Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → A website is your own space on the internet: a group of connected pages that businesses, organizations and individuals use to publish information, sell products and services and reach audiences online. Websites range from personal portfolios and blogs to online stores and company hubs, and each type is built around a purpose. This guide explains how websites work, what they're made of, the main types and the ways you can create a website of your own. Turn your idea into a business-ready website. Choose a template or start with AI, make the design your own and add the tools you need to sell products, accept bookings and reach customers, all with Wix. TL;DR: what is a website A website is a set of linked web pages that share one domain and sit on a web server, which sends them to a visitor's browser on request. Each site combines a domain, hosting and coded pages, whether you build it with templates, AI or code yourself. You'll learn: How websites load, step by step Website vs webpage vs web server The core components every site needs Static vs dynamic sites The main types of websites, with examples Three ways to create your own What is a website? A website is a place on the internet where you can post information about yourself, your business or topics you care about. It's your own corner of the web to show your ideas and connect with others. Websites serve many purposes, from sharing knowledge and selling online to learning something new or simply having fun. To open a website, people need a device with a web browser, such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet, and an internet connection. Learn more: What is a Wix website? Key characteristics of a website Every website has a few core elements that make it work, feel professional and connect with your audience. Knowing these will help you build a site that’s easy to navigate, engaging and effective. Feature of a website What it is Why it matters Domain name Your website's unique address (like www.example.com) Helps people find your site and makes it easy to remember Web pages The individual pages that make up your website, usually built with HTML Share text, images and videos and guide visitors through your site Navigation Menus and links connecting your pages and sections Makes it simple for visitors to explore your site and find what they need Hosting The servers where your website's files live online Keeps your website available so anyone can visit at any time Purpose The reason your website exists, such as sharing information, selling products or building a community Guides your design and content so your site meets your goals Worth knowing: a website is rarely judged by its components in isolation. Visitors don't notice the domain, the hosting or the navigation structure on their own, they notice whether the site loaded fast, looked credible and told them what to do next within a few seconds. Get the basics right but spend your real attention on the moments where a visitor decides whether to stay or leave. Ways to create your own website Once you know what a website is, the next question is how to make one. There are three main paths, and the right one depends on how much time you have and how comfortable you are with code. Customize a website template A website template gives you a finished design with sample text and images. You swap in your own content, adjust colors and fonts and publish, with no coding involved. It's a popular starting point for small businesses and personal sites. Wix offers 2,000+ professionally designed website templates across business types, website purposes and industries, all customizable in the Wix Editor. Generate a site with an AI website builder An AI website builder asks a few questions about your business and creates a first draft with pages, text and images. You then refine it by editing directly or by describing changes in a chat. The Wix AI Website Builder creates pages with relevant text, images and layouts based on your business needs and preferences, then lets you refine them by describing changes to the content, layout and design. You can also start from a chat assistant such as ChatGPT or Claude. Some platforms connect to these assistants directly: with Wix, for example, you can type @Wix in ChatGPT to get a site plan and a full site to keep editing. Build it from scratch Building from scratch can mean writing HTML, CSS and JavaScript yourself, using AI coding tools to generate the code or hiring a developer. You get full control, but you also handle hosting, security and updates, or pay someone who does. Our guide on how to make a website from scratch walks through every option step by step. Whichever path you choose, Wix lets you bring your website, bookings, online sales, customer management and marketing tools together on one platform. What are websites used for? Websites are a key part of everyday life, helping people stay informed, shop online, share ideas and connect with others. They serve as online spaces for communication, learning, entertainment and business. Learn more: What is an ecommerce website? Website vs online store Depending on who's creating it, the purpose of a website can vary: Sharing information Many websites exist to give people information. Your local library, city government or school uses its website to keep you informed and make important details easy to find. Business and online sales Companies use websites to present their products or services, handle transactions and offer customer support. Ecommerce features like shopping carts and secure payments let customers buy online. Personal expression and blogging A personal website or blog is a place to share a story, a hobby or a portfolio of work you're proud of. It's your corner of the internet to express yourself and put your creative work on display. Entertainment and media Websites give access to videos, music, games and news, so people can stream or read content whenever they want. Community and social connection Online forums, social networks and groups let people with shared interests meet, discuss topics and build communities. Together, all publicly available websites form the World Wide Web, a global network that connects people, ideas and information across the world. Learn more: What is a wedding website? How does a website work? Websites run on two connected layers. The internet is the infrastructure that connects computers and lets them share information. The web is the system that uses the internet to share documents, websites, media and more. Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web at CERN in 1989, and by the end of 1990 the first web server and browser were running there. To view web content today, people use browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox or Safari. When you enter a web address or domain name into your browser, your computer sends a request to the hosting server. The request passes through the Domain Name System (DNS) to look up the server's internet protocol (IP) address. The web relies on protocols like Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to send information and files. Once the server receives the request, it sends back the requested webpage, along with images and other files. The browser then displays the page using HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Loading time depends on factors like server speed, the quality of the visitor's internet connection and the size and complexity of the site. What a website is made of: HTML, CSS and JavaScript Every website is built from three core languages, and each has a distinct job. HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the structure. It tells the browser what each piece of content actually is: this is a heading, this is a paragraph, this is an image, this is a link. Without HTML there is no page, only raw text. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is the styling. It controls colors, fonts, spacing, layout and how a page reshapes itself on a phone versus a desktop. HTML decides what goes on the page, CSS decides what it looks like. JavaScript is the behavior. It powers anything that responds to a visitor: image sliders, dropdown menus, pop-up forms, live search, content that updates without reloading the page. If you build with a website builder, you never write any of this yourself. The builder generates the HTML, CSS and JavaScript in the background, which is why you can drag an element into place instead of coding it. Knowing what each language does still helps, because it explains why some changes (swapping a color) are instant while others (adding a booking system) involve more moving parts. Difference between website, webpage and web server A website, a webpage and a web server are related but different. Picture a busy marketplace: the website is the marketplace, and each webpage is a stall inside it with its own products, information and images. The internet is the city the marketplace sits in, a huge network connecting countless marketplaces (websites). Webpage A webpage is a single document or page within a website. Websites can have multiple webpages, all linked together by hyperlinks, to display a cohesive website. The page you're currently on is a webpage. When you go to the home page, you're on a separate webpage, but still within the same website. Web server A web server is a computer that stores and delivers webpages to users when they request them. It is the physical location where all the files and data for a website are stored. When someone types in your website's URL, the server gets the necessary files and displays them to create the webpage. Website A website is a collection of webpages that are accessed with a single domain name or URL. It includes all the individual pages, multimedia details and files stored on a web server. Websites are built using languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript to make visually appealing layouts and functionality. Don't confuse websites and web servers. If someone says "my website is not responding," it usually means the web server isn't responding, so the site is unavailable. A web server can host many websites. If someone says "my web server is not responding," every website on that server may be unavailable. Learn more: Website vs blog vs forums Website vs. web application A website and a web application run on the same underlying technology, but they are built around different jobs. A website is primarily something you read. You land on it, take in the information, and act on it: a restaurant's menu and opening hours, a consultant's service list, a news article. A web application is something you use. It takes your input, processes it, and returns a result. Editing a document in Google Docs, filing a tax return, tracking a delivery in real time: these are web apps running inside a browser. They usually involve logging in, holding a session open, and storing data against your account. The line between the two has blurred. Most modern business sites now include app-like features: a booking calendar checking live availability, a checkout calculating shipping, a members area with gated content. In practice you rarely have to pick one. You start with a website and add the interactive pieces your business actually needs. Components of a website A website is a collection of webpages hosted on a web server. To create a website, you need several components. Here's what you need to get started: Domain name To reach your site, individuals type in a unique web address that typically reflects your business or brand name and ends with a domain extension like .com, .org, or .net. Registering your website name with a domain registration company, also known as a domain registrar, is necessary to secure this distinctive internet address. Tip: When you make a website with Wix, you can opt for domain privacy when you register your domain. Domain extension Also known as top-level domains (TLD), domain extensions can quickly identify specific elements of a website like its main purpose, owner or geographic location. You can check out ICANN’s complete list of domain extensions here. Webpages Webpages, also known as individual documents within a website, present information to users. Each webpage should serve a specific purpose and contribute to the overall user experience by providing valuable material, images and interactive elements. Some websites may be concise and focused, with only a few pages, while others offer an array of information and services to cater to diverse user needs. Web host This is the service that stores your website's files and makes them accessible to users on the internet. By choosing the appropriate plan for hosting a website, you can optimize performance, enhance security and provide an exceptional usability to your visitors. URL address The address of a website is also known as the Universal Resource Locator (URL). When a user wants to open a website then they need to put the URL of the website into a web browser and the requested website is delivered by the web server. The URL of the Wix Blog for example, https://www.wix.com/blog is composed of three parts: Protocol identifier: Defines the protocol used to access the webpage (usually HTTP or HTTPS) Server name: Refers to the domain name and extension where the web server is located (wix.com) File name: Indicates the specific page or resource on that web server (blog) Homepage The homepage is one of the most important parts of a website. It's often the first page visitors see, sets the tone for the brand and guides people to the rest of the site. Navigation structure Website navigation is the order of pages and the collection of links that connect them. When done correctly, it creates a smooth and intuitive browsing. Typically, this structure is supported by one or more menus, strategically placed to make it easy for users to find what they need and move around the sections of the website. Website templates A website template is a pre-made design that includes the layout, color scheme, font choice and all visual elements. It's like a ready-to-use blueprint for your brand's online presence. With Wix's website builder, you'll find a wide range of templates, from striking photography website templates to stylish blog templates. These templates can be customized to fit your brand and content needs. Multimedia elements These include a wide range of multimedia details such as images, videos, audio files and interactive website features like animations and adaptive content. When used correctly, these elements can make a website engaging, informative and visually appealing. Content Content is the information you put on your website to inform, guide, or influence visitors. This information can be presented with text, images, videos or audio recordings. Similar to website design, the primary responsibility of content is to keep people engaged, resulting in longer stays and repeat visits to your site. Additionally, well-optimized articles can improve your position on search engine result pages (SERPs), playing a crucial role in on-page search engine optimization (SEO). Adi Huri, Head of Product & Creative Director for WOW, Wix's Visual Innovation Team "There are over 2 billion websites out there, and we all visit many of them daily. With visual and textual content, you have the opportunity to make a statement and have your site stand out. This is the place to add your brand personality. If you are more traditional, there's no need to go wild. Often, unique copy or a cool visual is all you need for your site to be memorable." Website security: SSL and HTTPS Security is a component of a website, not an optional extra. The padlock icon next to a web address means the site is served over HTTPS, the encrypted version of the protocol browsers use to request pages. HTTPS is switched on by an SSL certificate installed on the site. The certificate does two things: it encrypts data traveling between the visitor's browser and the server, so anything typed into a form or a checkout cannot be read in transit, and it verifies that the site is what it claims to be. This matters well beyond payments. Browsers label sites without HTTPS as "not secure," which visitors notice immediately, and Google treats HTTPS as a ranking signal. Any site collecting so much as a contact form submission should be running on it. Many hosting providers and website builders include an SSL certificate, so you may not need to set one up yourself. Wix, for example, includes a free SSL certificate to help protect your site and visitors. Static vs dynamic websites When it comes to creating your website, you'll face an important decision: choosing between a static vs dynamic website. This choice will affect how your webpages are stored and delivered to users in their browsers. Let's take a closer look at these website structures. Static websites A static website is a collection of pre-written webpages that display exactly as published. The content stays the same until someone updates it manually, and every visitor sees the same information regardless of browser, location or device. Businesses often choose static websites for a simple online presence, since they're cost-effective and don't need server-side processing. While static webpages can't take input from users, they can still contain animations and clickable elements like hyperlinks or navigation buttons. This makes them a popular choice for portfolio and catalog sites. V-labs is an example of a static website. It displays text, images and navigation links that direct visitors to other pages. Dynamic websites Dynamic websites can change their content and appearance based on factors like the time of day, the visitor's location, language preferences, past interactions or device type. The web server processes data in real time to build pages for each visitor. Dynamic websites can also interact with visitors through forms, surveys, quizzes and other features that need server-side processing. This makes dynamic websites most suited for ecommerce business, social media, ticket booking and forums. These sites also allow individuals to set up accounts, login and access personalized information or services. Amazon.com is a popular example of a dynamic site. Its front page shows product recommendations to visitors based on their locations, purchases and search history. Feature Static website Dynamic website Content Identical for every visitor Changes by user, location or device Speed Very fast, the files are pre-built Slightly slower, the server builds each page Updating Edited manually, page by page Edited through a dashboard or CMS Best for Portfolios, catalogs, landing pages Online stores, forums, membership sites Cost Lower Higher, it needs a database and processing Learn more: Website vs social media Types of websites Websites can also be broken down into categories based on their objectives, features or target audiences. Whether you’re starting a business or simply want to learn how to make a blog, understanding the difference between these types of websites will help you get started. Blogs These sites are used to publish articles or posts in a chronological order, covering a wide range of topics from personal stories to news, as well as thoughtful essays, tutorials or practical advice lists. Keeping blog content up to date, as well as the feedback from users, must be constant. Many businesses start a blog to share news and information with their customers, using it as an SEO tool, attracting more organic visitors. Nowadays, professional blogging has emerged as a popular way to earn money online. As an interior stylist and digital content creator, Brit Arnesen uses her blog, britdotdesign, as a platform to provide web design inspiration and expertise to her readers. Blogs also function as a business engine, not just a publishing format. Gita Jacobson, the founder of In the Deets, a renovation consulting firm in the USA, built her Wix site with an SEO-focused blog as the front door to her practice. "It seemed easy to work with, and the website templates were very high-end looking," she says. "I also liked that I didn't need to know how to code, I could just drag and drop elements and get creative." The blog and SEO tools became how she acquired her first consulting clients, a route a static brochure site couldn't have matched. Learn more: Website vs Blog Ecommerce websites An ecommerce website is an online store that helps you sell products, services and digital goods online by enabling you to accept payments, process orders, manage logistics and shipping and offer customer help. These websites are made up of several webpages where businesses show their products and users can place orders online, complete the transaction and apply various payment methods. Adama Studio creates modern, practical ceramic items for everyday use. Their website has an online store where customers can easily purchase and have products shipped. Ecommerce sites can be built fast when the moment demands it. Jenna and Josh Spencer, the owners of The Last Bookstore in downtown Los Angeles, ran an almost entirely physical bookstore until a single Instagram post about book bundles went viral overnight and generated thousands of orders. "It ignited a viral chain reaction, leading to thousands of orders," Jenna recalls. "We needed an online store, fast, and Wix gave us the agility to adapt." The store now operates a fully functional online shop alongside its 22,000-square-foot flagship, which Time Out has called the world's most Instagrammed bookstore. Portfolio websites An online portfolio showcases a person's or business' work, skills and experience. It's used to attract prospective clients, employers or partners by sharing previous projects, and it can include images, videos, service descriptions and client testimonials. A well-built portfolio site can also serve as a credibility anchor for landing client work. Gergei Erdei, a former Gucci designer, built his own Wix portfolio site after scrapping a version made by a developer he'd hired. "I loved building it myself because I could be obsessive about the details," he says. "Wix's drag-and-drop builder made it possible to get that precision without writing a single line of code." That site helped him pitch and land Matches Fashion, one of the world's top luxury ecommerce platforms, as his first client. Sharon Radisch is a multi-talented creative who works as a photographer, art director and artist. Her online portfolio highlights the various projects she has undertaken in each of these roles. Get inspired by these best portfolio websites. Websites for professional services Professional websites encourage visitors to buy products or services without working as an online store. Their sales process usually runs through a quote or an in-person appointment. Many of the people learning how to create a professional website with Wix are suppliers and service companies. Mango Marketing’s website outlines their studio service packages for businesses looking to expand their business and enhance their online visibility. Landing page or single page sites One-page websites' popularity has grown because they are simple and easy to navigate. These websites concentrate all information on a single landing page, making them effective and cost-efficient for launching special products or services. Typically used by small businesses, they act as a digital business card, displaying contact information and advertising services. Animal Music Studios utilizes engaging videos and a navigation menu at the top to guide users to the different sections of the one-page site. News News websites present news articles, current events and other relevant information. They often include details like videos and images to support their stories. News sites update regularly and can be categorized into different sections such as world news, politics, sports or entertainment. As more individuals consume news online, newspapers have adapted by transitioning to digital. Many magazines and newspapers now offer subscription-based news sites as they no longer rely on print editions. New Wave Magazine is a digital publication that also offers print editions. Readers can access articles on their website and purchase print copies through their online store. Portal Portal websites are primarily used within educational institutions like schools and institutes, as well as businesses. They make things easier by providing various functions, including a secure login process for students to view their information like grades and schedules. Employees also benefit from these websites, as they offer a convenient way to access emails, alerts and other relevant information needed for day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. Jule Dancewear, is a small business that sells dance apparel. They have a website where customers can create an account to save their profile information, view order history, save blog posts they are interested in and create wish lists of products they may want to purchase in the future. Forums Forum websites bring people with similar interests together to connect and engage. Members interact through threads, timelines or chats. Social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, Snapchat and Reddit also work as forums where people connect over shared interests. Brown Skin Brunchin is a community for professional minority women. The website features a forum where members can connect by posting introductions, having discussions and sharing stories, ideas and photos. Membership websites Membership websites are built to offer exclusive content or experiences for registered users, often through a paywall. These sites usually include user accounts, dashboards and gated content organized by tier or subscription level. Depending on their purpose, members might get access to video libraries, premium articles, community forums or downloadable resources. These sites are popular with creators, educators, niche groups or professionals looking to share specialized content with a specific audience. They’re designed around consistent content delivery and engagement, often including progress tracking, exclusive newsletters or discussion boards to keep members connected. Educational websites Educational websites are designed to provide learning experiences through formal courses, casual tutorials or structured training. They often include multimedia lessons, quizzes, certification options and progress tracking to help learners follow a clear curriculum. These sites are used by institutions, tutors or independent creators. They can range from academic platforms to niche sites focused on specific skills or hobbies. Educational websites usually feature user accounts, discussion forums and resource libraries, giving learners the flexibility to move at their own pace while engaging with course materials in one place. Level5 CAD Academy provides practical dental courses online to help dental technicians and staff become pros in Dental CAD/CAM applications. With interactive quizzes, real-time feedback and certificates, the platform ensures users build confidence, skills and expertise in their field. Booking websites Booking websites let users book appointments, reserve spaces or schedule services with ease. These sites usually include interactive calendars, service descriptions, availability updates and confirmation systems. They’re perfect for businesses like salons, hotels, healthcare providers and consultants. Visitors can check available time slots, pick from different services or packages and book appointments directly on the site. The design focuses on being clear and simple, often with account systems so users can manage bookings or check their history. For a sense of what a booking site does when the business behind it is running at scale, consider Aaron Carty, the founder of CuppaPug, the world's first pug cafe. CuppaPug now welcomes around 1,200 people a day across four UK and US locations, with every reservation, waitlist entry and notification handled through Wix Bookings. "Every day I'm on the website updating stuff," he says. "It's just as alive as the cafe is." The site isn't a side asset to the business, it's the operational layer the cafes run on. Event websites Event websites are designed to promote and manage physical, virtual or hybrid events. They’re built to share details like dates, times, locations, agendas, speaker lists and registration options. Many include countdowns, ticket purchase features and galleries from past events to spark interest. These sites might support recurring or one-time events and often use branding to match the event’s theme. Some even offer interactive features like live streams, maps or downloadable schedules, giving attendees everything they need in one place. Event sites also scale beyond single occasions into the backbone of a recurring events business. Fork n' Film, a cinematic dining brand co-founded by Francesca Duncan and Nick Houston in Los Angeles, runs around 180 screenings a month across nine locations including the UK, Hawaii and Tokyo. "I love the analytics on Wix, it tells a big story about who we are as a company and who our customers are," Houston explains. "When it comes to expansion, we want to go off data. We don't want to just go off assumptions." Within two years of launching, the events business had grown to over $11 million in revenue, with the website handling ticketing and informing expansion decisions. The Global Ethnic Dance Festival website celebrates cultural diversity, unity and global traditions. It shares details about the festival's mission, performances and events, inspired by Sree Narayan Guru's vision of harmony and mutual respect. Personal websites Personal websites are a great way to share your work, achievements or personality. They often have a short bio, resume, personal projects and contact info, sometimes paired with a blog or portfolio. The design and tone give a glimpse into who you are and your style. Freelancers, students, artists and job seekers often use personal websites to introduce themselves, with sections like testimonials, photo galleries or links to social media profiles. Browse personal website templates for ideas. Why you need a website Whether you are a small start-up or an existing company, the benefits of a website can not be understated. Increase competitiveness A website can enhance your brand identity and make you stand out among competitors. With many businesses relying on online sales, having an engaging and well planned website can give you a competitive advantage. Customers notice, too. According to the VistaPrint and Wix Small Business Marketing Survey, 81% of consumers say it matters to them that a business has a branded website, and for 15% the absence of a website is an outright dealbreaker. A business website allows you to showcase your products or services in an attractive and informative manner, encouraging potential customers to choose your business over others. Reach a wider audience Reaching a larger audience beyond your local community is made possible by creating a website. With the internet, your business can be accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time. This increases your customer base and opens up opportunities for growth and expansion. Matt Matergia, VP of Global B2B Partnerships (SaaS) at Wix “It’s more important than ever for businesses to set up their own strong website. A professional site gives a business credibility and creates trust and authority with consumers. Not only can a website attract and convert customers that are seeking validation online before purchasing, but many consumers won’t even consider a business without a website. Compared to social media, a website is the one place within the online ecosystem that you have full ownership and control to express yourself and communicate directly with customers. Simply put, a website is a business’s online real estate.” Cost-effective marketing A website is a marketing channel you own. With search engine optimization (SEO), you can help your pages appear when people search Google for what you offer, without paying for every visit the way you do with ads. Sell products and services online With an ecommerce website, you can sell your products and services online, reaching a wider customer base. This allows for 24/7 sales potential and removes geographical limitations. Online shopping is also becoming increasingly popular, making it essential for businesses to build an ecommerce site. How to create a website Now that you've learned about how websites work and the different types of websites, you might be considering one for your business. Let's explore what you'll need to start your own website. With this knowledge, you'll be empowered to build a website that suits your business needs. Ready to set up your website? Watch the 10 most essential Wix tutorials to get started. Outline your website idea The first step is to have a clear idea of what you want your website to achieve. This will help you determine the type of website that best suits your needs and goals. Consider what products or services you offer, who your target audience is and how you would like to present your brand online. Learn how to plan a website to help you in the following steps. Choose a domain name and web hosting Your domain name acts as the digital address of your site so users can easily find you online. When selecting a domain name, it's important to pick one that reflects your brand and is memorable. Avoid using hyphens and numbers and aim for a short domain name. If you're struggling to come up with ideas, try using our domain name generator to find a suitable name. Tip: Use Wix’s domain name search to check if your desired domain name is available. Pick a website building platform Fortunately, creating a website has become very accessible even for people without a technical background. In fact, you can turn your website idea into a fully functional site using a drag and drop website builder, like Wix, and all of the functionalities that come with it. Wix Harmony, for example, lets you generate a business-ready site from a single prompt and keep shaping it by chatting with Aria, its AI agent, or editing by hand. You can also start from a conversation. Wix's ChatGPT integration lets you type "@Wix" and describe a business idea, such as "Build me a site for a high-end sushi catering business in Seattle," to generate a Wix site you can keep editing. Working with a small budget? Here's how to build a website for free with Wix, then upgrade when you need a custom domain or more features. The best website builder is one that can grow alongside your business, supporting your needs today while giving you room to scale as those needs evolve. — Rebecca Tomasis, Head of Organic Growth Marketing at Wix Learn more: How much does a website cost What is a CMS? Select a web hosting provider Once you've chosen a platform, you'll need a web host. Web hosting is the service that stores your website files and delivers them when someone visits your site. Hosts also handle backups, uptime and security maintenance. When choosing a hosting website, compare cost, features, security and support. Wix's free web hosting lets you scale your hosting as your online business grows. Design your website A successful website needs more than good looks. It should express a consistent brand, be easy to use and make sure you have a mobile-friendly website that adapts to small screens. Consider your logo, color scheme and typography. Website templates give you a head start, and a clear user interface (UI) helps visitors browse without friction. Learn more: What is web design? Add page content and optimize for SEO Your content is the heart of your website. Use engaging and informative material to attract and retain visitors. Your website should be easy to navigate, with a clear call-to-action on each page to encourage users to take specific actions, such as completing a purchase or signing up for a newsletter. Keep search engine optimization (SEO) in mind as you build. That means using relevant keywords in each page's website title and headings, publishing useful content and keeping pages fast. Learn more: What makes a good website Launch and maintain your website Once everything is ready, use a website checklist when launching a new website. Building a successful online presence doesn't end at launch. Keep your site current by updating pages, watching for technical issues and keeping up with SEO practices. Collecting feedback from your audience also helps you keep improving. Worth knowing: the launch is the start, not the finish line. The sites that perform well over time are the ones whose owners spend an hour or two a week on them after launch, updating content, fixing broken links, adding new work, replying to inquiries. The build is the easy part but the maintenance habit is what separates sites that grow from sites that stall. What is a website FAQ What's the most common website type? There's no single official count, but business websites, online stores, personal websites and blogs are among the types you'll come across most often. The right type for you depends on your goals and audience. What's the role of the DNS in a website? The Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names into the numerical IP addresses computers use to find each other. It lets people reach a website by typing a name instead of remembering a string of numbers. What are website cookies? Cookies are small text files a website stores on a visitor's device to remember things like login status, preferences or items in a cart. Sites that use cookies for tracking need to follow privacy laws, which often require telling visitors and asking for consent. Why do some websites look different on my phone? Many modern sites use responsive design, which rearranges the layout to fit the screen size. Some sites also have a separate mobile version designed for small screens. How much does it cost to build a website? It depends on how you build it. Website builders offer free and low-cost plans, while custom sites built by developers cost more. Plan for ongoing costs too, such as a domain, hosting and any paid apps. Can I create a website for free? Yes. Many website builders, including Wix, let you build and publish a site on a free plan. Paid plans add features such as a custom domain and the ability to accept payments. What's a website title? A website title is the name shown in a browser tab and in search results. A clear, descriptive title helps visitors and search engines understand what the site or page is about. How does a website CMS function? A content management system (CMS) stores your content and gives you a dashboard to create, edit and publish pages without coding. Many also let several people work on the site with different permissions. What's a static website? A static website shows the same pre-built pages to every visitor, and its content changes only when someone updates it. Static sites load quickly and suit portfolios, brochures and simple informational sites. What's the difference between a static and dynamic website? A static website shows fixed content to everyone. A dynamic website builds pages on request, often from a database, so content can change based on the visitor, such as product recommendations or account details. What's the difference between a website and a web app? A website is mainly something you read, such as a menu, a service page or an article. A web app is something you use to complete a task, such as editing a document or tracking a delivery, and it usually involves logging in. Who created the first website? Tim Berners-Lee, a British scientist working at CERN, invented the World Wide Web in 1989. By the end of 1990 he had the first web server and browser running at CERN, and the first website, info.cern.ch, explained the web project itself.

Bring your inspiration to life with a Wix website → In this post, we’ll discuss 28 of the most common types of websites, providing examples and templates for each. This is important because your website design and functionality will largely depend on what type of website you want to make and your goals for it. When you’re facing the prospect of learning how to make a website from scratch, just getting started can be the hardest part. That’s why it’s important to take things step by step. First, you have to decide on a website idea. Check out these free website templates and start understanding how to create a website today. TL;DR: 28 common types of websites Websites fall into distinct types based on the job they need to do, from ecommerce stores and portfolios to booking, membership and nonprofit sites. Choosing the type before you start shapes your structure, features and design decisions, which makes the build faster and the finished site more effective. Wix provides you with industry-specific website templates for better branding. What you'll learn The 28 most common website types and what each one is built to do A real-life example and a matching template for every type How static and dynamic websites differ and which fits your goal How to match a website type to what your business actually needs 28 types of websites to build now Ecommerce website Business website Portfolio website Event website Personal website Membership website Nonprofit website Blog website Informational website Online forum Community website Startup website Consulting website Booking website Petition website School website Hobby website Interactive website Entertainment website Wedding website Travel website Directory website Landing page website News and magazine website Memorial website Subscription website Kid-friendly website Social media website 01. Ecommerce website Build an ecommerce website and you can provide customers with a seamless shopping experience, allowing them to effortlessly browse, select and purchase products that capture their interest. You can sell your own creations or dropship products from your online store. The best ecommerce websites make the buying experience as easy as possible by offering product pages with robust imagery, enticing product descriptions and multiple payment options for you to set up your own online marketplace. Real-life ecommerce website examples: The Spice Suite sells gourmet spices, herbs and infused oils. Its website draws people in with bright colors while sharing the inspiring story of founder Angel Gregorio, who’s both a home cook and activist for other small business owners. LemonTree+Co is a home and lifestyle shop recognized for its approachable aesthetic and simple, casual living philosophy. Its website brings that sensibility to life through curated product categories spanning art, textiles, reclaimed furniture and garden goods. Ready to get started? Learn how to make an ecommerce website with Wix. Wix supports ecommerce businesses at every stage of growth, from small online stores to high-revenue brands generating $5M–$30M+ in annual revenue. Wix Ecommerce combines ease of use with advanced capabilities including automated discount logic, AI-driven product recommendations, abandoned cart recovery and customizable checkout workflows. Wix’s ecommerce website templates come complete with all the elements you need to start your store, or check out some of the best AI website examples created with Wix's AI website builder. 02. Business website When building a business website, whether for B2B or B2C, focus on the needs of your customers and explain how your company will solve their unique challenges. These law firm website examples show how a website can be used both to showcase your business and attract new clients. Real-life business website examples: The Puffin Packaging business website explains that its wool-insulated packaging is an affordable, sustainable solution to polystyrene boxes. The site uses clean lines, colorful images and plenty of white space to draw the interest of its readers on both desktop and mobile. Animal Music Studios provides music composition, sound design and audio mixing services. The website features previous projects the team has done for brands like Comcast, Infinity and Popeye’s. According to Matt Matergia, VP of Global B2B Partnerships (SaaS) at Wix: “It’s more important than ever for businesses to set up their own strong website. A professional site gives a business credibility and creates trust and authority with consumers. Not only can a website attract and convert customers that are seeking validation online before purchasing, but many consumers won’t even consider a business without a website. Compared to social media, a website is the one place within the online ecosystem that you have full ownership and control to express yourself and communicate directly with customers. Simply put, a website is a business’s online real estate.” Did you know? Wix Harmony integrates full store functionality natively, meaning a complete, responsive business website can be launched from a single prompt with business tools built in from the start. Behind the scenes, Wix provides enterprise-grade hosting, security and compliance so you can focus on growing your business rather than managing technical details. Need ideas for your next website? With Wix’s website builder, you can build a professional website that looks exactly how you imagined. Choose from thousands of customizable templates and use Wix’s drag-and-drop website builder to make it your own. Creating a unique, professional website has never been easier. Wix offers industry-specific website templates for businesses including restaurants, real estate, fitness, beauty and professional services. Prefer to skip the browsing? The Wix AI Website Builder generates a personalized website from a description of your business, goals, preferred design and required features. These business website templates are well-equipped to bring your company to life online. Use them to for your services related business such as a handyman website, landscaping website or a bookkeeping website. Learn more: How to make a business website 03. Portfolio website According to Hani Safe, product lead (Showcase) at Wix: "An outstanding portfolio is all about storytelling. It’s not just a showcase of work but a narrative that weaves together a professional’s skills, creativity and personality." If you’re a photographer, artist or writer, a portfolio website can help you reach and impress potential employers or clients and act almost as your art resume. An online portfolio website typically includes images, videos or clips that show off your best work. A portfolio website also allows you to establish your own personal branding, giving visitors a glimpse into your personality, interests and values. Real-life portfolio website examples: Photographer Steven Popovich uses his portfolio to showcase his work across beauty, fashion, advertising and travel. His site reflects the versatility of his lens, from high-end editorial shoots to motion and campaign work for global brands. Ryan Haskins uses his bold portfolio website to display artwork he’s created for clients such as the New York Times and Netflix. Choose one of these portfolio website templates to showcase your work in a way that’s sure to capture attention, with either static or dynamic pages. Learn more: What should a portfolio website include 04. Event website An event website enables you to generate buzz leading up to an in-person or online event as part of offline or digital marketing efforts. High-performing event websites include all the information that your attendees need to know, such as speakers, agenda, date, time and location. Data from Wix State of Websites 2026 shows event revenue on Wix sites grew 40% between 2022 and 2025, as more businesses use their websites to sell tickets and charge for RSVPs. Real-life event website example: The Oktoberfest Atlanta website gives attendees everything they need to plan their visit, from ticket options and the entertainment lineup to venue details and transportation tips. It also includes sponsorship and vendor information for businesses looking to get involved in Atlanta's biggest German-themed festival. Taylor & Nico have a wedding website that brings guests up to speed with an FAQ section, travel and accommodation details and a registry link, all alongside a beautiful photo gallery of the couple. Use one of these event website templates to start collecting RVSPs today. Learn more: Event website 05. Personal website Whereas a portfolio website is useful for showcasing your work, a personal website is a space where you can truly be yourself. Build one to share your accomplishments, explore your interests or develop your personal brand. What you include on your personal website and web pages depends on your goals. If you’re using it to advance your career, include a resume, clips and a bio. If you’re making it for self-expression, a blog and social links might be all you need. Real-life personal website example: Kristián Mensa, a dancer and visual artist, uses his personal website to display his portfolio of performance and visual work. His site also includes an events calendar and a contact page for booking and collaboration inquiries. Tianna Wolfson, an actress and model, uses her personal website to showcase her work across film, commercial and editorial projects. Her site features a portfolio of professional shoots and an about page that highlights her background and approach to her craft. Tessa J. McNaboe, a Pilates instructor, built her site after outgrowing social media. “I was primarily using Instagram at first, but now I need something more professional. I wanted to expand my reach, so I decided to create a website.” These personal website templates will help you share your interests with the world. Learn more: How to make a personal website 06. Membership website Membership websites are an excellent choice for businesses aiming to convert their users into loyal customers. With this website format, you can provide exclusive content and value-added resources within a password-protected section. Once a member logs in, they can access special features like premium services, online classes or members-only events. Learn more: What is a membership website Real-life business website example: HERoines is a membership site dedicated to helping women cultivate fundamental life skills in a safe space. Members get discounts for HERoine events, an invite to a private annual event and access to virtual challenges. Learn how to create a membership site. 07. Nonprofit website Nonprofit websites let you share your organization's mission, vision and core values so you can activate people around your cause. For example, church websites can help you reach new and existing congregation members, while animal rescue or healthcare websites can attract donors who can further your mission. Wix enables non-profit organizations and cause-driven businesses to collect donations natively without third-party tools. Learn more: What is a church website, how to make a donation website, how to make a church website Real-life nonprofit and NGO website examples: Kode With Klossy strives to empower young women and gender expansive youth to pursue their passions in a tech-driven world. Its website shares information about its free coding camps and alumni community while inviting supporters to donate to its mission of building gender equity in technology. Mammoth March, a nonprofit that hosts organized hiking events, uses its website to share its mission of helping people unplug and get out of their comfort zones through long-distance hiking challenges. The site provides event details and signup instructions. Uncover tips on how to create a nonprofit website with a nonprofit website builder, and get inspiration from these beautiful nonprofit website templates. 08. Blog website Starting a blog provides a platform to share written, visual and digital content about your interests. Once you’re up and running, you might even see opportunities for monetization, such as affiliate marketing, display advertising and selling ad space. You can also share directly from your blog to your social media platforms and accounts. "Starting a blog requires a well-thought-out strategy. Start by defining your objectives and identifying key topics based on audience demand. Prioritize content creation around these topics to maximize engagement and visibility within your niche." - Idan Cohen, Senior SEO Strategist at Wix Real-life blog website example: Bella & Bloom serves as a free resource for women who are looking to share their creativity or glean inspiration from other female entrepreneurs. It shines light on a large community of women, publishing everything from business tips to founder spotlights. Learn how to make a blog with one of these blog website templates. Learn more: Website vs social media 09. Informational website Informational websites are valuable resources for people looking to learn more about a specific topic, service or product. With a focus on delivering in-depth information, these websites offer long-form content that addresses readers' most pressing questions. An informational website can also establish you or your organization as an expert in your area of interest via mass communication and knowledge sharing. Real-life informational website example: The Wix Encyclopedia is similar to a web directory and it offers users a comprehensive dictionary of terms used in business, marketing and web design. Try out these news and magazine website templates to build your informational website. 10. Online forum Online forums bring people together to discuss and exchange information around shared topics, such as technology or fitness. Forums usually include multiple discussion threads organized by topic, making it easier for users to find the subject they want to weigh in on. Real-life business online forum example: BE RADICAL strives to empower its members to be the very best version of themselves. Its website includes “radical support,” a series of online groups, chats and challenges where members can share their wisdom. 11. Community website With a community website, you can build trust and engagement with people who share a common cause. For example, you could build an LGBTQ+-friendly website that provides an authentic and exclusive destination for members of the community. Real-life community website examples: Generation She focuses on creating a community of exceptional female talent that can build and lead the next generation of billion-dollar companies. Its online community offers access to career opportunities, events and mentorship. These community website templates will come in handy as you learn how to build an online community. 12. Startup website There are few things as invigorating as starting your own business. Creating a startup website can enable you to share that energy and introduce your game-changing idea to the world. Startup websites may include landing pages, product demos and reviews. At first they might also include a crowdfunding page or other funding resources. Overall, your website’s overarching goal should be to attract customers and investors. Real-life startup website examples: Cincodemayo is a Texas-based digital marketing and branding agency that has completed over 3,800 corporate and marketing projects since 1992. Its website outlines the agency's services across SEO, digital strategy and branding while showcasing its track record of helping more than 335 startups grow into successful enterprises. Lengo draws attention with a compelling proposition: turning market guesswork into actionable insights for brands and retailers in the informal sector through AI-driven geomapping and intelligence tools. Its website outlines the platform's capabilities, highlights its backing from top venture capital firms and its participation in the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program. 13. Consulting website Do you have a unique expertise you think others could benefit from? A consulting website will help you monetize it. Your website should include a list of services offered, details about your background and an explanation of who would benefit from your services. If you’re a financial advisor, you might use your site to explain how you’ll help clients protect their nest eggs. If you’re a human resources consultant, you might use it to explain how you can help businesses get more efficient. Real-life consulting website example: Empowered Artist is a consulting and mentorship platform for independent artists run by entertainment specialist Jenny Langer. Her website outlines her one-on-one coaching sessions, group courses on branding and self-promotion and speaking engagements, with client testimonials that help build trust with prospective artists. The Bruin Group is UCLA's premier student-run consultancy offering pro-bono advisory services to startups. Its website details their consulting services for clients across technology, healthcare and fashion while also serving as a recruitment hub for students looking to gain real-world consulting experience. See other examples of consulting websites and use these consulting website templates to build your own. Learn how to make a consulting website. 14. Booking website A booking website helps you get right down to business. It allows users to sign up for classes, accommodations or services online. Booking websites let customers choose their preferred date, time and cost. They also include recommendations, reviews and contact information. Wix lets you build a booking website that includes tools for scheduling, payments and client reminders. According to Wix State of Websites 2026, more than half of new businesses launching on Wix in 2026 start with a bookings setup, and they're converting their first customers in just 10.6 days on average. Real-life booking website example: Azuridge Estate Hotel uses its booking website to let guests reserve rooms, book spa treatments at Flourish, secure event spaces for weddings and corporate gatherings and purchase gift cards, all from one elegant site. This booking website template lets you add your services, reviews and contact information in a jiff. Learn more about how to make a booking website. 15. Petition website If you want to be a change-maker, a petition website can help you advocate for a cause that you hold most dear. You can use an online petition to drum up support for a political position, social justice cause or environmental issue. Real-life petition website example: Explain the Asterisk is a petition website that advocates for legislation mandating universities and colleges to disclose dismissals for sexual assault on a perpetrator’s transcripts. Through strategic features including an informative FAQ page, a compelling media section and a meticulously organized homepage. The site actively encourages visitors to sign its petition. Once you learn how to start a petition, you can use the Wixel Form Builder to create your own. 16. School website These online resources aren’t just for primary schools and universities. School websites can also offer online teaching and information about businesses that teach things like music or foreign languages. An ideal school website design will serve as an online database for students, parents and faculty. You can also incorporate educational technology and provide online lessons or assignments for students. Looking at teacher website examples can help you understand how to structure content and make your site both functional and inspiring. It’ll also encourage prospective students to enroll. Real-life school website example: Finland International School Maldives brings the renowned Finnish education system to the heart of the Maldives, blending child-centered learning with Maldivian culture to nurture students' joy of learning. Its website covers junior and senior school programs, admissions information and career opportunities for educators. Oikein hyvä! Ready Steady Go is a pre-school and day nursery that has been nurturing early learners across North London since 1988. Its website details programs for children from under 2s through to pre-school age across four Ofsted Outstanding centres in Primrose Hill, South Hampstead and St John's Wood. These school website templates let you add courses and resources for parents and students easily. Learn more: School website design 17. Hobby website Do you love gardening, reading or arts and crafts? A hobby website can help you share your unique interests with like-minded people. Hobby websites often include online forums, learning materials and tutorials that introduce people to a particular pursuit and offer tips for how to improve their skills. A popular hobby website can even turn a profit. Real-life hobby website example: Liv White turned her passion for award-winning design into Dopple Press, a business dedicated to eco-friendly screen printing. Use this hobby website template to share your favorite activity with others and learn how to make a gaming website. 18. Interactive website Interactive websites use elements like graphics, games and quizzes to make users an active part of the web browsing experience. Some of the newest versions include augmented reality features. For example, some ecommerce shops now provide tools for seeing what furniture would look like in your home. Get inspired by this highly visual interactive website template. 19. Entertainment website Entertainment websites are among the most highly visual and interactive types of websites, designed to evoke emotion and deliver high-quality digital experiences. Real-life entertainment website example: Noah Demeuldre’s eye-popping entertainment website draws people in with clips of his work, encouraging them to click the “view project” CTA button and watch the videos within. Use Wix’s video website templates to create your entertainment website. 20. Wedding website Creating a wedding website helps your special day into an unforgettable experience. Use it to share information with your guests, offer details about the festivities and post your registry. You can also include videos, photos and stories about your relationship and bridal party. Learn more: What is a wedding website Real-life wedding website example: Jason and Nina use their wedding website to share their love story, provide venue and dress code details for guests and make it easy for everyone to RSVP ahead of their celebration. Alex and Bailey created a wedding website to celebrate their journey together and help guests stay informed with wedding details, travel information, FAQs and their gift registry. Spread the word about your nuptials with these wedding website templates. 21. Travel website A travel website helps vacationers plan their dream trips. They provide information on attractions, accommodations and adventures in a specific city or town. They often include breathtaking photography and engaging videos that encourage visitors to book their trip. Real-life travel website example: Zion Adventure Photog offers tips for people planning an adventure through Southern Utah. The travel website includes real-life stories and adventures to showcase the amazing experiences that the region has to offer. Use these travel website templates to create an irresistible online tourist destination today. Learn more: Travel website builder 22. Directory website Think of a directory website as an informational website on steroids. It provides users with comprehensive and organized lists of resources about a specific topic or industry. Examples include real estate listings, job directories or local directories. Many offer multiple categories and on-site search engines to help people find what they’re looking for faster. Real-life directory website example: Gay & Sober is a web directory that provides a safe, fun and enriching experience to the sober LGBTQ+ community. The site includes a vast collection of events, meetings and support resources to help people celebrate sobriety and each other. Launch your site today with this directory website template. 23. Landing page website A landing page website is designed to market one specific product or service. The two most common types of landing pages are non-gated (open to anyone) and gated (people must enter details, such as their name and email address, for access). You can use a landing page to introduce a new product, attract leads or drive online traffic to a specific webpage. Real-life landing page website example: Roee Ben Yehuda uses a single landing page to present his product and craft design work as a clean grid of clickable project cards. There is almost no marketing copy, so the objects carry the page on their own. Awaken Studio runs its whole agency on one landing page, opening with a client testimonial as the headline and keeping a booking link in the navigation so visitors are one click from a call. Use these landing page website templates to promote your products and find new customers. Learn more: Types of landing pages According to Idan Cohen, Senior SEO Strategist at Wix: “A landing page isn’t just a webpage. It’s your first impression. I always tell people to keep it simple, focus on one goal and make it easy for visitors to take action.” 24. News and magazine website News and magazine websites offer visitors a wide range of informative and engaging content. These websites cover diverse topics such as current events, politics, business, entertainment and sports. Whether it's breaking news, in-depth features or expert analysis, news and magazine websites strive to deliver timely information to their audiences. Real-life news and magazine website example: The Beacon Today is a student-powered newspaper that focuses on issues related to Palm Beach Atlantic University and the surrounding area. This news and magazine website template lets you build a customized news site in a snap or use these politics website templates. Learn more: How to start a news website 25. Memorial website Creating a memorial website is a heartfelt way for friends and family members to remember and honor a loved one after their passing. These sites often feature photos and a biography about the person. They also include online guest books so people can share stories about why that person made such a difference in their life. As such, memorial websites can help provide support and comfort during trying times. Real-life memorial website example: Memorials New York captures the memorials that New Yorkers set up throughout the city. Rather than being dedicated to one person, the site aims to honor individuals from all walks of life with photos of unofficial memorial sites and tributes that were created in their memory. Use this memorial website template to memorialize a loved one. 26. Subscription website From roasted coffee to complete meal kits, subscription services have become a popular staple of many people’s daily routines. With a subscription website, you can provide products or services to customers on a weekly or monthly basis. This business model is useful for establishing a reliable revenue stream while fostering a loyal customer base. Real-life subscription website example: Dedicated to promoting ethical farming practices, Javaboy uses its coffee subscriptions to promote small-batch, independent roasters committed to organic and fair-trade practices. Use this subscription website template to start your unique online business. Learn more: How to make a subscription website 27. Kid-friendly website Kid-friendly websites contain appropriate content for the youngest of web users. These sites often use games, videos and other kid-friendly features to educate their visitors. Most target two types of audiences: children of a specific age range and their parents. Learn more: Website creation for kids Real-life kid-friendly website example: With its brightly colored product photos and interactive mega-menu, Lukiee Lou is an online store that both parents and their little ones can enjoy exploring. Use this kid-friendly website template to start your website. 28. Social media website Social media websites enable users to share personal information, pictures, videos and opinions in real-time, fostering community and interaction. These sites often include profiles, news feeds, messaging and other interactive features to help users connect and engage with each other. Most target two types of audiences: individuals looking to connect with friends or communities and businesses or creators looking to reach followers. Learn more: How to make a social media website Real-life social media website example: Bright and engaging, Social Savvy Pulse’s website uses pops of color to draw attention to key sections. The design feels energetic and vibrant, with bold typography and interactive elements creating a dynamic user experience. Get started with this social media agency website template. Website types and their core purpose Type of website Core purpose Ecommerce website Sell products or services online Business website Represent a business, promote services and build trust Portfolio website Showcase creative or professional work Event website Share event details and manage RSVPs or ticket sales Personal website Express personal interests, hobbies or personal brand Membership website Offer exclusive content or services to registered members Nonprofit website Raise awareness, collect donations and support a cause Blog website Share articles, updates and personal stories Informational website Provide helpful resources and factual content on a topic Online forum Host community discussions and Q&A conversations Community website Connect people around a shared interest or local activity Startup website Introduce a new product or service and attract users or investors Consulting website Promote professional services and connect with clients Booking website Let users schedule appointments or make reservations Petition website Collect digital signatures and rally support for a cause School website Share important info for students, parents and staff Hobby website Publish content about a personal hobby or interest Interactive website Engage visitors with quizzes, tools or dynamic features Entertainment website Offer media content like videos, games or music Wedding website Share wedding details, manage RSVPs and link to your registry Travel website Provide travel tips, booking options and destination guides Directory website List and organize businesses, professionals or services Landing page website Focus on one goal like capturing leads or promoting an offer News and magazine website Publish articles, features and editorial content Memorial website Honor and remember a loved one or meaningful event Subscription website Share exclusive content with paying subscribers Kid-friendly website Offer safe, fun and age-appropriate content for children Social media website Help people connect, share content and interact with others in real time Explore these website design ideas for inspiration. Which type of website do you need? Just as us humans, every website has its own needs. Try to define what those are and what goals you'd like to achieve in order to create a successful website that is truly original. — Adi Huri, Head of Product & Creative Director for WOW, Wix's Visual Innovation Team If your main goal is to... Build this type Wix features to look for Sell products online Ecommerce website Wix Stores, Wix Payments Win clients for a service Business or consulting website Contact forms, Wix Bookings Show off your work Portfolio website Wix Portfolio, galleries Take appointments or reservations Booking website Wix Bookings Sell tickets or collect RSVPs Event website Wix Events Earn recurring revenue Membership or subscription website Pricing Plans, member areas Share ideas and grow an audience Blog website Wix Blog Promote one offer or campaign Landing page website One-page templates, forms Raise money for a cause Nonprofit website Wix Donations Static vs. dynamic websites Not all websites work the same way under the hood. Static websites deliver the same fixed content to every visitor. They're fast, secure and easy to host, ideal for portfolios, landing pages and simple informational sites. Dynamic websites generate dynamic content in real-time based on who's visiting or how they interact with the site. Most modern websites, from ecommerce stores to membership platforms, are dynamic, powered by server-side languages like PHP or JavaScript. Learn more about how to build a static website. Types of websites FAQ What are the 3 main types of websites? The three main types of websites are: Informational websites: These websites provide information and resources to visitors. They can be used to educate, entertain or promote a cause. Transactional/ecommerce websites: These websites allow visitors to purchase products or services. They can be used to sell physical goods, digital products or services. Interactive websites: These websites allow visitors to interact with the website in some way. This can include playing games, participating in forums or leaving comments. Learn more: What is an ecommerce store What is the most common type of website? The most common type of website is the informational website. These websites are used by a wide variety of organizations and individuals to share information with the world. Which type of website is easy to create? The easiest type of website to create is an informational website. There are many website builders and templates available that can help you create a simple and informative website without any coding knowledge. What might future popular types of websites be? AI-created and powered websites are definitely a new and popular type of website. With an AI website builder you can create a website with AI in minutes. AI-powered websites also include those with AI chatbots and assistants to help your users and visitors. Other potential new types include interactive websites, whether for learning or shopping. Websites that bring together the best of the usual website experience and a more social media style experience are also likely to grow in popularity as social media influencers demand more control and ownership over their content, while still providing their audience with an engaged experience. Wix Harmony takes you from a single prompt to a business-ready site for any industry or creative vision. What features are essential for different types of websites? Key features vary by website type: Ecommerce websites need secure payment systems and product search functionality. Portfolio sites should include high-quality visuals and a clear contact option. Educational websites benefit from intuitive navigation and engaging content formats like videos and quizzes. How do I choose the right type of website for my needs? Start by identifying your website's primary goal. For selling products, an ecommerce site is ideal. If you’re showcasing work, a portfolio website works best. For sharing information or writing, consider a blog. Think about your audience, their needs and how your website can support your goals. What is the best type of website to create? The best type of website to create depends on your goals and audience. Ask yourself, what is the purpose of my website? For businesses, an ecommerce site is ideal for selling products while a portfolio website works best for showcasing creative work. Blogs are great for sharing expertise and building a personal brand and informational websites suit organizations or services looking to provide resources. Ultimately, the best website aligns with your purpose, engages your target audience and supports your long-term objectives. How many types of websites are there? There is no fixed number, because website types are defined by purpose rather than by a formal standard. Most sites fall into a few dozen recognizable categories, and this guide covers the 28 most common ones. Many real sites combine two or three types, such as a business site with a blog attached. Can a website be more than one type? Yes, and most successful sites are. A portfolio site often includes a blog, an ecommerce store usually has a business section explaining the brand and a membership site may sit inside a larger community site. Start with the primary job your site needs to do, then layer the secondary functions on top of it. What is the difference between a website and a web page? A web page is a single document at one URL. A website is the full collection of connected pages published under one domain. Every website type in this guide is made up of multiple web pages working together toward one purpose.

Get the perfect domain for your ecommerce store: find your domain→ Building an ecommerce website is a significant step in launching your ecommerce business and it can feel overwhelming at first. There are many details, research and design considerations to juggle when you’re creating a site to sell that’s unique and professional. In this guide, you’ll learn how to create an ecommerce site along with essential tips to make your online store successful. Ready to start selling online? Build a custom online store with Wix and get the tools to sell, manage and grow your business from one dashboard. Customize every detail, reach customers across channels and market your brand with built-in SEO and marketing tools. TL;DR: how to make an ecommerce website Creating your own ecommerce website doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by picking the right website builder, design a user-friendly experience, set up secure payment options and make sure your site works perfectly on mobile and is optimized for search engines. A great online store is fast, easy to navigate, looks professional and builds trust with clear product details and helpful customer support. Focus on the right features and you’ll make shopping easy for your customers, keep them coming back and give your site a boost in search results. With Wix, you can create a storefront by choosing a template or describing your vision to Aria, Wix's built-in AI design agent. Wix Harmony can even generate a complete online store from a single prompt using Wix Stores. Features What's needed User-friendly design Simple navigation, clear layout and intuitive interface Fast loading speed Pages load quickly to prevent customer drop-off Mobile optimization Fully responsive design for smartphones and tablets Secure payment options Multiple trusted payment methods with SSL encryption Clear product information Detailed descriptions, images, pricing and stock info Explore ecommerce website design and business websites for inspiration. How to make an ecommerce website in 9 steps Research your audience Pick the right ecommerce platform Design your ecommerce website Create and optimize your product pages Set up payments Set up shipping and delivery Choose, register and connect your domain name Test and launch your ecommerce site Market and promote your ecommerce website 01. Research your audience Start your ecommerce journey by defining your audience. Understand who they are, what they need and how they shop online. Combine this with a clear understanding of your product range and business goals to guide your website design and functionality. This crucial first step sets the foundation for building a website that truly connects with your customers. The audience question goes deeper than "who buys this." It's also "is this a market worth building for at all." According to Chad Waldman, a DTC brand builder who has scaled brands in competitive wellness categories, that's where most new sellers get stuck: "The biggest mistake I see new sellers make is confusing 'I like this product' with 'there's a viable market for this product.' Passion is a starting point. Validation is the business case." Waldman's four-filter validation framework asks: is there a community already talking about the problem, is the average order value high enough to support paid acquisition (he flags products under $18 AOV as hard to scale on paid social and search), can you create proprietary product truth and is the category growing on its own. For example, if your audience is busy professionals looking for quick meal solutions, design your website to meet their needs. Focus on easy navigation, highlight meal prep times and ensure a smooth checkout process. Learn more: What is ecommerce? What is an ecommerce website? 02. Pick the right ecommerce platform When you’re making a website from the ground up, you can choose to host it yourself or tap an ecommerce website builder or platform. Independently hosting a site yourself gives you total control but it’s expensive and time-consuming. Self-hosting means you must handle website development, website maintenance and your site's security all on your own. If you’re not technologically savvy, you’ll need to hire a professional who is or opt for a hosting plan. Alternatively, you can choose to use a hosted ecommerce platform or website builder. Cloud-based platforms like Wix for ecommerce make setting up your store easy. Look for a platform that offers an easy-to-use website builder, plus tools for managing multiple aspects of your business, from marketing and sales, to inventory management and fulfillment. For example, with Wix Harmony, you can generate a business-ready site from a single prompt, and keep shaping it by chatting with AI or editing by hand. One Wix user who learned the platform choice matters most when speed matters is Jenna Spencer, co-owner of The Last Bookstore in downtown Los Angeles. The Spencers ran a 22,000 square foot physical bookstore with minimal online presence because book lovers came in person, that was the model. Then a single Instagram post promoting curated book bundles went viral, generating thousands of orders overnight. The Last Bookstore needed an online store, fast. "It ignited a viral chain reaction, leading to thousands of orders. We needed an online store, fast, and Wix gave us the agility to adapt," Jenna told us. They now sell bundles, gift cards and merchandise globally, on top of the physical store that draws up to 1,000 customers on Saturdays. When it comes to choosing how and where to make your ecommerce site you'll want to consider some of the following crucial features and capabilities: Mobile friendliness: Seek a platform that offers responsive themes and templates, ensuring that the elements of your online store will automatically adapt to fit various screen sizes. Check out all of Wix’s ecommerce website templates, which are all designer-made and mobile-responsive. You can also choose from a range of fully responsive website templates from Wix Studio. Security: Your platform-of-choice should offer fraud prevention, data backups and other ecommerce website security measures that keep your site and data well-protected. In addition, if you plan to accept credit card payments, PCI compliance is a must. Reliability: Given that every second of downtime puts your sales in jeopardy, it’s crucial to find an ecommerce platform that has the infrastructure and resilience to handle any volume of traffic to your site. Ideally, it should support limitless scalability and take measures to prevent ecommerce site crashes, especially during peak selling periods. Learn more about Wix's robust web hosting with every site. Wix is built to support growing ecommerce brands with scalable infrastructure, advanced automation and customizable sales workflows. Learn more about Wix's advanced ecommerce infrastructure Back-office tools: Select an ecommerce website builder that supports all the major functions, apps and automation that you need to grow your business in the right ways. Think about the tools necessary for managing your inventory, product listings, shipping solutions, orders and more. Wix supports multiple business models on a single backend. Multichannel selling capabilities: As you grow your ecommerce business, chances are that you’ll want to expand your reach with the help of third-party marketplaces, social media and other channels. Get ahead with a platform that lets you manage your sales and marketing channels from a single dashboard. Wix enables omnichannel ecommerce by connecting online stores to marketplaces, social commerce platforms and in-person point-of-sale systems from a single dashboard. AI site chat capabilities: Shoppers today expect convenience at every step, and a quick answer can often be the difference between a sale and an abandoned cart. With Wix AI Site Chat, you can meet that need instantly. It helps customers move confidently from browsing to checkout, giving them the reassurance they need to complete their purchase. You can also check out the Wix AI Site Chat overview for a deeper look at how it works. Learn more: Squarespace alternatives Shopify alternatives Wix vs Shopify WordPress alternatives 03. Design your ecommerce website Your ecommerce website serves as the face of your brand. This means you'll want to get your online store design right from the start. Learning how to make a website with the right design and templates is essential for reinforcing your brand image, as well as guiding users toward the right actions through ecommerce merchandising strategies. Designing the right template isn't about chasing a trend. According to Kobi Michaeli, a Wix template designer who has spent 6,000+ hours building Wix templates, "There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all design" and templates designed for a specific industry incorporate research on that industry's user behavior. You'll want to pick a theme that fits with the category of merchandise that you're selling: fashion, furniture, food or another product type. Sift through the themes and templates offered by your ecommerce platform for inspiration. A good place to start is with Wix's ecommerce website templates. Other ecommerce template options by category include: Fashion and clothing ecommerce website templates Jewelry and accessories ecommerce website templates Arts and crafts ecommerce website templates Food and drink ecommerce website templates Beauty and wellness ecommerce website templates Sports and outdoors ecommerce website templates Pets and animals ecommerce website templates Kids and babies ecommerce website templates Learn more about some of the best AI website builders. Once you've chosen your ecommerce template, you can customize your theme as needed through your platform’s editor. Or, tap a professional designer, like one of Wix’s Marketplace professionals, to help out. At this stage of making your ecommerce website, you’ll want to think about a number of design features, plus also the option of adding more website pages beyond just your product pages: Product images: It’s best to upload your own product photography, including ones that aren’t product-specific but serve as compelling header images, background images or lifestyle photos. If you’re in a pinch, Wix offers a gallery of free, high-quality stock photos to choose from. According to Ido Kosover, Head of Media at Wix, who has analyzed website performance across the platform, photography is the single most overlooked element of online store success. "Low-quality images create trust issues. Images that don't match what you do create confusion," he told us. Fonts and colors: Select a typeface and colors that align with your ecommerce branding. Check that your copy is easy to read and that buttons are easy to spot. Be intentional about your design, taking into consideration how colors and patterns have the power to communicate various moods, memories and values. Your homepage: Consider the most crucial information to provide upfront for your customers to see (think: if your business were opening a brick-and-mortar location, what signage would you show at the front of your store?). Highlight your most important products, messaging and offers on your homepage. You could even embed posts from your Instagram or Facebook feeds, or add product reviews that showcase your brand’s authenticity. Navigation: Keep your navigation clean and well-organized. As a general rule of thumb, keep any product within a few clicks of the homepage. Add site search, sorting options and filters to your pages to further assist your customers with finding what they need faster. The mobile experience: As you finetune your ecommerce website, don’t forget to check on the mobile experience. Check that any text, images and buttons appear as they should on smaller screens. Wix supports mobile-first commerce experiences for growing brands. Learn more about ecommerce UX. Online shopping cart: Your shopping cart is an important part of your site, as this is what shoppers use to collect their online purchases. It should be easy for your customers to use and designed to help you sell. Wix helps ecommerce businesses recover lost sales with automated cart reminders. "I think Wix offers the perfect medium for everyone, even someone like myself, a really good cook, but a monkey with a keyboard. I'm able to drag-and-drop edit or build an email newsletter that looks nice." Noah Rosen, Forge to Table, USA (Wix Ecommerce user, dorm-room knife brand now shipping to 30+ countries) 04. Create and optimize your product pages When it comes to building your ecommerce site, product pages can’t be rushed. Get them right and you’ll not only encourage sales but you’ll also spark cross-sells and upsells that can lead to bigger purchases. Be deliberate about how you format your product pages. Think about the questions, and assumptions, buyers may have when they’re not able to physically see or touch your products. Remember that the devil is in the details: Often the most high-converting product pages are rich with information, provide multiple images and include some sort of social proof. Even a handful of reviews makes a dramatic difference: according to Wix State of Websites 2026, ecommerce success rate jumps from 1.7% to 54.1% for Wix sites with just 1 to 5 reviews. And the window to win them is small. According to Oren Inditzky, Head of Online Stores at Wix, who has spent years working with online businesses, "Five seconds. That's how fast someone can form an impression of your website." 61% of website users leave if they can't find what they're looking for within roughly that window, according to Forbes Advisor research Inditzky cites. Your product listings should always involve high quality images, clear and accurate product descriptions and transparent pricing information. As you build out your product pages, pay close attention to the following elements: Product names: Your product names should include at least one easy-to-recognize descriptor in the title. For example, if you’re selling headphones, include “earbuds” or “headphones” somewhere so that it’s easy to search. Product images: Add multiple high-quality images taken from several angles to give your customers a 360-degree view of your product. Where appropriate, use video and/or informational graphics to provide even more context. If your products come in multiple colors or styles, be sure to include images of each variation. Product descriptions: Your product descriptions should aim to answer frequently asked questions about your product. Include details such as how the product is made and the type of material it’s made out of. Speak to the benefits of your product, not simply its features, and emphasize what makes your product unique. Weave in keywords naturally to enhance your chances of ranking high in search engines. Shipping and return information: Today’s shoppers want to make as few clicks or swipes as possible, so including shipping costs and your return policy on your product page will help create a more efficient journey. More importantly, putting your policies in a clear spot helps to keep expectations aligned, reducing the chance of returns or upset customers. Product reviews: Incorporate reviews onto your product pages by adding a widget or importing existing reviews from another source. You could additionally display user-generated social content on your page to showcase real-life photos of your product in action. Cross-selling and upselling opportunities: Include dynamic “related products” banners on your pages to draw attention to other accessories, components or items that your customers may be interested in while shopping. As another option, upsell your customers on product subscriptions or premium versions of their items. Wix integrates ecommerce stores with Amazon, eBay and Google marketplaces. One thing worth knowing: if your product catalog includes variants across more than two or three attributes, size, color and material, for example, plan for extra setup time to structure those correctly. Most stores are live in a few hours. Variant-heavy catalogs are closer to a day. 05. Set up payments Today’s shoppers expect multiple payment options. Some prefer credit or debit cards. Others prefer digital wallets. Still, others may prefer a payment app. When creating your ecommerce site we recommend offering as many payment options as possible to give customers exactly what they want. Your ecommerce platform should include prompts for setting up your online payment gateway. Most will ask you to enter and confirm your business’ country of origin, before determining which payment and currency options are available in your region. With Wix, you can activate Wix Payments as a credit card payment solution to instantly start accepting all the major credit/debit cards, alongside digital wallets and other popular forms of payment. Wix Payments additionally allows you to manage your entire business from one place, whether you’re looking to review orders or schedule your payouts (among other things). To open a Wix Payments account, your site needs to be published on a Premium plan that accepts payments. Wix supports global and omnichannel ecommerce with multilingual storefronts, multi-currency payments, marketplace and social selling, mobile apps and integrated point-of-sale systems for online and offline sales. Learn more about what is Wix Payments. 06. Set up shipping and delivery While an efficient payment experience will help shoppers convert, an outstanding shipping and delivery experience helps convince them to come back. When building an ecommerce website, start by determining your shipping and delivery objectives: Do you want to ship your products domestically, internationally, or both? What shipping policies do you care to offer (free shipping, flat rate, variable fee, etc.)? Which carriers or third-party logistics providers are you looking to ship with? Will you be dropshipping? Which shipping software platforms are you planning to use? Your ecommerce platform should make it easy for you to set custom rules and integrate your most important apps so that you can deliver outstanding customer service, plus track the cost of shipping with each order. Be upfront about shipping costs. Baymard Institute found that hidden costs at checkout drive away nearly half of all potential buyers. "I ordered 200 hand-forged knives to my dorm room and built a Wix website to sell them." Noah Rosen, Forge to Table, USA (Wix Ecommerce user, Forbes 30 Under 30, now ships to customers in 30+ countries) If you use Wix to make your ecommerce site, you can also enable local customers to pick up their orders from a nearby warehouse or from your closest brick-and-mortar store by setting up store pickup as a ‘delivery’ option. If you're considering print-on-demand or dropshipping as your fulfillment model, the category is growing fast. According to Chris Victory, Head of Partnerships at Printful, the print-on-demand industry is projected to reach $103 billion by 2034, growing at more than 25% a year according to Precedence Research, with typical POD profit margins of 30 to 40%. The native Wix + Printful integration automates product syncing, fulfillment and shipping. 07. Choose, register and connect your domain name Once you've created your ecommerce site, you’ll need to either connect an existing domain or create a new one yourself. Your domain name is the name that users will type into their browser to get to your site. Choosing the right name is important for both your branding and marketing strategies, with the latter focused on having a trustworthy and easy-to-search domain name. It's also essential if customers are to find your store. Pro tip: Opt for popular domain extensions such as .com or .net to enhance your site's credibility. We asked Itay Shmool, VP of Wix Domains, who is responsible for Wix's domain product strategy and infrastructure, about the tradeoffs of consolidating domain registration with your website builder: "For most small businesses, reducing technical overhead is more valuable than chasing marginal cost savings across multiple platforms." Wix acts as both a website builder and a domain registrar, supports new gTLDs (.tech, .store), country-code TLDs and standard extensions from one dashboard, and includes built-in SSL, privacy protection and 24/7 support without separate purchase. To understand how to register a domain name, you can find a domain registrar, like Wix, that's accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The average domain costs between $10 and $20 per year, though a yearly Wix premium plan includes a voucher for a free domain name for the first year. If you already have a domain and want to incorporate it into your ecommerce site, simply go to your site’s settings and connect your domain. You’ll be asked to log into your domain registrar and verify your domain name. The verification process often takes a few minutes, but in some cases, it could take up to 48 hours. Once your domain is verified, it will be automatically connected to your new ecommerce site. 08. Test and launch your ecommerce site Once you've made your ecommerce site it’s critical that you take the time to test it thoroughly. Most platforms will allow you to preview your site before it goes live. This allows you to see exactly what your site will look like, and to make any last-minute changes. Be sure to test your site across multiple devices including desktop, tablet and mobile. Make sure that all links, menus and buttons work properly. Go through the whole user journey, starting with a product search and ending with a checkout. According to Sophie Lee, a web design specialist at Wix, function must be checked before design as broken CTAs and non-working links destroy trust instantly. Her three-question test before launch: is the menu working, are CTAs doing what they should, and does every element point to one main action? This is also a good time to test its performance and speed because these are crucial to get right on an ecommerce website as a slow experience can frustrate potential and returning customers to your online store. Once you’re completely satisfied with your ecommerce site’s look and feel, hit publish and take your site live (and then check out our guide on ecommerce website optimization). Then look into getting it ranking on Google and other search engines, too. 09. Market and promote your ecommerce website While building your own ecommerce site will give your store a “home,” selling on other sales channels, such as third-party marketplace (e.g., Amazon, eBay, etc.) and social media (TikTok, Instagram, etc.) should be a central part of your marketing plan, strategy and of promoting your site. By establishing a strong omnichannel retail strategy, you can expand your reach, while engaging users with a clear intent to shop. Of course, you’ll want to make sure to sync these third-party channels with your ecommerce site. Doing so will make it easier to track inventory across channels and deliver a consistent brand experience no matter where a customer shops for your products. If you use Wix for ecommerce, you can easily manage today’s most popular marketplaces from one central dashboard. Simply choose the channels you want to activate from your Wix account and go through the step-by-step instructions that are provided for you. By signing up through Wix, you may even receive special benefits, such as higher listing limits or reduced commission fees. "I love the analytics on Wix, it tells a big story about who we are as a company and who our customers are. When it comes to expansion, we want to go off data. We don't want to just go off assumptions." Nick Houston, Co-founder, Fork n' Film, Los Angeles, USA (Wix Ecommerce + ticketing user, $11M+ revenue in under 2 years across 9 locations) Fork n' Film, a cinematic dining brand founded in LA, used Wix Analytics to decide which cities to expand into next, a decision made from data rather than assumptions. Learn more: How to sell on Facebook How to sell on Instagram How to sell on YouTube How to sell on Amazon Cost to sell on eBay How to make an ecommerce website with Wix Here's how those steps look when you build with the Wix online store builder: Start with an online store template, or describe your store to AI and get a first draft. Add your products: in your dashboard, go to Products, click + New Product, then add the price, images, inventory and up to 6 product options such as size or color. Group products into categories, then add them to your store pages in the editor. Set your shipping, delivery and tax rules. Upgrade to a Premium plan that accepts payments and connect Wix Payments or another payment provider. Connect your domain, place a test order and publish. According to Wix State of Websites 2026, ecommerce sites now go live in half the time they did three years ago: publish time dropped 50%, from 14 days to just 7. How much does it cost to make an ecommerce website? Costs depend on your platform, plan, apps, payment processing fees and any design help you hire. With a website builder, you mainly pay for a plan that accepts payments, plus transaction fees and any paid apps you add. A custom-coded store adds developer, hosting and maintenance costs on top. Compare Wix Plans, or see the full breakdown of how much does an ecommerce website cost. Why create an ecommerce website? Building an ecommerce website offers numerous advantages for individuals and businesses looking to sell products or services online. Here are several compelling reasons to make an ecommerce website for your online business: Global reach An ecommerce website allows you to reach a global audience, so you can sell to customers anywhere in the world. This type of website typically increases visibility, especially if you also market it effectively. This can attract new customers, boost brand awareness and lead to higher sales. Wix automates tax calculations for global ecommerce. Tammy Maki launched her Indigenous-inspired chocolate brand Raven Rising in her 50s during COVID, building the Wix store herself with no ecommerce background, and now ships across Canada with media attention and a Bell Let's Talk Start-up Award to show for it. "Honestly, I looked at Amazon and I went, 'If they can have an ecommerce site that can service the world, for God's sake, why can't I?'" she told us. Wix automates tax calculations for global ecommerce, which means founders like Tammy can ship internationally without standing up a finance team. Streamlined customer experience Unlike physical stores with operating hours, ecommerce websites are accessible 24/7. This constant availability accommodates varied consumer schedules and time zones. Consumers also appreciate the convenience of online shopping as it allows them to browse products and make purchases from the comfort of their homes or on the go. With features like online payments, automated order processing and efficient customer support systems, ecommerce websites provide a streamlined and efficient shopping experience for customers. Data insights Some of the best ecommerce platforms provide valuable data and analytics about customer behavior, preferences and buying patterns. This information can be used to refine your marketing and selling efforts by improving the overall customer experience. An ecommerce website allows you to adapt to changing trends and preferences, meaning your business stays relevant and competitive. Check out Wix Analytics as an example. Cost-effectiveness Compared to brick-and-mortar stores, ecommerce businesses often have lower overhead costs. You can save on expenses like rent, utilities and staffing. You also have flexibility in terms of product variety and business scale. You can easily add new products, update inventory and expand your business without significant infrastructure changes. Personalization Ecommerce platforms enable personalized shopping experiences through features like product recommendations, targeted promotions and personalized content based on customer preferences and behavior. Learn more: How does ecommerce work? How to make an ecommerce site FAQ How much does it cost to build an ecommerce site? Ecommerce website cost varies depending on factors like the chosen platform, features, design complexity and whether you hire professionals for certain tasks. Wix offers a low monthly fee, while custom-built solutions may involve higher upfront costs. Additionally, consider expenses for domain registration, hosting and potentially hiring designers or developers for specific tasks when assessing how much it costs to build a website. Can I create an ecommerce site for free? You can build and publish a site on a free plan, but selling requires a plan that includes ecommerce. The entry-level paid plan covers a professional site and a custom domain without online payments, so check that the plan you pick includes store features before you start adding products. Check out our comparison of Wix vs Squarespace to learn more about each website builder's capabilities. Can I build an ecommerce site on my own or as a beginner? Absolutely. Using an ecommerce website builder is the most efficient and effective way to build an ecommerce site alone, or if you've never built one before. Most builders will walk you through the setup and you won't need any technical knowledge or understanding to get your online store live. Building an ecommerce site doesn't have to be hard. What do you need to start an ecommerce site? To start an ecommerce site, you'll need a clear business plan, a domain name and a reliable hosting service. If you choose an ecommerce website builder like Wix you'll get all of this included. You'll also need a payment gateway to process transactions, inventory management tools and a secure SSL certificate for customer data protection. Design your site with user-friendly navigation, product listings and an easy to navigate checkout process. Implement SEO strategies for visibility, and set up customer service channels. Lastly, consider logistics for shipping and returns and check compliance with legal and tax regulations. Is it hard to build an ecommerce website? Building an ecommerce website is manageable, especially with user-friendly platforms that guide you through the process. While technical skills aren't necessary, tasks like creating content or marketing your store might need extra effort. With step-by-step tools and support, the process is approachable for beginners. What is the best way to build an ecommerce website? The best way to build an ecommerce website starts with choosing a user-friendly platform like Wix that suits your business needs and budget. Using a website builder is better for beginners because it eliminates the need for coding or technical skills, making the process much more accessible. These platforms provide pre-designed templates and built-in features like hosting, customization tools and ecommerce functionality, which save time and streamline setup. How many hours does it take to build an ecommerce website? Most sellers get a basic store live in a few hours using a template and a small product catalog. A larger build with custom design, a deep catalog or complex variants takes days to weeks rather than months. How long it takes to build a website can vary significantly based on the specific features, design requirements and resources available.

Turn your ideas into a website → | Claim your domain → You can create a website with your phone from start to finish, without a laptop or desktop computer. Mobile website builders let you pick a design, add your content and go live from a touchscreen, whether you're on a commute or away from your desk. This guide covers each step of building a site on your phone, from setup to launch, so you can turn a business idea or portfolio website into a live site. Choose a website builder that's flexible, powerful and easy to use. Wix is trusted by millions of people to create beautiful websites for their businesses, projects and ideas. Try it for yourself and see what you can build. TL;DR: how to create a website with your phone You can create a website with your phone by picking a website builder app, starting with AI or a template and then editing the text, images and colors before you publish. The same app lets you manage the site afterwards, from page updates to orders and bookings. You'll learn: How to start a site in a builder app or a mobile browser The 5 steps from choosing a builder to going live Examples of websites that look good on phones Answers to common questions about building on a phone How to create a website with your phone in 5 easy steps You can create your site using either the Wix App or directly through your mobile browser. Both methods are intuitive, but the app gives you a dedicated workspace for managing your business later on. Here is the step-by-step breakdown: Choose a professional website builder Start your new project Define your website’s purpose Build your site structure Edit and go live 01. Choose a professional website builder First, you need the right tools. While you can code a site from scratch on a phone if you really wanted to, using a dedicated website builder is much faster and easier. You have two main paths here: Option A: The Wix App Download the Wix App from the App Store or Google Play. This is often the smoothest experience for mobile building because the interface is designed specifically for touchscreens. Option B: Mobile browser If you don't want to download an app yet, just open Chrome or Safari on your phone and go straight to the Wix website. 02. Start your new project Once you are logged in, look for the '+ Create New 'button (usually at the top or bottom of the screen). If this is your first time using Wix, you'll tap 'Create Now'. If you already have other sites, tap the site name at the top of the screen, then tap + Create New at the bottom. 03. Define your website's purpose Wix needs to know what you are building so it can offer the right features. You will be asked to enter the type of site you need. Are you looking to build an online blog to share your travel stories? Make an online store to sell handmade jewelry? Or maybe create a portfolio website to display your photography portfolio? Select the category that fits best. This helps the builder load the right pages and tools, like scheduling software for consultants or menus for restaurants. 04. Build your site structure Now comes the fun part. You can choose how you want to build the foundation of your site: Chat with AI: You can text back and forth with the AI assistant. You tell it what you want e.g. "I need a site for my dog walking business in Chicago” and it will generate a site profile, suggest tools and even pick images and text for you. It’s like texting a designer who works instantly. Wix Harmony pioneers a hybrid creation experience that blends vibe coding with full manual control. Describe your vision in a single prompt and Wix Harmony builds a complete, business-ready site around it, with pages, business tools and a responsive layout wired in from the start. Aria, Wix Harmony's built-in AI agent, stays beside you throughout, contextually aware of what you are building and ready to generate sections, refine copy and offer web design and business strategy expertise on demand. Set up manually: If you prefer more hands-on control from the start, you can skip the AI chat. You will choose a category, select the apps you need (like "Events" or "Forms"), enter your site name and tap Let's Go. Check out the online form builder. 05. Edit and go live After the setup, you’ll land in the mobile editor. This is where you make it yours. You can swap out photos, update the text to tell your story and adjust the colors to match your brand. Everything is drag-and-drop builder tools or tap-to-edit, so you don't need to worry about messing up the code. Once you are happy with how it looks, hit 'Publish'. Your site is now live on the web, built entirely from the palm of your hand. Once your site is live, the Wix app lets you check orders and update products from your phone, so you can keep running the site from anywhere. A Wix user, Ananda Pratas, owner of Ananda Pratas Jewelry, shared: "In the middle of my busy routine, juggling my 9-to-5 job and my store, I needed a platform that could help me manage everything quickly and easily. With Wix I can update my site's design, manage products, check orders and reply to customers all from my phone wherever I am." Discover more: How long does it take to build a website? How to create a landing page How to design a website with AI How to make a website Wix website examples on phones Need some inspiration before you start? Here are a few examples of stunning websites built using Wix website templates that look great on any device, mobile phone included. Izzy’s Wheels Izzy Wheel’s uses a vibrant design to display their decorative wheel covers. The site uses bold colors and large, high-quality images that immediately grab attention. It’s a great example of how a site can communicate fun and inclusivity through visual design. The "Shop Collection" button is front and center, making the user journey clear from the start. Inspired? Here’s the exact Wix website template behind this fashion website: Template name: Bicycle store website template Clever Chefs Clever Chefs uses mouth-watering photography to sell their catering services. The site combines appetizing visuals with clear, bold text that explains exactly what they do: "Real Chefs Cooking Real Food." It effectively targets two different audiences (schools and workplaces) by using clear sections and calls to action. Inspired? Here’s the exact Wix website template behind this catering website: Template name: City tour company website template Veronica Solomon Veronica Solomon’s interior design website is a masterclass in visual storytelling. As an interior designer based in Houston, her site needs to communicate luxury, boldness and style immediately. The mobile view of her site retains the high-end feel of the desktop version, ensuring that potential clients get the full "wow" factor even on a small screen. The site uses high-quality imagery to do the heavy lifting, allowing the work to speak for itself. The "Start Your Journey" call-to-action is front and center, making it easy for visitors to book a consultation. It’s a perfect example of a portfolio-driven business that relies on strong visuals and clear navigation. Inspired? Here’s the exact Wix website template behind this interior design website: Template name: Hotel design studio website template Explore designer-made website templates: Ecommerce website templates Blog website templates Personal website templates Portfolio website templates How to create a website with your phone FAQ Can I really build a professional site just using my phone? Absolutely. Modern website builders like Wix are optimized for mobile creation. You get access to the same powerful design tools, security features and hosting capabilities as you would on a desktop. Many business owners run their entire operation, from building the site to managing orders, strictly from their mobile devices. Read more: how to create a professional website. Is it free to create a website on my phone? Yes, you can start for free. Wix offers a free plan that lets you build, publish and host your site without paying a dime. This is perfect for testing the waters. If you decide later that you want a custom domain name (like www.mybusiness.com) or need to accept online payments, you can upgrade to a Premium plan directly from the app. Learn more about Wix Plans. Will my site look good on computers if I build it on a phone? Yes. Wix sites are automatically responsive. This means that even if you build the layout on a small mobile screen, the platform automatically adjusts the design so it looks professional and functions perfectly on desktops, laptops and tablets. You don't have to design two separate versions of your site. Free website builders like Wix offer customizable website templates across niche industries, making it easy to get online fast. Check out some popular website templates to get started quickly: Interior design website templates Real estate website templates Restaurant website templates Photography website templates Wedding website templates Can I connect a custom domain from my phone? Yes. You can start on a free subdomain and connect a custom domain when you're ready, which requires a paid plan on most website builders, including Wix. Are there limits to building a website on a phone? A phone works well for setting up pages, editing text and images and publishing. Detailed layout work can be easier on a larger screen, and on Wix, apps you add from the phone may need a final step in the desktop editor before they appear on your site.

Turn your ideas into a website → | Claim your domain → Social platforms make it easy to reach people, but they also decide who sees your posts and can change the rules overnight. A social media website gives your business its own space to host conversations, run events and build loyalty on your terms. This guide walks you through 10 steps to plan, build and launch one, from choosing your audience to promoting your community once it's live. Choose a website builder that's flexible, powerful and easy to use. Wix is trusted by millions of people to create beautiful websites for their businesses, projects and ideas. Try it for yourself and see what you can build. TL;DR: how to make a social media website A social media website is your own online community where members create profiles, share posts and connect, free from another platform's algorithm. To build one, define your audience, choose a builder with community features, design for mobile and seed content before you promote it. You'll learn: The 10 steps to make a social media website Which community features to include Why owning your platform beats renting one Examples of social media websites built on Wix What is a social media website? A social media website is more than just a digital platform. It’s a dynamic and interactive space where users can connect, share content and actively engage with each other. Think of it as the difference between a static billboard and a buzzing community hub. Popular types of websites like Facebook or LinkedIn exemplify this, providing users with the ability to create profiles, connect with others and exchange ideas. Now, imagine starting a business and having a social media website tailored to your needs. Instead of being just another account on a big platform, you get to create a dedicated space that reflects your brand and serves your audience. It gives your business the freedom to engage customers, share valuable content and promote your brand, all while staying in control of your audience’s social experience. Building your own social media site is a powerful way to create meaningful connections and position yourself as a leader in your community. But where do you start? We’ve mapped out 10 steps to guide you. How to make a social media website in 10 steps Identify your audience Select a domain name and web host Pick a website builder and template Design your social media website Develop a content strategy Include tools for creating and publishing content Make your social media site mobile-friendly Start a social media blog (optional) Optimize for SEO Launch and promote your social media website 01. Identify your audience Before you do anything, define your audience. Who are they? What are their needs or goals? Are your user's business professionals looking to network, hobbyists eager to connect over shared interests or maybe students looking for learning opportunities? Understanding this will shape everything, from your site’s design to the type of content you will create. For instance, younger audiences might gravitate towards visual-heavy, playful designs, while professionals might prefer clean layouts with intuitive navigation. The better you know your audience, the more effectively you can build a platform tailor-made for them. Learn more: How to create a professional website How to create a job board website Plan a website How to make a website 02. Select a domain name and web host Your domain name is your website's address, and it should be concise, memorable and relevant to your target community. If you're building a platform for avid readers, for example, a name like "NextChapterHub.com" communicates purpose clearly. If you're unsure where to begin, use Wix’s domain name generator to brainstorm ideas or check availability. Next, choose a reliable hosting provider. Your hosting choice directly impacts your site reliability, uptime and ability to handle user traffic. A slow or unreliable site will frustrate users and deter engagement, so choosing a hosting service with a track record for speed and scalability is crucial. Expert tip from Daniele Pitkowski, product marketing manager of alternative flows at Wix: " Simplicity is key. Choosing a name with an easy spelling and pronunciation, ensures quick recognition and recall. A great business name captures attention, evokes emotion and sticks in the mind. It should be unique yet memorable, reflecting your brand's essence and values." 03. Pick a website builder and template Gone are the days when creating a website required lengthy coding knowledge. A website builder like Wix simplifies the entire creation process with Wix Harmony, Wix's AI website builder that lets you go from a single prompt to a fully designed, business-ready website. At the center of the experience is Aria, Wix Harmony's built-in AI agent, who can generate pages, refine copy and offer expert web design and business strategy guidance throughout the build. From there, full drag-and-drop control lets you shape every detail by hand. Pixel-level customization, custom component generation and a brand kit for global site styles give you creative control on top of AI generation. To match your community’s personality, you can explore website templates with various design styles like bold and vibrant or minimalist and professional. Build a starting point, but make sure you can customize it enough to reflect your unique brand. Skip the template ? Wix's native ChatGPT integration allows you to type "@Wix" in a conversation to invoke its Wix Harmony vibe code website builder. You can describe a business idea (e.g., "Build me a site for a high-end sushi catering business in Seattle") and the agent generates a full, live Wix website including booking systems and menus. 04. Design your social media website Great web design goes beyond aesthetics: it shapes user interactions. A visually pleasing site with smooth, intuitive navigation keeps visitors coming back. Here’s what to focus on when designing: Navigation: Make menus accessible and easy to understand. Call-to-actions (CTAs): Help users take meaningful steps like signing up, joining discussions or exploring content. Colors and typography: Make sure they resonate with your audience. A playful color palette may appeal to younger users, while neutral tones may signal professionalism for a business audience. Your design choices are a statement of your brand values, so make sure they align accordingly. Learn more: What is web design? 05. Develop a content strategy No social media website succeeds without engaging content. Start by asking, what do your users value? Are they looking for actionable advice, entertainment or opportunities to network? Your content strategy should deliver exactly that. Planning ahead of time significantly cuts down on how long it takes to build a website. Create a content calendar for consistent updates, whether it’s user-generated posts, insightful blog entries or multimedia content. For example, if your platform serves DIY enthusiasts, offer how-to guides, live project demos or community challenges. Consistency strengthens engagement and invites users to return regularly. 06. Include tools for creating and publishing content Empowering users to contribute is at the heart of any social media platform. When designing your site, include website features that make it easy for users to create profiles, upload photos, share posts or start conversations. Also, moderation tools are key to ensuring a safe, respectful environment. Think of moderation features like: User reporting Comment moderation Rules for community behavior On Wix, you can add Wix Groups so members can create profiles, join groups and post updates, and Wix Forum for topic-based discussions. Wix Groups also adds a members area where people manage their profiles and connect. To earn from your community, you can make some groups or forum categories available only to paying members, which can also help you monetize your website. 07. Make your social media site mobile-friendly Most users access social networks on their phones, meaning your website has to work flawlessly on mobile devices. During the website development phase, choose a flexible layout that easily adapts to any screen size and test extensively to make sure pages load quickly. Learn how to make a website mobile-friendly to help ensure every detail, from navigation menus to font sizes, scales perfectly across devices. 08. Start a social media blog (optional) Deciding to build a blog amplifies your platform’s value, connecting users with fresh content. Use it to share news, insights or updates related to your community’s interests. Running a platform for eco-conscious users? Blog tips on sustainable living or highlight progress from the community. This extra layer of engagement enriches user experience and gives them an additional reason to engage with your platform regularly. Using a blog maker simplifies creating and managing blog posts with customizable layouts and built-in SEO features. 09. Optimize for SEO It’s not enough to create a great platform: people need to find it. Search engine optimization (SEO) makes sure your site ranks high in search results. Optimize your site by including keywords in title tags, headings and meta descriptions and incorporate alt text for images. Additionally, focus on technical aspects like fast loading speeds and mobile usability. The easier it is for users to discover your site, the bigger and more active your community will become. 10. Launch and promote your social media website Check your website launch checklist and make sure you thoroughly review your website before it goes live. But going live is just the beginning: promotion is the next challenge. Use all the marketing strategies in your arsenal to spread the word: Collaborate with other businesses Share your community on your existing profiles Send a launch announcement to your email list The goal? Build awareness and start fostering an engaged audience that resonates with your vision. Why create a social media website for your business? Owning your platform unlocks opportunities that most third-party social media platforms simply can’t offer. Algorithms and policies dictate visibility on traditional platforms, often limiting your ability to engage your audience directly. But with your own website, you’re in complete control, every design choice, interaction and piece of content reflects your brand identity. You can build relationships, create meaningful conversations and establish connections with your audience. From credibility to better customer engagement, a social media website positions you as a leader in your niche, helping your business stand out. Your own social media website A profile on a social platform Who owns the audience You, including member data The platform Who decides what people see You The platform's algorithm Branding and design Fully customizable Limited to the platform's layout Ways to earn Memberships, paid content, products Depends on the platform's programs If you’re ready to take this step, start by using the tips above to bring your vision to life. With a little planning and a lot of creativity, your social media website could become the go-to destination for your community. Social media website examples built on Wix Looking for inspiration to design your own social media website? Here are five standout examples of social media websites built on Wix, each with its unique look and feel: 01. A Social Thing A Social Thing’s website is clean, minimalist design with a strong focus on visual hierarchy. The homepage emphasizes bold headings and subtle animations that make navigation seamless. The soft color palette and ample white space convey a modern, approachable vibe. 02. Just Post Media Just Post Media’s site features a straightforward layout with easy-to-read sections and a professional tone. Its monochromatic color scheme, paired with high-quality images, gives the site a polished and sleek look while maintaining user-friendly navigation. 03. Social Savvy Pulse Bright and engaging, Social Savvy Pulse’s website uses pops of color to draw attention to key sections. The design feels energetic and vibrant, with bold typography and interactive elements creating a dynamic user experience. 04. Start Social Start Social’s site opts for a playful, youthful look, using bright colors and quirky social media graphics. Its well-structured sections and cheerful design make it engaging, appealing to a tech-savvy and fun-loving audience. How to make a social media website FAQ How much does it cost to build a social media site? When it comes to how much a website costs, it can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the complexity and features you want to include. Factors such as site design, user authentication, hosting and advanced tools like messaging or video sharing all impact the price. However, using a website builder like Wix can significantly lower costs by offering pre-designed templates and integrated tools. These platforms simplify the process, making them ideal for individuals or small businesses looking to create a functional social media site on a budget. Learn more: Is Wix free? What should you do first when building a social media website? When building a social media website, you should start by identifying your target audience and tailoring the platform to their needs. Focus on creating engaging and shareable content, as this will drive user interaction and help your platform grow. Additionally, ensure that your website is mobile-responsive, as many users will likely access it through their smartphones. Paying attention to design, functionality and user experience will set your website apart from competitors. Is it better to have a website or Instagram? When it comes to website vs social media, they serve different purposes, but a website offers more control and versatility. With a website, you own your content, branding and user data, something social media platforms don’t provide. Websites also allow for features like blogs, ecommerce, and specialized tools. While social media like Instagram is great for visual content and targeting specific audiences, having your own website ensures long-term stability and control over your online presence. What was the first social media site? Six Degrees, launched in 1997, is widely considered the first social networking site. It allowed users to create profiles, connect with friends, and share messages, laying the foundation for modern social media platforms. While its functionality was basic compared to today’s standards, Six Degrees was revolutionary for its time. It demonstrated the potential of online networks and inspired the development of platforms like Friendster, MySpace and Facebook. What are some good web design principles to apply to a social media site? When designing a social media website, follow these key principles: User-friendly UI: Keep navigation intuitive and visually appealing. Fast performance: Optimize speed for seamless interactions. Engaging UX: Encourage interaction through likes, comments, and shares. Strong website security: Implement encryption and privacy controls. Personalization: Use AI for content recommendations. Scalability: Ensure smooth growth as users increase. Mobile friendly: Design for all devices. Can I build a social media website with Wix? Yes. Wix Groups lets members create profiles, join groups and post updates, and Wix Forum adds topic-based discussions. You can also make certain groups or forum categories available only to paying members. How do social media websites make money? Common models include paid memberships, exclusive content for subscribers, sponsored posts and selling products or event tickets to your community.

Turn your ideas into a website → | Claim your domain → Hiring is easier when the right people are looking in the right place. A focused job board brings recruiters and applicants from one field together, and it can turn into a steady source of income. This guide covers the 10 steps to build one, from choosing your focus and setting up postings to charging companies and attracting your first visitors. Choose a website builder that's flexible, powerful and easy to use. Wix is trusted by millions of people to create beautiful websites for their businesses, projects and ideas. Try it for yourself and see what you can build. TL;DR: how to create a job board website A job board website connects employers with candidates in one niche and earns money from paid listings, featured posts or subscriptions. To create one, pick a niche, set up a site with job posting tools, add your first listings and promote the board to both sides. You'll learn: The 10 steps to create a job board website Which features a job board needs How to monetize a job board Best practices to keep listings trustworthy How to create a job board website in 10 steps Launching a job board is easier when you break it down into manageable steps: Select a domain name and web host Pick a website builder and template Define your job board niche Design your job board website Set up job listings and submission forms Add initial job listings Monetize your job board Start a job board blog (optional) Optimize for SEO Promote your job board website 01. Select a domain name and web host Your domain name is the first thing users see, so it needs to be memorable and relevant. Aim for a name that hints at your specific industry or the concept of hiring. Keep it short, easy to spell and free of hyphens to ensure it looks professional on business cards and social links. Pro tip: To choose a domain name, try out a domain name generator or domain name search for inspiration. Web hosting is the engine that keeps your site running. If you choose an all-in-one solution, the hosting is usually included, which saves you from managing separate server accounts. Reliable hosting ensures your site loads quickly and stays online during traffic spikes, which is vital for user retention. 02. Pick a website builder and template You don't need to hire a developer to build a powerful platform. Wix offers a fast and intuitive website builder to bring your vision to life in minutes. It handles the heavy lifting of code and website infrastructure, allowing you to focus on the layout and branding. You can now also vibe code a website with Wix Harmony. It allows you to generate a business-ready site from a single prompt and keep shaping it by chatting with AI or editing by hand. Creating with Wix Harmony centers around Aria, a multi-skilled AI agent, trained on millions of real websites and businesses. Aria can offer expert guidance while also performing element-specific actions and generating pages, sections, images and text. You can also build with a website template designed for business or community forums. Wix offers 2000+ website templates with great layouts that you can tweak to match your style and you can use a recruitment website builder to quickly set up a professional job board. Look for a design that prioritizes list views and clean typography, as text readability is crucial for job descriptions. Check out Wix's resume website templates. Expert tip from Rebecca Tomasis, Wix OG Team Lead: "The most important consideration is to choose a website builder that grows and scales with you and your business." Looking for the future of website creation? Wix's native ChatGPT integration allows you to type "@Wix" in a conversation to invoke its Wix Harmony vibe code website builder. You can describe a business idea (e.g., "Build me a site for a high-end sushi catering business in Seattle") and the agent generates a full, live Wix website including booking systems and menus. 03. Define your job board niche General job sites face massive competition from global giants. To succeed, you should narrow your focus to a specific industry, location or job type. A niche board for "remote graphic designers" or "local baristas in Austin" attracts a more qualified audience than a generic one. When planning the types of websites you create, defining your niche early influences every design choice you make later. It determines the categories you create, the pricing you set and the marketing language you use. A focused approach helps you build a loyal community faster because you are solving a specific problem for a specific group of people. 04. Design your job board website Your website design should guide visitors to their goals immediately. For a job board, this means a prominent search bar and a clear list of open positions. Think about how users will interact with the site. Job seekers need easy-to-use search and filter options, while employers need a simple way to post and manage their listings. Make sure the layout is organized and handles text-heavy descriptions well. You can also adjust elements like the header and alignment to keep the page looking sharp. Pro tip: You can create a job board with Wix by adding the Wix Forum app to your site. It lets employers post jobs and connect with candidates directly. Simply go to the app’s settings to customize the look and layout to match your brand. Feature of a job board website Why it matters Advanced search filters Helps candidates find relevant roles quickly by location or salary. Employer dashboards Gives companies control over their posts and applicant data. Resume upload Allows applicants to submit their details directly through the site. Job alerts Keeps users coming back by notifying them of new matches. Mobile optimization Ensures the site works smoothly on phones, where most job hunting happens. Learn more: What is web design? Website features How to create a professional website How much does a website cost How long to build a website 05. Set up job listings and submission forms Make it easy for employers to post opportunities and for candidates to access them without barriers. Ensure your settings allow job listings to be visible to as many people as possible. If you require users to log in too early, you might discourage casual visitors from exploring opportunities. You can also customize the layout of your job posts to make titles and descriptions easy to scan. When building a job board website with Wix, go to Forum in your dashboard, open Categories, edit a category and select Everyone under Access & monetization. For a job board, we recommend opening permissions to everyone so that any site visitor can view the job posts. 06. Add initial job listings A job board with zero listings is a ghost town that drives users away. Before you launch to the public, populate the board with legitimate opportunities. You can find these by checking company career web pages in your niche and adding them (with the employer's permission) to get the ball rolling. You might also reach out to a few friendly business owners in your network. Offer them a free premium listing in exchange for being your beta testers. This fills your board with real web content and gives you valuable feedback on the posting process. 07. Monetize your job board Turning your traffic into revenue is the ultimate goal. The most common method is charging companies a fee to post a job for 30 days. You can also offer "featured" status, keeping a post pinned to the top of the list for an extra cost. Using pricing plans, you can limit specific forum categories to paying members only. For example, you might have a general board for everyone but a "high-salary" or "urgent" category reserved for subscribers. This flexibility allows you to test different revenue models to see what your users value most. Model How it works Best for Pay per post Employers pay a one-time fee per listing, usually for 30 days Boards with steady employer demand Featured listings Employers pay extra to pin a post to the top Boards with enough traffic to make visibility valuable Subscriptions Paying members get access to premium categories Niche boards with exclusive roles Free posting Listings are free while you grow traffic New boards building their first listings 08. Start a job board blog (optional) Content is a powerful way to bring organic search traffic to your site. A blog allows you to target keywords that your job listings might miss. You can write about interview tips, salary trends in your niche or resume advice. This establishes your brand as an authority in the industry. When candidates find helpful advice on your site, they are more likely to browse your job listings. It also gives you material to share on social media, keeping your brand top-of-mind even when users aren't actively hunting for a new role. 09. Optimize for SEO Search engine optimization helps your board appear when people type "jobs in [your niche]" into Google. Wix offers a powerful website builder with built-in SEO tools to make website management simple, letting you easily update meta tags, descriptions and other key settings. Be sure every category page has a unique title and description. Job schema is also important. This is a specific code that helps search engines understand that your content is a job posting. Properly optimized listings can appear in Google for Jobs, significantly increasing your visibility without spending money on ads. 10. Promote your job board website Building the site is only half the battle; now you need traffic. Share your new platform on LinkedIn groups related to your niche. You can also partner with industry newsletters or influencers to get the word out to a targeted audience. Consider creating a weekly email newsletter of the "Top 5 Jobs of the Week." This encourages candidates to subscribe and keeps them returning to your site. Consistent promotion builds the momentum needed to create a self-sustaining ecosystem of recruiters and applicants. Pro tip: Create a website launch checklist to make sure you're covering all your bases. Job board website examples built on Wix These website ideas and examples show how platforms effectively connect listings, search features and employer tools that attracts both candidates and employers: 01. EmployPro Job seekers land on EmployPro and immediately see a clear, organized interface that makes browsing job listings effortless. The homepage prioritizes high-value listings while keeping search and filter tools front and center, and users can explore their job board directly to find available roles. Like what you see? Build your own job board website using this same template. Template name: Recruitment agency (contemporary) template 02. GoTo Staffing GoTo Staffing offers a professional, straightforward approach to connecting candidates with employers. Job listings are categorized by industry and location, making it easy for users to find relevant opportunities, and visitors can interact directly with their website to browse or apply. Like what you see? Build your own job board website using this same template. Template name: Strip header layout template 03. Pronto Staffing From the first page, Pronto Staffing emphasizes speed and accessibility, helping candidates find jobs quickly. Well-organized job categories and search filters make it easy to narrow results, and applicants can see exactly what’s available on their job board. Like what you see? Build your own job board website using this same template. Template name: Moving company template 04. Pace Staffers Pace Staffers combines a sleek, modern design with practical functionality. Job listings are easy to scan, and advanced filters let users quickly narrow down by location, role type or industry. Visitors can explore their website to see featured jobs and how resume uploads work, keeping the experience simple and seamless for both employers and candidates. Like what you see? Build your own job board website using this same template. Template name: Minimal layout template 05. ATC Finder ATC Finder presents a clean, organized job board with a strong focus on accessibility and search. Candidates can browse their job board to see how notifications, resume uploads and featured listings make the experience smooth for everyone. Like what you see? Build your own job board website using this same template. Template name: Classic layout template Free website builders like Wix offer customizable website templates across niche industries, making it easy to get online fast. Did you know: a .careers domain is open to any employer, while .jobs is a sponsored extension that reviews applicants before issuing a name. Check out some popular website templates to get started quickly: Interior design website templates Real estate website templates Restaurant website templates Photography website templates Wedding website templates Best practices for your job board website Following a few best practices helps your job board earn trust from both employers and candidates. Keep these in mind: Set posting guidelines: Tell employers what every listing must include, such as the role, location and how to apply. Review new posts: Check listings before they go live to keep out spam and scam offers. Remove expired jobs: Close or archive roles after 30 days so candidates don't apply to filled positions. Include salary ranges: Candidates use pay to decide what to apply for, and several US states require pay ranges in job ads. Make applying easy on mobile: Keep forms short so candidates can apply from their phones. Expert tip from Anna Suntsov, blog and social design team lead at Wix: "The most important thing before building a website is good research. Know what you want to do and collect good inspirations that will contribute to your design." How to create a job board website FAQ Are job boards profitable? Yes, job boards can be a great way to earn income. You can charge companies to post listings, offer premium placements or even sell access to your resume database. With a clear niche and a steady flow of traffic, the earning potential is definitely there. How much does it cost to start a job board? The cost can vary depending on your goals. Using a website builder with built-in tools is a budget-friendly way to get started. You'll mainly need to cover your domain name and a monthly subscription, which makes it easy to grow as your site gains traction. To charge employers for listings, you'll need a plan that accepts payments. What is a downside of using job boards? One challenge is standing out in a crowded market. It takes consistent effort to attract both high-quality employers and active job seekers. However, by focusing on a specific industry or community you can build a loyal user base that finds your site more helpful than the bigger platforms. How do I create a job board on Wix? Add the Wix Forum app to your site, choose the classic layout and set your job categories so everyone can view and post. To charge employers or limit premium categories to subscribers, connect Wix Pricing Plans. Should a job board be niche or general? Niche is usually the better start. A board focused on one industry, role type or city faces less competition, attracts more relevant candidates and gives employers a clear reason to pay for a listing.

Turn your ideas into a website → | Claim your domain → Learning how to build a marketplace website opens the door to a scalable business model where you facilitate sales rather than managing inventory yourself. By connecting buyers and sellers on a single platform, you create a dynamic ecosystem that can grow rapidly without the traditional overhead of a standard online store. This guide walks you through the essential steps, so you have the right foundation to attract your first vendors and customers. Choose a website builder that's flexible, powerful and easy to use. Wix is trusted by millions of people to create beautiful websites for their businesses, projects and ideas. Try it for yourself and see what you can build. TL;DR: how to build a marketplace website A marketplace website lets many vendors sell to shoppers in one place, and you earn from commissions or listing fees instead of holding stock. To build one, pick a niche, use a website builder with multi-vendor features and set up split payments, then test both sides before promoting it. You'll learn: The 9 steps to build a marketplace website Which features a marketplace needs How marketplaces differ from ecommerce websites What to consider before you launch How to make a marketplace website in 9 steps Creating a successful multi-vendor platform requires a clear roadmap. Follow these nine steps to turn your marketplace store into a fully functional reality. Define your niche and business model Select a domain name and web host Pick a website builder and template Design the user experience Build your minimum viable product Set up payments and commissions Test functionality and security Optimize for SEO Promote and grow your platform 01. Define your niche and business model Every successful marketplace starts with a specific focus. Trying to compete with the largest general marketplaces when you’re learning how to make a website to sell is a recipe for struggle. Instead, identify a specific group of people with a shared need. Maybe it’s local artisans, vintage watch collectors or freelance graphic designers. A narrow niche helps you tailor your branding and marketing efforts effectively. Marketplaces also differ by what changes hands: products (handmade goods, secondhand items), services (freelancers, tutors) or rentals (equipment, spaces). They can connect businesses with consumers, businesses with other businesses or individuals with each other. Once you know who you're serving, decide how you'll make money. The most common model is charging a commission on every transaction. Alternatively, you could charge sellers a monthly subscription fee to list their items or offer "freemium" listings with paid upgrades for better visibility. Your revenue model will influence the features you need later on. 02. Select a domain name and web host Your domain name is a huge part of your brand identity. It should be memorable, easy to spell and relevant to your niche. Avoid long strings of numbers or hyphens that make it hard to share verbally. If your preferred .com is taken, consider other extensions that might fit your industry. Pro tip: To choose a domain name, try out a domain name generator or domain name search for inspiration. Reliable web hosting is non-negotiable for a marketplace. Unlike a simple blog, a marketplace involves user accounts, financial transactions and potentially thousands of product images. You need hosting that ensures speed, security and the ability to handle traffic spikes without crashing. Did you know: .bid is a domain extension that tells buyers the price is not fixed, which is worth choosing when your marketplace runs on bidding rather than listings. .exchange is the alternative when two sides trade with each other, though it carries a strong crypto association. Learn more about hosting: What is web hosting How to host a website 03. Pick a website builder and template You don't need to hire a developer to get started. Wix offers a fast and intuitive website builder to bring your vision to life in minutes. Look for a platform that specifically supports an ecommerce website and has the ability to integrate multi-vendor apps. This functionality is what turns a standard store into a marketplace where others can sell. You can also use Wix Harmony, the AI website builder built around one idea: you should never have to choose between AI speed and human precision. Go from a single prompt to a business-ready website, then keep shaping it through Aria, Wix Harmony's built-in AI agent, or by editing by hand with full drag-and-drop control. Backed by Wix's enterprise-grade infrastructure, every site built with Wix Harmony is reliable, secure and performance-ready from day one. Start with website templates designed for online stores. These come pre-loaded with the necessary pages like product listings, shopping carts and checkout flows, saving you hours of design time. You can then customize the look and feel to match your brand, but the structural foundation is already there. Check out the Wix App Market to find tools like multi-vendor marketplace apps. These apps are key for turning your store into a successful marketplace, allowing multiple sellers to list products, manage orders and track sales with ease. With these powerful features, you can simplify operations and give sellers everything they need to thrive on your platform. Explore Wix's templates: Ecommerce website templates Blog website templates Personal website templates Portfolio website templates Looking for the future of website building? Wix's native ChatGPT integration allows you to type "@Wix" in a conversation to invoke its Wix Harmony vibe code website builder. You can describe a business idea (e.g., "Build me a site for a high-end sushi catering business in Seattle") and the agent generates a full, live Wix website including booking systems and menus. Features of a marketplace website Why you need it Multi-vendor functionality Allows multiple sellers to register, list products and manage their own profiles. Vendor dashboards Gives sellers a dedicated space to track their sales, orders and inventory. Commission management Automatically calculates and splits payments between the platform owner and the seller. Search and filtering Helps buyers easily navigate through products from various sellers to find exactly what they need. Reviews and ratings Builds trust within the community by allowing buyers to rate their experience with specific sellers. Learn more: How to make a website 04. Design the user experience A marketplace has two distinct types of users: buyers and sellers. Your website design needs to cater to both. For buyers, the priority is discovery. Implement clear navigation categories, a prominent search bar and filters that help them narrow down options by price, vendor or location. For sellers, the onboarding process must be simple. If it's too difficult to sign up and list a product, you will struggle to build your inventory. Ensure the "Sell with us" or "Become a vendor" buttons are easy to find. The goal is to reduce friction at every touchpoint, making it easy for money to change hands. Learn more: What is web design? 05. Build your minimum viable product Perfection is the enemy of progress. Instead of trying to launch with every possible feature, focus on your Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This is the version of your site that has just enough features to be usable by early customers. Your MVP needs user accounts, product listings, a shopping cart and a functional checkout. Launch with these essentials and gather feedback. Maybe your users want a chat feature to talk to sellers or perhaps they need better shipping options. Adding features based on real user data is always more effective than guessing what they might want beforehand. 06. Set up payments and commissions This is the engine of your marketplace. You need a payment system that not only processes credit cards, but also handles the split payment logic. When a customer buys a $100 item, the system needs to automatically send your commission (e.g. $10) to you and the remaining amount ($90) to the seller. Doing this manually is a nightmare. Use automated tools integrated into your website builder to handle payouts. This ensures sellers get paid on time and keeps your accounting straightforward. Pro tip: On Wix, you can accept payments with Wix Payments or providers like PayPal and Stripe, while multi-vendor apps from the Wix App Market handle seller commissions and payouts. To accept payments, your site needs a Premium plan that supports it. Learn more: What is an online store How to start an online store 07. Test functionality and security Before you open the doors to the public, you need to break your own site. Create a test seller account and list a product. Then, create a buyer account and try to purchase it. Go through the entire flow: adding to cart, entering payment details and receiving the order confirmation email. Check the vendor side as well. Did the order appear in the vendor dashboard? Was the commission calculated correctly? Test this on mobile devices too as a significant portion of your traffic will come from smartphones. Ecommerce website security is paramount here, so ensure your SSL certificate is active and customer data is encrypted. 08. Optimize for SEO You want buyers to find your marketplace when they search for products on Google. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps this happen. Start by optimizing your main pages with relevant keywords. Your product categories should match terms people actually search for. Technical SEO matters too. Ensure your site loads quickly and has clean URLs. One major advantage of a marketplace is user-generated content: every time a seller lists a new product, they are creating a new page that can be indexed by search engines, helping your visibility grow organically over time. Expert tip from Rebecca Tomasis, blog SEO team lead at Wix: "Don't be afraid to start small with your SEO content strategy. Start by focusing on basic on-page optimizations and best practices, such as including keywords in headings. Once you're confident your blog audience can be found through organic search, you can start planning a more advanced content strategy, which involves clustering and implementing advanced SEO techniques." Explore more ecommerce website optimization tips. 09. Promote and grow your platform A marketplace faces the "chicken and egg" problem: you need sellers to attract buyers but you need buyers to attract sellers. Usually, it’s best to secure supply first. Reach out to potential vendors directly and invite them to join your platform, perhaps offering lower commission rates as an early-bird incentive. Once you have inventory, shift your focus to demand. Use social media advertising, content marketing strategies and email campaigns to drive website traffic to your site. Partnerships with influencers in your niche can also be a powerful way to build credibility quickly. Pro tip: Create a website launch checklist to make sure you're covering all your bases. Marketplace website examples built on Wix Looking for more ecommerce website examples? These marketplace website examples built on Wix show how you can connect buyers and sellers, showcase products and grow a thriving online community. Free website builders like Wix offer customizable website templates across niche industries, making it easy to get online fast. Check out some popular website templates to get started quickly: Interior design website templates Real estate website templates Restaurant website templates Photography website templates Wedding website templates The difference between marketplaces and ecommerce websites While they might look alike, the backend of a marketplace is very different from a standard online store. In a traditional ecommerce model, you're the merchant. You buy stock, store it, sell it and ship it. You own the inventory and the customer relationship. In a marketplace model you are the facilitator. You own the platform but not the products. You don't worry about warehousing or shipping, the vendors handle that. However you do manage the ecosystem. This means moderating content, resolving disputes between buyers and sellers and maintaining the technical infrastructure that keeps the market running. Marketplace Ecommerce website Who owns the products Your vendors You Who ships orders Vendors You or your fulfillment partner How you earn Commissions or listing fees Product sales What you manage Sellers, trust and disputes Inventory, shipping and returns Learn more: What is an ecommerce website Best ecommerce website builders How to build an ecommerce website What is ecommerce How to start a business Key considerations when building a marketplace website Running a multi-vendor platform has its own set of challenges. Ecommerce website cost management becomes tricky because your revenue is only a percentage of the total sales volume. You need high transaction volumes to cover your server costs, marketing and development. Legal compliance is another major factor. Depending on where you and your sellers are located you may have different tax obligations. For example you might need to collect sales tax on behalf of your sellers in certain jurisdictions. You also need strict Terms of Service that define who is responsible for returns, refunds and shipping damages, whether that's you or the vendor. Learn more: How to create a professional website How much does a website cost How long to build a website Types of websites How to build a marketplace website FAQ Do I need an LLC to start an online store? You generally don't need an LLC to start, as you can operate as a sole proprietorship. However, forming an LLC separates your personal assets from your business liabilities, which offers significant protection if you face legal issues or debt. Can I create a website for free to sell products? Yes, many website builders offer free plans that let you build a site. However, to accept secure payments and use advanced marketplace features, you usually need to upgrade to a premium plan. What is legally required on a marketplace website? You typically need a Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, and a clear Refund Policy. Depending on your location, you may also need to comply with data protection laws like GDPR or CCPA and adhere to tax collection regulations. How do marketplace websites make money? Most charge sellers a commission on each sale. Others charge monthly listing or subscription fees, or offer paid upgrades such as featured placement. What features does a marketplace website need? At minimum: seller sign-up and profiles, product listings, search and filters, a checkout that splits payments between you and the seller, and reviews that help buyers trust vendors.

Turn your ideas into a website → | Claim your domain → A landing page has one job: turn visitors into leads or customers. The right landing page builder makes that easier with conversion-ready templates, testing tools and fast load times, all without code. Below, you'll find 8 builders compared by features and pricing, plus what to look for before you create a professional page. Choose a website builder that's flexible, powerful and easy to use. Wix is trusted by millions of people to create beautiful websites for their businesses, projects and ideas. Try it for yourself and see what you can build. TL;DR: best landing page builders Landing page builders let you create focused pages that turn visitors into leads or customers without writing code. The best options combine conversion-ready templates, A/B testing and analytics, so compare features and pricing against your goals and budget before you choose. You'll learn: The 8 best landing page builders and what each costs What to look for in a landing page builder Whether you need a landing page builder or a website builder How AI landing page builders work 8 best landing page builders Wix Instapage Unbounce Mailchimp ClickFunnels Kit (formerly ConvertKit) Swipe Pages Landingi Builder Key features Pricing Wix Flexible drag-and-drop builder with complete design freedom, ecommerce, bookings and payments. Includes AI text, image and email tools, analytics, reliable hosting, 24/7 support and integrations in the App Market. Free plan available; from $17/month for premium plans. Instapage drag-and-drop editor, AdMap for ad alignment, A/B testing, AI content and team collaboration. From $79/month billed annually; custom plans available. Unbounce Drag-and-drop and AI Smart Builder, Smart Traffic optimization, 100+ templates plus popups and sticky bars. From $22/month billed annually. Mailchimp CRM-driven landing pages linked to email, SMS, ads and social tools; campaigns manageable in one place. Free plan available; from $13/month for paid plans. ClickFunnels Sales funnel builder with drag-and-drop pages, A/B testing, smart checkout, countdown funnels and upsells. From $81/month billed annually. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) Simple landing page builder for creators with email marketing, segmentation and growth networks. Free plan available; from $33/month billed annually. Swipe Pages Mobile-optimized AMP pages loading in under 2s with Stripe checkout, dynamic personalization and A/B testing. From $29/month billed annually. Landingi 400+ templates, reusable Smart Sections, AI EventTracker, A/B testing and lead management tools. 14-day free trial; from $24/month billed annually. 01. Wix Wix’s landing page builder promises the same advantages as its website builder: conversion-optimized landing page templates, design flexibility and other built-in tools for ecommerce, bookings and more. These landing page examples are a good roundup of what you can build with Wix. Using Wix’s drag-and-drop designer, you can create a landing page that includes a custom contact form. Or, add a button that connects to your online store’s checkout page. Build dynamic pages that automatically sync to your pricing data, catalog data and more. And if you already have a Wix site, you can easily apply the same brand styles and themes as your main site to your landing page. You’ve also got AI tools for help writing copy and enhancing your images. On the backend, Wix gives you one workspace to manage all of your campaigns, tools and apps. With built-in email tools and automation (including AI email generation tools), you can launch email campaigns from your Wix dashboard and re-engage people who sign up or make a purchase through your landing page. Moreover, you can connect your favorite apps from Wix’s expansive App Market. Integrate your favorite payment solutions, marketing apps and/or analytics tools to effectively retarget visitors, run A/B tests and more. Wix offers a plan that’s free forever and gives you access to its full website builder. Alternatively, you can opt for a paid monthly and annual subscription that includes advanced capabilities, such as ecommerce and AI email features. You can also read Wix reviews direct from users who've built a website or started a business. Key Wix features: Intuitive drag and drop builder Total design freedom, whether or not you have coding experience Powerful ecommerce capabilities with built-in end-to-end merchant solutions Secure payment solutions AI tools for writing text, designing emails and more Marketing, email and analytics tools for managing campaigns and understanding the effectiveness of your landing page in one place Industry-leading performance and reliability 24/7 support Pricing: Free. Premium plans starting from $17 per month also available. 02. Instapage With its roots in landing page creation, Instapage flaunts a large library of landing page templates. Choose from more than 500 templates built for a range of needs, including product launches, app downloads, travel bookings and more. Instapage’s drag-and-drop builder makes it easy to build landing pages on the fly. The platform is also particularly good for engineering 1:1 post-click experiences, with its AdMap technology that lets you visualize and connect ads to relevant landing pages. With its A/B testing and AI-powered personalization tools, you can additionally create as many unique audience experiences for each landing page you create. Instapage’s mature platform is great for teams looking to pump out landing pages at scale. Instapage additionally offers a custom package, which includes access to features like AdMap, AI writeups and custom integrations. Key features of Instapage: 500+ mobile-responsive landing page templates Built-in A/B testing tools Proprietary AdMap technology for managing your ad campaigns with ease Visual on-page collaboration for teams AI content generation for writing headlines, page text and CTA buttons Pricing: Subscription starting from $79 per month billed annually. Custom plan and pricing also available. 03. Unbounce Today, Unbounce offers two types of landing page builders: its classic drag-and-drop builder, and a “Smart Builder” powered by AI. The former offers greater customization, while the latter enables you to work quickly. The Smart Builder recommends page improvements and generates on-page copy, plus integrates with other Unbounce apps to support a variety of campaign needs. Its Smart Traffic feature further aims to address issues with traditional A/B testing, offering an alternative that automatically displays the best landing page variation to each visitor. As it regards conversion optimization, Unbounce provides tools for building popups and sticky bars that grab attention. Test a variety of promotions and offers. Set custom triggers or advanced targeting to ensure that the right people see the right messaging. Key features of Unbounce: The choice between a drag-and-drop Classic Builder and an AI-powered Smart Builder 100+ landing page templates Proprietary Smart Traffic feature for matching the right landing page to the right visitor Trigger-based popups and sticky bars Pricing: Plans starting at $22 per month billed annually ($29 billed monthly). Discover the best AI landing page builders on the market. 04. Mailchimp Best known for its email marketing capabilities, Mailchimp may come as a welcome surprise in the world of landing page builders. Now owned by Intuit, Mailchimp flaunts a large repertoire of offerings, ranging from emailing marketing to SMS marketing, social media to websites. In fact, Mailchimp integrates directly with Wix to power multi-channel marketing campaigns. With the Wix-Mailchimp integration, you can connect your Wix website data with Mailchimp’s CRM to send abandoned cart emails, personalize your product recommendations and more. Within Mailchimp, you also have the option to create beautiful landing pages in minutes. Every Mailchimp landing page starts with selecting an audience from your Mailchimp CRM. From there, you can create a desktop or mobile landing page that caters to your audience’s interests. When you use Mailchimp’s landing page builder, you have the added advantage of managing your follow-up emails, SMS messages and ads under one roof. Understand what happens after a visitor clicks on your landing page, and view reports that show the effectiveness of your webpage. Creating a landing page on Mailchimp is free. However, you may want to entertain a paid subscription for a variety of reasons, e.g., you have a larger team, want to access Mailchimp’s other beloved features or send more emails. Key features of Mailchimp: Marketing automation and tools spanning email, SMS, social media and ads Ability to create a landing page from Mailchimp’s mobile app Integration with your Wix website data Pricing: Free. Paid plans also available starting at $13 per month. 05. ClickFunnels As its name suggests, ClickFunnels aims to support all stages of the sales funnel. Its large suite of features involves landing pages, email sequences, A/B testing, product listings and more. ClickFunnels offers drag-and-drop tools for landing pages and allows you to test multiple variations with different audiences. Perhaps its greatest asset: ClickFunnels has a variety of unique solutions to drive conversions. For example, with Smart Checkout, you can implement one-click checkout, one-time offers and custom shipping profiles (among other things) to personalize the checkout experience and increase revenue. Or, with Countdown Funnels, you can create a sense of urgency by letting customers know how much time they have left before an offer expires. All in all, ClickFunnels has the trappings of a fully integrated landing page builder and marketing platform, but its price tag might be a little steep for some users. Key features of ClickFunnels: Smart Checkout for customizing the checkout experience and driving more revenue Countdown Funnels to create a sense of urgency Store Funnels to enable instant purchases Dynamic Collections for automatically sorting products and identifying upsell and cross-sell opportunities Pricing: Plans starting at $81 per month billed annually. 06. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) Kit (formerly known as ConvertKit) has its roots in email marketing, but its landing page builder is free, easy to use and offers a decent depth of choice and design. It integrates with a variety of third-party apps, such as Google Analytics and Segment, and its tagging system makes it easy to segment your leads. Kit caters to a specific audience of authors, bloggers, musicians, podcasters and course creators, dubbing itself as the “creator marketing platform.” Its curated features aim to grow your following for a newsletter or other email campaign. It even offers a creator network, where you can connect with fellow creators and get in front of new subscribers. For business owners or entrepreneurs, Kit may be limited in a few areas: namely, ecommerce capabilities, A/B testing and personalization options. But if you’re looking for a straightforward solution for building up your email list, Kit may be worth a try. Price-wise, Kit is on par with some of the palatable landing page builders. Kit uses a sliding-scale pricing system; you pay as you grow. Key features of Kit: Free, intuitive landing page builder for building up your subscriber list for a newsletter or other email campaign A creator network, where you can reach new subscribers and be recommended by other creators A sponsor network, through which you can get connected with brand deals and sponsorships Mature email marketing tools and automation Pricing: Free. Plans starting at $33 per month billed annually. 07. Swipe Pages With landing pages becoming more and more customizable, ultra-specific and integral to a growing business’s marketing, it’s no wonder that some builders are becoming more specific. This is the case for Swipe Pages. Swipe Pages has turned its attention to the mobile “swipe up” that we’ve all come to know. Its platform is uniquely designed to create app-like, AMP (accelerated mobile pages) landing pages that promise to load in less than two seconds. Among its standout features: Swipe Page’s integration with Stripe allows you to sell products with one-click checkout. You’ve also got the option to add dynamic text to your pages to personalize messaging, plus the essential A/B testing and analytics to make informed decisions. Moreover, the company’s investment in AI means that you can create a fully functional landing page in minutes. Swipe Pages is competitive in its pricing, with a low-tier package starting at $29 per month (billed annually) and the highest tier for bigger agencies clocking in at $149 per month. Key features of Swipe Pages: Fast, mobile-optimized AMP landing pages AI tools for designing your layout and writing copy Responsive breakpoints, multistep forms, countdown timer and other unique design options Pricing: Plans starting at $29 per month billed annually. 08. Landingi Landingi offers a versatile, yet cost-effective creator. It has more than 400 templates to kickstart your design, all with the sleek and modern drag-and-drop that has become the industry standard. Landingi’s Smart Section feature allows you to create widgets that can be used across multiple landing pages. That way, if you need to update something, like a CTA button, you can automatically apply it to all of your pages. During setup, you can create and conduct A/B tests directly from within the platform. Pair this with Landingi's AI-powered EventTracker to track micro-actions on your page; track user interactions like clicks, form submissions, scroll depth and more to understand what’s working and what’s not on your page. Like many other builders on this list, Landingi offers essential lead management tools. Set up autoresponders and notifications, in addition to segmented lead lists. Landingi offers a 14-day free trial on every plan. Paid plans start at $24 per month billed annually for the Build plan, which includes 10 active landing pages, 2,000 visits a month and one custom domain. Larger teams can move up to Optimize or Scale, and Enterprise plans start at $1,199 per month. Key features of Landingi: 400+ templates for landing pages, popups and more AI-powered EventTracking for evaluating micro-conversions on your page Smart Sections that let you create sections that can be applied to multiple landing pages Pricing: 14-day free trial. Annual plans starting at $24 per month. Learn more: How much does a website cost Editor's note: pricing information up to date as of November 8, 2026. What should you look for in a landing page builder? When you’re on the hunt for the perfect landing page builder, there are several factors you’ll want to take into consideration. While your list of must-haves may vary depending on your business or campaign needs, you’ll generally want to check that your builder has: A user-friendly interface: Choose a landing page builder with an intuitive and user-friendly interface, one that doesn’t require advanced technical skills to create a compelling landing page. Conversion-optimized templates: Keep an eye out for high-quality, flexible landing page templates that are designed with conversions in mind. These templates often follow landing page best practices for layout and content placement, helping to guide your visitors toward taking a desired action. Customization options: Look for a builder that offers enough customization to support your various marketing and advertising campaigns. Your landing page should align with your brand, giving you the ability to tweak colors, fonts and layout at a minimum. Plus, it should offer flexible CTAs, whether you want visitors to call, shop or sign up. Integration capabilities: A good landing page builder should smoothly integrate with your go-to tools and platforms, whether that be email marketing software, CRM systems or analytics tools. This ensures a smooth workflow and visibility into your campaign’s performance. Don’t forget the ability to set up custom domains for a polished and professional look. Fast loading times: Slow-loading pages can lead to high bounce rates. Select a landing page builder that understands the importance of loading times and can deliver positive experiences to all of your customers. Analytics and tracking: Access to analytics is essential for understanding how well your landing page is performing. Look for a builder that provides robust analytics and tracking features, allowing you to measure conversion rates, traffic sources, and other key metrics. Security features: Ensure that the landing page builder prioritizes security. This is particularly important if you're collecting sensitive information through your landing page, such as credit card information. Look for features like SSL support to encrypt data transmission. Scalability for growth: Consider your budget and the scalability of your landing page builder. Choose a solution that aligns with your current needs but can also grow with your business (read: has the tools, infrastructure and support that you need) without causing a significant increase in costs. Feature Why it matters User-friendly interface Intuitive tools let you build effective landing pages quickly, no advanced technical skills needed. Conversion-optimized templates Ready-made designs follow best practices to guide visitors toward taking action, boosting results. Customization options Allows you to tailor colors, fonts, layouts and CTAs to match your brand and campaign goals. Integration capabilities Connects easily with email, CRM, analytics and marketing platforms for smooth workflow and tracking. Fast loading times Ensures visitors don’t bounce due to slow pages, improving user experience and conversion rates. Should you use a landing page builder or a website builder? Choosing between a landing page builder and a website builder comes down to your goals. A landing page builder is perfect when you want to create a single focused page designed to drive specific actions like collecting leads, promoting a product or showcasing an event. It’s all about simplicity and impact, giving you the tools to build a high-performing page quickly without any distractions. A website builder helps you create a more comprehensive site, offering multiple pages, navigation and features for showcasing everything about your brand, business or passion project. If you need a quick streamlined solution for a particular campaign, a landing page builder is the way to go. But if you're looking to build a full-scale website to tell your story and grow your business, a website builder is your best bet. With Wix, you don't have to choose one over the other. Wix empowers you to build a professional business website for any industry, so whether you want a single landing page or a full multi-page site, you can bring your vision to life no matter your experience level. Learn more: Best AI website builder Best website builder for small business Best one-page website builders Personal website builders Free website builders Cheap website builder Best membership websites How to create a landing page What is a landing page Marketing strategies Types of websites What is an AI landing page builder? An AI landing page builder helps you design, optimize and launch landing pages with ease. It takes care of the hard work, like analyzing data and suggesting designs, so you can focus on your ideas and goals. Here’s how an AI landing page builder can help you: Save time and energy: AI handles tasks like generating headlines and organizing layouts so you can create pages quickly and effortlessly. Optimize your design: Get smart suggestions for layout and structure to ensure every element, from text to visuals, is designed to grab attention and drive action. Gain real-time insights: Use AI analytics to see what’s working and make changes instantly. Easy for all skill levels: Whether you’re new to design or a pro, AI web design tools make it simple to create professional pages. Personalize for your audience: Tailor content for different visitors to keep your messaging fresh and relevant. Check out the best AI website builder from Wix and get your landing page up in record time. Best landing page builders FAQ How much should a landing page design cost? The cost for a landing page design will vary depending on whether you hire a designer or use a website builder (among other considerations, such as the complexity of your design and the type of landing page you want to create). Your landing page may be entirely free to build. For example, if you use Wix’s landing page builder, you can launch a landing page without spending a penny. However, a much more intricate design, or a page that requires add-ons like online checkout, popups, etc., will command a higher price. How much does it cost to hire someone to build a landing page? The cost of hiring someone to build a landing page can vary widely based on several factors, including the complexity of your page, the skills and experience of the developer and your location. In general, freelancers may charge anywhere from $50 to $150 (if not more) per hour, or they may offer a fixed project rate. A web development agency will likely cost more and may charge anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for a landing page, depending on the complexity. Alternatively, landing page or website builders generally offer much more predictable pricing. These can range anywhere from free to a few hundred dollars per month. Is Wix a good landing page builder? Yes. Wix offers a number of features and capabilities to help you throughout the entire process: Conversion-optimized landing page templates Drag-and-drop editor and customization options AI features for text creation, email creation and more Built-in payment and ecommerce solutions Email marketing tools and automation Analytics tools and reports Integration with hundreds of third-party apps 24/7 customer support Top-of-the-line security, reliability and performance What’s the best free landing page builder? Wix offers the best bang for your buck. With a free account, you can access tools for building a landing page in addition to core marketing tools (including email campaigns), hundreds of third-party apps and support whenever you need it. You can even launch an entire website with Wix’s free forever plan. Do landing page builders include hosting? Most do. Builders like Wix, Unbounce, Instapage and Swipe Pages host your pages for you and include SSL, and paid plans let you connect a custom domain. Which landing page builders include A/B testing? Instapage includes A/B testing on its Optimize plan, Unbounce on its Experiment plan and above, Swipe Pages on its Marketer plan and above, and Landingi on its Optimize plan and above. On Wix, you can add testing tools from the Wix App Market.

Turn your ideas into a website → | Claim your domain → Once you create a website, the next step is bringing in visitors. Alongside blogging, email and SEO, free advertising sites can put your site in front of the right people without an ad budget. This list covers 50 of them, from online directories and social platforms to bookmarking and classified ad sites, plus tips to get the most out of each. Choose a website builder that's flexible, powerful and easy to use. Wix is trusted by millions of people to create beautiful websites for their businesses, projects and ideas. Try it for yourself and see what you can build. TL;DR: free advertising sites Free advertising sites let you promote your website without an ad budget. The main types are online directories, social media platforms, social bookmarking sites and classified ad sites, and the best results come from picking the few your audience uses and posting consistently. You'll learn: The 4 types of free advertising sites 50 free sites to promote your website How to use each type effectively Tips to get better results Types of free advertising sites Online directories for businesses Social media platforms Social bookmarking and curating Classified ad websites Type of free advertising site What it offers Online directories Submit your business info and website to improve local visibility and SEO. Social media platforms Share your brand, engage your audience and drive traffic through organic content. Social bookmarking and curation sites Distribute links and content to increase awareness and inbound links. Classified ad websites Post ads and promote your services or site to highly targeted audiences. Online directories for businesses Ranging from high-profile platforms to local listings, online directories cover a range of audiences. The method for each of them is quite similar: you submit the URL of your professional website, as well as additional details about your business or organization. These sites, in turn, incorporate this information into their data banks, ensuring that a link to your site appears when users search relevant content categories. In addition to displaying your business name and website, these free advertising sites can improve your search engine optimization, or SEO. This helps promote your website by boosting its search engine ranking, increasing the chances that you'll get found on Google and drawing traffic to your website. Google Business Profile Apple Maps Bing Places Yellow Pages Angi Yahoo! Local Better Business Bureau Manta Merchant Circle Superpages eLocal Submit Express EZ Local Local.com Thumbtack Hotfrog Brownbook.net Tupalo.com Insider Pages Social media platforms Social media marketing is a powerful strategy for business owners. Essentially, social platforms are free advertising sites; whether you promote yourself on Instagram or start a YouTube channel for your business, you can build your brand and reach potential customers. Remember to use customized and clear UTM links for your campaigns so you can track them properly. Facebook Instagram Snapchat LinkedIn X (formerly Twitter) Pinterest YouTube NextDoor Yelp Buzzfeed Community Expert tip from Lilach Goldis, Social Media Manager at Wix: "There's no better way to reach a broader audience than through social media. It not only turns potential customers into buyers, but also allows for instant engagement with them, addressing their questions, and building loyalty. All of these aspects contribute to boosting sales and revenue." Social bookmarking and curating While social bookmarking and curating websites operate on the basis of link submission, the emphasis here is on creating quality content. Like social media platforms, they function as entertaining browsing experiences for users while simultaneously serving as online advertising tools for businesses. By circulating your content on these sites, you can subtly promote your product and gently guide users toward your website. At the same time, you’ll improve your SEO by placing inbound links to your company across the web. Reddit Quora Tumblr Foursquare WikiHow Medium Product Hunt Digg Scoop.it Flipboard Akonter Classified ad websites Classified ads are small advertisements, often free of charge, placed in newspapers, magazines or online boards. By posting on dedicated classified ad platforms, you can generate backlinks to your company site and market your business to potential customers. Adding your company name and URL to these free advertising sites is a quick, simple and affordable way to gain exposure. Craigslist Facebook Marketplace Locanto Oodle OLX ClassifiedAds Hoobly Geebo AdPost Gumtree Creating business pages or listings on these platforms is an effective way to begin your online advertising strategy (be it native advertising or some other form of ad), as part of your wider marketing strategies. Start with easy-to-use free website themes or a professional website designer to create a site that looks great and works smoothly. If your site is built on Wix, you can also promote it with built-in tools like SEO settings and email marketing from your dashboard, without paying for ads. Learn more: Advertisement examples Stop hiding behind your logo: why your personal brand can be the best investment for your website How to make a website Free advertising sites FAQ How can I advertise online for free? There are many ways to advertise online for free. Some of the most popular methods include: Social media: Social media platforms like Facebook, X and Instagram offer a variety of free advertising options. You can create business profiles, post content about your products or services and run contests and giveaways. Search engine optimization (SEO): SEO is the process of optimizing your website so that it ranks higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). This can help you to attract more visitors to your website without having to pay for ads. Email marketing: Email marketing is a great way to stay in touch with your customers and promote your products or services. You can collect email addresses from customers and send them regular newsletters and promotional offers. Content marketing: Content marketing is the process of creating and distributing valuable, relevant and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience and drive profitable customer action. This can include blog posts, articles, infographics, videos and podcasts. Guest blogging: Guest blogging is the process of writing articles for other blogs in your industry. This is a great way to get exposure for your own website and brand. Online directories: There are many online directories where you can list your business for free. This can help people to find your business when they are searching for products or services like yours. What are the benefits of using free advertising sites? The main benefit of using free advertising sites is that they are cost-effective. You can reach a large audience without spending any money. Additionally, many platforms let you reach specific audiences through groups, categories or local listings. Are there any risks associated with using free advertising sites? One of the main risks associated with using free advertising sites is that they can be less effective than paid advertising. Additionally, some free advertising sites may have terms of service that restrict what you can promote. What are some tips for using free advertising sites safely and effectively? Here are some tips for using free advertising sites safely and effectively: Choose the right platforms: Choose the platforms that your target audience is most active on. Create high-quality content: Your content should be informative, engaging and relevant to your target audience. Reach the right people: Use groups, categories and local listings to reach the people most likely to need what you offer. Be consistent: Post new content and updates regularly. Interact with your audience: Respond to comments and questions. Track your results: Track your results to see what's working. Is Google Business Profile free? Yes. Creating and managing a Google Business Profile is free. It lets your business appear in Google Search and Maps with your hours, reviews and a link to your website. Which free advertising sites are best for local businesses? Start with Google Business Profile, Apple Business Connect and Bing Places, since they feed map results. Then add Yelp, Nextdoor and the directories most used in your industry.

Turn your ideas into a website → | Claim your domain → A good website has a clear purpose, navigation visitors can follow, design that matches the brand and infrastructure that stays fast, accessible and secure. Sites that get those right hold attention and turn it into action. Whether you're launching a new site or redesigning one, this guide shows you how to build a great website, with 13 must-haves and fixes for the most common problems. Choose a website builder that's flexible, powerful and easy to use. Wix is trusted by millions of people to create beautiful websites for their businesses, projects and ideas. Try it for yourself and see what you can build. TL;DR: what makes a good website A good website has a clear purpose, simple navigation, on-brand design and fast, secure, accessible infrastructure. Get those right, add clear calls to action and helpful content, and your site will hold visitors' attention and turn it into action. You'll learn: The 13 elements that define a good website, from clear intent to credibility signals How to fix six common problems like slow loading, low conversions and weak SEO Where AI fits into building and maintaining a site Answers to common questions on upkeep, load time and cost What is a good website? A website is your brand or business online and it's often the first impression for potential customers. It should combine branding, design and content to tell your story and drive visitors to take action. A good website should excel in both its form and function, with a clear purpose, visually appealing design and intuitive navigation. A good website performs well for a diverse audience (think page speed and loading, as well as accessibility) and includes advanced site security. In essence, what makes a good website good is its attractiveness, functionality and invaluable contribution to your business's success. To understand what users and businesses actually expect from websites today, The Wix State of Websites Report draws on data from over 300 million users to show what's driving website success in 2026. Learn more: What is a website How to make a website Website features 13 elements that define a good website Clear intent and purpose Simple site navigation Engaging web design Cohesive branding Quality visuals Clear CTAs Relevant content Strategic Search Engine Optimization Good performance and infrastructure Easy accessibility Mobile friendly Security measures Credibility indicators Free website templates 01. Clear intent and purpose A good website instantly communicates its purpose. Know your audience and address their needs, interests and challenges directly. By understanding your target users, you can tailor your content and design to resonate with them effectively. For example, if you're looking to create a site to sell products, make selling your top priority. With every decision, ask yourself: Is this helping users buy my products? Defining a clear purpose takes time and will influence how long it takes to build your website. To get started, consider these factors to clarify your new website: Identify the primary goal for each page: Before you start designing or writing content, decide what you want the page to achieve. Is it to inform, to sell or to entertain? Keep this goal in mind throughout the creation process. Understand your audience: Know who you're talking to and what they're looking for. Use language that resonates with them and provide the information or solutions they need. Keep it focused: Don't overload your pages with too much information or too many calls to action. Stick to one main message per page to avoid confusing your visitors. Use headings and subheadings: Organize web content with clear headings that guide users through your page. This helps them quickly find what they're looking for. Test and get feedback: After launching a new website, gather feedback from users about their experience. Use this information to refine the intent of each page and make improvements. Learn more about how long does it take to build a website. 02. Simple site navigation A good navigation system can help boost engagement, conversion rates and user satisfaction. When visitors easily find what they need, they stay longer. Ensure any page on your site is within three clicks of another. A clearly displayed, well-structured menu and logical page hierarchy make navigation straightforward and enjoyable. Expert tip from Nitsan Eiges, Team Lead Technical SEO at Wix.com: "When it comes to making a good website it's worth considering building a plan for all your website pages from the start of the process. This means creating a clear website plan that includes your planned and potential future pages. This allows you to then build a url structure for your site that is clean and consistent. This in turn can also mean you avoid having to make fixes to your url structure later." Below are some key elements to consider when making sure that your website is easy to navigate: Keep the menu structure straightforward: Limit the number of items in your main navigation menu. Too many options can overwhelm visitors and make it hard to choose where to go next. Use descriptive labels: Make it clear what users will find when they click on a menu item. Avoid vague or clever labels that might confuse visitors. Include a search function: For larger websites, a search bar is essential. It allows users to quickly find specific content without having to navigate through multiple pages. Make sure navigation is consistent: Use the same menu layout across all pages. Consistency helps users learn how to navigate your site more quickly. Prioritize content: Arrange menu items based on their importance or relevance. Commonly sought-after pages like 'Contact' or 'Products' should be easy to find. 03. Engaging web design When it comes to what web design is, it isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an engaging experience for your visitors. A visually appealing site captures attention, keeps users engaged and encourages exploration. Aim for a unique, effective and user-focused design that stands out and delivers. Craft a website design that's both beautiful and functional with these best practices: Use a clean layout: A cluttered webpage or overdesigned site can be overwhelming. Stick to a clean layout with plenty of white space to make your content stand out and easy to read. Choose the right color scheme: Colors can influence how users feel about your website. Select a website color palette that reflects your brand and is pleasing to the eye. Select readable fonts: Your text should be easy to read across all devices. Use typography that is large enough and have high contrast against the background. Incorporate multimedia: Use images, videos and infographics to make your website dynamic and engaging. Ensure they’re relevant and add value. Visuals help users digest information more easily. A demo video can explain your product better than a long article. An infographic telling your brand story is much more engaging than plain text. Optimize for interaction: Design elements like buttons and links should be easy to find and use. Make sure they're sized appropriately for both desktop and mobile users. Wix's AI website builder helps you build websites quickly by using smart tools to create layouts, design pages and generate content tailored to your brand. Now you can move fluidly between prompt-driven creation with Wix Harmony and precise drag-and-drop editing. You’re never locked into one mode when vibe coding a website with Wix. 04. Cohesive branding Cohesive branding on your website is key to building trust and recognition with your audience. Ensure every element on your site mirrors your brand's values and aesthetics. Create a strong brand presence that resonates with visitors and sets you apart from competitors. Expert tip from Yaya Aaronsohn, Head of Brand Maker at Wix.com: "At its core, branding hinges on trust: think of it as a relationship between two individuals: the customer and the brand, which represents the business. Within this relationship, authenticity plays a critical role. It builds trust and creates emotional bonds. It fosters consistency, engagement and reduces reputation risks." Use these tips to learn how to make a professional website with cohesive branding and clear, polished design. Define your brand identity: Know your brand's colors, fonts and style. Make sure these elements are consistently used throughout the website. Use your logo strategically: Place your logo design in a prominent position on your site, like the header or footer and ensure it links back to the homepage. Create a brand style guide: A style guide can serve as a reference for maintaining consistency across all pages and elements of your website. Align content with your brand voice: The tone and language of your content should match your brand personality, whether it's professional, friendly or quirky. Be consistent with imagery: Use images that complement each other and align with your brand message. Consistency in visuals reinforces brand identity. 05. Quality visuals Quality visuals are key to an effective website. They convey information quickly, evoke emotions and enhance your site's look. Create a visually appealing website that helps improve user experience. Here's how to ensure your website's visuals are up to par: Use high-resolution images: Blurry or pixelated images can make your site look unprofessional. Always opt for high-quality, crisp visuals. PNG works well for logos and graphics that need transparency, while photographs are better served by a compressed format. Be selective: Choose images that are relevant to your content and resonate with your brand message. Each visual should serve a purpose. Optimize for speed: Large image files can slow down your site. Compress them to reduce load times without sacrificing quality. Consider originality: Stock photos can be useful, but custom graphics or photos can set you apart and give your site a unique feel. Ensure accessibility: Use alt text for images so screen readers can describe them to visually impaired users, making your site more inclusive. 06. Clear CTAs Clear calls to action (CTAs) guide your visitors towards the actions you want them to take. Whether it's making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter or contacting your business, create clear and compelling CTAs to boost conversions and achieve your website's goals. Creating effective CTAs is simple and impactful with these tips: Use action-oriented language: Start your CTAs with verbs like 'Buy', 'Subscribe' or 'Learn' to encourage immediate action. Make them stand out: CTAs should be visually distinct from other elements on the page. Use colors that contrast with your design to draw attention. Keep it concise: Your CTA text should be brief and to the point, clearly stating what will happen when it's clicked. Place them strategically: Position CTAs where they're most likely to catch the user's attention, such as above the fold or at the end of relevant content. Test different versions: Experiment with different CTA designs and placements to see what works best for your audience. 07. Relevant website content Relevant content is the backbone of a good website. It's what draws visitors in and keeps them coming back for more. By prioritizing relevance in your website's content, you'll attract the right audience and encourage them to engage with your brand. To ensure your website's content is on point, here are some actionable tips: Know your audience: Understand who you're writing for and what they care about. Tailor your content to meet their needs and interests and use appropriate language for their knowledge level. Stay on topic: Keep your content focused on subjects that relate to your brand and industry. This helps establish your authority and keeps users engaged. Update regularly: Fresh content can help improve your SEO rankings and shows visitors that you're active and up-to-date. Be helpful: Provide value through informative, educational or entertaining content. Solve problems, answer questions or share insights. Optimize for SEO: Use relevant keywords naturally within your content to improve visibility on search engines without compromising readability. Quality over quantity: It's better to have a few high-quality, relevant pages than many low-quality ones. Prioritize quality and relevance in all your content. 08. Strategic Search Engine Optimization Building a visually appealing and user-friendly website is just the start. Your site needs to attract web traffic. Strategic SEO makes your website discoverable by search engines and your target audience. Focus on SEO practices to boost your site's ranking in search results, increasing traffic and driving business growth. Expert tip from Mordy Oberstein, Head of SEO Branding at Wix.com: "Leveraging SEO and integrating it into the website creation process is vital. Various studies have shown that organic search is the single greatest provider of traffic to websites, with that being even more pronounced within the B2B context. To that, traffic from organic search, when done correctly is essentially built to last (with proper maintenance over time, of course) and forms a crucial part of a site's long-term growth." Beyond traditional rankings, well-structured content with clear headers and direct answers also improves your chances of being surfaced in AI-generated results like ChatGPT or Google AI Overviews. Implement these SEO features to help improve your site's visibility and ranking: Conduct keyword research: Identify the terms and phrases your audience uses to search for your products or services. Incorporate these keywords into your content naturally. Optimize meta tags: Craft descriptive and keyword-rich meta titles and descriptions for each page to improve click-through rates from search engine results pages. Create quality content: Search engines favor websites that provide valuable and relevant content. Focus on creating high-quality original articles, start a blog and include product descriptions. Optimize images: Add relevant keywords in image alt tags and file names and ensure they are web-size-optimized so they don’t slow your website down. Use an image resizer to reduce the size of your images. Improve site structure: Ensure your website has a logical hierarchy and clean URL structure. This makes it easier for search engines to crawl and index your pages. Build backlinks: Obtain links from reputable websites to boost your site's authority. Guest blogging, partnerships and creating shareable content are effective tactics. Local SEO: If you have a physical location, ensure your website is optimized for local searches by including location-specific keywords and setting up a Google Business Profile. Add structured data: Also often known as schema or markup this helps search engines better understand your content and the intent behind it. 09. Good performance and website infrastructure Prioritize your website's performance to improve the user experience, engagement and search engine rankings. A well-performing website offers a smooth and enjoyable experience, encouraging visitors to stay longer and engage more with your content. Expert tip from Esin D. Habif, Product Marketing Lead Outbound at Wix.com: "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" Here's how to ensure your website performs at its best: Optimize loading times: Compress images to AVIF, a modern format that's smaller and faster-loading than older formats like WebP, for optimal website performance and use caching to speed up page load times. Wix optimizes and compresses images automatically, ensuring fast-loading pages that keep users happy and reduce bounce rates. Good page speed is an essential part of any great website. Ensure high uptime: Choose a reliable hosting provider to minimize the risk of your site going down. High uptime rates are crucial for maintaining accessibility. Mobile optimization: With more users on mobile devices, ensure your site is responsive and loads quickly on all screen sizes. Regularly update software: Keep your content management system, plugins and scripts up to date to prevent performance lags or security vulnerabilities. Wix, for example, does this automatically for all sites built on the Wix platform. Monitor performance: Use tools like Wix Analytics or Google PageSpeed Insights to track your website's performance and make necessary adjustments. Web hosting plan: Choose a hosting website that can handle your website's traffic and technical demands. Consider upgrading as your site grows. Wix offers secure, scalable web hosting built in when you create your website. 10. Easy accessibility Understanding web accessibility is key to fostering inclusivity, meeting legal standards, enhancing user experience and future-proofing your site. Ensuring website accessibility isn't just about inclusivity, it's about reaching a broader audience and improving overall user satisfaction. Build a site that’s welcoming and usable for everyone, regardless of their abilities or limitations. Expert tip from Nir Horesh, Head of SEO & Accessibility at Wix.com: "We should “design websites with accessibility” at the start of a business. With Wix, users can create a website with accessibility settings built right into the Editor, ensuring your content and design comply with the global standards. Wix's Accessibility Wizard then scans the website for accessibility issues and suggests fixes." Use these tips to make your website is accessible to everyone: Use alt text for images: Describe images with alt text so screen readers can interpret them for visually impaired users. Create a proper heading structure: Make sure your website headings follow a logical order and are tagged correctly. This helps users with assistive technology, like screen readers, understand the page structure and purpose easily. Ensure keyboard navigation: Some users rely on keyboards, rather than a mouse, to navigate websites. Make sure all interactive elements are accessible via keyboard. Choose legible fonts: Select fonts that are easy to read and have adjustable sizes to accommodate users with visual impairments. Provide transcripts for audio and video: Transcripts help users who are deaf or hard of hearing understand multimedia content. Test for color contrast: Ensure there is sufficient contrast between text and background colors to aid users with color vision deficiencies. Perform accessibility testing: Use accessibility checkers to identify and fix any issues. Consider having your website evaluated by users with disabilities for feedback. Check the live site, not just the editor: Wix's Accessibility Monitor reports the accessibility status of your published site from the dashboard and links straight into the Accessibility Wizard so you can fix what it finds. 11. Mobile friendly Most people access the web on smartphones and tablets, so having a mobile-friendly website is essential. A poorly performing mobile site frustrates users and negatively impacts your brand. Mobile users want quick, easy access to information and services. A mobile-optimized site meets these expectations, providing a seamless experience on any device. Focus on mobile-friendly elements to enhance the browsing experience, leading to increased engagement and conversion rates. Follow these steps to cater your site to mobile users: Touch-friendly navigation: Design buttons and links large enough to be easily tapped with a finger. Fast loading times: Optimize images and minimize code to accelerate loading times on mobile devices. Use responsive layouts: Build with layouts that adapt to screen width rather than fixed pixel widths, so the same page works on a phone, a tablet and a desktop without a separate mobile site. Test on multiple devices: Regularly check your site on various devices to ensure compatibility and a consistent user experience design. 12. Security measures Preventing a security breach is more affordable than dealing with the aftermath. Strengthen your website's defenses against potential threats to ensure a safer environment for you and your users. Prioritize protecting users’ personal information with multi-factor authentication, SSL certificates and secure hosting. Enhance your website security with these tools: Use HTTPS: Secure your website with an SSL certificate. This encrypts data transferred between the user's browser and your website, protecting sensitive information. Keep software updated: Regularly update your content management system, plugins and any scripts you're using to patch security vulnerabilities. Implement strong passwords: Use complex passwords for your website's backend and encourage users to do the same for their accounts. Regular backups: Regularly backup your website so you can quickly restore it in case of a cyberattack or data loss. Conduct security audits: Identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. This proactive approach keeps your system safe and secure. 13. Credibility indicators and testimonials Credibility indicators on your website can greatly influence how users perceive your business's trustworthiness. When potential customers see that others have had positive experiences with your brand, it boosts their confidence in making a choice. Include these indicators to reassure visitors of your legitimacy and expertise, helping to convert them into customers. Here's how to establish and showcase credibility on your site: Display contact information: Make it easy for visitors to find your contact details. This transparency builds trust. Showcase customer testimonials: Share positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers to demonstrate the value of your products or services. Highlight certifications and awards: If you have industry certifications, accreditations or awards, display them prominently. Add a press section: Picked up any local, national or international media coverage? Make sure your visitors know about it. Like nonprofit Land of Lovies, which used the attention of big media outlets like CNN and NBC to create an eye-catching press section on its homepage. Publish case studies: Detailed case studies can show potential customers the tangible results you've achieved for others. Maintain an active blog: Regularly updated content shows expertise in your field and helps establish authority. Common website challenges and how to fix them Visitors leave too quickly Slow loading pages or a cluttered design drive users away before they even see what you offer. Large uncompressed images, unnecessary animations or complex menus can overwhelm visitors in seconds. Streamline your layout with plenty of white space, optimize images for fast loading and use a simple consistent menu structure. For example, an online store could feature featured products above the fold with a clear menu linking to categories. Even subtle tweaks make a difference. Use descriptive headings so users know exactly what each section offers and make buttons easy to find and tap especially on mobile. Adding a “back to top” button or sticky navigation helps users stay oriented and explore without frustration. These small changes keep people engaged longer and reduce bounce rates. Low conversions Visitors may browse your site but never take action if CTAs are unclear or forms are too complicated. Replace vague buttons like “Click Here” with action-oriented text such as “Get Your Free Quote” or “Book Your Session.” Place CTAs where users are already engaged like after reading a product description or at the end of a helpful article. Test different designs to see what drives results. For instance, A/B testing a bright orange “Subscribe Now” button versus a standard blue one could reveal which color converts better. Simplify forms by only asking for essential information, since fewer fields often lead to more sign-ups or inquiries. Poor SEO performance Even the most beautiful website won’t attract visitors if search engines can’t find it. Failing to include relevant keywords, meta descriptions or alt text keeps your pages buried. Conduct keyword research and naturally weave target terms into headings, image tags and body text. A local bakery, for example, could optimize pages with keywords like “fresh bread delivery [city name]” to appear in nearby searches. Site structure matters too. Clean URLs, internal linking and an organized hierarchy make it easier for search engines to crawl your site. Use a sitemap and structured data markup so search engines understand your content. Security and trust concerns Users hesitate to share information on a site that feels unsafe. Without SSL certificates, secure passwords or clear contact details, visitors may bounce. Enable HTTPS, regularly update plugins and software and add multi-factor authentication for backend access. For example, an ecommerce site showing a padlock icon at checkout signals safety and builds confidence. Trust can also be visual. Include testimonials, case studies and recognizable certifications prominently. A small graphic showing “As Featured In” logos or a verified review badge reassures visitors instantly. Regularly backing up your site ensures you can recover quickly from issues without affecting user experience. Outdated or irrelevant content Stale content makes a site feel abandoned. Visitors expect up-to-date information, whether it’s blog posts, product descriptions or pricing. Regularly refresh content, highlight seasonal offerings and keep visuals current. A café could update its menu page each season with photos of new drinks or dishes. Content relevance also means solving current user problems. FAQs, how-to guides or tutorials help visitors engage while boosting SEO. For instance, a fitness brand could add short workout videos to complement articles about healthy habits, keeping users on the site longer and returning for new resources. Keeping content current gets easier when updating doesn't mean opening the editor. The Wix MCP server allows developers and business owners to build, manage and operate Wix projects through AI prompts, so a seasonal menu change or a new blog post can start as a sentence typed into an AI client you already use. Accessibility issues Some users can’t interact with a site because it isn’t designed inclusively. Missing alt text, poor contrast or small clickable areas create barriers. Add descriptive alt text for images, ensure sufficient color contrast and use larger touch-friendly buttons. A travel blog could label images of destinations clearly for screen readers, allowing all users to enjoy the content. Headings and keyboard navigation make pages easier to scan. Proper heading structure helps screen readers guide users logically and ensuring every button and form field is accessible via keyboard improves usability. Testing your site with accessibility tools or real users can reveal issues you may have missed and make your website welcoming to everyone. What makes a good website FAQ How often should I update my website? There’s no strict rule for how often to update a website, it depends on your business type and industry. However, refreshing your content every few months is a good practice to keep it relevant. Regularly check for broken links or outdated information that might need quicker updates. The goal is to provide users with accurate, up-to-date information and show that your site is actively maintained. How important is user feedback on a website? User feedback is invaluable for enhancing a website's user experience and effectiveness. It helps businesses understand user interactions and identify areas for improvement. By actively seeking and considering feedback, you can continuously evolve your website to meet your audience's needs and preferences. Positive customer testimonials also boost credibility, serving as social proof for potential customers. What is the ideal website load time? The ideal website load time is 2-3 seconds or less. The longer a website takes to load, the more likely users are to leave. Slow loading times can also hurt search engine rankings and user experience. To boost your website load time, optimize images, minimize code and use a reliable hosting provider. Regular testing and monitoring can help spot and fix any issues. A faster website keeps users engaged and increases your chances of converting them into customers. What pitfalls do businesses need to avoid when designing their sites? When designing a website, avoid common pitfalls to ensure an effective, user-friendly experience. Keep the design clean to prevent overwhelming visitors. Ensure clear navigation so users can easily find what they need. Maintain consistent branding to strengthen your identity. Optimize for mobile responsiveness to cater to mobile users. Improve loading times to reduce bounce rates and enhance user experience. By avoiding these issues, you create a website that effectively represents your brand and meets your audience's needs. Regular evaluation and updates keep your site effective over time. What are the top needs and wants of website visitors? Website visitors have varying needs and wants based on their goals, but common expectations include easy navigation, relevant information, visual appeal, mobile responsiveness and fast loading times. They want to quickly find what they need without navigating through multiple pages. Visitors expect up-to-date and useful information to solve their problems. Engaging designs and high-quality visuals make sites memorable. With the rise in mobile use, users expect mobile-optimized sites. Fast loading times are crucial; slow sites can lead to high bounce rates and a poor user experience. Who builds websites? There are various options for building a website, including hiring a professional website designer or using DIY website builders. Professional web designers have expertise in creating custom websites tailored to your business needs, but they can be more expensive. DIY website builders, like Wix, offer customizable templates, user-friendly interfaces and tutorials on how to use Wix, making it easier for individuals with limited technical knowledge to create their own site at a lower cost. Additionally, some businesses may choose to build their own websites utilizing coding skills or by outsourcing to freelance developers. How much will I need to spend on a website? How much does a website cost is based on the type, complexity and features you need. Hiring a professional web designer or agency for a custom site can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. DIY website builders have monthly fees from $10-$40. Freelance developers' rates differ based on their experience and skill. Research your options and consider your budget to find the best approach for your business's website. How does good website content contribute to its effectiveness? Good content is clear, relevant and engaging, addressing the audience’s needs while reflecting the brand’s voice. It improves SEO, builds trust and keeps visitors on the site for longer. Regular content updates, compelling calls-to-action and multimedia elements like videos or images enhance website content effectiveness. How important is navigation in defining a good website? Clear and intuitive navigation is vital for a good website, as it helps users quickly find the information they need. Logical menu structures, search functionality and consistent design elements reduce frustration, improve engagement and guide visitors toward key actions, such as making purchases or contacting support. How much does it cost to build a good website? It depends on how you build it. With a website builder like Wix, you can start for free and upgrade to a Premium plan from $17/month to connect a custom domain and remove ads. Hiring a designer or developer usually costs more upfront.

Turn your ideas into a website → | Claim your domain → Your customers already spend much of their day on their phones. People check their phones an average of 58 times a day, according to Exploding Topics, so an app puts your business one tap away. The fastest way to get there is often an app builder that turns your website into an app for iOS and Android without code. This guide covers your options, from no-code builders to native development, and how to choose. Choose a website builder that's flexible, powerful and easy to use. Wix is trusted by millions of people to create beautiful websites for their businesses, projects and ideas. Try it for yourself and see what you can build. TL;DR: How to turn your website into an app Turning your website into an app gives customers a faster way to reach you and lets you send push notifications. You can use a no-code app builder, a hybrid app or native development, depending on your budget, timeline and the features you need. You'll learn: 3 ways to turn your website into an app How to build an app with Wix How to choose between iOS and Android What to consider before you start Why do you need a mobile app? Mobile applications offer a long list of benefits for both businesses and customers. They are especially relevant for companies that deal with frequent, repeat purchases or offer service booking systems, such as restaurants, ecommerce stores, gyms and salons. Learn more: Benefits of a mobile app Wix mobile app How to build a web app Types of websites Below are some of the reasons why you should consider making your website an app. Improved user experience More than half of consumers (56%) reportedly become repeat buyers after a personalized shopping experience. Apps offer a user-friendly, easily navigable interface and personalized experiences that users can access immediately upon download. Businesses can also use customer engagement data from apps to provide updates and recommend products. “An app provides a direct access point from the home screen of a mobile device, and a native app experience is typically slicker and faster than a comparable web experience,” says Cathy Boyle, principal analyst at eMarketer. Consumer demands A whopping 92.3% of people access the internet via their phones, compared to 65.6% of internet users who use a laptop or desktop computer. While professional websites establish an online presence for website monetization by converting users into customers, an app can help you retain those customers and engage them on the devices where they spend the most time. Search engine optimization (SEO) Google rolled out mobile-first indexing in 2018 in response to the growing number of people accessing the internet from their smartphones. The search engine wants to provide the most helpful search results to users, so Google now ranks websites based on mobile website content instead of desktop. This applies to apps, too. Once Google detects a search conducted from a smartphone or tablet, it will also display “app packs,” or a group of three to six apps that the user may find relevant, in search results. You can use this feature to strategically get eyes on your business’s app and potentially field new customers. Customer relationships Having your own mobile app allows you to directly reach out to your customers. You can send push notifications when something new or exciting is happening in your business, such as a sale, a new product launch or an upcoming event. These interactions are incredibly effective for encouraging customers to come back and engage with your app, as well as strengthening your brand. Integration with smartphones and tablets Apps can also integrate with other useful phone features, like contacts, location and camera, to provide a seamless user experience. Learn more: Website vs. mobile app How to make a website into an app or build a standalone app with Wix Once you’ve mastered the ropes of how to make a website, you can create an app with Wix’s mobile app builder that suits both iOS and Android. The builder integrates with your website, creating your app from your existing content. Alternatively, you can create a standalone app first using Wix’s AI for apps, then create a site to complement it later. You can also explore Wix Nano on iOS or Android, a lightweight way to build small, standalone mobile experiences in seconds using AI. Expert tip from Noa Eiland, head of mobile apps at Wix: “Users can now create a custom native mobile app using the AI chat experience by simply describing their goals and visions and AI does the work.” Creating an app for an existing website (via the app builder) If you want to create an app to complement an existing website, follow the steps below. Go to Mobile App in your Wix dashboard and click the “Your own mobile app” tab. Click Get Started, then enter your app's name (see these app name ideas) and upload an image as your app icon. Choose a theme, a preset combination of colors and fonts, then pick a navigation layout: a bottom tab bar or a top tab bar. Scan the QR code to preview your app in the Wix app, then click Continue to Edit App to customize your layout and content. When your app is ready, upgrade to a Mobile App Premium plan. Building and customizing your app is free, but publishing it to the App Store and Google Play requires this plan. Register for Apple Developer and Google developer accounts and add your store listing information, following the steps in your mobile app dashboard. Submit your app for approval. Wix reviews it first, then forwards it to Apple and Google for their review before it goes live in their stores. Creating a standalone app (via AI) Wix’s AI for apps is currently only available when creating a new, standalone app. To get started, follow the steps below. From the app builder welcome page, click “Build Your App.” On the next page, select “Create an app from scratch.” From here, you’ll see an option to bring your app to life with AI. Click “Start Chat.” Answer the questions that appear on the screen. The AI will ask you about your business and vision for your app, including what you want to call it and the main purpose for building it. Based on your answers, the AI app builder will create an app profile outlining your goals, core functionality and more. If all looks good, click “Generate App” at the end of the chat. Within seconds, you’ll receive a mockup of a mobile app. You’ll have the option to further customize your app (e.g., add new design elements, widgets or screens). Play around in the mobile app editor as long as you’d like and preview any changes. Note that under the “Advanced Customization” menu, you’ll find a QR code. Once scanned with a phone, you’ll be able to preview your app from the Wix App, where you can see how your app looks and feels on a mobile device. When you're ready to publish, upgrade to a Mobile App Premium plan, connect your Apple and Google developer accounts and submit your app. Wix reviews it first, then sends it to Apple and Google for approval, and your app stays synced with your site and dashboard. Methods for making your website an app When converting your website into an app, you must consider what type of app you want to develop. There are two main types of mobile apps that you can create: native and hybrid. Native apps are built for a specific mobile platform, such as Android or iOS. Hybrid apps are web-based applications that use a combination of multiple languages, such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript code to create an app-like experience. Once you’ve decided which type of app is right for your needs, here are the main methods you can use to transform your website into an app: 01. Website-to-app builders Website-to-app builders are an excellent choice for an efficient and straightforward way to turn your site into an app. Wix's app builder simplifies the process by pulling content from your Wix site, so you can customize your app's name, icon, theme and layout and then submit it to the app stores. These builders use WebView technology to load your website’s content in an app-friendly format. This makes it simple for your site to transition into an app interface without requiring extensive technical work or resources. Whether you’re looking to build an app for a small business or just test the waters of app creation, website-to-app builders offer an affordable way to get started fast. 02. Native app development If advanced features and full customization are your priority, native app development is worth considering. By building apps specifically for platforms like iOS and Android, native apps can utilize device features like notifications, cameras and location services seamlessly. However, this method requires an experienced development team and more time to create separate versions of the app for each platform. Native app development is best suited for businesses that require a highly polished app with robust features and have the resources to support complex development. 03. Hybrid app development Hybrid app development offers a balance between native and web solutions, enabling developers to write one codebase that works on multiple platforms. Hybrid apps require API integration to sync your app with your website’s backend for features like user logins or order tracking. While they might lack some of the refinement of native apps, hybrid apps are a cost-efficient choice for businesses that want broader platform accessibility without the expense of developing two separate apps. Website-to-app builder Hybrid app Native app Coding needed None Some (one codebase) Yes (one per platform) Time to launch Fastest Medium Slowest Cost Lowest Medium Highest Device features Core features Most Full access Best for Small businesses with a website Teams wanting both stores on a budget Complex apps with custom features If you’d rather build from scratch, an AI-powered web app builder like Base44 can generate a complete web app from a single text prompt, with frontend, database and backend included. Choosing a mobile operating system You can feature your app on two primary platforms: iOS, Apple’s mobile operating system; and Android, the Linux-based system that sells apps on Google Play. Most smartphones and tablets run on one of these operating systems. Using platforms like Wix, you can create an app that’s compatible with both iOS and Android at the same time without having to write a single line of code. That way, your app can reach both markets no matter what type of device they have. Alternatively, you can hire a developer to design your app or use a program that only designs for a single platform. Before deciding which path is best for you, consider these points: Your target market. Android and iOS users have different consumer profiles. While Android devices have the greatest global market share, more users in Western Europe, Australia and North America use iOS. iPhone users also have a 43.7% higher average salary than Android users, and both Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to be iPhone users. Android is an open-source platform. When it comes to app development, Android’s platform offers flexibility. In contrast, Apple’s App Store requires approval before featuring apps to make sure they meet the platform’s strict guidelines. Time. iOS apps are built with Swift and Android apps mostly with Kotlin or Java. Building natively for both platforms means maintaining two codebases, which takes more time. Examples of websites that were made into apps A significant number of the most popular mobile apps today started as web-based platforms. Here are some examples of popular websites that have been developed into apps: Facebook is perhaps the most iconic example of a website that has been turned into an app. The Facebook app provides users with easy access to their news feed, messages and notifications, as well as allowing them to easily upload photos, update their status and more. Netflix was originally founded as a DVD service, but its early vision of streaming services potential turned into a Hollywood disruptor that has completely changed the way we consume media content. With its mobile app, users can access an extensive library of films and TV shows from their smartphones or tablets and watch any time from anywhere. Google Maps is another popular example of a web-based service that has been converted into an app. Using this mobile app, users can access detailed maps of their area, as well as directions and navigation services. Amazon is one of the most popular ecommerce websites, and it has an app that makes shopping on the go easier than ever. The app provides quick access to product listings, reviews and purchase options. It also offers features like Amazon Prime and Amazon Alexa. Uber’s success would be far from what it is today if it hadn’t turned its web-based service into an app. By offering a mobile native platform, the ride-sharing company is able to make it much easier for users to order a ride from their mobile devices at any point in time, leading them to become one of public transportation’s biggest competitors. Best app builder features to look out for If you decide to opt for using an app builder instead of hiring a developer, there are several features you should look out for: Intuitive user interface with guided steps that make sense and are easy to navigate. Customization tools that allow you to tailor the design of your app according to your own preferences and needs. Device compatibility that supports your target market and goals. Seamless app and website sync that ensures your online presence is synchronized without requiring double the time and effort. Automatic updates so that your mobile app works with the latest operating system versions. Top features of a great app Feature Why it matters Fast performance Users expect apps to load quickly and respond instantly Simple, intuitive UX A clean interface keeps users engaged and encourages repeat use Offline functionality Let users access key content even without an internet connection Push notifications Helps you re-engage users and share timely updates or offers Brand consistency Reinforces trust and recognition across all digital touchpoints Personalized experiences Tailors content and interactions based on user behavior or preferences Secure user data Protects privacy and builds credibility, especially if you collect payments App store optimization Improves visibility and downloads in Apple and Google Play app stores Key factors when making your website into an app Turning your website into an app is an exciting step, but there are a few important things to consider before you jump in. Here’s what you need to know: Think about complexity How hands-on do you want to get? Native apps are typically the most complex type of application to develop as they must be custom-built for each mobile platform. They require a significant time investment and resources to ensure that they work on all desired devices. They can also access device features like your phone’s camera, contacts and accelerometer. The downside of native apps is that they can take longer to develop and require more maintenance than a hybrid app. Hybrid apps are easier to create as they use a blend of native and web solutions. This makes the development process simpler and quicker than native apps since the code can be used for multiple platforms. However, hybrid apps may not have access to all the features of a device, such as a camera or GPS, and they may also not look as polished as native apps. On the opposite end of the spectrum, website-to-app builders are designed to simplify the entire process. These tools offer intuitive platforms where you can easily turn your existing website into a functioning app in less time and with far less technical effort. For those who don’t want to stress over coding and development, they’re a game-changer. Keep cost in mind Your budget plays a big role in deciding the best approach for your app. If you’re looking for an affordable solution, website-to-app builders are the way to go, helping you create an app without blowing your budget. Native apps tend to be the most expensive to develop because they require custom builds for each platform and specialized expertise. Hybrid apps come with a more reasonable price tag since they use shared code across platforms. Consider how much control you need You’ll need to ensure that the look and feel of the app are consistent with your website, including all of its colors, fonts, logos, images and other elements. Additionally, the user interface must be easy to use and intuitive so that users can quickly find what they need without struggling. If customization is a priority, native apps give you the most flexibility. You can fully tailor the user experience and access advanced device features like the camera or GPS. Hybrid apps offer good customization, but website-to-app builders stick to the essentials. They make it simple to get an app up and running, which is ideal for businesses looking for a no-fuss solution. Performance matters Another consideration to keep in mind is the functionality of the site. This includes making sure that all the website content is displayed properly and that features available on your site can be replicated and improved upon in the mobile app. Native apps take the top spot for speed and responsiveness since they’re built specifically for each platform. Hybrid apps perform well too, though they might not be as sleek as native apps. Website-to-app builders are great for usability, but their reliance on WebView technology can sometimes lead to slight performance limitations. How to make a website an app FAQ Can you convert a website to an app? Yes. You can convert a website into a mobile app by wrapping it in native app code or turning it into a Progressive Web App (PWA). Many website builders and third-party tools let you package your existing site as an app for iOS or Android without rebuilding everything from scratch. How to make a website an app for free? You can turn an existing Wix website into an app with the app builder. Building and customizing your app is free; to publish it in the App Store and Google Play, you need a Mobile App Premium plan. The app builder includes clear step-by-step instructions for getting started and automatically syncs any app activity with your site and dashboard. How do you create mobile apps that make money? Start by choosing a strong value proposition, then add revenue streams that fit your users’ needs. Common models include in-app purchases, subscriptions, paid downloads, ads, affiliate links or selling physical or digital products. The apps that earn the most focus on solving a clear problem, delivering ongoing value and offering seamless user experiences that encourage repeat engagement. What is a PWA? A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a website that behaves like an app. Users can install it on their home screen, use it offline and enjoy app-like speed and interactions, all without downloading it from an app store. What are the pros and cons of a PWA compared to a native app? A PWA is easier and faster to build than a native app, works across devices and doesn’t require an app store submission. It can also work offline and updates automatically for all users. However, PWAs have limitations. They offer less access to device hardware, can feel less polished than fully native apps and may not perform all features consistently across platforms, especially on iOS. They’re also less discoverable than native apps that appear in app stores. What are the advantages of a mobile app over a website? A mobile app offers faster performance, deeper personalization and better access to device features like push notifications, camera, GPS and offline mode. This creates a more seamless, immersive experience that can boost engagement, retention and conversions.

Turn your ideas into a website → | Claim your domain → To make a website mobile-friendly, design for the smallest screen first, keep pages fast and make every tap easy to hit. A mobile website builder handles most of that for you, so visitors find what they need wherever they are. Whether you're just learning or improving a site you already run, this guide covers what mobile website design actually requires, with 18 practical tips and a way to test the result on real devices. Choose a website builder that's flexible, powerful and easy to use. Wix is trusted by millions of people to create beautiful websites for their businesses, projects and ideas. Try it for yourself and see what you can build. TL;DR: How to make a website mobile-friendly A mobile-friendly website adapts its layout to the screen it opens on, loads quickly on a phone connection and lets visitors read and tap without zooming. The fastest route is a responsive template, compressed images and thumb-sized tap targets. Wix has over 2000 pre-designed, fully customizable and mobile-optimized website templates. You'll learn: What makes a site mobile-friendly and how responsive and adaptive design differ 18 tips covering speed, images, forms, navigation and buttons How to test your site and which tools to use What is a mobile friendly site? A mobile-friendly website is easy to access and navigate on smartphones or tablets. With mobile devices generating more than half of all web page views worldwide, it’s no longer optional. It’s a must. These sites keep things simple for smaller screens, load fast and work smoothly, even with slower internet. When it comes to making a website mobile friendly, there’s more than one way to do it. Some sites use fast-loading AMP pages, others go the app-like route with PWAs. You might also come across separate mobile sites or dynamic serving. But in most cases, it comes down to one key decision: responsive vs adaptive design. Responsive design adjusts your layout to fit any screen size, keeping things simple with one flexible site. Adaptive design takes a different path, showing a custom version of your site based on the device. Both work well. Responsive design offers flexibility across devices while adaptive design provides more control over how your site appears on different screen sizes. Learn how to make a responsive website. Learn more: How to make a website Mobile website design 18 easy tips to make your website mobile-friendly Here’s how you can create a mobile-friendly website that works perfectly on both mobile and desktop using a mobile website builder. These tips are easy to follow and will help you deliver a smooth experience for every visitor. Start with a mobile-first approach Choose a mobile-responsive template Meet Core Web Vitals on mobile Improve the site’s speed Use fonts that are easy to read Optimize images for mobile viewing Space out your links Implement the viewport meta tag Shorten forms and disable autocorrect Avoid large chunks of text Strategize CTA buttons Incorporate a search function Declutter your web design Make the website compatible with both orientations Simplify navigation Eliminate text-blocking ads and pop-ups Provide an option to switch to desktop view Test the website on real mobile devices 01. Start with a mobile-first approach A mobile first design focuses on designing user experiences for mobile devices before adapting them for desktop. By tailoring design and development for mobile initially, you ensure your website is optimized for smaller screens and remains responsive as display size increases. With this approach, you prioritize the needs of your mobile users, who are likely the majority of your audience. 02. Choose a mobile-responsive template A responsive layout allows your website to adjust its size to suit the user's device. It can switch between screen sizes, showing relevant content while adjusting the design, like moving from a two-column website layout on a computer to one-column on a phone. If you use a responsive design, it shouldn't slow down loading times when changing to different screens. A responsive website can boost search engine optimization (SEO) because Google favors mobile-friendly sites in search results. Google's algorithms prioritize mobile-rendered webpages for ranking, upping the ante for mobile-friendly websites. For those new to website building or less tech-savvy, Wix offers customizable website templates with built-in mobile-friendly capabilities. They also offer responsive website templatesfrom Wix Studio. Wix provides an intuitive website builder with drag and drop editing. Wix delivers an AI website builder that shortens your time to launch. Once your site is built, you can switch to mobile view in the Wix Editor to rearrange, resize or hide elements for mobile only, without changing your desktop design. 03. Meet Core Web Vitals on mobile Google measures real mobile experience through Core Web Vitals, which cover how fast the main content appears, how quickly the page responds to a tap and how much the layout shifts while loading. Mobile scores usually trail desktop because phones run on slower connections and less processing power, so check the mobile tab specifically instead of assuming a good desktop score carries over. 04. Improve the site’s speed A website's page load speed is the time it takes for a page to fully load when a visitor goes to that site. Optimizing the load speed is crucial for improving user experience, as slow loading times can drive away visitors and hurt conversions. High speed may influence rankings, so it's important to take necessary steps to boost your website speed. Check your website load time using free tools like Google's PageSpeed Insights. If you notice it's a bit slow, here are some suggestions to help speed things up: Reduce the number of redirects: Clicking on a URL usually leads the server to redirect you to the intended page. Each redirect delays the page load speed as the browser needs to request the server for each one. To speed things up, cut down on redirects. Simplify by using URL shorteners or linking directly to the page you want. Check your web hosting plan: The quality of hosting and servers significantly impacts your website's performance. Opt for a fast and dependable hosting website to ensure your website runs at its best speed. Wix offers secure, scalable web hosting built in when you create your website. 05. Use fonts that are easy to read Choosing clear, simple fonts helps users on the go easily digest your content, boosting readability and engagement with your site. Plus, a good font selection enhances your site's appearance, making it more professional and trustworthy. Check out these tips for choosing the best website font: Stick to standard fonts: Prevent delays caused by font downloads on visitors' browsers, which can slow down your website loading time, particularly on mobile. Adjust font size for mobile: The 16 pixel default that browsers use for body text is a safer floor than the 14 pixels some desktop guidelines still suggest. Test it on a mobile device to ensure legibility. Opt for black text over multiple colors: Ensure visibility, especially with varying backgrounds or outdoor light reflections. Utilize limited space effectively: On mobile, bold or capitalize text lines to prevent merging, as spacing out text and images like on desktops may not be feasible. 06. Optimize images for mobile viewing Mobile devices have limited bandwidth compared to desktops, so large image files can slow down loading times. Additionally, many mobile users have data restrictions, making smaller image sizes beneficial in conserving data usage. When working with mobile sites, the aim is to keep image sizes as small as possible without compromising quality. Here are some tips to help: Size your images: High-resolution images take up a lot of space causing slow load times. Wix automatically converts uploaded images to AVIF, which is around 50% smaller than WebP. You can also use an image resizer to reduce the file size so they load faster without negatively affecting the quality of what people see on the site. Adopt lazy loading: Loading all images on a page at once can slow down the initial page load, especially on pages with numerous images. Wix sites use lazy loading to load images only when they're about to come into view. This means images aren't loaded until the user scrolls to the area where the image is located. Use percentages instead of pixels: Having images set in fixed-pixel margins can lead to issues on smaller screens with different mobile resolutions. When images don't scale down properly, visitors might have to scroll horizontally as images exceed the screen width. 07. Space out your links When designing websites, think about how touch devices and mouse clicks work. Since fingers are thicker than desktop cursors, it's essential to space out links further apart on mobile sites to prevent misclicks. When you do link out to pages, try to only link to web pages that are also mobile-friendly for a seamless experience. 08. Implement the viewport meta tag If your page appears at the same width on your phone's small screen as it does on your desktop, viewers will scroll awkwardly from side to side to read each line of text and view different parts of the page. By using the viewport meta tag, you can manage the width and scaling of the viewport to ensure your website displays correctly on all devices. Wix sites ship with the standard responsive viewport tag, . That tells the browser to match the page width to the device width instead of shrinking a desktop layout, which is what stops visitors from pinching and zooming to read. 09. Shorten forms and disable autocorrect Typing on mobile devices can be a hassle, so it's best to keep forms on your site short and straightforward. Limit the number of fields required for form completion and utilize autofill options for common information like name and email address. If your website has forms requesting name or address details, a simple way to aid mobile users is by disabling autocorrect for each field. This avoids frustrating corrections that could slow down the form-filling process. 10. Avoid large chunks of text Reading large blocks of text on a mobile device can be overwhelming, leading to user frustration or disinterest in the content. To make your site more mobile-friendly, break text into small, easy-to-read paragraphs and use bullet points or numbering for easy scanning. Add relevant headers that help readers quickly spot key points or sections. Use white spacing to highlight key points, avoid cluttering text and give enough space between words and succeeding lines. 11. Strategize CTA buttons Buttons are essential website design elements, especially when prompting a call to action (CTA). Opting for larger buttons helps mobile users easily tap the screen and navigate between your site's pages. Since most mobile users navigate using their thumbs, buttons should be large enough to hit with a thumb. Consider these guidelines when designing buttons for a mobile-friendly website: Apply contrast: To enhance button visibility, consider using contrasting website color schemes. For example, opt for a light color for the button text, a dark color for the button itself and a contrasting color for the surrounding area. Another effective method is to introduce a different color for the button’s border. Optimize the button size: Buttons that are too small can be hard to press, while overly large buttons might take up too much space on a small screen. Keeping buttons around 10mm by 10mm ensures they stay readable and optimized for mobile users and their varying fingertip sizes. Maximize button position: Most people typically use their dominant thumb for interactive tapping. To make it user-friendly, position buttons within easy thumb reach, usually in the lower right part of the screen. 12. Incorporate a search function With limited screen space, it can be challenging to fit all your website's essential information on the mobile version. By including a search function, users can easily find what they're looking for without navigating through multiple pages. This also helps improve user experience and reduces frustration caused by endless scrolling or clicking numerous links. 13. Declutter your web design When designing a mobile website, make sure to keep it simple. Complex sites with a lot of information can be confusing on any screen, but they're especially tough for visitors on small screens to navigate. Stick to minimal text and images and ensure easy navigation. Follow these recommendations to streamline your mobile design: Prioritize critical functions: Present only the essential functions upfront, since those are what users actively seek. Avoid overcrowding a website with numerous calls to action on one page. Stick to the vital functions users would actively search for, like the contact form. Optimize menu design: Avoid long lists of options and features in menus. Instead, consider using a hamburger menu, a button that opens a longer menu. This approach saves space and reduces clutter, especially on smaller screens. Learn more: What is web design? 14. Make the website compatible with both orientations One of the advantages of mobile devices is being able to switch between portrait and landscape orientation. Ensure your website is designed to function correctly in both orientations, so users can comfortably navigate through your site no matter how they hold their device. 15. Simplify navigation When users grab their smartphones, they're usually after something specific, like a quick answer, a restaurant's address or a customer service number. In these cases, they want to find the information they need as fast and as easily as possible. Consider what your mobile visitors are hunting for and make sure it's easy to spot on your mobile homepage. Use analytics to know what mobile visitors seek. In Google Analytics, open Reports, then Tech, then Tech details, then switch the dimension to Device category to see how mobile visitors interact with your website. 16. Eliminate text-blocking ads and pop-ups Mobile users have limited screen space, so it becomes frustrating when ads block the webpage content they're trying to access. Text-blocking ads and pop-ups can also hinder navigation, making it difficult for users to find what they came for. Most visitors won't bother searching for the tiny X to close the pop-up. They’ll simply click away to another site. Instead, opt for minimal or no ads on your mobile website to provide a better user experience design. If you must use them for promotional purposes, do so strategically. Make sure the pop-up only appears when users have scrolled to the bottom of the page, not immediately upon landing. Additionally, ensure the close button is prominent enough for users to easily locate and click. Alternatively, consider using other website elements like a less obtrusive top banner for promotions, coupled with a reasonably sized close button. 17. Provide an option to switch to desktop view In some cases, mobile visitors may prefer to view your site in the traditional desktop layout. To accommodate these users, provide them with an option to switch to the standard view if needed. This can be achieved through a simple link at the bottom of the page or a toggle button on the menu. 18. Test the website on real mobile devices Regular testing is the best way to catch small issues that create a worse experience for your visitors. Every so often, pull up your website on your phone and tablet and spend some time browsing to see if anything’s hard to see or difficult to do. Be sure to test using both Android and iOS devices. With a Wix site, use the Editor to preview mobile and desktop views. You can also run the site through Google Lighthouse, which is built into Chrome DevTools and free to use. Google retired its own mobile-friendly test and now points site owners to Lighthouse instead. Expert tip from Dafna Rabin, Wix Templates design team lead: "I think it's important to check your website after you finish editing it. Publish it and check how it looks in the browser. Scroll through the site, check it on mobile devices and test it on different screen resolutions to ensure everything looks good and works properly." Is my website mobile friendly? Is your website really mobile friendly? A mobile-friendly site should look great, load fast and be simple to navigate on any phone or tablet. The easiest way to check is to open your site on different devices. Can you read text without zooming? Are buttons easy to tap? Does the layout adapt nicely to smaller screens? If you’re constantly adjusting your screen, it’s time for a mobile upgrade. You can also run your site through online tools that check loading speed and usability on phones and tablets. Testing across different browsers and devices can help uncover hidden issues affecting your visitors’ experience. Mobile compatibility testing Mobile compatibility means your website looks great and works seamlessly on any phone or tablet no matter the screen size or brand. It’s about making sure visitors don’t have to zoom in, squint or struggle to click around. Testing mobile compatibility helps you catch issues like messy layouts, tiny buttons or slow load times before your audience does. Here’s how to check if your site is mobile-friendly: Test it yourself: Grab a few phones and tablets to see how your site looks and feels firsthand. Use browser tools: Tools like Chrome DevTools let you preview your site on different screen sizes right from your computer. Try device testing services: Platforms like BrowserStack let you view your site on a huge range of real devices without needing to own them. Check loading speed: Use Google PageSpeed Insights to ensure your site loads quickly on mobile. Tap around: Test buttons, menus and forms on your phone to see if everything works smoothly with your fingers. Check different browsers: Make sure your site performs well on Safari, Chrome, Firefox and other mobile browsers. How to make a website mobile-friendly FAQ What's the difference between a website and a mobile website? A website is designed for viewing on a desktop or laptop computer, while a mobile website is optimized for viewing on the mobile web via smaller screens such as smartphones and tablets. Mobile websites often have simplified layouts and larger buttons to make navigation easier for users. Is an app better than a mobile website? It depends on your business and target audience. Apps offer a personalized and advanced experience, but not everyone is willing to download an app for every website they visit. A mobile-friendly website can reach a broader audience as it's accessible through any mobile browser. Learn more: Website vs mobile app How much does it cost to make a website mobile friendly? If you use a website builder like Wix you can make a mobile friendly website for free. Choose from a range of mobile friendly templates. Or make a fully responsive website on Wix Studio. How to adapt my website to be mobile friendly? Make sure your images are optimized to be mobile friendly. Wix automatically converts uploaded images to AVIF, for example. This can help with loading times and adjusting to different screen sizes. Build a mobile-friendly menu, such as a collapsible hamburger menu for mobile navigation. Increase your website's font sizes for readability on smaller devices and check buttons are large enough to be easily tapped from a phone or device. Test the website on various, actual devices to ensure compatibility. How can I test if my website is mobile-friendly? To test if your website is mobile-friendly, you can use several tools: Google's mobile-friendly test: Enter your URL for a quick analysis. Chrome DevTools: Use the device toolbar to simulate various mobile devices. Actually test on real mobile devices for authentic user experience. Should I create a separate mobile version of my site? Creating a separate mobile version of your site is generally not recommended. Instead, opt for a design that adapts to different screen sizes. This approach is more efficient, easier to maintain and preferred by search engines. What are some common mobile design mistakes to avoid? Common mobile design mistakes to avoid include: Non-responsive layouts Small, hard-to-tap buttons or links Unreadable font sizes Overloading pages with large images or videos Complex navigation menus Not optimizing for touch interactions Failing to prioritize content for mobile views Neglecting to test on various devices and browsers Using pop-ups that are difficult to close on mobile Slow loading times How should navigation be structured for mobile users? For mobile users, navigation should be simple and intuitive. Use a hamburger menu or collapsible navigation to save space. Prioritize key menu items and reduce the number of options. Use clear, tappable buttons and ensure sufficient spacing between clickable elements. How do I ensure my content is readable on smaller screens? For content readability on smaller screens: Use larger, legible fonts (minimum 16px) Increase line spacing for better separation Use short paragraphs and bullet points Implement ample white space Use high-contrast color schemes Avoid wide blocks of text Prioritize important content Use clear headings and subheadings Test on various devices What font sizes and types work best for mobile screens? For mobile screens, use: Font sizes: Body text: 16-18px minimum Headlines: 24-32px Subheadings: 18-24px Font types: Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica or Roboto for body text Serif fonts like Georgia for headlines (if desired)