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Blogs, forums and websites are three popular online platforms that can serve different purposes for your business. Each has unique features and benefits that can help you connect with your audience, share information and build your brand. A blog is an online platform for sharing personal thoughts and information, a forum is a discussion space for online communities and a website is a collection of web pages accessible on the internet. Understanding the differences between these platforms is important for any business owner or website manager. It allows you to make informed decisions about where to invest your time and resources to achieve the best results - with your branding, marketing and potentially sales too. What is a blog? A blog is a type of website where content creators or businesses, can publish new content regularly in an informal or conversational style. The primary purpose of a blog is to share information, thoughts or experiences with an audience. These blog examples are a great way to be inspired. It's an online platform that encourages interaction through comments, guest posts and social shares. Start a blog today with the Wix blog maker . Common features of blogs Regularly updated posts : Blogs thrive on fresh content that's posted on a consistent basis. Categories and tags : These help organize content and make it easier for readers to find related posts. Author profiles : Information about who is writing the blog posts, which can help personalize your blog and build authority through authorship. How businesses benefit from having a blog Blogs can be a powerful marketing and branding tool when done well. Other benefits of blogging for business include: Establishing authority : By sharing expertise in your field, you can become a go-to resource. This can also help keep readers coming back to your brand, for your quality content first and then your product or services. Improving SEO : Regularly updated content can help improve your site's visibility on search engines. The better you rank in search results, the more potential organic traffic you can generate to your blog. Building relationships : Engaging with readers through comments can create a community around your brand. You can also use a blog for networking within your industry by collaborating with other businesses on guest posts. Driving traffic : Compelling content can attract visitors to your site via search or other channels, which may lead to increased sales or conversions. What is a forum? A forum is an online discussion site where people can hold conversations in the form of posted messages. It's a place for sharing knowledge, asking questions and discussing topics of mutual interest. Forums are typically structured around communities and are a primary role online for fostering group communication. Common features of a forum Threads : Discussions are organized into threads, each focusing on a different topic or question. User profiles : Members have their own profiles showing their activity and contributions to the forum. Moderation : Forums often have moderators who oversee discussions and enforce rules. Sub-forums : Larger forums may be divided into sub-forums to cater to specific subjects or interests. Start a forum and build your own community with Wix Groups . How businesses benefit from having a forum Community forums move in and out of fashion, depending on how users behave online. In 2024, they're having a resurgence as Google starts to rank high profile forums (Reddit, Quora) in search results. Forums are also a great way for businesses to control their own online space, without being at the whim of search engine or social media algorithms. Customer support : A forum can serve as a platform for customers to help each other, reducing the need for large, round the clock customer service teams. This can be helpful if you're starting your business small. Market research : You can gain insights into what your audience thinks about your products or industry trends. Community building : Forums can create a sense of community among users, leading to increased loyalty to your brand. Content generation : User-generated content in forums can provide valuable content for other marketing efforts. What is a website? A website is a collection of related web pages under a single domain name, typically produced by a single person or organization. It provides general information about your business, allows you to showcase products or services and offers ways for people to get in touch with you. Learn how to create a website for beginners . Learn more: Small business website statistics and how to build a professional website Types of websites There are a few main types of websites including: E-commerce sites : Where customers can browse and purchase products online. Informational sites : These provide educational content on various topics, also blogs falls under this category. Portfolio sites : Used by artists and professionals to display their work. Corporate websites : Offer detailed information about a company's operations, team and values. May also be referred to as an enterprise website. Benefits of having a website for your business There are many benefits to having for your business . These include: Visibility : Having an online presence is essential for being found by potential customers. Credibility : A professional website can establish trust and legitimacy for your business. Marketing : Websites are crucial for online marketing strategies , including SEO and content marketing. Sales : For many businesses, a website acts as the primary channel for generating sales. Isn't a forum part of a website? It's common to see forums as standalone platforms but they can also be an integral part of a larger website strategy. If you're creating a business website and considering whether to add a forum or not, it's worth considering that adding a forum to your website can enhance user engagement by providing a space for discussion and interaction. It can also act as a self-service support center where website users help each other. Forums can complement your website by adding depth to the user experience. They encourage community participation and can keep visitors returning to your site for more of this interaction. When integrated thoughtfully, forums can be a powerful tool in maintaining an active and informative online brand. Blogs vs forums vs websites in comparison Understanding the structure, audience interaction and content style of blogs, forums, and websites is key to utilizing them effectively. Each platform serves a unique purpose and offers different benefits for your business. Structure Blogs are typically organized in reverse chronological order with the latest posts appearing first. Forums are organized into categories and threads that allow for topic-specific discussions. While website have a more static structure with pages organized by content type or purpose. Audience interaction In blogs interaction occurs mainly through comments on blog posts. Whereas forums are designed for peer-to-peer interaction within threads and posts. On websites interaction can vary, ranging from contact forms to live chats or user accounts. Content style The content style of blogs is conversational and personal, it often reflects the author's individual voice even on business blogs. Forums contain user-generated content that varies widely based on the community's nature and rules. Websites often take a professional tone, content is usually more formal and can be informational or transactional. Business goals When it comes to business goals, blogs are an effective part of content marketing and establishing thought leadership in your industry. Forums on the other hand are great for building a community around a service or product and offering peer-to-peer support. Websites are necessary for providing an official online presence that showcases your brand and offerings. Audience preferences When it comes to the different audiences, blogs attract readers interested in learning, staying updated or being entertained. On the other hand, forums appeal to users who want to engage in discussions, seek advice or share experiences. Websites serve potential customers looking for specific information about your products or services. Strategies to grow a blog To promote your blog and keep your audience engaged, you'll need to employ number of effective strategies. Here are some tactics that can help you achieve success with your blogging efforts: Identify your niche Focus on a specific topic that you know and love and go deep with it. If it's a topic you know, chances are you know the audience inside out as well. Specialize in an area that interests you and meets the needs of your audience. For Hanna Kimelblatt, Blogger and Growth Marketing Expert at Wix.com , Just as important as what your audience wants to read, it’s finding a topic you enjoy writing about. Blogging can be one of the most fun activities you can do, but it could also feel like a chore if you’re not passionate about its content. Turning something you love and know a lot about into blog posts is a great strategy to attract readers: they’ll come for the knowledge, but they’ll stay for your authentic outlook and first-hand experiences. Create and publish quality content Valuable content is important for blogs. This includes useful information, insights and updated or unique information that resonates with readers. You'll need to publish posts regularly to keep your audience coming back for more. Promote your blog Share your posts on a range of social media platforms to reach a wider audience. If you can add comments to your blog and engage with readers there, it can be a great way to foster a community. Blogs often perform well in search engines, which can be an effective way to generate traffic to your blog, including new readership. Strategies to grow a forum Creating an active and engaging forum requires thoughtful methods that encourage participation and foster a sense of community. Here are some tactics to help you build a thriving forum: Encourage user participation Make sure new members feel at home and are encouraged to participate, this means you'll need to moderate all comments to make sure your space is respectful for all participants. You can also recognize contributions from members to motivate continued engagement. You can offer awards systems and prizes to do this. Moderate effectively Establish clear guidelines and rules for behavior to maintain a positive atmosphere. Regular moderation also helps prevent spam and resolve conflicts, keeping your forum healthy. Provide valuable content Expert Q&A's are an effective way to engage participants and create content valuable to your members. You can invite specialists to answer questions in your forum, adding value for your members. Consider providing content that can't be found elsewhere to attract and retain users. Strategies to grow a website To build a website that not only attracts visitors but also converts them into customers or followers, you need to focus on user experience and conversion optimization. Here are some tips to help you understand how to design a website that does just that: Great user experience Your website should be easy to navigate, with a clear hierarchy and menu structure. Users must be able to find what they want easily and quickly, which means your website must make sense to them and the way in which they will explore it. Page speed and load times are important. A fast-loading website keeps users from leaving out of frustration. It also encourages them to take actions on your site as you want them to - sign up for something, convert. This also means your site should be mobile-friendly. Update content regularly Keep your content fresh and relevant to encourage repeat visits. This includes your branding, as well as specific product, service and contact information. Guide users towards the actions you want them to take, whether it's making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter. You should always test, review and improve your call to actions as well. If they work, how can they be replicated in more places; if they don't work, how can they be improved to work. Building trust with your visitors A website is a good place to share customer reviews and success stories to build credibility around your brand and offerings. From your site you should make it easy for visitors to reach out with questions or support needs.

Whether you're a business owner, a creative or someone with a message to share online, you've likely encountered the terms blog and website . These online resources are often considered key foundations of the internet, each serving unique purposes and offering different benefits for individuals and business owners alike. A blog is a type of website where individuals and , personals create and publish long form content around a specific topic or niche. A website is a collection of webpages with information about a business and brand. Many websites include a blog. So just how is a blog different from a website? Understanding this distinction is important as it can influence how effectively you connect with your audience online. If will also influence if you decide to focus on learning how to make a website or how to start a blog , or both. What is a blog and how does it work? A blog is a type of website that's all about content—unique, engaging and often personal. Think of it as a journal or a series of articles where you share your thoughts, knowledge or experiences with the world. Blogs are dynamic, meaning they're regularly updated with new posts, keeping readers coming back for more. Primary purpose of a blog Knowledge sharing : Whether it's cooking tips or tech insights, blogs share information. Some of it may be new and unique, sometimes its just repackaged. Personal branding : Professionals, including freelances and contractors, use blogs to build their reputation and showcase their expertise, experience, past projects and thoughts relevant to their industry. Business marketing : Companies blog to connect with customers and improve their online visibility. Blogs are also used to generate traffic and generate leads. Characteristics of a blog Content is King : The heart of any blog is its content. This is typically written in an informal or conversational style so that it's relatable to the reader. Regular updates : Successful blogs are updated frequently to engage readers and boost search engine rankings. Community engagement : Blogs often have a comments section where readers can interact with the author and each other. Why start a blog? Choosing to use a blog can be a strategic move for many reasons. Whether you're looking to establish yourself as a thought leader or want to create a more personal connection with your audience, blogs offer unique advantages. Benefits of using a blog for personal branding and business marketing A blog allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in your niche or industry. At the same time regularly sharing valuable content helps build trust with your readers. Blogs can also be very effective in attracting readers interested in specific, niche topics. This in turn can lead to new networking and business opportunities. What is a website and how does it work? A website is a collection of interconnected web pages under a single domain name, often serving as the digital storefront for businesses, organizations or individuals. Unlike blogs, websites tend to contain information that doesn't require frequent updates. Primary purposes of a website Informational hub : Websites provide a central place for visitors to learn about your business or services. Professional presence : A well-designed website can give your brand credibility and authority. Customer interaction and sales : Through contact forms, service pages and product listings, websites make possible business transactions and customer service. Learn more: Small business website statistics , What is a website Characteristics of websites Static or dynamic content : Websites can be static or dynamic , depending on how they're built and their function. eCommerce website design often needs to be dynamic to deliver different content to different buyers. A portfolio website on the other hand will generally always be static. Learn more: Sample portfolio websites eCommerce website examples Action orientated : Websites are designed with specific user actions in mind, such as making a purchase or booking a service. Design and functionality : A focus on website user experience (UX) guarantees that visitors can navigate the site easily and find what they're looking for. Blog vs. website and the key differences When deciding between using a blog or a website, it's important to understand the key differences that set them apart. While they share some similarities, their purposes and the way users interact with them vary significantly. Content A blog typically consists of articles, posts or entries listed in reverse chronological order. A website however contains more permanent content displayed on pages like 'Home', 'About Us' and 'Services'. Structure A blog usually has a simple layout with the latest posts featured prominently. Websites can have a more complex section, with multiple sections, main pages and subpages. They may also host content on sub domains or folders and include more complex structured pages, such as product pages. User interaction Blogs encourage reader interaction through comments and social shares. On a website engagement is more focused on user transactions like sign-ups, inquiries or purchases. Unlike blogs that primarily aim to inform and engage through content, websites are structured around these action contexts—be it filling out a contact form, downloading a resource or completing an online purchase. Understanding these differences will help you decide which platform is best suited for your online presence. Whether you're looking to engage an audience through regular content updates or provide a static informational hub for your business or services, choosing between a blog and a website depends on your specific goals and how you want users to interact with your content. Is it better to build a website or start a blog? Deciding whether to start a website or a blog in depends on your objectives and the resources you have available. Both serve distinct purposes and can be highly effective in the right context. Objectives If your goal is to simply share knowledge or expertise, a blog might be the better choice. But if you're offering services, showcasing products, or providing company information, a website is often more suitable. Resources Blogs require regular content updates, so consider whether you have the time to maintain it. While both require some level of technical know-how, websites might need more complex design and functionality depending on which website builder you choose to build it on. Website vs blog for businesses vs individuals When businesses and individuals are faced with the choice between starting a blog or a website, several considerations come into play. It's not just about what you want to convey, but also how you want to engage with your audience and what kind of online presence will support your long-term goals. For businesses A blog can enhance your SEO efforts and help establish you as a thought leadership in your industry. This can mean more traffic and conversion potential. It can also help reinforce your brand identity and authority. Blogging for business is a powerful marketing and lead gen strategy used across business types and industries. However as a business you don't have to choose one or the other. A website with a blog section can be a powerful combination, allowing you to share information and still encourage visitors to take specific actions. For individuals A blog is an excellent tool for individuals looking to build their personal brand or showcase their expertise. At the same time, for artists, writers, or freelancers, a portfolio website is often the best way to showcase your work. Checking out portfolio website examples can provide inspiration for design and layout while helping you attract new clients. Each business or individual should consider their specific goals, target audience and the type of interaction they want to foster - whether it's through the interactive nature of a blog or the professional showcase of a website. Isn't a blog just a website anyway? Technically, the answer is yes. And a common question often asked is whether a blog can be considered a website. A blog is essentially a type of website with specific features like regular posts and comment sections. Blogs operate within the framework of a website, using the same underlying technology and web hosting requirements. Despite being a type of website, blogs are often seen as distinct due to their content-focused nature and regular updates. The purpose of a blog—to provide regularly updated content—sets it apart from a website in the eyes of many users. Blog maker vs website builder Website builders that include blog makers within their offerings are an effective way to create an online resource that blurs the lines between a traditional website and a blog. Wix is one example of this. These platforms are user-friendly and can be an excellent choice for those looking to establish themselves online without extensive technical knowledge. If you're looking to create a website with a blog included, using a website builder like Wix gives you access to customizable blog templates and designs. You can create a great looking website and blog without design experience. You can also get access to robust web infrastructure that includes a domain name , web hosting and advanced security features to protect your site. Strategies for a successful blog To ensure your blog stands out and attracts readers in what is an often crowded blogosphere you need to implement effective strategies. A successful blog is not just about what you write but also how you connect with your audience and keep them coming back for more. Choose a specific niche, from a wide range of blog examples , that will appeal to your target audience, once you've clearly identified them. Then go all in on that topic so that you become an authority exuding trust and credibility. Generate traffic to your blog via SEO. You'll need high quality content targeting specific keywords as well as on-page optimization efforts. If you start a blog with Wix, you'll get access to an SEO assistant that will guide you through some of this process. At the same time build up a social media following where you can share your blog posts. Consistency is key when it comes to blogging. Both in terms of publishing new content but also when it comes to refreshing and updating it. Building an audience is important but don't forget to network too. The blogging world is big and there's much to learn from more established bloggers. Collaborations and guest posts can be an effective way to get more eyes on your content and blog. Strategies for a successful website For your website to effectively serve your business or personal brand, it's crucial to implement a number of things. An effective website is not just about good design it's about creating an experience that resonates with visitors and meets their needs. Design your website around taking action by including clear call-to actions (CTAs). Make sure your website is easy to navigate and visually appealing. Combining great design with functionality is essential. Refresh your site content regularly and keep your offerings current to show that your site is active. Regularly test your site to ensure all features work as intended. With more and more people coming to websites from their mobile device, check your site is mobile-friendly. Websites need traffic to do their jobs. Similar to a blog you can use SEO to generate traffic and users. You can also use online paid advertising for your website.

Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →   We see a familiar pattern with small business websites , and small business website optimization often misses the mark. The owner puts in real work. The site looks fine. It even feels professional. Then it goes live, and the leads don’t appear as expected. That gap usually comes down to one thing. Clarity. Visitors don't land on your site ready to study it. They land with a job to do. They want to decide if you are the right fit, and they want to decide quickly . The Nielsen Norman Group  has found that first impressions can form in about 50 milliseconds. We also found that users often leave pages in 10 to 20 seconds, and if you want attention for longer, you need to communicate your value proposition within ten seconds. So yes, we mean it when we say ten seconds. What follows is a people-first way to evaluate your website. It is also business-first. Because if your site fails this first ten-second test, you are paying for traffic you cannot turn into calls, forms or bookings. Turn clarity into conversions by learning how to make a website  with a website builder  designed to help small businesses succeed. TL;DR: small business website optimization If your small business website isn’t converting, try this simple test. Within 10 seconds, a visitor should be able to answer five basic questions: What do you do? Is this for someone like me? Do I trust you? What should I do next? How easy is the next step? If any answer feels unclear, that’s likely where you’re losing leads. Below, we break down exactly how to evaluate and fix each one. How fast do visitors judge a small business website Business owners often assume visitors read their pages the way they wrote them. That isn't how it works. Most people scan. We quantified this. On the average web page, users have time to read at most 28% of the words during an average visit, and 20% is more likely. There is also a mindset problem that keeps popping up. You know your business inside and out, visitors don't. It’s a gap between designers’ mental models and users’ mental models. Builders assume things are obvious because they have lived with the site. Visitors arrive cold. Here is what that means in plain terms: your business website needs to explain itself fast, without effort from the visitor. Research benchmarks that explain the ten second rule What we measure Verified finding First impression timing About 50 milliseconds How long users stay before leaving Often 10 to 20 seconds Learn more: How to plan a website Website features Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can design, customize and launch a professional website in minutes. Everything about Wix is built to simplify the process so you can focus on what really matters: bringing your ideas to life. Ready to make it happen? Start creating the website you’ve always envisioned today. 5 questions every small business website must answer for better optimization If you want more inquiries, bookings or calls, your small business website must instantly answer these five questions: Can I tell what you do without thinking? Is this for someone like me? Do I trust you enough to keep reading? What should I do next? How hard will this be? 01. Can I tell what you do without thinking? This is where most small business sites bleed leads. We land on a homepage, and the headline sounds nice, but it doesn't say what the business actually does. It is often vague on purpose because the owner wants to sound professional. The problem is that vague feels risky to a new visitor. If someone can't tell what you do at a glance, they leave. They don't wait for the explanation below. Nielsen Norman Group’s research on short visits is the proof point here. People leave quickly unless they see clear value quickly. A strong top section usually answers three things without trying to be clever: What do you do? Who do you do it for? Where do you do it? That's it. When the top of your homepage is clear, everything downstream gets easier. Your services page makes more sense, your reviews feel more believable and your call to action feels like a natural next step instead of a hard sell. Pro tip: Using the right website templates  makes it easy to get your message across, and knowing how to start a business online helps your site actually support your goals. 02. Is this for someone like me? Once visitors understand what you do, they instantly decide if it applies to them. This isn't only about demographics, it's about context: Do you serve their area? Do you serve their type of problem? Do you look like a real business they can trust? For many local businesses, reviews are a major part of the decision. BrightLocal's survey-based local SEO statistics report that 71% of consumers wouldn't consider using a business with an average rating below three stars. BrightLocal also reports that 42% of people trust reviews as much as recommendations from friends or family, citing their Local Consumer Review Survey 2025. Those numbers don't mean reviews are everything. They do mean reviews are part of how people screen options. If your website hides them, you are asking visitors to take a leap they don't want to take. Review signals that influence whether people even consider you What visitors look for Verified finding Minimum acceptable rating 71% would not consider a business below 3 stars Reviews compared to word of mouth 42% trust reviews like personal recommendations One more practical note: your site also needs to match how people browse. In the United States,  StatCounter  shows that in November 2025, desktop accounted for about 55.68% and mobile for about 44.32% of platform share. That's close enough that you can't treat mobile as an afterthought. 03. Do I trust you enough to keep reading? Trust isn't one badge. It's a pattern. People notice when something feels off, like a polished logo paired with blurry images, big claims with no proof, a missing phone number or a contact page that feels like a dead end. This doesn't mean you need an expensive site, it means the basics matter: Clean layout Consistent typography Professional photos (which can even be taken on a phone with good lighting) When trust is low, visitors don't argue with themselves. They click back and choose the next option. Credibility drivers that show up in research Credibility factor Verified finding Visual design influences credibility judgment “Design look” mentioned in 46.1% of credibility comments Fast communication of value keeps people from leaving Message needs to land within 10 seconds 04. What should I do next? A lot of small business sites make visitors work too hard here. The owner wants to be polite, so they give people many options. The visitor doesn't want options, they want direction. Nielsen Norman Group calls out a real issue here: too many offerings can lead to analysis paralysis and make decisions harder. They also describe how excess choices can lead to fatigue and even abandonment. This doesn't mean you must remove everything, it just means each page should have a clear primary action. If the goal is more leads, pick the next step that matches the visitor’s intent. A consultation, quote request, call or booking. Labels matter too. Vague labels like “Learn more” or “Read more” have low information scent. Clearer labels guide users better. That is a small wording change with a real business impact. When the next step is clear, more people take it. 05. How hard will this be? Even when people like what they see, they hesitate if the next step feels slow, annoying or risky. Speed is part of this. Think with Google reports that 53% of visits are abandoned if a mobile site takes longer than three seconds to load. Think with Google also reports that as page load time increase from one second to three seconds, the probability of a bounce increases by 32%. And as load time increases from one second to ten seconds, the bounce rate increases by 123%. Google’s mobile page speed benchmarks add another useful detail: as the number of elements on a page increases from 400 to 6,000, the conversion rate drops by 95%. That's a warning about clutter and heaviness, not just server speed. Then there is form friction. We have to be honest about what research applies here.  Baymard’s  strongest quantified form research is in eCommerce checkout, not service business contact forms. Still, the behavior is familiar. Baymard reports that 18% of U.S. online shoppers have abandoned an order due to a "too long or complicated checkout process." The takeaway is not “your contact form is a checkout.” The takeaway is that complexity makes people quit. Speed and clutter benchmarks that connect to lead loss Issue Verified finding Slow mobile load 53% abandon if mobile takes longer than 3 seconds Small delay effect 1s to 3s increases bounce probability 32% Big delay effect 1s to 10s increases bounce probability 123% Page complexity effect 400 to 6,000 elements drops conversion probability 95% Complexity makes people quit 18% abandoned due to “too long or complicated” checkout Learn more: AI eCommerce builder features How to monetize a website Small business website statistics Best website builders for small businesses How these 5 questions affect leads and revenue These questions aren't abstract. They affect whether you get inquiries this week. When your website answers them clearly, the right visitors move forward with less hesitation. The wrong visitors move on early, which saves you time. That is a win too. When your website doesn't answer them, you end up with one of two problems: you get fewer leads than your traffic should create, or you get leads that aren't a good fit because your site never sets expectations. Both problems look like marketing problems from the outside. Often, there are website clarity problems. Check out website design tips for small businesses  → How to evaluate your own website without overthinking it We like simple tests because busy owners actually do them. Open your homepage on your phone and on your laptop. Mobile is still a significant share of usage. Then do this. Read only what you can see without scrolling. Give yourself ten seconds. Try to answer these questions out loud as if you were explaining the business to a friend: Can I tell what you do? Do I feel like this is meant for me? Do I trust you enough to stay? Do I know what to do next? Does the next step feel easy? If any answer feels fuzzy, that is your best starting point. We would fix the top of the page first, because that is where people decide whether they stay. Nielsen Norman Group’s time-on-page research makes that point hard to ignore. You don't need a full rebuild to make progress here. Most of the wins come from clearer language, tighter layout, fewer competing actions and friction reduction. These are improvements that respect the way people actually behave online. About the author Ihor Lavrenenko is an SEO Manager with over ten years of experience helping businesses grow online across healthcare, legal and home services industries. He specializes in SEO strategy and audits, keyword and content planning, structured data and schema, link acquisition and local SEO, helping businesses improve search visibility, drive traffic and capture local demand. With experience managing both in-house and agency teams, he brings proven systems that turn website traffic into measurable growth, making him a trusted voice for businesses looking to succeed online. Build your own thriving business website  with Wix today → Small business website optimization FAQ What should a small business website include? A high-converting small business website should include a clear headline expl aining what you do, defined service areas, customer reviews, trust signals, strong calls to action and fast-loading mobile-friendly pages. Visitors should understand your value within ten seconds. For inspiration, you can explore website ideas  that show how businesses present their services effectively. Why isn't my small business website generating leads? Common reasons include unclear messaging, weak calls to action, slow load times, lack of trust signals or overly complicated contact forms. If visitors can’t quickly understand what you offer or how to take the next step, they leave. Learning website building lessons can help you avoid these pitfalls. How fast should a small business website load? Ideally under three seconds on mobile. Research shows that 53% of users abandon mobile sites that take longer than three seconds to load, which is why slow loading websites  lose so many potential leads. Proper website management ensures your site stays fast and reliable. How do I improve conversions on my small business website? Start by clarifying your headline and above-the-fold messaging. Add visible reviews, simplify navigation, reduce form fields and create one clear primary action per page. Tools like AI website generator  can help streamline design and content creation for faster improvements. How do I know if my website messaging is clear? Perform the ten-second test: view your homepage without scrolling and see if you can immediately explain what the business does, who it serves and what to do next. If not, your messaging likely needs refinement. If you’re just starting, learning website building tips  and website building lessons  can speed up the process. How do I make a business website? To get started, choose a platform or one of the best website builders for small businesses  for your needs. Pick a domain name , set up website hosting and create pages that clearly explain your products or services. If you’re pressed for time, AI tools and exploring the best AI prompts for building a website can help generate content ideas quickly. How long does it take to build a small business website? The timeline depends on the complexity and tools used. Simple sites on free website builders can be live in a few hours, while larger professional sites may take weeks. Planning, content creation and design decisions are the biggest factors in determining how long does it take to build a website . How much does a small business website cost? Costs vary based on platform, design, hosting and whether you hire professionals. DIY sites using free tools can be inexpensive, while fully custom projects like to create a professional website  with advanced features will cost more. What is the purpose of a small business website? A small business website helps you communicate your brand, showcase your services and generate leads. Understanding what is the purpose of a website guides every decision, from layout to content to calls to action. Can I learn website building on my own? Yes. Many entrepreneurs start with beginner-friendly website builder. This approach allows you to understand the process of how to make a business website  while saving on upfront costs.

Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix eCommerce →   To understand how eCommerce works, let's start with what it takes to run an online store. It's about bringing in customers, displaying your products, managing payments and shipping. A website builder   helps you with the tricky parts—like making checkout easy, organizing inventory and tracking orders. This way you can focus on growing your business instead of worrying about the small stuff. TL;DR: how does eCommerce work? Simply put, eCommerce is the buying and selling of products or services over the internet, covering everything from how customers find products to how orders are paid for, packed and delivered. This guide breaks down how eCommerce works step by step, what happens behind the scenes after a purchase and how different models like B2C, B2B, C2C and C2B function. It also includes real examples and explores how an eCommerce platform  like Wix helps you build and manage an online store. Ready to launch your eCommerce business? With Wix eCommerce, you can build a professional online store that attracts customers, drives sales and grows your brand. Enjoy full customization, built-in SEO and powerful marketing tools, all in one platform. Start today and turn your vision into success. You’ll learn: How eCommerce stacks up against traditional retail The journey from first click to final delivery A behind-the-scenes look at what happens after a customer buys Connecting the dots between payments, inventory and fulfillment The different ways to model your store How Wix helps you build and run your shop with ease eCommerce works by letting businesses sell products or services online and guiding customers from discovery to delivery. People find your store through search ads or social media then browse products and complete purchases through a secure checkout. Behind the scenes your inventory payments and orders are managed automatically while you pack and ship the products. What is eCommerce?  Ecommerce, short for electronic commerce, is the buying and selling of goods or services over the internet. You can think of it as the digital version of brick-and-mortar retail without the physical limitations. Ecommerce covers everything from discovering products and making purchases online to arranging delivery. In short, eCommerce is the engine that drives online shopping, turning internet connections into the high streets.   Behind the scenes of eCommerce The eCommerce system runs on a mix of web technology, data management and security tools. Every order sets multiple systems in motion. Your online store’s database keeps product details, customer information and order records, while the payment gateway securely processes transactions with encryption. At the same time, your inventory system refreshes stock levels so everything stays accurate. All these gears turn together behind the scenes, allowing you to manage hundreds or even thousands of orders with total confidence and ease. See more: What is eCommerce? Ecommerce vs brick and mortar What is and how to use Wix stores? How eCommerce works Check out this simple breakdown of how eCommerce works, from finding your fans to getting your products out the door. Attracting customers online Browsing and selecting products Completing the purchase Secure payment processing  Order fulfillment and inventory management Shipping and delivery Post-purchase support and customer feedback Analytics and store optimization 01. Attracting customers online To get customers through your doors, you'll need smart marketing and crystal-clear messaging. This means running targeted ads, keeping your product listings fresh and building a stunning website design . Common ways to bring in shoppers include eCommerce marketing  campaigns, social media ads, SEO features and referrals. The more welcoming your business feels, the easier it is for visitors to become buyers. Once someone lands on your site, focus on making their experience feel approachable and friendly to help turn them into happy customers. Find out more: How to start an eCommerce business How to build a website from scratch 02. Browsing and selecting products Once customers arrive at your store, the goal is to make exploring and choosing products easy. This means clear organization: categorize designs by style, theme or collection and offer filters for size, color, material or price. Sorting options like bestsellers or newest arrivals help shoppers find what they want quickly. Clear photos from different angles, zoom features and lifestyle shots let shoppers see every detail. Your product descriptions should be friendly and informative. Since people love a second opinion, adding customer reviews and ratings is a great way to build trust. You can also help your customers find even more to love by using tools like "quick view" or "frequently bought together" suggestions—perfect for increasing your order value while keeping the shopping experience fun and easy. See more: eCommerce management → 03. Completing the purchase The purchase stage is where a visitor becomes a customer and a smooth process is essential. A clear, simple checkout with as few steps as possible reduces friction and helps prevent abandoned carts. Online payment processing  ensures transactions are secure and fast, allowing shoppers to pay with credit or debit cards, digital wallets or other trusted methods. Showing order summaries, shipping costs and estimated delivery times helps buyers feel confident their order is correct. Features like guest checkout, saved addresses and automatic form validation speed up the process, making it easier for customers to complete their purchase and come back again. 04. Secure payment processing   Modern eCommerce platforms support multiple payment methods including credit and debit cards digital wallets “buy now pay later” options and even local payment solutions letting customers pay in ways that feel familiar and convenient. When a shopper checks out the payment gateway encrypts sensitive data like credit card numbers making it unreadable to hackers. Fraud prevention adds another layer of protection. Tools like address verification, CVV checks and AI-powered fraud detection help you spot suspicious activity before it affects your business. Clear communication during checkout—like showing totals, taxes and shipping fees—also reassures customers and reduces abandoned carts. Find out more:  What is Wix payments? Wix payment processing  What is eCommerce checkout? 05. Order fulfillment and inventory management Once the purchase is confirmed, the next step is fulfillment and getting the package ready to ship to the customer. First, the seller checks for availability of the purchased item through an  inventory management  system, pulls out the item and packs it, after which the customer is updated that their order is ready to ship.  By using streamlined workflows and clear communication between teams, eCommerce orders are processed quickly and accurately. It’s important to keep customers updated on their orders throughout the fulfillment process as this helps build trust and enhances their overall shopping experience. Alternative fulfillment models Some sellers skip the logistics around fulfillment entirely by partnering with a dropshipping or print on demand partner. With dropshipping and print on demand, the seller doesn’t keep any inventory or stock, instead a dropshipping or print on demand partner handles the product printing (in the case of print on demand) and shipping, sending the item directly to the customer on the seller’s behalf. Dropshipping and print on demand are great for getting into eCommerce without any inventory overhead.    “Dropshipping is a sales model in which the store owner sells products without needing to keep them in stock. Thus, the store owner acts as an intermediary, passing the orders placed in their store to the supplier, who is responsible for delivering them to the final customer.” - Bruno Brito, dropshipping specialist and CEO of Empreender See more:   What is dropshipping? How to sell print on demand t-shirts Best dropshipping website builders 06. Shipping and delivery Shipping and delivery are a key part of the eCommerce experience and often shape how customers feel about a purchase. Once an order is packed, it’s handed off to a shipping carrier and sent to the customer. Offering multiple eCommerce shipping options like standard, express or local delivery gives buyers flexibility while clear pricing and estimated delivery times help set expectations early. Once an order ships, tracking updates and delivery notifications keep customers informed and reduce uncertainty. Delays or missing information can quickly lead to frustration so proactive communication is essential. A clear returns process also matters, making it easy for customers to send items back if needed. “Logistics in eCommerce encompasses everything necessary for your products to reach your customers. This includes everything from when they visit your online store, make a purchase, and track their order, to storage, inventory management, transportation, and delivery.” - Rubén Bastón, director of Marketing4eCommerce  07. Post-purchase support and customer feedback Providing post-purchase support helps resolve issues, answer questions and make returns or exchanges simple which builds trust and keeps customers coming back. Clear communication like order confirmations, shipping updates and follow-up emails keeps buyers informed and reassured throughout the process. Collecting customer feedback is just as important. Reviews, ratings and surveys give insight into what’s working and what needs improvement, helping you refine products, website navigation and marketing. When you encourage feedback you also show customers their opinions matter, strengthening loyalty and fostering positive word-of-mouth for your online store. 08. Analytics and store optimization Your store’s data tells you what’s working and what isn’t. You can see which products are your bestsellers where shoppers drop off during checkout and which marketing efforts bring in the most people. Use this info to improve your store. You could simplify your site’s navigation update product descriptions test new checkout flows or offer personalized recommendations. Regularly checking your analytics and making small tweaks can help you boost sales reduce abandoned online shopping cart and create a better shopping experience for your customers. Types of eCommerce There are a few types of eCommerce   and each model has its own unique way of connecting sellers with their target audiences. Understanding these different approaches helps with figuring out which structure works best for your business ideas and goals. 01. Business-to-Consumer (B2C) eCommerce  Business-to-Consumer, or B2C, is the most popular eCommerce type and closely resembles the classic retail model where a business sells its products or services directly to individual customers. When someone buys a pair of shoes from an online retailer, a new book from a major marketplace or subscribes to a streaming service, they’re participating in B2C eCommerce. The focus is on a high transaction volume with a typically short sales cycle. B2C eCommerce success often comes down to creating a great customer experience and building a strong brand identity. Since B2C eCommerce focuses on selling to individuals, marketing is aimed at appealing to personal needs, desires and emotions. B2C marketing usually comes in the form of social media campaigns, influencer partnerships and email promotions. The goal is to attract shoppers to your store and make the buying process as smooth as possible to encourage them to click the “Buy Now” button and come back for repeat purchases. 02. Business-to-Business (B2B) eCommerce  Business-to-Business (B2B) eCommerce is an eCommerce type where one business sells products or services to other businesses. These transactions often involve bulk orders, long-term contracts and more complex and dynamic pricing structures than traditional B2C eCommerce. Examples of B2B eCommerce are office supplies, software and software licensing firms or production material providers. The B2B sales process is typically longer and more relationship-driven. Decisions are based on logic, return on investment and efficiency rather than desires and emotions. Marketing in the B2B space focuses on building trust and demonstrating value through case studies, whitepapers and detailed product specifications and datasheets. The goal is to position your B2B eCommerce business as a reliable partner that helps other businesses operate more effectively. 03. Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) eCommerce  Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) eCommerce happens when individuals sell products or services directly to one another through an online platform. Online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy and Facebook Marketplace are popular examples where anyone can sell used furniture, handmade crafts or old electronics to other regular people. Online marketplaces and C2C platforms usually take a small commission or listing fee in return. With C2C, the platform's role is to connect buyers with sellers and provide a secure environment for the transaction. Trust is a huge factor, which is why rating and review systems are so important. C2C has empowered countless individuals to become casual sellers or even run small businesses from their homes, turning personal items or hobbies into a viable source of income. 04. Consumer-to-Business (C2B) eCommerce Consumer-to-Business (C2B) is an interesting eCommerce model that flips the traditional sales dynamic. In C2B, an individual sells their products or services to a business. This is common in the creator economy. For example, a freelance photographer might sell their images to a stock photo company, a blogger could be paid by a brand for a sponsored post or a web developer could offer their services for a specific corporate project. In this model, the individual creates the value, and the business pays for it. Online platforms, like Fiverr and Upwork, have made C2B more accessible than ever, connecting freelancers and creators with companies looking for specific skills. C2B eCommerce lets talented individuals monetize their expertise by working with businesses of all sizes. eCommerce in action: a t-shirt online store example Build your shop : Start by creating a professional site with Wix drag and drop website builder . Personalize your shop with product galleries, filters and quick views so customers can browse your designs with ease. Add detailed product pages with high-quality images, available sizes and colors, material info and design options to help shoppers find their new favorite shirt. Attract customers: Promote your t-shirt store across multiple marketing channels. Use Wix SEO tools to appear when people search for custom t-shirts, launch social media campaigns featuring your designs or send emails to showcase new collections and limited editions. Encourage return shoppers:  Let customers create accounts to save wishlists, track order history and store addresses for faster checkout. Accept secure payments: Set up safe, flexible payment options. Wix Payments and integrations with providers like PayPal, Stripe and credit cards let customers pay in ways they trust. Secure encryption and fraud prevention tools ensure transactions are protected, giving buyers confidence. Set up shipping: Offer flexible shipping methods that suit your audience. Options like free shipping, flat rates, local delivery or store pickup make it easier for customers to complete their orders. Clear shipping info and tracking updates improve the overall experience. Manage orders and inventory: Keep everything organized from one dashboard. Track inventory levels, process new orders and handle fulfillment efficiently. Wix makes it easy to coordinate in-house stock or integrate with dropshipping and print-on-demand partners to avoid running out of popular items. Expand your catalog: Grow your product selection without extra inventory by connecting with services like Printful, Printify, Modalyst or Spocket. This allows you to offer new designs and trending products while the partner handles printing and shipping. Sell on multiple channels: Reach more buyers by selling your t-shirts on platforms like Google, Facebook, Amazon, eBay and YouTube. Wix lets you manage everything in one place—sync your t-shirt designs, track sales and handle orders across multiple channels without extra hassle. Enhance your store: Use advanced tools like Velo by Wix to add custom coding and features tailored to your business. You can implement unique checkout flows, special discounts or personalized recommendations to improve the shopping experience and boost conversions. Learn more: How to sell online How to start an online store Building an eCommerce website with Wix Wix helps you create a business-ready online store in minutes with easy domain name  search and registration, free website hosting  and eCommerce hosting , online shopping cart integration and an online store builder .  You can choose from over 2,000 website templates , including hundreds of eCommerce website templates and customize them to match your brand. Once your site is designed, you can add your products and set up shipping and payment options to start selling. Learn how to sell on Wix How does eCommerce work with Wix? Wix offers an all-in-one online store builder with fully customizable storefronts, offering:  Intuitive design tools:  Drag-and-drop website builder and customizable eCommerce website templates . Built-in SEO: Optimize your site to rank higher in search results and attract more shoppers with Wix SEO . AI website creator : Launch a professional-looking online store in just a few clicks.  Integrated marketing tools:  Email campaigns, social media integration and more. Flexible payment options:  Accept major payment methods through Wix Payments or connect to over 100 global providers like Stripe, Square and Klarna. Wix enhances the customer experience and creates a seamless shopping journey with features like: AI-powered chat:  Assist customers in real-time to reduce cart abandonment. Advanced navigation:  Add filters, sorting options and search functionality. Secure checkout: Build trust with PCI compliance and fraud prevention. By combining powerful eCommerce tools  with ease of use, an eCommerce website built with Wix empowers businesses to attract more customers and sell more. Check out these stunning eCommerce website examples →  How does eCommerce work? FAQ What is an eCommerce website? An eCommerce website is an online store that allows a business to display products or services and sell them directly to customers over the internet. These websites include features like a product catalog, a virtual shopping cart and a secure payment system. Using tools like Wix, you can easily build a high-converting eCommerce website in minutes. How do you start an eCommerce business? You start an eCommerce business by choosing a product to sell, setting up your online store using an eCommerce platform and creating a marketing plan to attract customers. Building an online store:  Decide what products to sell by focusing on a niche you’re passionate about  Come up with a brand and register a domain name to go with it  Design your store layout and upload your products listings  Setup payment processing and shipping option Once your store is live, the focus shifts to driving traffic to your store through social media marketing, content marketing or paid advertising. Running a successful online store effectively involves continuously testing your strategies and adapting to customer feedback. What are the most important eCommerce tools? The most important eCommerce tools include an eCommerce platform to build and host your store, a payment gateway to process payments, marketing automation software for ongoing promotions and analytics tools for insights into customers' behavior. How do I market my online store? There are countless ways to market an eCommerce store, but a few tactics stand out, such as SEO, social media campaigns, email marketing strategies and paid advertising. There isn’t one overarching marketing strategy that fits all online stores. The most successful sellers experiment with different channels and messages, track their results and adapt with what works. Is eCommerce profitable? Yes, eCommerce can be very profitable. With lower overhead costs compared to traditional retail and the ability to reach a global customer base, online businesses have significant potential for growth and high profit margins. Success depends on factors like product demand, marketing strategy and operational efficiency.

Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix eCommerce →   With so many options on the market, choosing the best eCommerce website builder can be overwhelming. You need a tool that not only offers flexibility and scalability but also integrates with various payment gateways, provides robust security and delivers an impeccable user experience. It may be tempting to pick the first option that comes up in your Google search. Yet, what works for one person might not be the most suitable website builder  for your business. To save you time, money and headaches in your search, we've rounded up a list of the best eCommerce website builders that cover a range of budgets and use cases. Ready to start your eCommerce journey? Now’s the perfect time to bring your vision to life. With Wix eCommerce, you have the tools to build a professional online store and create a website that captivates your audience, drives traffic and boosts sales. Take the first step and explore Wix eCommerce today. Make your mark online and turn your ideas into success. 10 best eCommerce website builders Navigating the world of website builders requires more than just a quick glance, especially if you’re looking for a tool that can support your eCommerce business  at all stages of its growth. Each option in our carefully curated list of the best eCommerce platforms  brings reliable solutions to the table. From specialized features catering to specific industries to versatile builders that suit any type of business , we've got you covered.  Wix: Best all-in-one eCommerce platform with AI tools   Squarespace : Offers a diverse selection of templates BigCommerce : Advanced features for businesses of all sizes Big Cartel : Affordable pricing plans for small businesses Shopify : Extensive app store with free and paid apps WooCommerce : Designed for seamless WordPress integration Ecwid : Ideal for quickly launching an online store Weebly : Provides easy-to-use templates for beginners Shift4Shop : Free domain name registration and renewal Volusion : Built-in tools for sales and marketing 01. Wix  With Wix, learning how to make a website  for eCommerce is straightforward. You can browse a library of free, professionally designed online store templates  that match your brand's identity. You can then customize your site with the help of our drag-and-drop website builder  and all of its built-in editing tools or AI—no coding required. If you do have coding experience, however, Wix’s open platform does allow you to create your own customized website with code. Wix is designed as a comprehensive, end-to-end eCommerce platform with eCommerce tools  and others, to help you market, manage and grow your business—from sourcing products to accepting payments, fulfilling orders, developing into B2B eCommerce and more.  Learn more about what is Wix Payments.   For example, from Wix, you can manage product listings across multiple sales channels , including native mobile apps, third-party eCommerce marketplaces  and social media  There’s even an integrated physical point-of-sale  (POS) system for accepting in-person sales.  “Wix is not only an eCommerce website builder,” explains Oren Inditzky, vice president and general manager of online stores at Wix. “It covers all types of business, and as such, it can allow you to further grow and expand your business. In addition to selling products, you can also offer services to book , events to attend , blogs to read and so on.”  Once your site is live, you can refine your content to drive more sales, convert more customers and show up higher in search results. Wix’s SEO Assistant  automatically recommends ways to improve your content, structure and SEO attributes across Wix Bookings pages, Wix Stores product pages and Wix Blog posts. And, Wix is at the forefront of AI in eCommerce : with built-in AI text creation tools, you can instantly refine FAQ pages, About sections and more. Most notably, the AI tool can create hundreds of optimized product descriptions for your store in minutes, saving you countless hours of work.  Or supercharge your eCommerce business with Wix's AI Custom Agent an intuitive no-code toll that lets you build powerful AI agents tailored to your specific needs. Your custom agent can work around the clock to drive results by automatically reconnecting with inactive customers through personalized coupon campaigns, preventing inventory shortages by monitoring stock and contacting suppliers, optimizing sales with smart discount strategies for underperforming products and delivering actionable business insights through AI-generated reports sent directly to your inbox. Key Wix features Custom website templates  for various industries Built-in AI tools for website creation, product descriptions, product recommendations and more Wide range of built-in eCommerce tools, plus hundreds of third-party integrations (free and paid) through the Wix App Market Versatile payment solution, Wix Payments, offers a seamless checkout experience Easy integration with social media channels (Instagram, Facebook and TikTok) and advertising channels (Google Ads, Facebook Ads and Instagram Ads) Support for selling across multiple channels, including native apps, POS systems, external marketplaces and social media Pricing Ecommerce plans start at $27 per month See more : Read our handy guide on  how to start an online store . Ready to start selling online and explore eCommerce hosting ? Try Wix  on for size. 02. Squarespace Squarespace can help all kinds of businesses get online. The website builder offers an assortment of visually appealing templates, making it a good choice for photographers, local stores, restaurants and more. Squarespace combines good looks with versatility and ease of use. Its drag-and-drop site editor is fairly simple to use, allowing you to set up your site in a short amount of time. You don't need any coding know-how to make a great-looking and functional website. Additionally, the platform has many helpful features that will help your online business scale. For example, it has built-in blogging features for SEO visibility as well as merchandising tools like low stock alerts, product waitlists and more.  Key features of Squarespace Simplified site-building tools, allowing easy customization without technical expertise Diverse selection of templates for a wide range of stylistic preferences Combines aesthetic appeal with practical features, ideal for creative industries and user-friendly online stores Pricing  Range of plans available, with their Business plan starting at $33 per month; advanced merchandising tools are available under the eCommerce plan at $36 per month Looking for the best Squarespace alternatives ? Try Wix for free and see how it compares in this  Wix vs Squarespace  guide. 03. BigCommerce BigCommerce is another popular platform for online stores of all sizes, especially enterprise businesses. As its name implies, this is largely thanks to the eCommerce-specific features available across all of its plans.  You can start building your site from one of 12 free designs, or browse through the library of more than 200 paid templates. If you have technical experience, you can further customize your website down to the CSS and HTML code. One of the nicest features of BigCommerce is that it offers unlimited products and staff accounts across all of its plan tiers. Each tier also offers multichannel sales features, built-in blogs, professional reporting tools, product ratings and more. More advanced features are available in higher-tier plans. Key features of BigCommerce Well-suited to businesses looking to scale, offering solutions for small and enterprise businesses; enterprise features include multi-storefront capabilities, leading omnichannel integrations, extensive partner ecosystem and more No transaction fees across any of its plans Integration with WordPress to modify an existing website Pricing Plans start from $39 per month 04. Big Cartel If you’re a creative professional, showcasing your work in the best light can be hard. Fortunately, Big Cartel offers a good solution if you're looking for an eCommerce website builder aimed at independent artists and creators.  Big Cartel takes a simple approach to website creation, which is ideal for smaller stores or those just getting started with their business. It is not intended to handle robust eCommerce or enterprise needs like those offered by platforms like Wix, Shopify or BigCommerce.  All of Big Cartel’s 15+ templates are stylish, unique and free across all pricing plans. You can customize each design to your liking, and the platform’s site editor lets you see changes made to your Big Cartel site right away.  As for your store offerings, you can list five products for sale through the free forever plan, or upgrade to a paid plan to list between 50 and 500 products. All plans come with an assortment of basic eCommerce tools, though more advanced features like analytics, inventory management and shipping tracking are available through paid plans. Key features of Big Cartel Ideal for independent artists and small creators Simple, stylish and customizable templates Affordable pricing plans with a free forever option for eCommerce sellers Pricing  Paid plans start from $9.99 per month; free forever plan also available 05. Shopify Shopify’s website builder is designed specifically for eCommerce businesses. The platform offers a wide range of features and customizability options for merchants, making it a popular choice for online selling. To build your online store with Shopify, you can browse more than 170 professionally designed templates from the platform’s theme library. Of this assortment, around a dozen themes are free while more than 160 are paid. Shopify's templates provide the basic framework you need to get started building your online store; you can then add additional functionality and customization to your site via Shopify’s diverse app store, which features more than 8,000 free and paid apps as of this writing.  Key features of Shopify “Shopify Magic” offers a suite of AI tools to write product descriptions, emails, blog posts and more Extensive app market to customize the design, functionality and content of your online store Supports omnichannel selling across online and offline platforms Pricing Plans start from $39 per month Learn more: Shopify alternatives Wix vs Shopify 06. WooCommerce WooCommerce is an open-source plugin that's built for WordPress, giving you tight control over your eCommerce site. Building a store with WooCommerce is a budget-friendly option because the plugin is free. The only caveat is you'll need your own server, domain name and SSL certificate to receive payments. Since the onus is on you, the user, to sort out your website, that also means you'll need to handle your website's upkeep and safety. Since you have full control and autonomy over WooCommerce, you can really make your online store your own. There are hundreds of free and paid extensions you can add to include features like different ways to pay or tools for email marketing. However, bear in mind that you have to keep these plugins and your WordPress up to date to keep your site safe and working right. Other eCommerce website builders on this list manage everything for you (usually at a cost). With you completely at the helm, you’ll want to double-check your site’s functionality after something like a plugin update.  If you’re looking instead for a turnkey solution, Woo, the creator of WooCommerce, also offers Woo Express. These paid plans are designed for folks who want to spend less time building and more time selling.    Key features of WooCommerce Plugin is free to download and built for WordPress integration Ideal for business owners who want full control over all elements of their website Hundreds of free and paid extensions to round out your online store functionality Pricing Free to install (must pay for your own hosting provider and domain name) See more: Ready to get your venture off of the ground? Read our guide on how to start a business . 07. Ecwid Ecwid  is a unique option among the best eCommerce  website builders. Instead of needing to build or redesign an entire site, Ecwid can simply be added to your existing website—including your Wix website—instantly turning it into an online store. The platform proclaims that it can help you “sell anywhere,” offering additional eCommerce integrations for social media, online marketplaces like Esty or Amazon, and even in-person sales via POS and mobile.  If you don’t yet have a website, you can use Ecwid’s “Instant Site” feature to put one together in about 30 minutes. The platform offers hundreds of customizable templates designed to get your store launched as quickly and effortlessly as possible. Ecwid offers a free forever plan with limited functionality. Advanced and even basic eCommerce features—like live chat support, discounts and access to Ecwid’s App Market—are only available through paid plans.  Key features of Ecwid “Instant Site” feature for quickly launching an online store; ideal for beginners Allows you add eCommerce functionality to your existing website, blog, social media channels and more Free-forever plan, which allows you to sell up to five products from your online store Pricing Paid plans start from $19 per month; free forever plan also available 08. Weebly Weebly is another good choice for independent contractors or small businesses that want to set up a website, especially if you don't want anything too technical. Weebly is owned by Square, meaning you’ll need a Square Online account to access the site builder.  Weebly offers a range of customizable templates—including free options—that enable you to craft a professional-looking store. Its user-friendly interface makes designing your site straightforward, though it’s a bit more limited in design options than other platforms on this list. Weebly also integrates seamlessly with various payment gateways, providing a smooth transaction experience for both the store owner and the customers.  This simplicity does not come at the cost of functionality, as Weebly includes essential features like inventory management, shipping tools and basic marketing capabilities within its platform. Key features of Weebly Offers beginner-friendly templates with simple and practical editing tools Offers a robust free plan (though you cannot connect a domain name) Premium plans are fairly budget-friendly Pricing Plans start from $13 per month 09. Shift4Shop Shift4Shop, formerly known as 3dcart, is a strong contender in the eCommerce website builder space, particularly for businesses looking for an all-inclusive platform with extensive customization capabilities.  One of Shift4Shop’s most significant advantages is that it offers an “unlimited, enterprise-grade” plan with a full suite of eCommerce tools for the potential cost of $0. If your online store processes at least $500 per month, your end-to-end eCommerce plan is free. If you process less than $500 per month, you’ll still have access to the same tools, but may be charged a monthly software as a service (SaaS) fee. All of Shift4Shop’s 100 website themes are free, too. Key features of Shift4Shop Feature-rich plans are suitable for beginners and small-scale online businesses Offers free domain name registration and renewal Stores processing over $500 per month pay $0 for the platform Pricing Free for businesses that process at least $500 per month; monthly SaaS fee may apply otherwise 10. Volusion Volusion is a solid out-of-the-box solution for small- to medium-sized online stores, with a focus on making website creation simple and easily customizable. The platform offers an assortment of free themes expertly designed with “conversions in mind.” The simple page-building tool allows you to customize each theme with click-to-add functionality for pre-coded content blocks—like blogs, featured products, testimonials and more. Volusion also offers an assortment of sales and marketing tools, but it’s worth noting that they’re only available starting at the second-tier paid plan. This includes useful features like abandoned cart reports, a customer relationship management (CRM) system, ratings, reviews and more. Key features of Volusion Simple and effective eCommerce platform for small- and medium-sized online stores No coding required to customize any of the templates or website features Offers an assortment of eCommerce sales and marketing tools Pricing Plans start from $35 per month Non-negotiable features of an eCommerce website builder The best eCommerce website builders should offer a range of features to enable you to create, manage and optimize your online store. Some of the key non-negotiable features you should expect from an eCommerce website builder are: Ease of use Any platform you use should have an intuitive interface that allows users with varying levels of technical expertise to build and customize their online stores without extensive coding knowledge. Look for features such as drag and drop and low code no code capabilities. Templates and customization Access to a variety of professionally designed ecommerce templates should be paramount, catering to different industries and design styles. Additionally, the ability to customize these templates with branding elements, colors, fonts and layouts is essential for creating a unique online store. Popular ecommerce website examples include: Fashion and clothing templates Jewelry templates Beauty and wellness templates Food and drinks templates Arts and crafts templates Mobile friendly The builder should ensure that websites created on the builder are mobile friendly, allowing you to design your site for mobile. Mobile friendly ecommerce website builders prioritize site reliability  and performance . Product management Robust product ecommerce management features are crucial, including the ability to add, edit, and categorize products easily. Users should be able to upload product images, set prices, manage inventory and create product variations (such as sizesm or colors) efficiently. Checkout and payment processing Your ecommerce platform should offer a secure and streamlined checkout process, allowing customers to easily add products to their cart, enter shipping and payment details and complete purchases. Integration with popular payment gateways and support for multiple payment methods for credit card processing online  (credit cards, PayPal) is essential. Shipping and tax options Your ecommerce builder should provide flexible shipping and tax configuration options, allowing users to set shipping rates based on factors like weight, location or order value. It should also support automatic tax calculations based on the customer's location and applicable tax laws. Marketing tools Built-in search engine optimization (SEO) features  are essential to help you optimize their online stores for better visibility in search engine results. Additionally, marketing tools such as email marketing integration, discount codes, social media sharing and gift cards can help drive traffic and increase sales. Analytics and reporting A good ecommerce website builder should offer built-in analytics tools  that provide insights into website traffic, sales performance, customer behavior and other key metrics. Access to detailed reports and data visualization tools can help you make informed decisions to optimize their online stores. Security and compliance Security features  such as SSL encryption, PCI compliance and regular software updates are essential to protect customer data and ensure a secure shopping experience. Also look for features like automatic backups and fraud detection/prevention mechanisms, all of which are standard with a Wix ecommerce site. Customer support and community Look for responsive customer support channels (such as live chat, email or phone support) and comprehensive documentation/resources to help you troubleshoot issues and get the most out of your builder. An active user community or forum can encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration among all users. Learn more: WordPress alternatives Editor’s note: all prices and features are current as of January 11, 2024. Best eCommerce website builders FAQ What is an eCommerce website? An eCommerce website  is an online platform where businesses sell goods and services directly to consumers. It acts as a digital storefront, offering a convenient, accessible way for users to browse, select and buy products or services at any time. These websites are equipped with features like shopping carts , product catalogs and secure payment systems. For businesses, they provide a vital channel to reach a wider audience, track consumer behavior and enhance sales. Learn more: eCommerce advantages and disadvantages What is the best eCommerce website builder? Determining the best eCommerce website builder depends on your business needs, technical skills and budget.  For ease of use and versatility, Wix stands out as a top choice, offering a wide range of customizable templates, eCommerce functionality and an intuitive drag-and-drop interface with AI tools built in. How much does it cost to build an online store? The cost of building an online store can vary widely depending on several factors, including your paid subscription plan (if applicable), necessary apps and other essential eCommerce features. Additional costs may include purchasing a domain name, which typically costs around $10 to $20 annually, and any premium themes or plugins, which can cost as much as $400. For a more customized, professional store, costs can escalate significantly, especially if you hire web designers or developers, potentially reaching thousands of dollars. Remember, ongoing expenses for maintenance, marketing and platform updates also contribute to how much an eCommerce website costs . Can I build an eCommerce website for free? There are several eCommerce website builders that will let you get started with building an ecommerce website  for free. However, you may quickly discover that you need to factor in other costs in order to grow or market your store. For example, you may need to pay for hosting, a domain name and potentially a subscription fee if you’d like to upgrade your account with your platform of choice.

S tart selling with Wix eCommerce →   Get started with Dropshipping  today → Ecommerce websites have revolutionized the way we think about retail and commerce. At its core, eCommerce or electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods or services using the internet. It encompasses a range of different transactions, from online shopping for clothes to ordering software services. eCommerce sales is not just a trend, it's are an integral part of modern business practices. When you shop online, you're participating in e-Commerce. Digital marketplaces, aka eCommerce website, allows consumers and businesses to interact in a virtual space, providing convenience and accessibility that traditional brick-and-mortar stores can't match. With just a few clicks, you can purchase an item from halfway across the world—a testament to the power and reach of e-Commerce websites. In this article, we'll explore the basics of eCommerce websites, their importance in today's business landscape, key components for building an eCommerce site , eCommerce KPIs and much more. Whether you're a seasoned business owner looking to expand online or a newcomer curious about the potential of e-commerce when starting your business , this article will provide valuable insights into making the most of your online presence. Ready to start your eCommerce journey? Now’s the perfect time to bring your vision to life. With Wix eCommerce, you have the tools to build an online store and create a website that captivates your audience, drives traffic and boosts sales. Take the first step and explore Wix eCommerce today. Make your mark online and turn your ideas into success. What is an eCommerce website? An e-commerce website, simply put, is an online store. It's a platform where goods and services are traded between buyers and sellers over the internet. Unlike a physical storefront, an e-commerce website can be accessed at any time, from anywhere, as long as there's an internet connection. As a digital shopfront displays products or services, allows users to select and purchase them and facilitates the acceptance of payments . Learn more: How to create an eCommerce website Best eCommerce platforms eCommerce website examples eCommerce website vs other types of websites What distinguishes an e-commerce website from other types of websites is its ability to handle transactions. E-commerce transactions are the lifeblood of any online store, allowing for the exchange of goods, services, and funds over the web. These transactions are supported by eCommerce platforms —specialized software solutions that provide the necessary eCommerce tools for managing sales, inventory , customers and other critical aspects of online business operations. Website builders like Wix incorporate eCommerce features in their platforms to help you build a successful online store. Learn more: How much does an eCommerce website cost , eCommerce website examples , Website vs online store Types of eCommerce websites The main eCommerce types are: Business to Consumer (B2C): This is the most common form of e-commerce where businesses sell directly to consumers. Think of your typical online retailers. Business to Business (B2B) : Here, transactions occur between two businesses. For example, a manufacturer selling to a wholesaler. Consumer to Consumer (C2C): Platforms like eBay facilitate this type of e-commerce where individuals can sell goods or services to each other. Read more: Squarespace alternatives Wix vs Squarespace Shopify alternatives  Wix vs Shopify WordPress alternatives eCommerce website examples To give you a clearer picture of what an eCommerce website is, here are some examples: Amazon: A giant in B2C sales that offers everything from books to electronics. Alibaba: A leading B2B platform connecting manufacturers with retailers. eBay: A popular C2C marketplace where individuals can auction and sell items. Each type serves different market needs and requires specific business strategies for success. Importance of eCommerce websites when starting a business A digital driven world has made e-commerce websites not just a convenience but a necessity for businesses looking to thrive online. The ability to start an eCommerce business has opened up new opportunities for business growth, expansion and customer reach that were previously unimaginable. Here's why having a website dedicated to e-commerce is crucial for any business aiming for profitability online. Global reach: Unlike a physical store, an online store can reach customers worldwide, breaking geographical barriers. Cost-effectiveness: Running an e-commerce website often requires less capital compared to maintaining a physical storefront. Convenience: Customers appreciate the convenience of shopping online at any time without the need to travel. Personalization: E-commerce platforms can provide personalized experiences based on customer data, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty. Analytics: Online stores can track and analyze consumer behavior, allowing for more informed business decisions. Learn more: How to start an online store , Optimize your e-commerce website , Benefits of a website Key components of an eCommerce website User-friendly design and mobile Commerce A successful e-Commerce website must be easy to navigate (especially once users have added items to their online shopping cart and are towards the end of their purchase) and visually appealing. A user-friendly design ensures that customers can find what they're looking for without frustration. Moreover, with the increasing prevalence of smartphones, mobile commerce has become a critical aspect of online shopping. Your e-Commerce site must be optimized for mobile devices and mobile commerce, providing a seamless shopping experience whether the customer is on a desktop or on the go. For more web design inspiration consider these examples, or check out our guide to eCommerce UX . Robust e-Commerce platform or website builder Choosing the right e-commerce platform is pivotal. These platforms or ecommerce website builders can help you manage your online store efficiently, from inventory management to customer service. Selecting a robust platform, like Wix, that aligns with your business goals will set the foundation for a successful e-commerce website. Secure transaction processing Security is paramount in e-commerce transactions. Customers need to trust that their personal and financial information is safe when making purchases. Implementing secure payment gateways, website security measures and adhering to data protection standards are essential steps in building that trust and ensuring the integrity of your online store. Effective product display and descriptions Finally, how you present your products can make or break your e-commerce website. High-quality images, detailed descriptions and clear pricing information are crucial for convincing customers to make a purchase. Additionally, providing reviews and ratings can further enhance product pages by offering social proof to potential buyers. Advantages of an eCommerce website The decision to launch an e-commerce website can be transformative for a business. The advantages of entering the world of online commerce are numerous and can lead to substantial growth and success. Here are some of the key benefits: Wider audience reach: An e-commerce website opens your business to a global audience, removing the limitations of physical location. Operational cost savings: Operating online can significantly reduce overhead costs such as rent, utilities, and in some cases, staffing. Increased sales opportunities: With the ability to operate 24/7, an e-commerce site offers more opportunities for sales than a traditional retail store with set hours. Data-driven insights: Online selling provides access to customer data and analytics that can inform business strategies and marketing efforts. Scalability: As your business grows, an e-commerce platform can scale with you, accommodating more products, services and traffic without the need for a larger physical space. eCommerce website FAQ What is an example of a successful eCommerce website? An example of an e-commerce website is Amazon, where customers can browse a vast selection of products, compare prices, read reviews, and make purchases all in one place. Other examples include fashion retailer ASOS, electronics specialist Best Buy and home goods store Wayfair. What is an eCommerce website used for? An e-commerce website is used for conducting business online. It serves as a platform where ecommerce businesses can showcase their products or services, interact with customers, and process sales transactions. These sites are designed to facilitate the entire shopping experience from product discovery to checkout. What are some types of eCommerce businesses? Online retailers :  These are businesses that sell products directly to consumers through their websites. Subscription services:  Companies that offer regular delivery of products or access to services for a recurring fee. Digital products:  Businesses that sell digital goods such as software, e-books, music, or courses. Dropshipping:  Retailers who sell products that are shipped directly from the supplier to the customer without handling the inventory themselves. Other types of websites What is a wedding website What is a membership website What is a real estate website

Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix eCommerce →   When it comes to online retail, the work of  building an eCommerce website  and perfecting it is never done. As an online store owner, you not only have to think about if your site looks good, but also if it’s going to convert visitors into customers effectively. Think of your website as a car and yourself as the mechanic—every time you fine-tune your site, it'll drive a little smoother, move a little faster and stay strong for years to come.  This article will serve as your instruction manual for eCommerce website optimization. Discover eight invaluable strategies for improving your site’s performance and creating an unforgettable experience for your shoppers.  As you prepare for high-traffic shopping moments like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, these strategies become even more valuable for keeping your store fast, reliable and ready to convert visitors into customers. Ready to start your eCommerce journey? Now’s the perfect time to bring your vision to life. With Wix eCommerce, you have the tools to build a professional online store and create a website that captivates your audience, drives traffic and boosts sales. Take the first step and explore Wix eCommerce today. Make your mark online and turn your ideas into success. TL;DR: eCommerce website optimization Ecommerce website optimization is about making your store faster, easier to use and more appealing to shoppers. Use clear CTAs, fast-loading pages and SEO-friendly product pages so visitors can find what they want and take action quickly. Simplify checkout, include all the product details customers need, and try different pricing strategies to see what drives sales. Personalize the experience using browsing history, past purchases or location to recommend the right products. Keep an eye on analytics like traffic, conversion rate, average order value, bounce rate and customer lifetime value to spot areas for improvement. Use classic sales tactics like flash sales, seasonal promotions or limited-time offers to create urgency and boost conversions. Ecommerce website optimization strategies Make your CTAs obvious Audit and increase your site speed Implement SEO best practices on your product pages Simplify your checkout flow Test pricing strategies Give your customers all the info they need Track analytics and metrics regularly Personalize the shopping experience Experiment with classic sales strategies 01. Make your CTAs obvious A call to action (CTA) refers to a piece of text, link or button that encourages customers to take a specific action. If you use an eCommerce website template , it usually comes with a built-in, well-designed CTA, making it easier for visitors to know where to click. CTAs that are difficult to find or understand can hinder the success of this  type of website , where visitors are often hopping between pages to find what they’re looking for.  Customers should know exactly where to go to look at the items in their cart and proceed to checkout. If you’re using a button, pick a color that contrasts against the background. For example, if you look at this landing page for Wix’s  landing page builder , you’ll notice that the white “get started” button stands out against the green background. This makes it one of the first things visitors see when they land on the page. Your CTA’s copy should also be obvious. “Your visitor should be absolutely sure what pressing the button will do and where it will bring them, otherwise they will never click,” says Amanda Weiner, CRO expert at Wix. While it may be tempting to replace an ordinary “add to cart” button with text that says “treat yourself,” you’ll want to stick to clear, descriptive text. Straightforward language can lead to more immediate action, plus improve  website accessibility . Don’t have a website? Use Wix’s  eCommerce website builder  to get started today. 02. Audit and increase your eCommerce site speed Every second counts when it comes to eCommerce site speed. According to an analysis by Portent , a site that loads in one second has an eCommerce conversion rate that’s 2.5 higher than a site that takes five seconds to load.  Not to mention that faster loading times can improve things like your SEO (search engine optimization) or Google Ads quality score, which may have a material effect on the traffic to your store.  Use tools like the Wix Site Speed dashboard to get a better sense of your site's performance. The Wix dashboard specifically uses real visitor data to accurately reflect what your website visitors are experiencing. It will show you how fast your website is using a number of Core Web Vitals, including: First contentful paint (FCP):  How long it takes for the first piece of content to show up on the page when your website loads Largest contentful paint (LCP): The time it takes for the largest page element to appear First input delay (FID):  How long it takes for your website to process a visitor’s first interaction with a page, such as a click or scroll Cumulative layout shift (CLS): How many times elements change positions on your page, which indicates visual stability  The Wix Site Speed dashboard provides recommendations for improving overall performance, accessibility and SEO. For example, you might be advised to compress video files before uploading them to your website. Or, you may find that you’re using too many custom fonts. Check this dashboard regularly and update your site accordingly to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted shopping experience.  Related reading: How much does an eCommerce website cost?   03. Implement SEO best practices on your product pages A recent Klarna study found that 32% percent of U.S. consumers still begin their online shopping journey with a search engine. In other words, SEO should be top of mind as you’re fine-tuning your site. There are many factors that go into SEO—but at minimum, you’ll want to make sure that you’re using keywords that are relevant, descriptive and highly searched throughout your website and product pages .  To do so, conduct keyword research for each product and page. (If you’ve got too many pages to tackle at once, focus on the pages for your best-selling or recommended products.) Keep an eye out for the most popular phrases that people are googling to discover products like yours. You can use a tool like  Wix's Semrush integration  to identify keywords and sift through a number of helpful metrics:  Search volume: The number of individuals that search for the keyword within a specific timeframe (usually a month).  Keyword difficulty: How difficult it would be to rank for that keyword. This is usually related to the amount of competition there is for a keyword and the number of backlinks those competitors have. Search intent: The purpose behind a user’s query. Are they searching with an informational intent (e.g., “how to choose the right sneakers”), navigational intent (e.g., “sneaker store near me”), commercial intent (e.g., “best deals on running sneakers”) or transactional intent (e.g., “buy Adidas Ultraboost”)? Weigh the above metrics to find the ideal keyword for each page. For example, at this stage, you might find that instead of targeting the phrase “running shoes,” you’re better off targeting “women’s running shoe size 9” because it’s more specific, has a high search volume and relevant to people who are ready to make a purchase. Once you’ve decided on the right keywords, incorporate them into your product pages via the product name, description, alt text and/or URL. Note: if you’re using Wix, you can always tap the AI text creator or AI meta tag creator for help with writing. Ecommerce consultant  Luke Carthy also recommends checking out the “People Also Ask” section  of relevant search engine results pages (SERP): “As you search more queries, you’ll surface more questions and potentially begin to identify patterns and questions that frequently appear. Take note of these details, as they’re likely to come in handy when you’re working on your descriptions.” Remember, SEO isn’t a one-and-done deal; keep an eye on your rankings and take steps to retain or improve them over time.  04. Simplify your checkout flow The average  abandoned cart rate  in eCommerce stands at a whopping 70.19%. While abandoned  shopping carts  are an inevitable part of selling online, you can reduce them by simplifying your checkout flow and removing any friction. The only way to decrease abandonment is to understand why it happens. According to a  meta-analysis of 49 studies  by Baymard Institute, cart abandonment is often a result of one of these events: Extra costs are too high (48%):  When taxes, shipping and fees end up increasing the order total unexpectedly, many customers tend to ditch their carts. Solve this problem by incorporating fees into your product pricing or offering free shipping for orders over a certain amount. The latter technique has the added benefit of encouraging customers to buy more than they may have initially intended. The site required a new account (26%):  If your website makes people create an account to proceed with checkout, you could be adding unnecessary friction to the transaction. Offer a guest checkout option to help new customers breeze through this step, then let them create an account to keep track of their purchases or access special promos after they’ve checked out. Delivery was too slow (23%):  When shoppers encounter extended delivery windows or uncertain arrival dates, they may opt to look elsewhere for quicker solutions. To mitigate this, offer expedited shipping at a higher cost or offer free shipping after a certain threshold to give them a reason to be patient. Wix users can also use the ShipStation integration to help streamline the fulfillment process.  Didn’t trust the site with credit card information (25%):  After seeing countless consumer data breaches in the news, customers may be hesitant to input their financial information on smaller business websites. Alleviate these concerns by offering alternative payment options, like PayPal or Google Pay, which hide payment information from merchants. If you use Wix Payments, you can let customers know that they’re protected by PCI Compliance, the highest marker of  eCommerce website security. Checkout process was too long or complicated (22%): Even customers who make it through lengthy checkout processes will likely feel agitated, so streamlining it is just as much a matter of user experience as it is about lowering your abandoned cart rate. Do your best to simplify form fields and condense the process to fit on a single page ( Wix checkout customizations  can be useful on this front). Offer express payment methods like those mentioned in the last bullet.  Total cost was hidden (21%): Customers want to know the total amount they’ll need to spend on shipping, fees and taxes before they enter all their information. Be transparent by displaying any extra costs as early as possible in the checkout process. Don’t forget to send emails that can help you recover abandoned orders. Learn how to set up and automate abandoned cart emails in Wix . 05. Test pricing strategies When it comes to pricing on your eCommerce site, small adjustments can make a big difference. It’s a good idea to run tests that can help you understand what offers or prices resonate with your customers without guessing. This is part of learning how to make money online . Ultimately, you’ll want to find that sweet spot where your prices aren’t too low that they cut into your margins or too high that they drive shoppers away.  There are several pricing methods worth testing:  Subscription pricing: Subscription pricing is a win-win for customers and merchants—you get recurring revenue, while customers receive convenience at a good price. For example, a feminine hygiene brand might give customers a 5% discount on each box of tampons via its tampon subscription service.  Odd-even pricing:  This popular technique suggests that prices that end in an odd number (e.g., $3.07) subconsciously signal a deal, while prices that end in an even number (e.g., $100.00) signal a luxury item. Additionally, prices that end in a 9, such as $2.99 or $29, tend to sell better than prices that are rounded up, such as $3 or $30. Pre-order pricing: Pre-order pricing lets you gauge customer demand before fully launching a product, allowing you to adjust prices based on early interest. Offering a discount for pre-orders can encourage commitment while giving you insights into how much people are willing to pay for your product. Learn how to activate pre-orders in Wix .  Comparative pricing: Help customers understand how good of a deal they’re getting by showing the original price slashed out right next to the new price. You can use this eCommerce optimization technique to price sales or clearance items or show how your prices compare to your competition. Decoy pricing: It’s said that when presented with two options, customers gravitate toward the cheaper option. When presented with three options, they tend to choose the more expensive option. Therefore, adding a third option can steer customers toward the more expensive product. Bulk discount: Mimic brands like Costco incentivize customers to spend more by offering a lower price per unit when they buy large quantities of a single item. This convinces customers to buy more in one go, which saves them money and boosts your business's sales. Price anchoring: Experiment with how you organize products on category pages to take advantage of anchoring, which is the practice of displaying products side by side to create context and perceived value. Bundle pricing: Increase your average order value (AOV) by bundling products together and offering them at a discount. Customers will love the deal they’re getting, especially if you compare the individual item prices to the bundle pricing. Gift cards, discounts and coupons: Encourage repeat purchases with one of these classic strategies. These types of incentives give shoppers a reason to spend more money while letting them decide to redeem their savings. Explore how gifts cards work on Wix , or how to offer discounts and coupons on your Wix site . Upsell/cross-sell: Upselling and cross-selling are great ways to increase order value by offering customers related or higher-end products as they shop. By suggesting complementary items or premium upgrades, you can enhance their shopping experience while growing your overall sales. Add a related products gallery  or integrate ReConvert  with your Wix site to cross-sell and upsell your customers intelligently.  06. Give your customers all the info they need In a brick-and-mortar setting, customers can touch an item, hold it, test it out, try it on and ask a sales associate any pressing questions.  When it comes to your online store, it helps to mimic this in-person shopping experience by giving customers all the information they need upfront. To this end, optimize each part of your product pages, including: Photos:  Upload photos from multiple angles. Include full-product images and close-ups. If the product is wearable, show models of different sizes wearing it. Stage the product to show customers how to use it or how to pair it with complementary products. View more  eCommerce photography  tips. Description: If customers couldn’t see the product, how would you describe it? Mention features that aren’t shown in the images as well as those that are. Include SEO keywords to make your product easier to find. Instructions: If applicable, explain how to use your product. What might be obvious to you might not be obvious to your customers. If relevant, include assembly instructions. Think beyond words when it comes to instructions. Videos or graphics can help customers visualize your products and how to use them. Shipping and return information: Hidden shipping pricing and speeds are one of the top reasons customers abandon carts, according to the same Baymard study mentioned earlier. To mitigate this, provide essential shipping information along with links to comprehensive policies on every product page. Materials: What are your products made of? List the materials in clothing, jewelry or home goods, as well as the ingredients in food and skincare products. Sizes or measurements: For wearable products, include a size guide on each product page to help customers find the right fit and reduce returns. For other types of products, like furniture, tools or appliances, provide as many product measurements as possible. Diagrams can be helpful in either case. Reviews:  Customer reviews help potential customers learn even more about your products, such as sizing or troubleshooting advice. Highlight testimonials, awards and other proof points on your site—or encourage users to leave their own reviews. Wix users can find various solutions in the Wix App Market  for showcasing and collecting feedback. Back-in-stock or pre-order status: Prominently display the in-stock status of your product. If a product is out of stock, consider giving your buyers the option to join your email list (see how to create back-in-stock notifications in Wix ) or pre-order your item on the spot.  Create an online store  with Wix today, or explore other clever eCommerce merchandising  techniques. 07. Track analytics and eCommerce metrics regularly Sales figures alone can’t give you a full picture of how your business is doing, especially online. Website-related analytics can help you fill in the blanks by pointing out obstacles that are getting in the way of the shopping experience.  Here’s a list of eCommerce KPIs and reports worth monitoring. All of these are available in Wix Analytics—track these to keep a pulse on any issues or disruptions on your site.  Traffic: Traffic indicates how many people visit your website. The goal is to have more and more traffic over time while maintaining a steady conversion rate.  To drive traffic to your online store , invest in SEO, advertising and email marketing. Conversion rate: Conversion rate measures what percentage of website visitors complete an intended action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter. If your conversion rate falls below the industry average, check for patterns in cart abandonment on your site. The culprit could be a complicated checkout flow or a slow-loading site.  Average order value (AOV): AOV measures how much your customers typically spend when they purchase something from your website. Compare your website’s AOV month over month or quarter over quarter, and look for any patterns. A decline in AOV could mean that it’s time to implement some upselling and cross-selling strategies or special deals. Bounce rate: Bounce rate measures the percentage of visits to your website that ended after just one page. A bounce rate between  20% and 45%  is common for eCommerce websites . A lower bounce rate is better than a higher one, so if yours falls above this range, check that your pages have enough relevant and engaging content (among other things).  Customer lifetime value (CLV or LTV): CLV measures how much a customer has spent on your eCommerce website over their entire relationship with your brand. Calculate your average CLV and use it as a benchmark. If this benchmark drops over time, employ retention marketing strategies to keep customers coming back for more. You could, for example, introduce a loyalty program that gamifies shopping and rewards customers for their patronage. Wix merchants can use  Wix Loyalty Program  to let customers accrue points that they can redeem for coupons. Slow-moving inventory:  If your analytics tool has a slow-moving inventory report, use it to identify products that have been sitting on your digital “shelves” for too long. Get these products moving by putting them on sale, placing them in your clearance section or bundling them with more popular products. Sales by product category: This eCommerce report can help you understand which types of products perform best on your website. Use these insights to determine which inventory to reorder and which categories to expand. For example, if your online store focuses on suitcases but you see that travel accessory sales are outperforming suitcase sales, you might decide to introduce new accessories to your inventory. Email marketing: Keep an eye on the performance of your marketing emails, such as your abandoned cart ones. There are several metrics that can be useful on this front: open rate, click-through rate and unsubscribe rate—just to name a few. A low open rate could indicate a need for stronger headlines, while a low click-through rate could warrant stronger CTAs and active copy. (Learn how to set up abandoned cart emails in Wix  or see how to integrate Klaviyo  with Wix for more advanced email needs.)  08. Personalize the shopping experience Use the data you already have to make each visitor feel like your store was built just for them. Show recommended products based on what they’ve browsed or purchased before. For example, if someone buys running shoes, highlight matching socks, water bottles or fitness gear on their next visit. Personalization doesn’t have to be complicated—even a “recently viewed” section can guide customers back to products they were interested in. Email and onsite messages can also be tailored. Send targeted promotions or product suggestions based on a shopper’s past behavior. For instance, if a customer frequently buys skincare items, offer them a discount on a new moisturizer or highlight a best-seller they haven’t tried. Wix users can integrate apps or use built-in features to automate personalized email campaigns making it easy to reach each customer with relevant offers. Dynamic content on your site helps increase engagement and conversion rates. Swap banners, pop-ups or homepage sections to reflect the visitor’s location, interests or shopping history. A returning visitor from New York might see a “Free shipping in NYC” banner while someone browsing winter gear in December sees seasonal promotions. 09. Experiment with classic sales strategies One way to get more people to complete their purchase is by promoting special deals clearly on your site. For example, flash sales and countdown banners create a sense of urgency; people are more likely to click “buy” when they feel time is running out. Meanwhile, you can use lightboxes or other pop-up messages that promote special offers and events, such as an end-of-season sale. Learn more: Setting up a lightbox in the Wix Editor  or integrating a countdown timer on your Wix Site Another easy way to keep your site engaging is by updating its design to match the time of year. For holidays like Christmas, you can use festive colors, promoted limited-edition products or add seasonal graphics to give your site a warm, holiday feel.  When Black Friday comes around, try bold, eye-catching banners that highlight deals. These changes don’t need to be huge, but they can make your site feel more relevant and timely—and put your customers in the shopping spirit.  Don't miss out on maximizing your seasonal sales: Check out the ultimate eCommerce holiday readiness checklist and get your business holiday-ready today. Ecommerce website optimization quick checklist When all is said and done, there are many different ways to tweak your website. Not all the tips listed above are must-dos, but at minimum, you’ll want to make sure to tick these off your list:  Type of eCommerce website Optimization strategies All eCommerce sites Use clear CTAs, fast-loading pages, SEO-friendly product pages, simple checkout, detailed product info, track analytics, personalize shopping experience, test pricing strategies, run seasonal or limited-time promotions Fashion & apparel Add size guides, high-quality images, personalized product suggestions, seasonal promotions Electronics & gadgets Show detailed specs, create comparison charts, offer upsells and cross-sells Health & beauty Highlight customer reviews, offer subscriptions, suggest related products Home & furniture Include measurement guides, bundle products, show shipping info Food & beverage Show ingredients and expiration dates, suggest related items Sports & outdoors Add gear guides, cross-sell accessories, highlight reviews, run flash sales Books & media Make search easy, bundle products, offer discounts Toys & kids Include age guides, multiple images, seasonal promotions Ecommerce website optimization FAQ What is eCommerce optimization? Ecommerce optimization refers to the practice of improving your online store to drive more sales. Examples of optimizations include increasing site speed, implementing SEO, simplifying your checkout flow and testing various pricing strategies. Why does eCommerce optimization matter? Ecommerce optimizations matter because they can help your business sell more, gain customers and make more money overall. By auditing your website’s performance before optimizing it, you can figure out where to best invest your time and resources. How is conversion rate calculated? Conversion rate is calculated by dividing the number of conversions visitors complete on your website by the number of website visitors. A conversion happens when visitors take a specific action on your website, such as adding a product to their cart or signing up for your email list. More often than not, however, sales are the main conversion goal for eCommerce websites.  What is a good eCommerce conversion rate? While eCommerce conversion rates vary by industry, the rule of thumb is that the more expensive the item, the lower the conversion rate. According to Kibo Commerce , for example, food and beverage conversion rates hover around 4.9% while home and furniture conversion rates are 1.4% on average.  What are the factors in eCommerce website optimization? Ecommerce website optimization involves enhancing factors such as website design, user experience and page load speed. Additionally, effective product categorization and search functionality play crucial roles in optimizing the user journey. Furthermore, the use of persuasive product descriptions and high-quality images can significantly impact conversion rates on an eCommerce website.

Turn your ideas into income with Wix. Secure your domain name → In the art of photography, the lens through which you see the world can also be the key to bringing home a profit. Whether you're a seasoned shutterbug or just learning your way around a camera, the potential to turn your favorite hobby into a lucrative money-maker is well within your reach. We'll guide you through 19 unique options to carve out a niche and make money as a photographer. No matter if your skill lies in portraits, landscapes, events or another specialty, there’s an opportunity for you to capitalize on it by starting a photography business . So, grab your camera, adjust your aperture and get ready to see your profits click into place. Take a shot at creating a professional photography portfolio website  with Wix. The fastest way to start making money online is by securing a domain name that fits your brand. With Wix, you can register your domain easily, establish your brand and take the first step toward building a website that attracts customers and generates revenue.  19 ways to make money as a photographer Photograph small businesses   Teach a photography class   Sell prints of your work   Open a print on demand shop   Sell your photos on stock websites   Create a photography blog   Conduct photography tours and workshops   Become a social media maven   Sell photos to magazines   Shoot portraits   Shoot events   Enter photo contests   Get gigs as an assistant photographer   Edit or retouch others’ photos   Shoot fancy cars or motorcycles   Master aerial photography with a drone   Help showcase houses for sale   Offer time-lapse photography   Become a food photographer   01. Photograph small businesses What’s one thing (nearly) everyone needs right after they start a business ? They all need a business website , and websites stand out from the competition when they’re filled with beautiful images. Hair salons, plumbers, yoga instructors, you name it—they all need images showcasing their offerings or staff members. This is where you come in. Start locally. Take a look around your neighborhood or city and speak to business owners in an informal way about what you do, and how you can help them attract more clients with professional-quality photos. Bring a tablet or laptop to show off your online portfolio examples, as people will want to see examples of your work. Don’t neglect online search, either. Not only should you search online for clients, but you should position yourself to be found by clients searching for you, as well. Understanding local SEO is key in order to become an established presence in local online search. A good starting place is to use relevant keywords across your website (such as “business photographer in [city]”) and make sure your name, address and phone number (NAP) are clearly listed on your contact page. You should also claim your Google Business Profile . What’s in a name? Try the Photography Business Name Generator  for instant inspiration. 02. Teach a photography class If you’ve been a photographer for a fair amount of time, you’ve undoubtedly acquired tons of valuable tips and techniques that less experienced photographers would love to hear about. You can turn this knowledge into a business idea  and share your expertise with others. You can offer in-person lessons locally at community centers, public parks or your own studio space (if you have one). If virtual is the way you prefer to go, you can create an online course  and teach folks from all over the world about your favorite photography tips. You can use Wix Bookings  to schedule one-on-one appointments, group sessions, classes and workshops, plus accept secure payments and offer memberships online. 03. Sell prints of your work Selling prints is a fantastic—and classic—way to turn a photography passion into profit. To get started, curate an assortment of images that best resonates with your intended target audience. Focus on your strongest, most high-resolution work as you build that catalog. Next, decide on the types of prints you want to offer, such as canvas prints, framed prints or posters. Ensure the format complements your photography style (for example, fitting a wide landscape vista fully into a horizontal print size). Partner with a reliable printing service to maintain top quality, and invest in proper packaging for protection and presentation. Setting up an online store is crucial here; you can create your own eCommerce website or use an online marketplace like Etsy to sell your work. Be sure to include high-resolution images and detailed descriptions of each print. Additionally, you can sell your work in local art shows or exhibitions in your area. Start selling—launch your online store  today with Wix. 04. Open a print on demand shop Would some of your photos look really good on a t-shirt, travel mug or iPhone case? If so, there’s a fairly simple way to kick off another eCommerce opportunity. And, best of all, it’s a business that runs itself . Print on demand (POD) lets you open an online store without the hassle of inventory management. You’ll first need to find a reliable POD provider—like Printful , which integrates with Wix. From there, it’s a matter of simply uploading your images to the platform and choosing which products to print them on, from canvas totes to fridge magnets and more. Your POD partner will handle all of the fulfillment and shipping for you, taking a percentage of the sales. Creating and selling custom products has never been easier. With Wix’s on demand printing , powered by Printful, you can design and launch personalized apparel, accessories, home goods and more—made to suit any style, niche or need. No extra tools, no complex setup. Just pick a product, upload your design and start selling—all from your Wix dashboard. With seamless Printful integration, you get a streamlined way to build, brand and sell—without ever leaving Wix. Launch your print on demand  business with Wix. 05. Sell your photos on stock websites If you have a sizable portfolio, you could try your hand selling your work on stock photo websites like iStock, Shutterstock and BigStock as a passive income idea . The commission per download depends on the platform, the type of license and many other factors. In most cases, these commissions are relatively low, so you’re unlikely to replace a full-time income with your earnings, but it can be a fun side hustle . Photutorial  estimates that royalty-free sales can earn anywhere between $0.10 and $99.50, while extended licenses can fetch up to $500. If you want to make the most money, you should focus on ultra-high quality images and regularly upload fresh content to the platform. Stock sites require you to sign up first, and your work will need to be approved by the platform. Make sure to carefully read the guidelines, as some platforms forbid you to submit the same images to competitors. Once you’re registered, you should optimize your listings with relevant keywords that answer any possible queries someone would be using to look for a photo like yours. 06. Create a photography blog Are you full of expert opinions, shareable tips and industry insight? Start a photography blog . Blogging will help establish you as an expert in the field and is a smart SEO strategy for photographers. It can also be used to generate a profit. As one option, you can place ads in your content, getting paid every time a visitor clicks on an ad from your blog. Additionally, you can place referral or affiliate links in your posts, where you receive a commission every time a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. For example, if you recommend a flash diffuser on Amazon, and you’re an Amazon affiliate, any reader who buys through your link will earn you some money. If you have a large enough following, you may even be offered payment for featured posts or reviews about a dedicated product from a photography brand. Whichever option you decide to go with, you’ll need to generate strong, steady traffic if you want to make substantial money from this venture. This means you’ll need to publish high-quality content frequently and regularly. Start a blog  in a few clicks with Wix. 07. Conduct photography tours and workshops Do you know your hometown, local landmarks and historically-significant spaces like the back of your hand? You might want to think about becoming a tour guide. But, not just any tour guide: a photography tour guide. Vacationers and even locals are always on the look out for authentic experiences. You can offer to lead them through the maze of your city (or any other specific location) and teach them how to photograph it best. Pair up with travel agencies, join travel photographers and tourist groups on social media, and make sure your website is completely up to date. Like noted Netherlands-based landscape photographer (and Wix user) Albert Dros , entice your readers with a complete description of the photo tour in a professional yet casual manner, and add a few images to show what they can expect to see. Dros notes what to expect in an upcoming Tuscany workshop: “Early sunrises, morning fog, cats (yes, there are lots of them) and great food!” 08. Become a social media maven Like the rest of us, you probably started small on social media with a few likes from your friends and your mom’s comments under every post. Since then, maybe you’ve learned how to use social media like a professional and you now have a large collection of followers eager to see your every post. It might not sound obvious, but that’s something that you can leverage into an online business idea . Collaborating with brands and influencers is a popular practice in social media marketing. With a large enough following, you can start receiving offers to promote products, review new gear or even attend big industry events. Since you don’t want your social profiles to look like a holiday catalog, don’t jump on every single offer. Make sure your posts benefit the company you work with, but also genuinely interest and relate to your community. 09. Sell photos to magazines Between print and online formats, there are more magazines in the world than can be counted. There’s a magazine for just about every hobby, profession or topic you can think of, and no magazine goes without images. This could be a potential money-making opportunity for you. As a photographer, your work could range from covering events to shooting portraits for an interview to documenting a breaking news story. Working for magazines requires you to build a network and make a name for yourself in the industry. It’s highly recommended to start small and target local and regional publications first before reaching out to the big brands. 10. Shoot portraits Back in the day, portrait photographers needed a studio. Fortunately, you can succeed just fine without one now. Many clients like (or even prefer) outdoor or on-location portrait sessions, so you’ll find countless backdrop opportunities around your local area. As a real-life example, Wix user Captured by Cassy  has perfected this niche offering beautiful maternity, newborn, family and senior portrait photography around her scenic Snohomish, Washington home. A pro tip: don’t limit yourself to human portraits. Plenty of pet owners would love a portrait of their favorite fur baby and pay for the eye of a professional photographer. 11. Shoot events It’s one of the most tried-and-true ways to make money as a photographer. Weddings, bar mitzvahs, birthdays, corporate parties—if there’s a reason to celebrate, there’s a reason to have photos of it. Event photography is physically demanding and can be exhausting, but there’s good money to be made. The amount you can charge mostly depends on your reputation and experience level, the scale of the event, the season and the location. When quoting your clients, it’s crucial that you take into account the hours of pre- and post-production work you will spend on their package—especially for weddings, where you may need to process thousands of photos after the event. As an event photographer, you’ll need a solid website. Your online portfolio should be strong, optimized for local search and ideally feature testimonials from happy customers. Word of mouth is also very valuable in securing new clients. If you have no experience here, try shadowing a seasoned photographer as a second shooter to build your portfolio. Make your website shine with a professionally-designed portfolio template  from Wix. 12. Enter photo contests A photo competition may not necessarily offer a cash prize; some competitions might grant gift cards, new gear or even just exposure to the winner. But, it’s still a viable option in leveraging your photography skills for some sort of reward. Do a simple Google search of “best photography contests [current year]” to see what options are available, when the deadlines are and what prizes are on the table. Some publications award multiple winners with tiered prizes that can range from a new Apple Watch to thousands of dollars. You shouldn’t rely on this option if you want to make a living as a photographer, but even if you don’t win, participating in a contest is a great way to make more connections in the industry and to have your work and website featured on external websites. It’s good for your exposure, your SEO and your reputation in the industry. 13. Get gigs as an assistant photographer Not booked on a specific date? Other photographers are, and they might need your help. Just like actors, taking on a supporting role can be a very rewarding (and lucrative) option. To start, you’ll make some decent money without having to deal with all the sales, marketing and other hassles of being the main contractor. If you’re assisting with something like a wedding, this also means avoiding all of the extensive post-processing that images will require. If you’re assisting because you don’t have enough experience yet to hack it on your own, this is a great  side business idea  to build your online portfolio  and network with other professionals. To get more of these types of offers, you’ll need to be active in your local photography circles. Join photographer clubs in your area, register for professional associations and don’t neglect photo groups on Facebook and other social media platforms.   14. Edit or retouch others’ photos From a model who wants to remove stubborn flyaway hairs to a hotel owner who needs their resort to look a little more sunny in photos, many people would—and do—pay to get their images professionally retouched. If you’re gifted with editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, this presents an open door for you to make some extra bucks. You can easily work from home and at any moment of the day (or night), making it a perfect side activity for photographers. You could even market your services directly to other photographers who don’t have time to process their own images, such as high-volume commercial photographers. Before starting, use your photography website to feature before and after editing samples showcasing your capabilities. 15. Shoot fancy cars or motorcycles We all know that one person whose world revolves around their beloved car or motorcycle. They have countless snapshots of it on their phone, and they might even have some professional shots on hand, too. Why not swerve into this exciting field yourself? Car and bike enthusiasts (and manufacturers, at the higher level) are always on the lookout for striking images that highlight the beauty, performance and uniqueness of their vehicles. Take Wix user Will Pohlman  for example. Pohlman’s extensive portfolio showcases a number of high-performance vehicles at speed, parked up and even up close for details of the interior, engine and wheels. To excel in automotive photography, you must have a keen eye for details and understand more specialized shooting techniques, like light painting and intentional blur. You should know a thing or two about cars, too. This is a field that offers a blend of artistic expression and technical skill, so you’ll want to bring both to the table. 16. Master aerial photography with a drone Aerial photography is a newer niche that has taken off in recent years (no pun intended) with the popularity of drones. If you have a drone and the skills to pilot it, you can turn your airborne camera into a tool for profit. Drones equipped with high-quality cameras enable you to capture breathtaking landscapes, cityscapes and even events from unique angles. Real estate agencies, travel companies, couples getting married and event planners are just a few of the potential clients who could benefit from adding aerial shots to their collection. Note that there are some rules for drones established by the FAA for airspace safety. All drone pilots are required to pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) , which you can take online for free. Drones that weigh over 55 pounds, even if recreational, must be registered with the FAADroneZone . If you’re flying commercially, you’ll need to obtain a Part 107 license from the FAA as well. Add a smooth background gradient to make your design pop instantly. 17. Help showcase houses for sale Real estate photography is a consistently high-demand niche that can be a profitable avenue for you to explore. Whether you're capturing cozy homes or luxurious estates, agents are always looking for images that can play a vital role in attracting potential buyers. To succeed here, you should have a knack for capturing interiors and showcasing their various features in flattering ways, even in challenging situations such as dim lighting or small, oddly-shaped rooms. You should have professional lighting on hand and a dependable wide-angle lens. Understanding high dynamic range (HDR), which is commonly used for this type of photography, is another major plus. Networking with local real estate agents, brokers and property developers can help you quickly establish a steady stream of clients. 18. Offer time-lapse photography Time-lapse photography is a beautiful technique that condenses hours, days or even months into captivating short videos or sequences. Time-lapse videos are fairly popular for things like marketing campaigns, construction documentation and creative projects. Whether you're capturing the growth of a plant, the renovation of a building or the passage of time in a bustling city, your time-lapse skills can find a wide range of creative clients. This is another avenue that will require some advanced technical skill, but it can be a really unique option that sets you apart from the crowd. Apart from a decent camera, you’ll need a tripod and an intervalometer to measure the time. 19. Become a food photographer Who isn’t mesmerized looking at pictures of delicious food? Food photography offers a myriad of unique business ideas  for photographers. You can find work locally with restaurants, food trucks or catering services that need help showing off their menus online, or you can go the commercial route and work with bigger brands, grocery stores or food bloggers. Styling food is as much of an art as shooting it, so you’ll want to be skilled in this area. Note Wix user Imagery of Food  as an example; dishes should be perfectly plated, free of splatters or spills, and expertly framed to show off the best bite. This is all showcased with precision in Imagery of Food’s portfolio. Lighting, color correction and post processing treatment are also key skills you’ll need, as it’s critical to make the food look as natural and appetizing as possible. Getting started is as easy as visiting a few local eateries and asking if they could use some professional food photography. Once you get a portfolio established and word of mouth spreads, more clients will come knocking. Learn more: Is Wix good for photographers? How much money can you make as a photographer? Like most self-directed businesses, the amount of money you can make as a photographer will vary depending on a number of factors, including your skill level, business model, equipment and availability. Below are a few general ballparks to give you a realistic idea: Portrait photographer:  Portrait photographers often charge anywhere from $150 to $370 per hour , depending on their expertise, location and the number of people (e.g., senior portrait vs. family portrait). Wedding photographer: Wedding photographers command a broad price range starting at $1,000 to $3,000 per wedding . In big cities or popular wedding destinations, prices can reach significantly higher than that. Note that add-ons like prints, photo albums or online galleries can impact your pricing, too. Photo retoucher:  Photo retouchers can earn between $20 per hour to over $150 per hour , depending on their skill level and the complexity of the job. Commercial photographer:  Commercial photographers working on advertising campaigns or product shoots can earn anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per gig or more . Real estate photographer:  Real estate photographers typically charge around $150 to $350 per hour . Some opt to charge per property instead. Stock photo photographer: Income from stock photography varies widely. Successful contributors can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month. Create a website for free with Wix and watch the profits roll in.

As a photographer you need a website that not only showcases your work in its best possible light but also supports your business needs — whether it comes to selling online or booking clients. With all this in mind, it makes sense to ask is Wix good for photographers? To answer that this post explains why Wix stands out as one of the best website builders for photographers and how it can help you start and grow your photography business. Why is Wix good for photographers? Drag and drop editor for easy website design Powerful image galleries Integrated business tools for client bookings, payments and sales SEO and marketing tools to attract more clients Affordable plans with scalable options Customization without coding Reliable web hosting and security 01. Drag and drop editor for easy website design Wix offers a drag-and-drop website builder that makes learning how to start a website straightforward. It provides: Intuitive editing tools that let you place images, text and galleries exactly where you want. Pre-designed website templates made specifically for photographers, featuring clean layouts focused on visuals. Explore Wix's range of photography website templates to get started. Mobile-friendly designs so your portfolio website design looks great on phones and tablets without extra work. Learn more: How to make a photography website 02. Powerful image galleries and portfolio options As a photographer displaying your photos online in the best way is crucial. Wix includes several gallery types that you can use to highlight your work on your photography website. Grid galleries for a classic, organized look. Masonry layouts that adapt to different image sizes for a dynamic feel. Slideshow galleries to tell a story with a sequence of images. Full-screen lightboxes that let visitors focus on each photo without distractions. You can also add captions, titles and links to each image, making it easy to share details about your shoots or direct visitors to book sessions. The galleries also load quickly, which keeps visitors engaged and improves your site’s performance. 03. Integrated tools for client bookings and sales Many photographers want more than just an online portfolio —they want to book clients and sell prints or digital downloads directly from their website. Wix is a great option for this because it includes: Online booking system where clients can schedule sessions and pay deposits. E-commerce platform to sell prints, photo books, or digital files. Secure payment options including credit cards and PayPal. Automated email confirmations and reminders to keep clients informed Lets say you're a portrait photographer, you can create a website with Wix and then easily set up a booking calendar that includes your available time slots. Clients can book, pay upfront and then will receive reminders automatically. Not only do you get a great website to display your work with Wix but you also get a business assistant too. 04. SEO and marketing tools to attract more clients Having a great looking website is only part of why you Wix as a photographer. Wix also helps you get found online with tools to improve your chances of appearing in search engines and other ways to market your work. Integrated SEO tool guides you through optimizing your site’s titles, descriptions and keywords. Blog maker so you can share photography tips, behind-the-scenes stories, or client testimonials. Email marketing integration to build a mailing list and send newsletters. Social media buttons that link your site to Instagram, Facebook, and more. All of these integrated marketing tools help you as a photographer build an audience and then turn visitors into clients. If you're a travel photographer you can create a blog on your site to share stories from shoots around the world, attracting readers who might book a session or buy prints from you. 05. Affordable pricing plans with scalable options Wix offers a range of paid plans, including a free option with Wix branding and ads. For photographers serious about their business, premium plans remove ads, allow you to connect a custom domain and unlock more storage and bandwidth. Light plans are affordable and include enough features for a simple portfolio. Core plans support online payments and e-commerce. Business and business elite offer priority support and extra marketing tools. This flexibility with pricing means as a photographer you can start small and upgrade as your business grows. For example, as a beginner photographer you might start with a basic plan to showcase your work, then move to a business plan when you're ready to sell prints. 06. Website design customization without coding As a photographer you need your website to reflect your unique style and talent. Wix allows for website design customization without needing to write code: Change fonts, colors and layouts with simple controls. Add custom sections like client testimonials, pricing tables or contact forms. Use Wix’s App Market to add features like Instagram feeds, live chat, or booking widgets. If you're looking for even more customization, Wix Studio might be the best option for you. It provides Wix Studio advanced design freedom via responsive layouts, CSS/API access, and AI tools such as visual sitemaps. 07. Reliable web hosting and security Wix hosts your website on its servers, so you don’t need to worry about finding a separate hosting provider. This includes: Fast loading speeds thanks to Wix’s global content delivery network . SSL certificates to secure your site and protect client data. Learn more about how to get an SSL certificate. Automatic backups and updates handled by Wix. What does all of this mean for you as a photographer? It means your site is always live and functioning. Examples of photographers using Wix Paul Carter Photography Paul Carter ’s photography website is an excellent example of a professional and versatile portfolio. The site effectively showcases a wide range of photography services, from weddings to commercial and property photography, with detailed descriptions and visually appealing galleries. Its clean and organized layout ensures an easy browsing experience, while the inclusion of service-specific pages adds a personalized touch. Be inspired by these photography website examples , all built on Wix. Marion Bergin Marion Bergin ' s photography website is a prime example of how simplicity and focus can create a powerful online presence. The site emphasizes the photographer's work through clean design and high-quality visuals, ensuring that the images take center stage. Its minimalist approach enhances the user experience, making it easy to navigate and explore.

Get started by:  Creating an online store →  |  Getting a domain → Learning how to sell photos can be the first step toward turning your creative passion into a real business. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from finding your niche to building a website that makes it easy for customers to buy your work. You've already honed your skills behind the lens and now it's time to build a photography business that shows off your talent. With a professional website builder like Wix, you can create a stunning photography portfolio and an online store all in one place, giving you full control over your brand and your photo sales. TL;DR: How to sell photos online Here’s what you’ll find in this guide. For professional photographers, a dedicated website is your gallery and your storefront. It allows you to present your work exactly how you want, build a direct relationship with your customers and keep the profits from your sales without paying commissions to third-party marketplaces. Step Action 01. Define your photography niche Specialize in a specific style to attract a dedicated audience. 02. Choose an ecommerce website builder Select a platform that offers beautiful galleries and e-commerce tools. 03. Build your online photography portfolio Curate your best work to create a powerful first impression. 04. Set up your online store Add your photos as products, set prices, and configure payment options. 05. Market your photography Promote your website and photos to reach potential buyers. How to sell photos in 5 easy steps Turning your camera roll into a revenue stream is more straightforward than you might think. Following these steps will help you set up a professional photography business, attract customers and start making sales. Define your photography niche Choose an ecommerce website builder Build your online photography portfolio Setup your online store Market your photos 01. Define your photography niche Before you start selling online, it helps to know what makes your work special. Are you drawn to breathtaking landscapes, intimate portraits or dynamic street photography? Focusing on a specific niche helps you stand out and attract an audience that genuinely loves your style. It also makes your marketing much more effective because you know exactly who you're talking to. Think about what you enjoy shooting most and what you do best. Your niche could be as broad as travel photography or as specific as black-and-white photos of coastal cities. Once you have a clear focus, you can build a photography portfolio and brand that speaks directly to your ideal customer. 02. Choose an ecommerce website builder Your website is your personal art gallery and you need a platform that not only makes your photos look their best but helps you sell them too. A professional ecommerce website builder like Wix gives you everything you need to create a stunning portfolio and run an online store. You can choose from hundreds of designer-made website templates created specifically for photographers. Explore these photography website templates to get started. Look for an ecommerce builder , like Wix, that offers high-resolution image galleries, secure e-commerce capabilities and creative freedom. With Wix you you can easily sell your photos as digital downloads or high-quality prints. It also includes payment processing and even partners with print-on-demand services, so you have multiple ways to sell your photos online. 03. Build your online photography portfolio Your portfolio website is the heart of your website. This is your chance to make a strong first impression, so it's important to curate your best images. Choose a selection of photos that showcase your unique style, technical skill and the niche you've chosen. Quality over quantity is the rule here and a small collection of amazing shots is more powerful than a large gallery of average ones. Organize your portfolio into logical galleries or projects. This helps visitors navigate your work and understand your range as a photographer. Use a clean, modern layout that puts the focus on your images, letting them shine without distraction. Be inspired: Portfolio websites to learn from 04. Set up your online store Once your portfolio is ready, it's time to turn it into a store. Decide how you want to sell your photos. You can offer them as digital downloads, which is great for clients who need images for websites or marketing. Or, you can sell them as physical prints, canvases or other products. With an online store website builder like Wix, selling online is simple. You can upload your images, set your prices and write compelling descriptions for each piece. Configure your payment options to accept credit cards and other methods. If you sell prints, you can connect to a print-on-demand service that will handle the printing and shipping for you. 05. Market your photos With your website live and your store open, you need to let people know you're in business. Start by sharing your website on your social media channels. Use platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, which are highly visual and perfect for photographers. Post your best work and always include a link back to your site. Consider starting a blog on your website to share the stories behind your photos or offer photography tips. This can help attract visitors through search engines and establish you as an expert. You can also use email marketing to build a list of followers and notify them when you add new photos to your store. How to sell photos FAQ What type of photos sell best? Photos that evoke emotion and tell a story tend to sell very well. People often buy images they can connect with personally. Popular categories include breathtaking landscapes, authentic human portraits, high-quality food photography and images of people working or collaborating, which are in high demand for businesses. Should I sell my photos on my own website or a stock photo site? Selling on your own website gives you complete creative control and lets you keep 100% of the profits. Stock photo sites can offer wider exposure to larger audiences but provide a much smaller commission on each sale. Many photographers do both, using stock sites for extra income while directing serious clients to their personal website. How should I price my photos? Pricing depends on several factors, including whether you're selling a digital license or a physical print, the image resolution, your experience level and usage rights. For prints, you'll need to account for printing and shipping costs. Research what other photographers in your niche are charging to get a good baseline but don't be afraid to price your work based on its value.

Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →   If you want to know how to create a dance studio website, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. Creating a website is one of the most important foundations for turning your dance studio idea into a real, thriving business. When starting a dance studio , one of your first steps should be learning how to build a website . A well-designed dance studio website can help you attract new students, showcase your classes, highlight your instructors and build your dance brand. Beyond providing information, it makes your studio easy to find and encourages potential students to join. This blog will guide you on how to create a dance studio website and show you why it’s essential for your business. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. We’re all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. What is a dance studio website? A dance portfolio  or website provides potential clients with an insight into what you offer, from class schedules to instructor bios and even allows for online registration. Portfolio websites should reflect the essence of your studio's dance offerings and become a hub for your community. How to create a dance studio website in 6 steps Step Summary 01. Choose the right website builder Pick a platform that fits your skills and budget while offering templates, hosting, security and domain options. 02. Design your dance studio website Create a user-friendly, branded website with a memorable URL, visuals and essential features like contact forms and online registration. 03. Create relevant content Share a blog, About Us page, testimonials and success stories to engage visitors and build trust. 04. Add functionality for your dance studio business Include online payments, class registration, scheduling tools, mobile-friendly design and fast loading times. 05. Market your dance studio website Use SEO, local optimization, fresh content and clear calls to action to attract and convert students. 06. Measure your website’s success and drive growth Track analytics, monitor conversions, collect feedback, perform A/B testing and update your site regularly. Choose the right website builder for your dance website Design your dance studio website Create relevant content Add functionality for your dance studio business Market your dance studio business Measuring your website’s success and driving growth 01. Choose the right website builder for your dance website Selecting the right platform to build your dance studio website is a decision that can significantly impact how effectively you create and manage your website. With numerous options available, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each to find the best fit for your needs. When it comes to website builders, there are several popular choices, each with its unique set of features. You'll want to consider ease of use, customization options, and specific functionalities tailored to dance studios. Consider your website builder’s website infrastructure  including   reliable web hosting , security features and registering a domain name . Learn more: How to register a domain Expert tip from Esin D. Habif, product marketing lead (outbound) at Wix " What often gets forgotten when talking about choosing a website builder is the capabilities of the infrastructure that’s promised to you - the reliability of the hosting, the level of security that’s in order to protect your visitor’s data and of course your site's speed. Even if infrastructure is not the first thought that comes to mind when it comes to making a website, if it’s not robust enough, it can cause large headaches for website owners when trying to scale a website later on. " Ask yourself, how easy it is to maintain and manage a website with your chosen website builder. For example, does it offer automatic backups and recovery? Is a SSL certificate included? Creating a website with Wix  means access to its drag-and-drop interface, AI website builder , enterprise level website security  features and secure hosting. Wix is user-friendly and offers a range of website templates perfect for dance studios. Dance studio website template Dance student website template Online dance lessons template 02. Design your dance studio website Designing a website  is more than just making it look great, it's about creating a user-friendly experience that captures  the spirit of your studio. Here are some key elements to focus on when designing your site. Choose an easy to remember domain name and URL Your  website's URL  is your online address. It should be simple, memorable and reflective of your brand. Avoid complicated spellings and consider using keywords like "dance" or "studio" to improve search engine visibility. Design with your dance brand in mind Your website should be a visual representation of your brand's personality. Choose colors, fonts and imagery that align with the vibe of your studio—whether that's elegant ballet, energetic hip-hop or anything in between. Explore these fonts for more design inspiration: Calligraphy fonts  for elegant and artistic designs Cool fonts  to add personality to your creations Cursive fonts  for timeless designs Cute fonts  to bring charm to your designs Free fonts : a curated selection Fun fonts  for playful and lively projects Futuristic fonts  for cutting-edge and modern designs Graffiti fonts  to infuse urban energy into your designs Handwriting fonts  to add a personal, authentic touch Number fonts  for creative numerical typography Poster fonts  to make your designs bold and eye-catching Pretty fonts  to enhance delicate designs Professional fonts  for polished and formal designs Psychedelic fonts  to inspire striking and retro visuals Resume fonts  to help your skills stand out with style Retro fonts  for a nostalgic twist in your visuals Scary fonts  to give your designs a chilling edge Script fonts  for a touch of sophistication Tattoo fonts  to inspire edgy and unique designs Include essential features for your dance studio website To make sure your website isn't just beautiful but also functional, include some of these important features: Contact forms : Make it easy for potential students to reach out with questions or sign up for classes. Online registration systems:  Streamline the enrollment process with online sign-ups for classes and events. Multimedia elements:  Showcase your studio with photos and videos of classes, performances and happy students. Social media integration:  Connect your social profiles to engage with students on platforms they use daily. Calendar and schedules: Keep everyone informed with an up-to-date calendar of events, class schedules and important announcements. 03. Create relevant website content Your dance studio website needs to be more than just visually appealing—it should also contain content that engages visitors and encourages them to become part of your dance community. Here's how to create content that resonates with your audience and helps convert them into loyal customers. Start a dance blog Making a blog  can be a powerful tool for attracting visitors to your website. Share insights about dance techniques, industry trends or spotlight successful students and instructors. This not only positions you as an authority in the dance world but also helps with search engine optimization (SEO). Prioritize your About Us page  Your "About Us" page is where you tell your studio's story. Include information about your mission, teaching philosophy and the journey of your studio. This personal touch can make a big difference in connecting with prospective students. Include update contact information Ensure that your contact information is easy to find and up-to-date. Consider including a phone number, email address and physical location if applicable. This transparency builds trust with your potential clients. Add testimonials and social proof Testimonials : Share reviews from happy students or parents to provide social proof and build credibility. Success stories:  Highlight stories of students who have achieved their dance goals through your studio. Awards and recognitions : If your studio has received any awards or recognitions, make sure they're prominently displayed on your site. 04. Add functionality for your dance studio business A successful dance studio website must be more than just well-designed, it needs to be functional and provide a seamless user experience. In fact, 48% of dance studios experienced growth  after adopting online booking systems, showing how digital tools can directly impact success. Here's how to make sure your website is both practical and enjoyable for visitors: Implement ePayments and online class registration Offering online payment options and easy class registration can set your studio apart, so include: ePayments : Integrate secure payment gateways  to allow for hassle-free transactions. Online registration : Simplify the sign-up process with digital forms that can be completed anytime, anywhere. Scheduling software : Use booking tools to allow students to book classes online.  Ensure mobile-friendliness and fast loading times With more people than ever before using their smartphones to browse the web, your site must perform well on all devices: Mobile-friendly design : Ensure your website adjusts smoothly to different screen sizes for optimal viewing. Learn more about creating a mobile friendly website .  Fast loading times:  Optimize images and streamline code to reduce loading times, keeping visitors engaged. Check website content and usability To keep potential clients on your site longer, focus on these areas: Easy navigation:  Organize your content in a clear, logical manner with intuitive menus and clear calls-to-action. Readability best practices:  Use headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to make content easy to scan. Using white space:  Avoid clutter by using white space effectively, which helps reduce cognitive overload for visitors. 05. Market your dance studio website Once your dance studio website is live, it's time to focus on attracting visitors and converting them into students. Effective marketing strategies  can help you reach a wider audience and grow your business. Strategies for SEO and driving traffic Search engine optimization (SEO) can be effective  for making your website more visible in search results: Keyword research:  Identify terms that potential clients use to find dance studios and incorporate them into your content. Local SEO:  Optimize for local search terms to attract students in your area. Quality content : Regularly update your site with fresh, relevant content that engages readers and keeps them coming back. Use effective calls to action Guide visitor behavior on your website by using clear calls to action (CTAs): Sign-up buttons:  Encourage visitors to register for classes with prominent sign-up buttons. Newsletter subscriptions:  Offer valuable insights or discounts to those who subscribe to your mailing list. Trial offers:  Promote special trial offers or introductory classes to entice new students. 06. Measuring your website’s success and driving growth To ensure your dance studio website remains a powerful tool for your business, it's important to measure its performance and make ongoing improvements. Here's how to analyze and refine your website for maximum impact. Website performance Understanding how visitors interact with your site can provide valuable insights on improving their behavior: Analytics tools : Use analytics tools, such as Wix Analytics , to track visitor behavior, such as the most visited pages, how long they stay and the bounce rate. Conversion rates:  Monitor how many website visitors are taking desired actions, like signing up for classes or contacting your studio. Based on the data you collect, consider these strategies for improving your website: User feedback:  Collect feedback from students and site visitors to understand their needs and preferences. A/B testing : Experiment with different versions of web pages to see which elements perform best. Stay updated : Keep abreast of the latest web design trends and SEO practices to ensure your site remains current. What are the main benefits of a dance website? First impressions count: Your website often gives potential clients their first impression of your studio. A professional site can make all the difference in attracting new students. Accessibility : With information available 24/7, your clients can find out about classes or events at their convenience. Marketing tool:  Your site is an essential tool for marketing your classes and special events. Community building : It can serve as a platform for building a community around your dance studio by sharing news, updates and highlights. Increased visibility : A well-optimized website can help you rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for potential students to find you. Looking to create a website fast? With the Wix AI website builder  you can build a professional website in minutes. Dance studio website examples built on Wix Paradise dance studio Paradise dance studio  calls itself a dancer's getaway and provides a wide range of dance classes — from ballet to hip hop. They offer weekly lessons and monthly memberships. Studio B dance company Studio B  is a dance company open to everyone, from beginners to advanced levels. They also have both recreational and competitive classes. Their goal is to foster a love for dance in all of their students. How to create a dance studio website FAQ How can I make my dance studio website stand out? Unique branding : Develop a strong brand identity with a memorable logo, color scheme and voice. Quality content:  Offer valuable content such as informative blog posts, engaging videos and inspiring success stories. User testimonials:  Showcase positive reviews and testimonials from your students to build trust. What should I include in my dance studio website? How often should I update my dance studio website?

Bring your inspiration to life with a Wix website → Building a photography website provides the opportunity to display your best work and attract new clients. Whether you're into wedding, fashion or landscape photography, these photography website examples offer plenty of inspiration for making a website . If you're wondering how to develop a website that truly stands out, you'll see how a top photographer can use their photography portfolio website to define their brand, share their stories and connect with their audience. So before you start creating your photography website, take a look at these 17 stunning photography website examples we’ve collated for you. These sites feature beautiful design, smart layouts and intuitive navigation that make the photos the star of the show. 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: photography website examples Photography websites are important for creative, marketing and practical reasons. They allow admirers and potential clients to get a feel for your style and approach, while also providing practical features such as booking forms and contact information. In this guide, we handpicked the  best website designs  for photography websites, showing the best way to display your photography assets as well as how to create a beautiful, high-impact site that helps you reach more viewers and grow your client base. Feature Why it works High-quality image galleries Your photos are the star of the show. Crisp, clean galleries let your work speak for itself and give visitors a beautiful viewing experience. Responsive design Your website will look fantastic on any device, from desktops to smartphones. This means potential clients can browse your portfolio anywhere, anytime. Simple navigation A clear and simple menu helps visitors find exactly what they're looking for, whether it's your portrait gallery or your pricing, without any guesswork. Contact form This gives potential clients a direct and simple way to get in touch. An easy-to-use form encourages inquiries and turns visitors into customers. ‘About Me’ page People connect with people. Sharing your story and a photo of yourself builds trust and helps clients feel more connected to you and your work. Client testimonials Positive reviews act as powerful word-of-mouth recommendations. They build credibility and show new clients that others have loved working with you. "I have been photographing the most incredible species on our planet for over 20 years, and Wix is the web platform I chose to share my adventures." - Egoitz Icaza, nature photographer 17 photography website examples A photography website is a dedicated online space where a photographer can display their portfolio, share their artistic vision and attract potential clients. It serves as a central hub for their work, contact information and professional story, allowing them to control their brand image. Here are 17 of the best photography website examples to get your creative ideas flowing: Brynn VB Photography Bloomin Studio Tie & Veil Mollye Miller Photography Wangbei Photography Agent 485 Simi Malik Photography Ritual Paul Carter Marion Bergin Yasutomo Sampei Fei Luo Photography Vanessa McKweon Sharon Radisch Calvin Pausania Vice Pichitphan Andrew Scrivani 01. Brynn VB Photography  Brynn VB Photography ’s website strikes a beautiful balance between emotional storytelling and clean, client-friendly design. Her “About Me” page feels deeply personal, revealing a genuine, relatable photographer who values connection over perfection. The site’s portfolio layout is well-organized by session type (weddings, couples, families, seniors), making it easy for visitors to navigate her work. With clear calls to action, accessible pricing and a simple contact form, the site supports both aesthetic appeal and business functionality. Top features: Authentic personal branding, with an  “About” page that reinforces trust by sharing the photographer’s background, values and her joyful, relational approach to photography. Emotion-driven visual storytelling, with portfolio galleries (weddings, families, seniors) showcasing Brynn’s “unscripted, timeless” style, emphasizing real moments over posed shots. Clear and user-friendly client journey: pricing is clearly laid out for different session types, and the contact form is straightforward, making it easy for potential clients to inquire.  Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: One page layout website template Find out more: portfolio websites  and how to make a portfolio website . 02. Bloomin Studio Bloomin Studio ’s website masterfully blends a warm, inviting design with high-end, polished aesthetics—making it feel both personal and professional. The  website color scheme  features a soft and elegant palette, reflecting the studio’s mission to make photography feel like an act of self-love rather than a luxury.  Be inspired by other colorful sample portfolio websites , including these purple websites . The site uses clean typography and spacious layouts, which highlight its stylized set designs and themed photoshoots (e.g. “Treat Yourself” rooms) without clutter. This thoughtful design supports a smooth user experience: visitors can easily browse themed gallery collections, learn about their all-in-one services (makeup, styling, set design) and book a session in just a few clicks. Top features: Soft, calming design and elegant typography mirror the studio’s comforting, self-love–oriented brand. A stylized, theme-driven portfolio, featuring distinct collections (family, traditional, treat-yourself), which not only organize the studio’s work but also visually communicate their creative vision. All-in-one creative experience offering complete photo sessions including styling, set design, makeup and editing, making the process seamless and professional. Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: Photographer website template 03. Aling Wen Aling Wen Photography' s website is a beautifully crafted platform that perfectly showcases the photographer's expertise in capturing timeless and dreamy portraits. The site combines a clean, airy design with practical features that make it easy for visitors to explore services and connect with the photographer. Top features: Bright and airy aesthetic, with a website design reflecting the photographer's signature style. Light and natural visuals create a welcoming and professional atmosphere. Comprehensive service information, offering detailed sections on family, maternity and corporate photography, along with pricing and contact options, make it easy for potential clients to find what they need. Client-centric features, including testimonials to highlight the photographer's dedication to providing a seamless and enjoyable experience. Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: Landscape photographer website template 04.   Mollye Miller Photography Mollye Miller Photography ’s website combines documentary-style depth with compassionate storytelling, presenting her work as more than just photos, she “helps people feel seen.” Based in Baltimore, her site’s “About” page shares her mission to dignify individuals through authentic portrait, street and event photography. The design feels grounded and human: clean navigation, a thoughtful website color palette and a focus on imagery over flashiness.  Her portfolio highlights a wide variety of projects, underscoring her versatility while giving clients an emotional connection. The booking process is simple and approachable, making it easy for potential clients to reach out. Top features: Diverse, emotionally rich portfolio, showcasing a broad range of work, allowing her personality and style to shine. Simple website layout  and clear navigation put the emphasis on her images and mission rather than unnecessary frills, making the site feel genuine and accessible. Mission-driven storytelling, with a bio that emphasizes curiosity, empathy. Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: Family photographer website template 05. Wangbei Photography The Wangbei Photography  website feels deeply personal yet professional, rooted in the creator’s dual identity, Wenqi Zhao (aka “Wangbei”) is a CPA by day and photographer by soul. This origin story on the About Me  page lends authenticity and relatability, showing that photography is a heartfelt passion rather than just a business.  The site’s structure is clean and intuitive, with separate portfolio sections for People , Nature , Film  and Client Showcase , making it easy for visitors to explore different styles of her work. Contact details and social links are clearly displayed, allowing potential clients to reach out directly. Top features: Wenqi’s bio builds a genuine connection and explains her photographic mission, adding authentic storytelling and personal touch to this photography website. Organized, multi-style portfolio, divided into People , Nature  and Film  categories helps showcase versatility while keeping the site navigable. User-friendly contact & branding, with an “About Me & Contact” page sharing her email, WeChat and phone number, making it easy for clients to get in touch.  Find out more:  Contact us page examples Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: Photographer website template 06. Agent 485 Agent 485  is a standout photography website that combines both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. Its design is visually striking, with high-quality images that immediately capture attention and showcase the photographer's expertise across various niches like food, beverage and lifestyle photography.  The seamless integration of motion graphics adds a dynamic element, making the site feel modern and engaging. Top features: Crisp, high-quality, professional images highlight the photographer's versatility and skill, creating an immediate impact on visitors. The use of GIFs and motion elements brings the portfolio to life, offering a unique and interactive website  browsing experience. The site is well-organized, with distinct sections for different photography styles, making it easy for potential clients to find relevant examples. Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: Creative director portfolio website template 07. Simi Malik Photography Simi Malik Photography ’s photography website is a stunning example of how simplicity and elegance can elevate a portfolio. The site’s minimalist website design  ensures that the focus remains on the breathtaking visuals, which are presented in high resolution to showcase the photographer's expertise. The clean layout and intuitive navigation make it easy for visitors to explore the work without distractions. Top features:  Minimalist design, with a clean and uncluttered aesthetic, ensures the photographs take center stage, creating a professional and polished impression. High-quality visuals highlight the photographer's attention to detail and artistic skill, leaving a lasting impact on visitors. Straightforward layout allows potential clients to effortlessly browse through the portfolio, enhancing the overall user experience. Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: Photographer website template   08. Ritual Ritual ’s website stands out as a photography platform that emphasizes user engagement and a welcoming aesthetic. Its design is approachable and client-focused, creating an inviting atmosphere for potential clients.  The integration of social media links and a chat feature ensures seamless communication, making it easy for visitors to connect and inquire. Top features:  Using a client-centric design, the website’s layout and features are tailored to make clients feel welcomed and valued, enhancing the overall user experience. Integrated communication tools, including a chat feature and social media links, allow for instant interaction, fostering trust and accessibility. Warm and friendly design elements create an inviting aesthetic and positive first impression, encouraging visitors to explore further. Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: Photographer website template Check out these photography portfolio examples 09. Paul Carter Paul Carter ’s photography website is an excellent example of a professional and versatile portfolio. The site effectively showcases a wide range of photography services, from weddings to commercial and property photography, with detailed descriptions and visually appealing galleries. Its clean and organized layout ensures an easy browsing experience, while the inclusion of service-specific pages adds a personalized touch. Top features: A diverse range of photography services, catering to various client needs, from weddings to commercial projects. Visually engaging, high-quality images displayed in well-organized galleries, effectively showcasing the photographer's expertise and style. User-friendly navigation, following a clear structure and dedicated service pages to make it easy for visitors to find relevant information and explore the portfolio. Pro tip: Learn how to make a professional portfolio . Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: Minimal layout website template 10. Marion Bergin Marion Bergin 's photography website is a prime example of how simplicity and focus can create a powerful online presence. The site emphasizes the photographer's work through clean design and high-quality visuals, ensuring that the images take center stage. Its minimalist approach enhances the user experience, making it easy to navigate and explore. Top features:  Clean and uncluttered layout ensures that the focus remains on the photography, creating a professional and elegant impression. Sharp, high-resolution images effectively showcase the photographer's talent and attention to detail. Straightforward structure allows visitors to effortlessly browse the portfolio, enhancing accessibility and engagement. Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: Director website template 11. Yasutomo Sampei Yasutomo Sampei 's photography website is a minimalist and professional platform that effectively highlights the photographer's identity and contact information. While the design is simple, it exudes sophistication, ensuring that the focus remains on the photographer's brand and accessibility. This approach is ideal for creating a strong personal connection with potential clients. Top features: The simplicity of the design conveys elegance and professionalism, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and bringing a sophisticated aesthetic. Minimalist, straightforward layout ensures a professional and uncluttered presentation, emphasizing the photographer's brand. Prominently displayed contact details make it easy for potential clients to reach out, enhancing accessibility and convenience. Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: Photo reporter website template 12. Fei Luo Photography The Fei Luo Photography  website is a visually captivating platform that effectively showcases the photographer's diverse portfolio. The site features distinct categories like "Landscape," "Fashion," and "Shadow Hunter," allowing visitors to explore specific styles with ease. Its clean design and high-quality visuals create an immersive experience that highlights the photographer's artistic vision. Top features: Featuring a diverse portfolio, the website organizes work into clear categories, making it easy for visitors to explore different photography styles and themes. Stunning, high-resolution images dominate the site, showcasing the photographer's skill and attention to detail. Straightforward layout and "See More" links ensure a seamless browsing experience, encouraging deeper engagement with the portfolio. Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: Landscape photographer website template 13. Vanessa Mckeown Vanessa Mckeown 's photography website is a vibrant and creative showcase of her unique artistic style. The site features bold and colorful visuals that immediately capture attention, reflecting her playful and imaginative approach to photography. Its clean layout and interactive elements make it both engaging and easy to navigate. Top features: Creative visuals showcase Vanessa's distinctive style with bold, colorful, and imaginative photography that stands out. Interactive elements like clickable images and links to explore specific projects enhance user engagement and interactivity. Straightforward design ensures a seamless browsing experience, allowing visitors to focus on the stunning visuals. Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: Start from scratch website template 14. Sharon Radisch Sharon Radisch ’s photography website immediately sets a sophisticated tone, blending striking visuals with a polished, easy-to-navigate design. Her work with renowned luxury brands shines through, giving visitors an instant sense of her artistic range and refined style. The gallery is thoughtfully arranged, making it simple to explore her world of fashion, interiors and fine art and discover what sets her photography apart. Top features: Polished presentation, with every page thoughtfully designed to reflect a sense of luxury, mirroring Sharon’s collaborations with high-end clients. Bold and vivid imagery, inviting visitors to experience the stories behind each project while highlighting her creative flair. Clear structure and smooth navigation guide guests through her portfolio, letting the work do the talking without unnecessary distractions. Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: Studio Photographer 15. Calvin Pausania Calvin Pausania ’s photography website is a striking example of minimalism and focus. The site’s clean and modern design ensures that the attention remains on the photographer's name and professional identity. With a bold visual introduction and straightforward navigation, it creates a memorable and impactful first impression. Top features: The website’s simplicity highlights the photographer's brand, ensuring a sleek and professional aesthetic. A strong visual homepage introduction immediately captures attention, providing a stunning impact and setting the tone for a high-quality portfolio. Intuitive layout makes it easy for visitors to engage with the site and explore further. Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: Photographer website template 16. Vice Pichitphan  Vice Pichitphan 's photography website is a visually compelling platform that emphasizes the photographer's artistic vision. The site features high-quality, full-screen images that immediately draw the viewer in, creating an immersive experience. Its minimalist design and seamless navigation ensure that the focus remains on the stunning visuals. Top features: Full-screen, immersive, high-resolution images dominate the site, showcasing the photographer's talent and style. Uncluttered layout enhances the professional aesthetic, keeping the focus on the photography. Intuitive navigation and social media links make it easy for visitors to explore the portfolio and connect with the photographer. Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: Art director website template 17. Andrew Scrivani Andrew Scrivani ’s photography website is a masterclass in showcasing food photography with a professional and inviting aesthetic. The site features high-quality visuals that highlight his expertise in capturing the essence of food and lifestyle. With clean design and a focus on storytelling, this photography website is an engaging experience for visitors. Top features: Stunning, high-resolution images showcase Andrew's talent in food photography. Focus on storytelling, with each image and project is presented with context, creating a narrative that draws visitors in. Clear, organized design layout ensures a seamless browsing experience, emphasizing the photography without distractions. Like what you see? Here’s the Wix template behind this photography website: Template name: Photographer website template How to create a photography website Ready to build your own photography website? Wix makes it easy to create a professional photography website, with so many tools at your disposal. You can start with a designer-made template and customize it to fit your style, or use our AI website builder  to get a unique site in minutes. Our platform includes advanced features like the Wix Pro Gallery  and Wix Photo Albums  to help you share your work and manage your business. Learn more:  What is web design? 1. Choose your template Wix offers a wide variety of professionally designed templates created specifically for photographers. Browse through the options and find one that resonates with your style. Whether your work is minimalist and modern, or rich and classic, there’s a template that will fit your aesthetic. Every template is fully customizable, so you can change anything you want later on. Learn more: How to choose a template on Wix 2. Customize your design Once you've picked a template, it’s time to make it your own. This is where you can let your personality shine. You can easily drag and drop elements, change colors and switch fonts. Upload your own logo or create one with the Wix logo maker . The goal is to create a design that complements your photography without distracting from it. A clean, intuitive layout is often the most effective. 3. Upload your best photos and create a gallery Your photos are the main event, and Wix Pro Gallery gives you the perfect stage. You can upload high-resolution images and videos while Wix optimizes them for fast loading times without losing quality. You have complete control over the layout, whether you prefer a grid, a slideshow, or another format. Protect your work by adding built-in image protection, which prevents visitors from right-clicking and downloading your photos. Learn more about how to choose images for your website . 4. Add essential pages A great photography website is more than just a gallery. You'll want to include a few other key pages to connect with your visitors: About page:  Share your story. Who are you as a photographer? What drives your passion? This is your chance to build a personal connection with potential clients. Services/Pricing page:  Clearly list the photography services you offer, like portraits, events, or commercial work. You can create professional-looking price packages to make it easy for clients to understand your offerings. Contact page:  Make it simple for people to get in touch. Include a contact form, your email address and links to your social media accounts. Pro tips:  About Me page for a photographer About Us page tips 5. Optimize with SEO tools You’ve built a beautiful website—now you want people to find it. Wix provides a suite of built-in SEO tools  to help your site rank higher in search results. You can follow a personalized SEO plan that gives you a step-by-step guide to improve your site’s visibility. This includes customizing page titles, writing meta descriptions and adding alt text to your images, all of which help search engines understand what your site is about. 6. Make it mobile-friendly More and more people will view your website on their phones. Wix automatically creates a mobile-optimized version of your site, so your photos will look amazing on any screen size. You can even make specific edits to the mobile website design  view to ensure the experience is perfect for visitors on the go. 7. Publish and promote With your galleries, pages and design all set, you're ready to hit publish. But the work doesn't stop there. Share your new website on social media, add the link to your email signature and tell everyone you know. A beautiful photography website is a powerful tool for growing your business and sharing your art with the world. Pro tip: Best email signature examples Essential features for a picture-perfect website When you start your journey of learning how to make a photography website , you’re on the road to creating a home for your art. To make sure it works as hard as you do, there are a few features every photographer should include. These elements help you connect with visitors, book clients and make your photos look their best. High-quality photo galleries Your photos are the heart of your website, so they need to look amazing. A professional gallery lets you display your images in stunning high resolution without slowing down your site's loading speed. You can choose different layouts—like grids, sliders or columns—to find the perfect way to tell your visual story. It’s also a great idea to use a gallery that includes built-in image protection to prevent people from easily downloading your work. An intuitive, user-friendly design Your website's design should be a frame for your art, not the main attraction. A clean, simple layout helps visitors focus on what matters most: your photography. Navigation should be straightforward so people can easily find your galleries, About page and contact information. Think of it as guiding your visitors through a physical gallery—you want the experience to be enjoyable and effortless. A clear and compelling 'About Me' page People connect with people. Your 'About Me' page is your chance to share your story and passion for photography. Tell visitors who you are, what inspires you and what makes your approach unique. A great bio helps build trust and creates a personal connection, which can be the deciding factor for a potential client. A professional contact form Making it easy for people to get in touch is crucial. A dedicated contact page with a simple form removes any friction for potential clients who want to book a session or ask a question. Along with a form, include your email address and links to your social media profiles. This gives people multiple ways to connect with you. Mobile-responsive design Many of your visitors will be browsing on their smartphones. A mobile-responsive website automatically adjusts to fit any screen size, ensuring your galleries look just as impressive on a phone as they do on a desktop. This way, you provide a great experience for everyone, no matter how they find you. SEO tools to get found You've created a beautiful website, and now you want the world to see it. Search engine optimization (SEO) helps your site appear in search results when people look for photographers in your area or specialty. Using built-in SEO tools, you can customize your page titles, descriptions and image alt text. This helps search engines understand your content and show it to the right audience. You may also be interested in: How to start a photography business How to make a photography portfolio Artist website examples   Is Wix good for photographers? Photography website examples FAQ How do I make my photography website stand out? To make your photography website stand out, focus on what makes your work unique. Develop a strong brand identity with a consistent style, color palette and tone of voice. Use a clean, professional design that puts your photos first and ensures your site is easy to navigate on all devices. What should a beginner photographer put on their website? A beginner photographer should put their strongest work on their website, even if it's a small collection. Include an "About Me" page to share your story and passion, a Contact page with your email and social media links, and a portfolio section organized by category or project. Quality over quantity is the best approach. How many photos should be in a photographer's portfolio? A good online portfolio typically includes 20-30 of your best images. This is enough to showcase your skills and style without overwhelming visitors. If you specialize in different areas, you can create separate galleries for each, with around 10-15 images per gallery.