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Ready to let your work shine? Build your portfolio →   Crafting a portfolio as a social media manager does more than just highlight your best work; it gives potential clients and employers a peek behind the curtain. They get to see what you create, as well as how you think, plan and execute—essentially, the full story of your professional prowess. Learning how to build a website for free  that highlights your creative process and showcases the results of your hard work adds a deeper, more personal dimension to your portfolio. To help you get the ball rolling, we’re going to share social media portfolio examples to spark your curiosity and give you a rundown on how to make a website for your business that stands out. Learn more: What is a portfolio? Showcasing your talent should be easy. 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. TL;DR: social media portfolio examples A well-made portfolio can help you stand out and get hired. This guide breaks down what to include in a social media portfolio and how to design one that shows off your skills. You'll also find six real portfolio examples—from personal brands to agency work—that highlight different approaches and strengths. Along the way, we’ll walk you through practical tips for building your own portfolio, with a focus on clarity, creativity and credibility. What makes a strong social media portfolio What to include Why it matters A mix of content samples Shows your range—formats, platforms and campaign types Before-and-after performance data Helps prove your impact with numbers (when possible) Campaign goals and outcomes Gives context and shows strategic thinking Platform-specific experience Highlights your fluency in tools like Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn A short overview of your role Clarifies what you did vs. what the brand/client provided Clear navigation and layout Makes it easy for viewers to scan and explore your work Contact info or CTA Makes next steps obvious for potential clients or employers What is a social media portfolio? A social media portfolio is a curated collection of your best work and accomplishments in the world of social media management. It should showcase your skills, experience and success in engaging audiences, creating content and managing online communities. Think of it as a visual resume that highlights your social media expertise and experience. Ready to make a portfolio website ? Get started with Wix. Why you need a social media portfolio Building a professional portfolio gives you the opportunity to control the narrative around your work. It’s a space where you can embed your greatest hits, share case studies, explain your strategy, share your results, display testimonials from happy clients or whatever else you think will help you grab the spotlight. It also simplifies networking and applying to jobs—the second an opportunity presents itself, you can share the link to your portfolio without giving it a second thought. Learn more: Why do I need a portfolio? When you have this polished collection of your work at the ready, you can land new clients and jobs more easily. You can even make it easier for visitors to get in touch by embedding a contact form or including your contact information on your portfolio. 6 standout social media portfolio examples—and what you can learn from them These stellar social media manager portfolios will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to create the best portfolio website you can. Wilhelmina Rose Lauren Nicole Miller Summer Zhou Monique Bonds Alex George Michelle M. Gossett 01. Wilhelmina Rose In Wilhelmina Rose ’s social media portfolio, her work as a social media and marketing strategist speaks for itself. The homepage displays a grid of colorful, enticing case studies, some of which have video previews to draw you in. These standout case studies explain how Wilhelmina works as a social media strategist. Her case study with skincare brand Starface, for example, demonstrates how she used social media to educate customers on an innovative new product: a waterless body wash, called PLUS. Using the Wix Media Manager , Wilhelmina was able to upload and edit custom images to spruce up her website. 02. Lauren Nicole Miller With her text-heavy website, Lauren Nicole Miller uses her portfolio to take total control of her narrative. She effectively conveys her personality, helping visitors connect with her and demonstrating her voice as a writer. But Lauren recognizes that to get people to read, she’s going to need to give them a feast for the eyes. She expertly uses typography to welcome visitors into her digital home. The font she uses for her headers and links (Tropiline Regular) perfectly balances the need to give visitors some razzle dazzle while maintaining a sense of professionalism. Her resume is thorough—dedicating a paragraph to each of her appointments—but the anchor menu on the right-hand side ensures that those who are in a hurry can easily jump to the section that’s most relevant to them. And, of course, she includes a downloadable, one-page version of her resume for interested parties that want to save a copy for later. When you visit Lauren's portfolio hub, the initial impression is that of a straightforward display – a modular grid showcasing her top social media posts. However, there's more than meets the eye. Visitors can interact with each post, clicking to uncover further details about the project or to view the original post, revealing a deeper layer of engagement and insight into her work. Most importantly, Lauren dedicates a space so her visitors can tell their story as well. In addition to a clean contact form , the section (cheekily titled “Coffee Anyone? Let’s Chat”) also provides her email, phone number, address and a QR code that links to her LinkedIn profile. Use Wix’s QR code generator to add one to your own social media portfolio website. 03. Summer Zhou With a memorable bio, an extensive list of services, work samples and a contact form, Summer Zhou’s social media portfolio has all the essential components. Summer includes her headshot on her homepage and “About” page, which helps visitors connect with her brand and boost credibility. Summer admirably showcases a wide array of skills on her portfolio page, including photography, graphic design, and social media management, demonstrating her versatile talents in a compelling way. Her case study for Sch-Rel Desire does a great job of introducing the reader to the brand, explaining her role in the campaign and sharing campaign results. She embeds images, videos and a content calendar onto the page to show off her work. Summer crafted her portfolio using Wix's free plan, offering her key features like a free URL and ongoing access to core functionalities, perfect for establishing her online presence without financial constraints. As her business expands, upgrading to a Premium plan will allow her to connect a custom domain, eliminate Wix branding, and unlock additional features to enhance her site further. Build your brand with Wix’s logo maker  today. 04. Monique Bonds The moment you arrive at Monique Bonds' s social media portfolio, you're greeted with a warm "Howdy!" set against a peachy-pink backdrop, alongside Monique's beaming headshot. This cheery welcome does more than just say hello; it ushers you into Monique's world, inviting a personal connection and setting the tone for what's to come. Monique's portfolio is a playground of Wix's engaging design features that bring each page to life. Click on the menu bar and watch pages glide in with a playful slide from the right, while shadows lend a tactile, three-dimensional feel to her content boxes. It's a portfolio that's as dynamic as it is inviting. But what truly captures your attention is the array of client logos showcased on her "Portfolio" page. Here, household names like Diet Coke, FedEx, Advil and Smirnoff sit proudly, reflecting the caliber of brands that trust Monique's expertise. On her "Social Media Samples" page, Monique's craftsmanship is on full display. Each client section is backed by context and visuals of her creations, with work sample galleries stretching across the full width of the page—impossible to overlook. A simple click on any screenshot zooms in for a detailed view, revealing the specific skills applied, be it "community management" or "content creation." It's a portfolio that not only shows Monique's professional journey but also the high-profile companions she's acquired along the way. Love Monique’s site design? Check out this business CV website template to make it your own. 05. Alex George Social media and influencer marketing manager Alex George uses her portfolio to show off the work she has done for clients as well as for her personal brand. She introduces us to her professional story in a detailed bio on her homepage, which she pairs with a headshot. Below her bio, Alex shares where she currently works, followed by logos from past employers and clients. On her “Personal Brand” page, Alex shares highlights from her personal social media profiles, including links, audience size and a carousel of screenshots of sponsored posts. A unique aspect of Alex's social media portfolio is her graphic resume, ingeniously designed to mimic an Instagram profile. Her bio showcases her professional expertise and contact details, while the highlights section cleverly lists her key skills, such as fluency in Spanish and proficiency in Facebook Ads Manager. She displays her work experience in the Instagram grid, accompanied with sample posts and accomplishments from each role. We also love how Alex shares highlights of her client work through an impressive number of case studies. With the help of Wix’s gallery builder, Alex displays client logos in an easy-to-navigate grid on her “Work” page. Each case study additionally has its own dedicated page and includes the name of the client, when Alex worked for them, a list of her duties and screenshots of social media posts. Looking to land your next role? Learn how to make a portfolio for a job  that gets noticed. 06. Michelle M. Gossett Michelle M. Gossett’s website is a standout example of a professional, results-focused social media manager portfolio. Everything included in Michelle’s portfolio demonstrates her competency. For example, in her case study for database MarkLogic, Michelle reveals that she grew the CEO’s Twitter following by 80% year over year and that her campaign doubled the company’s LinkedIn click-through rate. By pairing screenshots of social media posts with specific results, she demonstrates the return on investment she could provide to potential clients. The “Hre Me” page serves as a digital resume that displays Michelle’s professional history and accomplishments. She also lists digital marketing certifications that she has received from Google and Hootsuite, which make Michelle all the more hireable. Another highlight of Michelle’s portfolio is her “About Me” page, which features a succinct bio and a photo of Michelle with her adorable pug. This page adds personality to her professional online presence. Key elements of a social media portfolio Now that you’ve gotten familiar with these six standout social media portfolio examples, you’ve probably noticed similar elements popping up throughout this type of website . Below are the key elements every social media portfolio needs, with examples from this social media portfolio template from Wix. Find a portfolio template that’s right for you. Bio Tell portfolio visitors about yourself, but don’t be humble. This is your chance to sell yourself and accomplishments. Include the important stuff, like your work experience, education, certifications and training, but don’t forget to make it personal. Mention how you launched your first MySpace profile at the age of eight or how your foodstagram account taught you the ins and outs of influencer marketing. Creating personal connections will help potential clients and employers connect with you. You can either include your bio on your homepage or on a dedicated “About” page. Work samples When learning how to create a marketing portfolio for your social media campaigns, you’ll discover that work samples are one of the most important elements of this type of website. Instead of just sharing screenshots of your favorite content, write case studies about your most successful projects. A case study might include your client’s name, context about the brand, when you worked with them, the campaign’s goals, what you did or key results. Add a few pictures to illustrate your work, and you’ve created a compelling case study. What to include in a social media case study (based on project type): Social media strategy : Show how your strategy made a difference by highlighting your thought process and results with "before and after" comparisons. Whether it’s improved account performance or a polished look, let the outcomes speak for themselves. Account management : Be specific about your role. Did you manage the content calendar, create posts or handle scheduling? Share how your efforts improved performance and clarify what tasks you worked on directly, especially if you delegated others. Social media copywriting : Let your words shine with writing samples that grab attention and engage audiences. Use polished visuals like screenshots in phone or laptop mockups to showcase your work professionally. Advertising campaigns : Explain your role in the campaign process. Did you align ads with strategy, write copy, design creatives or manage setup? Share metrics like engagement, conversions or ROAS to prove success. Social media content creation : Share examples of the images, videos or designs you created and provide links to published posts and screenshots for easy reference. Walk readers through your creative process and mention the tools you used to showcase your technical expertise. Metrics Prove that you’re as good as you say you are at social media management by sharing performance metrics and results. Consider adding the following metrics about your work: Audience size and growth Impressions and reach Clicks Conversion rates Media coverage Web traffic Testimonials Include testimonials throughout your social media portfolio. You can create a dedicated section for client quotes on your homepage or sprinkle testimonials throughout your case studies to demonstrate your credibility. Services Not all social media professionals offer the same services, so specify how you help clients. Beyond just listing your services, it’s important to explain what each service includes, since the clients you’ll be working with likely won’t be social media experts. You might offer services such as: Social media strategy Profile launch Profile optimization Social listening Reporting Content creation Ads management Social media management Share details about pricing if you feel comfortable. Including a range or minimum engagement price can help you avoid wasting time on clients who aren’t a good fit. And, if applicable, mention packages you offer. Blog Incorporating a blog into your social media portfolio not only showcases your expertise but also boosts your website's SEO, a crucial factor for online visibility. With Wix's SEO assistant and tools, you're equipped to climb higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). The trick lies in writing about subjects you're well-versed in and weaving SEO keywords into your blog posts. This approach not only demonstrates your knowledge but also helps your site get noticed in the vast digital landscape. Contact If you include just one of these elements on your social media portfolio, make sure it’s your contact information. Contact info gives potential clients and employers a way to get in touch with you. Include your email address, phone number and social media profiles or just embed a contact form. How to make a social media portfolio in 6 steps We’re leaving you with these actionable steps for how to make a portfolio : 01. Choose a website platform or builder With Wix , you can create a professional looking portfolio without knowing how to code. You can choose from a wide range of customizable portfolio templates to get started. Think about which pages you want to include and how many — you will need to include basic information about yourself, your skills and experience. You will need to choose how many pages you want to include to showcase your social media experience and projects. 02. Customize your domain and domain name Add legitimacy to your portfolio by claiming a custom domain name that contains your name or your business’ name. Check that it's available and then register it. 03. Plan and create your social media portfolio pages Write your bio, case studies and more. Use great copy that shows off your skills and experiences when it comes to your social media work. Be selective with your work—curate only your strongest, most relevant projects that align with the type of work you want to be hired for. Focus on results, clearly showing how your strategies helped meet specific business goals. 04. Create graphics to showcase your work Find an on-brand headshot and collect screenshots of your best work. Make sure your images are of high quality and represent your best social media work. They should speak to potential clients and help sell your services and expertise. Learn more: How to design social media graphics . 05. Design your social media portfolio Starting with a portfolio template can help you build an intuitive website in minutes. But you'll also want to consider the colors, fonts and themes for your portfolio. Think about the style of your social media work and choose the colors and typography that best reflect it. The design of your social media portfolio is a great opportunity to let your style and branding shine through. Keep your portfolio concise and easy to navigate, ideally under 20 pages if using a slide deck or similar format. 06. Publish and promote your portfolio Publish your portfolio and spread the word through SEO, email marketing and the thing you know best—social media marketing. What better way to show of your expertise than by promoting your own portfolio the best way you know how. Update your portfolio regularly to keep it current with your latest work, reflect changing social media trends and demonstrate your ongoing expertise. How to choose the right social media portfolio builder Each portfolio website builder has its own strengths and caters to different types of content. You'll need to consider its: Features and functionality A drag and drop builder, for example, makes it easy to create a social media portfolio without any coding knowledge. Look for a portfolio builder that allows you to personalize your design and layout to match your personal brand. You'll also need easy integration with your social media platforms for easy sharing. Built-in web analytics are also important to understand traffic coming to your website and how to increase it. Pricing With Wix, you can start creating a portfolio for free. But consider plans that suit your budget. If you want to sell from your portfolio, you'll need a paid plan — these start from $19 a month. If you choose to have your portfolio developed or created by a web designer, you can expect to pay several hundred to several thousands of dollars for it. Template options Choose a portfolio builder with a wide range of website templates . This will also make it easier to customize your social media portfolio. Media options Evaluate the types of media you want to showcase. For instance, if you're building a fashion portfolio that includes a mix of photos, videos and other multimedia elements, choose a platform that supports these formats seamlessly. Mobile-friendly Make sure that wherever you build your portfolio, it can be optimized for mobile. This includes compressed images, amongst other things. Web infrastructure Opt for a portfolio builder, like Wix, that comes with robust security infrastructure, that prioritizes site performance and reliability too. Social media portfolio examples FAQ Can I make a social media portfolio as a beginner? Yes, you can create a social media portfolio without prior experience. Showcase relevant skills, such as content creation, social media management and community engagement. Highlight any related coursework, personal projects or volunteer experiences. Include examples of your creativity and passion for the field. Focus on demonstrating your potential and willingness to learn, emphasizing transferable skills that align with social media roles. Can I make a social media portfolio as a teenager? Absolutely. As a student, craft a social media portfolio by highlighting your relevant coursework, class projects, and any internships or volunteer work related to social media. Showcase your creativity, writing skills and ability to engage audiences. Include examples of campaigns, content creation, and analytics. Even if you lack professional experience, emphasize your enthusiasm, adaptability and eagerness to contribute to social media marketing roles. How many pages should a social media portfolio be? A social media portfolio should be as concise as possible while still showcasing your best work, typically around 5-10 pages. Include standout samples, your achievements and a brief introduction about yourself. The goal is to make it easy for potential clients or employers to quickly review your skills and results without overwhelming them. What is an example of a social media portfolio? An example of a social media portfolio could include a visual case study of past campaigns you've run, such as analytics screenshots showing audience growth or engagement improvements. You can also include links to accounts you've managed or branded content you've created, paired with a short summary of your strategy and results. Make sure it’s visually appealing and aligned with your personal brand. How to make a portfolio for social media marketing with no experience? If you have no experience, start by creating mock projects to demonstrate your skills. For example, redesign a brand's Instagram feed, draft a content calendar or create sample posts with graphics and captions. You can also showcase any personal social media accounts you’ve successfully grown, volunteer for small businesses or create content for a passion project to build your portfolio. How do you make a social media portfolio if you signed an NDA? Creating a social media portfolio while respecting an NDA requires a thoughtful approach. Whenever possible, discuss using the project in your portfolio before signing the NDA, as some companies may allow this with conditions like anonymizing details or using password protection. If you’ve already signed, don’t hesitate to ask for permission, offering adjustments such as removing names or swapping real visuals with stock images. Focus your case studies on your creative process and problem-solving skills, using general terms to describe the client, like “a local coffee shop,” to showcase your expertise without breaching confidentiality. What is an SMM portfolio? An SMM portfolio is a collection of work that demonstrates your expertise in social media marketing. It includes examples like successful campaigns, analytics reports, content plans and creative assets to show your ability to grow engagement and achieve client goals. The portfolio serves as proof of your skills and results, helping potential employers or clients see what you can bring to the table. Whether you’re pitching to a brand or applying for a position, it’s a valuable tool to showcase your impact in the industry.

Build your website in minutes, try Wix for free today → When I work with entrepreneurs, one question comes up over and over: how can I keep my website safe? As someone who has helped startups, small businesses, freelancers and local organizations protect their sites, I’ve seen firsthand how website security  can make or break a business. Building your first site is exciting, from learning how to make a website , designing your layout or setting up your online store  with a free website builder . But security is often overlooked. Without the right precautions, even a small oversight can open the door to attacks. In this guide, I’ll share 10 fundamentals that I recommend to every entrepreneur I work with, based on my years of experience helping businesses avoid preventable disasters. Start your journey with free website hosting  today and make sure your website is built on a secure foundation from the very start. Need ideas for your next website? With Wix, you can build a professional website that looks exactly how you imagined. Choose from thousands of customizable website templates and use Wix’s drag-and-drop website builder  to make it your own. Creating a unique, professional website has never been easier. TL;DR: how to secure a website Keeping your site safe doesn’t have to be complicated, but understanding the essentials is critical. By focusing on the right cybersecurity basics , following practical website security tips , and knowing how to host a website  properly, you can protect your data, your visitors, and your business from common online threats. Strong website security  is not just technical, it’s about building habits and using the right tools to prevent breaches. Good computer security  practices extend from passwords to backups, covering everything a site needs to stay secure. Quick guide to the essentials Key action Its impact Choose a reliable hosting provider with SSL, backups and 24/7 monitoring Protects your site from downtime, data loss and attacks at the foundational level Keep your CMS, plugins and themes up to date Prevents hackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication Secures access to your site and sensitive information Secure forms and inputs against injections or spam Stops malicious code, spam and data theft before it reaches your system Perform regular backups following the 3-2-1 rule Ensures you can quickly recover from attacks, errors or server failures Monitor your site for unusual activity or potential intrusions Detects threats early to prevent major damage Limit access and permissions to only what’s necessary Reduces risk from internal or external user errors Train your team to avoid human error, the leading cause of breaches Ensures employees follow safe practices and protect your business Get your website professionally audited for hidden vulnerabilities Identifies weak spots you may not notice, allowing proactive fixes How to secure a website in 10 steps Choose a reliable hosting provider Enable SSL (non-negotiable for trust and Google ranking) Keep everything updated (CMS, themes, plugins, apps) Strong passwords only (no exceptions) Secure your forms Perform regular backups (and follow the 3-2-1 rule) Install a monitoring or intrusion detection system Limit access: fewer accounts=lower risk Train your team: human error causes 80% of breaches Get your website professionally audited 01. Choose a reliable hosting provider I can’t stress this enough: your hosting provider is the first line of defense. I once had a client entrust me with their site after several unexplained incidents. When we investigated, we discovered that the hosting provider, chosen solely for its price, offered no firewall, no automatic website backups and no  DDoS protection. The result was a website frequently offline, lost data and a damaged reputation. A good web host should provide: A free SSL certificate. Automated and off-site backups. 24/7 server monitoring. Responsive technical support. Website infrastructure resilient to traffic spikes and attacks. This is the foundation for everything else. Never underestimate the importance of choosing the right host. Make sure you choose from the best website hosting providers  to keep your website secure and reliable from day one. 02. Enable SSL (non-negotiable for trust and Google ranking) SSL isn’t just a green padlock in the browser bar, it’s what encrypts all the data exchanged between your visitors and your website. Whether you have a simple contact form or a full sales funnel, lacking encryption can expose your users to malicious interception. Beyond security, SSL is also a ranking factor: Google considers it in its algorithm and it reassures your customers that your site is trustworthy. Today, a website without SSL is like a door without a lock: it simply doesn’t inspire confidence. Learn what is an SSL certificate and why it's important for keeping your web privacy and data secure. 03. Keep everything updated (CMS, plugins, themes, apps) Every month, new security vulnerabilities are discovered in commonly used web tools. And every month, thousands of websites get hacked simply because these website updates weren’t applied. I once had a web agency reach out to me about a hack affecting around ten client websites. The common factor? An outdated plugin that hadn’t been updated in two years. Mistakes like this are costly in time, reputation and sometimes even legal responsibility. If you’re using a platform like Wix, you benefit from a more closed and protected ecosystem , which helps keep your site secure. That said, vigilance is still necessary, especially if you use third-party apps or external scripts. Pro tip:  Check out Wix’s premium plans  to learn more about web hosting cost and the ecosystem that helps protect your website. 04. Strong passwords only (no exceptions) I can’t overstate this: weak passwords are still the most common way hackers get in. I often find entrepreneurs using “admin123” or reusing passwords across multiple tools. Here’s what I recommend: Use a password manager (Bitwarden, Dashlane) Create unique passwords for each platform Enable two-factor authentication Never share login credentials over email or chat Strong authentication is your first barrier against intrusions. Learn more: What is phishing? What is ransomware? What is malware? What is cache? 05. Secure your forms In my experience, even a simple contact field can become a gateway for hackers if it isn’t properly secured. On an educational website, I once saw a malicious script inserted through a poorly protected search field (it redirected visitors to a fraudulent site) causing serious reputational damage. Forms, whether for contact, registration or search, are frequently targeted by attacks like SQL injection, XSS (cross-site scripting) or CSRF (cross-site request forgery). The worst part? These attacks often go unnoticed until the consequences appear: redirects to malicious sites, data deletion or stolen credentials. This isn’t limited to large or complex sites, both showcase websites and eCommerce platforms are vulnerable. In one training example, a municipal website’s poorly secured contact form allowed a hacker to send hundreds of spam emails from the site’s server. The result: the site was blacklisted by email providers, and the municipality’s reputation was severely affected. Protecting your forms is a crucial part of a defense-in-depth strategy for a secure website. It’s not enough to rely solely on client-side protections; every piece of data must be verified and filtered on the server side. This is also where a web application firewall (WAF) can detect and block abnormal behavior before it causes harm. Key form protection measures I recommend: Implement client-side and server-side validations. Use filtered fields to block malicious input. Add a CAPTCHA to prevent automated bot submissions. Configure application firewall rules where available. 06. Perform regular backups (and follow the 3-2-1 rule) The worst time to think about backups is after an attack.  I know this from experience. I once worked with an eCommerce site that had neglected this step and ended up losing all its product listings, six months of work gone in an instant. By contrast, a school I supported was able to restore its site in just 20 minutes after a critical bug, simply because backups were scheduled every night. Think back to the OVH data center fire in Strasbourg in 2021: thousands of websites were lost because off-site backups were missing. Even the most robust infrastructure isn’t infallible. One method I always recommend, whether for businesses or the students I train, is the 3-2-1 rule . It’s simple but highly effective: 3 copies of your data : The original plus two backups. 2 different storage media : For example, your server plus an external drive. 1 off-site copy : Secure cloud storage or remote hosting. Following this approach helps you handle nearly any scenario: hardware failure, hacking, human error or natural disaster. It’s a fundamental principle I cover in all my cybersecurity awareness modules, and it’s also a key step toward having a truly secure website. Stay informed and make smarter decisions. Check out the latest web hosting statistics  to understand trends and risks that could affect your website’s security. 07. Install a monitoring or intrusion detections system A good monitoring system alerts you in real time if anything unusual happens: suspicious connection attempt, file modification or an unusual traffic spike. This is what allowed me to stop an attack on a showcase site before it compromised the server. You can use logging tools, intrusion detection tools or even specialized plugins depending on your CMS. Learn more: Best online storage solutions Website speed optimization Best website hosting for small businesses Web hosting for freelancers 08. Limit access: fewer accounts=lower risk The more administrator accounts there are, the greater the risk. Limit access to the bare minimum. And above all: delete old accounts, those of freelancers who have completed their assignments, interns, etc. I also recommend tracing connections (IP addresses, times, location) to quickly identify abnormal behavior. This principle aligns with what is known in cybersecurity as the principle of least privilege. Each user or collaborator should only have access to the resources strictly necessary to perform their tasks. This significantly reduces the potential impact in the event of an account compromise. An external service provider does not need full access to your site, a writer does not need to modify technical settings and so on. I often emphasize this point because it is one of the simplest reflexes to implement, yet one of the most neglected. In certain more sensitive contexts, it is also relevant to adopt a Zero Trust approach, a security model that considers that any access attempt, even internal, must be verified, validated and monitored. This model is based on the idea that the threat can come from both outside and inside, intentionally or unintentionally. It encourages practices such as strong authentication, access segmentation and continuous monitoring. Adopting such a stance, even on a small scale, makes it possible to anticipate human errors, abuses of rights or silent intrusions. Understanding what is web hosting helps you manage access and keep your website secure. 09. Train your team: human error causes 80% breaches In my experience, human error is behind 8 out of 10 security breaches. It’s rarely a highly sophisticated virus or a hacker hiding in the shadows. More often, it’s an accidental click on a fraudulent link, a password shared via an unsecured messaging app or a sensitive document stored on a public cloud without protection. These small, everyday mistakes open the door to serious incidents. That’s exactly why training and awareness are the most effective defenses against cyber threats. Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide variety of organizations: Startups and small businesses Local authorities and municipalities Schools and universities Associations and social centers Child protection services My goal is always the same: to make cybersecurity understandable, practical and actionable, no matter the technical level of the audience. Here’s how I bring this to life: Tailored workshops : Designed for each team’s professional realities: marketing, HR, accounting, management, etc. Interactive sessions for students : Middle schools, high schools or higher education, using real cases, demonstrations of simulated attacks and discussions about safe digital habits. Inclusive modules for vulnerable audiences : Designed to be accessible, supportive and easy to follow. Post-incident support : Helping organizations recover after a hack or data breach and turning incidents into learning opportunities. I rely on a simple, effective teaching principle: demystify without minimizing . Cybersecurity shouldn’t be scary, it should become second nature. I firmly believe that even the best technology is useless without trained, confident and empowered users. That’s why every website, every organization, should integrate cybersecurity training into its action plan from day one, not only after a breach occurs. 10. Get your website professional audited Finally, a thorough website audit  provides a clear understanding of your weaknesses. It’s not just a simple checkbox. We analyze the technical configuration, internal practices, user behavior and external dependencies. I then provide a prioritized, accessible action plan tailored to your company’s profile. It is often at this stage that decision-makers truly become aware of the issues and begin to implement a real cybersecurity strategy. How to secure a website: protect your reputation, customers and business Having a s ecure website isn’t just a technical requirement, it’s a proactive approach, a sign of professionalism and a guarantee of trust for your audience. Digitalization is accelerating, and neglecting cybersecurity is like leaving your storefront unattended right in the heart of the city. If you’re an entrepreneur, project leader, freelancer or manager of a small business, don’t wait until tomorrow to secure your site. The risks are real, but the solutions are accessible. And if you need guidance, a clear assessment or help taking concrete action, I’m here to support you every step of the way. If you’re curious about: What is Wix hosting Does Wix host websites Is my Wix site secure Rest assured that Wix provides robust security features and reliable hosting to keep your website safe. Understanding these tools is a key step in protecting your reputation, your customers and your business online. Meet the expert Allan Kinic is a cybersecurity specialist and the founder of Prevention-Internet.fr . With years of experience helping businesses, nonprofits and public organizations protect their websites, Allan brings practical, hands-on guidance to entrepreneurs looking to strengthen their website security. LinkedIn  | Youtube  | Instagram How to secure a website FAQ What is website security and why is it important? Website security involves protecting your site from cyberattacks, malware and data breaches. As an entrepreneur, having a secure website safeguards your customers, reputation and business operations. It also builds trust and ensures compliance with best practices. How can I secure my business as a small business owner? Start by choosing a reliable host, keeping your CMS, plugins and themes updated, using strong passwords, enabling SSL and implementing regular backups. Even small actions can prevent most common attacks. Does Wix host websites securely? Yes. Wix provides a secure hosting environment with SSL certificates, automatic updates, server monitoring and built-in protection measures. This makes it easier for entrepreneurs to maintain strong website security without needing advanced technical skills. How often should I backup my website? I recommend following the 3-2-1 rule: keep 3 copies of your data, on 2 different storage types, with 1 copy off-site. Regular backups ensure you can quickly recover from cyberattacks, human error or technical failures.

Ready to let your work shine? Build your portfolio →   Knowing how to make a portfolio is a must for any designer or creative ready to present their work. An online portfolio is the modern business card , resume and project gallery all in one—the place clients and employers go to see what you can do. Building a portfolio website lets you highlight your skills and unique voice while keeping everything crisp and professional. With the right tools, you can go beyond limits and create an online presence that truly stands out. To get started, here’s a guide on how to make a website that reflects your charm and talent. Learn more: Why do I need a portfolio? TL;DR: How to make a portfolio A great portfolio puts your best work front and center while showing off your style and making it easy for clients or employers to explore and get in touch. Use clear project descriptions, high-quality images and key pages like About, Resume and Contact. Make your site easy to navigate, mobile-friendly and optimized for search engines. Get inspired, pick a design or template that fits you and use AI tools to save time and polish your visuals and text. Keep it fresh by updating often, asking for feedback, sharing it around and tailoring it to the work you want next. Showcasing your talent should be easy. 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 portfolio? A portfolio is a collection of your work, skills, experience and achievements. An online portfolio is a website that brings all of this together, making it easy for employers, clients or collaborators to see what you can do and understand your expertise. Portfolios are used across all fields, but the most common ones include creative arts (graphic designers, photographers, writers, musicians, etc.), technical fields (software and web developers, engineers) and business. When putting together a digital portfolio, focus on the essentials that show what you do best. What to include in a portfolio starts with your top projects, then adds a short bio or About section, your resume or work experience, contact info and any awards, testimonials or extra skills that help highlight your strengths. Whether you’re making an art portfolio , a fashion portfolio or a marketing portfolio, it’s your space to express your style, share your story, and make a lasting impression. Learn more: What is a portfolio? What makes a great portfolio? Portfolio elements Portfolio best practices Clear focus Highlight your strongest skills or niche. Make it obvious what you do so visitors immediately understand your expertise. Quality over quantity Show only your best projects. Remove outdated or weaker work to keep your portfolio sharp and impressive. Strong visuals Use high-resolution images, mockups or videos. Present work in context to help clients see its impact. Easy navigation Organize your site logically with clear menus and headings. Make it simple for visitors to find key projects quickly. Personal branding Keep colors, fonts and tone consistent. Add a bio or story that reflects your style and professional identity. Concise project descriptions Explain your role, process and results in a few sentences. Focus on what matters to clients or employers. Fast load time Optimize images and use a reliable platform. Fast pages keep visitors engaged and reduce frustration. Contact information Include a contact form, email and social links. Consider adding a call-to-action on every page. Regular updates Refresh your portfolio with new projects, achievements or testimonials. Show growth and stay relevant. How to create an online portfolio No matter what industry you’re in, there are several key tips you’ll want to take when building your online portfolio. These range from designing your portfolio in an attractive way to making sure it sees the day of light. Ready to create an online portfolio? Start designing yours now .   Gather inspiration for your portfolio Choose your online portfolio design Showcase only your best projects Use high-quality images Include the right portfolio content and features Improve your portfolio's UX Work on your site's SEO Make it mobile-friendly Ask for honest feedback Publish and promote 01. Gather inspiration for your portfolio Creating an online portfolio begins with some visual research. Look at other  online portfolio websites  or digital portfolio examples  to generate some initial ideas.  Next, define your purpose. Decide whether your portfolio is for job applications, freelance clients or school projects, as this will shape both your content and how you present it. Choose your format. You can go with a physical binder or notebook, but a digital portfolio like a website or PDF is recommended for accessibility and reach. When looking through these resources, start thinking of the vibe you want your portfolio to convey and what experience you aim to create. Take notes or make a mood board to accompany you throughout your creative process. Consider essential details like the color palette, typography and site structure that you like, and clue yourself in on current  web design trends . Finally, gather your content. Collect all materials in one place using subfolders for work samples, your bio, testimonials and branding elements. Draft your text content, including project descriptions and your “About Me” section, in a document for easy access when building your portfolio. Check out these niche website examples for inspiration: Teacher website examples AI portfolio examples Videographer portfolio examples Best UX portfolios 02. Choose your online portfolio design How do you want visitors to move from one page to the next? What do you want them to see first? These are questions you’ll ask yourself at the next step when you’re designing your actual site.  There are two easy ways to get started at this stage: Choose a template: Nearly all portfolio website builders  will offer pre-built templates that you can choose from. Wix, for example, has dozens of portfolio and CV templates  (not to mention 900+ total website templates) spanning all types of industries. Learn more about website builders in this comparison guide: Wix vs Squarespace . Design with AI: Use an AI website builder  like Wix that can create a bespoke site for you in minutes. With Wix, simply chat with AI about the type of portfolio you want to achieve—then watch as AI designs a site to match your goals and desired aesthetic. Pro tip: Decide on the hierarchy of your pages and the user journey. This will help visitors explore your work without feeling lost. Include clear menus and consider a table of contents for large portfolios. 03. Showcase only your best projects and work When learning how to make a portfolio, remember that your actual work is the core of your online portfolio, so make sure to showcase it in the best way possible. It should stand out and be easily reachable through the homepage and/or website menu. You can highlight this work by creating a dedicated “projects” page on your website. Did you know? Wix’s AI portfolio creator saves you hours of repetitive work by allowing you to upload media and instantly arrange them into projects, complete with suggested titles and descriptions. Share your best work Expose clients to your creativity and skill by sharing only your best work. Choose the most recent, strongest and most relevant projects that showcase your range of skills. This way, you’ll bring their attention to your strengths and maintain a consistent level of quality throughout your portfolio. Make sure to include close-up shots of intricate details in your work, too. This allows viewers to appreciate the craftsmanship and finer elements of your designs. Add context and keep it fresh For each project, include the goal, your thinking process, your specific role and the final outcome. Sharing process work like sketches or drafts can build credibility and show your problem-solving approach. Consider adding a "Passion Project" section to your portfolio. This is a space to showcase work you’ve done purely out of interest or curiosity, unrelated to client demands. It highlights your creativity, initiative and personal style, offering a refreshing glimpse into your unique perspective. Make sure to update your website every once in a while so that you’re always sharing your most recent creations. Including a variety of pieces can help people get a sense of your range. It’s helpful to add a narrative for each project so that visitors can get a sense of how you come up with creative solutions and/or work with your clients. An oft-overlooked  portfolio design tip : make sure to give a concise description of the project and mention your role, as well as any collaborators you worked with. Expert tip from Hani Safe, product manager at Wix: "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." 04. Use high-quality visuals It’s not just  photography portfolios  that need high-quality images; all portfolios need them, whether you’re making a fashion portfolio  or a marketing portfolio .  To ensure that your work looks as impressive online as it does in real life, invest time and effort into photographing your work, your process and your products. In cases where professional photography or a photo shoot is not feasible, follow product photography best practices or use free photo-editing tools to enhance your images.  Show your work in real-world settings Another way to enhance the presentation of your projects is by using mockups. Mockups allow you to display your designs in real-world settings, such as showing logo designs on stationery or app interfaces on devices. This not only elevates the look of your work but also helps potential clients or employers visualize how your projects come to life. Make sure to maintain a consistent visual identity using chosen colors, fonts and logos throughout your portfolio. When showcasing your images, the  Wix Pro Gallery  can set you up with customizable layouts and effects. You can also use AI tools available in Wix—like an object eraser , background remover and more—to professionalize your images. 05. Include the right portfolio content and features Once you have a good base from which you can set off and a collection of projects ready to display, it’s time to identify which additional content you want to include in your online portfolio and how to present it strategically.  This includes text, images and other media. Whether you need some  model portfolio examples  or you're creating an  industrial design portfolio ,  graphic design portfolio , a  stunning photography portfolio  or any other  type of website . Here are the most crucial pages and sections to include, plus some professional design features to consider: Homepage The virtual home of your portfolio should grab your visitors’ attention with an eye-catching design. On top of the visual aspect, your homepage is a chance to stir the curiosity of potential clients and employers with a powerful introductory sentence. Keep this sentence short and sweet, clearly expressing who you are and what you do. There’s no need to go into your biographical details here (that’s what your ‘About’ page is for), but your name and main area of expertise are an absolute must. Since your homepage acts as a starting point for visitors, be sure to also include a menu of items that’s easy to find and directs users to the right places on your site. About page The About page is where you present your background and short bio, provide essential information about your activities and summarize your unique identity and values. Include any distinctive elements, such as your achievements and skills. It can also be a good idea to clarify your current employment status and include your CV. We recommend adding a downloadable PDF so those interested in hiring you can add it to their system. You can show off your personality with puns, smart microcopy, illustrations or anything else that feels true to you. Take a cue from DA Creative which emphasizes its confident and assertive bio with futuristic graphics and bold bits of microcopy. Contact information Make sure people who’ve visited your site can easily contact you to inquire more about your services or employment status. Add a contact form, your email address, phone number and links to your social networks. These elements can be featured in various areas of your site: your main menu, on a dedicated contact page or as a pinned element on the side of the screen. It’s also a good idea to repeat your contact details in your website footer, offering visitors a final invitation to get in touch. Clients and testimonials Highlight your professionalism with a list of respected clientele who have chosen to work with you in the past. If any of your projects have been featured elsewhere or have received press coverage, mention that too (especially for a portfolio dedicated to high-ticket industries, like  architecture portfolios ). You might additionally want to drop in a testimonial or two by satisfied clients. As long as the feedback feels genuine and not over-the-top, testimonials often add credibility to your online portfolio. Adding references can also achieve this. Won any awards? Include these too. The type of award, the issuing body and the date you received it. Provide any needed context on the competition too. Incorporate professional features To craft a professional look and an engaging experience, see how you can incorporate design features that catch your visitors’ eye by taking your online portfolio design up a notch. From hover effects and parallax scrolling to animation and lightboxes, these finishing touches can help bring your website to life. They can also serve as functional tools, drawing your visitors’ attention to a specific place or generating interaction. Tata Rekso demonstrates the sizable impact these elements can have on the user experience. When you hover over one of her featured works, the text changes color and a sneak peek of the work pops up beside it. With Wix, hover effects like these are easy to add. If the effect you're looking for isn't available, you can use Wix Studio to make your site more dynamic and tailor it to your specific needs. This web development platform lets you insert code elements into your website with various custom interactions, helping you bring your most intricate visions to life on your portfolio. Contents page If your portfolio contains a lot of examples of your work and projects, you might want to consider including a contents section to organize them all. This is also a good idea if you plan to create one portfolio to reflect all your different types of projects and skills. You can use the contents page to organize your content by projects, or expertise — and help whoever you share it with navigate to the most relevant work for them. Resume Creating an online portfolio to showcase your work means it acts as a resume also. Go one step further and include a page that summarizes your work experience so far — both in-house, freelance or contractual. Include where you worked, your key responsibilities and projects and the dates. Start with the most recent first. Make sure to provide a list of your hard skills and expertise. You might include the design tools you know how to work with, or whatever is relevant for your field. Personal statement Consider starting your resume page with a personal statement to set the tone and provide context for your entire collection of work. This allows you to share your background, highlight unique skills and articulate your professional goals. A well-crafted personal statement turns your portfolio into a compelling narrative that distinguishes you in a competitive market. Showcase the design process Showing the design process in a portfolio offers a window into your creative journey and problem-solving abilities. By including sketches, drafts and various development stages, designers can vividly illustrate their approach to tackling challenges and refining ideas. This level of transparency not only highlights your creativity and adaptability but also builds trust with potential clients and employers. Are you a publicist trying to land new business? Learn how to make a PR portfolio that wins over clients. 06. Improve your portfolio's UX Now that you have your content, it’s time to make all the pieces come together. There are a number of factors to take into account for creating a strong UX, or user experience, on your website. Plan your portfolio pages and content Start by listing all the web pages you’ve decided to create. Then, identify which elements will need to be included on each page (although if you used an AI website builder, your site may already be hooked up with all the core elements and content that you need). For example, a project page might include a featured image, header and description, plus a few extra images or media features. Listing the items on each page will help you decide on their hierarchy before fleshing out the content. Guide users with navigation and structure Don’t forget to add a table of contents, especially if your portfolio spans multiple pages or showcases a wide variety of work. A table of contents makes it easier for users to find specific sections or projects quickly, improving their overall experience. It acts as a guide for your site, helping visitors explore your work without feeling lost. Once you know which pages will make up your online portfolio, you’ll be able to decide on the navigation. How do you want your visitors to transition from one page to another? Will you include a hamburger menu that opens up into a fullscreen list, or a fixed menu at the top of each page? How will you indicate what page people are on? Learn from portfolio examples UX designer Diana Renko's portfolio illustrates that great UX design can be both functional and inventive. Her redesigned hamburger menu stands out for its unique spin while remaining easily recognizable. This creative approach showcases Renko's ability to blend familiar usability with personal style, proving that good UX design need not be dull. For more ideas, check out this collection of the best UX portfolios . 07. Work on your site's SEO What good is an online portfolio if no one gets to see it? In order for your clients to find you and book your services easily, work towards optimizing your website to bring it higher up on Google search results. Search engine optimization (SEO) is an ongoing task, concerning various elements of your site. Here are some pointers will help you get started: Create unique, fresh and valuable written content: Write blog posts or portfolio descriptions that share ideas other creatives will enjoy. This shows both visitors and search engines that your site is active and relevant. (See writing portfolio examples  for inspiration). Use relevant keywords:  Research commonly searched phrases in your field, like “independent web designer” or “Toronto architect”, and integrate them into page titles, descriptions, headings and content. Write SEO-friendly alt text for your images: Provide brief, descriptive text for all images (for example, “postcards and business cards for a branding project”). Alt text improves accessibility and helps search engines understand your visuals. Optimize metadata:  Ensure each page has a clear title and description to improve search visibility. Leverage local SEO:  If you have a physical location, claim your business on Google My Business, add your location to pages and register on relevant directories to attract local clients. Pro tip: If you have a Wix website, try Wix SEO . It’s a free, step-by-step plan designed to help improve your site’s SEO with a tailored checklist and helpful tips. You can additionally use Wix’s AI meta tag creator to write title tags and descriptions at scale. 08. Make it mobile-friendly It’s easy to forget about the huge amount of users who are likely to be viewing your site from a smartphone. In fact, mobile devices account for  Nearly 60% of web page views worldwide . That’s why the best website designs should look just as good on mobile as they do on desktop. Design your portfolio for small screens One of the major challenges designers face when it comes to creating a portfolio online is ensuring that it will be mobile-compatible. Your mobile website is more than just web design made smaller, so there are a few rules to keep in mind when designing for mobile. For the small screen, you’ll want to declutter the mobile version of your site, keeping only the most crucial elements visible. Furthermore, pay attention to the fonts and colors you use and make sure they’re legible. Reduce the amount of typing required and consider adding a search bar to ease navigation. Take a look at journalist  Lauryn Higgins'  portfolio to see an example of mobile design done right. Her minimalist design easily translates to mobile—a good argument to choose a minimalist design style if it suits your brand. Tools to simplify portfolio mobile design If you’re creating your portfolio with Wix, your site will automatically generate a mobile-friendly version, with an adaptive gallery for your images. That cuts down a significant portion of the work, but it's important to check the mobile editor every time you update your site design to check that the generated site correctly captures your vision. 09. Ask for honest feedback We all know the feeling of getting lost in a project until we lose sight of what it really looks like. That’s why it’s always best to run your website by a second set of eyes for some insight and fresh ideas. Ask your trusted friends what they have to say about your portfolio’s content and visuals. Did they think your portfolio was missing information? What did they like or dislike about your site’s appearance? Was it easy to navigate? Even if it means making adjustments, critical feedback from your peers can help you fine-tune the details of your site. To get the most helpful feedback, be specific about what you’re looking for. For example, ask reviewers to focus on areas like navigation, project descriptions or the overall visual hierarchy. Provide context for your decisions, such as why you chose a particular layout or color scheme, so they can offer more targeted suggestions. Additionally, consider asking people from different backgrounds—designers, potential clients or even those unfamiliar with your field—to ensure your portfolio resonates with a broad audience. This diverse input can help you identify blind spots and refine your portfolio for maximum impact. 10. Publish and promote Once you’ve published your online portfolio, don’t forget to share it on all of your social channels, from Pinterest to Dribbble and more. This straightforward social media marketing strategy will help you reach more potential customers, improve your SEO ranking and hear honest feedback. Another Instagram tip for designers is to add social buttons to your site, helping visitors reach your social media profiles easily. After you’ve gotten the word out, remember that your portfolio should grow with you. There’s always another tweak around the corner to make it a little better. Keep updating your site with new content and projects, implementing different features, improving the user experience and staying up-to-date with current design trends. How to create an online portfolio—with AI AI has changed the game, providing a near-instant way to create an online portfolio that’s totally unique to you. Getting started is simple. From Wix, you can access the AI website builder from any type of account. All you need to do is tell the AI about your background and goals for your portfolio. In seconds, the builder will craft a website with all the core pages, imagery—and even text that you need. It will also install the Wix portfolio app to your site, i.e., add essential back-office tools for easily managing the contents of your portfolio.  Altogether, you have an assortment of AI tools to choose from within Wix:   Website builder: Create a custom portfolio site by simply chatting with AI. Portfolio creator: Upload all the images you want to include in your portfolio in one fell swoop. The AI will automatically organize these images into collections representing the various projects you’ve worked on, plus suggest appealing titles and descriptions for those collections. In minutes, you’ll get a ready-to-publish professional portfolio. Image editing: Automatically enhance photos or use AI to remove and replace distracting elements. Image creation: Create new images and graphics to spruce up your online portfolio. This can be extra helpful if you’re in a role that isn’t design-oriented or work on projects that aren’t visual in nature. Text creation and editing: Tap AI for help brainstorming website copy, whether you need a zinger for your homepage or a bio for your ‘About’ page. The text creator will take into account your brand voice, audience and goals. SEO: Receive assistance with your meta tags and/or optimizing any page for a target keyword.  Branding: Through the AI logo maker , get a custom logo that represents you and your work, while making your portfolio feel more professional.   Looking to land your next role? Learn how to make a portfolio for a job  that gets noticed. Tips to polish your portfolio Now that you know how to make your portfolio, here are some extra tips to make sure you really nail it. (Read also: A CMO's tips for creating an online portfolio that beats referrals .) Use consistent branding throughout your portfolio This means using the same fonts, colors and overall style throughout your portfolio. This will help to create a cohesive and professional look. On top of that, only include your best work in your portfolio. This will help you to showcase your skills and abilities to potential employers or clients. Keep your portfolio up-to-date As you create new work, be sure to add it to your portfolio. This will help to keep your portfolio fresh and relevant. Make sure that your images are clear, sharp, and well-lit and add clear and concise descriptions to each one. Tell a story with your portfolio Make sure each piece in your portfolio transitions smoothly to present a unified theme, keeping the viewer's attention and showcasing your ability to organize work engagingly. Arrange your projects to tell a story—chronological, thematic or skill-based. Focus on the type of work you want to do in the future If you’re looking to branch off into new fields, or focus more on one type of project over the other, make sure to highlight relevant experiences and skill sets. Don’t spend too much time talking about projects that you’d prefer to avoid in the future. Next steps after your online portfolio is ready Once you finish your online portfolio, you need to make sure it reaches the right people and stays up to date. Share it across social media, LinkedIn, your email signature and industry networks. Promoting your portfolio increases visibility and opens doors to new opportunities. Networking is just as important—use it as a conversation starter at events or outreach and tailor it to highlight work that appeals to potential clients or employers. Keep your portfolio fresh by regularly adding new projects, skills or achievements to show growth. Feedback from peers or mentors can help you improve its design and usability. Share individual projects or behind-the-scenes insights on social media to boost visibility and position yourself as an active professional in your field. Track your portfolio's success using analytics if available. See what resonates with visitors and adjust your focus accordingly. Make it easy for people to connect by including a contact form, testimonials and links to your social profiles. With regular updates and a strategic approach, it will show your value and attract new opportunities. Starting a design business? Use this design name generator  to name it. How to make a portfolio FAQ How should a portfolio start? A portfolio should start with a strong introduction that tells your story and what you are all about. You can include a brief bio, your contact information and your goals. You may also want to include a statement of purpose that explains why you are creating a portfolio and what you hope to achieve with it. What makes a good portfolio? A good portfolio is one that is well-organized, easy to navigate and showcases your skills and abilities. It should also be visually appealing and engaging. Here are some tips for creating a good portfolio: Be selective. Only include your best work in your portfolio. Be organized. Organize your work in a way that is easy to navigate. Be clear. Include clear and concise descriptions of your work. Be professional.  Your portfolio should be professional in appearance and content. Be consistent. Use a consistent design throughout your portfolio. Be creative. Don't be afraid to be creative with your portfolio. How do I create a student portfolio? To create your student portfolio, decide its purpose so you can narrow down the content you want to include. After that, you need to select your best work, organize it in a way that makes sense and add annotations to explain what the work is about. Then, design your student portfolio in a way that's visually appealing and easy to navigate. The final step is to share your portfolio with your teachers, classmates and potential employers. You can also submit your portfolio to online competitions or portfolio review websites. Creating a student portfolio can be a lot of work, but it's a worthwhile investment. A well-designed and informative portfolio can help you showcase your skills and talents to potential employers, colleges and other opportunities. How do I improve my portfolio? Regularly update your portfolio's content to reflect your latest projects and accomplishments, keeping it fresh and relevant. This can include images, videos and explanations of your projects. Always check your site's speed and load times, to make sure it provides the best user experience for visitors. It's also normal to review and update your portfolio according to your changing goals for it. It might change depending on whether you're using it to look for work, or simply to establish your professional expertise to your peers or clients. How to make a portfolio for job hunting? Create a job security portfolio by organizing your best work with clear project descriptions and outcomes. It's important to tailor its content to the job you're applying for, emphasizing your relevant skills and experiences. It's always best to use a clean and professional design that reflects your personal brand but is versatile for different roles and companies. Always have a concise resume in your portfolio and take the opportunity to showcase diverse projects to demonstrate your versatility. You must include contact information for easy reach. How to make a portfolio for my art? Curate a compelling art portfolio by selecting your best art pieces that showcase your style and capabilities. Consider arranging your examples cohesively within a clean and visually appealing layout. Include a brief statement about yourself as an artist expressing your inspiration and approach. It's important to use high-quality images so the quality of your art shows online. How to build a portfolio for modeling? Create a standout modeling portfolio by featuring a variety of professional, high-quality photos showcasing your range and experience. These should include headshots, full-body shots and different styles of poses. Highlight your experience, measurements (if relevant) and any notable collaborations with brands or companies. Keep the layout clean and easy to navigate, with a brief bio sharing your passion for modeling. How do I build up my portfolio? To build up your portfolio, seek freelance work, internships or volunteer opportunities to gain practical experience. Consider initiating personal projects to showcase your skills and creativity. Collaborate with others on projects to expand your skill set and produce higher-quality work. Continuously educate yourself through relevant courses and workshops to stay updated with industry trends. Solicit feedback from peers and mentors to refine your portfolio and improve the quality of your work. What does a portfolio look like? A portfolio visually resembles a sleek, professionally designed book or website with a clean and organized layout. It features sections with bold headings and high-quality images or videos that showcase work samples, each neatly arranged to draw attention. The overall design emphasizes clear and intuitive navigation, often using a consistent color scheme and typography to create a cohesive look that reflects the creator's style. Do I need a physical portfolio? A physical portfolio isn’t always necessary these days, as most employers and clients prefer digital versions for convenience. However, it can still be useful in certain situations, like job interviews, meetings or events where you want to leave a lasting impression. A well-crafted physical portfolio can show off your attention to detail and make your work feel more tangible and personal. It’s a great complement to your online presence, not a replacement. What should a portfolio look like? Generally, a portfolio should be a curated showcase of your best work, tailored to the specific job or opportunity you're looking for. It should be visually appealing, easy to navigate while highlighting your skills, process and accomplishments. It should always include a concise introduction, a few standout projects with detailed descriptions of your role and the outcomes and a clear call to action or contact information. The goal is to tell a compelling story about your expertise and value in a professional and polished manner.

Selling footwear online is one of the most exciting eCommerce business ideas right now—but it comes with its challenges. From finding the right styles to managing inventory, setting up a smooth website and standing out in a crowded market, there’s a lot to navigate. The good news? With the right approach, you can simplify the process, reach eager buyers and build a shoe business that sells. TL;DR: how to sell shoes online Selling online is a journey that begins with sourcing the right products and creating a smooth, shopper-friendly website. From there, it’s about pricing wisely, managing orders efficiently and promoting your store to the right audience. Small details make a big difference—crisp, high-quality photos, clear shipping and return policies and responsive customer service all help your shop stand out. Once your store is running, tracking performance lets you spot trends, tweak strategies, and grow your business steadily. Ready to launch your online shoes store? With Wix eCommerce, you can build a professional website 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. What you’ll learn: How to pick a shoe niche and find products that sell Where to sell online: marketplaces, social media or your own website Tips for pricing your shoes to be competitive and profitable How to build a website , set up shipping and manage returns Strategies to promote your shoes and create awesome visuals Best practices for customer support, order tracking and verification Ways to monitor sales, traffic and trends to grow your business over time How to sell shoes online and make money Shoe sales are booming online, with innovative outlets and business models engaging consumers of all ages. Globally, online shoe sales are forecasted to grow 6.8% through 2028, climbing to more than $150 billion in sales, according to Grandview Research . That growth makes now the perfect time to explore business ideas and learn how to make money online —here’s how you can start selling shoes online and tap into this booming market. Pick your shoe niche Source your shoes Choose where to sell your shoes online Price your shoes Build your shoes website Set up shipping and returns for your shoes Promote your shoe business Manage orders and customer support Track performance and grow your online shoe store 01. Pick your shoe niche Your niche will shape your branding, pricing, marketing and even how you design your site, so it’s a good idea to get specific from the start. Decide who you want to sell shoes to Think about the type of shopper you want to reach. Sneaker collectors hunt for limited drops, vintage Jordans or rare collaborations while parents look for durable easy-to-clean kids shoes. Comfort-focused buyers want cushioned soles and breathable materials like everyday sneakers for nurses or office-friendly slip-ons. Minimalist and artisan audiences look for hand-stitched leather or eco-friendly designs. Even niche groups like cosplay enthusiasts search for replica boots or period-accurate footwear. Understanding their priorities will help you tailor descriptions, photos and sizing info for the people most likely to buy. Shoe store website template . See all website templates Choose the types of shoes to sell online It’s easier to start focused than broad. Narrowing your catalog makes sourcing, pricing and branding simpler and gives shoppers a reason to come back. You could specialize in 90s and early 2000s retro sneakers, handcrafted leather boots, luxury sneaker resales like Yeezys and Balenciagas or sustainable shoes made from recycled materials. Maybe your angle is trail running shoes or climbing shoes for outdoor adventurers or custom statement heels for weddings and formal events. Check demand for your shoe niche Before investing, do a quick reality check. Google Trends can show if retro sneakers are still hot or if a style of handmade boot is gaining traction. Check marketplaces like StockX, GOAT or Etsy to see which categories are active. Social media groups and subreddits for sneakerheads, cosplayers or hiking enthusiasts can reveal which styles sell fast and what people are talking about. A niche with steady interest gives you a better chance of consistent sales. Make sure sourcing shoes is sustainable Consider how easily you can keep your inventory stocked. Choose a sourcing method that fits your schedule, budget and long-term goals. Limited sneaker drops can create hype and high margins but require insider connections and perfect timing. Handmade shoes give you control and uniqueness but demand serious time and skill. Thrift flips and resale can be cheap to source but often come with unpredictable supply. Wholesale or dropshipping offers volume but lower profits per pair. Plan branding for your shoe business When your branding matches your niche, visitors instantly understand who you are and what your shop offers. A sneaker resale store might go for bold streetwear-inspired visuals with clean product grids while a handcrafted leather brand benefits from warm textured photography and storytelling. Comfort-focused shoes for nurses or office workers might highlight trust, durability and practical lifestyle images. 02. Source your shoes Before you start selling you need to figure out where your shoes will come from. The way you approach product sourcing affects your stock prices and the kind of customers you’ll attract. Let's walk through the main ways to get your shoes ready for your online shop. Resell shoes: Selling second-hand shoes is a sustainable and budget-friendly way to start a business . The resale market for limited-edition sneakers is booming with shoes often selling for double or even triple their retail price. Vintage fashion and luxury shoes are also in high demand and finding "deadstock" pairs that have never been worn is like striking gold. “Rare, highly coveted sneakers in new and pre-owned condition continue to appreciate over time, making them a great option to diversify your investments,” says Garry Thaniel, GM of Sneakers at eBay. Create new branded shoes: If you want total control over your shoes' design and quality then building your own line is your best bet. This works especially well if you're making high-end artisan or made-to-measure shoes. The best part is you'll have a unique product that reflects your brand, but it will take more time and money to get started. You’ll need to source materials develop prototypes test quality and handle marketing and sales. Think custom leather boots eco-friendly sneakers or handmade sandals for a specific audience. Buy from a wholesaler or manufacturer: Buying from a wholesaler is your ticket to getting your shoe business up and running in a flash. You can pick out a great selection of shoes from comfy sneakers to professional work shoes and have them ready to sell from the get-go. Just remember that most suppliers have a minimum order number so you’ll need to have your budget ready. This approach is perfect for general shoe stores or if you're planning seasonal collections. Dropship or use print on demand (POD): Dropshipping handles manufacturing, warehousing and shipping, so you only pay for what you sell. Print on demand lets you customize shoes with your own designs, appealing to creative or niche audiences. These models are perfect for custom sneakers, printed canvas shoes or limited-edition collections without the overhead of inventory. Many sellers mix and match sourcing methods to stay flexible. You could resell limited-edition sneakers, offer custom designs through print on demand and stock popular basics from a wholesaler. This gives you variety, helps manage inventory and lets you see what sells best without putting all your money into one method. Shoes sold by Evolve clothing gallery, an innovator menswear boutique and Wix merchant. 03. Choose where to sell your shoes online Once you’ve sourced products, the next step is to choose where to sell them. Select outlets that best suit the type of shoes you plan to sell and already appeal to your target audience. Online store Even if you’re just starting out, it’s always a good idea to create an online store that serves as the flagship destination for your brand. A website gives you total control over your branding, data, and customer experience—and with a solution like Wix’s eCommerce website builder , it’s easy to get started. Pick from hundreds of professionally made store templates . Easily upload your products and customize everything from your product collections and mobile store, to your shipping policies and payment options. With Wix eCommerce, you can additionally access native marketing tools, dropshipping integrations and multichannel sales  automation to take your business to the next level. Pro tip: Shoppers today expect convenience at every step, and a quick answer can often be the difference between a sale and an abandoned cart. With Wix AI Site Chat , you can meet that need instantly. It helps customers move confidently from browsing to checkout, giving them the reassurance they need to complete their purchase. You can also check out the Wix AI Site Chat overview  for a deeper look at how it works. Online marketplaces There are various online marketplaces  that can put your products in front of sneakerheads and shoppers that are specifically on the hunt for new shoes. No two marketplaces are alike so it’s important to understand their differences. Moreover, you’ll want to understand what makes shoppers tick on each platform, plus the rules of engagement. Make sure to remain compliant with marketplace guidelines, while taking advantage of everything that they have to offer. Top destinations include: For all types of new, pre-owned, and collectible shoes: eBay .  Shoes are among one of the most popular categories on eBay, where 15 pairs of sneakers are sold every minute. For Wix Merchants, eBay is a native sales channel, enabling quick onboarding, automated product feeds, and other time-saving perks. “With trusted services like Authenticity Guarantee, low seller fees, eBay 3D true view, and money back guarantee, eBay gives shoppers confidence with every sneaker purchase,” says Thaniel.   For collectible sneakers: StockX  and GOAT . The sneakerhead subculture has spawned a number of niche sites for reselling limited-edition designs. Authentication practices and seller fees vary widely, so make sure to do your research. For haute couture resale: TheRealReal  and Vestiaire Collective . These high-end sites attract entry-level fashionistas who don’t want to pay top dollar for luxury goods and/or want to support sustainable retail. Through these sites, you can showcase deals on second-hand footwear and fashion, and have your items authenticated prior to resale. For resale of brand-name favorites: Poshmark  and Depop . While designer labels can be found on these marketplaces, they also feature well-known mid-range brands of all types of footwear, such as Keen sandals and Stride Rite shoes for kids. For new merchandise: Amazon . Amazon’s massive customer base is enticing for sellers, but competition is stiff. Amazon enforces strict rules for sellers to follow, e.g., all footwear sold on Amazon must be new (although upcycled shoes are allowed for Handmade sellers ) and meet Amazon’s listing requirements, including how shoe sizes are displayed. Social media Growing numbers of consumers are finding shopping inspiration on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and even TikTok. To complement this trend, social commerce tools are making it easier and easier for buyers to complete transactions right from their feeds. With all this in mind, it’s important for your business to consider which social channels support the right formats and audiences for your products. Here are a couple of standouts: For all types of new, resale, and collector shoes: Instagram Shopping . Instagram is all about visuals, so it’s no surprise that shoe enthusiasts flock to the channel to browse and buy footwear. The shoes hashtag currently has more than 120 million results, sneakerhead has 25 million, and highheels boasts 12 million. By tapping into Instagram Shopping, you can allow users to buy your shoes directly off Instagram, whether they discover your products in a photo, reel, live stream, or elsewhere on the channel. For cutting-edge brands, from casual to couture: TikTok . Brands ranging from Vans to Jimmy Choo are reaching a new generation of consumers via this short-form video platform. TikTok offers wide exposure (especially among Gen Zers), with some luxury brands (like Gucci) racking up millions of followers and driving traffic to their sites through TikTok ads. 04. Price your shoes Setting the right price can be tricky, especially if you’re selling across multiple channels. Your goal is to cover all your costs while staying competitive and making a profit. Here’s how to break it down step by step: Add up your costs: Start with the total cost of getting your shoes ready to sell. Include the price you paid for the shoes, shipping, platform fees and any materials if you customize or create them yourself. Don’t forget your time—hours spent sourcing, cleaning or personalizing shoes are part of your costs too. Factor in your profit margin: Decide how much you want to make on each pair. A simple approach is: Price = Total costs + Desired profit. Margins vary depending on your niche. Limited-edition sneakers or handmade shoes can support higher prices while common models may need tighter margins to stay competitive. Check the competition: See what other sellers charge for similar shoes. Your prices should feel fair in the market. If you’re higher, think about ways to add value like free shipping faster delivery or extras like dust bags. If you’re lower, make sure you’re not cutting too deep or raising doubts about authenticity. Consider marketplace rules: Many marketplaces use price to decide which listings get more visibility. Some require price parity across channels or reward competitive rates with better placement. Keep this in mind when listing shoes on platforms like Amazon, eBay or StockX. Test and adjust: Pricing isn't a set-it-and-forget-it deal. Keep an eye on what sells fastest how discounts affect demand and what your competitors are doing. You’ll see that small adjustments can make a big difference in visibility and profits. 05. Build your shoes website Your website is the heart of your shoe business. It’s where people can browse styles, check sizes and make purchases, so it needs to be user-friendly, reliable and built to sell. Let’s look at how to set up a shoe website that works for your brand and your customers. Learn more: How much does an eCommerce website cost How to make a website to sell Shoe website template . See all fashion and clothing website templates Choose a website builder for shoes A good website builder makes managing your shoe store simple. Look for drag-and-drop builder s or AI website creator with built-in eCommerce features like inventory management, product variations and sales reporting. Mobile-friendly design is a must since many shoppers browse and buy shoes on their phones. Basic SEO tools help your product pages appear in search results for terms like “men’s running shoes” or “handmade leather boots.” Some builders like Wix include marketing integrations like email lists and social media links so you can promote new arrivals or limited drops directly from your site. Get inspired: eCommerce website examples Pick your shoes domain, hosting and business email Your domain name should be easy to remember, relevant to your niche and include keywords your audience searches for. For example, "RetroKicks.com" works for sneaker resellers while "CozySteps.com" suits comfort-focused footwear. When choosing your domain, use a domain search tool to see what’s available and try a domain name generator for fresh ideas that fit your brand and keywords. Ecommerce web hosting through your website builder keeps your site fast, reliable and secure without technical setup. A business email with your domain like "info@yourshoebrand.com" boosts credibility and encourages trust—especially for premium or collectible shoes. Customers are more likely to buy if your contact info matches your website and looks professional. Learn more: What is a domain How to register a domain name Set up pages for shoes Your product pages are where the magic happens and shoppers decide to buy. Each listing should show off your shoes from every angle. Include side and top views the sole and close-ups of details like stitching or material texture. Add some lifestyle or on-foot shots too. Seeing how the shoes look in action helps buyers picture themselves wearing them. Size guides fit tips and material notes make it easier for people to choose the right pair and reduce returns. Don't forget reviews—customers trust what other shoppers say about comfort durability and style. Make browsing a breeze with filters and a search bar so visitors can quickly find shoes by size color style brand or price. You can even add a blog or style guides to share tips on pairing shoes with outfits or caring for different materials which adds value to your site and keeps people coming back. Manage checkout and e-commerce features A smooth checkout can make all the difference in closing a sale. Offer a few payment options, show shipping costs upfront and keep the steps minimal to avoid cart abandonment. Most website builders take care of the tricky parts like tracking inventory, running promotions, managing taxes and organizing shipping. Some even send automatic updates or reminders for abandoned carts to help recover lost sales. If you're selling shoes, consider adding features like size alerts or waitlists for limited releases. 06. Set up shipping and returns for your shoes Shipping and returns are huge when it comes to selling shoes online—people want fast delivery and a simple way to return the wrong size or style. Start with shipping options: give clear timelines for standard, expedited or overnight shipping and let buyers know when to expect their shoes. Adding tracking is a must—shoppers love being able to follow their order from your store to their door. Think about packaging too. Shoes should arrive looking perfect so use sturdy boxes and add protective inserts for delicate or high-end styles. A little extra care goes a long way in keeping customers happy. When it comes to returns, be clear and fair. Spell out your return window and condition rules—for example, shoes should be unworn, clean and in their original packaging. You can also add small touches to improve the buyer experience, like size exchange guides or return labels included in the package. 07. Promote your shoe business Selling shoes online is about getting the right people to see it. The best sellers combine trend awareness, smart promotion, and trustworthy presentation. Spot trends and stock wisely Pay attention to hot collaborations if you’re reselling shoes, and keep inventory aligned with what’s in demand. Casual shoes, slides, and clogs are still booming for WFH audiences, while formal footwear remains popular for those attending events again. Take great photos Show the shoes from every angle so shoppers really know what they’re getting. Grab side shots, close-ups of the stitching, the tread, the materials and a quick peek inside the shoe. On-foot photos help a ton too—pair them with outfits your audience actually wears so they can picture the shoes in real life instead of floating on a white background. If you’re selling vintage or resale pairs, give them some love before photographing. Wipe them down, polish leather, deodorize the inside and fix small scuffs when you can. Swap out old laces and straighten any bent inserts. If you still have the original box or tags, that’s a big win for collectors and adds instant value. “Photos are worth a thousand words, so make them count. Whether merchandise is new, collectible, vintage, or pre-worn, use a photo array to picture items from every angle. That way, buyers can ascertain the quality of materials and the condition of second-hand items. With a little planning and time, you can use basic equipment to take professional-looking product photos that will enhance your listings and encourage sales.” Optimize images and create promo visuals for your shoes Pay attention to image size while you're at it. Heavy photos slow your site down and people bounce if pages drag. Aim for sharp images under 300–500 KB each and resize them to around 1200–1500 px on the long side. Use JPEGs for most shots and PNGs only when you really need transparency. Create visuals for promos and marketing too. Think clear eye-catching banners for your website, ads for social media and visuals for sales or limited drops that all match your brand's vibe. Short videos or animated clips are perfect for showing your shoes in action on Instagram TikTok or email campaigns. Simple graphics for discounts or seasonal promotions also help get clicks and make your store feel professional. eCommerce website optimization tips for driving more sales Promote on the right channels Simple, approachable promotion works best: Share TikTok on-foot videos showing shoes in action Post Instagram Reels highlighting new drops or styling ideas Participate in sneaker subreddits or niche forums List products on Google Shopping Send emails for restocks or limited editions Use basic SEO: descriptive titles, keywords in product pages, and alt text on photos Don’t forget a privacy policy on your site. Let shoppers know their emails, addresses and payment info are safe—it builds trust and keeps your store compliant with laws like GDPR or CCPA. 08. Manage orders and customer support Respond quickly and clearly When you sell shoes online how you talk to buyers matters just as much as the shoes themselves. Shoppers often have last-minute questions about sizing fit or materials before they commit to a purchase so quick clear answers go a long way. A friendly helpful response builds trust and makes shoppers feel confident—especially if you’re selling collectible resale or high-end kicks. Skip the generic “fits true to size.” Instead give them the real scoop: does it run narrow wide or stretch a bit over time? Link to your size guide and if you can toss in a quick on-foot photo so buyers can picture the shoes in action. Templates are a lifesaver for answering common questions fast but don’t make them sound robotic—personal touches make customers feel heard. If you notice the same questions popping up add that info straight to the product listing. “The top sellers on our marketplace consistently exceed buyer expectations by providing the inventory that shoppers are looking for,” Thaniel shares, “along with strong buyer experiences, such as fast shipping and transparent communication where needed.” Track orders and shipping for your shoes Keeping buyers updated on their orders is one of the easiest ways to build trust and satisfaction when selling shoes online. As soon as an order ships, send tracking info so customers know where their shoes are and when they’ll arrive. Add small extras to make the unboxing experience memorable. Include care tips for leather, suede or specialty materials, a size recommendation for future purchases or even a quick thank-you note. Be ready for when things go wrong. Shoes can get lost in transit, sizes might not fit or packaging could get damaged. Respond quickly, offer clear and simple solutions, and make it easy for customers to return or exchange items. Handle returns and verify your shoes When you're selling resale, limited-edition or collectible shoes, buyers need to know they’re getting the real deal. Explain your verification process on your product pages or at checkout so customers see you take authenticity seriously. You can mention things like third-party authentication, brand tags, receipts or your own quality checks. Make your returns process simple and clear. Create an easy-to-find return policy that specifies the return window and condition rules—for example, shoes must be unworn and in original packaging. Then, give buyers simple instructions for how to send items back. For pre-owned shoes, make sure you clean, polish and repair them as needed. You can replace frayed laces, fix insoles and touch up worn areas before shipping. Showing off mint condition items with their original boxes or tags can really boost their value and a buyer's confidence. For limited-edition sneakers, even the little things like packaging, dust bags or tissue paper build credibility. 09. Track performance and grow your online shoe store Tracking performance helps you spot trends, understand what your buyers want and make smarter decisions to boost sales over time. Monitor sales and traffic for shoes Knowing what drives traffic and sales helps you plan your inventory and marketing more effectively. Pay attention to which shoes sell fastest and which sit on the shelf. Are limited-release sneakers flying off your virtual racks? Do classic boots or casual slides see steady sales year-round? Track your traffic sources too. Find out if buyers are coming from social media, search engines or email campaigns. Seasonal trends matter as well; heels might spike before holidays while sandals and slides climb in the summer. Adjust inventory and marketing for shoe sales Use your insights to restock the right shoes at the right time. If a particular style sells out quickly, order more before you run dry. Tweak promotions based on performance—maybe a bundle of socks with sneakers boosts conversions or a small price adjustment helps move slow-selling shoes. Testing small changes in pricing, descriptions or visuals can improve visibility, reduce leftover stock and keep your store profitable without overcomplicating operations. Keep growing your shoe business Expand your store thoughtfully by adding new product lines like seasonal shoes, limited-edition drops or niche categories like kids’ shoes or eco-friendly footwear. Collaborate with influencers or partner brands to reach new audiences. Track your marketing efforts like email campaigns, social media posts and search traffic to see what’s bringing customers in. Expert tips for your online shoe store As with any business venture, running a successful shoe business requires lots of trial and error. There are endless lessons to be learned. With a track record of success in the shoe industry, eBay has gathered valuable insights and best practices for shoe sellers. More specifically, Garry Thaniel, GM of Sneakers at eBay and his team recommends taking the following steps: Keep your eyes peeled for popular collaborations : If you’re looking to resell shoes, keep an eye out for these in-demand collabs and beef your store up with popular inventory. “One major trend we’re seeing is an increase in luxury and streetwear brand collaborations with classic sneaker brands. Partnerships that see big brands like New Balance and Nike team up with luxury designers command headlines and generate tremendous value and demand,” says Thaniel. “For example, New Balance’s ongoing partnership with Aime Leon Dore, a rising luxury streetwear brand based out of New York, caused a 590% search increase for New Balance on eBay.” Cater product selection to the WFH set: While some audiences may be on the hunt for dress-up heels now that in-person events are back on the rise, casual wear still rules the day. Sales of backless footwear—such as slides and clogs—are surging. Overall, clogs are on track for a 183% sales spike by the end of this year, eBay reports. Even if your brand focuses on snappy professional looks or formalwear, you can incorporate flats and dressed-up loafers as a nod to comfort. Be responsive and honest about what you’re selling: When buyers enjoy their experience with a seller, they’re more likely to purchase from that seller again. eBay has programs in place to protect buyers from dishonest or fraudulent listings like Authenticity Guarantee  and Money-Back Guarantee  services. Wherever you decide to sell shoes, obtain third-party authentication for resale items or new merchandise from popular brands. Describe and promote your verification process on your eCommerce site. Back up this quality guarantee with stellar service, i.e., as you launch new sales channels or products, ensure that your customer service team is sized right to support swift responses. Mint condition matters for resale, right down to the box . Deadstock items with original labels and boxes are often more valuable and attractive to buyers. Shoes that have been pre-worn should be cleaned and polished. You should also make repairs as needed to heels or soles. Replace frayed laces or worn-out elastic straps before listing. “Sellers are the backbone of what we do at eBay, and we have seen some inspiring and amazing success stories on our platform," says Thaniel. “The top sellers on our marketplace consistently exceed buyer expectations by providing the inventory that shoppers are looking for,” he further shares, “along with strong buyer experiences, such as fast shipping and transparent communication where needed.” How to sell shoes online FAQ What’s the best site to sell shoes on? It depends on what you’re selling. Sneaker resellers often do well on eBay and StockX thanks to built-in authentication and a big buyer base. For handmade or custom shoes, Etsy works great, and if you want full control, your own website lets you build your brand and avoid strict marketplace rules. Is it profitable to sell shoes online? It can be, especially if you target the right niche like limited sneakers, vintage styles or comfort-focused footwear. Strong photos, fair pricing and clear policies help you stand out and keep your margins healthy. What are the fees for selling shoes online? Marketplaces usually charge listing fees, selling fees and payment processing fees. Some take a percentage of the final sale, while others add extra costs for ads or authentication. Running your own site usually means paying for hosting, a domain and payment processing, but you avoid marketplace cuts. What are the risks of selling shoes online? Common risks include returns due to sizing issues, counterfeit concerns in the sneaker world and shipping problems like lost or damaged boxes. Clear policies, solid verification steps, and strong packaging help keep things smooth. How to start a shoe business from home? Pick a niche, source a small test batch and set up a simple website to list your products. Use social platforms to build early buzz and keep your inventory organized so you can ship quickly. With a solid routine and smart pricing, you can run the whole operation right from your living room.

Claim your free website hosting  now and get online today →   Web hosting statistics show just how big and fast-evolving the industry is, and if you're wondering what is web hosting , how people pay for it or how to squeeze value out of different plans, the data offers real insight. Whether you're exploring free website hosting , curious about web hosting prices or trying to figure out how to host a website , these numbers shed light on market trends, the dominance of certain providers and how technology is shifting under the hood. Wix hosting keeps your website running smoothly and securely from day one. With reliable performance, strong website security and built-in tools SEO features , web analytics  and marketing, your site is ready to grow without limits. Plus 24/7 support means help is always just a click away. TL;DR: web hosting statistics Market growth is booming : The web hosting industry is expanding rapidly and becoming more consolidated around a few major providers. Provider popularity: The best website hosting providers  are big names: Wix, AWS and Google Cloud show up strongly in market-share data. Hosting types matter : From cloud hosting vs shared hosting , different types serve different needs. We'll explore which types are most common and why, helping you find the best web hosting for small businesses or larger enterprises. Performance is Paramount : User experience is directly tied to your site's speed and reliability. Factors like uptime and website security are non-negotiable for success, as even small delays can impact your audience's trust. "A good web hosting should offer: A free SSL certificate, automated and outsourced backups, 24/7 server monitoring, responsive technical support, and an infrastructure that's resilient to traffic spikes and attacks. This is the foundation on which everything rests. Never neglect this choice." - Allan Kinic, cybersecurity expert and founder of Prevention-internet.fr Start with a free website builder  and learn how to make a website from scratch  so you can put these hosting insights into action. Web hosting statistics for 2025 The numbers behind web hosting tell a story of incredible growth and opportunity. Let's look at the data that defines the industry today and where it's headed. Market size and growth Hosting types breakdown Provider market share Performance and security trends Industry consolidation 01. Market size and growth According to recent industry research by Fortune Business Insights , the global web hosting services market continues to expand at an impressive pace. The market, valued at USD 126.41 billion in 2025, is expected to increase to USD 149.30 billion in 2026 and could reach USD 527.07 billion by 2032, reflecting a strong projected CAGR of 19.7%. North America remains the largest regional contributor, accounting for 41.25% of the market in 2025. The U.S. market alone is forecast to grow substantially, driven by rising cloud hosting adoption and ongoing infrastructure investment, reaching an estimated USD 133.46 billion by 2032. Further segmentation studies show that shared hosting, which continues to appeal to smaller websites and SMEs, is expected to grow strongly, while more resource-intensive services like dedicated hosting will also expand, albeit at a slightly slower pace. These forecasts highlight how, as more companies establish digital presences, the demand for scalable, managed hosting options rises in step, particularly in emerging markets and for cloud-first architectures. 02. Hosting types breakdown According to a detailed market report, shared hosting remains a dominant segment in the web hosting ecosystem. For example, Mordor Intelligence  reports that shared hosting accounted for 37.5% of the global web hosting market in 2024, underlining its persistent relevance for cost-sensitive customers. On the other hand, cloud hosting is among the fastest-growing segments, driven by its flexibility and scalability. Mordor projects that cloud hosting will grow with a CAGR of 17.7% through 2030, reflecting increasing migration to elastic, pay-as-you-go infrastructure. Meanwhile, broader market-research firms estimate that VPS (virtual private server) and dedicated hosting also play significant roles: industry analysts suggest dedicated hosting could grow at a CAGR of ~11.4% over the medium term . Together, these hosting models illustrate a diversified ecosystem: Shared hosting remains cost-effective for many small websites. Cloud hosting is favored for scalability and modern architectures. VPS and dedicated hosting serve more performance/workload-intensive needs. Learn more about different hosting types: Domain hosting vs web hosting Managed hosting Hosted services 03. Provider market share Recent studies show that the web hosting and content delivery ecosystem remains highly centralized, with a few major providers dominating both domain hosting and traffic delivery. The 2025 landscape highlights that while giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS) lead the market, other providers, including Wix and OVHcloud, also hold notable shares. This concentration affects resilience, traffic distribution and risk management, making these providers critical to the Internet’s infrastructure. Largest web hosting companies: AWS – 5.2% market share Google – 4.5% Cloudflare – 4.0% Wix – 3.6% Newfold Digital (HostGator, Network Solutions, Bluehost, Web.com) – 3.2% OVHcloud – 2.9% Key findings from recent research and market data include: High concentration among top providers:  A 2025 residential network study found that 11 organizations account for 77% of all traffic , with Google, Amazon and Cloudflare contributing significantly. Disparity between domains and traffic:  Cloudflare hosts ~19% of domains but serves only ~2% of traffic, highlighting that many hosted sites are smaller or less bandwidth-intensive. Dominance in public-sector websites:   A 2025 global study of 61 countries found that t hree providers serve on average 92% of public-sector websites, with Google, Amazon, Akamai and Cloudflare among the top choices. Implications for resilience and risk:  The centralization means outages, policy changes or attacks on a few providers can impact a significant portion of global web traffic and critical services. Strategic importance for businesses:  Organizations must consider provider reliability, redundancy options and geographical distribution when selecting a host to mitigate single points of failure. 04. Performance and security trends Web hosting performance and security continue to be central concerns for businesses of all sizes. Recent studies show that website speed, uptime and secure connections remain critical for user retention, SEO and overall trust. At the same time, the adoption of cloud infrastructure and modern content delivery networks (CDNs)  has changed how websites handle traffic and mitigate cyber risks. The same study highlights the current landscape: HTTPS adoption is nearly universal:  Let’s Encrypt alone issues millions of TLS certificates daily, reflecting widespread adoption of secure protocols across millions of websites. Third-party dependencies introduce security risks:  A 2025 analysis of residential network traffic found that many sites rely on CDNs and third-party providers, creating potential exposure points for sensitive data. Performance variability:  Research indicates that while hyperscale providers like AWS, Google and Cloudflare host large numbers of sites, performance varies depending on server location, traffic load and CDN use. Key takeaways from recent trends: Website performance matters:  Optimized cloud infrastructure, CDNs and techniques like lazy loading  help sites load faster and reduce latency, improving overall user experience. Avoiding common site speed mistakes , such as unoptimized images or excessive scripts, is critical to keeping visitors engaged. Cyber security basics are essential:  Implementing TLS/HTTPS, firewalls and regular software updates protects sites from attacks and ensures safe browsing for users. Understanding these cyber security basics  is important for every website owner. Centralized providers can be both a benefit and a risk:  Using large providers often improves reliability and website performance , but it can also increase exposure to systemic outages or security incidents. Monitoring and redundancy:  Businesses are increasingly deploying failover strategies and multi-cloud setups to maintain uptime during disruptions, while keeping site speed mistakes in check for a seamless experience. Learn more: Optimize website speed Website backup Computer security Web hosting security tips 05. Industry consolidation Recent industry research from Gartner  highlights the dominance of infrastructure-level cloud providers in the global IaaS market. In 2024, the top five IaaS providers accounted for 82.1% of the market, with Amazon Web Services (AWS) leading at 37.7%, followed by Microsoft, Google, Alibaba and Huawei. Google Cloud held 9.0% of the IaaS market in 2024 per Gartner. This concentration shows that a relatively small number of hyperscale providers control much of the infrastructure powering both cloud-native applications and hosted websites. Implications for website hosting strength: While these providers primarily operate in IaaS, many website-hosting companies, especially those serving high-traffic or enterprise sites, rely on their backend infrastructure. Their scale and investment provide strong reliability, global presence and cutting-edge infrastructure, which can translate to robust hosting capabilities for users. Emerging trends in web hosting Web hosting is entering a new era. Providers are no longer just about raw storage or uptime, they’re evolving to support AI workloads, edge computing, green (sustainable) hosting, eCommerce hosting and modern architectures like serverless and containerization. These trends are reshaping how hosting is built, consumed and optimized, and they have major implications for performance, cost and security. Key emerging web hosting trends AI‑optimized hosting: According to Mordor Intelligence , one of the major growth drivers for the web hosting market is rising demand for AI-optimized, GPU-dense platforms that can scale elastically. Many hosting providers are already integrating AI not just into infrastructure, but into cybersecurity: CloudLinux reports that 42% of hosting providers use AI to enhance security, spotting threats and automating responses. Predictive analytics is another use case: AI is being used to forecast load, optimize resources and reduce over-provisioning. Edge computing and deployment: Edge hosting platforms are growing rapidly: the global Edge Hosting Platform  market was around US$ 5.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow strongly. According to a “ State of the Industry ” survey, 89% of hosting professionals now use edge computing in part of their infrastructure and 73.7% say edge is a key part of their cloud strategy. The edge server market is also booming: one report forecasts the edge server market to reach over US$ 8.5 billion by 2025. Serverless and containerization: Serverless edge computing is gaining traction: recent systematic reviews identify it as a way to deliver low-latency, scalable processing without managing servers at scale. Containerization (e.g. Kubernetes, Docker) is also part of this shift: as more hosts adopt microservices, containers provide flexibility, portability and better resource utilization, especially for modern cloud-native workloads. (While not every public report breaks this down, the push toward container-based infrastructure is consistent in industry trends.) Green/sustainable hosting: Sustainability is becoming a differentiator: according to Mordor Intelligence , carbon-neutral “green hosting” is identified as a growth driver in their forecast, especially in regions with stricter environmental regulations. As data centers increase their capacity, energy use and carbon footprint are key concerns. Some hosts are exploring more efficient cooling, renewable energy and smarter workload management to reduce emissions. Hybrid/multi-cloud demand Hybrid and multi-cloud deployment models are projected to grow faster than traditional on-prem or public cloud-only models. Hybrid/multi-cloud is set to expand strongly through 2030. This growth is being fueled by an increasing number of companies wanting the flexibility to place workloads closer to users (edge), optimize costs or comply with data residency regulations. Trend Description Impact on website performance Impact on cost Impact on security AI-optimized Hosting Integration of AI for resource allocation, predictive analytics and security automation Faster load times, better scalability Reduced over-provisioning, optimized resource usage Proactive threat detection, automated response Edge computing Hosting data and apps closer to end users on edge servers Lower latency, improved response times globally Can reduce bandwidth costs, efficiency depends on deployment Limited exposure to centralized attacks, easier traffic distribution Serverless & containerization Deploying microservices or functions without dedicated servers Flexible scaling, reduced downtime Pay-per-use can lower costs for sporadic workloads Smaller attack surface, isolated containers enhance security Green/sustainable hosting Energy-efficient, carbon-neutral data centers Performance maintained, sometimes optimized for efficiency May be slightly higher upfront, but potential long-term savings Minimal direct impact, but promotes sustainable operations Hybrid/multi-cloud deployment Using a combination of cloud providers or on-prem + cloud Flexible performance optimization, failover options Optimizes cost by balancing providers Reduces risk of single-provider outages, improves redundancy What this means for website owners and businesses Better performance and lower latency:  Edge computing and serverless architectures mean websites and apps can respond faster, especially when serving global or latency-sensitive users. Cost optimization and scalability:  AI-driven resource management and pay-as-you-go (or metered) billing models make hosting more efficient and cost-transparent. Improved security and operations:  AI helps with proactive threat detection, while containerization and serverless reduce the attack surface by minimizing always-on server footprint. Sustainability matters:  Choosing a green or carbon-neutral host can reduce environmental impact and appeal to eco-conscious audiences. Technology preparedness:  For businesses building ambitious, modern apps (or AI-rich features), hosting providers that support edge, container and AI-optimized infrastructures will be increasingly valuable. Explore the best website hosting for small businesses and find out: is my Wix site secure ? Choosing the right web hosting for your business When deciding on a web hosting solution, it’s important to align your choice with your goals, traffic expectations and technical comfort level. For many small businesses, freelancers and creators, Wix offers an all-in-one platform that simplifies hosting while providing powerful tools. “Behind every great website is reliable hosting. From uptime to an SSL certificate, hosting is what keeps your site secure, accessible and trustworthy. Your visitors may not see it, but they’ll definitely notice if it’s missing.” - Ofir Gvili, domains PMM at Wix What is Wix hosting ? Wix hosting is a fully managed, cloud-based service built into the Wix platform. Unlike traditional hosting where you manage servers, storage and security yourself, Wix handles all backend infrastructure. This allows you to focus on building your website and growing your business without worrying about maintenance. Automatically managed uptime and performance. Built-in CDN for faster global delivery. Integrated SSL certificates  for secure browsing. Does Wix Host Websites? Yes, Wix hosts websites directly on its cloud servers. When you create a Wix site , your files, images and data are stored securely, and the platform ensures fast delivery to visitors. One-click publishing and automatic updates. Built-in backups and disaster recovery. Scalable infrastructure to handle traffic spikes without extra configuration. Freelancer? Web hosting for freelancers is simple, flexible and reliable. Wix provides: Affordable plans with a free website builder to get started. Website templates and drag-and-drop editor to launch portfolios quickly. Optimized site performance for client presentations and portfolio websites. A built-in domain name generator  to help pick a professional domain name fast. Optional business email  connected to your custom domain to communicate professionally. This combination makes Wix a strong choice for freelancers seeking professional hosting without complex server management. Dive deeper into key industry stats: Small business website statistics Blogging statistics Affiliate marketing statistics Social media statistics Marketing statistics Web design statistics Web hosting statistics FAQ What is web hosting and why does it matter? Web hosting is the service that allows individuals and businesses to make their websites accessible online. Understanding web hosting statistics helps you see which providers dominate the market, which hosting types perform best and how trends like cloud hosting and security adoption are evolving. How do web hosting prices vary in 2025? Web hosting prices depend on the type of hosting, provider and features included. Shared hosting is typically the most affordable, while cloud, VPS and dedicated hosting come with higher costs due to scalability and performance. Reviewing market data can help you find the best value for your business or project. Which are the best website hosting providers for small businesses? According to 2025 market research, top providers include AWS, Google Cloud and Wix. These providers offer reliable uptime, performance and security features, making them strong options for small businesses seeking dependable web hosting. Cloud hosting vs shared hosting: which should I choose? Shared hosting is cost-effective for small websites or personal projects, while cloud hosting offers flexibility, scalability and better handling of traffic spikes. Emerging trends show a growing shift to cloud infrastructure for businesses that need consistent performance and security. What is an SSL certificate and why is it important? An SSL certificate encrypts data transmitted between a website and its visitors, ensuring secure connections. Most modern hosting providers, including Wix, include SSL by default, protecting sensitive data and boosting user trust. Is Wix hosting suitable for freelancers and small businesses? Yes. Wix provides fully managed hosting, a domain name search , built-in business email and security features, making it ideal for freelancers, small business owners and anyone looking to launch a professional website quickly.

The perfect domain is just a click away:   claim your domain →  Need advice on how to choose a domain registrar ? Your domain name is your unique address on the internet, so picking the right domain registrar to manage it is a big deal. With so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start. You’re not just buying a name; you’re investing in a service that will manage a critical piece of your brand. Follow this guide on how to choose a domain registrar that works best for you, so you have all the information before making a purchase and building a website .   Your domain is more than a web address, it’s the first impression of your brand. With Wix, you can easily find and secure a custom domain that reflects who you are and what you do. Whether you’re launching a business, blog or portfolio, your perfect domain is just a few clicks away. Start building your online presence and claim yours today. TL;DR: how to choose a domain registrar Think of a domain registrar as the company that reserves your spot on the internet. They manage your chosen web address (for example: yourbusiness.com ) and make sure it points to your website. When you buy a domain, the registrar reserves it for you, keeps your registration details in the official database and supplies domain name management , including allowing you to renew, transfer or update settings such as DNS records, so your website and email work correctly. Learn more: What is a domain name and how does it work ? How to buy a domain name What is DNS? How to choose a domain registrar in 14 steps Ready to find the perfect domain registrar for your brand? We’ve broken down the process of choosing a domain registrar into fourteen simple steps to help you find the perfect partner for your website's address: Compare initial pricing and renewal costs Check for hidden fees Evaluate the user experience Look into customer support options Consider domain transfer policies Read reviews and check reputation Explore additional services Ensure WHOIS privacy is included Check the registrar's security features Understand the domain expiration policy Check TLD availability Look for bulk domain management options Review DNS management tools Verify registrar accreditation 01. Compare initial pricing and renewal costs First things first: let's talk about price. Many domain registrars offer tempting introductory prices for the first year. You might see deals for as low as a few dollars. While a great deal is always a plus, the real cost often shows up during renewal. Make sure you look beyond the first-year price tag. Check the renewal rates, as these are what you'll be paying for the long term. Some registrars might offer a low initial price but have much higher renewal fees, so a little comparison shopping now can save you a lot of money down the road. Explore more: How much does a domain name cost? 02. Check for hidden fees Nobody likes surprise charges. As you compare prices, keep an eye out for any hidden fees. Some registrars may charge extra for services that others include for free. “Certain domain registrars offer packages with added security (like WHOIS privacy protection), premium DNS services, SSL certificates or website-building tools. While these extras can increase the annual cost, they offer value in terms of convenience, security and performance. For businesses handling sensitive data or relying heavily on online transactions, these features are crucial." - Kumar Abhinav, senior link building analyst at Mavlers A common example is WHOIS privacy. This service keeps your personal information (like your name, address and email) private in the public domain directory. Some registrars offer this for free, while others charge an annual fee. Also, look for any administrative fees or charges for transferring your domain to another provider. Transparency is a good sign, so choose a registrar that is upfront about all costs. Learn more: What is domain privacy? 03. Evaluate the user experience You'll be managing your domain through the registrar's dashboard, so it should be easy to use. A clean, intuitive control panel makes tasks like updating your contact information or changing your domain settings straightforward. You shouldn't need a technical manual just to manage your domain. Many registrars have tutorials or screenshots of their user interface. Take a look before you commit. A simple, well-organized dashboard will make your life much easier, especially if you're new to managing a website. Looking for domain inspiration? Take a look at the most common industry domain names . 04. Look into customer support options When you have a question or run into an issue, you want help to be readily available. Before you sign up, check out the registrar's customer support options. Do they offer 24/7 support? Can you reach them by phone, live chat or email? Good support can be a lifesaver. Look at customer reviews to see what others say about their support experience. A registrar with a reputation for responsive and helpful support gives you peace of mind, knowing that help is there when you need it. 05. Consider domain transfer policies You might not plan on switching registrars now, but it's good to have the option. Each registrar has its own policy for transferring a domain to a different provider. Most registrars will lock a domain for 60 days after registration or transfer, which is a standard industry practice. However, some may have complicated processes or charge a fee to transfer out. Read the transfer policy carefully. Choosing a registrar with a clear and fair transfer policy gives you the freedom to move your domain if you ever find a better service elsewhere. Learn more: How to transfer a domain name 06. Read reviews and check reputation What are other people saying? Customer reviews are a fantastic resource for getting an honest look at a registrar. Check out reviews on trusted third-party sites to get a sense of the company's reputation. Look for patterns in the feedback. Are customers consistently praising the customer service? Are there frequent complaints about hidden fees or technical problems? A registrar with a solid track record and positive reviews is usually a safe bet. Find out more: I want to buy a domain name I have a domain name, now what? 07. Explore additional services Your domain name is just one piece of building your website. Many registrars offer a bundle of other services. These can include web hosting , email hosting and website builders. Bundling services can be convenient and sometimes cost-effective. If you need hosting or a professional email address (like you@yourbusiness.com ), see what the registrar offers. This can simplify your setup by letting you manage everything in one place. Just make sure the quality of these extra services meets your standards. Learn more:   Web host vs domain registrar 08. Ensure WHOIS privacy is included As mentioned earlier, WHOIS privacy is important. When you register a domain, your personal contact information is added to a public database called WHOIS. Without privacy protection, this information is visible to anyone, which can lead to spam emails and unwanted calls. Many reputable registrars now offer WHOIS privacy for free as a standard feature. Prioritize these providers. It's a simple way to protect your personal information and maintain your privacy. 09. Check the domain registrar's security features Domain security is crucial for protecting your website and your visitors. Knowing how to secure your domain  is vital , and a good registrar will offer security features to prevent unauthorized changes or transfers of your domain. Look for features like two-factor authentication (2FA) for your account and a domain lock. A domain lock prevents your domain from being transferred without your permission. These security measures add an extra layer of protection, keeping your domain safe from potential threats. Find out more about domain security and how to avoid domain spoofing and domain hijacking . 10. Understand the domain expiration policy What happens if you forget to renew your domain? It's a common mistake, but it can have serious consequences, including losing your domain name. Different registrars handle expired domains differently. Most will offer a grace period (often around 30 days) after the expiration date, during which you can renew the domain, sometimes for a higher fee. Check the registrar’s policy on domain expiration and grace periods. Even better, choose a registrar that offers an auto-renewal option. This automatically renews your domain before it expires, so you don’t have to worry about it. When you register a domain name  with Wix, renewal is yearly and reminders are sent well before your registration is up. Learn more: Expired domains vs dropped domains 11. Check TLD availability As of June 2024, there were approximately 362.4 million domain names registered worldwide , with about 38% of those under country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs). Before you settle on a registrar, make sure they offer the top-level domains (TLDs)  you want, such as .com, .net, .org or niche extensions such as .shop, .io or .ai. Some registrars specialize in certain TLDs, while others have broader options. Having access to multiple extensions is helpful if you plan to register variations of your domain name for brand protection or future projects. Learn more: .org vs .com vs. net 12. Look for bulk domain management options If you manage multiple websites or plan to expand your online presence, a registrar that supports bulk domain management is essential. This feature lets you search, register, renew and configure several domains at once, saving time and reducing the risk of missing renewals. It’s particularly valuable for businesses, agencies and investors managing large domain portfolios. Planning to grow your site? Find out more: What is a subdomain? 13. Review DNS management tools A good registrar should include robust DNS management within your account. This means you can easily add, edit or delete DNS records (like A, CNAME, MX and TXT) without needing a separate hosting provider. Advanced DNS tools—such as automated record updates, DNSSEC support and fast propagation—give you better control and security for your website and email setup. 14. Verify registrar accreditation Always choose a registrar accredited by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) or, for country-specific domains, by the relevant national registry. Accreditation ensures the registrar meets industry standards for transparency, data protection and dispute resolution. Using an accredited registrar gives you confidence that your domain ownership is legally recognized and safeguarded. Domain registrar feature Importance What to look for ICANN accreditation High Official listing on the ICANN directory Transparent pricing High Clear initial and renewal costs; no hidden fees Domain transfers Medium A straightforward and low-cost transfer process WHOIS privacy High Free or low-cost privacy protection to hide personal info Customer support High 24/7 support via multiple channels (phone, chat, email) User experience Medium A clean and easy-to-navigate management dashboard Where to register domain names You can register a domain name directly through an ICANN-accredited registrar or through a reseller. Registrars manage the domain registration process, while resellers (like some hosting companies or website builders) offer domain registration as part of a larger package. Platforms like Wix are both a direct registrar and offer a complete package, giving you a streamlined experience from start to finish. How much does it cost to register a domain name? The cost of a domain name can vary widely. A standard .com domain typically costs between $10 and $20 per year. However, prices can change based on a few factors: Top-level domain (TLD):  Common TLDs like .com are usually affordable, while newer or more specialized TLDs like .io or .ai can be more expensive. Promotional pricing:  Many registrars offer low introductory prices for the first year, but be sure to check the renewal rates, which are often higher and could even be double the initial registration fee. Privacy protection:  Some registrars charge extra for WHOIS privacy, which hides your personal information from public view. Others, like Wix, include it for free. Find out more: Does Wix offer free domains? Why choose Wix as your domain registrar? Wix isn't just a place to get a domain name; it’s a complete platform for building and growing your brand. When you get a domain from Wix, you get more than just an address: All-in-one solution:  Get your domain, hosting and a powerful website builder all in one place. Free domain with Premium Plans:  Get a free domain name for the first year when you sign up for a yearly premium plan, and utilize the Wix domain name generator . Free WHOIS privacy:  We believe your privacy is important, so we include WHOIS privacy protection at no extra cost. Intuitive management:  Easily manage all your domain settings, DNS records and connected services from a single, user-friendly dashboard. Learn more: How to buy a domain from Wix Ready to claim your domain? Choosing a domain registrar is a foundational step in your online journey. By focusing on transparent pricing, robust security and reliable support, you can find a partner that helps you build and grow with confidence. When you're ready to take the next step, consider an all-in-one platform that simplifies the process, so you can focus on what you do best. Buy a domain  today . Choose a name that fits your brand and get started with a trusted registrar. How to choose a domain registrar FAQs How do I check if a domain registrar is accredited? You can verify a registrar's accreditation by checking the official ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) directory. An accredited registrar has met ICANN’s standards for operation and can be trusted to manage your domain securely. What happens if my domain registrar goes out of business? If your registrar is ICANN-accredited, your domain is protected. ICANN has procedures in place to transfer domains from a failing registrar to another accredited one, ensuring you don't lose your domain name. This is a key reason why choosing an accredited domain registrar is so important. Can I transfer my domain name to another registrar later? Yes, you can transfer your domain to a different registrar. Most domain registrars have a standard process for this, though some may have a 60-day lock-in period after initial registration or transfer. Be sure to check the transfer policy and any associated fees before you commit.

Pink websites can pack a powerful punch, as seen on these fabulous pink website examples. If you’re looking for some pink inspiration before creating a website , check out these best websites for showing how you can create memorable and engaging experiences for visitors.  From soft pastels to vibrant magentas, the right shade of pink can define a brand's personality, evoke emotion and guide users through a site. Whether you're building a portfolio , an eCommerce store or a brand page, these examples demonstrate how to use shades of the color pink effectively.  And what’s more, Wix simplifies advanced website design  with AI and 100s of fully customizable templates, making it easy to bring your own colorful vision to life. 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 gorgeous, professional photography website.  TL;DR: pink website examples This list covers a range of pink websites, from bold and modern designs for creative agencies to soft and professional layouts for eCommerce brands. Element Description Why it works Color palette Pairing pink with complementary colors like neutrals (white, gray) or bold accents (green, blue) to create a balanced look. Creates visual harmony and prevents the design from feeling overwhelming, making the content easy to read and enjoy. Typography Choosing fonts that match the brand's personality, such as elegant serifs for a sophisticated feel or playful sans-serifs for a modern vibe. The right font enhances the mood set by the pink color scheme and improves readability, guiding visitors through your site. White space Using empty areas around text and images to give the design room to breathe. Allows the pink hues and important content to pop, creating a clean, professional and uncluttered experience for visitors. Interactive features Incorporating engaging elements like hover effects, animations or unique cursors that use the pink theme. Make browsing more fun and memorable, encouraging visitors to spend more time exploring what you have to offer. High-quality imagery Using professional photos and graphics that align with the pink color palette and overall aesthetic. Strong visuals capture attention and help tell your brand's story, reinforcing the message you want to communicate with your color choice. Clear navigation Designing an intuitive menu and site structure that is easy for visitors to follow. Ensures a smooth user journey, allowing people to find what they need quickly without getting lost in the design. Learn more: Explore these website color schemes . 15 pink website examples Pink is a versatile color that can create a wide range of moods, from playful and energetic to calm and sophisticated. The following pink website examples show just how flexible a pink-based design can be, offering inspiration for any type of website you want to create. Fine Frenchie The Spice Suite Flirt Cupcakes The Little Happy Tooth Co Lila Lolling HERoines CuppaPug Babe Formula Studio Chocolate Fabi Acupuncture Carly Christopher A Bite More Bakery Lena Steinkuhler Le Petit Spa Boutique Cyd Lee 01. Fine Frenchie Fine Frenchie ’s website masterfully captures whimsy, chicness and personality through its playful use of pink tones and clever storytelling. By combining fashion-inspired art, collectible prints and lifestyle humor (think bottomless mimosas), the website feels luxurious but relatable.  The navigation is clean and intuitive: visitors can easily browse the “La Fleur Collection,” shop limited-edition prints or soak in the brand’s quirky world—all while being anchored by a cohesive pink color palette that supports its feminine, creative identity. Why this pink website works: Soft pink hues, refined typography  and balanced white space give the site a sophisticated yet fun feel. Strong brand storytelling, with an “About” page that introduces Valeria’s creative journey and inspiration. Product-focused, including the “Collectible Prints” section highlights limited-edition artwork with a certificate of authenticity, blending high-quality craftsmanship with artistic charm.  Inspired? Here’s the Wix template behind this website: Template name: Swimwear store website template Expert tip: Choose any Wix template and turn it into your dream pink paradise. With fully customizable colors, fonts and layouts, you can start with any design style on Wix and effortlessly transform it into a pink-themed masterpiece that reflects your personality and brand. 02. The Spice Suite The Spice Suite 's website is a vibrant and engaging example of how to use pink effectively in web design. The site combines a bold pink color palette with sleek typography and high-quality website imagery , creating a visually striking and cohesive aesthetic. Its design reflects the brand's personality—playful, stylish and culturally rich—while maintaining functionality and user-friendliness. Why this pink website works: The bold, bright pink theme is used consistently across the site, reinforcing the brand's bold identity and making it memorable. Stunning images of products and lifestyle shots add a premium feel and draw users in. Cultural connection, celebrating Black food and culture, creating an authentic and meaningful connection with its audience. Inspired? Here’s the Wix template behind this website: Template name: Bakery website template 03. Flirt Cupcakes   Flirt cupcakes ’ website strikes a delightful balance between playful sweetness and professional polish, using design cues that evoke a soft, feminine charm without overwhelming the user.  While the site doesn’t drown in the color pink, the delicate hues, clean layout and warm photography reflect the fun and indulgent spirit of a boutique cupcake bakery. The messaging emphasizes its Edmonton roots, allergen-friendly baking and women-owned mission, making the brand feel warm, relatable and community-driven.  The site’s navigation is simple and clear: visitors can quickly browse cupcake flavors, custom cakes and corporate offerings, reinforcing trust with transparency (like listing “allergen-friendly” right on the home page). Why this pink website works: Soft visual tone and warm photography match the bakery’s playful-yet-elegant identity. Delicate pastel palette, using a  pale pink color used throughout the site that gives a soft, elegant and feminine feel that fits perfectly with a bakery aesthetic. Straightforward site structure, with menu options such as “Cupcake Flavours,” “Custom Cakes” and “Corporate” to ensure visitors can easily find exactly what they want. Inspired? Here’s the Wix template behind this website: Template name: Snack bar company website template You may also be interested in:  Best catering website examples Best bakery website examples Best florist website examples 04. The Little Happy Tooth Co  The Little Happy Tooth Co ’s website strikes a warm and reassuring tone that perfectly suits a children’s dental practice. Thanks to soft pink accent elements paired with clean typography and ample white space, the design feels gentle and friendly rather than clinical.  Their messaging (“a friendly children’s dental practice devoted exclusively to caring for the smiles of children”) builds trust with parents, while clear navigation guides visitors smoothly through sections like “First Visit” and “Services.” Overall, the site’s tone supports both comfort and professionalism—a perfect balance for a pediatric-focused brand. Why this pink website works: Soft pink pops of color or warmth and subtle pink touches in the design (in buttons or icons) inject a gentle, caring energy into the visual identity. Soft, approachable design, with clean typography, generous white space and calm layout to create a friendly, non-intimidating web experience—perfect for parents and kids alike. Trust-building, child-focused messaging the copy emphasizes preventative care, educational support, and a caring pediatric team—emphasized by the sweet color hues and child-friendly illustrations. Inspired? Here’s the Wix template behind this website: Template name:   Start from scratch website template Learn more:   What are complementary colors? 05. Lila Lolling Lila Lolling ’s website beautifully blends spiritual depth with an elegant, calming design that feels grounded and nurturing. While the site doesn’t rely on bright pink hues, the occasional soft blush or warm pastel tone (especially in images or accents) evokes a gentle femininity that suits her identity as a yoga philosopher, author and eco-yogi. Her copy is poetic and transformative, and this spiritual storytelling is supported by clean, easy navigation and a minimal layout that allows her message to shine.  The “About” page highlights her long journey through yoga, environmentalism and mentorship, while her self-guided programs and book offer a clear path for visitors to engage deeply. Why this pink website works: The soft, nurturing design, with subtle blush accents and balanced whitespace  create a calm, feminine feel that supports reflection rather than distraction. Transformational brand voice, using language that is inspiring and deeply aligned with her spiritual-teaching mission. Accessible offerings that clearly present her product, her online courses and her book as practical ways to deepen spiritual practice.  Inspired? Here’s the Wix template behind this website: Template name:   Chocolate shop website template Learn more about website color trends . 06. HERoines HERoines   website effectively combines empowerment, community and self-care in its design and copy, creating a warm and welcoming space for women to grow and connect.  With a set of bright pinks on the home page and a softer pastel color scheme on internal pages, the site feels intentionally gentle and supportive rather than overly corporate. The mission (“help women cultivate fundamental life skills”) is front and center, and the design supports it with well-organized sections for events, membership and challenges. This makes the website feel like a nurturing “clubhouse” for growth and self-development. Why this pink website works: Soft, uplifting design touches with subtle peach-pink pastel tones and white space give the site a feminine warmth that aligns with its community-driven, gentle empowerment message. Inclusive, mission-focused narrative, including an About page that clearly communicates their purpose—helping women master real-life experiences and reclaim their stories. Clear engagement paths, prominently displaying events and membership options so visitors can take meaningful action and join the community.  Learn more: How to write About Us page tips Inspired? Here’s the Wix template behind this website: Template name: One page layout website template 07. CuppaPug CuppaPug ’s website wonderfully captures the quirky, heartwarming charm of its “pug café” experience, blending rescue mission, community and cozy design in a playful way.  Known by its creators as the “pink pug paradise,” the site subtly weaves in pink through imagery, décor and even pug bandanas, reinforcing the café’s identity both online and offline.  The homepage invites users to book a visit, learn about their rescue mission or adopt a pug with a pink bandana, making every interaction feel personal and mission-driven. This balance of cuteness, cause and usability makes the site both emotionally engaging and practically functional. Why this pink website works: Using distinctive pink website branding , the site leans into its “pink paradise” theme through visual cues like pink bandanas for adoptable pugs and pink accents in its imagery, creating a warm and unique identity. Mission-driven storytelling, with an “About Us” section that highlights their rescue efforts and community purpose, connecting visitors emotionally to their cause. Seamless booking & engagement, including easy-to-use booking features paired with adoption and donation calls help turn website visits into real-world action. Inspired? Here’s the Wix template behind this website: Template name:   Minimal layout website template 08. Babe Formula Babe Formula ’ s website feels fun, empowering and carefully intentional, delivering a feminine energy without leaning into cliché pink tropes.  The brand voice (“Come on, babe. Love yourself a bit … a lot better!”) speaks directly to self-care and confidence, while the homepage highlights curated hair‑care duos like “Chiffon” and “Whimsicle” that evoke soft, dreamy branding.  Their “Babe Insiders” club invites community participation and content creation, reinforcing that this isn’t just a product—it’s a movement. The design keeps things clean and modern, letting product names, imagery and pastel-toned brand personality shine through in a way that feels uplifting and stylish for this membership website . Why this pink website works: Consistent color palette, using pastel-inspired pinks work harmoniously with neutral tones, keeping the website stylish and cohesive. Soft pink accents are used throughout on buttons and backgrounds, adding warmth and a feminine touch without overpowering the design. Dreamy product naming and branding, with product lines like “Chiffon,” “Whimsicle,” and “Moonbeam”, reinforce a soft, playful, almost pastel-inspired brand identity. Inspired? Here’s the Wix template behind this website: Template name :   Ice cream shop 09. Studio Chocolate Studio Chocolate ’s website feels welcoming, artisanal and joyful—reflecting the brand’s mission to blend chocolate craftsmanship with creativity and community. The site’s design emphasizes natural elegance: soft imagery, hand‑crafted details and a refined layout that showcases their bespoke chocolates, classes and bakery offerings.  Founder Ellie’s story (trained at Le Cordon Bleu) sits front and center, grounding the brand in expertise and personal passion. The combination of rich visuals, clear navigation and an inviting tone makes the site feel like both a creative studio and a cozy chocolate boutique. Why this pink website works: Creative, artisanal font for the website logo, in keeping with the business’s branding. Colorful imagery, with varying soft pinks and pastels throughout, as well as product photography that reinforces a joyful, handcrafted sensibility. Engaging, experiential offerings: With chocolate-making classes, masterclasses and bespoke orders, the website encourages visitors to participate and connect beyond just buying chocolates. Learn more: 20 best fonts for your website Inspired? Here’s the Wix template behind this website: Template name:   Beauty salon website template 10. Fabi Acupuncture Fabi Acupuncture ’s website conveys a warm, holistic professionalism, with a bright pink and warm green color palette, that aligns well with her practice’s roots in Chinese medicine and energy healing. Fabi’s story—transitioning from the corporate world into acupuncture—is front-and-center, which adds a deeply personal and credible touch.  The website layout  is clean, with well-organized treatment pages covering acupuncture, pediatric care, Tuīná massage and five-element acupuncture, making it easy for new patients to find the right service.  Why this pink website works: Illustrations with Rubens-esque skin tones provide a harmonizing backdrop for the site’s content. Holistic treatment offerings with services like acupuncture, pediatric acupuncture, Tuīná massage and moxibustion are clearly described, showing her comprehensive approach. Patient-first website architecture: The homepage and clinic page make it easy to book or reach out, thanks to clear “Book Now” and “Contact” calls to action . Inspired? Here’s the Wix template behind this website: Template name:   Pop up shop website template 11. Carly Christopher Carly Christopher 's website is a fantastic example of how to use pink in web design to create a personal and professional brand. The site blends a soft pink palette with clean typography and bright, colorful, high-quality visuals, reflecting Carly's vibrant personality and creative career. The design is approachable yet polished, making this actor website  an excellent showcase for her work as an actor and content creator. Why this pink website works: The pink theme aligns with Carly's creative and approachable persona, making the site feel authentic and memorable. High-quality, colorful images and videos effectively showcase her work and personality, engaging visitors immediately. Clean, intuitive layout with clear navigation and calls-to-action that guide users seamlessly. Inspired? Here’s the Wix template behind this website: Template name:   Design studio website template 12. A Bite More Bakery A Bite More Bakery ’s website evokes charm, personalization and handcrafted sweetness — fitting for a business focused on custom cakes, decorated cookies and dessert tables. Soft pastel pink accents appear in their gallery images (like engagement‑party cakes and sugar cookies) and align beautifully with the bakery’s romantic, elegant brand voice. The site feels welcoming and sentimental, thanks to its focus on celebration (“turn celebrations into everlasting memories”) and features a clean layout that highlights McKenna’s passion for design. The “About” story shares her journey from home baker to running a dedicated commercial kitchen, further grounding the brand in creativity and care. Why this pink website works: The soft pink imagery in the gallery perfectly complements the photos of custom cakes and cookies, incorporating blush-toned decorations and frosting, adding a gentle, festive touch. Warm, personal storytelling, with an “About” page that introduces owner McKenna and her family vision, creating authenticity and emotional connection. The products are presented in a palette and style that evokes joy, elegance and personal expression. Inspired? Here’s the Wix template behind this website: Template name:   Wedding invitation website template 13. Lena Steinkuhler Lena Steinkuhler 's website is a stunning example of how to use pink in a modern and professional design. The site combines a soft pink accent with clean, minimalist layouts and high-quality visuals, creating a balance between creativity and professionalism. The pink elements subtly highlight key sections, making the design cohesive and visually appealing without overwhelming the content. Why this pink website works: Subtle and sophisticated use of pink, using pink accents sparingly to draw attention to important elements, maintaining a clean and professional aesthetic. Minimalist web design   provides an uncluttered layout ensures the focus remains on Lena's impressive portfolio and creative expertise. Personal branding is reflected in the design, which portrays Lena's artistic personality, showcasing her love for colors, shapes and structures in a way that feels authentic and engaging. Inspired? Here’s the Wix template behind this website: Template name:   Graphic designer website template 14. Le Petit Spa Boutique Le Petit Spa Boutique ' s website is a beautiful example of how to use pink in web design to create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. The soft pink tones are paired with elegant typography and high-quality imagery, evoking a sense of sophistication and relaxation for this wellness website . The design effectively communicates the boutique's focus on beauty and self-care while maintaining a clean and user-friendly layout. Why this pink website works: Luxurious and feminine aesthetic using a soft pink palette to create a warm, welcoming and upscale feel that aligns perfectly with the spa's brand. Clear call-to-actions with prominent buttons like "Book My Appointment" make it easy for visitors to take action, enhancing user experience. Customer testimonials featuring glowing reviews to add credibility and build trust, while the pink accents keep the design cohesive and visually appealing. Inspired? Here’s the Wix template behind this website: Template name:   Wellness shop website template 15. CydArt Cyd Lee ’ s website demonstrates a creative use of pink to highlight artistic expression and individuality for their art portfolio website . The pink tones are integrated into the design to create a playful and modern aesthetic, which aligns well with the artistic theme of the portfolio. The site effectively uses visuals and minimal text to keep the focus on the artwork. Why this pink website works: Artistic and playful aesthetic using a pink color palette to reflect creativity and individuality, making it visually engaging for an art portfolio. Strong focus on visuals, with a design that prioritizes images and artwork, ensuring the content takes center stage. Clean and simple layout enhances usability while maintaining a professional yet creative vibe. Inspired? Here’s the Wix template behind this website: Template name: Strip header layout website template You may also be interested in: How to create an online portfolio What is a professional portfolio Portfolio templates How to create a pink website Creating a website with a pink color scheme is straightforward with the right tools. Wix is the ideal website builder for creating your dream pink website, offering the perfect blend of creativity, flexibility and smart technology.  Wix simplifies advanced website design with AI tools  and 100s of fully customizable templates, giving you endless ways to craft a pink aesthetic that matches your brand. Whether you want soft blush tones or bold, vibrant shades, Wix enables easy website design with intuitive drag-and-drop tools, so you can style every section exactly as you envision it. With fully customizable templates for any industry, Wix dramatically speeds up the design process, letting you launch faster without sacrificing quality.  Powered by an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, no-code features and innovative AI tools, Wix makes it simple for anyone to build something beautiful. With the new Editor 3, Wix simplifies advanced website design by blending AI guidance with easy-to-use drag-and-drop customization, giving you total control over your perfect pink website. Step 1: Choose a template Wix offers customizable website templates for a site that feels like you. Start with a design that already incorporates pink, or pick any template and customize the colors. Explore: How to pick a website template Step 2: Define your color palette Select the exact shades of pink you want to use for your website color palette . Consider pairing them with neutral colors like white, gray or black, or with complementary accent colors. Find out more: How to make a pink logo Step 3: Apply your colors Use the Wix Editor to change the background, text and button colors across your site. You can set a site-wide color theme for consistency. Find out more: How to design a website Step 4: Add your content Fill your site with text, images and videos. Ensure your content is easy to read against your chosen pink background. Learn more: How to choose images for your website Step 5: Customize and publish  Fine-tune the layout, add animations or interactive elements, and preview your site. Once you're happy with it, hit publish. You may also be interested in: Artist websites Best homepage design examples Black and white websites Examples of pink website templates Choosing a pink website template on Wix is one of the easiest ways to build a gorgeous, cohesive brand identity from the start. You can pick a pink aesthetic that fits your style, whether you want something soft and minimal, bold and vibrant, or fun and playful. From backgrounds and buttons to galleries and typography, a pink template gives you an instant visual foundation that feels modern, memorable and beautifully on-brand. Check out these Wix pink website templates: This candy website template uses a pinky-lilac with red pops of color for this fun, yummy website template. Template name: Candy shop website template This wedding cake bakery website uses soft pink hues to embody bridal vibes. Template name: Wedding cake bakery website template This travel agency template uses the soft pinkish glow of sunset to portray dreamy travel experiences. Template name: Travel agency website template Pink website examples FAQ What does a pink website mean? A pink website can convey a range of meanings depending on the shade used. Soft pinks often suggest femininity, gentleness and romance, making them popular for beauty, wellness and wedding-related brands. Bright or hot pinks can communicate energy, fun and confidence, and are often used by modern, bold brands looking to make a statement. What colors go with a pink website? Pink pairs well with a variety of colors. For a classic look, combine it with neutrals like white, gray and black. For a more modern and vibrant feel, try pairing pink with green, blue or even orange. Metallic colors like gold and silver can add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Is pink a good color for a website? Yes, pink can be an excellent color for a website if it aligns with your brand's identity and message. It's a versatile color that can create different moods, from calm and professional to bold and energetic. The key is to choose the right shade and combine it with other design elements thoughtfully.

The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain →   Domain names are more than just a string of random letters strewn together– they provide an address that users type into a browser to find a specific website. By understanding the types of domains, users can also know who owns a website and where they are located. When learning how to build a website with a website builder , knowing what is a domain name  and the implications it can have on your business, is crucial to represent your brand and speak to the right audience.  This article will break down the main domain extensions , what they mean and when you might want to use each one. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of domain naming conventions and make informed decisions about a domain for your website.  TL;DR: Types of domains Your domain extension does more than finish off your URL—it signals who you are, what you do and who you're trying to reach. In this guide, we break down the main types of domain extensions (also called TLDs) so you can pick one that aligns with your brand, audience and business goals. Whether you're launching a personal blog or scaling a global company, knowing the difference between .com, .ai, .co, .org and others can help you stand out and build trust online. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main domain types: Domain type What it’s for Examples Generic top-level domain (gTLD) Popular versatile domains for general websites. .com, .net, .org, .info Country code top-level domain (ccTLD) Domains for specific countries or regions ideal for local businesses. .ca (Canada), . co.uk (United Kingdom), .de (Germany) Internationalized country code TLD (IDN ccTLD) Country-specific domains using non-Latin characters for local languages. .中国 (China), .рф (Russia) Generic-restricted top-level domain (grTLD) Domains with restrictions for specific groups or professions. .biz, .co, .me Test top-level domain (tTLD) Reserved for testing and documentation, not for live websites. .test Infrastructure top-level domain (ARPA) Used for internet infrastructure and technical purposes. .arpa Sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) Managed by organizations with strict rules for specific groups. .edu (education), .gov (government), .mil (military) New generic top-level domain (nTLD) Modern domains designed for industries, hobbies or creative branding. .shop, .tech, .blog, .design What is a domain? A domain is your website's address on the web. Instead of relying on a string of numbers (an IP address ) that's hard to remember, a domain gives people a simple way to find your site. Think of it like giving your home a street address so friends can visit you easily. Every domain name  has three parts, separated by dots: Subdomain : This comes first, often as “www,” but you can customize it for things like “blog.yoursite.com.” Second-level domain (SLD) : This is your site's name, like “wix” in “ wix.com .” Top-level domain (TLD) : This is the extension, such as “.com,” “.org” or “.net.” For instance, in the address “ https://www.wix.com,”  “www” is the subdomain, “wix” is the SLD and “.com” is the TLD. Domains also play a crucial role in URLs (Uniform Resource Locators), which are full web addresses like “https://www.wix.com/blog.” Here, the domain directs you to the site, and extras like “/blog” take you to specific pages. Why does this matter? A clear and easy-to-remember domain makes it simple for people to find your site, while also helping to build trust and credibility. It’s the starting point for getting your website noticed and visited by the world. Get a free domain name  from Wix when you sign up for a premium plan. 8 types of domains and examples The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers , also known as ICANN introduced domain name extensions in 1998, marking the creation of the first six top-level domain extensions: .org , .gov, .mil, .edu, .net  and .com . These extensions were designed to categorize domain names into groups.  While you may recognize the main TLDS mentioned above, there are actually over a thousand TLDs, offering a wide range of choices for your online store , small business website  or online resume . Look at the different domains and what they are used for: Generic TLD (gTLD) Country-code TLD (ccTLD) Internationalized country code TLD (IDN ccTLD) Generic-restricted TLD (grTLD) Test TLD (tTLD) Infrastructure TLD (ARPA) Sponsored TLD (sTLD) New TLD (nTLD) 01. Generic TLD (gTLD) Generic top-level domains  consist of three or more characters and can be registered by anyone. These TLDs are the most regular and are what users anticipate encountering while browsing the web. The .com domain is notably the most popular, with  44% of global websites  using it as of August 2024. The following are some additional gTLDs: .ai   - widely used by AI startups and companies in the tech and innovation space .info  - for information platforms .agency  - for agencies .site  - for a wide range of websites .email  - for websites related to email services .live  - for websites with live streaming content .top  - for a unique and memorable name .me  - for a personal touch .studio  - for any type of studio, design or photography . co  - for companies or business-focused domains .design  - for designers and creative industries .fitness  - for sports and wellness businesses .work  - for employment and job listings .website  - for small businesses .technology  - for tech-related content .shop  - for eCommerce and online retailers .solutions  - for problem solving service websites .directory  - for businesses that categorize content .fun  - for websites related to entertainment and leisure .tokyo  - for businesses associated specifically with the city of Tokyo, Japan .london  - for businesses associated specifically with the city of London, UK Learn more: What is .ai domain 02. Country-code TLD (ccTLD) Country-code top-level domains  (ccTLDs) are two-letter extensions reserved for countries, sovereign states and territories. Each country has its own ccTLD, but you don’t have to use one just because you live in that country. ccTLDs are available to organizations from the corresponding country or territory, as well as to corporations with a presence in the region. Websites can use ccTLDs to show viewers the country they’re based in and serve. ccTLDs also help Google geotarget your site for more accurate search results. Here is a list of common ccTLDs: .at  (Austria) .be  (Belgium) .br  (Brazil) .ca  (Canada) .ch  (Switzerland) .co  (Columbia) .de  (Germany) .fr  (France) .in  (India) .me  (Montenegro) .mx  (Mexico) .nl  (Netherlands) .tv  (Tuvalu) . co.uk  (United Kingdom) As of March 2025, the .de domain reached 17.6 million registrations , reflecting its widespread use and popularity. 03. Internationalized country code TLD (IDN ccTLD) Internationalized country code top-level domains are essentially the same as ccTLDs, but with non-Latin characters. They allow for domain names in other writing systems, such as Arabic, Cyrillic or Chinese, making it easier for local populations to identify and use websites assigned to their region or language. Imagine visiting a website in China and seeing 中国.公司, which translates to "China.company" in Chinese characters. Or checking out a Russian business using магазин.рф ("store.rf") written in Cyrillic. In Arabic-speaking countries, domains like وظيفة.السعودية ("job.Saudi") feel far more personal and approachable than Latin-script alternatives. These customized domains make it easier for communities around the world to feel at home online, bridging language gaps and creating a more inclusive internet experience. They improve brand recognition in local markets. However, it’s crucial to ensure compatibility with browsers and email systems to avoid technical issues. 04. Generic-restricted TLD (grTLD) Generic-restricted top-level domains are similar to generic TLDs, but with stricter requirements. These limitations may involve presenting evidence of trademark ownership or membership in a certain sector. These domain extensions are grTLDs: .biz .name .pro 05. Test TLD (tTLD) Test top-level domains, also known as tTLDs, are domain names exclusively for testing and development purposes. These domains, reserved by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), help prevent accidental exposure to the public internet. These domains can't be registered with the DNS, which allows software developers and testers to freely experiment without worrying about conflicts with existing or future domain names. This creates a safe and flexible environment for testing software updates and developments. The four main test tTLDs are: .test .example .invalid . localhost 06. Infrastructure TLD (ARPA) The ARPA top-level domain might not grab headlines, but it’s a big deal for keeping the internet up and running. Short for "Address and Routing Parameter Area," ARPA is managed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and is strictly reserved for vital internet infrastructure. Unlike the domains you can register for a website, ARPA works behind the scenes. It’s the backbone for things like reverse DNS lookups—which connect IP addresses to domain names—and protocols like ENUM that link phone numbers to internet resources. ARPA has been around since the early days of the internet. It started as a temporary fix during the transition from ARPANET to the modern web. Over time, it became a dedicated domain for technical operations, quietly supporting the internet’s stability and making sure everything runs smoothly. 07. Sponsored TLD (sTLD) Sponsored top-level domains (sTLDs) are specialized domains requiring eligibility verification. They cater to certain communities or industries, providing targeted online experiences. Sponsoring agencies determine eligibility. Similar to generic top-level domains, sTLDs offer industry-related information, helping users find official and trustworthy content quickly. To obtain an sTLD, apply through an ICANN-accredited registrar  and meet defined criteria. Options of sTLDs include: .gov .museum .edu .mil (U.S. military) 08. New TLD (nTLD) New top-level domains (TLDs) are the latest innovative domain extensions introduced by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority , or the IANA in 2013. These newer extensions offer website owners a wider array of descriptive and creative alternatives, allowing brands to differentiate themselves in a crowded online environment. Much like traditional domains, new TLDs are subject to eligibility requirements set by ICANN, which range from general use to industry-specific purposes. This expansion of domains reflects the evolving landscape of digital branding. Examples of new TLDs include: .blog .art .design .photography .store .digital .media .ninja .love .party .club .christmas .holiday .guru .yoga .training .rocks .finance .expert .tips .online .today .world .center .cloud .land .life .llc Other types of domains Not all domains fall into the standard category. Here are two other types you may come across: Premium domains:  These are high-value, previously owned names that are usually short, memorable or keyword-rich. Because of their strong marketing potential, they often sell for thousands—or even more. While the price tag can be steep, a premium domain may be worth the investment if it closely matches your brand or helps you stand out. For example, a bakery might invest in a premium domain like bestcakes.com  to strengthen its SEO and make the site easy to remember. Parked domains:  A parked domain is one that’s registered but not currently in use. Some people purchase domains to save them for future projects, while others hold them with the intent to resell. Businesses also park domains to protect their brand. For instance, a company might register similar variations of its main domain to prevent competitors from using them. How do domains work? When you type a domain into your browser, it sends a request to the Domain Name System (DNS) . The DNS is a universal, decentralized system that maintains a directory of domain names and their corresponding IP addresses. The DNS is crucial to ensuring browsers can reliably use domain names to find websites. Once the DNS translates the domain name into an IP address , it is then used to locate and access the website's files on its hosting server to display the website on your screen. Your website's files, databases and media elements are all stored on the web server . This is the space you rent from a hosting company when you purchase web hosting services. The speed with which a visitor will connect to your site after typing in the domain in the address bar depends on your website's optimization and the quality of the web server you are hosting the site on. Choosing a good web host can increase your website's performance and search engine rankings. Expert tip from Ofir Gvili, domains PMM at Wix : " Behind every great website is reliable hosting. From uptime to an SSL certificate, hosting is what keeps your site secure, accessible and trustworthy. Your visitors may not see it, but they’ll definitely notice if it’s missing. " Read also: Answering 12 web domain-related questions you’re probably too shy to ask and cheapest domain extensions . Parts of a domain name A domain name consists of two parts: the actual website name, also known as the second-level domain (SLD) and the top-level domain (TLD), which is the ending of a web address. When read from left to right, these parts become less specific. Top-level domain (TLD) Top-level domains (TLDs)  are the highest level of domain extensions in the hierarchy, always appearing at the end of the web address . Also known as "domain extensions," they broadly categorize the website's purpose or geographical location. Extensions like .org vs .com  specify the type of entity your business is registered as on the internet. In our example, Wix’s top-level domain is ".com" since it's a commercial entity in the United States. Some popular top-level domains: .com (commercial):  Ideal for businesses, individuals and all types of companies looking to establish a commercial web presence. It is the most widely used domain extension and is seen as a symbol of commercial intent. .net (network):  Suitable for all types of organizations seeking to build an online network. This domain extension was originally intended for network-oriented websites, but it is now used by a wide range of companies. .mil (military):  Used exclusively by U.S. military branches. This domain extension is restricted to official U.S. military use and is not for public use. .gov (government): Recommended for U.S. government agencies, government personnel and websites representing U.S. cities and regions. It is a trusted domain extension that is only for use by verified government entities. .edu (education): This domain extension is for accredited post-secondary institutions in the United States, making it perfect for schools, universities and educational institutions. .org (organization):  While initially designated for nonprofit organizations, it is now widely used by a variety of groups, including non-governmental organizations and community projects. .co (companies) : Recognized as a global domain used by businesses, entrepreneurs and online communities, this domain extension has become a credible alternative to the .com domain. For a more in-depth list, check out the most popular domain extensions . Second-level domain (SLD) Second-level domains enable companies and individuals to incorporate something that users can associate with their websites, strengthening their brand. Typically, they are the name of the business or vendor that registered the domain name with a registrar. The brand, company or project name serves as the identifier for potential customers. A second-level domain can include letters, numbers and hyphens, but not symbols. Looking at this blog post URL, the second-level domain for wix.com is "wix." Here are some examples of second-level domains (SLDs) . example .com . school .com . marketing .biz Subdomain A third-level domain or subdomain  isn’t required, but can be added before second-level domains. Subdomains offer better structure to websites, allowing multiple parts to remain separate under the same domain. Larger companies use them to distinguish between site sections. In our blog post, the subdomain for Wix's blog is "blog.wix.com." What is a domain used for? Establish ownership: A domain makes your website truly yours. Once registered, no one else can claim it. You gain full control over domain management , including where it points, who manages it or even whether to sell it. Learn more about smart domain name management  strategies to keep your online presence strong. Boost brand identity: A strong domain name helps people remember your business and builds trust. When it matches your company name, it creates a cohesive and memorable brand, making it easier for customers to find you online. Improve search engine ranking: The right domain name can enhance your visibility on search engines . Choosing a keyword-rich or industry-relevant name can improve rankings and attract backlinks. Explore the most common industry domain names to guide your choice. Enhance online presence: Having your own domain allows you to create a website  and prevent domain squatting , showing customers you're a trusted, established business. It’s also a vital step in understanding how to create a business email  that aligns with your brand identity. Pro tip: Customizing business email addresses  for different divisions, like sales@wix.com or support@wix.com, not only adds credibility but also opens opportunities to implement creative email name ideas  that suit your team and operations. How to choose a domain name Now that you know about the different types of domains, learn how to pick a domain name  that is best suited for your needs. Choosing a domain name is a crucial step in building your website. The right domain name can boost your website's visibility, branding and credibility. Here are some tips when selecting a domain name. Read also: Tips for future-proofing your domain Align with website goals Different domains cater to various types of websites based on their purposes and functions. Determine the type of website you’re building and select an extension that aligns with your content, audience and overall goals. Take a look at other sites in your niche and see what domain name extensions they are using. By observing the choices of established websites, you can gain valuable insights and make informed decisions about the best extension for your own website. Short, simple and memorable A short, memorable domain name can help users avoid typos and improve search engine rankings. Look for a name that's easy to spell, pronounce and relates to your business. Search engines increasingly prioritize accessibility and usability, so the simpler a domain (or URL ) is to read for humans, the better it is for search engines. A domain name that clearly conveys your offerings can leave a lasting impression on visitors, making it easier for them to recall your website. As Lori Appleman, the Co-Founder of Redline Minds says: "After 25 years working with online stores, I've seen countless businesses lose money because they picked domains that were too long or complex. The #1  rule I give clients is: if you can't say it clearly over the phone without spelling it out, pick something else. Think about your customer's shopping journey. When someone's rushing to find your site after seeing your product at a trade show, they need to type it quickly and accurately." Maintain your brand identity As you pick your domain name, aligning with your brand name and identity is key. For Ana Colak-Fustin, founder and HR consultant and recruiter for ByRecruiters , she knew the domain name needed to be short, memorable and reflective of her brand's unique value. As Ana shares: "In an industry where many sites are run by media companies, I wanted a name that highlighted recruitment expertise. While building my site (notably on Wix), I considered options like Made by Recruiters and Recommended by Recruiters but ultimately chose the simplest version: ByRecruiters. The name perfectly captures what sets my platform apart-every tip, resource and product is created by a former recruiter and often reviewed or contributed by others in the field. ByRecruiters communicates all of this in just two words." Avoid hyphens Using numbers and hyphens when spoken can be confusing and often misunderstood. The use of hyphens is also strongly linked to spammy behavior, which can have detrimental effects on a website's reputation, potentially leading to decreased user trust and engagement. It's best to stick to letters only or to use no more than one hyphen. Protect your brand Protect your brand identity by securing multiple extensions and variations of your domain name. This can prevent competitors from using similar names and helps maintain consistency and recognition among your audience. Consider purchasing common misspellings, singular/plural versions and other popular extensions to avoid confusion and protect your brand. Keep it legal Be sure to research any possible trademark violations before you learn how to buy a domain name . This can save you from legal disputes in the future and ensure that your website is compliant with copyright laws. You can check for existing trademarks through sites such as  USPTO . Additionally, avoid using trademarked terms or brands in your domain name, which can also lead to legal issues. Learn how to trademark a domain name to avoid any issues. Ready to buy a website domain ? Do it with Wix.  Registering your domain name There are many types of domain names out there waiting to be owned. But before you can do anything with them, you need to know how to register a domain name . Select a domain registrar:  Opt for a reputable domain registrar , like Wix. I want to buy a domain, how do I go about doing it? Run a domain name search:  Utilize the registrar's domain name search tool  to verify the availability of your desired domain. You might need to explore variations or use a domain name generator  to find an open option. Pick your domain : Once you confirm availability, decide on the domain you want and complete the purchasing process. Provide any necessary contact information and pay the domain price . Many registrars offer bundled services, including free web hosting .  Tip : With Wix, when you make a website, a paid plan  allows you to get a free domain with a one year voucher. Find the domain owner and registration details for a website with a  Whois domain lookup .  Learn more: What's the easiest way to get a domain? Firsthand domain insights from a travel entrepreneur When Erica and Shanticleer launched  Paper, Planes and Passport , securing a custom domain early was essential. While Erica had a large social media following, she wanted a website to serve as their “home base” for trips, client bookings and communications. “Having a website has been non-negotiable for us,” she says. “It’s where we promote our trips, take payments and communicate. It’s also where we get a chance to understand our people and know what trips we should drop next.” A custom domain gave their brand credibility, made it easy for customers to find them, and helped protect their business. They had already been tagging travel photos with #paperplanesandpassports , and finding the domain available made the name an obvious choice. Why trust Wix’s experts? This article was created by Wix’s in-house domain experts, with years of experience helping people choose, register and secure the perfect domains for their businesses and online projects. The guidance, tips and best practices shared here come directly from real Wix projects, so you can be confident they’ll help you find a domain that represents your brand, stays secure and supports your long-term goals. At Wix, we’ve guided millions of entrepreneurs, creators and small business owners in establishing a strong online presence. Our team keeps up with the latest in domain management, security and branding, making sure the advice you get is practical and backed by proven results. Think of this article as your trusted resource for every stage of domain ownership, from finding your first custom domain to protecting and growing your online identity. Types of domains FAQ Can I change my domain name in the future? Depending on how well-established your website and internet presence are, changing your domain name might be a challenging process. Carefully consider your domain name before purchasing one and make sure it aligns with your long-term goals. Learn more about how to redirect a domain  before making a decision. What is a root domain? A root domain is typically used to represent the homepage of a website and often does not include any prefix or subdomain. For example, wix.com is a root domain while blog.wix.com would be a subdomain. Are domain names important to SEO? Yes, domain names can play a role in search engine optimization (SEO) and marketing strategies . A relevant and easy-to-remember domain name can enhance user experience and increase website traffic. Additionally, having keywords or key phrases in your domain name can also help with SEO rankings. Overall, creating a strong and memorable brand identity should be the top priority when coming up with a domain name. What is the difference between domain and web hosting? A domain is the address of your website, while web hosting is the service that allows your website to be accessible on the internet. Essentially, a domain name is like your home address and a hosting website  is like paying rent for your online space. Both are necessary for building and maintaining a website. What is the difference between a domain and a URL? A domain is the core part of a web address that identifies a website, like "wix.com." A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the full web address that leads you to a specific page or file on that website. For example, in the URL "https://www.wix.com/blog/types-of-domains," the domain is "wix.com," while the rest, like "/blog/types-of-domains," specifies the exact location of the page. A URL typically includes a protocol (e.g., " HTTPS "), the domain, and a path that points to a specific resource.

The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain →   Imagine securing a domain name so valuable that it changes the game for your business. That's exactly what happened with Commerce.com , which sold for for a remarkable $2,200,000 in 2025, making it the year’s most expensive domain transaction so far. Domain names aren’t just web addresses – they’re powerful assets that can boost credibility, build trust and even define a brand’s success. But you don’t need millions to find a valuable domain. From entrepreneurial investors flipping domains for profit to businesses securing the perfect online identity, every domain tells a story. Let's uncover what makes some URLs worth six- or even seven-figure price tags and explore how you can choose a domain name for your goals without breaking the bank. Learn more: What is a domain name? Pro tip: How much a domain name costs  for your website depends on many factors, and you’ll likely find a domain name for between $0-$45 per year. When using a website builder  like Wix, you can find and register a domain  for free when you have a paid plan.  TL;DR: most expensive domain names Some domain names have sold for astonishing amounts, reflecting their brand power and market demand. Leading the list is Cars.com at $872 million, followed by Business.com at $345 million and LasVegas.com at $90 million. Other high-value sales include CarInsurance.com ($49.7 million), Insurance.com ($35.6 million) and VacationRentals.com ($35 million). Whether purchased by tech giants, domain brokers  or savvy investors, some people pay big bucks in these transactions, driven by brand recognition, market dominance or speculative investments.  The 23 most expensive domain names ever sold  The domain name aftermarket is an industry in itself, with highly coveted URLs selling for premium prices in the millions. Public domain sales shot up by an impressive 121% in Q1 2025 compared to the previous quarter , showing a growing appetite for premium digital assets. Ready to see the most expensive domain names ever sold? The list of record-breaking sales below highlights the important role of this website feature  in our digital economy:  Cars.com Business.com   Lasvegas.com CarInsurance.com    Insurance.com     VacationRentals.com  Privatejet.com Voice.com Internet.com 360.com NFTs.com AI.com Hotels.com Tesla.com Fund.com Connect.com Diamonds.com Beer.com Z.com Toys.com Shop.com Place.com    Max.com 01. Cars.com: $872 million The most valuable domain name today is widely recognized as Cars.com, which was valued at $872 million during a 2014 transaction involving Gannett Co., Inc . The value highlights the domain's critical role in generating leads and traffic for car dealerships across the United States. 02. Business.com: $345 million Business.com  sold for $2 million in 2007, although its stock's $345 million valuation  at the time of acquisition made it one of the most expensive domain sales ever reported. Today, the domain leads to a website dedicated to helping visitors learn how to start a business.   The domain’s branded name is relevant to business owners worldwide, making it an ideal URL for attracting the attention of entrepreneurs in global locations.   Pro tip: Get inspiration finding your own business’s domain name with a business name generator .    03. LasVegas.com: $90 million LasVegas.com proves the power of location-based domains. One of the most expensive domain names ever sold, LasVegas.com changed hands for a staggering $90 million, highlighting the immense value of a name tied to a world-famous city. The sale demonstrates the financial potential in the travel and tourism industry. Companies that understand the draw of highly recognizable, location-specific domains are willing to invest substantial sums to secure prime digital real estate that drives traffic, bookings and brand authority. 04. CarInsurance.com: $49.7 million CarInsurance.com sets the standard for domain name values today. One of the most expensive domain names on the internet, CarInsurance.com marked a significant milestone when it was auctioned off to QuinnStreet for a record-breaking price of $49.7 million in 2019.  The transaction underscores the financial potential in the car insurance industry. Companies who recognize the value of established websites like CarInsurance.com are willing to invest significant sums to secure top-tier internet real estate. 05. Insurance.com: $35.6 million In 2020, Insurance.com was sold for 35.6 million US dollars  to QuinnStreet at an auction. At the time, it set a new record for the most expensive domain name. This domain now powers a website that acts as a “quick start guide” for insurance shopping, offering tips on finding the most affordable insurance plans.    06. VacationRentals.com: $35 million    Vacationrentals.com  redirects to VRBO, is a vacation company with a focus on group travel. In 2007, the domain was acquired for $35 million. Acquiring a versatile domain name is a smart move for a niche business with the right budget, especially for brands targeting customers who use generic search terms such as "vacation rentals." 07.  PrivateJet.com: $30.18 million PrivateJet.com highlights the value of niche luxury domains. One of the most expensive domain names ever sold, PrivateJet.com was purchased for $30.18 million, reflecting the high demand in the private aviation market. The transaction underscores the financial potential of premium, industry-specific domains. Businesses that recognize the credibility and instant authority a name like PrivateJet.com conveys are willing to invest significant sums to secure top-tier digital real estate. 08.  Voice.com: $30 million Voice.com , which used to be owned by MicroStrategy, was acquired by blockchain-based social media platform Block.one in 2019. The cash transaction facilitated by GoDaddy hit a record breaking purchase price of over $30 million, setting a new benchmark for sales of public domains. Voice.com, an intriguing and catchy domain name, currently serves as a marketplace for NFTs.  09. Internet.com: $18 million   In 1995, Netcom Online Communications Services Inc. made history by purchasing the domain name Internet.com at auction. It sold for a staggering $18 million, making it one of the most expensive domain names at the time. Later in 2021, it was put up for sale at a private auction when Business Wire reported  that “Internet.com offers a unique global platform—the name, ‘Internet,’ and the domain, ‘.com,’ and the traffic that those two terms generate, bring enormous value to the domain.”  To this day, Internet.com remains a highly valuable asset for its owners. In addition to generating traffic from users who type in the address directly, it’s a chance to promote their other online properties. 10.  360.com: $17 million In 2016, 360.com  made a notable entry into the list of the most expensive domain names, with a domain value set at twice the price of the previous record holder . It was sold by Vodfone to entrepreneur Zhou Hongyi Domain (also known as a “domain gangster”) for $17 million.  360.com’s substantial price tag reflects the website's extensive global reach and its robust brand recognition in the online landscape.    11. NFTs.com: $15 million  In August 2022, NFTs.com was sold for $15 million through a transaction brokered by Domainer.com and GoDaddy. Although the domain was sold to an undisclosed individual, the brokers revealed in a press release  that the buyer already has associations with other web3 assets catered to artists. Today, the landing page reads “Powered by DigitalArtists.com Marketplace”—given the recent decline in the NFT marketplace, it will be interesting to see if NFTs.com remains a worthy investment.  12. AI.com: $11 million This highly relevant domain name is rich in SEO  keywords, making it trendy with rising tech companies. In February 2023, Open AI acquired AI.com for $11 million, making it one of the most expensive domain names ever sold. By the summer of 2023, the domain name was flipped to Elon Musk's X.ai .  What does the future have in store for this domain? Over the past year, AI.com continues to build desirability in the tech industry. Today, AI.com redirects to Google's AI tool, Gemini. The fact that it keeps getting flipped  by major companies underscores its growing value   13.  Hotels.com: $11 million Hotels.com was sold for $11 million in 2001 by the owners of the Expedia group. While it’s an expensive investment for a domain name, the owners now believe their purchase was a “ bargain .” Drawing in over 45 million visitors of traffic per month, Hotels.com LP now has 85 websites in 34 languages.  14. Tesla.com: $11 million Originally, Tesla owned TeslaMotors.com , but the company recognized its limitations. For a prominent brand, having a domain name that exactly matches its business name is crucial. Additionally, most users typing "Tesla.com" would likely intend to visit the Tesla Motors website.  Elon Musk revealed  that acquiring Tesla.com in 2014, which cost around $11 million, took ten years of negotiations to purchase. That’s longer than it took Tesla to design, build and sell its first car. Musk’s determination and the value of Tesla’s domain name highlight the significance of branding in the digital age.  15. Fund.com: $10 million In 2008, Fund.com  was sold to Guggenheim Partners, who invented it for use as an online resource for investors. Although the site never launched, the domain name was sold off with a price tag of $10 million. Today, Fund.com features web content  that offers a variety of resources for financial advice.   16. Connect.com: $10 million In 2022, online marketing and CRM service HubSpot made a strategic acquisition by purchasing Connect.com for $10 million. Today, Connect.com is an ambitious networking website that acts as an extension of the HubSpot company. Few domain names could match the branding potential of Connect.com—strategic to enhancing the online presence of a new type of social networking service.  17.  Diamonds.com: $7.5 million Like the rare stones themselves, Diamond.com is iconic in the jewelry store industry. The domain name rose in value alongside the rise of jewelry eCommerce , hosting several iterations of jewelry vendors online. In May 2006, Diamond.com changed hands for its most expensive domain sale to date: $7.5 million.   18. Beer.com: $7 million If we typed in the URL Beer.com in 2004, we’d find a search engine for all sorts of topics related to beer. At the time, the broad domain name was one-of-its-kind on the internet, valued at $7 million. Flash forward to 2021, Thought Convergence auctioned off Beer.com  with a lot of 26 other related domains—including cervezas.com (Spanish), Bier.com (German), and BeerRatings.com —for a decreased value of between $1 million and $5 million.  Today, Beer.com is still for sale, using a bold landing page design to market the domain collection that will “capture the entire global beer market in one fell swoop.”  Pro tip: Use a landing page builder to market your own special offers online.  19. Z.com: $6.8 million Z.com is one of only six single letter domain names using a generic top level domain  (.com, org. and .net.) Today the domain hosts a website for one of Japan’s leading service providers, GMO Internet. In 2014, the internet group purchased Z.com for $6.8 million from Nissan North America.  20. Toys.com: $5.1 million When Toys R Us decided to shift focus onto e-commerce  in 2019, they already had the perfect domain ready for online toy shoppers: Toys.com. According to TechCrunch , Toys R Us won a heated bidding war when purchasing Toys.com for $5.1 million back in 2009. Thanks to the foresight that drove Toys R Us to purchase the domain, the site draws in hundreds of thousands of customers a month.  21.  Shop.com: $3.55 million Shop.com was sold to Altura International by the company Internet Real Estate group in November 2003 for $3.5 million. While the broad domain works for the website for corporation Market America, it might not be as suitable for small businesses. Today, an eCommerce website  should include a more personalized domain name that resonates with customers. 22. Place.com: $3 million    Place is a service provider to real estate agents and brokers providing end-to-end software and business solutions. At the time of acquisition, the owners revealed  that Place.com surprisingly had no marketing or advertising departments, despite an impressive 11.3 million profit in 2020. The purchase of the domain name was identified as a crucial step in Place's aspiration to establish a consumer brand.  23. Max.com: $1.8 million Sometimes, a commonplace domain name will become one of the biggest names in business. Consider Max.com’s rebrand in 2023—who could have predicted that HBO, one of the world’s biggest television companies, would distinguish their streaming service with a single word, “Max”? In a deal brokered by NameExperts, Max.com was sold by Max International, a nutritional supplement company for $1.8 million in 2023.  Domain name Sale price Year of sale Description CarInsurance.com $49.7 million 2019 Sold to QuinStreet, this domain highlights the high value of the car insurance industry and remains one of the most expensive domains to date. Insurance.com $35.6 million 2020 Purchased by QuinStreet, this domain is now a go-to resource for quick tips and comparisons for affordable insurance plans. VacationRentals.com $35 million 2007 Acquired by VRBO, this domain appeals to travelers seeking group travel options and generic vacation rental searches. Voice.com $30 million 2019 Sold to Block.one, this catchy domain is now an NFT marketplace and set a record for public domain sales. Internet.com $18 million 1995 Purchased by Netcom Online and later resold in 2021, this domain thrives on natural traffic and global relevance. 360.com $17 million 2016 Sold to entrepreneur Zhou Hongyi, this domain demonstrates strong branding potential and extensive global reach. NFTs.com $15 million 2022 A key domain in the web3 space, NFTs.com is dedicated to artists and highlights blockchain tech’s growing appeal. AI.com $11 million 2023 Acquired by OpenAI and later flipped to X.ai, this high-demand domain now redirects to Google’s Gemini AI tool. Hotels.com $11 million 2001 Purchased by Expedia Group, this domain draws millions of monthly visitors and continues to thrive globally. Tesla.com $11 million 2014 Acquired after ten years of negotiation, this domain underscores Tesla’s dedication to a powerful and streamlined brand presence. Connect.com $10 million 2022 Purchased by HubSpot, this domain enhances their vision for a networking platform and positions them in the CRM market. Fund.com $10 million 2008 Originally intended as an investment resource, this domain now offers financial advice, maintaining its status as a premium digital asset. Diamonds.com $7.5 million 2006 Capitalizing on the rise of jewelry eCommerce, this domain remains an iconic player in the jewelry industry. Beer.com $7 million 2004 Once a beer-themed search engine, this domain is now marketed as part of a larger beer-related domain collection. Z.com $6.8 million 2014 One of only six single-letter .com domains, this rare URL was purchased by Japan’s GMO Internet Group. Toys.com $5.1 million 2009 Acquired by Toys R Us, this domain has been a key driver for their eCommerce success, drawing in thousands of visitors monthly. Shop.com $3.55 million 2003 Now used by Market America, this domain works as an eCommerce platform for a large corporation but stresses the need for personalized URLs for smaller brands. Place.com $3 million 2020 Acquired to help position Place as a leading real estate service provider, this domain was a vital move toward establishing their consumer brand. Business.com $2 million 2007 A widely recognized domain, Business.com is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs globally and continues to serve as a top site for business guidance. Max.com $1.8 million 2023 Rebranded by HBO for its streaming service "Max," this domain proves how simplicity and relevance can reshape a brand’s identity. Recent high-value domain sales While most domain names are affordable and easy to register, some are valuable enough to sell for millions. In fact, in the past couple of years, we’ve seen a wave of high-profile, high-dollar domain sales. Here are a few of the biggest recent domain sales: Chat.com  – Sold to OpenAI for $15.5 million Rocket.com  – Purchased for $14 million Icon.com  – Sold for $12 million  in early 2025 You.ai  – Sold for $700,000 Pump.ai  – Closed at $60,000 What’s driving these numbers? Short, memorable .com domains have always been in demand, but AI-related domains, especially those ending in .ai, are quickly climbing in value too. If you’re still choosing your own domain, keep an eye on trends like these. It’s a helpful way to spot opportunities and understand what makes a domain name truly valuable in today’s market. What is a domain name?  A domain name is part of a website’s URL , also known as the web address  people type into their browsers in order to arrive at a specific site. A domain name consists of two main parts, including the name of your website and its top level domain extension (TLD). For example, in Wix.com Wix is the domain name of the site while the .com is the TLD.  A domain works like this: The domain name system (DNS) is part of your website infrastructure  which translates domain names into an IP address that computers can understand. It sends the domain name to the IP of the web server, which then allows  users to access the site by typing in the web address.  A domain name is one of the most essential parts of a website , giving you content visibility online. For example, a domain name can help your site and certain web pages  get indexed. Learn more: Guide to domain extensions Why are some domains so expensive? Ever wonder why some domain names come with hefty price tags? It often comes down to how unique, relevant and memorable they are. Single-word domains are incredibly valuable because they’re simple and easy to recall . Domains like "coffee.com" are concise, instantly recognizable and directly tied to a widely searched term—making them highly desirable. Industry-specific domains also attract competition. For example, names like poker.world  or lightbet.com  offer instant credibility within online gambling and connect directly to what users are searching for. A trusted extension like .com  further boosts value by signaling professionalism and global recognition. Some businesses invest in premium domains to secure their position, or to keep competitors from owning a valuable keyword. The right name strengthens branding, marketing and long-term visibility, making it a powerful digital asset. As Cyrus Partow, the CEO of ShipTheDeal says: "The domain itself becomes part of your pitch—it signals how serious and long-term you're thinking. When I launched ShipTheDeal, I invested upfront because I knew trust was half the battle in eCommerce platforms. My advice: think about your ideal customer's confidence level, not just your budget today." Why these domain names are so valuable Type-in traffic:  Generic keyword domains (e.g., cars.com ) attract visitors who type the term directly into their browser. SEO advantage:  Premium domains often perform better in search, helping sites gain organic visibility faster. Strategic acquisitions:  Companies sometimes buy domains to dominate their market or block competitors (as with VacationRentals.com ). Confidentiality:  Many top-tier sales go unreported due to confidentiality agreements, so record-breaking deals may never be public. Learn why some business owners are wiling to pay $100+ a year for a premium domain . What are the benefits of using a custom domain name for my website?  You can definitely learn how to make a website without a customized domain name but it's often an important website feature  when growing your online presence. With your own domain, you can amplify your site’s visibility and distinguish it from the over 400 million websites that are active today.  In this vast online landscape, having your own domain name will help customers connect to your website with credibility, trust and authoritativeness:  Credibility:  A custom domain name is more professional, leaving a positive impression on visitors and stabilizing your online presence. Learn more about what custom domains are . Trust: Your website is often a customer’s first impression of your business, and a quality domain name makes your website easy to find and remember. This means customers actively seeking your services may recall your site over and over again and build trust in your brand.  Authoritativeness: Using relevant names and keywords signals authoritativeness to visitors and search engines alike. This optimization can boost visibility and can draw in new customers.   Expert tip from Ofir Gvili, domains PMM at Wix: “Domains are like digital real estate: the right name can grow in value as your brand grows. Choose wisely now and you’ll thank yourself later when your online identity feels timeless and recognizable.”   How to choose a domain name for your website  Registering a web address on your own is one of the most important first steps to building a professional website . To choose the right domain name for your website, type of domain name , follow these steps:     Choose a website builder with secure hosting: If you’re starting a business of your own, consider how much a website costs  and if the domain name you want is within your budget. When you use a website builder, a custom domain and web hosting  are usually part of your premium package, avoiding the extra fees. You’ll also benefit from built-in website security  protocols, ensuring your domain’s data is protected.    Use a domain name generator:  The best domain name generators  will give you ideas to get started. Try Wix's domain name generator  today. Keep it short:  Technically speaking, domain names can include up to 63 characters. However, the best practice is ensuring it's easy to remember, so we don’t recommend stretching yours that long. Choosing a domain name between 2-3 words, or 3-12 characters long is a good rule of thumb.  Stay on brand and use SEO keywords:  Make sure you align your domain name with the rest of your marketing efforts, such as your business name or SEO keywords. You can use a domain name search  tool to generate ideas around your business name and see if the domain you want is available.   Pick the right domain extension:  As you  plan your website , there are many  types of domains  that can serve your purpose. It’s common to use a more traditional domain extension ( .org, .com or .net ), which are among the most common industry domain names . You may also want a  new top level domain  that will stick out in your industry. For example, .biz, .art, .forum, .zip, .music, are all newer TLDs that may be relevant to your specific niche. You may also consider country-specific TLDs such as .fr (France) or .in (India). Secure your domain name: Once you’ve found a domain name that you like available, it’s time to learn how to register a domain name . If you’re not using a website builder with integrated domain purchases and hosting, the best domain registrars  can help you with this process. As Ronak Kothari, the Owner of Ronkot Design, LLC shares: "My biggest rule is: your domain should instantly communicate what you do. I've seen too many businesses get clever with wordplay and lose potential customers who can't figure out their service from the URL alone." I want to buy a domain , where to start? What is domain flipping? Domain flipping is the practice of buying a domain name and later selling it for a higher price — much like house flipping, but instead of physical property, you’re dealing with digital real estate on the web. Investors have increasingly recognized domain names as valuable digital assets. Certain domains hold strong trademark, branding and keyword potential, making the domain market especially active among startups and tech industries. Risks and rewards of domain flipping Investing in domain names comes with its share of risks, but it can pay off if done right. Success starts with careful research, staying on top of market trends and having an eye for which domains might gain value over time. While registering a standard domain usually costs between $10 and $45 a year, premium domains or those in hot niches can sometimes come with a much heftier price tag. If you’ve got a knack for spotting hidden gems, domain flipping could turn into a rewarding venture. The key? Buy undervalued domains at the right time and sell when demand spikes. Just be cautious to steer clear of trademarks or established brand names—getting this wrong could land you in legal trouble. How to check what your domain name is worth   If you own a domain name that is no longer useful or you want to learn how to buy a domain name as a potential investment, determining its value is essential. Your domain could be the name of the next big start-up or brand. But how do you find out what it's worth? There are several methods to help you assess the value of your domain name:  Market research:  Compare prices for similar domain names with related keywords. This will give you an idea of your domain's potential value. List your domain:  List your domain name for sale on online marketplaces like Flippa  to receive offers from potential buyers. This method provides a direct evaluation of your domain's worth. Domain appraisal tools:  While not foolproof, domain appraisal tools can provide an estimated value based on factors like keyword relevance and search engine rankings. Before you sell a domain, make sure it's the right time for it. For example, while a domain connected to NFTs may have been a hot commodity at the start of the 2020s, today, it's becoming less popular and therefore dependable than it once was in the past. On the other hand, domains associated with emerging technologies like AI may have long-term potential for growth. You may also be interested in the cheapest domain extensions . Most expensive domain names FAQ What's the most valuable domain name ever sold? The most valuable domain name today is widely recognized as Cars.com, which was valued at $872 million during a 2014 transaction involving Gannett Co., Inc . The value highlights the domain's critical role in generating leads and traffic for car dealerships across the United States​. Keep in mind, many high value domain names are not publicly disclosed due to non-disclosure agreements during the transaction.  Is domain flipping legal? Why are some domains more expensive than others? What are the most expensive domain extensions? What makes a domain name expensive or valuable?

Ready to let your work shine? Build your portfolio →  Before creating your own portfolio website , check out this selection of the best portfolio websites—all made with Wix's website builder . Seeing how others present their work can help you figure out what makes you unique and how to bring that into your website design. TL;DR: best portfolio websites Looking to build or revamp your portfolio website ? This curated list of standout portfolios shows how creatives—from illustrators to UX designers—highlight their work, tell their stories and build credibility. These examples offer ideas for layout, visuals and content strategy to help your site work as hard as you do. A great portfolio keeps your best work front and center, uses clear navigation and concise project descriptions, and adds personal touches to stand out. Include calls to action, results or testimonials to turn your site into a client magnet. The goal is simple: tell your story, show your style and make it easy for the right opportunities to find you. Showcasing your talent should be easy. 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. Best portfolio website examples Alina Fomin (illustrator and animator) Sophie Westfall (UX) Steve Wolf Designs (graphic design and branding studio) Kristina Smolyar (model)   Chipie Designs (branding design studio) Lindsey Brooke Design (interior design) Studio Bagaz' (branding and production) David Milan (art director) By Experience (design agency) Aling Wen (photographer) Anna Leovy (artist and illustrator) Reut Chen (textile designer) Lena Steinkühler (graphic designer) Mathias Holmberg (architectural design) T Sakhi (interior designers) Studio Burge Nur Saltik (industrial designer) Rafael Varona (animator) Color Drunk (interior design) Pedro Campos (oil paintings) Shinyoung Kim (animator and illustrator) Starting a business in design? Use this design name generator to name it. 01. Illustration and animation portfolio: Alina Fomin True to her belief that "great visual storytelling combined with engaging content makes miracles," illustrator and animator Alina Fomin uses her portfolio to deliver an immersive experience. Right from the first page, you can see her ingenuity; Alina uses elegant animations and well-placed text to guide you through her work. She incorporates multiple design features across her site, including hover effects and creative illustrations. She also arranges her work samples into staggered columns to add even more depth and movement. You’ll find yourself scrolling through the entire site, getting lost in the stunning array of artwork. 02. UI/UX design portfolio: Sophie Westfall Specializing in branding and UI/UX design, Sophie Westfall 's UX portfolio website example certainly demonstrates her skills in both areas. She’s crafted a well-defined visual language when planning how to create a website as her career portfolio, made up of bright colors, geometric shapes, illustrations and animation. In addition, subtle touches like an interactive feature image exude personality and wit. Take note of the comic microcopy, particularly at the bottom of her site, offering a fresh take on the usual social bar icons. "Honestly too gen z not to post on TikTok but also too much of a perfectionist to post consistently," she writes about her TikTok profile. 03. Graphic design portfolio: Steve Wolf Designs With the super sharp high-quality visuals on Steve Wolf ’s design portfolio website, it almost feels like you can reach out and grab the products photographed in this type of website . The organized grid layout and screen-to-screen visuals put the emphasis on the works themselves. A discreet hover effect on each image reveals the name of the project, while keeping text to a minimum. To make a portfolio in a similar style, head over to this template . You can add your own works and adjust the design to express your style. You'll also find plenty best portfolio layouts and portfolio website templates as examples on which you can base your design. 04. Modeling portfolio: Kristina Smolyar Kristina Smolyar ’s online modeling portfolio shows us the power of incorporating video effects into a website. This personal web page uses neutral tones and soft imagery on the homepage to showcase Smolyar’s stunning work. However, visitor’s will notice a bold strip at the bottom of the page that breaks this natural, angelic vibe. A picture of Smolyar wearing a white and yellow shirt on a red couch that’s overlaid with a contact form provides contrast in color and style, an effective way to grab visitors’ attention. Despite the fact that this model portfolio example  is only one page, the use of video in both the top strip and the middle of the page is used to convey Smolyar’s brand image and modeling style, and allows you to feel a more personal connection to her. Learn more: How to make a fashion portfolio How to make a modeling portfolio 05. Graphic design agency portfolio: Chipie Designs If there's one thing designer Claudia del Castillo did well in creating the portfolio for her firm, Chipie Designs (and we would argue there are plenty of things), it's her attention to detail. By infusing the firm's signature cyan-green across the site, down to the interactive hover effects, she crafts a cohesive visual narrative that both delights and informs. The structure of the graphic design portfolio example is user-centric; each work sample serves as a portal to a more detailed case study, offering insight into Chipie Designs' contributions and project outcomes. Moreover, the use of dropdown menus is a strategic choice for seamless site navigation, allowing visitors to effortlessly delve into the portfolio or select a specific client's case study. This intuitive design choice underscores the firm's dedication to a superior user experience, showcasing how functional elements can align perfectly with aesthetic presentation. 06. Interior design portfolio: Lindsey Brooke Design Lindsey Brooke Design’s portfolio website is a beautiful reflection of the studio’s timeless and curated aesthetic. The clean, spacious layout highlights each project with high-quality imagery, letting the work speak for itself. A neutral color palette and elegant typography create a calming, sophisticated feel, while the intuitive navigation makes it easy to explore the studio’s thoughtfully designed spaces. This site is a perfect example of how simplicity and elegance can leave a lasting impression. 07. Graphic design studio portfolio: Studio Bagaz’ Graphic design brand Studio Bagaz ’ is all about crisp aesthetics when it comes to their professional portfolio website. This sophisticated simplicity also applies to their website navigation, thanks to the organized structure of their site. Visitors can swiftly move between pages using the fixed website menu on the side, or by clicking on the images of the works themselves. The menu opens up as a lightbox that slides onto the screen, covering half of it. Not only does this fill the screen with new compositions and color combinations, but it also lets visitors remain on the page they were browsing while simultaneously navigating around the site making for great user experience design. 08. Artist portfolio website: David Milan Designer, art director and hand lettering artist David Milan places his art center stage. By including only the most crucial elements on the header and opting for a simple monochrome palette, David draws visitors’ eyes directly to his colorful designs. His gallery of works spans the width of the screen, making up the majority of the website. David has used the Wix Pro Gallery to form a feed-like website layout that visitors are invited to scroll down for great usability. This straightforward structure allows for more and more images to be uploaded, making for a design portfolio that is easy to update as his body of work expands. Learn more: Writing portfolio examples 09. Creative marketing portfolio: By Experience An energizing cobalt blue fills the screen on design agency By Experience ’s homepage. Adding to this dynamic sensation is the fast-paced animated text on the top fold of their site. The tone of voice is self-assured and to-the-point, inviting visitors to reach out and hire their expert services. As opposed to the other portfolio website examples in this selection, By Experience shares their work alongside testimonials by satisfied customers. This demonstrates their skills and past successes, helping to attract potential clients. They make it easy for visitors to contact them by including a static floating menu icon in the top right-hand corner that leads to an online form for getting in touch. Using your professional portfolio as a personal marketing portfolio is never a bad idea. 10. Photography portfolio: Aling Wen Photography Crafting a photography portfolio is much like curating an art exhibition; it's an intimate reflection of the artist's eye, requiring thoughtful presentation to truly resonate with the viewer. Aling Wen 's website perfectly exemplifies this, drawing you in with a dreamy, fullscreen portrait that spills over the edges, inviting you into the photo's idyllic setting. Aling has separated her portfolio into sections so that her clients can view samples that are relevant to their purposes. The website's design—featuring a graceful font, a sprightly logo, and a subtle color palette—wonderfully complements the ethereal quality of her photos. We love that she chose to add some variety to the layout so that each fold feels like a unique treat. 11. Digital art portfolio: Ana Leovy Artist and illustrator Ana Leovy proves that an illustration portfolio doesn’t necessarily need images to succeed. In fact, the homepage of her portfolio website contains no images whatsoever, but rather a burnt orange background, her logo and a few introductory sentences that act as an alternative navigation menu. With no imagery at all, Ana still manages to form a highly visual homepage, thanks to her attention to detail, typography, digital art and color. To showcase her works and sell art online through her store, Ana implements a simple light grey background that gives her vivid illustrations the platform they deserve. This also really helps establish her unique personal branding style. 12. Textile design portfolio: Reut Chen Textile designer Reut Chen has gone for a classic grid layout on her portfolio website. The geometric building blocks that make up her site contrast with her works, which have a more organic, textured and handmade feel. The simple, distraction-free web design lets her art stand out. If you’re wondering how to make a portfolio and in search of some good inspiration, Reut’s website is a great example to follow. Breaking away from the grid is a new project that she has chosen to highlight at the top of her homepage. By putting the spotlight on this particular piece, potential clients or collaborators can instantly understand which areas she is currently exploring. Tailoring your portfolio to the type of work you want in the future as a freelancer is a key graphic design portfolio tip. Intrigued? Subscribe to the Wix blog newsletter for your weekly dose of design inspiration. 13. 3D design portfolio: Lena Steinkühler Lena Steinkühler , a freelance graphic designer focusing on digital film and VFX art, creates a striking first impression by placing her most eye-catching pieces at the top of her site (see digital portfolio examples for even more examples). A curated selection of vibrant, somewhat surreal 3D visuals fill the screen in a slideshow format, piquing our curiosity. Scrolling down Lena’s portfolio website, plenty more visual delights await. Her works are displayed in a fullscreen grid, with a clean white border to separate between images. The use of an uneven grid, with some images larger than others, adds a sense of hierarchy and brings our focus to certain pieces more than others. 14. Architecture portfolio: Mathias Holmberg This architecture portfolio example offers a simple yet powerful representation of Mathias Holmberg ’s work. Vertical and horizontal images are pieced together in a grid with white space between each to display the range of his capabilities. The color palette used on both the website design and the images encompasses soft neutral tones, offering an inviting, approachable online space. Unlike other portfolio examples, this site contains very minimal links or navigation and almost no menu. The only other link you’ll find leads to an Info page with contact details and a link to the architect’s Instagram. Likewise, there is very limited written content, allowing Mathias’ talent to shine through in images alone. 15. Interior design portfolio: T Sakhi Sisters Tessa and Tara Sakhi design spaces inspired by the beauty of the human experience. Their interior design portfolio is a true expression of their work, combining multimedia, images and videos of urban architecture and design. A video background of blurred city lights disappears as their work is faded into view, sweeping you into Tessa and Tara’s artistic world. You’ll find an updated list of current projects and exhibits so visitors are always informed of the duo’s latest happenings. Additionally, an "About" section shares a bit about their story, creating a personal connection between the artists and potential customers. 16. Industrial design portfolio: Studio Bilge Nur Saltik This London-based industrial designer has a unique, contemporary style that shines through in her portfolio website. A striking slideshow of her latest work makes up the top strip of the Studio Bilge Nur Saltik site, containing vibrant, modern images. As visitors continue to scroll, they’ll see sleek, colorful pictures of the artist’s designs pieced together into a grid format with corresponding tones that show off her professional style. A menu at the top of this industrial design portfolio contains links to "About," "News" and "Contact" pages, as well as to an online store, which is all part of a free eCommerce website . Allowing visitors the opportunity to purchase pieces directly from her website simplifies the process for those who want to do so. The online shop contains quick-view images of each product, with a full description and price listing once you click through. 17. Digital animation portfolio: Rafael Varona Berlin and Rotterdam-based illustrator, animator and art director Rafael Varona , showcases his astonishing range of motion design on his animation portfolio website. The artist specializes in complex animated loops, which takes center stage upon entering his site with an array of colorful and detailed clips. As you scroll through the homepage, more of Varona’s work is featured in a grid-type format, giving you a front row seat to his creative world. In addition to images of his work, a menu link to the artist’s Instagram account is in the upper right hand corner along with a short "About" section. This portfolio example has very little text, highlighting Varona’s exquisite artistic talent. 18. Interior design portfolio: Color Drunk Color Drunk’s portfolio website  is a bold and dynamic showcase of their interior design expertise. The homepage immediately grabs attention with vibrant, high-resolution images of their projects, arranged in a clean, grid-like layout. Each portfolio piece is thoughtfully presented, with hover effects and detailed descriptions that guide visitors through their creative process. The use of bright colors and playful typography reflects the brand’s fearless approach to design, while the intuitive navigation ensures a seamless user experience. This site is a perfect example of how a portfolio can communicate personality and professionalism in equal measure. 19. Painting portfolio: Pedro Campos Pedro Campos’ portfolio website is a breathtaking display of his hyperrealistic paintings. The homepage captivates visitors with fullscreen, high-resolution images that highlight the incredible detail in his work. A minimalist design and monochromatic color palette keep the focus entirely on the art, creating a clean and immersive experience. Looking to take your portfolio to the next level, or designing portfolios for agencies? Check out Wix Studio . 20. Animation and illustration portfolio: Shinyoung Kim Based in Seoul and Rotterdam, Shinyoung Kim combines illustration and animation to tell stories full of color, movement and personality. Her homepage pulls you in right away with its clean layout and no distractions, just bold visuals that show exactly who she is as an artist. In the “Works” section, brand collaborations and personal pieces flow together naturally, showing how she moves between commercial polish and creative freedom. Each project opens like a small exhibition, with crisp visuals and brief notes that spotlight her role, technique and artistic voice. The “About” page keeps things personal yet professional, and her social links make it easy to keep up with her latest work. It’s a great example of how simplicity and storytelling can make an artist’s portfolio feel alive. Learn more: How to create an animation portfolio What is an online portfolio? An online portfolio is a website where you collect and present your work, skills and achievements to show clients, employers or collaborators what you do and why you’re good at it. It tells the story behind your work, highlights your strengths and demonstrates the impact you can make, helping you stand out and attract opportunities. A strong portfolio is made of elements that build trust and get people interested in working with you: Your work:  highlight projects that show off your skills, creativity and results. Pick examples that prove problem-solving, unique approaches or real impact. About you:  a short intro that shares your background, approach and what makes you different. Let your personality show so people connect with you. Skills and expertise:  make it clear what you do best, whether it’s technical, creative or specialized. Contact info:  make it simple for people to reach out via email, social links or a contact form. Extras that add value:  include testimonials, case studies or behind-the-scenes insights to show professionalism and what your work delivers. Food stylist portfolio template What makes a great online portfolio? “Good design is innovative,” stated the highly influential industrial designer Dieter Rams in his list of ten principles. Yet breaking new ground with never-before-seen website design is becoming increasingly challenging. In this competitive field, how can you make your portfolio website design  stand out from the crowd? Standing out doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel—it’s about making your portfolio clear, memorable and easy for visitors to explore. The right combination of strong work, a personal touch, and smart design choices can turn casual visitors into clients, collaborators or employers. Here’s how to make your portfolio work for you. Show your best work with results  – projects that highlight your skills, problem-solving and impact give visitors confidence in hiring you. Tell your story  – explain your approach, process or philosophy to connect with potential clients or collaborators. Highlight services and expertise  – clearly show what you offer so visitors know how you can help them. Make it easy to reach you  – include obvious contact options like email, social links or a simple form. Add credibility elements  – client testimonials, case studies or project outcomes build trust and show you deliver results. Use calls to action  – guide visitors to get in touch, book a consultation or request a quote. Capture leads directly  – consider a newsletter signup, downloadable resource or inquiry form to turn visitors into contacts. Design for usability  – intuitive navigation, clear layouts, fast loading times and mobile optimization make it easy for visitors to explore your work and take action. Features that make portfolios shine Portfolio type Must-have portfolio features How to stand out All portfolio websites Clear navigation, strong visuals, concise project descriptions, personal branding, mobile-friendly design Lead with your best work, keep it clean, show your style, and make contact easy Graphic, UX, UI design portfolio Interactive elements, organized layouts, prototypes, design mockups Highlight process visually, show before/after, include problem-solving examples Photography and illustration portfolio High-resolution galleries, consistent visual style, themed collections Group by theme, add short captions, use fullscreen previews, keep style cohesive Writing and content portfolio Sample excerpts, readable formatting, project context Include diverse samples, link to live work, highlight storytelling and results Modeling and acting portfolio Portfolio reel, strong visuals, updated contact info Feature highlight reel, show different looks or roles, make booking easy Architecture and interior design portfolios Project galleries, scalable layouts, floor plans, renderings Show multiple views, include sketches, organize by type, provide project context Agency or studio portfolio Case studies, team profiles, client testimonials, measurable results Highlight best projects, show team roles, include client feedback, simplify inquiries Multidisciplinary or mixed portfolio Categorized projects, balanced visuals and text, clear hierarchy Group by discipline, create mini case studies, balance visuals and text, show versatility Read also: A CMO's tips for creating an online portfolio that beats referrals Key factors when choosing a portfolio builder When selecting the right portfolio builder, it’s important to consider a few key factors to make sure it fits your needs: Learning curve:  Think about how much time you want to spend learning the platform. Wix is intuitive and beginner-friendly, letting you design a professional portfolio without needing technical skills while still offering flexibility as you grow. Cost:  Consider your budget. With Wix, you can start for free and upgrade only if you want premium features, giving you full control over your investment. Your goals:  Determine what you want your portfolio to do. Whether you’re looking to simply showcase your work, sell products online or engage with a community, Wix offers the tools to match your goals and help your portfolio grow with you. How to make your portfolio unique To make your portfolio truly unique, focus on the experience it creates for the visitor. Think beyond static galleries and explore how interaction, pacing and storytelling can immerse someone in your work. Subtle animations, layered visuals or scroll-triggered transitions can guide attention and make your portfolio feel like a curated journey rather than just a collection of projects. The goal is to make people remember how it felt to navigate your site, not just what they saw. Another way to stand out is through contextual depth. Instead of simply showing the end result, give visitors insight into your choices—why you approached a project a certain way, the challenges you overcame or unexpected lessons you learned. This transparency makes your portfolio feel alive and adds a layer of professionalism that’s hard to convey with images alone. It positions you as someone thoughtful, reflective and strategic, not just talented. Finally, think about how your portfolio can create opportunities on its own. Integrate elements that invite collaboration or feedback, like interactive demos, downloadable resources or embedded forms for inquiries. Highlight niche strengths or specialties that are unique to you and tailor sections to appeal to the types of clients or projects you want next. A portfolio that actively communicates your value and makes it effortless for someone to act transforms your site from a display into a tool for growth. Turning your portfolio into a client magnet A portfolio becomes a client magnet when it clearly shows how you can solve problems and deliver results. Highlight the outcomes of your work with concise project descriptions, before-and-after visuals or metrics. Make it clear who you help and how so visitors immediately understand why they should hire you. Make getting in touch simple. Use obvious contact options, clear calls to action and forms that don’t overwhelm. Add credibility with client testimonials, case studies or media features. Offering a free resource, consultation or newsletter signup can turn visitors into leads. A portfolio that proves value and makes connecting easy naturally attracts clients. Learn how to make a PR portfolio  that wins over clients. Tips to create the best portfolio website Build one of the best portfolio websites to showcase your work online and create a personal or professional portfolio that reflects your unique style. This video walks you through designing an engaging online portfolio that highlights your skills, attracts clients and helps you stand out from the rest. Creating the best portfolio website involves attention to detail and strategic planning. Using the right web templates  can give you a head start by providing a solid design foundation that you can customize to match your style. Here are some tips to help you achieve that: Focus on quality over quantity:  Showcase your best and most relevant work. It's better to have a few high-quality projects than to include everything you've ever worked on. Make sure to choose projects that demonstrate your skills and expertise effectively. " The most important thing before building a website is good research. Know what you want to do and collect good inspirations that will contribute to your design," according to Anna Suntsov, Blog and Social design team lead at Wix. Introduce yourself: Personalize your portfolio by including a professional photo and a brief introduction that showcases your personality. Smile in your photo and provide insights into your professional background and passions. Leave a first impression that makes people want to get to know you. In the words of Adi Huri, product manager at WOW for Wix, “There are over 2 billions websites out there and we all visit many of them daily. With visual and textual content you have the opportunity to make a statement and have your site stand out. This is the place to add your brand personality. If you are more traditional, no need to go wild. Often, unique copy or a cool visual is all you need for your site to be memorable.” Highlight skills and projects: Create sections to list your technical skills and expertise, along with detailed descriptions of your projects and the technologies used. Include links to your live project demos to provide tangible evidence of your abilities. Streamlined navigation: Go for a single-page layout with all essential details readily accessible. Use buttons or links to navigate to additional pages for more in-depth information, such as project details or a dedicated "About Me" section. Make it easy for visitors to contact you by including your LinkedIn profile, email address and resume links prominently on your portfolio. Keep it simple: It's easy to get distracted by flashy elements, but remember that simplicity often speaks volumes. A clean and straightforward design ensures that your work is the star of the show, making your accomplishments clear and accessible. By focusing on a simple layout, you enhance the viewer's experience and ensure that your skills and projects are easily appreciated without unnecessary distractions. Add a blog: As George Nguyen, an editor at Wix points out, " Creating topical blog posts enables you to create keyword-rich content that tells potential site visitors and search engines what your brand is all about, which can be a crucial advantage for portfolio websites where you may not have as many opportunities to convey (in text) your expertise or how your business is unique." Aim to leave a lasting impression on visitors by presenting yourself as approachable and knowledgeable. "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. " Hani Safe, product lead (Showcase) at Wix Learn more: Best portfolio website builders Best plumbing website builders Best AI website builder  Best website builder for small business Best one-page website builders Personal website builders  Free website builders  Cheap website builder  Best membership websites Best mobile website builders   Best portfolio websites FAQ Is having a portfolio website worth it? Yes, having a portfolio website is definitely worth it. It's a great way to showcase your work, attract potential clients or employers and establish yourself as a professional in your field. A well-designed portfolio website can help you stand out from the competition and make a positive impression on potential clients or employers. What should you avoid in a portfolio? When creating your portfolio website, there are a few things you should definitely avoid: Using too much text:  Your portfolio website should be primarily focused on showcasing your work, so avoid using too much text. Keep your descriptions concise and to the point. Not including your best work:  Your portfolio website should only include your best work. If you have any projects that you're not proud of, don't include them. Not having a clear call to action:  What do you want visitors to do after they view your portfolio? Make it clear by including a call to action, such as "Contact Me" or "Learn More." Not making it mobile-friendly:  With the increasing popularity of smartphones and tablets, it's important to make sure your portfolio website is mobile-friendly. Not using high-quality images:  The images on your portfolio website are what will really make your work stand out, so make sure they are high-quality and visually appealing. Should I use my real name on portfolio website? Yes, you should use your real name on your portfolio website. This is the most professional way to present yourself and will make it easier for potential clients or employers to find you. Do employers look at a portfolio website? Yes, employers do look at portfolio websites when considering candidates for jobs. In fact, a recent survey found that 78% of employers use social media to screen job candidates. This means that your portfolio website is one of the first things that potential employers will see, so make sure it makes a good impression. Can I create a free online portfolio? You can, using portfolio website builder such as Wix . You create a free online portfolio or choose from a paid plan. Either way you'll benefit from a range of portfolio templates , robust website infrastructure and web security . Which portfolio platform is best for creating a portfolio website? This entirely depends on what you need from it. Consider your design needs, ease of use template choice and the reliability and security of the platform. Wix, for example, has a very user-friendly interface, extensive template library and customization options. What are some tips for creating a best portfolio for a graphic designer? Make sure to showcase diverse projects you've completed or been involved in, your emphasize creativity and problem-solving skills. Keep the portfolio visually appealing, organized and easy to navigate. Highlight key graphic design projects, provide context and share your design process. What are some tips for creating a best portfolio for web developers? It's important to include in your portfolio a variety of projects that demonstrate your skills and versatility as a developer. This can include how you've used your skills to solve business problems, your knowledge of coding languages and your ability to problem solve. What is the easiest portfolio website? The easiest portfolio website simplifies the process and delivers great results. Wix makes it simple with drag-and-drop features and pre-designed templates so you can build your site quickly and stress-free. Designed for all skill levels, Wix is intuitive and lets you customize layouts, colors and fonts to reflect your personal style. With built-in tools for galleries, contact forms and videos, you can create a professional unique portfolio effortlessly. What not to put on a portfolio website? When building your portfolio website, avoid overloading it with too much content or irrelevant work. Focus on showcasing only your best projects to keep it clean and professional. Stay away from using overly flashy designs or auto-playing music, as these can distract visitors from your work. Lastly, skip adding personal details not related to your craft, like your full address or unrelated hobbies, to keep things focused and polished.

The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain→  Finding the cheapest domain extension that works for your brand can be a challenge. With so many options out there, balancing your perfect domain name extension with your budget and knowing how to avoid unwelcome surprises like costly renewal fees can feel like a bit of a minefield. The cheapest domain extensions  are often newer, alternative top-level domains (TLDs)   like .xyz domain , .online domain and .site domain . These can cost as little as a dollar for the first year, making them a budget-friendly option when you're ready to buy a domain name  - but it’s important to understand the pros and cons.  This guide will walk you through how to find an affordable domain extension that aligns with your brand and budget. We'll cover their benefits, potential drawbacks and how to choose the best one when you begin building a website . Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. TL;DR: what are the cheapest domain extensions? A cheap domain extension is an affordable top-level domain (TLD) you can purchase for your website address. While prices vary, many newer TLDs are available for just a few dollars for the first year. Domain price ranges at a glance TLD category Example extensions Price range (annual) Cheapest .online, .site $0.99 Budget-friendly .xyz, .icu, .top $2 - $20 Mid-range .shop , .co, .org, .info $20 - $50 Premium .com, .io, .ai , .app $50 - $150+ What is a domain extension and why do I need one? A domain extension, also known as a top-level domain (TLD), is the suffix at the end of a web address, like the ".com" in " wix.com ." It helps categorize websites by purpose, geography, or organization type. One common domain name example  is .org, which is often used by non-profits, while country-specific extensions like . co.uk are used for businesses in the United Kingdom. Choosing the right domain extension is important for your brand's credibility and memorability. A familiar extension like .com can build immediate trust with visitors, while a more creative one like .design can signal your industry. Your extension completes your online identity, making it easier for your audience to find and remember you. Learn more: Guide to domain extensions What are the cheapest domain extensions? The cheapest domain extensions are typically newer generic top-level domains (gTLDs). Unlike the classic .com, .org, or .net, these alternatives were introduced to give website owners more options. Because they're less established, registrars often offer them at very low introductory prices, sometimes as low as $1 for the first year. Common examples of cheap domain extensions include: .xyz .online .site .store .tech .space .website .icu Cheapest domain extension renewal  Keep in mind that these low prices are usually just for the first year of registration, so it's important to think beyond that first-year price tag.  Renewal fees can be significantly higher, so you should also check those costs before you commit. Thinking about the long-term cost from the start helps you budget wisely and keep your website running without unexpected expenses down the line. When you're looking for an affordable option for the long haul, consider these domain extensions known for their consistently low renewal fees: .xyz:  Often a frontrunner for both initial purchase and renewal, .xyz is a versatile and budget-friendly choice. .icu:  This extension is another great option if you're looking for low, predictable renewal costs year after year. .top:  True to its name, .top is often at the top of the list for affordability, making it a solid pick for any project. Learn more:  .org vs .com vs. .net What’s the best domain extension for a personal website? Benefits of cheap domain extensions Choosing an inexpensive domain extension comes with several advantages, especially if you're just starting out or working with a tight budget. Cost savings When every dollar counts, getting your domain for a fraction of the price of a .com can free up funds for other important parts of your website, like design or marketing. It's a practical way to get your idea off the ground without a large initial investment. Find out more: How much does a domain name cost Create a unique and memorable web address Since so many .com names are already taken, a newer TLD might let you secure the exact name you want. An extension like .tech for a technology blog or .store for an eCommerce site clearly communicates your purpose to visitors before they even click. "Shorter domains can be easier to remember and type, but they aren't essential. What matters most is that your domain accurately represents your brand and is memorable." - Einat Shafir, product manager at Wix Perfect for short-term projects  If you're setting up a landing page for a specific event, running a temporary marketing campaign, or just testing out a new business idea, you don't need to spend a lot on a domain you might not use for long. Research from ICANN shows that the number of registered gTLDs is growing, indicating a wider acceptance and use of these alternatives. Cheapest domain extensions for multi-year registration When you plan to keep your website for the long haul, registering a domain for multiple years can be a smart financial move. Many registrars offer lower annual rates when you commit to a longer term, which can lead to significant savings. While the specific deals change, some extensions consistently offer good value on multi-year plans. Extensions like .online, .xyz and .site often have low introductory prices that can be locked in for several years. For example, you might find a deal to register .xyz for under a dollar a year if you pay for five or ten years upfront. Similarly, newer TLDs are frequently promoted with deep discounts on longer registration periods to encourage adoption. Before you commit, compare the total cost over the registration period across different registrars to ensure you're getting the best possible price. Explore more: I have a domain name, now what? Should I use $1 domains and 99-cent domains? Domains for $1 or even 99 cents can be tempting, and they are a legitimate way to secure a web address on a minimal budget. These ultra-low prices are promotional offers from domain registrars designed to attract new customers. They’re great for getting a project online quickly and cheaply. For example, a student might use a 99-cent domain for a portfolio site, or a small business could use one to test a new product idea with a dedicated landing page. These domains are fully functional, just like any other. However, be sure to read the fine print. The low price is almost always a first-year introductory rate. Renewal fees can jump to $10, $20 or even more per year. Make sure you're aware of the long-term cost before you register. If your project is temporary, it's a fantastic deal. If you plan to keep the site for years, factor the renewal price into your budget. Find out more about the most expensive domain names . Common challenges of cheap domain extensions While cheap domain extensions offer great value, they also come with a few potential challenges. Renewal shock That $1 domain can renew at $20 or more the following year. This is a common business model for domain registrars , but it can catch new website owners by surprise. Always check the renewal price, which should be clearly listed during the checkout process. Find out more: How to choose a domain registrar Trust and perception Because .com is so familiar, some users might be wary of less common extensions. The study Mental Models of Domain Names and URLs   explores how users misunderstand domain structure, especially unfamiliar top-level domains, and how these misconceptions can lead to mistakes. Users often have a mental idea of what a URL should look like, so unfamiliar TLDs can sometimes be perceived as less credible or secure. This is becoming less of an issue as more alternative TLDs appear, but it's something to consider for B2B companies where trust is paramount, like finance or healthcare. However, for other types of website e.g. portfolio, blog, events etc., these concerns may be less relevant. ‘Spam’ association Some cheap TLDs have been associated with spam or low-quality sites. This can lead to your emails being flagged as spam more easily. Building a reputable site and following email marketing best practices can help mitigate this, but it’s a hurdle that a .com domain is less likely to face. Examples of cheap domain extensions Wondering how these domains look in the real world? Here are a few examples of how you can use cheap domain extensions creatively: For a personal blog:   adventures.online For a freelance developer's portfolio:   markus.tech For a pop-up eCommerce shop:   summerthreads.store For an artist's gallery:   sarahchen.art For a community group:   ourneighborhood.space These examples show how the extension itself can add context and personality to the domain name. They are memorable, descriptive and, best of all, affordable. You may also be interested in most popular domain extensions . Are ccTLDs a good option when looking for a cheap domain extension? Country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs)—like .uk domain , .ca domain , .in domain or .de domain —can sometimes be affordable, but they aren’t always the best choice when your goal is strictly to find the cheapest  domain extension.  Pricing varies widely by country, and some ccTLDs come with extra requirements, like proving residency or having a local business, which can add cost or complexity. While a few ccTLDs are competitively priced, many popular ones—such as .io, .co and .tv domain —are actually among the more expensive options because they’re used globally by tech companies, creators and startups. If you’re on a tight budget, newer generic top-level domain extensions (gTLDs) like .xyz, .online or .site usually offer the lowest first-year prices and fewer restrictions. ccTLDs remain great for building local trust or targeting a specific geographic audience, but they're not typically the most cost-effective choice if you simply want the cheapest possible domain. Where do cheap domains work well? A great domain name doesn't have to come with a high price tag. In fact, some of the most effective and affordable domain extensions are those that speak directly to a specific industry or purpose. These niche domains help you connect with your audience right away by telling them exactly what you do. They are a smart and budget-friendly way to get the perfect web address. Think of these domains as a quick introduction. Before anyone even clicks on your site, they have an idea of what to expect. This is a great way to attract the right visitors and build a memorable brand. Perfect for portfolios and creative projects If you're a creative professional, a specific domain extension can instantly signal your area of expertise. It acts as a signpost for potential clients, letting them know they've come to the right place. This clarity can make all the difference. For example, the .photography domain is an excellent choice for photographers. It’s clear, direct and professional. Instead of a generic address, your URL becomes part of your branding. Similarly, extensions like the .art domain , .design domain or .media domain work wonderfully for artists, designers and media professionals looking to present their work. They are often inexpensive and add a professional touch to your portfolio site. Ideal for eCommerce and retail When you're selling products, your domain name can be a powerful tool. An extension like .shop or .store immediately tells visitors you're open for business. It removes any guesswork and gets customers in the right mindset to browse and buy. These extensions are great for all kinds of retail businesses, from small boutiques to larger online stores. They are easy for customers to remember and can create a strong association with your brand. Using a domain like yourbrand.shop  is a clear and effective way to build your business and attract shoppers without spending a fortune on your web address. Other options like .forsale can also work well, depending on what you're selling. By choosing a domain that fits your business, you're setting yourself up for success from day one. 5 steps to find the cheapest domain extension that works for you When looking for the cheapest domain extensions, do your research thoroughly: Compare prices across the board, check out any deals and renewal rate options, and see what other cost-saving possibilities there are, including bundling for hosting, and registering for multiple years.  Finding an affordable domain extension doesn't have to be complicated. By following a few simple steps, you can secure a great web address that fits your budget. Here’s a breakdown of the process: Choose a professional website builder Brainstorm domain names and extensions Compare pricing and renewal rates Look for bundles and promotions Register your domain 01. Choose a professional website builder Before you start your search for a domain, it's helpful to choose a website builder. Many platforms, like Wix, offer domain registration as part of their service, often including a free domain for the first year when you sign up for a premium plan. This simplifies the process by keeping your website hosting and domain management all in one place. Using an all-in-one solution means you won’t have to deal with the technical task of connecting a domain you bought elsewhere to your website host. Wix makes it easy to find and register available domain extensions, providing recommendations relevant to your industry or location. Find out more: Is Wix a domain registrar? 02. Brainstorm domain names and extensions Start by thinking about what you want your website domain  name to communicate. It should be memorable, easy to spell and representative of your brand or business. Make a list of potential names. Once you have a few ideas, you can start exploring different domain extensions. While .com domain   is the most recognized TLD, it's not your only option. There are hundreds of extensions available, from standards like .net   and .org to newer ones like .shop domain , .blog domain , or .app. Consider which extension best fits your niche. For example, a photographer might benefit from a .photography domain  extension, while a tech startup could use .io. Pro tip:  Use  Wix’s domain name generator   to instantly generate creative and relevant name ideas. It uses smart suggestions to help you find a domain that stands out — including available .ai options. 03. Compare pricing and renewal rates Domain extension prices can vary significantly. Some newer or more niche TLDs might have low introductory prices but much higher renewal rates. It's important to look beyond the first-year cost and consider the long-term expense. A domain that seems cheap initially could become costly over time. When comparing, check the registration price for the first year and the annual renewal fee. Some registrars offer multi-year discounts, which can save you money if you're confident about your choice. Be transparent about the total cost of ownership to avoid any surprises down the line. Find out more:   Best domain registrars   04. Look for bundles and promotions One of the best ways to get a cheap domain extension is by taking advantage of bundles and promotions. As mentioned earlier, many website builders like Wix include a free domain name for the first year with the purchase of an annual premium plan. This is a great deal for anyone building a new website from scratch. Keep an eye out for special offers from domain registrars, especially around holidays or major sales events. These promotions can provide significant savings, but always read the fine print to understand the terms and renewal costs. Find out more: I want to buy a domain name 05. Register your domain Once you've found the perfect name and an affordable extension, it's time to register it. The registration process is straightforward. You’ll need to provide your contact information, which will be added to the WHOIS database—a public record of domain ownership. Many registrars offer domain privacy protection, which masks your personal information for an additional fee. After registering your domain, you'll need to connect it to your website. If you registered your domain through your website builder, this step is often handled automatically. If not, you'll need to update your domain's DNS (Domain Name System)  settings to point to your website's server. Learn more: How to register a domain name Does Wix offer free domains? Choosing a domain name is one of the first exciting steps in creating a website. With so many cheap domain extensions available, you don’t have to let a tight budget stop you from getting started. By balancing low initial costs with long-term value, you can find the perfect name that fits both your brand and your wallet. When you're ready to take the next step, you can find and register your ideal domain name right here with Wix. We provide domain extensions for any industry or geography, making it simple to find a web address that's just right for you. When you sign up for a yearly or multi-year Premium Plan, Wix provides a   free domain   voucher for the first year. This means you can secure a custom domain name, like   yourbusiness.com , without paying extra upfront. After the first year, standard renewal rates apply.  Find out more: Does Wix offer free domain extensions? Cheapest domain extensions FAQ What is the cheapest domain extension? The price of domain extensions changes frequently due to promotions and registrar pricing. Typically, extensions like .xyz, .online and .site are among the most affordable, often costing just a few dollars for the first year. However, it's important to check their renewal rates, as they can be significantly higher. Is it worth getting a cheaper domain extension? A cheaper domain extension can be a good option, especially if you're on a tight budget. As long as the extension is relevant to your brand and easy for your audience to remember, it can be just as effective as a more expensive one. The most important factor is having a professional and functional website that your domain leads to. Can I get a domain extension for free? Yes, you can often get a domain extension for free for the first year. Many website builders, including Wix, offer a free domain name as part of their annual premium plans. This is an excellent way to reduce upfront costs when starting a new website. Is it a good idea to use a cheap domain for a business? Yes, it can be a great idea, especially for new businesses, startups, or niche online stores. A cheap domain lowers your initial costs and can offer better name availability. Just be sure to check the renewal fees and choose an extension that aligns with your brand. Will a cheap domain extension hurt my SEO? No, Google has stated that all TLDs are treated equally in search rankings. What matters most for SEO is the quality of your content, your site's user experience and your backlink profile—not the price of your domain.

The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain →   When you're building your business website , choosing a domain name is one of the first things you need to prioritize. Top-level domains (TLDs)  and choosing the right one, are a critical part of this process. What are top-level domains? They're the letters that come after the dot in a web address . These have traditionally been .com, .org, or .net . As more websites launch and competition for domain names increases — with 368.4 million domain name registrations across all TLDs as of the first quarter of 2025 — new top-level domains have been introduced to give businesses more options .  New top-level domains offer more personalized and industry-specific options that can help your business stand out in a crowded online world. For example, a tech company might opt for a .tech domain , while a photographer might choose .photography . So why should you care about new domain extensions ? Moving beyond the trends—they can play a pivotal role in establishing and reinforcing your brand's identity online. With new TLDs, you have the opportunity to learn how to register a domain name  that tells customers exactly what you or your business does, with just a glance. Learn more: What is a domain name? What is a domain name registrar? Should you choose a niche-focused domain? TL;DR: New top-level domains (nTLDs) Looking for a domain name that’s more unique or on-brand than a standard .com? New top-level domains (nTLDs) give you creative freedom while helping your website stand out. In this guide, you’ll learn what nTLDs are, how they differ from legacy extensions and when it makes sense to use one. You’ll also get tips for choosing the right extension based on your industry, audience and goals. New top-level domains and who it's for New top-level domain (TLD) Who it’s for .dad Family and fathers .phd Academic researchers and scholars .prof Professors and professionals .esq Legal professionals .foo Tech and developer communities .zip Tech users and file sharing .mov Media creators and video content .nexus Networks and connection hubs .watches Watch retailers and enthusiasts .forum Online discussion communities The evolution of new top-level domains The story of top-level domains began in the 1980s, with the goal of creating a structured naming system for the internet. Initially, there were only a handful of TLDs and each had a specific purpose. For instance, when it comes to what .com is , it was intended for commercial entities, while .org was designated for organizations. Over time, the landscape of TLDs has expanded significantly. This change has been driven by the need to accommodate increasing numbers of websites and demands for more personalized domain names. As businesses and individuals sought domain names that were both unique and meaningful, the industry responded with a wider variety of TLD options. How new TLDs are coordinated and regulated is an intricate process involving several key players. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) , for example, is a leading regulatory body that plays a crucial role in this ecosystem. ICANN oversees the introduction and management of TLDs to maintain fairness in domain name registration. Types of top-level domains Generic top-level domains Generic top-level domains  (gTLDs) are a category of TLDs that are not tied to any specific country or territory. They include familiar extensions like .com and .info , as well as newer additions like .app and .blog .  Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) In contrast to gTLDs, Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs)  are specific to individual countries or territories—like .de  for Germany, .nl  for the Netherlands or .ca  for Canada. These domains are particularly significant for local businesses aiming to connect with customers in a specific geo. They signal to users that a website is more relevant to their region, which can be beneficial for companies targeting a local market. Why new top-level domains matter: key benefits Your website is often the first connection between your business and potential customers. It’s where impressions are formed and your brand identity starts to shine. New TLDs aren’t just about getting a web address. They’re a powerful tool to boost your brand and create meaningful connections with your audience. Build a stronger brand identity Think of a yoga studio with a .yoga domain or a tech community using .dev. The right TLD sends a message about who you are and what you do in an instant, making it easier for customers to remember and recognize you. It’s a simple way to craft a unique online presence that leaves a lasting impression. Cater to specific audiences with niche targeting New TLDs also help you tailor your domain to fit your industry or audience. A bakery with .bakery or an eco-friendly brand using .earth tells customers exactly what you’re about the moment they see your URL. This kind of focused targeting helps you connect quickly with the right crowd. Boost trust and credibility The right domain doesn’t just represent your business. It can also build trust. Extensions like .expert or .pro naturally communicate authority and professionalism, giving visitors confidence in your expertise. A thoughtful choice here can go a long way in building credibility. Expand your global reach Many new TLDs are even available in languages and scripts beyond English. This opens up opportunities to connect with audiences around the world. Whether you’re growing your business locally in a new country or reaching international communities, these domains make it easier to speak directly to your diverse customers. Lower your cost New TLDs make it easier to stick to your budget. Compared to traditional options like .com, many new TLDs come at a lower price, giving you the perfect chance to secure a professional domain without stretching your budget. With a variety of price options, you’ll find something that works for you—whether it’s a premium choice or a more affordable option. You can even get a free domain name , helping you save more.   By  choosing a budget-friendly TLD, you can focus on growing your business without overspending. Learn more: How to get a free domain name Choosing a niche-specific TLD isn't just about standing out—it's also about protection. By securing domains that are closely aligned with your brand, you prevent others from registering similar names that could confuse customers or dilute your brand's strength. I want to buy a domain, how do I go about doing it? The most popular top-level domains When it comes to top-level domains, some are more popular than others. And despite the increase in available new top-level domains, the original ones are still some of the most popular choices. Their popularity also stems from the level of trust they've built; when users see these domains, they associate them with established and legitimate entities. .com:  The gold standard of TLDs, .com  stands as the most recognized and widely used domain extension. Originally intended for commercial entities, it's now the go-to choice for all types of businesses seeking a global presence (currently 157.2 million registrations) . .net:   What is .net?  Initially designated for network services such as internet providers, .net  is now a popular alternative to .com for businesses of all kinds (currently 12.6 million registrations) . .org:  Often associated with non-profits, charities and educational platforms, .org  conveys trust and credibility (currently 11.1 million registrations .  .xyz : Known for its modern and edgy appeal, .xyz   has gained popularity among innovative startups, tech enthusiasts and creators who want a versatile and fresh domain (currently 4.2 million registrations).   .info : As the name suggests, .info  is typically used for informational sites. It's an open domain which means it can be registered by anyone, making it a versatile option for various purposes (currently 3.8 million registrations) . Source: Domain Name Industry Brief, Q1 2025 . Expert tip from Einat Shafir, product manager at Wix: ".com is the most popular and widely recognized domain extension, making it the best choice for businesses. However, other extensions like .net, .org and country-specific ones can also be effective, depending on your business." Ready to get started? Learn how to build a website  with a free website builder . New top-level domains in 2023 In 2023, Google announced 8 new top-level domains . They were: .dad .phd .prof .esq .foo .zip .mov .nexus Other new top-level domains introduced in the same year included: .watches .forum .it .case .meme .ing .music New top-level domains in 2024 and 2025 The domain name system continues to expand, giving businesses and creators more opportunities to find unique, memorable web addresses. These are some of the new top-level domains in 2025  that have been added to the domain name system : .vana .living .lifestyle .food .DIY .deal .locker .now .sr .co.jp .sv Looking ahead, several exciting TLDs are set to launch in late 2025 and beyond: .fast  – Perfect for time-sensitive businesses like delivery services and ISPs. The sunrise period begins in August 2025. .talk  – Ideal for podcasts, communication platforms and discussion-based services. Available starting August 2025. .you  – Designed for personal branding or customer-focused marketing efforts. Sunrise period also begins in August 2025. ICANN, the organization that oversees the domain system, is planning the next round of its new gTLD program , with the application window expected to open in April 2026. This means even more opportunities for creative, purpose-driven and highly memorable domain names in the near future. Other new top-level domain extensions to choose from .biz (introduced 2001) .agency (introduced 2014) .digital (introduced 2014) .party (introduced 2014) .top (introduced 2014): 2,066,084 registered domains as of January 2023 .me (introduced 2008) .studio (introduced 2014) .store (introduced 2016) .ai  (introduced as ccTLD, now widely used by AI startups and innovators) Explore more: What is .ai domain and why its trending How to choose a new top level domain name Selecting the right top-level domain (TLD) for your website is a decision that can have lasting implications on your brand's online identity and success. Learn more: What's the best domain extension for a personal website With a range of new options available, it's important to choose one that aligns with your business objectives. You’ll need to consider the following: Relevance : Choose a TLD, new or traditional, that reflects your business type or industry. This can help customers understand what you offer at a glance. Memorability : A unique and easy-to-remember TLD can make it easier for customers to return to your site and recommend it to others. Running a media site? Opting for something like .media , makes it very clear what you offer.  Branding : Consider how the TLD will fit into your overall brand strategy and whether it adds value to your brand name. As Ben Seidel, the CEO and founder of Igniting Business shares: "Selecting a domain name can be an intimidating process, especially for small businesses. We advise our clients to choose a domain name that directly represents their brand as closely as possible while keeping it simple to type. More importantly, it's crucial to find a balance where the domain should clearly reflect the brand without limiting potential future growth." Remember your goals : Are you aiming for local recognition or global presence? Choose a ccTLD or gTLD accordingly. Consider future growth:  Pick a domain that allows room for expansion and won't limit you as your business evolves. Some new top-level domains can be very specific and picking the wrong one when you start your business  could restrict later scaling needs.  Check availability : Ensure that the domain name you want is available with the desired TLD and consider registering multiple variations to protect your brand. You’ll need to use a domain name search tool  to do this. If your first choice isn’t available, pop it into a domain name generator , which can help you find a similar domain name. You can also find the domain owner and registration details for a website with a Whois domain lookup .  Pro tip: Explore domain registrars  to get started.  With Wix , for example, you can easily find and register a domain name for your site and business.  How ICANN approves new TLDs Have you wondered where new domain extensions come from? It’s all managed by ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. ICANN oversees the global Domain Name System (DNS), which acts as the internet’s address book, linking human-friendly domain names to machine-readable IP addresses. Their new gTLD program was created to increase domain options, boosting competition, choice and innovation online. How new TLDs are created The upcoming application round is projected to open in April 2026, following the completion of the Applicant Guidebook (AGB) in May 2025 . Here’s how ICANN brings new TLDs into existence: Submit your application:   Want your own TLD? It all starts with submitting a detailed proposal. Applicants need to explain what the TLD is for, how they’ll manage it and what measures they’ll take to ensure top-notch security and reliability. Evaluation phase:   ICANN gives each application a thorough review. They dig into the technical, operational and financial details to make sure the applicant has what it takes to run a trustworthy domain registry. Public objection period:   This stage opens the floor to governments, businesses and the public. If anyone has concerns—for example, a TLD might confuse people or infringe on rights—they can voice them here. Resolve string contention: Sometimes multiple parties want the same TLD, like .blog. When that happens, ICANN steps in to resolve who gets it through auctions, negotiations or community evaluations depending on the situation. Delegation step:   Once everything is approved and finalized, the new TLD goes live. ICANN updates the Domain Name System (DNS), and just like that, the TLD is out there for everyone to use. Learn more: What's the easiest way to get a domain? Why trust Wix’s experts? This article was written by Wix’s in-house domain experts, who have years of experience helping people choose, register and manage top-level domains that strengthen their online presence. The tips and insights shared here come directly from real Wix projects, so you can be confident they’ll help you find a domain that fits your brand and long-term goals. At Wix, we’ve helped millions of entrepreneurs, creators and small business owners establish their online identity. Our team stays up to date on the latest trends in domain extensions, security and branding to make sure the advice you get is relevant and results-driven. Think of this guide as your trusted resource for everything related to top-level domains—from understanding what they mean to choosing the right one for your business. What are new top-level domains FAQ Can I change the domain name of my existing website?   Yes, you can change the domain name of your existing website. However, when considering how to change a domain name , it is essential to consider the implications on SEO and existing marketing materials. Redirects will need to be put in place to ensure that visitors trying to access your site through the old domain are automatically redirected to the new one. What is SLD vs TLD? An SLD (Second-Level Domain) is the part of a domain name before the TLD, like "example" in " example.com ." A TLD (Top-Level Domain) is the suffix such as .com or .org, showing the domain's category. What is the most common TLD? The .com TLD is the most common, favored for its global recognition and used widely by businesses and individuals. Why are some TLDs closed or otherwise restricted? Some TLDs are closed or restricted to preserve their intended purpose or maintain security. For instance, TLDs like ".gov" or ".edu" are only available to verified government or educational institutions. Restrictions ensure that these domains are used in alignment with their defined roles, fostering trust and credibility for entities using them. What are the new TLDs? New TLDs include industry-specific, brand-centric and creative extensions that go beyond traditional domains like ".com" or ".net." Examples include ".tech," ".store," ".eco" and many others tailored for niches. These options give businesses and individuals more flexibility to align their domain with their purpose or identity. Can I create a new top-level domain? Yes, you can create a new TLD, but the process is extensive and regulated by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). You’ll need to apply during designated application periods, submit detailed plans demonstrating technical and operational compliance and pay significant fees. This process is typically pursued by large organizations or entities with specific branding needs. Are there any 4-letter .com domains left? Four-letter .com domains are extremely rare due to high demand and years of registrations. However, some may still be available on secondary markets or through domain resellers, though they often come with a premium price tag. For businesses, exploring alternative extensions can be a practical option. How many TLDs are there in 2025? This year, there are 1,591 top-level domains (TLDs) available on the internet . This includes 1,249 generic TLDs (gTLDs) like .com and .net, 316 country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) such as .uk and .de, 10 test domains and 1 infrastructure domain (.arpa) used for technical purposes. What are the SEO implications of using a .xyz domain? While .xyz domains are SEO-compatible, achieving good rankings requires the same best practices as with .com domains, such as quality content, backlinks and technical optimization. The TLD itself doesn’t significantly affect ranking but could influence user trust. Are new TLDs as secure as .com domains? Yes, new TLDs offer the same level of technical security as .com domains, provided website operators implement HTTPS and other standard security measures. Security primarily depends on the site administrator, not the TLD. Do new TLDs affect user trust? Some users might initially perceive newer TLDs as less familiar compared to .com or .org. However, this is changing as more brands and organizations adopt them. Good branding and consistent user experience can quickly build trust, regardless of the TLD.