where .co comes in. .co is a generic top-level domain (TLD) that stands for “company” or “corporation.” Originally launched in the early 1990s for websites connected to Colombia, it has since evolved into a global favorite for anyone seeking a short, snappy and modern domain name. The turning point came in 2009, when the Colombian government transferred control of .co to CO Internet S.A.S ., a private company. This led to an ambitious global marketing campaign that repositioned .co as a versatile domain extension perfect for businesses, entrepreneurs and creatives across the world. And it paid off. From startups to major brands like Twitter, which uses t.co for its URL shortener, .co has proven itself as a smart and credible alternative to .com. Today, the .co domain is recognized as a global TLD and is part of the Domain Name System (DNS) . It's widely used by businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals seeking a memorable and relevant online identity. Learn more: What is a domain? , What is a parked domain? TL;DR: What is a .co domain extension? Looking for a domain that’s short, sharp and startup-friendly? The .co domain extension might be your perfect match. Originally the country code for Colombia, .co has grown into a global favorite among entrepreneurs, creatives and tech-savvy brands. In this post, you'll learn what a .co domain is, who it's best for and how it compares to other popular extensions like .com. You'll also get tips on how to decide if .co is right for your business, plus how to register your own .co domain with ease. Pros and cons of .co domain Pros Cons Shorter and punchier than .com People often mistype it as .com and go elsewhere Easier to find available domain names Slightly higher renewal costs (around $20–30/year) Conveys a modern, innovative brand image Less recognized by older or non-tech-savvy audiences No geographic restrictions Initial promo prices may hide higher renewal rates Great for startups and tech businesses May lack the credibility and trust of a .com domain Stands out from the crowd of .coms Some may assume it’s tied to Colombia (its original use) .co vs .com domains and which to use A .co domain often signals a forward-thinking, innovative approach. It's particularly popular among startups, tech companies and social enterprises that wish to differentiate themselves from more traditional entities. On the other hand, the .com domain remains the most recognized and established domain extension worldwide. It conveys a sense of reliability, credibility and longevity. Businesses that choose a .com domain are often perceived as being more established and traditional. This domain is ubiquitous across industries and is often the default go-to for customers typing a web address directly into a browser. I want to buy a domain, how do I go about doing it? The choice between a .co and a .com domain can affect public perception and brand positioning. Businesses must consider their target audience, industry norms and overall branding strategy when deciding between these domain extensions. When to choose .co The .co domain is a great choice for brands looking to project an innovative image. For startups aiming to align with the new economy, .co can help you stand out. It’s also a practical alternative if your ideal .com domain is already taken—allowing you to keep your branding short, clean and memorable without resorting to long or complicated URLs. Consider choosing a .co domain if: You're a tech startup breaking into a competitive industry. You're a creator or building a personal brand with a focus on a fresh and forward-thinking identity. Your brand is appealing to younger, digitally conscious audiences who associate .co with innovation and contemporary trends. When to choose .com A .com domain is ideal for businesses focused on trust and credibility. It’s familiar, professional and easy to remember—perfect for reaching broad audiences. Most people think of .com when typing a web address, making it a smart choice for businesses prioritizing recognition and reliability. Industries like finance, healthcare, retail and real estate benefit from .com, as it signals stability and professionalism. It’s also great for boosting SEO and organic traffic, as users often type .com first. Consider choosing a .com domain if: You’re building a long-term, established business with plans for growth over decades. You want to serve a wide demographic where trust and recognition are key to gaining customers. You're involved in B2B or consulting services where a polished, traditional presence matters. .co vs .com domains and how to know which to choose Feature .com domain .co domain Origin Originally for commercial use (1985) Started as Colombia's country code, now global Popularity Widely recognized and trusted Increasingly popular, especially with startups Perception Seen as professional and reliable Viewed as modern and forward-thinking Availability Many names already taken More options for short, memorable domains Best for Established companies, global audiences Startups, tech brands, personal projects Who uses .co domains? .co domains have made a name for themselves as the go-to choice for startups, tech innovators and entrepreneurs. They’re snappy, memorable and instantly recognizable, which is perfect for anyone wanting to make their mark. But what makes .co even more exciting is its global appeal - because Google recognizes it as a generic domain instead of one tied to a specific location. It works alongside .com domains for businesses with multiple global web addresses. Learn more: What's the best domain extension for a personal website Key benefits of a .co domain Some of the main reasons for using a .co domain include: Availability: because .co is newer and less crowded than .com, it’s often easier to secure a short, memorable domain name that truly fits your brand. Branding : it's trusted and associated with reputable organizations and large businesses. Major players like Twitter (using t.co for link shortening) and Google (g.co for its product redirects) have reinforced .co’s credibility on a global scale. If leading brands trust .co, it’s a testament to its reliability and professionalism. Global recognition: it's versatile when used internationally and is instantly recognizable as a business related domain associated from anywhere, making it a good choice for businesses that market internationally. Easy to remember : it's short, simple and easy to remember, the number one rule for choosing a domain name because it can help customers recall your business name. Alternative to .com: it can present a viable, sometimes cost-effective, alternative option while still maintaining a level of authority if the .com domain you want is already taken. Edgy: it isn't .com, so if you use it you can potentially make a slight statement that you're choosing to do things a little differently with your business. For some brands, this is important. Check out the new domain extensions available on Wix and grab one that fits your idea. In 2023 several .co domains were amongst the highest value domains sold. With payments.co selling for $48,600 making it 14th on the list and regeneration.co selling for $47,350 and coming 15th on the top 100 domain sales chart for the year. Well-known, large brands using .co domain extensions include: Hinge (uses hinge.co as its main domain) Vine (used vine.co as its official website) Ello (used ello.co as its community platform) Twitter (uses t.co for its URL shortener) Google (uses g.co for product redirects) AngelList (uses angel.co as its startup platform) 500 Startups (uses 500.co as its venture capital hub) Why not use a .co domain? A .co domain can appeal to some businesses looking for a short and modern web address. For brands with a distinct vision or an audience that already knows to look for their .co address, it might just work. But before making a decision, it’s important to weigh the possible challenges alongside the benefits. One common concern is that many people are so familiar with .com that they might instinctively type it instead of .co. If the .com version of your desired name is taken, your potential visitors could end up on someone else’s website by accident. This kind of mix-up could mean lost opportunities or confusion for your audience. Another factor is perception. In some traditional industries, .com is still seen as the more established and prestigious option, so a .co might not carry the same weight. Cost can also be a consideration—.co domains sometimes have higher registration and renewal fees compared to other extensions. That said, if you’re set on a .co domain, consider pairing it with a strong branding strategy to avoid misunderstandings. For instance, using clear messaging across your channels can help guide visitors to the right place. At the end of the day, the best domain is one that’s memorable, simple and makes it easy for customers to connect with your business. Website examples using .co domains Looking for inspiration? Here are some standout examples of businesses using .co domains to make their mark online. The Mighty Spice Company This company brings the vibrant flavors of authentic Indian cuisine to your kitchen with its range of curry pastes, including the flagship Mighty Spice line and the Vegan Sadhu collection for plant-based cooking. Perfect for food enthusiasts and home chefs alike, these pastes deliver complex, traditional flavors with ease. Choosing a .co domain reflects the brand’s contemporary, accessible approach, making it an inviting choice for a global audience craving bold and authentic dishes. Mastery Mastery LLC is a brand and web consultancy that helps businesses grow more efficiently by creating clarity in design, messaging and strategy. Using a .co domain underscores Mastery LLC’s cutting-edge approach, appealing to forward-thinking businesses aiming to stand out in their markets. V-Labs This tech company offers tools and enhancements for virtual meetings. Their audience primarily includes businesses looking to improve collaboration and engagement in online environments. It's use of the .co domain extension helps establish its global focus and establish trust amongst potential clients. Generation She This female founded and led podcast aims to help Gen Z female business owners unlock investment potential and grow their businesses. With its lively and empowering tone, the platform inspires and equips young women to excel in business. Opting for a .co domain reflects the brand's energetic, bold personality, emphasizing a modern approach that aligns perfectly with its youthful, ambitious audience. Nuhom This real estate company uses its sleek and professional .co domain to reflect its expertise and drive in helping buyers and sellers navigate the property market. Targeting modern, tech-savvy clients, Nuhom simplifies what’s often a complex process with its user-friendly tools and streamlined services. Choosing a .co domain reinforces its approachable, forward-thinking image in an industry steeped in traditional practices. Create a website with the AI website builder . Are .co domains legitimate and safe? The .co domain is a legitimate, widely recognized extension used by businesses worldwide. Like .com, it’s registered through accredited registrars, making both safe and trustworthy choices. Learn more: Best domain registrars .co domains are also subject to standard domain registration and renewal practices. Ensure that you renew your .co domain on time to maintain ownership and keep your registration information up to date. Many well-known brands and organizations use .co domains for their online presence. This further establishes the legitimacy and acceptance of .co as a valid domain extension. Making sure that your domain is safe means also ensuring your website security offers robust and advanced security capabilities. From 24/7 monitoring, to bug bounty programs, to HTTPS and SSL/TLS. .co and third-level domain extensions Third-level domain extensions are the parts of the domain name that come after the second-level domain. For example, in "blog.org.co," the third-level domain extension is "co." It's important to note that the term "extension" is often used interchangeably with "top-level domain" (TLD). In the example, ".co" is both the TLD and the third-level domain extension. Potential options with .co for a third-level domain extension include : co.co org.co info.co edu.co gov.co While .co as a TLD is used to represent global brands and websites, as a third-level domain extension it's more commonly used by local entities and organizations. How do I register and buy a .co domain? Registering a .co domain is a straightforward process and can typically be done through domain registrars , domain hosting companies or accredited registrars authorized to sell .co domains. If you’re learning how to make a website , Wix simplifies the process—choose a premium plan, and you can register your domain and extension at the same time. Find the domain owner and registration details for a website with a Whois domain lookup . 01. Choose a domain registrar Select a reputable domain registrar that offers .co domain registration services. Or opt for a website builder that allows you to choose your domain, or extension and then register it. As Heather Vesely, Social Media Specialist for My Supplement Store says: "For someone just starting the domain registration process, begin by brainstorming a list of potential names and check their availability using a domain registrar. It's smart to also check social media handles to ensure consistency across platforms. If your ideal name isn't available as a .com, consider alternatives like .co. Most importantly, register your domain as soon as possible — good names go quickly, and early registration helps protect your brand identity." Learn more: How to register a domain 02. Check domain name availability Use the registrar's search tool to check the availability of your desired .co domain. If the domain is available, you can proceed to the next step. If not you'll need to rethink your domain name or domain extension. Check its availability with a domain name search with Wix. If your first choice isn’t available, pop it into a domain name generator , which can help you find a similar domain name. Learn more: How to choose a domain name 03. Provide all necessary contact and payment information Then follow the registrar's instructions for completing the registration process. This typically involves providing your contact information, payment details and agreeing to the terms and conditions. 04. Configure DNS settings (if relevant) After registration, you may need to configure the domain's DNS (Domain Name System) settings. You can either use the registrar's default DNS or set custom DNS records for your hosting or website. With Wix , this step is automatically done for you. It's important to note that .co domains are typically available for registration by anyone globally and they’re not restricted to Colombian-based entities. However, it's advisable to check with your chosen registrar for specific registration requirements or any restrictions that may apply. Learn more: .org vs. com vs .net domain extensions .co and ICANN ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers , is a non-profit organization which manages and oversees the global Internet's Domain Name System (DNS) and IP address allocation. When it comes to domain extensions like .co, ICANN plays a crucial role in overseeing the management and distribution of these top-level domains (TLDs) to ensure consistency across the whole World Wide Web/Internet. ICANN ensures that .co follows the guidelines and standards set for all TLDs. It manages the registration process, ensuring that domain names are unique and that the associated WHOIS information is accurate. WHOIS is a protocol used to query databases and obtain information about registered domain names, including details about the domain owner, registrar, and registration dates. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address used to access resources on the World Wide Web. It consists of the protocol (like HTTP or HTTPS ), the domain name (which includes the TLD like ".company"), and the specific path to the resource on the web server . ICANN ensures that URLs are properly structured and that the associated domain extensions ad here to established standards. .co domain extension FAQ Who can register a .co domain? .co domains are open for registration to entities and individuals worldwide. They’re not restricted to Colombian entities. Are there any restrictions on registering a .co domain extension? There are no specific restrictions on .co domains. They’re generally available for a wide range of uses. What's the cost of a .co domain extension? The cost of a .co domain can vary depending on the domain registrar and any additional services or features you select. How long is the registration period for a .co domain? The standard registration period for a .co domain is typically one year. However, you can often choose to register the domain for multiple years at once. Can I transfer my .co domain extension to a different registrar? Yes, you can transfer your .co domain to a different registrar if you wish. The process involves unlocking the domain, obtaining an authorization code from your current registrar and initiating the transfer with the new registrar. Can I renew my .co domain after it expires? Yes, you can typically renew your .co domain after it expires. However, there may be a grace period during which you can renew without losing ownership. After the grace period, the domain may become available for others to register. Are .co domain extensions more expensive than others? Generally, no. Prices for a domain can vary between registrars but .co domains are not necessarily more expensive. What are top-level domains? Top-level domain extensions are one of the highest levels in the web’s hierarchical Domain Name System (DNS) . The most popular example of a TLD is .com , which is intended for commercial entities in the United States (hence .com). Other popular TLDs include .info , .org , . co , .net , .edu, .biz .gov, .tv and country-specific extensions such as .mx , .ch, .de , .be , .nl . or . co.uk . Can I use a .co domain for business emails? Absolutely. A .co domain is an excellent choice if you're exploring how to create a business email that looks professional and aligns with your brand. Whether it’s using formats like info@yourbusiness.co or firstname@yourbusiness.co, this domain extension ensures your email stands out while reinforcing your company’s identity. You can also explore email name ideas that convey creativity or reflect specific roles within your team, enhancing communication and branding. What is the difference between .com and .co domain? .com is the most commonly recognized domain extension, originally created for commercial businesses, making it the default choice for most websites. Meanwhile, .co is a newer option that was initially designated for Colombia but is now marketed as a global alternative for companies or creative branding. While .co can feel modern and unique, it’s often mistaken for .com, which can lead to confusion for visitors trying to reach your website. Please note that specific policies and procedures may vary between registrars, so it's essential to check with your chosen registrar for precise details regarding .co domain registration and management.
- How to make a data analyst portfolio that truly computes ( + high-performing examples)
Ready to showcase your best work? Start building your portfolio → If you’re learning how to make a data analyst portfolio, the goal is simple: show employers how you think, not just what tools you use. A portfolio website lets you showcase real projects, explain your analytical process and demonstrate the impact of your work in a way a resume alone can’t. Enter Doreen Weissfelner, head of Wix analytics and home, who knows a thing or two about turning insights into impact. “A portfolio isn’t just a collection of projects,” she explains. “It’s your opportunity to demonstrate how you approach a problem, analyze the data and transform it into something meaningful.” In a competitive field, employers want proof. They want to see the datasets you worked with, the decisions you made and the results you delivered. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make a portfolio that highlights your expertise and helps recruiters quickly see your value. Transform your projects into proof using a website builder or an AI website builder . With Wix’s portfolio builder, you can create a professional, eye-catching portfolio that shows your best work in just a few clicks. Wix’s customizable portfolio website templates and easy-to-use tools let you present your skills with confidence–leaving a lasting impression on anyone who visits your site. TL;DR: how to make a data analyst portfolio This guide walks you through how to build a professional portfolio website, choose the right projects and present your analysis clearly so recruiters can quickly understand your value. What to include in a data analyst portfolio Portfolio element Why it matters About section Introduces who you are, what you do and the type of roles you’re targeting Data projects Shows how you solve problems, analyze data and deliver insights Project breakdowns Explains the problem, dataset, approach and impact of your work Skills summary Highlights key tools, techniques and analytical strengths Contact details Makes it easy for recruiters or clients to reach you Learn how to make a website from scratch . How to make a data analyst portfolio in 10 steps Now that you know what a data analyst portfolio is, here’s how to create one in 10 actionable steps: Define your goals Pick a domain and website host Choose a website builder and template Highlight your skills Select your best projects to showcase Design a strong about page Make yourself easy to contact Optimize for user experience and SEO Get feedback on your portfolio Keep your data analyst portfolio updated 01. Define your goals Before you start building your portfolio, take a moment to get clear on what you want it to achieve. Are you looking to land a specific role, attract freelance clients or showcase your skills for a promotion? Knowing your goals will guide every decision you make—from the projects you include to the way you present your skills. “Your portfolio is your chance to direct the narrative,” says Doreen. “Decide what story you want to tell and build everything else around that.” With your goals in mind, your portfolio becomes more than a website; it becomes a powerful tool to move you closer to where you want to be. Get inspired by these portfolio name ideas . 02. Pick a domain and website host Choosing the right domain name and website host is the first step to making your portfolio accessible to the world. Start by doing a domain name search to find something simple, memorable and reflective of your personal brand—whether it’s your name or a term related to data analytics. If you’re stuck, a domain name generator can help spark ideas. Pair your domain with a reliable host, and if you're on a budget, consider options that offer free website hosting . A strong domain and host might seem like small details, but they’re the foundation for creating a professional portfolio to show your work effectively to employers and collaborators. Learn more about hosting: What is web hosting How to host a website 03. Choose a website builder and template Once you’ve got your domain sorted, it’s time to pick a website builder and search through website templates until you find your perfect fit. Look for a builder that offers flexibility and tools tailored to your needs so you can focus on showcasing your work instead of worrying about the tech. Take your time exploring templates that align with your style and help your projects shine. With the right builder and template, you’re one step closer to creating a portfolio that’s as professional as you are. Explore Wix's free data analyst templates: Data analytics website template Data science website template Resume and CV website templates 04. Highlight your skills Your skills are the backbone of your portfolio, so give them the attention they deserve. Make sure to clearly list your expertise, from data visualization to programming languages like Python or R, in a way that’s easy to read. Doreen says, “Your portfolio should answer the question, ‘What can this person do?’ without making anyone dig for the answer.” Complement your list with examples from past projects, showing not just what you know, but how you’ve a pplied those skills to deliver results. Keep things focused and concise so readers can quickly understand what you bring to the table. Discover the best portfolio website builders to create stunning portfolio websites that showcase your work effortlessly. 05. Select your best projects to showcase When it comes to choosing which projects to include in your portfolio, less is often more. Focus on the quality of your work rather than the quantity, and pick projects that really highlight your strengths as a data analyst. Include a variety of work that demonstrates different skills, from cleaning raw data to creating interactive dashboards. This not only shows off your versatility but also gives potential employers or clients a clear picture of the value you can offer. 06. Design a strong about page Your about us page is like the heartbeat of your portfolio, giving visitors a glimpse into who you are and what you bring to the table. Think of it as a chance to blend storytelling and design, showing off not just your data skills, but also your personality. Keep things clean and easy to read with thoughtful typography . While it differs from your homepage , this page should still tie into the overall aesthetic of your portfolio. If you’re wondering what is web design and how to align your about page with web design portfolios , keep in mind that your layout should guide visitors seamlessly while keeping them engaged. Pro tip: Your about page can pack an even bigger punch when paired with a professional logo. Use a logo maker to create a design that reflects your style and expertise. "Each combination of design elements has the potential to evoke specific emotions, convey subtle messages and leave a lasting impression on viewers. From the choice of font to the selection of colors and the incorporation of graphic elements, every detail plays a crucial role in shaping the overall identity of a brand." - Yaya Aaronsohn, head of Brand Maker at Wix 07. Make yourself easy to contact You’ve wowed visitors with your work, now make sure they can easily reach you to discuss opportunities or collaborations. A simple, visible contact page can make all the difference. Whether it’s an email address, a contact form or links to your professional social profiles, ensure there’s no guessing involved. If one of your long-term goals is to monetize your website , building strong connections through an accessible contact page is a great foundation. Keep it clear, professional and inviting to open doors you didn’t even know existed. 08. Optimize for user experience and SEO A data analyst portfolio isn’t just about looking good; it also needs to perform well in search results. Start by ensuring your site is easy to navigate, loads quickly and adapts beautifully to all screen sizes. Use built-in SEO features to fine-tune elements like metadata, page titles and alt text for images. Pair these efforts with thoughtful marketing strategies to drive website traffic and make your portfolio discoverable to the right people. Pro tip: Boost your portfolio’s visibility by adding a blog section. Using a blog maker , you can share insights, data tips or even case studies that highlight your expertise. If you're unsure how to start a blog, focus on topics that match your skills and interests to attract the right audience while improving your SEO. Expert tip from Rebecca Tomasis, blog SEO team lead at Wix: "Don't be afraid to start small with your SEO content strategy. Start by focusing on basic on-page optimizations and best practices, such as including keywords in headings. Once you're confident your blog audience can be found through organic search, you can start planning a more advanced content strategy, which involves clustering and implementing advanced SEO techniques." 09. Get feedback on your portfolio Creating your portfolio is just the start; refining it is where the magic happens. Getting feedback from peers, mentors or even potential clients can help you see things from a fresh perspective. “Feedback is the bridge between a good portfolio and a great one,” says Doreen. Whether it’s your layout, writing or design choices, constructive input can guide you to make improvements that resonate with your audience. Take the time to ask for honest critiques, and you'll be one step closer to a portfolio that truly shines. 10. Keep your data analyst portfolio updated Your portfolio isn’t a one-and-done deal; it’s a living, breathing representation of your work. Regular updates show potential clients and employers that you're active, growing and staying ahead in the field. Use a website launch checklist whenever you add new projects or make tweaks to ensure everything runs smoothly—from functionality to appearance. By keeping your portfolio fresh and up-to-date, you’ll always have a reliable tool to showcase your latest accomplishments and skills with confidence. Get inspired: How to create a marketing portfolio How to create a journalism portfolio How to build a freelance portfolio What is a data analyst portfolio? A data analyst portfolio showcases real projects that demonstrate how you use data to solve problems and generate insights. Rather than listing skills on a resume, it shows your process, from working with raw data to presenting clear conclusions. Whether you use Wix Analytics or other web analytics tools , your portfolio highlights how you turn data into decisions. As Doreen explains, “Seeing how someone transforms a complex dataset into actionable insights says far more than a list of tools.” At its core, a data analyst portfolio includes an about section, a few strong projects and a skills summary. Each project should outline the problem, the data and the impact, helping employers understand not just what you’ve done but how you think. Why you need a data analyst portfolio A data analyst portfolio shows how you think, not just what you’ve done. It gives employers and clients clear proof of your ability to solve problems, analyze data and communicate insights. Unlike a resume or other types of websites , a portfolio walks viewers through your process, from defining a problem to delivering actionable results. By showcasing real projects and technical skills like Excel, SQL, Python or Tableau, your portfolio helps you stand out in a competitive job market and position yourself as a strong data analytics candidate. Looking to land your next role? Learn how to make a portfolio for a job that gets noticed. Data analyst portfolio examples built on Wix Need some inspiration for your data analyst portfolio? You're in luck. These Wix portfolios really stand out, showing off each analyst’s unique skills and personality. 01. Kelsey Olya Evans Kelsey Olya Evans ' portfolio keeps things simple and focused, with a unique grid-like background. It features direct contact information integrated into the site, making it easy for visitors to get in touch. If you’re looking for a streamlined approach, the simple contact form here is something worth adopting for your own portfolio. 02. Andrew J. Ferguson Andrew Ferguson 's data analyst portfolio shines with its emphasis on professional experience and ambition. Andrew outlines his career goals and top skills prominently, providing a clear picture of his capabilities and aspirations. His “Top Skills” section is particularly compelling, showcasing his expertise in areas like data visualization and project management. It’s an excellent example of how to help visitors immediately understand what you bring to the table. 03. Ethan Cao Ethan Cao 's data analyst portfolio highlights his educational background and certifications. He includes a timeline of relevant coursework and achievements, which is perfect for showcasing his technical knowledge. He also includes a “Download Resume” button, which is the perfect added touch of professionalism. If you’re in the early stages of your career or looking to emphasize your learning path, this approach can be a great addition to your portfolio. 04. Beverlyn Tucker Beverlyn Tucker 's portfolio is packed with diverse projects, ranging from natural language processing (NLP) to AI and sentiment analysis. Her inclusion of project details and technical methodologies not only showcases her expertise but also reflects her passion for data science. Including a wide range of projects like this can demonstrate your versatility and depth of knowledge. 05. Alex the Analyst Alex the Analyst 's website, distinguishes itself by focusing on mentorship and guidance for aspiring data analysts. Alex leverages his experience and YouTube channel to position himself as a go-to resource for those looking to break into the field. A key takeaway from his site is the clear and direct statement of purpose: to help others navigate the path to becoming a data analyst. How to make a data analyst portfolio FAQ How do I create a portfolio without any data analyst experience? If you’re just starting, work on self-driven projects using publicly available datasets from platforms like Kaggle or the UCI Machine Learning Repository. Focus on solving real-world problems, even if they’re hypothetical, as this makes for compelling portfolio content. You can also document your process and results in a detailed write-up to showcase your thought process and technical skills. Do I need a portfolio for a data analyst job? While not all jobs require a portfolio, having one significantly increases your chances. It shows you can apply your skills in a tangible way and is especially helpful for technical or freelance roles. A portfolio also helps you stand out from other candidates who may only have a resume or certifications. Can I make 100K as a data analyst? Yes, experienced data analysts in specialized industries or advanced roles often earn six-figure salaries. This is particularly common in major cities or tech-driven sectors where data expertise is in high demand. Building experience and learning advanced tools like Python or SQL can help you reach this goal. What is a portfolio project in data analytics? A portfolio project demonstrates your ability to apply analytical skills to real-world problems. Examples include creating dashboards, analyzing datasets or building predictive models. These projects serve as proof of your technical skills and problem-solving abilities, which are critical in data analytics roles.
- How to make a food truck website and 4 examples on the road to success
Eating is an essential part of our daily lives, yet so many of us end up scarfing down a quick meal in between meetings, class or wherever our busy days lead us. Finding a satisfying spot for a feast can be difficult—or, dare we say, disruptive—to our routines. With the popularity of mobile dining on the rise, it has become more convenient to grab a bite on the go. It has also made starting a food truck business appealing to many aspiring entrepreneurs. But just because your business is mobile, doesn't mean knowing how to make a website isn't relevant. On the contrary, a website can help you showcase your menu, take orders and help customers track your location. With this in mind, we've gathered together some of the most interesting food truck websites built using Wix website builder to help jog your creativity. Learn more about how to start a business or how to make a business website . If you’re ready to create your website, try out Wix’s AI website builder . 4 food truck website examples Explore the best food truck examples featuring smart design, strong branding and creative layouts. These best websites show how food truck businesses can stand out and turn visitors into loyal customers. The Butcher & The Blonde Whole Le Crepe Angry Archie’s Maggie Moo’s 01. The Butcher & The Blonde For the last decade, Butcher & The Blonde has been serving “street style comfort food” via their food truck—which has more recently expanded into catering and a farm-to-belly school lunch program. Owned by a husband-and-wife team, Butcher & The Blonde was born from the love of two foodies. This warmth can be felt throughout the Butcher & The Blonde site, where the team shares their story and biggest milestones. On the business front, the site serves as the home base for catering requests as well as food truck inquiries. It offers downloadable catering menus, plus the full food truck menu for interested parties. 02. Whole Le Crepe “Owning a creperie wasn’t a dream of mine,” writes owner Tina Paula on the Whole Le Crepe site. “I wanted crepes and couldn’t get them on Long Island.” Fast forward to today and Whole Le Crepes has been covered in the press, invited to feed celebrities on set and given a permanent parking location, earning praise for their food and impeccable service. The Whole Le Crepe site is appropriately elegant and jam-packed with personality. It captures the authentic spirit of the food truck, giving a behind-the-scenes look at Tina’s personal journey. The site further showcases the full fleet of Whole Le Crepe trucks. And using a vibrant photo gallery and testimonial strip (among other Wix features), it shows off the wide array of crepes that Tina’s truck offers. 03. Angry Archie's Angry Archie's , a New Jersey-based, family-owned food truck, makes a bold statement right from its homepage. The homepage banner features a quick animation that draws attention to the food truck’s memorable logo (a mischievous-looking lobster in a chef’s uniform). Need help creating your own logo? Try our free logo maker . As visitors scroll down the page, they’ll find information on all the different ways to order from Angry Archie's. They can pre-order food from the truck, go through a third-party delivery service, order catering or visit the storefront. In any case, Angry Archie's promises an unforgettable bite—including a three-time Mac ‘N Cheese Mayhem winner. For those looking to catch Angry Archie's on the move, a “find Archie” tab links them to a calendar showing all of their locations and hours. Learn more about how to make a culinary portfolio. 04. Maggie Moo’s Maggie Moo's needs no introduction. This beloved ice cream joint takes its treats on the road via a rentable food truck. This food truck website example, managed by the Maggie Moo’s in Exton, Pennsylvania, serves multiple purposes: it promotes its partnership with Great American Cookies, shows off its expansive menu (which includes ice cream cakes and cookie cakes), acts as a job portal and accepts online orders. On top of all this, site visitors can request a quote for booking the Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream Truck for a personal or corporate event. The site offers truck-related FAQs and testimonials , all displayed in Maggie Moo’s recognizable pink-and-blue font. Craving more inspiration? Check out other cool business websites . How to create a food truck website Building a food truck website doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by choosing a platform that’s easy to use and offers free website templates for food businesses . Templates from builders like Wix already include what you need—menu layouts, contact forms, image galleries and pre-designed sections—so you can focus on customizing instead of designing websites from scratch. Pick a clean, mobile-friendly design since most people will check your site on their phones to see your menu and where your truck will be parked. Add your branding, logo and colors to make the site feel like an extension of your truck. Make your website useful for customers Once your design is ready, fill the site with content that matters to your customers. Upload high-quality photos of your dishes, write a clear menu with prices, and include your truck’s schedule so people know where to find you. Add links for online ordering or delivery apps if you use them and include your story and contact information to build trust. Link your social media accounts for live updates. Test your website on both desktop and mobile to make sure it loads quickly and works smoothly. Get online with a domain and hosting Next, secure your domain name and website hosting . Your domain is your web address, like TastyTruck.com , and it should be short, memorable and match your brand. Many website builders, including Wix, let you register a domain directly. Hosting is where your website lives and most builders include it in their plans, which is reliable, fast and secure. Once your domain is registered and connected to your food truck website template , your site is ready for customers. What to include in your food truck website Clear menu with prices and photos Calendar or schedule showing truck locations Online ordering or delivery app links Contact form, phone number or email Social media buttons for live updates About page with your story and mission Be inspired: How to make a winery website Food truck website examples FAQ Why do food trucks need a website? A website helps customers find your truck, see your menu and check your daily locations. It builds trust and makes it easy for fans to follow your schedule and updates. A well-designed site can bring more traffic to your truck and keep regulars coming back. Can I take online orders through my website? Yes, many website builders let you add online ordering or link to delivery apps. Customers can place orders ahead of time so they’re ready when you arrive, which keeps lines short and sales high. How often should I update my food truck website? Update your menu, schedule and photos whenever things change. Posting fresh content shows your truck is active and keeps customers checking your site for the latest stops and specials. What are some of the most popular food truck foods? These days, some of the most common foods sold by truck include: Tacos: Tacos are a favorite food truck item due to their portability and versatility. Burgers: Gourmet burgers with unique toppings and flavor combinations are commonly served from food trucks. Sandwiches: Grilled cheese, Cuban sandwiches, bánh mì and other creative sandwich options are popular among food trucks. These are easy to eat on the go and can be customized to suit various tastes. BBQ: Barbecue food trucks offer smoked meats like pulled pork, brisket and ribs, often paired with classic sides like coleslaw, macaroni and cheese or baked beans. What are some great food truck business names? Coming up with a catchy and memorable name for a food truck can play a big role in attracting customers and creating a strong brand identity. You can use a free business name generator to get the creative juices flowing. Or opt for a food truck name generator. In our opinion, the best names are short, punchy and meaningful. Examples include: Tasty Tacos Express Burger Bliss Bites Sizzling Street Eats Wok 'n Roll Wagon Fired Up Pizza Co. The Burrito Bus Savory Sliders Stop
- AI eCommerce builder: what features to look for in 2026
Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix eCommerce → Looking for the perfect AI eCommerce builder? The right tool can make all the difference when it comes to creating an online store that’s fast, intuitive and conversion-ready. Whether you’re starting a small boutique or scaling a full-fledged eCommerce platform , understanding which features matter most will save time, boost sales and future-proof your online business. Ready to launch your eCommerce business? With Wix eCommerce, you can build a professional online store that attracts customers, drives sales and grows your brand. Enjoy full customization, built-in SEO and powerful marketing tools, all in one platform. Start today and turn your vision into success. TL;DR: AI eCommerce builder With today’s AI website generator technology, you can design a professional site in minutes and leverage advanced AI features for website without needing coding experience. Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes a top AI eCommerce builder: AI-powered design suggestions : Automatically create website layouts , color schemes and typography tailored to your brand. Product management : Upload, organize and manage your inventory with AI-assisted tools. Marketing automation : AI marketing automation -driven email campaigns, social media integrations and personalized offers. AI chatbots & customer support : Provide real-time assistance to boost conversions and reduce abandoned carts. Analytics & insights : Smart reporting that helps you understand traffic, sales trends and customer behavior. Feature Why it matters Example benefit AI design generator Easy and fast website creation Professional layouts in minutes Product & inventory management Keeps your eCommerce platform organized Quick uploads and automated categorization Marketing automation Drives sales through personalized AI recommendations Automated email campaigns & promotions AI customer support Enhances user experience with instant responses Reduced abandoned carts, better conversion Analytics & insights Provides actionable insights for growth Understand your audience & optimize strategies Wondering how does an AI website builder work behind the scenes? The best tools combine user input, industry data and machine learning to continuously improve layouts and recommendations as your site evolves. What features to look for in an AI eCommerce builder When choosing from the best AI website builders , the right features will save you time and help your store stand out. Here’s a breakdown of the most important capabilities to prioritize: AI-powered design and customization Product management and inventory automation Marketing and sales optimization Customer support and AI chatbots Analytics and insights 01. AI-powered design and customization Your online store’s first impression can make or break a sale, which is why AI-powered web design is one of the most important features to look for in an AI eCommerce builder. Instead of starting from a blank canvas, AI can generate layouts, color palettes, fonts and section structures based on your industry, goals and brand personality. This dramatically shortens the time it takes to go from idea to live store, especially if you’re still figuring out how to start an online store . Advanced builders also let you refine the results by answering questions or tweaking inputs, using AI prompts for website building to shape everything from homepage layout to product page structure. The best AI eCommerce builder balances automation with flexibility, so you can adjust designs manually without losing the benefits of AI assistance. This is especially useful when creating conversion-focused eCommerce website design that works across desktop and mobile. "When it comes to website building, one of the biggest challenges for business owners is the amount of time needed to create one. With AI, everything is much faster and easier. Business owners can now build their own websites, update their content and create or enhance images with minimal effort. AI is revolutionizing the world, and the technology is expanding into everything we do." - Marine Levy Belder, product marketing manager at Wix 02. Product management and inventory automation Managing products efficiently is at the core of any successful eCommerce site. A strong AI eCommerce builder simplifies this by offering bulk product uploads, smart categorization and inventory tracking that updates automatically as orders come in. AI can also help optimize product pages by suggesting titles, descriptions and pricing strategies based on performance data. Look for platforms that seamlessly connect product management with your online shopping cart , ensuring a smooth experience from browsing to checkout. AI-driven automation reduces manual work, minimizes errors and helps you scale faster, especially as your catalog grows. This becomes even more valuable when paired with reliable eCommerce hosting that keeps your store fast and secure during traffic spikes. AI can also recommend prompts to use with AI website builder tools to improve product descriptions, highlight benefits and align copy with buyer intent. 03. Marketing and sales optimization AI eCommerce builders don’t just help you build a store, they help you sell. Built-in marketing tools and SEO features powered by AI can automate email marketing campaigns, personalize product recommendations and trigger discounts based on customer behavior. These AI eCommerce builder features are essential if you’re learning how to start an eCommerce business and want early traction without a large marketing team. Some platforms also borrow capabilities from the best AI landing page builders , using AI to test layouts, headlines and CTAs to maximize conversions. When paired with smart SEO and social media integrations, AI-driven marketing tools help turn casual visitors into repeat buyers with less guesswork. "I believe AI will have the biggest impact on marketing through personalization. This could include things like personalizing language or even tailoring thumbnails to individual preferences. Low-level assets, such as banners or Facebook ads, will become highly dynamic. You won’t need someone to manually create the same ad in 50 different languages. Instead, you can design a single ad as a placeholder, and AI will handle the rest, including generating the text." - Shachaf Rodberg, Wix marketing trend analyst For new sellers, AI marketing automation can be a shortcut to understanding traditional vs AI website builder workflows, showing just how much time and optimization AI can save. 04. Customer support and AI chatbots Fast, helpful support plays a major role in eCommerce conversions. AI-powered chatbots can answer common questions, recommend products and guide shoppers through checkout, all in real time. This reduces friction and keeps customers from leaving your site when they need quick answers. More advanced AI chatbots learn from previous interactions, improving responses over time and offering insights into customer pain points. This level of support is especially helpful during peak sales periods or when you’re managing a store solo. Many platforms also pair chatbots with smart tools like a domain name generator , helping new business owners move from idea to live site faster. 05. Analytics and insights AI-powered website analytics turn raw data into clear, actionable insights. Instead of digging through dashboards, AI highlights trends like best-selling products, drop-off points in checkout and customer lifetime value. This makes it easier to refine your strategy as you grow. The best AI eCommerce builders use these insights to recommend next steps, such as updating layouts, adjusting pricing or launching new campaigns, so you’re not just tracking performance, but actively improving it. If you’re exploring Wix specifically, understanding what is the Wix AI website builder can help clarify how AI-driven insights connect design, marketing and performance in one platform. Additional features to consider for your AI eCommerce builder When you’re choosing an AI eCommerce builder, it’s not just about flashy design tools and automation, you also need a foundation that supports real business growth. Today’s top builders combine intelligent AI capabilities with seamless backend infrastructure so you can manage orders, online payments , shipping and expansion without bottlenecks. And the numbers back this up: as of 2025, around 89% of retailers are already using AI technologies , from chatbots to product recommendations, and companies using AI strategies report measurable gains in customer satisfaction and revenue. Here’s what to consider: Seamless payment, shipping and store operations The best AI eCommerce solutions connect effortlessly with major payment gateways and delivery services, so your customers get a frictionless checkout and you can process orders with fewer errors. This kind of integration matters because modern shoppers expect fast, simple transactions, and it can directly impact conversions and customer loyalty. Built-in scalability and growth tools Even if you’re building your first store, think ahead. A scalable platform helps you expand product offerings, manage spikes in traffic and implement upselling or cross-selling strategies without custom coding. AI features can automate product recommendations, inventory suggestions and even forecast demand, meaning your store can grow while you stay focused on your customers. Ready to put AI to work? Turn these features into a real, high-performing online store by learning how to make a website with an AI eCommerce builder that does the heavy lifting for you. Wix AI eCommerce builder: build, launch and grow your online store Wix offers a powerful AI eCommerce builder designed to support every stage of building and running an online store, from setup to scale. Instead of juggling multiple tools, Wix brings AI-driven site creation, eCommerce management and marketing features together in one platform, making it easier to move from idea to live store faster. This includes: A tailored site structure A homepage layout designed for selling Product-ready pages you can customize right away From there, you stay in full control. You can fine-tune everything using a visual editor, while AI continues to offer suggestions that improve layout, content flow, and overall usability. If you need expert help beyond AI, you can also tap into the Wix Marketplace to work with vetted professionals for design, development or eCommerce website optimization . On the eCommerce side, Wix brings all your selling tools into one place. Instead of switching between platforms, you can manage your store from a single dashboard, whether you’re launching a dropshipping website , selling physical products or expanding into new revenue streams. You can manage: Products and inventory Payments and checkout Shipping and order fulfillment Wix also makes it easy to grow beyond standard products. You can use the same platform to sell custom merch , offer digital products or sell subscriptions , all without rebuilding your site or adding complex integrations. AI also supports your marketing efforts by helping you: Create optimized product descriptions Identify layouts that drive conversions Understand customer behavior through actionable insights What makes Wix especially valuable is how accessible it is. It’s built for users of all levels, whether you’re launching your first online store or scaling an established business. You get flexibility, control and AI assistance without needing technical expertise or relying on multiple third-party tools. “Partnering with Wix is a natural fit for us, as we’re both dedicated to supporting eCommerce business owners and brand builders who are crafting exceptional shopping experiences.” - Chris Victory, head of partnerships at Printful Try Wix to build your AI-powered eCommerce store and see how quickly you can go from concept to checkout-ready. AI eCommerce builder FAQ What is an AI eCommerce builder and how does it differ from a regular website builder? An AI eCommerce builder is a platform that combines traditional website creation tools with artificial intelligence to automate design, product management, marketing and analytics. Unlike standard builders, it offers AI features for website personalization, predictive insights and automated workflows, making how to make a website for an online store faster and smarter. Can I use an AI eCommerce builder without coding experience? Absolutely. Most AI eCommerce builders are designed for users of all levels. Wix combines a drag-and-drop website builder with AI website generator functionality and guided setup flows, making it easy to launch a fully functional eCommerce site without writing a single line of code. From site structure to product pages and checkout, AI helps simplify each step of the process. Which AI features are essential for boosting sales? Key features include AI-driven product recommendations, automated marketing campaigns, predictive inventory management and AI chatbots. These tools not only enhance the customer experience but also increase conversions and customer loyalty.
- 20+ artist websites we wish we could frame
Bring your inspiration to life with a Wix website → Similar to a gallery setting, a website gives artists a space to present their work and reach new audiences. For many creatives, making a website is now a natural next step, allowing you to share your work and grow your business without relying on galleries or other third parties. An essential tool for creative professionals, an artist website—sometimes called a portfolio website—helps you promote your work, build a following and sell online. Learning how to build a website that combines strong visuals with clear messaging and built-in marketing tools is key, and one of the best ways to do that is by looking at real examples. Whether you’re here for website design tips or simply looking for inspiration, explore our curated selection of the best website designs for artists below. Learn more: How to make an artist website Need inspiration for your website? With Wix, building a standout site is easier than ever. Choose from hundreds of customizable templates and use Wix’s easy drag-and-drop website builder tools to make your vision come to life. Turn your ideas into reality and see just how simple it is to create a unique, professional website. TL;DR: best artist websites If you’re looking for fresh ideas to showcase your art online, this guide highlights inspiring artist websites that blend creativity and functionality beautifully. From striking visuals and intuitive layouts to smart storytelling and easy navigation, these sites set the standard for what an artist website can be. These examples offer plenty of design and branding inspiration to help you make your own unique mark. We also break down the top features that make these artist websites stand out—so you can apply the same winning elements to your portfolio website , attract more visitors and connect with your audience on a deeper level. What makes a great artist website? Key feature Why it matters Compelling visuals Showcases your art in the best light and grabs attention Clear navigation Helps visitors explore your work effortlessly Personal storytelling Builds connection and shares your creative journey Mobile-friendly design Ensures your site looks great on any device Integrated eCommerce options Makes selling art or prints easy and accessible Fast loading times Keeps visitors engaged without frustration Consistent branding Creates a memorable, professional impression Regular updates Keeps your portfolio fresh and relevant 5 tips to know before creating an artist website Before we show you attractive examples, here are some quick web design tips to keep in mind when you start making a website of your own: Consider starting with a customizable portfolio website template which includes many foundational features of a successful site. Be sure to include an About page to provide visitors with background information about yourself and your professional experience. Encourage visitors to be in touch by adding a contact page and build your online following by adding a social bar linked to your accounts. No artist website is complete without images. Give visitors a visual overview of your work when setting up your gallery . Choose a website color scheme that compliments your work and doesn’t distract readers. Be inspired by thse dark mode website examples 20+ artist websites for inspiration From NFTs to drawings and photography, below you’ll find 20+ of the best artist and illustrator Wix websites that are aesthetically and strategically driven. Chosen for their impressive works and outstanding web design, we’ll point out the elements we love about each: Zaria Forman Karen J. Revis Ellen Von Wiegand Alex Garant Charly Palmer Lisa Brandon David Milan Lirona Ashkenazi Irina Pandeva Piergiorgio Del Ben Lili Arnold Jessica Bearden Timothy Goodman Anya Butler Dayday Key Ruifa Zenda William LaChance Daniel Aristizabal Hedof Pierre Brault Artist Called Lo Maria Jesus Contreras 01. Zaria Forman A full-size image of Zaria Forman working on a large—and nearly finished—canvas is a compelling introduction to the oeuvre featured in her artist website. This image gives visitors a sense of the artist’s hyper realistic style and is easily framed with white space. Forman includes a full navigation menu, inviting us to browse through her pastel drawings which document climate change in captivating locations. 02. Karen J. Revis When your art already speaks multitudes, a minimalist website can be the perfect way to showcase it. Karen J. Revis uses a simple website layout that’s easy to navigate and read, putting the attention on the printmaker’s textured and vibrant works. Within this modest design, visitors have everything they need to purchase a Revis original: a gallery, artist bio and quick access to her online store . 03. Ellen Von Wiegand What better way to showcase multiple artworks than with a full-screen slideshow? Ellen Von Wiegand masters her artist website using this feature. She’s made impressive marketing efforts, too—a well-designed lightbox like Von Wiegand’s is the perfect way to get visitors signed up for your email list. 04. Alex Garant While it's common for artists to make their portfolio the focus of their websites, Alex Garant instead puts her online store on the homepage. A close-up of one of her paintings dominates the opening screen. She forces your perspective to the two CTA buttons—one that links to her merch page and another to a page of original works that are available for sale—by placing them right above the four pairs of eyes. The website is unified by a consistent blush, navy, and gray color scheme (which nicely complements the hero fold), weaving all the pages together into a cohesive narrative. This meticulous attention to detail extends to her branding: the word mark, set in wide kerning, stands out from other text, asserting its significance in the site's visual hierarchy, despite the larger size of the headers. 05. Charly Palmer A background video, inspiring quote and flawlessly implemented animation features make this one exciting artist website. Seeing Charly Palmer in action gives visitors a personable touch, giving us an opportunity to appreciate his process. If we look at the principles of design , we can see that Charly has accomplished quite a few of them here: movement, visual hierarchy and sharp contrasting colors. 06. Lisa Brandon Multidisciplinary artist Lisa Brandon opts for a trendy, dark website. The stylish mood demonstrated by her design sets the perfect tone for Brandon’s work, which is contemporary, out-of-the-box and chic. We also appreciate the artist’s choice of font, since a classic serif font creates an interesting juxtaposition when paired with the elements of her modern design. 07. David Milan This artist website has David Milan written all over it—literally. From creating his own logo design to his choice of font and colors—the hand lettering artist has secured a branded tone on his online portfolio. The real benefit of amplifying your own personality like this on your own site is that it will attract a following of people who connect with your individual style. 08. Lirona Ashkenazi Lirona Ashkenazi ’s artist website shows us what a big role the small details play. Her decision to use a large font and colloquial tone to greet visitors fosters a confident and attractive tone. The large grid gallery on her homepage is a style choice that gives visitors room to breathe as they browse, and each image opens up to a landing page with more details about the specific project. 09. Irina Pandeva Irina Pandeva ’s website is more than just an art portfolio—it’s a glimpse into her artistic mind. By including a blog, she offers visitors prose and poetry having to do with her artistic development. Creating a blog for your artist website is a great way to connect with new audiences and offer clients more inspiration about your work. Get started with our blog maker 10. Piergiorgio Del Ben A large image on Piergiorgio Del Ben ’s homepage offers visitors an up-close encounter with his canvases. So close that we can see the textures of his painterly style. Don’t be afraid to let your own work do the talking by giving select images a featured space on your artist website. Whether you use a slide show, individual image or a gallery, visually oriented visitors will have the chance to get captivated by the bold statement of your art. 11. Lili Arnold From the hand drawn logo, to the colors of her navigation menu and text— Lili Arnold ’s tropical color scheme perfectly reflects the organic spirit of her art. The blend of colorful details work together to set the tone for Arnold’s artist website, while a white background ensures a balanced aesthetic. 12. Jessica Bearden Besides having an overall great artist website, Jessica Bearden features one of the best homepage examples on this list. Bearden’s animated self portrait acts as an engaging background and preview to her work—full of color, found objects and movement. The ornate image is complimented by a spacious website header, orienting visitors towards Bearden’s portfolio, contact page and gorgeous Instagram feed. When making homepages , these are all important areas to consider. 13. Timothy Goodman New York City-based Timothy Goodman pairs a sunny yellow background with black and white text. The combination creates a lively juxtaposition and helps important aspects of Goodman’s site stand out. Goodman plays with the color scheme even further on his About page, using color blocks to form distinct sections highlighting his bio, press images, client list and press. 14. Anya Butler Anya Butler 's portfolio takes a life all its own. Using a clever mix of animation, hover effects and playful graphics, Anya demonstrates her mastery of art and motion. This artist website features a few delightful micro-interactions: hover over the crinkle-like graphics on any page and you'll see them unravel, indicating they're clickability. You've also got images of Anya's illustrations superimposed on pictures of herself, showcasing her explosive creativity. 15. Dayday Key If brutalist website design approach is your thing, Dayday Key ’s website is a great place to go for inspiration. On top of animation, gradient designs and bright neon accent colors, Key took a daring step back, tapping into a 90s aesthetic. Using many web design trends can be overwhelming, but if you’re making a statement like Key’s, it’s a great way to capture the attention of visitors and show that you’re in the know. 16. Ruifa Zenda From the three dimensional shadow play to the unique imagery and animation, Ruifa Zenda ’s impressive site is all about the simplicity of effects. With such versatile skills and style, Zenda’s portfolio displays a diverse variety of works from throughout his career. This is an important thing to keep in mind when creating your own artist website: be sure to include an array of work samples and give visitors a cohesive overview of your professional experience. 17. William LaChance When parallax scrolling meets video, it’s a winning combination. Add an asymmetrical layout to the mix, and you’re bound to produce an intriguing design. This is exactly what William LaChance proves with his one-of-a-kind artist website. The best thing about LaChance's site is that it’s eccentric design is simultaneously balanced. LaChance pays attention to the principle of hierarchy, ensuring that the most important elements are noticed first. 18. Daniel Aristizabal With a sample of his work at the foreground, Daniel Aristizabal ’s solid black background sets the perfect stage. Added animation captivates viewers, encouraging them to continue their scroll. Because Aristizabal’s art needs a full screen to appreciate, the hamburger menu is a great choice. It leaves more real estate for displaying his work, while providing navigation to a contact form, About page and social media accounts. 19. Hedof Hedof is a one-man illustration studio by Rick Berkelmans, whose impressive list of clients includes names like The New York Times, YouTube and Facebook. Berkelmans’ artist website features a light grey background, which is a clever alternative to white when you want to differentiate your site from the crowd. In any case, the color scheme on this site is spot on—grey is the perfect match for Hedof’s navy blue logo . 20. Pierre Brault Enticing videos greet visitors on Pierre Brault ’s artist website. We love the futuristic choice of font, which seems in line with the artist’s stylistic approach. Brault’s use of a drop-down menu is an effective way to show visitors how to find what they need, while the hover effects add a bit of sophistication to the site. 21. Artist Called Lo The Artist Called Lo website serves as a minimalist digital portfolio and storefront, featuring sections like Home, Shop, Portfolio and Contact, visitors can explore curated works in the Portfolio or shop directly through a clean, grid-like layout. The Contact page makes it easy to connect for inquiries or commissions. With its simplicity and focus on visual content, the site effectively highlights Lo's artistry. 22. Maria Jesus Contreras The beauty of Maria Jesus Contreras 's website is that it isn't overly complicated, and yet, it's bursting with personality. The animated logo immediately catches your eye, while the art across Maria's site gives you a clear sense of her style. She lets her art do all the talking—her colorful art stands out brilliantly against the back-and-white backdrop behind it. Craving more inspiration? Check out these top actor websites or eCommerce website design examples if you're opening a store. Key features of the best artist websites Creating a compelling artist website involves several critical elements that enhance user experience and effectively showcase the artist’s work: Great visual design : The visual design of the website should captivate visitors with engaging and aesthetically pleasing layouts. It should reflect the artist’s unique style and brand, creating a memorable impression. Easy navigation : Visitors should find information quickly through intuitive menus and clear categories. A well-organized site ensures users can easily explore different sections without confusion or frustration. High-quality images : Galleries should feature high-quality images that showcase the artist's work with detailed views. This allows visitors to appreciate the intricacies of the artwork and the artist's skill. Artist bio : A compelling artist bio shares the story of their background, inspiration and journey. It helps visitors connect with the artist on a personal level and understand the context behind the artwork. Ecommerce integration : The website should offer a seamless shopping experience for purchasing art directly from the site. This integration facilitates easy transactions and enhances customer satisfaction. Responsive design : A responsive design ensures that the website provides a great experience on any device, whether desktop, tablet or mobile. It maximizes accessibility and user engagement. Blog section : Regular updates in a blog section keep fans informed about exhibitions, new work and events. This section can engage visitors and encourage them to return for more updates. Contact information : Easy access to contact details and social media links facilitates networking and communication. It allows visitors to reach out and engage with the artist directly. Testimonials/reviews : Featuring positive feedback from collectors and clients builds trust and credibility. This section can showcase the artist's reputation and influence within the art community. Newsletter signup : Offering a newsletter signup option invites visitors to subscribe for updates and exclusive content. It helps maintain a connection with the audience and keeps them engaged with the artist’s journey. Learn more: What is web design? As an artist, why should I create a website? Creating a website as an artist offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your career. An artist can serve as both a personal and professional portfolio, to showcase your work in an organized, easily accessible medium. Unlike social media platforms, which have limitations on how you can present your art, a website gives you complete control over the design, layout and content—so you can reflect your unique artistic vision and brand your way. A website also increases your visibility. Potential clients, galleries, and fans can easily find and explore your work, regardless of their location. By optimizing your site for search engines (SEO), you can generate more website traffic to your art, helping you reach new markets and opportunities, including globally. Having a website can help build your credibility and professionalism, which can be crucial when establishing relationships with galleries, collectors and art institutions. In many cases in meetings or communication with these stakeholders you may be expected to submit an online portfolio of your work. You can also use your website as a central hub for all your work and promotion of it by linking to your social media profiles, online stores and exhibitions. It allows you to maintain direct communication with your audience through newsletters, blogs or contact forms. It can be an effective way to build a community around your art. Learn more: AI website examples Website building lessons Best artist websites FAQ How do artists get noticed online? To get noticed online, artists should consistently post high-quality work on platforms like Instagram, TikTok or Pinterest, which are visual-focused and attract large audiences. Engaging with followers, using relevant hashtags and collaborating with other artists help increase visibility. Creating a personal website and participating in online art challenges or communities can also boost recognition and expand professional opportunities. What should an artist website look like? An artist's website should reflect their unique style while being clean, visually engaging and easy to navigate. High-quality images of artwork should take center stage, supported by clear categories such as portfolios, an about page and contact information. Features like an online store, blog or newsletter can help engage visitors and promote sales. Mobile responsiveness and fast loading times are essential to ensure a seamless experience for all users.
- What are pre-orders and how do they work in eCommerce
As an ecommerce business owner when demand exceeds supply, pre-orders are the way to go. Pre-ordering offers a whole new way of marketing your products, gauging excitement, and making decisions around restocking or manufacturing products. Of course, a pre-order strategy needs to be done tastefully. The last thing you want to do is scare off customers by having too many out-of-stock items on your eCommerce website design . Between knowing when to add a pre-order button to your store, prepping your inventory flows, and picking manufacturers to work with—there’s a lot to consider before you pull the trigger on this type of strategy. Keep reading for tips on how to offer pre-orders and make this strategy work for your business. What is an eCommerce pre-order? An eCommerce pre-order is when an online store puts an item up for sale when it’s not currently in stock. Pre-ordered products can be purchased and paid for in advance, and typically have an availability date attached to them. Or, shoppers may be billed when the item is shipped. Why should you allow pre-ordering? You might consider a pre-ordering strategy for your ecommerce business for several reasons: To market a new product before it's released. For example, many book or video game publishers run pre-sale campaigns to create buzz around new titles. This helps to create a sense of urgency among buyers who want to be the first to receive new items. Pre-order campaigns can be timed to coincide with dates or events (e.g., pre-order in time for spring), and can become the focal point of marketing campaigns. To retain customers (enable backorders). If you have a trending product that goes out of stock quickly, pre-orders can help you to retain the sale even when inventory drops to zero. To spice up your offer, you could even guarantee special pricing for shoppers who take advantage of pre-order offers. Pre-orders additionally help to reduce wait times for high-demand products, ensuring that your customer will receive an item as soon as it becomes available and doesn’t have to check back into your site to place an order. To fund products in development. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter connect creators with individuals who are willing to pledge money towards their ideas. Backers can, in turn, look forward to receiving the product as soon as it’s developed. Similarly, you may lean on a pre-order strategy if you’re looking to validate a new product idea or to test new product variations (e.g., colors, sizes, scents) prior to committing fully to a new product line. To help with cash flow. The typical manufacturing process takes anywhere between 30 to 60 days. During this time, you’re likely communicating with multiple suppliers, receiving samples (in the case of a new product), and preparing orders for shipping. To keep money coming in as you’re burning through cash and time, you may choose to accept pre-orders on your items. To sample demand . Pre-orders provide two key benefits to store owners who must plan for purchases ahead of each season. First, they help you understand the demand for a given product. Are bento lunch boxes going to be the hot item for this school season or are eco-friendly bamboo lunch bags a better investment? Pre-orders also provide a reliable source of sales revenue. These two benefits work together to help online store owners plan and fund their purchases simultaneously. When is the right time to offer pre-orders? You could offer pre-orders at any stage of your business’s growth. From the time you offer your first items, to the time you expand to new channels and countries, pre-orders can keep sales coming through the door. Read Also: How to start a business Here are a few examples of when you may choose to launch a pre-ordering button. When offering a new product on your website. If you’re rolling out a new product, pre-orders can help you gauge interest, generate income while the product is in production, and inform your website visitors about the item’s pending availability. Keep in mind that you’ll need to find a reliable manufacturer for your product idea—one that delivers on quality, timing, and communication. You have customers waiting for their items and your reputation depends on delivering the goods in a reasonable time. Be sure to also promote your new products with attractive eCommerce merchandising methods. When offering VIP customers first access to limited-edition products. You can allow your top customers to call dibs on new or high-demand items before they’re released to the public. This is a great way to foster brand loyalty and to incentivize shoppers to join your email list or loyalty program. It also gives you the opportunity to promote popular products in advance, while helping you plan for how much of the item to order. When combining pre-orders with discounts or promotions. Offering pre-orders in combination with promotions and price discounts can help to motivate buyers to take action, even when your product is out of stock. This approach works particularly well when tied to an event, holiday, or season and can be communicated via your website, social media accounts, email, and ad campaigns. Read more: Discount pricing strategies When testing a new product. Test a product’s viability before committing your resources to a full product launch. You could launch a “coming soon” landing page to sample interest, and to slowly roll out your products. You can—in a sense—buy time to address any supply chain issues (which are inherent to any new product release) and/or set realistic expectations with customers prior to fully rolling out your product. A few cautionary tips when using pre orders A note of caution—it’s not advisable to offer pre-ordering when the availability date of an item is extremely uncertain or unknown. In this case, an alternative to pre-orders could be to enable shoppers to sign up for an email or text alert that notifies them when the item is back in stock. Furthermore, when implementing pre-orders on your website, it’s important to clearly communicate the entire process to your customers. This includes notifying existing customers when pre-orders are available and the status of your products after they purchase your products. Some important details you’ll want to communicate with your buyers: Estimated shipping date Their payment options (covered in the next section) Terms and conditions associated with pre-orders Order cancellation policy, complete with an easy way for customers to cancel pre-orders if necessary Choosing the right eCommerce pre-order method When offering pre-orders on your website, there are several payment schedules that you can offer. Pay now: This method requires payment at the time of purchase, but shipping is deferred until the product becomes available. This is the most popular type of pre-order for obvious reasons—it enables store owners to earn revenue before the item is available to be shipped. It’s also easy to set up if you already have an online payment solution set up. However, if you sell internationally, you’ll want to check for any red tape regarding payments. Some countries forbid the sale of out-of-stock items, so you’d have to default to “pay later” in these instances. Pay later: In this scenario, the customer promises to pay for your product at the time of shipping. Both the buyer and seller can typically cancel a “pay later” order if desired, so you’ll have to plan for excess inventory if there are a lot of cancellations. Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding is a popular option if your business is creating a new product and requires capital for the manufacturing process. Customers often commit to sending you money even if a product isn’t guaranteed, and look towards receiving rewards, equity, or the final product (if and when it’s built) in return. This approach isn’t standard for the typical eCommerce types of businesses . Benefits of using pre-orders for your eCommerce business Pre-orders can be an effective strategy for your eCommerce business and for several reasons. We've put together some of the main ones, to help you understand if they're a good strategy for your business. Better cash flow management: Pre-orders can improve your cash flow by securing upfront revenue on the promise of goods being shipped once they're available. This can be helpful in managing production costs and other operational expenses. Just be sure to manage your pre-order and inventory effectively so customer do get what they ordered. Demand insights: By offering products for pre-order, you can gauge customer interest and forecast demand accurately. This can help avoid overproduction or stockouts. Build anticipation: Pre-orders can create a sense of anticipation and excitement about your product among your customers, which is a good promotion in itself. You can also use it in your marketing, to build excitement and potential new orders. If pre-orders are combined with a sense of limited availability, they can create a sense of urgency among customers and speed up the buying decision process. Customer loyalty: Customers who pre-order products are likely to be your most loyal ones. They trust your brand enough to commit to buying a product before it's even available. These are then customers who should be segmented and wooed with different promotions throughout the year. Delivery flexibility: For items that aren’t needed immediately (like books, non-seasonal clothing), pre-orders allow you as the retailer to better plan your delivery schedules and manage your inventory more effectively. How do pre-orders work with Wix eCommerce? Wix's eCommerce platform offers a native solution for accepting pre-orders or backorders on your products. Click a product to edit from your Wix eCommerce dashboard. Click the Pre-order toggle to display a pre-order button on your listing. This button will appear whenever inventory reaches zero for your active product listing. Customize your pre-order message, i.e., the short blurb that customers will see when your item is out of stock. As an example, you could provide an estimated date for when your product will be back in stock. (Optional) Limit how many pre-orders a single customer can request of your item. Note: Any pre-orders made through Wix eCommerce will require immediate payment. When you receive a pre-order, make sure to follow up with a thank you email that reiterates that this is a pre-order purchase. Communicate as much information as possible and follow up regularly to keep your customers at ease. You can integrate your favorite email marketing app with Wix, keeping customer info, order status, and inventory data in sync. Using the Wix editor, you can also spin up “coming soon” pages or bespoke product pages to further incentivize purchases.
- Is Wix really free? Yes, and here's how
Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → Is Wix free? Yes, and in this article we’re going to break down what that means when it comes to learning how to create a site for free . We’ll also explore building beyond a free website and explore what Wix’s paid plans offer as well. Known for its intuitive drag-and-drop editor, Wix allows users to learn how to create a professional website without extensive technical skills. This has long made it an attractive (and affordable) option for businesses of all sizes. Its Premium plans have also made it possible to access more advanced features for building a website or scaling business without breaking the bank. Let's explore more. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. Wix is all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. TL;DR: Is Wix really free? Yes, and here’s how Yes, you can build and publish a website on Wix completely free. The free plan gives you access to the full Wix Editor, customizable templates and essential features to launch a website. It’s a solid starting point for personal projects, portfolios or early-stage businesses testing the waters. As your needs grow, you might choose to upgrade. Wix’s paid plans unlock more functionality—like connecting your own domain, removing Wix branding, expanding storage, accepting payments and collaborating with teammates. Here’s a breakdown of what each plan offers so you can pick the one that fits your goals. Plan A peek at what's included Price Free forever Build a site with Wix branding and a wixsite.com domain, plus access core features. $0/month Light Connect a custom domain, remove Wix ads, get 2 GB of storage and basic marketing tools. $17/month Core Get 50 GB of storage, a free domain for one year, basic eCommerce features, basic marketing suite and up to five collaborators. $29/month Business Get 100 GB of storage, standard eCommerce features, standard marketing suite and up to 10 collaborators. $39/month Business Elite Get unlimited storage, advanced eCommerce, advanced marketing suite and up to 100 collaborators. $159/month Editor's note: Plans and pricing are current as of the time of this writing. They are subject to change at any time. So, how is Wix free again? You can build a website completely for free with Wix, and get access to its limited set of free features for as long as you'd like. To start, just: Go to the Wix.com signup page Choose how you want to register and enter your details Click "Sign Up" You can have up to 999 free Wix sites. What does a free Wix website include? Free Wix site, with up to 500 MB of storage and up to 1 GB bandwidth. Access to and use of over 2,000 pre-designed, customizable website templates (this includes templates by industry too — eCommerce website templates, construction website templates , beauty website templates and more). Design features like custom color palettes and vector art. You’ll also get access to an extensive library of images and videos to use in your website design . Business tools, including SEO built-in features, CMS and email marketing . Free, secure and reliable web hosting. Enterprise-grade website security , including free SSL certificate . Hundreds of apps to choose from in the Wix App Market , many of which can be added to your site for free. Automatic mobile optimization of your free site plus access to the Wix mobile app and the ability to create a free member’s app for your website. An extensive help center. Learn more: How to make a website from scratch What are the limitations of a free plan? There are several known limitations of any free website building plan. Some of these include: With limited bandwidth and storage, this option works best for sites that don’t need to handle heavy traffic or large amounts of content. Non-customizable free domain name , e.g., siteprefix.wixsite.com/siteaddress . If your business branding is important to you in the long term, it's worth investing in a customized domain name, which is free for the first year with a Wix Premium plan. Wix branding (and sometimes ads) on your site. No access to widely used analytics tools, such as Google Analytics — which you can connect to with a paid plan. No eCommerce functionality or way to take payments, so if you’re planning to sell online, you’ll need a paid plan. Beyond a free website, what are Wix’s paid plans? Wix offers a variety of pricing plans designed to cater to different business needs and budgets. Understanding these options will help you choose the most suitable plan for your website. Paid Wix plans (a.k.a. "Premium plans") include a custom domain (free for the first year), 24/7 Wix Customer Care and the removal of Wix branding. Here's a glimpse at other benefits that are included with each plan. For a full list of features, check out Wix's pricing page. Light plan 2 collaborators 2 GB of storage 4 lead-capture forms Google Ads with Wix Price : $17/month Core 5 site collaborators 50 GB of storage Basic marketing suite Accept payments Basic eCommerce functionality Price: $29/month Business 100 GB of storage Standard marketing suite Standard eCommerce functionality 10 site collaborators Price : $39/month Business elite Unlimited storage space Advanced marketing suite Advanced eCommerce functionality Advanced developer platform 100 site collaborators Price: $159/month How to choose the right Wix plan The right Wix plan depends on your type of business and/or website goals. Are you just showing off a portfolio or looking to build a simple landing page? Then a free or Light plan might be enough. But if you want to sell online or accept online bookings, you'll need a Core plan or higher tier. You can find the full list of per-plan features on the Wix pricing plan. You can try any plan and if it's not for you, cancel within 14 days to get a full refund. You can upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time. Steps for getting started Getting started with Wix is a straightforward process that involves signing up and selecting the plan that best suits your business needs. Sign up to Wix: To begin, visit Wix and create an account. You can sign up using your email address or through an existing Google or Facebook account. Explore the Editor : Once registered, you can access the Wix Editor, which allows you to design and customize your website. At this point, you can even try making a free site using the AI website builder or one of Wix's 2,000+ website templates . Choose the right plan : Consider your business goals and budget when selecting a plan. If you're just starting, you might opt to keep using the free plan to explore Wix's capabilities. However, if you require more advanced features or wish to remove ads, you can upgrade to a Premium plan at any point. Learn more: Why use Wix? Is Wix good for website building? Website building lessons When should I create a free website? Free websites are ideal if you're testing a business idea, thinking of turning a hobby into a business or building a personal portfolio website . They’re especially useful for students working on school projects, community groups sharing info or artists just starting out (as examples). Free sites also work well for temporary projects, personal blogs or any time you want to validate an idea. Learn more: How to start a blog When to opt for a paid website plan? If you're launching a professional business or require advanced website features for whatever reason, a free website might not be enough. In most cases, you'll need a paid website plan if you're: Starting a (serious) business (e.g., creating an eCommerce website design or online store ) Accepting online payments of any kind Accepting online bookings of any kind Building a long-term brand Expecting lots of traffic to your site Planning to have multiple team members work on your site or within the editor Is Wix free? FAQ Can I upgrade from free to paid later with Wix, without losing my work? Yes, and with the following: All content transfers automatically Design remains intact Easy one-click upgrade No rebuild required Apps/features instantly activate Domain can be connected immediately Analytics become available Is Wix free forever or is there a time limit? There's no time limit. You can keep your free website for as long as you need it. Does Wix include free hosting? All Wix sites include free hosting, regardless of whether you build with a free or paid plan. How much does Wix cost? Building a site with Wix ranges from $0 (with a free site) to $159 per month (though paid plans start at $17 a month). Do you get a free domain name with Wix? If you make a free site you'll get a non-customizable URL for your website. If you choose a paid plan, you can get a custom URL for free for the first year.
- Why people hate comic sans (and shouldn’t)
Up there with today's most controversial topics, from climate change to data privacy, is the grave issue of Comic Sans. Yes, my friends, I am indeed referring to that seemingly innocent typeface that has, for over twenty years, been at the core of much dispute, particularly among designers and typographers. Making an appearance in website design , birthday cards, warning signs, formal letters and more, Comic Sans has gone through quite a journey since its initial release in the mid ‘90s. But the question remains: why do people hate Comic Sans so very, very much? In this article, we’ll take a look at the origins of this notorious typeface, examining its history and the way people’s perceptions of it have changed over time - why it's not often chosen as a best font for websites or in website redesign , as well as the link between Comic Sans and dyslexia: The history of Comic Sans The story begins in Microsoft’s offices back in 1994. The company was about to release Microsoft Bob, a user-friendly interface for their operating systems in which a friendly yellow dog (a.k.a. Rover) guides the user with helpful tips that pop up in a speech bubble. When font designer Vinnie Connare saw they were using Times New Roman in the speech bubbles, he disapproved, famously saying “Dogs don’t talk like that.” He felt that the interface’s typography needed to better match the context. Vinnie wanted to create an inviting, unthreatening typeface that would evoke fun and play. Taking inspiration from comic books, he spent three days creating a draft of what would later become Comic Sans. Due to technical reasons, Comic Sans didn’t end up being used for Microsoft Bob. However, it was later made available in the Windows 95 operating system, enabling people worldwide to use Comic Sans to their hearts’ content. The typeface became increasingly popular in both general and web design, popping up everywhere from signs to emails and even business cards. What was initially designed as a playful, lighthearted font was being implemented in contexts that were far off from its original purpose. Its cheerful appearance made it a somewhat inappropriate choice in certain contexts, like the sides of ambulances or warning signs, especially when used in conjunction with excessive exclamation points and underlining. Learn more: What is web design? Why do people hate Comic Sans? Somewhere in between one too many wedding invitations printed in Comic Sans and its use on a defibrillator ( true story ), the extensive misuse of this typeface had taken its toll on designers worldwide. It seems that Vinnie Connare himself wouldn’t approve of these uses, mentioning in an interview for The Guardian that “type should do exactly what it’s intended to do.” Gradually, Comic Sans became the object of much ridicule. Another more recent event in the world of Comic Sans occurred when John Dowd, former Trump attorney, wrote a legal letter representing two of Rudy Giuliani’s associates in - you guessed it - Comic Sans. This scandalous act brought on outrage throughout the world, and not just amongst designers . The notorious typeface trended on Twitter, bringing it to the forefront of public attention once again. Whether John Dowd wanted to “subtly” mock the issue at hand by using a clearly inappropriate typeface, or he is simply a fan of Comic Sans, his motive remains unclear. What can be said, though, is that typography definitely holds a certain power over us, and is apparently not something to be taken lightly. Graphic designer couple David and Holly Combs know all about that. They fell in love over their shared hatred for the typeface. After being asked to create an entire gallery guide in Comic Sans, the duo decided it was time to ban the font altogether, claiming it was a “blight on the landscape of typography.” The ‘Ban Comic Sans’ movement certainly indicates the gravity with which typography is perceived. The couple are strong believers in the power of typography, striving to call out inappropriate uses of typefaces. And indeed, web-safe fonts are important and choosing the right font for your website , CV or email is critical. Typography plays a huge part in the sensations evoked in a certain design. Whereas the impact of color psychology in design is fairly well known, typography still has some catching up to do. Comic Sans strikes again Like many things that were a big hit 25+ years ago (bell-bottoms, platform shoes and tattoo choker necklaces, for example), Comic Sans could well be on the brink of revival. In fact, since the Combs first launched their wildly successful campaign, things have changed. So much so that in 2019, the couple re-named the movement ‘Use Comic Sans.’ What started out as an inside joke meant for designers had simply gone too far. In May 2019, the couple posted on the movement’s Facebook page , saying “We were wrong. Ban the Ban and Use Comic Sans!” Perhaps it really is time for Comic Sans to join our other much-loved items from the ‘90s and make a return. After all, it seems that the ‘90s have made a comeback in areas other than fashion. These kinds of retro aesthetics are cropping up in various design fields, from graphic design magazines to some of the best websites out there. Comic Sans and dyslexia While Comic Sans has been poked fun of from every possible angle, there’s one thing that cannot be denied. As opposed to many other fonts chosen to cover our newspapers, websites and various interfaces, Comic Sans is a recommended font for dyslexic readers, as listed in several dyslexia organizations. Comic Sans meets almost all the requirements of dyslexic readers, such as good letter spacing and differentiation between similar letters and numbers (for example capital I, lowercase l and the digit 1). In fact, disability advocate and design strategist Liz Jackson, speaks of Comic Sans in relation to inclusive design. In April 2019, she launched the ‘ Comic Sans Take Over ,’ urging brands that want to “engage in disability as a creative practice” to adapt their logo design by swapping their logo font to Comic Sans. Shifting public opinion on a font so loaded with history and ridicule is not an easy task, but when paired with such a strong backbone, Liz Jackson shows us it’s possible. What’s ironic in this whole Comic Sans story is that Vinnie Connare never really took it too seriously. While the world was at war, Connare says that it never bothered him, holding true to his belief that “People who don't like Comic Sans don't know anything about design. They don't understand that in design you have a brief.” And clearly, Comic Sans matched the brief. Learn more about how to make a website with our extensive guide.
- 6 top website builders for service businesses in 2026
Build your website in minutes, try Wix for free today → Building a website for your service business doesn’t have to be complicated or cost you a fortune. With design tools like Wix's website builder and AI website builder , you can create a professional site without breaking a sweat. But with so many website creators available, how do you know which one is the right fit for your business? In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best website builders for service businesses and also show you how to build a website from scratch . Learn more: What is a website builder? When choosing a website builder, you want one that’s flexible, powerful and easy-to-use. Wix is the go-to platform for millions of users looking to create a stunning website effortlessly. See what makes Wix stand out from the crowd and why it’s the right fit for you. What is the best website builder for a service business? The best website builder for your service business ultimately depends on your specific needs. However, Wix consistently stands out with a robust editor, industry-specific templates and tools like scheduling software and SEO features to help you manage your bookings and boost visibility. The best website builders for service businesses at a glance Finding the right website builder for your service business can make all the difference in attracting customers and growing your brand. Regardless of what your service business is, you need a builder that’s easy to use, supports your day-to-day operations and offers professional designs and tools to help you manage your business online. Website builder Best feature Pricing Wix Endless customization options and business tools Free plan available; paid plans start at $17/month Squarespace Modern templates for branding 14-day free trial; paid plans start at $16/month Jimdo Easy-to-follow setup Free plan available; paid plans start at $11/month Weebly Practical tools for selling Free plan available; paid plans start at $10/month Yola Clean and easy editor Free plan available; paid plans start at $9.95/month Webnode Easy multilingual support Free plan available; paid plans start at $4.50/month Editor's note: The information presented in this article is true as of November 25th, 2025, unless mentioned otherwise. Best website builders for service businesses Wix Squarespace Jimdo Weebly Yola Webnode 01. Wix Wix is hands-down one of the best drag-and-drop website builders for service businesses. With 800+ customizable website templates designed for different industries, you can easily build a site that reflects your brand and the services you provide. The website builder also comes with built-in SEO tools to improve your site’s visibility on search engines. That way, potential customers can easily find your business. Plus, security features like automatic SSL, HTTPS and anti-DDoS measures help protect your website from cyberattacks. While the free plan has all the tools you need to create and maintain your website, Wix premium plans offer industry-specific business solutions, like scheduling software to manage your bookings, payments and more from one place. Additional features Wix provides to service businesses include: Business phone for US and Canada users Business card maker Business email Invoice generator Logo maker Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $17 per month. 02. Squarespace Squarespace is a great business website builder for service providers like photographers, consultants and fitness trainers. Its mobile-optimized templa tes give you a great starting point, and the drag-and-drop builder makes it easy to customize elements to fit your brand. The platform also offers advanced SEO features and marketing tools, so you can get your business in front of the right people and grow your audience. In addition, Squarespace integrates with Acuity Scheduling to simplify appointment booking. As a result, you can: Send automated appointment follow-ups with emails and text messages Show when you're available with online appointments Offer secure payment options Create receipts and invoices Pricing: 14-day free trial. Paid plans start at $16 per month. Learn more: Business website cost 03. Jimdo Jimdo is a premium website builder that professionals like doctors, real estate agents, coaches and musicians ca n use to create a business website . With a wide range of templates and design tools, the builder simplifies the website creation process for those who don't have any coding experience. Jimdo also provides an online booking tool on its higher-tier plans that makes it easy for customers to schedule appointments directly on your website. To help your business get discovered, Jimdo has built-in SEO tools to optimize your site for search engines. Its Business Listing feature automatically syncs your business information across online listing platforms so your business always has accurate and up-to-date info across the web. Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $11 per month. 04. Weebly Weebly is a website builder with a clean interface that lets you create a responsive website to showcase your services. The platform has different website themes and a beginner-friendly editor you can use to cr eate web pages for d ifferent purposes, like highlighting your services or sharing testimonials. You also get free web hosting and security features like one-click SSL certificates and DDoS mitigation to protect your site from hackers. The free plan provides SEO and lead capture tools to grow your online presence and attract more customers. However, you need to upgrade to premium pricing plans to get more marketing features like pop-up notifications and advanced eCommerce insights. Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $10 per month. 05. Yola Yola is a straightforward website builder that’s good for service businesses that want a no-fuss approach to getting online. Its platform offers professionally designed templates that you can customize to fit your business needs. Yola’s editor is beginner-friendly, allowing you to create a polished website without any technical skills. Yola’s paid plans also give you the tools to grow your business, like SEO features to help people find you on Google and social media integration to stay connected with your customers. Pricing: Free plans available. Paid plans start at $9.95 per month. 06. Webnode Webnode is a versatile website builder for service-based businesses, with multilingual website support to help you reach customers in multiple regions. The website builder offers an AI builder or you can choose from sleek templates tailored to various industries and an easy-to-use editor for personalizing your site. Webnode’s plans include features like SEO tools and custom domains, making it an excellent choice for businesses that want to put professionalism front and center. Also, its designs make sure your site looks great on any device. Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $4.50 per month. Editor's note: The information presented in this article is true as of November 25th, 2025, unless mentioned otherwise. What features should a website builder for service businesses have? Be fore picking a website builder to create your business website, check if it has the following website features : Easy-to-use design tools An easy-to-use builder allows you to create, edit and manage your website quickly, even if you’re not a tech expert. Look for features like a drag-and-drop builder , simple website templates and clear navigation to make the website design process stress-free. That way, you can spend more time growing your business and less time worrying about designing your website. Booking and scheduling tools Scheduling tools are a must-have for any service business, as they let customers book appointments or services straight from your website. A good website builder should offer an integrated booking system that syncs with your calendar to streamline your schedule and also avoid double bookings. Scalability and reliability Scalability is important as your business needs a platform that can handle increased traffic and expanded services as it grows. Site reliability is crucial too. Your website should be up and running whenever customers visit to increase the user experience. A website builder like Wix offers free website hosting with an uptime of 99.99%, so you can be sure your site stays live even during traffic spikes. SEO and marketing tools SEO tools help you optimize your website so it ranks higher in search engine results. Pair that with marketing tools like email campaigns, social media integrations and analytics, and you will have everything you need to connect with your audience and grow your business. Mobile responsiveness Mobile responsiveness is non-negotiable when it comes to building a website for your service business. With 93.7% of people aged 16 and older using smartphones to browse the internet, your website needs to look and work perfectly on smaller screens. Although most website builders offer mobile-responsive designs, it’s always worth double-checking to make sure your site delivers a seamless experience for mobile users. Learn more: How to make a website mobile friendly How to make a website accessible Website security Website security is a big deal when running a professional service business. It shows your customers that their personal information, like payment details or contact info, is in safe hands, which builds trust and credibility. Look for website builders that offer fe atures like SSL certificates, anti-DDoS measures and malware scanning to protect your site from online threats. Expert tip from Esin D. Habif, product marketing lead (outbound) at Wix: "What often gets forgotten when talking about choosing a website builder is the capabilities of the infrastructure that’s promised to you—the reliability of the hosting, the level of security in place to protect your visitors’ data and, of course, your site's speed. Even if infrastructure is not the first thought that comes to mind when creating a website, if it’s not robust enough, it can cause major headaches for website owners when trying to scale a website later on." Factors to choose your service website builder When it comes to building a website for your service business, not every platform will check the right boxes. You’ll want a builder that’s easy to use, packed with the features your business needs and flexible enough to grow with you. Here are the key factors to look for: Ease of use: Choose a builder with a simple, intuitive editor and ready-made templates so you can get your site up and running without any technical headaches. Service-specific features: Your website should work for your business, not the other way around. Look for must-haves like online booking and scheduling, secure payment options, contact forms and tools to manage client information. Marketing and SEO tools: A great website isn’t just about how it looks — it should help you get found too. Prioritize builders with built-in SEO tools, email marketing and social media integrations so you can easily promote your services and connect with new clients. Scalability: Think long-term. Your site should grow as your business grows, handling increased traffic, expanded services or additional features without needing a complete rebuild. Flexible pricing: Whether you’re just getting started or scaling fast, your website builder should offer plans that match your budget and business goals. Bonus points for free trials and affordable upgrade options when you’re ready for more features. Design flexibility: Your site should reflect your brand’s personality. Choose a builder that lets you customize fonts, colors, layouts and images so your website feels like you, not just another template. How to launch and optimize your website Let’s now look at how to create a professional website for your service business: Learn more: Types of websites How to make a business website How long does it take to build a website ? Website launch checklist 01. Register a domain name Your domain name is your online address, so it’s important to pick something simple, memorable and aligned with your brand. If you’re stuck, a domain name generator can help spark ideas by suggesting creative options based on your business type. Once you have a few ideas in mind, run a quick domain name search to check if your preferred name is available. Learn more: What is a domain name ? 02. Choose a website builder Once you’ve secured your custom domain name, the next step is to choose a website builder that fits your needs. As mentioned, a good website builder should have customization options and make it easy to design your site, even if you don’t have technical expertise. Take some time to explore your options, compare features and pick a platform that supports your business goals. Learn more: Best AI website builder Best one-page website builders Free website builders Cheap website builder Personal website builders Best website builders for trucking companies Best website builder for small business 03. Pick a template and customize it Templates give you a head start by providing a professional layout you can build on. So, choose one that matches your brand and can be easily tweaked to showcase your services. Next, add your business logo, update color schemes and change fonts to align with your brand identity. Also, customize key sections like your homepage, service page and contact info to make sure everything reflects your business. Learn more: Best website designs How to design a logo 04. Track performance After your website goes live, it’s important to keep an eye on how it performs. Tools like Wix Analytics give you actionable insights into your website performance . This helps you know how visitors interact with your site, which pages they spend time on and where they might be dropping off. As a result, you can make smarter decision s when tweaking your website to get better results. Website builders for service businesses FAQ What is the best website builder for service businesses? The best website builder for service businesses is Wix. It offers unmatched customization, a wide range of templates and powerful business tools like booking systems. Whether you’re creating a salon, consulting or repair service website, Wix makes it easy to integrate scheduling and other essential features. Its flexibility ensures your site can grow with your business. How much does it cost to hire someone to build me a website? Hiring a professional to build a website can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more depending on design and functionality. Building it yourself with Wix is often a more cost-effective solution. You get full control over your site’s design and functionality plus the satisfaction of creating a website that matches your vision. How much does a service website cost? A basic service website typically costs between $500 and $5,000 with more advanced features or custom designs increasing the price. Building your own website with Wix can save you money while giving you all the tools needed for a professional functional site. Wix offers templates, booking systems and business features that make it easy to create a polished website without overspending. What is the best website builder for a small business? Wix is often considered the best website builder for small businesses due to its ease of use, customizable features and business-friendly tools like eCommerce and booking systems. Which website builder should I use to build a website for local businesses? Wix is an excellent choice for local businesses. It includes tools to optimize your site for local SEO, integrate Google Maps and add location-based features. With a drag-and-drop editor and customizable templates, you can create a website that reflects your brand and effectively reaches your local audience. Is Wix good for service businesses? Yes, absolutely. Wix works well for service businesses, largely because of its robust Wix Bookings integration. It allows clients to schedule appointments, book classes, and make secure payments directly on your site 24/7. Wix also comes with over 2000 website templates, organized by industry.
- How to build a freelance portfolio the right way (+ inspiring examples)
Ready to showcase your best work? Start building your portfolio → Building a freelan ce portfolio can be an exciting step in your career. It’s your opportunity to share your talent with the world and create a portfolio website that opens doors to new opportunities. The way you present your work can make all the difference—it’s your story, your skills and your personality all wrapped into one. Not sure how to start? Tools like a website builder or even an AI website builder can help you get up and running effortlessly. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to make a website from scratch , this is the perfect chance to put those ideas into action. This blog will walk you through how to make a portfolio that shows your uniqu e style and attracts your ideal clients. With a little creativity and the right tools, you’ll be setting yourself up for freelancing success in no time. With Wix’s portfolio builder, you can create a professional, eye-catching portfolio that shows your best work in just a few clicks. Wix’s customizable templates and easy-to-use tools let you present your skills with confidence–leaving a lasting impression on anyone who visits your site. What is a freelance portfolio? Your freelance portfolio is more than just a collection of work—it’s your secret weapon for attracting clients and landing jobs you’re excited about. A top-notch portfolio combines creativity with strategy, showing exactly what you bring to the table. But what is a professional portfolio , exactly? It’s a carefully created space that serves as a mix of resume and sales pitch. By presenting real-world examples of your work, it gives potential clients tangible proof of what you can do. Your portfolio builds trust and gives people confidence in your ability to deliver. The magic of a freelance portfolio isn’t limited to designers or writers—it’s for all freelancers. Photographers, consultants, developers, marketers and professionals across industries can benefit from creating one. To stand out, you need a clear plan for how to create a freelance website that feels authentic to your style and goals. Using one of the best website builders for freelancers can make the process easy while still giving you the flexibility to design something unique. If you're stuck on where to start, exploring the best portfolio websites can provide loads of inspiration. A strong portfolio isn’t just about individual projects; it’s about linking your talents with the goals your audience wants to achieve. By presenting your expertise in a way that speaks directly to potential clients, you’re making it easier for them to envision working with you—and turning more opportunities into wins. "An outstanding portfolio is all about storytelling. It’s not just a showcase of work but a narrative that weaves together a professional’s skills, creativity, and personality. Features like dynamic presets, AI setup and beautiful templates let creators bring their stories to life, ensuring that every portfolio not only stands out for its aesthetic appeal but also tells a compelling story about the creator behind it." - Hani Safe, product lead (Showcase) at Wix Learn more: Portfolio name ideas How to create a marketing portfolio How to create an animation portfolio How to make an engineering portfolio How to make a freelance portfolio Define your focus Choose the right platform Pick your best work Write captivating descriptions Include testimonials or case studies Keep your portfolio organized Add a personal touch Optimize your freelance portfolio for SEO Review and update regularly 01. Define your focus Start by identifying your niche or area of expertise. Are you a copywriter, graphic designer, photographer or marketer? Highlight the services you’re most passionate about and skilled at. This clarity helps you attract the right clients who are looking for someone with your unique abilities. Plus, a focused portfolio shows that you’re confident in what you offer. Explore top freelance websites to build your portfolio and grow your business. 02. Choose the right platform Choosing the right platform to build your freelance portfolio is a crucial step—and it can be easy when you know what to look for. Start with a platform that offers flexibility and simplicity. A drag and drop website builder is a great place to begin. Many also come with a variety of website templates and portfolio website templates , so you’re not starting from scratch. You’ll also want to consider scalability . While a small site might work for now, you may need room to grow in the future as you add more projects or services. For those just beginning, look into platforms offering free website hosting to keep things budget-friendly. Next, think about your portfolio’s domain name —it’s like the business card of your website. A custom domain makes your site look professional and easier for clients to remember. Don’t stress if you’re stuck brainstorming—use a domain name generator or a domain name search tool to land on a name that reflects your style and expertise. If you're stuck on how to host a website , most platforms guide you step-by-step through the setup process. From securing that perfect domain to designing with portfolio layouts , the right tools will help you go live quickly. The result? A professional, functional portfolio that lets your work shine and grows effortlessly with your career. You might also be interested in: Best AI website builders Best website builders for writers Best website builders for designers Best resume website builders Free website builders Cheap website builders Best website builders for musicians What is a domain ? 03. Pick your best work Choose your top projects. Quality trumps quantity here—you don’t need dozens of samples. Choose pieces that showcase not only your talents but also the kind of work you want to do more of. Include a mix of projects to demonstrate versatility while staying relevant to your niche. If you're just starting out, don’t worry, you can create personal projects or mock-ups that demonstrate your abilities until client work comes in. For example, you could design a fictional branding project or write a mock blog post for a theoretical client. These examples can still demonstrate your creativity and attention to detail while giving your portfolio a polished professional touch. Get inspired: Writing portfolio examples Web design portfolios Social media portfolio Interior design portfolios Model portfolio Illustration portfolio Photography portfolios 04. Write captivating descriptions The work itself matters, but so does the story behind it. Add descriptions to each project that provide context. What was the client looking for? How did you solve their challenges? Be sure to include measurable results wherever possible—specifics like increased sales, conversions or engagement make a big impact. 05. Include testimonials or case studies Client testimonials are golden for building trust and credibility. If a past client has great things to say about working with you, ask if you can include their quotes. Alternatively, create short case studies that walk potential clients through your process and results. They’ll love seeing how you work. 06. Keep your portfolio organized Think of your portfolio website as a well-designed store. Make it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for. Use clear sections for your work samples, an about us page and contact information. A clean layout makes a great first impression. 07. Add a personal touch Your freelance portfolio should reflect who you are—not just your professional skills but also your personality. Use an approachable tone in your bio, and consider including a professional photo. The more personal and genuine your portfolio feels, the more likely clients are to feel a connection. 08. Optimize your freelance portfolio for SEO Make your freelance portfolio easy to find—because being seen is half the battle. Start by using website SEO practices to boost your visibility. Include relevant keywords in your project descriptions, add alt text to images and structure your site with tools that enhance your SEO features . These small tweaks can make a big difference in helping search engines rank your site higher. One powerful way to increase traffic and share your expertise? Start a blog . Blogging allows you to create fresh, keyword-rich content regularly, keeping your site relevant and engaging. Not sure where to begin? Find resources on how to start a blog and make sure to focus on blog SEO techniques, like using targeted keywords, creating compelling titles and linking back to your portfolio pages. Choosing one of the best website builders for SEO can also give you an edge. Many platforms come equipped with built-in tools to guide you through optimizing your content and ensuring your site is search-engine friendly. Incorporate smart marketing strategies to extend your reach. Actively share your site link on social media, join online communities in your niche, and engage with potential clients. A portfolio designed for discovery doesn’t just sit quietly online—it works behind the scenes to attract opportunities and drive traffic to your work. "Don't be afraid to start small with your SEO content strategy. Start by focusing on basic on-page optimizations and best practices, such as including keywords in headings. Once you're confident your blog audience can be found through organic search, you can start planning a more advanced content strategy, which involves clustering and implementing advanced SEO techniques." - Rebecca Tomasis, blog SEO team lead at Wix 09. Review and update regularly Your portfolio isn’t a one-and-done project. Treat it as a living document and update it frequently. Add new work, remove pieces that no longer fit your goals and tweak things based on the clients you want to attract. A current and polished portfolio always makes a stronger impact. By following these steps, you’ll create a portfolio that’s not only professional but also uniquely you. It’s your chance to show the world what you’re capable of—and connect with clients who’ll love working with you. Why you need a freelance portfolio A freelance portfolio is often the first impression potential clients get of your work—so make it count. It’s your chance to show off your skills, creativity and expertise, all while proving you’re ready to tackle their challenges with confidence. More than just a collection of projects, your portfolio tells a story. It showcases your style, approach and the top-notch work clients can expect from you. A strong portfolio sets you apart in a crowded market and builds trust by showing you can deliver results. Whether it’s design samples, case studies, or client testimonials, your portfolio is a powerful tool to win opportunities and grow your freelance career. Explore more: A CMO's tips for creating an online portfolio that beats referrals Website design Logo maker Business card maker How to make a fashion portfolio How to make a tattoo portfolio How to make an event planner portfolio How to make a game design portfolio Freelance portfolio examples built on Wix 01. Alyssa's Portfolio Alyssa's Portfolio features a straightforward design, allowing her work to take center stage. It has all the essentials, proving that even a starter site can define your personal brand and invite opportunities. For budding freelancers, this is a clear example of how starting small with a polished portfolio can still make a great impression. 02. Samantha Powers Copywriter Portfolio Samantha Powers ’ portfolio embraces simplicity, which puts the focus solely on their words. This clean design is perfect for a copywriter—it lets the content do the talking, creating an immediate connection with potential clients looking for compelling storytelling and copywriting expertise. 03. Liz Waite 3D Modeler Liz Waite ’s site demonstrates how to bring something technical to life online. The design has a professional yet approachable feel, perfectly suited to showcase expertise in 3D modeling. Even with minimal visible content, the structure suggests the portfolio can impress with dynamic, visual creations. 04. Rebecca Berry Stylist Portfolio Rebecca Berry 's portfolio leans into a bold personality, ideal for reflecting the flair of a creative stylist. Potential clients are drawn in by the promise of creativity and individuality, with a clean display of curated projects that ensure the work takes center stage. How to build a freelance portfolio FAQ How do I create a portfolio without freelance experience? If you’re just starting, include personal projects. Build examples that reflect the type of work you'd like to do for real clients. You can also create mock-ups or collaborate with peers to generate initial content. Highlight your skills by sharing related case studies or passion projects. Don’t forget to update your portfolio as you gain experience. You can also include volunteer projects or collaborations to add credibility. What does a freelance portfolio website look like? It features a clean layout, minimal navigation and concise examples of work grouped by category or project. Be sure to keep it easy to browse on all devices. A professional bio and contact information are also essential. Include testimonials or feedback if available to build credibility. How much money do I need to start a portfolio? You can start with a free plan on platforms like Wix. For more advanced features (like custom domain and extra features), costs can range from $5 to $20 per month. Either way, it’s a small investment that can lead to bigger freelance opportunities and a polished professional image. What is a freelancer portfolio? A freelancer portfolio is a curated collection of your work that demonstrates your skills, experience and unique style. Think of it as your online resume, but more engaging and visually driven. It gives potential clients a chance to see what you’ve done, how you work and what kind of results they can expect when hiring you. Whether through design samples, writing pieces or testimonials, the portfolio tells your professional story in a way that’s easy to browse and understand. How do I make a freelance portfolio from scratch? To build a portfolio from scratch, start by picking a platform like Wix and choosing a template that fits your profession. Add an "About Me" section where you briefly introduce yourself. Then, include examples of your work—start with mock projects, studies or personal creations if you’re new. Add descriptions for context, explaining your role and process. Finally, make sure there’s a contact page so clients can easily reach you. The key is to keep your portfolio organized, attractive and focused on what you want to offer. How do I write a portfolio description as a freelancer? Your portfolio description should be short but packed with impact. Introduce yourself with confidence and explain what you do in a way that feels approachable. Focus on the value you bring to clients—how your skills solve their problems or help their projects succeed. Use language that reflects your personality while staying professional. For example, “I’m a graphic designer specializing in branding. My goal is to work with you to create designs that resonate and help your business shine.” Is freelancing still profitable? Freelancing remains a profitable career path for those who are strategic, proactive and deliver quality work. While competition has grown, so has the demand for skilled freelancers in areas like design, writing, marketing, tech and more. The key to profitability is carving out your niche, building strong client relationships, and showcasing a portfolio that makes it easy for clients to trust you. By marketing yourself effectively and staying consistent, freelancing can certainly be a sustainable and rewarding choice. Learn more about how to make money as a freelancer to monetize your business.
- Best website builders for small businesses in 2026
Looking for the best way to build your website? Get started with Wix → Building a business website is no longer the chore it used to be. In the past, learning how to create a website meant hiring a developer and a designer, or taking classes to learn how to do it on your own. Today, it's easier than ever. With the help of a website builder , you can achieve a polished and captivating website that appeals to your audience without needing to be a tech whiz or a design expert. In this guide, we'll explore the best website builders for small businesses that offer an array of customizable templates, intuitive drag-and-drop features and user-friendly interfaces to bridge the gap between your unique vision and technical know-how. Whether you run a boutique clothing business , a consulting firm or a local yoga studio, we'll show you the best tools for creating a business website that mirrors your brand's essence and captures the attention of your target audience. When choosing a website builder, you want one that’s flexible, powerful and easy-to-use. Wix is the go-to platform for millions of users looking to create a stunning website effortlessly. See what makes Wix stand out from the crowd and why it’s the right fit for you. TL;DR: Best website builders for small businesses The best website builders for small businesses help you do more than just get online. They help you grow faster by improving credibility, conversions and customer trust. With the right platform, you can easily launch a professional website, streamline online sales, build stronger customer relationships and scale your business with tools designed to support marketing, bookings, eCommerce and long-term growth. Website builder Best for Key features Wix Most small businesses overall AI website builder, drag and drop editor, powerful eCommerce, bookings, marketing tools, analytics, SEO Squarespace Design focused businesses Beautiful templates, CMS tools, mobile responsive design, eCommerce Square Online Brick and mortar and POS users Built in payments, inventory sync, loyalty tools, eCommerce features, simple website setup Shopify Online stores and eCommerce brands Store builder, app integrations, analytics, secure checkout WordPress Customizable small business websites Themes, plugins, blogging tools, strong community 10Web AI Builder Fast AI powered website creation WordPress based system, speed optimization, SEO tools Pixpa Creatives and portfolios Portfolio layouts, digital file selling, simple management GoDaddy Beginners and service businesses Quick site setup, booking tools, SEO and marketing tools, templates Shift4Shop Growing eCommerce businesses Industry templates, SEO tools, unique pricing model Volusion Scalable online stores Store builder, CRM tools, video product features, SEO and marketing support Best website builders for small businesses Wix Squarespace Square Online Shopify WordPress 10Web AI Builder Pixpa GoDaddy Shift4Shop Volusion 01. Wix Wix is one of the best website builders for small businesses, whether you're starting a business for the first time or looking to scale an existing operation. In the very earliest stages of concepting, you can even use Wix’s free business name generator and logo maker to lay the foundation of your professional brand. As for creating a website, Wix’s AI website builder provides one of the simplest solutions for designing a site from head to toe. The AI will ask you about your business goals and design preferences before generating a site, complete with custom site copy, images and other core elements. It will even connect you with the back-office tools you need to get your business up and running. Note: you can always tweak your site or add more apps from your Wix account. Alternatively, pick from hundreds of ready-to-go business website templates and online store templates . Learn how to make a business website with the help of built-in checklists and other AI tools at your disposal. Once you’ve got your website up and running, you can use a host of native tools and integrations to make day-to-day business operations easier. Sell products, services and accept online bookings effortlessly. Check out Wix's dropshipping website builder , or branch into additional revenue streams with print on demand services , online courses , digital downloads and live events. Plus, Wix enables multichannel selling on Amazon, eBay, Facebook and other leading platforms, all from your website dashboard. Consider using Wix's AI Custom Agent, a no-code solution that lets you build personalized AI agents without needing any technical expertise. Your custom agent can be built to work autonomously to drive business results. Some examples include, automatically reconnecting with inactive customers through targeted coupon emails, maintaining optimal inventory by tracking stock levels and contacting suppliers when needed, boosting sales of slower-moving products with intelligent discount rules and delivering actionable sales insights directly to your inbox. As a Wix user, you also get access to advanced analytics, inventory tracking, email marketing , social media management tools, advertising through Google, Facebook and Instagram, and more. Wondering if your business needs a website ? Check out some of the best business websites created with Wix for inspiration. Key Wix features Easy drag-and-drop website builder interface for uncomplicated website creation Comprehensive AI editor that can build you a professional website in minutes Fully control layouts, fonts, colors and more to match your brand Optimized for mobile users for a consistent experience Marketing tools, integrations, inventory management and analytics to help grow your business Access to hundreds of free and premium Wix market apps to integrate with your business SEO-friendly features , including an AI meta tag creator and an SEO Assistant that analyzes your website and creates a list of optimization suggestions Powerful eCommerce capabilities with built-in end-to-end merchant solutions 24/7 customer support Price Free and multi-solution premium plans available Free plan ($0): Limited features and ads. Light ($17/month): Basic plan for simple sites. Core ($29/month): Basic eCommerce features and marketing suite. Business $36/month): Geared towards growing your brand. Business Elite ($159/month): Unlocks unlimited storage & scaling capabilities. Enterprise: Custom plan for large corporations. Learn more: How much does a website cost Ready to create a website? Sign up with Wix and take our website builder for a test drive. 02. Squarespace Squarespace makes it easy to build a professional web presence right from the start. Select a professionally designed template and craft your site using powerful CMS tools. The Squarespace editor blends easy-to-use elements of both drag-and-drop and point-and-click interfaces, allowing you to easily incorporate your text, logo and photos throughout your site. Squarespace is versatile, with both website builder and online store functionality that enables you to sell products, plus facilitate service bookings and appointments. It supports various needs and budgets, offering plans for a variety of uses. Key features of Squarespace Modern templates designed by professionals Versatile content management system (CMS) Mobile-responsive templates eCommerce capabilities Intuitive and flexible website editor Price Plans start at $16 per month Learn more: Wix vs. Squarespace 03. Square Online Formerly known as Weebly, Square Online is a user-friendly website builder and eCommerce solution offered by Square to complement its payment processing service. It simplifies online business setup, allowing you to start with a free pre-configured website template. While the free plan offers basic editing features, additional elements like website analytics, advanced customization and the ability to connect a custom domain are available with a paid plan. Paid plans offer a range of eCommerce perks, including online booking, abandoned cart recovery, order status alerts and a customer loyalty program. Additionally, these plans provide responsive themes, inventory management for online and offline stores, multi-channel integration and compatibility with third-party apps. If you’re a high-volume seller, you can access real-time shipping rates and lower processing fees (2.6% + 30 cents) with a Premium plan. Key features of Square Online Seamless integration with Square for point-of-sale (POS) and inventory management Mobile-responsive templates Versatile eCommerce capabilities User-friendly website editor with a simple interface Price Free and premium plans available starting at $29 per month 04. Shopify Shopify is a popular choice for small businesses with its easy-to-navigate platform, user-friendly dashboard and robust eCommerce solution. Its basic drag-and-drop editor lets you customize an online store with a few simple clicks. Choose from a limited assortment of free templates, or opt for a paid theme starting at $150. Fortunately, Shopify lets you try any template before you purchase it; once purchased, you can publish your theme as a live website. Shopify's standout feature is its extensive third-party app repository, offering thousands of integrations to enhance your online store. Note, however, that many of these apps come at an additional cost. Shopify offers a three-day free trial (extendable to three months for $1), with three paid monthly plans catering to different needs and budgets. Key features of Shopify Dedicated eCommerce platform Responsive design with a consistent look and functionality on all devices Abundance of third-party apps to customize your store's features Built-in sales, marketing and analytics tools help boost your brand Price Plans start at $29 per month Learn more: Wix vs. Shopify 05. WordPress WordPress is a well-known website builder ideal for service providers and creatives aiming for a polished website. Rather than providing a lot of native functionality, WordPress relies on plugins to enhance your site. For instance, the WooCommerce plugin adds product listings and cart functionality to your WordPress site. Most hosting providers support WordPress with a basic monthly hosting plan, often including a free domain for the first year. WordPress's user-friendly interface simplifies website creation, editing and upkeep, making it a good choice for small businesses and new entrepreneurs. Key features of WordPress Wide assortment of free and premium themes to match your brand Integrates with a rich array of plugins for diverse purposes User-friendly interface and intuitive website dashboard Robust blogging platform Active community that continuously contributes to platform improvements Price Plans start at $4 per month 06. 10Web AI Builder 10Web combines AI with WordPress functionality for a hands-off approach to website creation. 10Web automates this process, resulting in high-performing sites in minutes. You can either create a site from scratch, or supply the AI Builder with a URL to your favorite existing website on WordPress, and watch it replicate the layout for you in minutes. This platform is ideal for business owners who are interested in using WordPress for their website CMS, but don’t necessarily want to hire a developer for a custom build—or they lack the know-how to do it themselves. 10Web's AI algorithm can be used to optimize speed, SEO and mobile responsiveness. Moreover, you gain access to over 50 premium WordPress plugins to further enhance your website's functionality. Key features of 10Web Utilize AI to swiftly build high-performing websites Replicates the design of admired sites on WordPress in minutes Access to premium WordPress plugins Price Plans start at $13 per month 07. Pixpa Pixpa is a compelling option for creating either an online portfolio or an online store. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, small business owner or photographer, Pixpa equips you with essential tools to effectively create and manage a website. Pixpa's eCommerce tools allow you to sell a variety of items, including physical products, services and digital files. For example, as a photographer, you can sell your images as downloads or prints. The platform supports popular payment gateways like Stripe, Razorpay, PayPal and others, and it features order and inventory management tools to streamline the sales process. Key features of Pixpa Allows you to sell products, services, digital files and images as prints or downloads Responsive design with support for a variety of devices Tools for order and inventory management Price Plans start at $3.60 per month 08. GoDaddy GoDaddy is a recognized leader in domain registration and offers a website building solution that's particularly favored by beginners due to its user-friendly features. You can use prebuilt templates by answering some simple questions about your business, then employ the drag-and-drop editor to customize your site. GoDaddy's appointment booking tool is a useful feature, especially for service-oriented businesses. Additionally, GoDaddy caters to specific industry needs and has a built-in library of stock photos. Beyond website creation, GoDaddy provides integrated social media, marketing and SEO tools, easily accessible through the editor or dashboard. Key features of GoDaddy No technical expertise needed to build and customize your site Marketing and SEO tools available to enhance your site's visibility Basic eCommerce capabilities Appointment booking tool for service-based businesses Price Free and premium plans starting at $9.99 per month Learn more: Wix vs. GoDaddy 09. Shift4Shop Shift4Shop's eCommerce solution offers a feature-rich website builder complete with product and order management systems, customer marketing tools and more. You can choose from over 100 professionally designed templates, each tailored to specific industries. These templates are mobile-friendly, SEO-friendly and highly customizable. Notably, Shift4Shop offers an unlimited, enterprise-grade plan for $0 per month when you process a minimum of $500 per month through the Shift4 payment solution; otherwise, new customer plans with PayPal begin at $29 per month. Key features of Shift4Shop Turnkey eCommerce solution Industry-specific templates that are mobile- and SEO-friendly Intuitive web design tool Innovative pricing model for enterprise solutions Price Free for businesses that process at least $1000 per month; starting at $39 per month for new customers only 10. Volusion Volusion presents a comprehensive online selling platform designed to facilitate all stages of your store, from creation to management and expansion. Non-technical users can appreciate its intuitive eCommerce website builder and content editor, making modifications to your online store quick and easy. Volusion includes distinctive capabilities, such as product video options, allowing you to share more detailed information about the items you sell. You can also expand and scale your business with built-in SEO tools and email marketing support with a customer relationship manager (CRM) system. Key features of Volusion All-in-one solution for creating, managing and expanding online stores Intuitive content editor Lets users add videos (e.g., product demonstrations) to online stores Price Plans start at $35 per month Editor’s note: all prices are current as of March 25, 2025. Looking for affordable options to build your website? Check out this guide to the best and cheapest website builders for expert recommendations and cost-saving tips. Top website features small businesses need Core features your small business website can’t do without A great small business website starts with the basics. Mobile-friendly design is a must since more customers browse on their phones, and a poorly optimized site can lose you sales. A built-in content management system (CMS) is super helpful so you can easily update your site without needing coding skills. Look for tools that let you add customizable contact forms to make it simple for customers to reach out or book services. Integrations with email marketing tools or embedding your Instagram feed keep your audience engaged. If you're offering transactions, secure payment options like PayPal, Stripe or Apple Pay are essential. Learn more: How does an AI website builder work Local business website features that drive results Local businesses benefit from features like map integration, such as Google Maps, to help customers find you. Showing customer reviews from platforms like Yelp or Google builds trust and improves local search rankings. If your business relies on appointments, an online booking system is a game changer. Integrating Google My Business enhances local SEO, making it easier for nearby customers to discover your services. Learn more: How to make a booking website Ecommerce website features that convert visitors into buyers If you are looking how to make an eCommerce website , a smooth and fast checkout process is crucial. Secure payment options and customizable product pages with detailed descriptions, great images and customer reviews help boost buyer confidence. A good website builder with tools like inventory management , order tracking, discount code creation and analytics dashboards makes managing products and sales easier. These features work together to create a seamless shopping experience for your customers. Learn more: How to accept secure online payments with Wix Must-have elements for service-based business websites Service-based businesses need tools that make booking simple and save time. Platforms like Square Appointments or booking systems from Wix make scheduling easy. Clients can check availability in real time and book directly. Features like calendar syncing, adjustable time slots and buffer times between appointments help avoid overlaps. Automated email or SMS reminders reduce no-shows and keep everything on track. Options to reschedule or cancel appointments give flexibility and improve customer satisfaction. Adding contact forms for custom requests and a testimonials section builds trust, while linking social media profiles makes it easy for clients to connect with your business. Features for portfolio and personal brand websites Personal brand and portfolio websites should make a strong visual impact. Customizable templates with clean and sleek layouts keep navigation easy and visitors engaged. Modern touches like animations can make your site feel more dynamic and interactive. Parallax scrolling , where the background moves slower than the foreground, adds a polished, professional vibe. Hover effects on buttons or images give subtle feedback that makes browsing smoother. Your site should also include galleries or carousels to feature high-quality images, videos or case studies. Just be sure these features are optimized for fast loading so your visitors don’t lose interest. Learn more: How to create a portfolio website How to choose a small business website builder Choosing the right website builder for your small business is crucial as it can significantly impact your online presence and business success. Here are some tips to help you choose the best small business website builder: Identify your needs : Before you start looking for website builders, outline your specific requirements. Consider factors such as the type of website you need (e.g., eCommerce, portfolio, blog), features you require (e.g., online store, appointment booking, contact forms), scalability and budget. Easy to use : Opt for a website builder that offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, especially if you're not tech-savvy. Look for drag-and-drop editors, pre-designed templates and easy customization options that allow you to build and update your website without coding knowledge. Customization options : Your website should reflect your brand, which means it’s important to choose a builder that offers design flexibility. Assess the selection of templates and the level of design flexibility offered by the website builder. Choose a platform that provides professionally designed templates that align with your brand aesthetics and allow customization to make your website unique. Mobile responsiveness : Ensure that the website builder you choose offers mobile-responsive templates. With the increasing use of mobile devices, it's essential that your website looks and functions well on smartphones and tablets, providing a seamless user experience across all devices. You can build a fully responsive website on Wix Studio , for example. Features and integrations : Consider the features and integrations offered by the website builder. Depending on your business needs, you may require features such as eCommerce functionality, SEO tools , analytics, social media integration and third-party app integrations. Make sure the platform supports the features you need to grow your business. Support: Strong customer support and a reliable platform make all the difference, especially when you’re running a business. Choose a website builder that provides responsive customer service through multiple channels like chat, email or phone. Wix offers robust help through both guides and live support options. Speed: Website speed plays a crucial role in both user experience and search engine visibility. A slow website can frustrate users, leading to higher bounce rates and negatively impact your SEO ranking. When selecting a website builder, look for platforms known for fast load times or those that offer built-in performance optimizations. Wix provides tools to enhance speed, such as automatic image compression and responsive design. Learn more: Small business website statistics Best builders for small business FAQ What is the best website builder for a small business? The best website builder for your small business will depend very much on your needs. You can go with an all-around platform, like Wix or work with a web developer and designer. How much does it cost to build a small business website? Generally, to build a small business website you'll need to select a premium plan from a website build, in order to make sure you can choose and register your own unique domain name, as well as other necessary business features. With Wix, for example, premium plans offer a range of prices for small business website creators. If you choose to work with a web developer and designer to create your website, prices will generally vary even more widely. Does my business need a website? Having a website is crucial for businesses of all sizes and industries in today's digital landscape. It not only expands your reach and visibility but also facilitates customer acquisition, retention and growth. What should a small business website include? Homepage: Introduce your business and provide easy navigation. About us: Share your story, mission, and team. Products/services: Showcase offerings with descriptions and images. Contact information: Make it easy for visitors to reach you. Testimonials/reviews: Build trust with customer feedback. Call-to-action (CTA): Encourage visitors to take desired actions. Blog: Share relevant content to attract and engage audiences. Social media integration: Connect with visitors on social platforms. FAQs/help center: Address common queries to enhance user experience. Mobile responsiveness: Ensure your site functions well on all devices. Is it unprofessional to use a website builder? Using a website builder is not unprofessional, as the quality of your site depends on its design, functionality and user experience rather than the platform used. Modern builders like Wix offer professional templates, customization options and features like SEO and mobile optimization that can help you create a polished site, even without technical skills. When done well, a site built with these tools can rival the professionalism of one created by a developer. Is Wix good for small businesses? Yes, Wix is an excellent choice for small businesses. It helps business owners build professional, fully branded websites quickly with its easy drag-and-drop editor that requires no coding skills. Wix also includes built-in tools for SEO, eCommerce, bookings and marketing so small businesses can attract customers, showcase products or services and grow online with ease. It’s flexible, scalable and designed to support businesses at every stage of growth.
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