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  • 100+ Art business name ideas to spark creativity

    Your name idea deserves a home. Secure your domain now → When it comes to starting an art business, it's no secret that there are countless decisions to make. Choosing the right business name  for your art business    is a key step in making your mark in the art world . If you sell prints, run a gallery or teach workshops, your name sets the tone for your style and shapes how collectors, clients or students see your work. Naming your art business just got a whole lot easier . The Wix Business Name Generator gives you custom, on-brand ideas fast—along with the tools to bring your idea to life. Choose an art business name that reflects your creative approach or vibe. For example, Orb Collective  suggests a modern gallery, Mud & Bloom  evokes earthy pottery and Pixel & Paint  works for a digital art studio. Focus on unique word pairings or unexpected twists. 100+ art business name ideas A successful art business name should possess several key qualities. It should be memorable, easy to pronounce and relevant to the type of art services you offer. Additionally, a catchy and distinctive name can help your craft business  stand out in a competitive market.  Unique art business names Catchy art business names Professional art business names Location-based art business names Modern art business names Timeless art business names Clever art business names Funny art business names Found the perfect name for your business? Lock in your domain before someone else does. A great art gallery name should reflect your style and the experience visitors can expect. A modern space could be Lume Gallery , an edgy one Neon Fold and a poetic gallery Silver Thread Gallery . Keep it memorable, avoid generic names and test it on friends or clients before finalizing. Unique art business names 1. ArtisticAlchemy Studio 2. HandmadeHarmony Arts 3. ArtisticAvenues Workshop 4. CreativeCanvas Studio 5. TextileTreasures Arts 6. ColorfulCraftworks 7. ArtisanAvenue Arts 8. WhimsicalWonders Studio 9. InnovativeInspirations 10. VelvetVibrance Arts 11. ArtisticAdventures Hub 12. RusticRendezvous Workshop 13. ArtisanAurora Arts 14. SereneSculptures Studio 15. InnovativeImpressions Catchy art business names 16. ArtisticAdventures Studio 17. WhimsicalWonders Workshop 18. CreativeCanvas Arts 19. VelvetVista Studio 20. CraftyCraftsmen Corner 21. RusticRoots Artistry 22. PalettePerfection Arts 23. UrbanArtistry Studio 24. EmberElegance Arts 25. PiquantPallet Studio 26. DelightfulDesigns Workshop 27. CraftyCanvas Arts 28. ArtisticAlchemy Hub 29. RusticRendezvous Studio 30. InnovativeInspirations Naming an art school? It needs to show off the creative journey you offer. Think FrameLab  for a modern experimental vibe, Art Sprout  for something playful and beginner-friendly and Lyris School of Design  if you're going for refined. Pick words that project energy inspiration or highlight your teaching style. Professional art business names 31. ArtisticArtisans Studio 32. CraftMasters Guild 33. ArtistryAtelier Arts 34. MasterpieceWorks 35. PrecisionArtisans 36. The Artistry Studio 37. Artisanal Creations 38. LuxeHandmade Arts 39. Artisan Craft Collective 40. Premier Artistry Studio 41. Crafters' Haven 42. PrimeArtistry Guild 43. EliteCraftsmen Oasis 44. Artistry Excellence 45. Crafting Legacy Location-based art business names 46. [City/Neighborhood] Art Studio 47. [City/Region] Creations Workshop 48. [City] Artisanal Arts 49. [City/State] Handmade Hub 50. [City/Neighborhood] Crafting Corner 51. [City] Artistry Marketplace 52. [City/Region] Creative Arts 53. [City/State] Craftsmen's Studio 54. [City/Neighborhood] Artistic Artistry 55. [City] Urban Craftsmanship Note: Replace [City] with your specific location. When naming your pottery business , focus on terms that relate to ceramics. You could highlight your clay type, glazing style or wheel-throwing techniques. For example, Terra Thread  evokes earthy pieces, Slip & Spin  references pottery methods and Arc Kiln  signals modern ceramics. Modern art business names 56. UrbanArtistry Studio 57. The Art Nexus 58. CreativeCanvas Workshop 59. ArtisanAlley Arts 60. NouveauArts Hub 61. PalettePrime Studio 62. The FreshFactor Arts 63. UrbanCraft Collective 64. Crafters' Workshop 65. VibrantCrafts Studio 66. ModaMasterpiece 67. TrendyCraft Arts 68. ArtisticJunction 69. PoshArtistry Hub 70. CraftyCraftsmanship Timeless art business names 71. The Heritage Studio 72. ClassicArt Creations 73. TimelessCreations Workshop 74. VintageArtistry Loft 75. The Traditions Studio 76. Time-Honored Arts 77. Old World Creations 78. The Classic Artistry 79. RusticCharm Workshop 80. The Regal Retreat 81. GrandArt Mansion 82. Historic Handcrafts 83. The Crafting Legacy 84. Nostalgia Arts 85. The Antique Artistry When choosing a woodcraft business name , think about what makes your work unique. Use words that reflect your materials, techniques or the emotion your work evokes. Short, punchy names like Hollow Oak  or Grain & Glow  stick in people’s minds, while creative twists help your brand feel distinct in a crowded market. Clever art business names 86. CraftyConcoctions 87. ArtistryAlchemy 88. CraftyCanvas Creations 89. ArtisanAdventures 90. CreativeCraftworks 91. Palette & Precision 92. CraveCraft Creations 93. CraftyConversations 94. ArtisticOdyssey 95. Artistry & Artifacts 96. Crafty & Captivating 97. Nosh & Notions 98. Artistry & Anecdotes 99. ArtisanAccents 100. CraftyDesign Workshop Funny art business names 101. PunnyProjects 102. CraftyComedies Loft 103. Laugh & Craft Creations 104. SillyStitches Studio 105. ComicCraftiness 106. Jokes & Jewelry 107. WhimsicalWeaves Workshop 108. Giggle & Glue 109. Puns 'n' Paintings 110. WittyWoodworking 111. Grin & Glitter Studio 112. HumorousHandcrafts 113. YarnYucks Arts 114. CleverCreations Loft 115. Chuckles & Clay Found your perfect business name? Claim your domain with Wix in minutes, set up a custom website and business email and enjoy secure hosting, full privacy and 24/7 support—all in one place. Examples of art business names Willow Wood Studio This art studio effectively conveys creative alliteration in its name, which gives off a sense of fun as well as professionalism.  Bronze Bullet Designs This art studio name effectively captures the energy behind this art business and brand creating a whimsical image for the business. How to choose an art business name in 5 Steps Choosing the right art business name is a critical step in establishing your brand and attracting customers. Here are five steps to help you choose an art business name: 01. Understand your art business and audience Define your art business's niche, specialty and unique selling points. Consider the type of handmade products you want to offer, to understand the needs of your target audience and their preferences and expectations for handmade art. This should all be included in your art business plan . 02. Brainstorm ideas Begin brainstorming name ideas based on your art, style and audience. Aim for names that are easy to remember, reflect your art's personality and convey the essence of your business idea. Including keywords related to your artistic skills or themes can help potential customers understand what your art business offers. Additionally, making use of a business name generator  can further inspire you to choose a small business name idea .  03. Check name availability Avoid choosing generic names when naming your business and keep the name easy to pronounce and remember. Additionally, make sure to check the availability of the name for trademarks and domain registration . Ensure the name is not trademarked or in use by another art business in your industry.  04. Consider your branding Think about how the name will look on your art products, packaging and promotional materials. By visualizing this, you will be able to determine if your business name is aligned with your style of art. Take into consideration the artistic and emotional connotations of the name and how it complements your branding efforts. 05. Test your name Gather feedback from friends, family and potential clients to refine and select the best name for your art business. What appeals to them, what doesn’t and what does this leave you to work with in terms of coming up with your art business name when starting your business .  Once you've finalized your name, you can proceed to create a website to showcase your art and business. Ready to let your art work shine? Create a portfolio →   Art business names FAQ Why is choosing the right art business name important? Choosing the right art business name is crucial because it's the first impression you make on potential customers. It communicates your brand's identity, sets expectations and can influence customers' perceptions and decisions. What should I consider when brainstorming art business name ideas? When brainstorming art business name ideas, consider your art's niche, style and target audience. Aim for memorable names, reflect your art's personality and convey the essence of your business. Should I use my own name for my art business? Using your name for your art business can add a personal touch, especially if you're the face of your brand. However, consider how well it aligns with your art's style and the message you want to convey. If you plan to grow beyond a personal brand, a more versatile and descriptive name may be more beneficial. How can I make sure my art business name stands out in a competitive market? To make your art business name stand out in a competitive market, focus on uniqueness, memorability and relevance to your art. Consider incorporating elements that reflect your artistic style and appeal to your target audience. How to make art business name unique? You can make your name unique in a number of ways — by combing unexpected words, using wordplay or puns for something humorous, invent new words that reflect your brand, draw inspiration from art history or techniques and incorporate personal elements, from your name or style. Is a shorter name better? It can be because they're often more memorable by being easier to spell and pronounce. This makes them better for logos and branding too, simpler for social media handles. Shorter names can be more impactful and easier to recognize. Can I trademark my art business name? Yes and it's something you should do. A trademark will protect your name and brand identity from someone else using it You'll need to search existing trademarks first, file an application with the USPTO. Seek legal assistance if required. There will be some costs involved. Looking for a business name for another business idea? Contractor business name ideas Real estate business names Trucking business name ideas

  • 15 architecture portfolio website examples and tips to create

    Ready to let your work shine? Build your portfolio →   An architecture portfolio website is essential for any architect looking to showcase their projects and stand out professionally. With the global architectural services market projected to reach USD 480.80 billion by 2030 , competition is rising. Using a portfolio builder allows you to present your designs attractively while highlighting your skills. This guide shares tips for building an architecture portfolio website  and explores different website type  examples to inspire your portfolio website design  and showcase top architecture portfolio examples. Showcasing your talent should be easy. With Wix’s portfolio builder, you can create a professional, eye-catching portfolio that shows your best work in just a few clicks. Wix’s customizable templates and easy-to-use tools let you present your skills with confidence–leaving a lasting impression on anyone who visits your site. TL;DR: architecture portfolio website examples An architecture portfolio website is your space to tell your professional story and showcase your style. We selected the best examples for their clean layouts, striking visuals, organized project pages and easy navigation—making it simple for clients and employers to see your strengths at a glance. Selection criteria Why it matters Design and layout A clean, professional layout ensures your work stands out User experience Easy navigation ensures visitors have a positive and engaging experience Content quality Compelling project descriptions and a clear bio build trust and credibility 15 architecture portfolio website examples Here are 15 architecture portfolio website examples to inspire your next project. These standout sites represent some of the best portfolio websites  and are all built on Wix. Wix offers beautiful templates for your online architecture portfolio, making it simple to showcase your designs online. Gage Home Designs Richard Bell Architecture Golany Architects Studio Holmberg Dean Works Architecture Campbell Architects Allen + Pepa Philip Ewald Mastera Architects Seventy2 Architects LGS Design & Drafting J Dye Designs 21st Parallel Lauren Taylor Maine Design Build 01. Gage Home Designs Gage Home Designs  nails what makes an architecture portfolio website strong, helping them build trust and show off their work. Their visual portfolio takes center stage, with striking, high-quality images of custom home designs. Visitors can easily explore and get inspired by all the styles. And for that extra layer of credibility, the testimonials . Gage Home Designs shares real feedback from happy clients, giving future customers a clear idea of what it’s like to work with them. This smart move—pairing beautiful visuals with social proof—builds confidence in their brand. It makes their site feel thoughtful, complete and genuinely client-focused. Love what you see? Create your own architecture portfolio website using this same template. Template name: Architectural design firm (sleek) website template 02. Richard Bell Architecture Richard Bell is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Immediately we see that he’s won the Deezen Award in 2018, since he proudly stamps the information on his homepage. This website makes really great use of white space: a frame surrounding the featured slideshow of work gives each image its chance in the spotlight, and the unique vertical strip running down the page highlights the menu of items. Its unique placement ensures visitors will be able to navigate to different pages of his portfolio website, which include an About page, architecture blog , and contact page, along with publications and awards. Love what you see? Create your own architecture portfolio website using this same template. Template name: Photographer website template 03. Golany Architects As a firm, Golany Architects has been active in Tel Aviv since 1991. With more than a decade of experience under their belt, their priority is making sure that their portfolio is neatly organized while exhibiting the full span of their work. When you find yourself with more than a handful of quality projects to display, take the lead from Golany Architects. The firm succeeds to present a plethora of their best projects by separating them into categories: residential, commercial, institutional and landscape. It not only looks nice, but ensures that individual projects are easy for visitors to identify. Love what you see? Create your own architecture portfolio website using this same template. Template name: Architecture firm   website template Looking to land your next role? Learn how to make a portfolio for a job  that gets noticed. 04. Studio Holmberg Swedish architect Mathias Holmberg takes a minimalist approach to his online portfolio, Studio Holmberg . An extensive gallery takes up the majority of his homepage real estate, providing viewers with an engaging visual overview of Mathias’s work. Sticking with the less-is-more theme, Mathias one and only menu item is a contact page. It’s safe to say that this level of minimalism makes for a clean website that’s easy to navigate. While Mathias’s straightforward approach perfectly matches the style of his work, others might want to include more details about each project. If you’re drawn to this portfolio structure, there are ways to further contextualize your images without disrupting the design. Consider linking each image to a dedicated project page, or adding concise details using an elegant hover effect. Love what you see? Create your own architecture portfolio website using this same template. Template name:   Photographer website template 05. Dean Works Architecture Brooklyn-based architect Brandon Dean, who values sustainability, presents his work through his architecture portfolio website, Dean Works Architecture . Notice how his philosophy is elaborated on in his About page, which includes more than just a name and CV. Providing details like his approach and professional background helps us understand more of who he is, and what his goals are. Visitors to his site will also be greeted with a full-screen image of a project that’s not quite finished yet. Rather than appearing sloppy, this behind-the-scenes picture adds value by giving us a glimpse of Brandon’s process. Love what you see? Create your own architecture portfolio website using this same template. Template name:   Start from scratch website template 06. Campbell Architects Campbell Architects  shows you exactly how an architecture portfolio website can capture your firm's expertise across residential and commercial design. The site uses clean layouts, easy navigation and stunning full-width images that make each project—like the Petworth Rowhouse and Taj Residence—pop off the screen. Short, sweet descriptions focus on what matters most: function and context, so visitors get each project's story right away. This is one of the most polished architecture portfolio examples out there, proving how clear organization, smart structure and consistent visuals can show off both your credibility and creative flair. Love what you see? Create your own architecture portfolio website using this same template. Template name:   Architect responsive website template Editor’s note:  This template comes from Wix Studio, our advanced platform designed specifically for professionals and agencies.  Wix Studio  offers powerful tools, full design flexibility and enhanced functionality—perfect for creating a website that truly reflects your brand and expertise. 07. Allen + Pepa Allen + Pepa  Architects creates an architecture portfolio website that feels both grounded and refined. Based in Geneva, Illinois, the firm celebrates local character through projects that mix heritage with modern design thinking. The site stands out for its warm visuals, open layouts and approachable language that make their work easy to explore. Readers can see how thoughtful storytelling and technical transparency—like sharing their use of BIM modeling—build trust and showcase design expertise. Among the best architecture portfolio examples, it shows that a portfolio doesn’t need to be flashy to leave a lasting impression. Love what you see? Create your own architecture portfolio website using this same template. Template name:   Interior design company (warm) website template 08. Philip Ewald Philip Ewald  in Houston showcases an architecture portfolio website that feels ambitious yet approachable. The site opens with striking images of commercial and civic projects, instantly giving a sense of scale and style. Projects are organized into clear categories like Corporate, Retail, Healthcare + Laboratory and Commercial Office, making it easy to explore by type. The layout keeps visuals front and center with minimal text, letting the designs speak for themselves. This portfolio example shows how strong organization, impactful imagery and a clean layout can help architects highlight both their creativity and expertise in a way visitors can quickly understand. Love what you see? Create your own architecture portfolio website using this same template. Template name:   Architecture firm website template 09. Mastera Architects Mastera Architects  presents an architecture portfolio that feels both luxurious and approachable. The site highlights custom residential work with large striking images and minimal text, letting the craftsmanship speak for itself. Projects are easy to explore with clear navigation and high-quality visuals that emphasize design details and layout. This portfolio example shows how focusing on a niche, using strong imagery and keeping a clean elegant design can create a website that communicates expertise and attracts the right clients. Love what you see? Create your own architecture portfolio website using this same template. Template name:   Photographer website template 10. Seventy2 Architects Seventy2 Architects  showcases an architecture website that blends commercial savvy with residential creativity. The homepage opens with bold visuals of office buildings, apartments and custom homes that instantly communicate scale and versatility. Navigation is simplified into clear categories like Commercial and Residential while project previews lead into immersive galleries that keep text to a minimum. This portfolio shows how mixing project types, prioritizing striking imagery and maintaining a straightforward layout can build a website that attracts both corporate and private clients. Love what you see? Create your own architecture portfolio website using this same template. Template name:   Art store website template 11. LGS Design & Drafting LGS Design & Drafting  makes it easy for visitors to explore their work while feeling connected to the team. The homepage highlights projects like home additions, remodels and light commercial work through clean layouts and bold visuals. The site includes a chat feature for instant questions and a contact form in the footer for easy inquiries, making it simple for potential clients to reach out. This portfolio example shows how combining accessible communication tools, clear visuals and an organized layout can create a website that showcases work and encourages engagement. Love what you see? Create your own architecture portfolio website using this same template. Template name:   Home remodeling company website template 12. J Dye Designs J Dye Designs  presents an architecture portfolio website that highlights 3D renderings, architectural drafting and custom design services. The homepage showcases photo-realistic visuals that immediately demonstrate the firm’s skill in turning ideas into detailed designs. Visitors can explore sections for house plans, 3D and virtual designs, and decorating ideas, with a clear pathway to reach the team via the contact page. This portfolio example demonstrates how showcasing specialized services and letting the work speak visually can make a website feel both professional and approachable. Love what you see? Create your own architecture portfolio website using this same template. Template name:   Interior designer website template 13. 21st Parallel 21st Parallel Design Studio brings island living to life with an architecture portfolio that blends modern design and a relaxed, tropical vibe. The homepage’s large, striking images of Maui homes—featuring wood, stone, glass and open layouts—immediately show the local lifestyle. Their design process is easy to follow, covering everything from site analysis to construction. This example shows how a clear process and impactful visuals can make a design firm’s work feel both approachable and inspiring. Love what you see? Create your own architecture portfolio website using this same template. Template name:   Artist website template 14. Lauren Taylor Lauren Taylor  offers a clean, personal architecture portfolio website that effectively presents her services and design philosophy. The site features a simple one-page layout with numbered sections for About, Portfolio, Process and Contact, making navigation easy for potential clients. This structure works well as an architecture portfolio, guiding visitors through her story and work in a clear, logical way. The portfolio section combines finished project photos with floor plans and mood boards, providing a comprehensive view of her creative process from concept to completion. This approach helps clients understand her aesthetic vision and functional goals, emphasizing meaningful, livable design. Love what you see? Create your own architecture portfolio website using this same template. Template name:   Interior designer website template 15. Maine Design Build Maine Design Build  offers a great architecture portfolio example by separating its work into distinct design and construction galleries. This website immediately directs visitors to view either architectural designs or completed construction projects. This clear division allows potential clients to explore the specific services they need. The site emphasizes its full-service design-build capabilities and its focus on sustainability and collaboration with local businesses. By presenting its services from pre-design through construction alongside project galleries the firm effectively communicates its comprehensive process and expertise. Love what you see? Create your own architecture portfolio website using this same template. Template name:   Architecture firm website template Ready to learn   how to start an architecture business ? Your eye for design can go a long way when it comes to creating thoughtful, effective  website architecture . What is an architecture portfolio website?   An architecture portfolio website is designed to reflect your professional style, personality and above all else—experience. It should showcase your greatest architectural accomplishments to date, including pertinent information to describe yourself and samples of your work. Compared to a physical professional portfolio , it will need to include visual elements that can translate your oeuvre into a succinct virtual format. Whether you’re an independent architect, or representing an architectural firm—an architecture portfolio is an essential element at any stage of your career. Acting as a meeting point between you and potential clients, your portfolio will show interested parties all that you're capable of, opening the doors to new projects for years to come. Using your professional portfolio as a personal marketing portfolio  is never a bad idea. It can also help you make money as an architect . Learn more: What is a portfolio? How to make an architecture portfolio What to include in a portfolio Does a portfolio have to be a website? Tips for creating an architecture portfolio website Rome wasn’t built in one day, and your website won’t be either. Do some prep by gathering up knowledge of what an online portfolio is or checking out the latest web design trends. You can also check our some web portfolio examples. In the meantime, here are some tips on how to make a portfolio on the web. These are 10 practical things to keep in mind before you dive into your architecture portfolio’s design: 01. Treat your template like a foundation Every architect knows that a building is only as good as its foundation. In many ways, a portfolio template is the foundation when learning how to make a website . Start by looking for a template with the layout you need to bring your concept to life. This might mean finding a minimalist website template, or using one with more modern features like parallax scrolling . Once the foundation is set, you’ll be able to customize every detail yourself while developing your own visual language. From the font you use, to the images you include or what background you feature—each element will play an active role in representing your professional career and goals. "An outstanding portfolio is all about storytelling. It’s not just a showcase of work but a narrative that weaves together a professional’s skills, creativity, and personality. Features like dynamic presets, AI setup and beautiful templates let creators bring their stories to life, ensuring that every portfolio not only stands out for its aesthetic appeal but also tells a compelling story about the creator behind it." - Hani Safe, product lead at Wix 02. Carefully curate your portfolio In the words of Frank Lloyd Wright, “less is more where more is no good.” When it comes to the works you present in your portfolio, be selective. Contrary to what you might think, you don’t have to present every project you’ve ever worked on. Of course, the number of options will depend on what stage you’re at in your career. But in any case, this is an opportunity to show yourself at your best. Curate your portfolio in a way that emphasizes your most distinguished work, most relevant projects, and embodies the full range of your skill, without being too repetitive. Feel free to include group projects and collaborations—these prove that you work well with others, something every future employer will be pleased to see. 03. Invest in your images First impressions are made in seconds. As with any type of design portfolio , a seamless way to make a good first impression is to invest in your images. High-quality photos of your completed projects will ensure that you give potential clients an adequate taste of the real thing. With each project, choose quality over quantity and limit yourself to the best photos of your work. Consider adding images from each stage in the building process, so visitors can fully immerse themselves in your work. As an architect, you’ll also want to include 3D model drawings or plans in order to represent the full scope of each project. Original sketches are also key, since it's a critical part of the job (ahem—not the ones you drew on napkins). 04. Give your work a narrative A picture’s worth a thousand words, but it doesn’t tell it all. Adding descriptive text to accompany the images in your portfolio is a great way to contextualize your work. If you prefer minimal text, at the very least provide information like the date, location and name of each project. Endeavor to expand your narrative by including extra material that might interest your future employers. Perhaps you can add background details of the project’s location, reveal your philosophy, or describe key aspects of your process. While architecture and other art portfolios tend to focus on visuals, remember that good copy is also key. In the same way architecture can communicate ideas, so do your written words. You want your language to maintain a professional style that won’t throw off clients, so be sure to keep your words concise, clear and intriguing—and free of grammatical mistakes. 05. Tell future clients about yourself Chances are, your proud parents won’t be the only ones visiting your site. Ideally, your audience will reach potential clients, future employers and others within your network. That means you’ll need to introduce yourself. Provide your professional bio on a dedicated About page, including a headshot, short description of yourself and a summary of your professional background. You might also want to upload your CV, which can exist as a page on its own, or be accessed with a PDF link or downloadable file . Either or both of these options will amplify your skills to prospective clients and provide them with a sense of trust. 06. Show off your achievements When you get rewarded for your work, there’s only one thing to do—flaunt it. Don’t hesitate to list your achievements on your architecture portfolio website. This can include notable awards, contests you’ve participated in, or any written media about your projects. The awards and publicity you receive are proof of your dedication and talent as an architect. Boasting them will only help you earn points with future employers, setting you apart from the crowd of competitors. 07. Make getting in touch easy Your ideal situation ends with potential clients feeling so impressed that they need to get in touch with you. Make that easy by providing your contact information in a clear and accessible location of your site. The best ways to incorporate these details are by adding them to your About page or CV, or alternatively creating a dedicated contact page. List the basics, like your business email address , phone number and links to your social networking profiles. Two practices you might also consider are creating a contact form so visitors can reach out directly from your site, or reiterating your details on the website footer. Learn more about contact us page examples  and about us page examples . 08. Choose a winning domain name The right domain name will strengthen your site’s professional appearance. Not to mention, boost your branding efforts. Oh, and it will also help your site become easier to find on search engines. Short as it is, picking out a domain name, as part of your website development and branding efforts, that’s on point cannot be emphasized enough. Some rules of thumb for crafting a winning one include: keeping it short, on-brand (in this case, stick with your name or the name of your architecture firm), and using keywords like “architect.” 09. Enhance your mobile website With all the excitement surrounding your online portfolio, it’s easy to forget about what it looks like from a smartphone. But these days, we like to have all the information we need at our fingertips. Since nearly half of global internet traffic arrives via mobile device, considering how to adjust your elements for a smaller screen is an absolute must. With a Wix template, you’ll be set with a built-in mobile version. Still, you can improve it further by minimizing the number of items, adding useful call-to-action buttons and adjusting your menu size so that users can easily browse your site from their phones. Take advantage of the mobile features Wix offers to further polish your design. "If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, it’s not search-friendly. At Wix, we design with mobile performance in mind—because great SEO starts with a seamless experience on every device." - Sharon Hafuta, SEO blog editor at Wix 10. Plan for regular updates Yes, your online portfolio is here to stay. But as your career evolves, your website will have to evolve with it. Since you don’t want to start from scratch every time, plan ahead for easy website maintenance. In order to reflect your most current professional developments, update your work periodically - every six months to one year. This will ensure that you don’t lag behind with outdated information. Architecture portfolio websites FAQ How many projects should I include in my architecture portfolio? Aim for 8-12 of your strongest projects. This gives you the chance to show your range and skills without overwhelming viewers. Focus on quality, variety and projects that highlight your design thinking and problem-solving. What makes a good architecture portfolio? A good architecture portfolio should: Be well-designed and easy to navigate. Showcase your best work. Tell a story about your design process. Be tailored to your target audience. Leave a lasting impression. Do I need professional photography for my projects? Yes, high-quality images are important, but they don’t have to break the bank. Clear, well-lit photos of models, drawings and renderings are enough to make your work look professional. Just avoid blurry or poorly lit images; they can seriously distract from your design. What should you avoid in a portfolio? There are a few things you should avoid in your architecture portfolio: Poor-quality images: Make sure your images are high-resolution and clear. Blurry or pixelated images will make your work look unprofessional. Too much text: Keep your text concise and to the point. Potential clients don't want to read through pages of text to understand your work. A lack of variety: Show a variety of your work, including projects of different scales and styles. This will demonstrate your range of expertise. A lack of personality: Let your personality shine through in your portfolio. This will help you to connect with potential clients on a personal level. Should a portfolio be a website or PDF? There are advantages and disadvantages to both websites and PDFs as portfolio formats. Websites are more interactive and engaging, easier to update and share and can include multimedia content, such as videos and 3D models. However, they also require more technical knowledge to create and maintain and can be more expensive to host. PDFs are easy to create and share, don't require a web hosting account and can be printed and distributed. That said, they aren't as interactive or engaging, they're difficult to update and they can't include multimedia content. Is having an architecture portfolio website worth it? Yes, having an architecture portfolio website is definitely worth it. In today's digital world, potential clients are increasingly looking for architects online. A well-designed portfolio website can showcase your work in a professional and engaging way, and can help you to attract new clients and grow your business.

  • How to make a cleaning website (with 5 examples that shine)

    Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →   Knowing how to make a website from scratch  for your cleaning business is a great way to attract new clients. A professional site shows customers you’re serious about your services and makes it easy for them to book a cleaning with you. But where do you start? Don't worry, it's easier than you think. Wix offers a powerful, easy-to-use website builder  that lets you create a stunning site without any coding experience. With designer-made website templates and powerful AI tools, you can get your cleaning business online in minutes. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from picking a template to promoting your new site. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. Wix is all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. TL;DR: How to make a cleaning website Here’s a quick overview of what this guide covers for creating your cleaning website: Why do you need a website?  A website builds credibility, attracts new clients and makes booking your services simple. What should you include?  Key website features   are an online booking system, a list of your services, customer testimonials and clear contact information. How do you build it?  Start with a Wix template, customize it to match your brand, add your services and booking options, optimize for search engines and hit publish. Can you see some examples?  We'll show you great cleaning websites built with Wix to get you inspired. How to build a cleaning website in 11 steps Ready to dive in? Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to plan a website  and create one for your cleaning business and attract more customers. We'll cover everything from defining your audience to maintaining your site after it’s live. Define your target audience Choose a website builder Pick a domain name and web hosting Pick your template Customize your website Add scheduling and booking options Add useful pages Create engaging content SEO optimization Test and publish Maintain and promote your website Learn how to make a website from scratch →  01. Define your target audience Before you start building your website, think about who your ideal customers are. Are you targeting busy families, young professionals in apartments or commercial offices? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your website’s design, language and services to meet their specific needs. 02. Choose a website builder A great website builder makes all the difference. Wix provides an intuitive drag and drop website builder , which means you can design your site exactly how you want it without writing a single line of code. When considering how long to build a website , Wix simplifies website building with its  free AI website builder , which can even generate a full site for you in minutes. Check out the top website builders for service businesses → 03. Pick a domain name and web hosting Your domain name is your site’s web address . You want to  buy a domain name  that’s short, memorable and easy to spell. It should reflect your business name and be professional. “Your domain name is your online home address, and just like in real life, location matters. Pick something short, easy to say out loud and easy to remember. If someone can recall it after hearing it once, you’re on the right track.” - Ofir Gvili, domains PMM at Wix Web hosting is where your website lives on the internet. When you create a website with Wix you get free website hosting , so you don't have to worry about finding a separate hosting solution. Your site will be secure and ready for visitors from day one. Learn how to register a domain name →  04. Pick your template Wix offers a wide range of designer-made website templates specifically for service businesses. Browse through the cleaning service templates and pick one that fits your brand's style. Every template is fully customizable, so you can change anything you want. Read more on how to choose a website template → 05. Customize your website This is the fun part. Add your logo, choose your brand colors and upload high-quality photos of your team or your work in action. Use Wix’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor to move elements around until the layout is perfect. Get inspired with these stunning cleaning website examples → 06. Add scheduling and booking options Make it easy for clients to book your services online. With Wix’s scheduling software , you can display your availability and schedule appointments 24/7. This simple feature can significantly increase your bookings. In fact, 40% of appointments are booked after business hours . 07. Add useful pages Every professional cleaning website needs a few key pages: Homepage :  Your website’s first impression. Make it clean and inviting. About us page :  Share your story and introduce your team. Services:  Detail what you offer and your pricing plans. Contact us page :  Include your phone number, email and a contact form. Testimonials :  Showcase reviews from happy customers. 08. Create engaging content Write clear and concise copy for your website. Explain the benefits of your services, not just the features. Use Wix’s AI Text Generator to help you craft compelling descriptions or blog posts if you’re short on time. Create a blog with Wix → 9. SEO optimization Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps your site rank higher on Google. Wix comes with a full suite of built-in website SEO tools to guide you. Use the  Wix SEO Setup Checklist  to identify relevant keywords (like "cleaning services" or "house cleaning services in [Your City]") and add them to your site's content and meta tags. "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." - Rebecca Tomasis, blog SEO team lead at Wix Get more eyes on your website with these Wix SEO tips → 10. Test and publish Before you go live, preview your site to make sure everything looks and works perfectly on both desktop and mobile devices. Check all your links, forms and booking functions. Use a website launch checklist  to make sure you don’t miss anything. Once you're happy, hit the publish button. 11. Maintain and promote your website Your website is a living tool for your business. Keep it updated with fresh content, new testimonials and special offers. Promote it on your social media channels, business cards and in your email signature to drive traffic and attract new clients. Learn more about how to promote your website →   5 examples of cleaning websites built with Wix 01. Clean Sweeps Clean Sweeps   is one of the cleaning websites that immediately makes you feel at ease with its warm and professional design. The site uses beautiful, high-quality images of clean, inviting spaces paired with a soft, natural color palette that feels very calming. This design choice perfectly captures the relaxing feeling of coming home to a spotless house. A great feature is how they use icons to clearly communicate their core values, like being eco-friendly and pet-friendly, which helps build trust with visitors right away. It's a fantastic approach that shows how a thoughtful design can create a strong connection with potential customers. A professional design creates a feeling of trust and reliability High-quality imagery helps customers visualize the end result Eye-catching window cleaning visual on the homepage highlights specialty services Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Cleaning company website template 02. Cox Commercial Cleaning Cox Commercial Cleaning   is a great example for commercial cleaning websites that need to communicate a wide range of services. The design is professional and direct, with a clear layout that organizes its extensive list of offerings into easy-to-understand sections. This makes it simple for different types of businesses to find exactly what they need. What really sets this site apart is how it highlights its identity as a veteran-owned, minority-owned and female-owned company. This builds a strong brand story and connects with clients who value supporting diverse businesses. A professional design communicates reliability and expertise Clearly defined brand values create a strong identity Detailed service menus cater to a variety of client needs Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: HVAC Technician website template 03. Let’s Clean Let's Clean  has one of the best homepage design examples   for a cleaning business that wants to feel both professional and friendly. This friendly branding is carried throughout the site with a clean layout and bright, welcoming colors. The homepage effectively uses sections with icons to list key benefits like "Service Guaranteed" and "Insured and Bonded," which quickly builds trust. It’s a great model for showing how a strong visual identity and clear information can create a positive first impression. A clever logo clearly communicates the business purpose A clean layout with bright colors feels welcoming Icon-based benefit lists build trust with visitors Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Construction company website template 04. Nete’s Cleaning Services Nete's Cleaning Services  is a fantastic example of a cleaning website that wants to build a personal connection with clients. The design puts the owner's story front and center, creating an immediate sense of trust and personality. By featuring a photo and a brief bio on the homepage, the site transforms from a simple service page into a friendly introduction. This personal touch is a powerful way to make a business feel more human and approachable. The layout is simple and direct, ensuring visitors can easily find contact information and service details without any fuss. A personal bio and photo build a strong connection with visitors A clean, straightforward design makes information easy to digest Direct calls to action guide users to get in touch Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Creative CV website template 05. Excellent Clean Excellent Clean  is a cleaning website that strikes a fantastic balance between professionalism and direct calls to action. The design is straightforward and effective, using a clean hero image and a bold headline to immediately communicate its value. A great element is the prominent testimonial section, which builds credibility by showcasing positive feedback from a satisfied customer. The site also introduces a unique "CleanPro" express service, allowing clients to book and pay online without waiting for a quote, which is a fantastic feature for busy homeowners. This approach shows how combining social proof with innovative service options can make a business stand out. A unique service offering addresses a specific customer need Prominent testimonials build trust and credibility with new visitors A clear call to action on the homepage guides users to book a service Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Grocery store website template What to include on your cleaning website A great cleaning website is more than just a digital brochure. It’s a tool for attracting and converting customers. With Wix, cleaning professionals can easily add all the features they need. Online booking system:  Wix’s scheduling software lets clients see your availability and book services 24/7. You can manage your calendar, send automated reminders and updates, all from one dashboard. Service descriptions:  Clearly list your cleaning packages, from standard home cleaning to deep cleaning or commercial services. Use customizable sections to detail what's included in each package and set clear pricing. Customer testimonials:  Build trust with potential clients by showcasing positive reviews. Wix’s dynamic gallery layouts let you display testimonials in a visually appealing way that catches the eye. About page:  Share your company's story and values. With Wix’s AI website builder, you can even generate professional and engaging text that tells your story for you. Blog:  Use Wix’s blog maker to share cleaning tips, company news or special promotions. A blog can improve your SEO and establish you as an expert in your field. Why cleaning professionals choose Wix Wix isn't just a website builder; it's a complete platform designed to help service businesses thrive. Cleaning professionals choose Wix because it provides all the tools they need to manage and grow their business online, all in one place. From the best website builder for cleaning businesses to integrated booking and marketing tools, Wix has you covered. You can build a professional site quickly, manage appointments effortlessly and promote your services to a wider audience. Wix simplifies the process of creating a website so you can focus on what you do best: making spaces sparkle. How to make a cleaning website FAQ What pages should a cleaning business website include? A standard cleaning business website should have a homepage,about us page, a services page with pricing, a contact page with a form and a testimonials page to build credibility.  Check out these website layout ideas  for inspiration →  Do I need a website if I already have cleaning clients? Yes. A website acts as your online storefront, helping you attract new clients beyond your current network. It also adds a layer of professionalism and makes it easier for existing clients to refer you to others. How much does it cost to create a cleaning service website? With Wix, you can create a website  for free. To connect a custom domain and access advanced features like online bookings, you can upgrade to one of the premium Wix Plans , starting at just $17 per month with a free domain for the first year and free web hosting.   How much does a website cost , really? → Which website builders are best for cleaning companies? Wix is the best website builder for cleaning companies of all sizes, because it offers industry-specific templates, an integrated scheduling software and built-in SEO and marketing tools to help you grow your business. Read more about the best website builders for cleaning businesses → How can I design a cleaning website that attracts more customers? Focus on a clean, professional design with high-quality images. Make your call-to-action buttons (like "Book Now") prominent. Highlight customer testimonials and make your contact information easy to find. What SEO tips help a cleaning business website rank on Google? Use location-specific keywords (e.g., "office cleaning in Brooklyn"). Create a blog with helpful cleaning tips. Ensure your site is mobile-friendly and loads quickly. You can also create a forum  to build a community around your services. How do I add an online booking form to my cleaning website? With Wix’s scheduling software, you can easily add a customizable booking form to your site. This allows clients to select a service, choose a date and time from your calendar and even pay online. Everything you need to know about how to make a booking website → What should I include on my cleaning company homepage? Your homepage should have a clear headline, a brief introduction to your services, a prominent "Book Now" button and a few customer testimonials. Think of it as your virtual elevator pitch. Get inspired with these homepage design  examples → Can I make a cleaning website without coding experience? Absolutely. Wix offers the best low-code/no-code website builder  that lets you create a professional site with simple drag-and-drop functionality. If you can use a computer, you can   build a website   with Wix. What other kinds of websites can I build with Wix? The Wix platform is very flexible, and it’s suitable for nearly any type of website. Check out these how-to's for other types of websites  you can make with Wix: How to make a website for your laundromat business How to make a landscaping website How to make a bakery website How to make a plumbing website How to make a construction website How to make a handyman website How to make a website for your pet business How to make a florist website How to make a locksmith website How to make a real estate website How to make a trucking business website How to create a wedding website How to create a DJ website How to create a dance studio website How to make a massage therapist website

  • What is Hopp? The ultimate link in bio tool by Wix

    Your social media bio is prime real estate. While small, this space can be the bridge that connects your followers with your real, money-making business. And that’s precisely why you’ll want to make it count.  Meet Hopp— a platform by Wix designed specifically for "social-first" businesses looking to amplify their brand and scale their operations on social networks. The Hopp ecosystem boasts a variety of helpful features, but its signature offering is its link in bio tool. Hopp's Link in Bio tool offers a seamless way to transform your social media profile into a powerful business hub, whether you're starting small or aiming to thrive in the digital marketplace. Ready to take your online presence to the next level?  Get started with Hopp today. What is Hopp Link in Bio? A "link in bio" is a clickable URL placed in the bio section of a social media profile. It's used to direct followers to external content, like a website or landing page, especially on platforms that limit links in posts. Hopp’s Link in Bio tool expands this concept by offering a customizable mini web page with versatile widgets called "Actions." Each Action creates an experience tailored to your business needs, from making a call or sending an email to navigating to your location or copying coupon codes. The versatility of Actions ensures that you can craft a link in bio that aligns with your current business initiatives. Examples of Actions include: Link promotion: Promote any type of link—whether it's a product, event, blog post or a curated "look" made up of multiple pieces. Choose how each link is displayed: as a direct link, with a preview, as part of a list or even as an embedded page. Payment actions : Facilitate transactions directly from your link in bio with Actions like tip-jar, custom services or requests or paid direct messages. Coupon list : Share a list of coupons that visitors can copy to their clipboard and use right away. Contact card : Allow visitors to view and save your contact details, making it easy for them to reach out. Contact methods : Include options for making calls, sending emails or messaging via WhatsApp. Third-party integrations : Integrate YouTube videos or playlists, Calendly bookings, WhatsApp numbers, Facebook, Instagram and more to display fully functional content and contact information directly on your page. Why use Hopp Link in Bio? Hopp offers one of the best link in bio tools  for anyone looking to elevate their social media presence, whether you're a Wix user or not. It's designed to grow with your business, offering a robust platform that transforms your social profiles into dynamic business hubs.  If you want to maintain your link in bio as the centerpiece of a digital marketing strategy  (like your Instagram marketing  or larger social media marketing  strategy) or expand to a full website, Hopp provides the flexibility to do both. With powerful integrations and customizable features, Hopp can help you convert online interactions into valuable business opportunities. Convert your followers into customers Guide your followers to the content they want by adding monetization actions, brand promotions, or affiliate links. Break through social platform link limits and drive your key business assets up the funnel for exponentially higher conversions. Read also: How to make money on Instagram Help followers find the content they want  With Hopp, you can easily bypass social media link limits. Instead of sharing just one link on your profile, you can feature multiple links via your link in bio page. Use your link in bio as a digital business card  A digital business card is an eco-friendly alternative to paper cards, offering easy sharing, instant updates and the ability to include more information like your email address, WhatsApp number, business hours, business location and more. You can connect your digital business card to your social profile using Hopp. When your business grows, Hopp grows with you  Hopp Link in Bio is just one of the tools that Hopp offers. The full range of Hopp tools (available with a paid Hopp Pro account) includes the following. Instant Pages Perfect for more urgent campaigns, quickly create visually appealing pages for exclusive coupons, new products, events and more. Short Links Turn long URLs into eye-catching, branded links while tracking clicks and performance metrics. Pre-Rolls Place branded content, like a YouTube pre-video ad, onto any link you share with followers, giving shared links double the value. Easily connect Hopp with Wix Hopp integrates seamlessly with Wix, making it easier to sync data between your link in bio and your site—plus access Wix’s advanced tools for email marketing, automation, CRM and other types of marketing .  Don't have a Wix account yet? Create a website with Wix today. Who should use Hopp Link in Bio? Hopp Link in Bio is ideal for influencers, small business owners, content creators and anyone aiming to simplify their online presence and direct traffic to multiple platforms from a single link. Here are some real-life examples of how our tools can be effectively used. Affiliates Consultants Parenting influencers Fashion bloggers Journalists Foodies 01. Affiliates  If you're an affiliate marketer, Hopp can streamline how you present deals and engage with your audience. Here’s how you can make the most out of Hopp: Create a branded collection: Use the Coupon List Action to display all promo codes in one place, making it easy for your audience to access and redeem them. Index all of your deals: Implement Hopp's search bar to allow your followers to find and shop all your affiliate links effortlessly. Promote events:  Utilize the Booking Services or Events Actions to invite visitors to your promotional events and increase attendance. Grow your newsletter:  Collect subscribers using the Contact Form Action to keep them updated with future deals and promotions. Boost social media subscriptions:  Add Social Actions for platforms like Patreon, Facebook and YouTube to increase your follower base. 02. Consultants  For consultants looking to streamline client interactions and showcase their expertise, Hopp provides effective tools: Accept online bookings: Add Calendly or Wix bookings directly to your link in bio, allowing clients to schedule sessions seamlessly. Earn extra revenue with ‘Paid Requests’: Offer and price consultation sessions with options to highlight top services or suggest upsells, enhancing your client engagement. Add a self-promotional video: Use the Video Action to include a compelling introduction or promotional video that engages and educates your audience. Boost social subscriptions : Grow your following by adding Social Actions for platforms like Patreon, Facebook and YouTube. 03. Parenting influencers Parenting influencers can use Hopp to engage their audience in creative ways: Share your knowledge: Share visual or PDF tutorials on parenting tips using Links or Custom Content Actions, providing valuable resources to your followers. Endorse parenting videos:  Highlight top parenting videos with the Videos Action to drive more views and traffic to your content. Promote a product: Feature products or brand partners with the Product Action, including copyable coupon codes for added value. Get paid for your advice: Offer consultations using the Paid Request Action and use the Request List for upsells and independent pricing, such as one-on-one sessions. 04. Fashion bloggers Fashion bloggers can enhance their online presence and drive engagement with these Hopp features: Index all of your looks : Use the search bar to make it easy for followers to find and shop for all your outfits and affiliate links. Share brand collaboration discounts:  Add a Coupon List to showcase all brand collaboration promo codes in one place. Showcase your latest looks: Use the Outfit Action to promote a complete look, with individual links and coupon codes for each piece. Promote recommended products:  Use the Link List Action to create a “Must Haves” list featuring your favorite products. 05. Journalists  Journalists can consolidate their content and engage their audience more effectively with Hopp: Consolidate content:  Gather and display all your articles, interviews and books in one place using Hopp Search, creating a personal content library. Promote social accounts:  Add all your social media profiles as Social Icons to enhance your online presence. Sell books:  Use the Product Action to direct visitors to purchase your books, providing options for multiple storefronts. Grow your newsletter:  Expand your readership by inviting followers to subscribe using the Subscribe to Newsletter Action. 06. Foodies For food enthusiasts and creators, Hopp offers tools to showcase recipes and drive engagement: Enhance discoverability: Add a search feature for visitors to find specific recipes or instructional videos easily. Sell menus or dishes: Create a shop-able menu or dish using the Outfit Action, linking to all ingredients or products for added revenue. Build recipe collections:  Curate and share recipe collections with the List Action, organizing categories like holidays or vegan bakes. Take custom dish requests:  Allow fans to request personalized dishes with the Paid Request Action, including custom cakes and advance payments. Hopp FAQ Do I need to have a Wix site to create Hopp Link in Bio? No. If you or a client don't have a Wix site or account, head directly to Hopp.co  in any browser to sign up with email, Google or Facebook.  You can access Hopp’s editor from desktop or your mobile device for easy on-the-go editing. Can I earn money for my business with Hopp? Definitely. You can sell products, invite visitors to purchase your services and collect donations. Can I sync my Link in Bio with my Wix site? Yes. You can connect your Hopp Link in Bio with an existing Wix site, and enjoy the ease and benefits of this unique integration. Can I change my Link in Bio domain? Yes. With free Hopp accounts, you can change your handle so your Link in Bio domain will be hopp.bio/handle  (change as needed). If you upgrade to Hopp Pro, you can add a Custom Domain. Can I create multiple accounts? Yes, you can create as many accounts as you like under your main login details. This is particularly important if you have multiple Wix sites that you would like to connect to their own Hopp Link in Bio pages.

  • 10 tricks for making your website look high-end (even on a budget)

    Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →  They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder—and that’s especially true in web design . What looks stunning to one person might seem “just okay” to someone else.  Still, there’s one thing most of us can agree on: We don’t want our sites to look cheap or boring. We want them to look clean. We want them to look professional. We want them to look on-brand, no matter where people click.   So, how do you achieve that high-end look? After 12 years in design (including my current role as art director for Wix Agency), I’ve picked up some helpful tricks. Rest assured that you don’t need to throw more money at your site or have a design degree to pull this off. There are some small, easy things that you can start fixing today.  As you prepare for high-traffic shopping moments like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, these strategies become even more valuable for keeping your store fast, reliable and ready to convert visitors into customers. But first, what are the common culprits of “low-end” design?   Before we dive into techniques, let’s take a quick look at some mistakes I often see. Here are a few signs your website might be coming across as amateur or incomplete: Poor typography choices : Too many fonts, styles and inconsistent font sizes can make your site hard to read and messy. Lack of visual hierarchy:  When all the content, text and titles are the same size and font, nothing stands out. Low-quality images : Pixelated, stretched or inconsistent photo styles can be harsh on the eyes. Confusing navigation: Disorganized or poorly labeled menu items can confuse visitors. Poor mobile experience: No matter how nice your website might look on desktop, if it shows up badly on mobile devices, then you risk losing tons of visitors (especially given that over 63% of website traffic  now comes from mobile devices).  No clear brand identity : If you lack a consistent voice, color scheme or overall vibe, people might question the legitimacy of your brand.  No clear CTA: People need to know where to go or what to do on your site—otherwise, they might just give up and bounce.  Read also: The conversion mistakes I see on almost every small business website 10 tricks for making your site look high-end  Now that we’ve covered what not  to do, let’s look at some ways you can start improving your site. Check alignment Set your site theme Add simple scrolling effects and animations Add hover boxes Clean up your top menu Sharpen your images Tweak the mobile version of your site Add customer service features Maintain FAQ sections Weave in testimonials 01. Check alignment  If you’re using the Wix Editor, turn on gridlines and structure your page with strips. Both of these techniques help to keep everything aligned and balanced. (Don’t forget to let each section breathe, too. White space isn’t wasted space; it’s a powerful tool for keeping things anchored and looking clean).  02. Set your site theme Choose two main fonts—one for your header text, another for body text. Stick to these, as well as three to five brand colors, and a few button styles. Take advantage of Theme Manager to lock in your styles, even if you started with one of the free website templates . This is where you can set brand styles and keep everything looking consistent.  Learn more: What is web design? 03. Add simple scrolling effects and animations A little goes a long way here. Try fade-ins or slide-ins as people scroll. Use simple effects to make your site feel modern without overdoing it.  04. Add hover boxes Choose from Wix’s pre-designed hover boxes to create a more interactive, engaging experience for visitors. These elements let you present additional content without cluttering your main layout—when a visitor hovers over a box, it animates or reveals more information. 05. Clean up your top menu Keep the top menu simple and intuitive (ideally stick to four to six main links). Also, make sure your menu is fixed and stays visible as people scroll so it’s easily accessible.  For longer one pagers, you can add anchor links to create smooth scrolling. Alternatively, if you’ve got a more elaborate site—like an eCommerce site—create a dropdown menu  or a mega menu that’s organized by category and includes some visual elements.   06. Sharpen your images Only use high-quality images on your site. You can explore the Wix Media Library to find better images if you’re lacking options. Or, take advantage of Wixel's AI-powered photo editor to refine existing images and/or ask AI to design new ones for you.  Read also: 7 things you can do in 30 seconds using Wix’s AI image tools 07. Tweak the mobile version of your site Your site might look great on desktop, but you’ll always want to check the mobile editor. Check for proper spacing, font sizes and layout. Chances are, you’ll want to adjust how your content appears on smaller screens. You can even hide some elements that work well on desktop but clutter the mobile experience.  08. Add customer service features Just like in a luxury store, a high-end online experience starts with excellent service. Add Wix Chat, AI Site Chat or WhatsApp to your site, so your customers can reach you as they’re clicking through your site. Remember, faster responses build trust. 09. Include an FAQ section Address common customer questions directly on your site. Create a dedicated FAQ page or add a collapsible FAQ section to any page so that important information is easily accessible. Consider using the Wix FAQ  app to easily manage a collapsible FAQ section.    10. Weave in testimonials   Strengthen the credibility of your brand and website by adding testimonials where appropriate. Use repeater sections offered in the Wix Editor, which can present testimonials in a polished, easy-to-read format. Related reading: The science of first impressions (and how to nail them on your site) Web design trends Wix website features How to avoid generic AI website content Sure, AI can design your whole website—but you give it soul

  • 8 things you can do in 30 seconds using Wix’s AI image tools

    To say that the world of photo editing is different these days would be an understatement. In recent years, AI has opened the floodgates to a ton of innovative tools—ones that allow someone with zero graphic design experience to create images like a pro.  As head of Wix Media, I’ve had a front-row seat in the AI revolution. Though my team’s journey into AI began years before AI became cool, you could say that the Wix Photo Studio has undergone a major transformation. As you learn how to build a website with the Studio today, you’ll find that a few clicks can produce amazing results.  To prove it, here are seven things you can do in 30 seconds with Wix’s AI image tools.  Want to see Wix’s AI tools up close? Create a website  with Wix our test drive our free AI website builder .  01. Whip up a brand new image If you’re creating a website  or a new blog and need complementary images (just as examples), Wix’s AI image creator can help you take what’s in your head and turn it into reality.  Simply describe what you want. For example, let’s say I’m a fashion blogger looking for a photo of someone flaunting cool, stylish streetwear. Instead of scrolling through stock photos or begging strangers to let me take photos of them, I could go into the image creator and request a new photo. The image creator will ask if I’m interested in a photo, illustration or other artistic style. Let’s say I pick “photo” and request: “A beautiful man standing on a sidewalk”  In just a few seconds, the image creator will whip up that beautiful man. I can either take the first photo it creates or ask it to try again.  02. Erase an unwanted object So, you created an image, but there’s something in the background you don’t like? No problem.  The object eraser has you covered. Using the same example as before, I could remove anything from the background by simply highlighting it and clicking “erase.”  The object eraser doesn’t just work on newly created images. You could upload an existing image and use the eraser to clean it up.  (Imagine: The next time you need a professional headshot or profile pic, you no longer need to scroll endlessly through your camera roll for a usable selfie. Use the eraser to unapologetically edit out your friends or kids from a photo. Or, replace the entire background with a new, clean backdrop.)   03. “Photoshop” any part of your image The AI image editor lets you add and replace anything on an image. In our current example, this guy’s top is a bit too formal. I want the image to scream streetwear, so I highlight his suit and ask the AI editor to replace it with a hoodie.  Just like that, we’re able to go from office wear to streetwear.  They say that every parent has a favorite child. I’m not afraid to admit that the AI image editor is one of my favorites. It’s smart, ambitious and always eager to help; with the editor, you can change the whole background of an image or change a small detail that affects the whole vibe. Best of all, you can tweak your image as much as you’d like. Just ask the editor to give you another option, and keep redoing this action until you end up with a result you like.    04. Extend your image to fit any page Every web designer  knows the challenge of resizing an image to fit the dimensions of a page. This process can be tedious and compromise the quality or proportions of an image—but with the AI extend tool, it can be done easily. Read also: What is web design?   Do you want to use the image we just created on your homepage? If the size is off, you can use the AI extend tool to safely stretch it out.   Input your target dimensions, select any of the predefined ratios or manually stretch the image, then click “Extend Image.” The AI will handle the rest.  Putting it all together When you put all these steps together, you go from an image of a formally dressed office worker on a busy sidewalk to a cool kid posing in an empty street.  While I just walked you through a sequence of steps that could be applied to one image, the truth is that all of these tools can be used apart from one another. You don’t need AI to do everything for you; in fact, I encourage you to take certain steps into your own hands. As with everything AI-powered these days, the best tools are used in tandem with your expertise and creativity. Wix’s AI image tools are no different. They’re there to assist you, not to cut corners.  Other cool hacks I promised you eight cool tricks, so before you leave, here are four more neat features to check out.  05. Auto enhance   Available under the “Adjust” tab of the Wix Photo Studio, the auto-enhance tool lets you optimize the colors and sharpness of an image in a single action. This can help you make an image instantly more appealing and professional. 06. Auto cut out   No need to use any scissors to remove the background of your image. Simply go to the cut out tool and press “auto cut out.” The AI will automatically clear your background, then give you the option to replace it with another colored, patterned or image-based background.  07. Upscale  Our upscale tool will take any low-resolution image and upscale its resolution in a single click so that it’s website-ready. This tool can be found under the “Crop & Extend” tab. 08. Regenerate Still not satisfied with your image? With the "Regenerate" tool (found in the photo studio), you can have AI analyze your photo and suggest a prompt that you can use to reproduce it. Related reading: How to design a website with AI How to avoid generic AI website content Sure, AI can design your whole website—but you give it soul

  • What is gender neutral web design and why it matters

    As a nonbinary trans person, I navigate an internet that isn’t designed for me. When the websites I use everyday weren’t made for me, I feel less engaged. It creates an uncomfortable experience, like an itch, making the web feel impersonal and hostile. Determining the right target audience is an integral part of making a website. Can designers intentionally choose to make nonbinary people part of that specificity? If we design with the aim of tearing down barriers, we can create an internet that’s useful, relevant, and safe to as many people as possible, including nonbinary or gender nonconforming individuals. Learn more: How to make a Wix website Why gender and pronouns matter I should probably back up and define some terms for people who aren’t familiar with nonbinary people. Gender is distinct from biological sex. A gender like “man” or “woman” is a role we play in society. Some people feel profoundly uncomfortable with the role they were assigned at birth, and are happier playing another. As a nonbinary person, I’m not strictly comfortable as either a man or a woman. There are many ways to be nonbinary or gender nonconforming, and pronouns are a good example of that. There are nonbinary people who use “they/them” pronouns, but others use “she/her” or “he/him” or neopronouns (for example, “xie/xer”). There are “he/him” lesbians who were assigned female at birth and are still women. Gender is highly personal and central to who people are. An internet that’s designed for people with a broad range of gender identities and expressions would honor that. If gender is treated as a deeply personal aspect of every individual’s humanity — one you can recognize and speak to with design — you can use that to make your designs more specific, exciting, and engaging for everyone. Designing a gender-affirming web Since there are lot of ways to be nonbinary, we need to avoid the pitfall of going from imagining there are only two genders to only three. At the same time, we shouldn’t approach design as if there’s only one gender — the human gender — and flatten all diversity entirely. Broadening your voice as a brand or service provider so much, would mean that you end up speaking to nobody. If, instead, gender is treated as a deeply personal aspect of every individual’s humanity, and one you can recognize and speak to with design, you can use that to make your designs more specific, exciting, and engaging for everyone. Here are some ways we can do that: Creatable World by Mattel aspires to make playing dolls more inclusive. Rethinking our use of UX language Create gender-neutral navigation: When collecting information on gender and honorifics is sometimes necessary, it would be wonderful to have options outside the binary. The typical layout for an online clothing store, for example, has “men’s” and “women’s” sections. Some websites avoid this trap. Rather than organizing by gender, organize by type of clothing (like pants, shits, skirts) and cut. They can also have their clothing modeled by trans and gender nonconforming models. For other brands, simply including a wider variety of gender expressions in their use of photography and visuals — doesn’t have to be every photo, even! — makes the experience of using their website more friendly. Allow users to identify as they wish: Companies that gather medical information often need a user’s legal name and sex. However, changing names is a very common trans experience (including among nonbinary and gender nonconforming people). That’s a long process. The best websites I’ve used permit people to list their gender identity as well as their sex assigned at birth and also lets everyone choose a nickname. The websites who do this avoid “dead naming” trans people, which is respectful of both their identity and health. Many trans and gender nonconforming people experience gender dysphoria, and addressing them by the wrong name can be a trigger for that. Q, the First Genderless Voice Assistant. Treating user safety and consent with care There are, unfortunately, hate groups whose members try to harm trans folks, including nonbinary people. I hope that websites will look out for the safety of trans people. Be conscious of the data you collect: That means not collecting data on gender at all unless it’s vital, transparency about why collecting data is necessary and how it will be shared, and good moderation of discussion forums. Allow personal info to stay discrete: Websites that commission or feature different creatives should not require those individuals to be easy to contact. We want a friendly web, but not so friendly we forget that the web can be dangerous for minorities. Swedish underwear company KÖN offers one fit for any gender. An internet for everyone A design experience that is consciously inclusive conveys an expectation of inclusivity that people will learn from and follow. When we take the time to design with gender nonconforming and nonbinary people, it’s more than a cosmetic change. We’re using design to think about and respect human beings and care about their safety. That mindset carries into our other work. It benefits other minorities. It benefits cis users, who need safety and respect in their own ways. When we build an internet for everyone, it really does benefit everyone.

  • The 9 best Instagram tools for your business

    You’re well aware that a complete online presence for any business consists of understanding how to make a website and utilizing the most popular and relevant social media channels as part of their marketing strategy . The one that everyone (and by everyone we mean over 300 million people) seems to be virtually hanging out on all the time is Instagram. As a user of the platform, you might be hip with all the stellar Instagram features, like carousel posts, the new ‘Ask Me Anything’ questions sticker and a pretty nifty analytics tracker for business accounts. Yet, there’s a whole world of tools outside the app that can really make your account stand out against the hefty crowd. They might also help you sell on Instagram too. With a sprinkle of the right external add-ins, you’ll be ready to up your engagement and followers, make the most of the platform with some ‘secret’ hacks, and simply have a blast creating fun content. So, dive into these 9 best Instagram tools that we highly recommend for your social media marketing strategy. Read also: How to make money on Instagram Best time to post on Instagram How to make a Wix website 9 best Instagram tools VSCO Unfold Hopp   Magisto Boomerang from Instagram Background music for video Repost for Instagram Planoly Hastagify 01. VSCO: the ultimate photo and video editing tool It’s a fact that most of us shoot our photos for Instagram on our smartphones. And thanks to VSCO’s editing technology, no one needs to know that we don’t own the newest camera device. It offers many advanced editing tools, from the basics like cropping and adding contrast to more sophisticated filters and film-inspired presets. VSCO allows you to craft whatever mood you’re going for, be it happy and vibrant, vintage and grayscale, or dark and moody. After you’ve created the most professional images and videos, easily share them to your Instagram account through the app. If all of that doesn’t provide you with the help you need, VSCO also serves as a community-based platform where a bunch of creatives inspire each other. Pros: Advanced tools and presets to create professional quality photos, a creative community, and exclusive photography tips. Get started here: Android app & iOS app 02. Unfold: build the most beautiful Instagram Stories Instagram Stories have become a big hit, replacing those Snapchat days to the point where you might be saying # TBT. Yet, the content of each platform is oh so different: Snapchat might be for selfies and awkward happenings, but Instagram is all about making your brand look as professional as possible. So, how do you create Instagram Stories for your business that look polished and poised at all times? Download the application Unfold, which allows you to create customized Stories that will honestly amaze your followers. With this application, you can choose from over 70 different Instagram templates and five fonts to layout your photos, videos, and text. There’s no doubt that you’ll be looking your best. Pros: Free application, 70 easy-to-use templates and supports both photo and video media—including sound. Get started here: iOS app 03. Hopp: don’t let Instagram limit you to just one bio link With Instagram, you get one opportunity to share a link on your bio  (check out our guide on the best link in bio tools ). This means that every time you create a new blog post, add a new product to your online shop, or run a Facebook campaign, you need to update the link on your profile and leave the other ones inaccessible from your Instagram account for that time. But all of these links are important to your business and none should be left to the side. With link in bio  tools like Hopp, you can include one super link in your bio that leads users to a list of your other links, without exiting the Instagram app. In this list, you can link to your website, social accounts, email, phone number, and anything else you need—all under customized names. Then, choose from several different themes to display your content. It gets even better: the app includes more options, like setting a specific timeframe for when a link is visible, providing data on the total clicks per link and enabling email signup options. Hopp is considered one of the best Linktree alternatives . Learn more about what Hopp is . Pros:  A basic and free tool that provides one link to multiple destinations (website, social, media profiles, product coupons and more). Get started here: Hopp 04. Magisto: let your phone create professional videos for you Brands that use video content receive 41% more web traffic from search engines than those that don’t. This irresistibly engaging media form is gaining traction fast and it’s about time to hop on board and create social videos for your Instagram account. Or, maybe let someone else handle it for you. This is where Magisto steps in. The popular application uses artificial intelligence technology to create personal and business videos. All you need to do is upload your clips and photos, choose an editing style and the music. While you’re popping your microwave popcorn, Magisto will edit your content and generate your video within minutes—ready to be saved and uploaded to your Instagram page. Pros: Creates professional videos in minutes with your own uploaded content. Get started here: Android app & iOS app 05. Boomerang from Instagram: for hyper-engaging short clips No, we’re not talking about the Australian throwing tool, but this video feature has the same concept. Boomerang videos take a burst of photos and compile them into a short clip that plays forward and backward. Picture a video of someone diving into a pool and being sucked back up just before they hit the water, then watch this replay again. And again. And again. Like GIFs, this guilty media pleasure can control our attention spans for long periods of time. Knowing that’s the case, if you choose to produce this content yourself, your followers will be waiting in line for your next show. It’s not hard to create a boomerang anyways: just download the app, then find a moving object and stand still while you press down the only button on the app to shoot the video. Once you’re done, you can instantly upload it to your feed or Stories. (Note that Instagram does have a boomerang feature itself. Yet, it only works for Stories, not regular posts.) Pros: Dangerously addicting media form that can be created by using just one simple button on the app. Get started here: iOS app 06. Background Music for Video +: make your posts sing Who doesn’t love a good jam session? Music happens to be one of the most engaging things in life, especially in social videos. But maybe you’ve already created a video and this is the one thing you’ve left out. That’s not a problem thanks to Background Music for Video +. This application helps you easily add tunes to your videos and then post them on Instagram. It’s a quick and simple process that involves uploading your video, selecting your audio and when it will play, merging the sound and visual together, then sharing the final product on Instagram. The best part of it all: it’s free. Pros: Free application and an easy way to add music to your social videos. Get started here: iOS app 07. Repost for Instagram: reshare your favorite content instantly When it comes to content we love on Instagram, we often like and comment, and maybe even bookmark a post. Yet, strangely enough, Instagram is one of the few social platforms where you can’t share your followers' content directly in the app—or can you? The simple hack to the system is called ‘Repost for Instagram,' an application that couldn’t be any simpler to use if it tried. All you need to do is copy the link from the post you want to share, open the Repost application, and follow the steps to add it to your Instagram Story or feed. This is just one more step in forming meaningful relationships with your followers, a must for any business looking for Instagram marketing success. Pros: Simplest way to share your followers’ content. Get started here: Android app & iOS app 08. Planoly: your social media sidekick If you are planning to share a lot of posts or at specific times, it can be quite difficult to schedule. Planoly is the best option around, as it allows you to schedule your content and make use of highly effective tools at a very reasonable price. You can visually plan how your content (including Instagram Stories) will look on your Instagram profile before it’s posted by dragging and reordering posts. Other features include hashtag suggestions based on keywords you type in, adding direct links, managing comments, analyzing trends and collaborating with team members. Pros:  Visually plan, order and schedule your Instagram posts, then track their performance. Get started here:   Android app , iOS app  & Planoly 09. Hashtagify: discover and optimize your tags The most versatile element on Instagram is hashtags (you know, the little pound sign linked to a keyword or phrase). You include them in your posts, Instagram Stories, and now you can even follow them as if they are accounts of their own. But, when you place them throughout your content, are you optimizing their full potential? A strategic combination of using the most popular hashtags and niche or brand-specific ones throughout your posts will help you increase your likes, followers and even customers. Hashtagify helps you find the best tags by providing suggested options based on each of your posts and allowing you to search the popularity of individual hashtags alone. Once you include them in your content, this tool allows you to monitor and analyze each hashtag’s performance. But, there’s one more way that this Instagram tool helps you to improve your social media strategy: you can also discover top influencers in your industry, a key distinguisher from the average hashtag discovery tool. Pros: Track and analyze your hashtags, discover popular market hashtags and top influencers. Get started here: Hashtagify

  • How to create a dropdown menu in these easy steps

    When learning how to make a website, navigation design is the last thing you want to overlook. It influences how visitors interact with your website and ultimately determines whether they stay and convert or leave in frustration. A dropdown menu—a fundamental yet often underestimated feature—can help you reduce clutter in your web design , streamline your website navigation menu and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned web developer looking for coding and styling advice or a newcomer seeking to grasp the essentials, this article will teach you how to create a dropdown menu and use the feature to your advantage. Create stunning dropdown menus in minutes with Wix’s website builder . What is a dropdown menu? A dropdown menu is a UX design element that presents a list of options to the user when the user clicks it or hovers above it. By concealing secondary options until the user activates the menu, dropdowns reduce visual noise, thereby improving the overall user experience. They’re useful in various circumstances like website menus , system configuration settings and online forms. Learn more: What is web design? and how to make a Wix website What’s the difference between a menu list and a dropdown menu? A menu list is like an open book—it shows all available options right there on the screen, either lined up horizontally or stacked vertically. It's upfront but takes up more screen real estate. Therefore, if your site is complex with lots of sections and categories, you’d want to rely on dropdown menus to expand your menu list without overwhelming the page. Imagine you have an online store that sells all kinds of clothes: stuff for men, women, kids and even things like shoes and accessories. If you tried to show every single item on your main menu, things would get crowded and confusing really fast. That's where dropdown menus come in handy. When someone visits your website, they would just see simple choices like "Men," "Women," "Kids" and "Home." It's like keeping your options behind closed doors. When the visitor is interested and clicks on one of those options, like "Women," a dropdown menu opens up. Now they can see more choices like "Tops," "Bottoms," "Dresses" and "Shoes." It's a neat way to keep things organized without overwhelming your visitors. Beyond saving space in your menu list, dropdown menus can also bring some much-needed structure to your forms. Instead of having a free-text field where users have to type their country—a situation ripe for typos and inconsistencies—you can incorporate a dropdown list of countries. Your customers simply click and select, reducing both errors and the time it takes to fill out the form. How to make a dropdown menu in HTML Whether you're a seasoned developer looking for a quick refresher or a beginner diving into the world of web development, this section has you covered. We'll walk you through a step-by-step guide on crafting an effective dropdown menu in HTML, simplifying complex codes into digestible chunks. By the end, you'll know how to build a dropdown menu that's not just functional but also user-friendly. 01. Decide where you want your dropdown menu to appear Dropdown menus are versatile elements that can be placed in various locations depending on your website's needs and design. Aside from the common placement in navigation bars and forms, here are a few other spots where a dropdown could be useful: Sidebar menus: If your website has a sidebar for additional navigation or resources, a dropdown menu can help organize content without taking up too much space. Content sections: Within a lengthy article or tutorial, you might use a dropdown to allow users to jump to specific sections or topics. Product pages: On eCommerce sites, dropdowns can be used for selecting product options like size, color or quantity. Search filters: On pages with a search feature, dropdowns can serve as filters to help users narrow down their search criteria, such as by date, category or relevance. Footer: Some websites place additional navigation or resources in the footer, and a dropdown can be a neat way to include those without overwhelming the user. Modal windows or pop-ups: If you have a sign-up form or a settings menu that appears as a modal window, a dropdown can simplify the interface. Dashboard interfaces: In admin or dashboard areas of websites, dropdown menus can help users quickly switch between different panels or categories. Interactive maps or charts: In infographics, interactive charts or maps, dropdowns can be used to let users customize what information is displayed. Tables: Within a table, dropdowns can be used to sort data or to apply filters to the displayed information. Interactive quizzes or surveys: Dropdowns can be used for multiple-choice questions or to gather other types of data in an interactive quiz or survey. 02. Add the element Once you decide where you want to put your dropdown menu, identify where in the code you want the dropdown to sit. If you wanted to add a dropdown to the products link of your navigation bar, you would add an unordered list () under the products line, then add the list items underneath that: HomeAboutProducts Women's ApparelMen's ApparelInterior Decor Contact 03. Hide the list In order to make your dropdown hidden until the visitor hovers or clicks on the parent item, you'll need to add some CSS code: .dropdown-menu { display: none; } To make the dropdown list appear on hover, you'd add the following to that snippet: .dropdown:hover .dropdown-menu { display: block; } To make it appear on click, you'd need to employ JavaScript. Here's a simple jQuery example: $(document).ready(function(){ $(".dropdown").click(function(){ $(this).find(".dropdown-menu").toggle(); }); }); 04. Add some style Because we used elements rather than or elements, we have plenty of room for customization. Here are a few examples of unique CSS properties you can use to give your dropdown menu some flair: Background : You can set the background color or even a background image using the background or background-color properties. Position : The position property, usually set to absolute or relative , controls the dropdown's placement. Display : By default, you'll often set the display property to none to hide the dropdown and then toggle it to block on hover or click. Text styling : Utilize color , font-size , font-family and text-align to style the text within the list items. Paddings and margins : Control the spacing inside ( padding ) and outside ( margin ) list items. Borders : Add borders around your list items using the border property. Hover state : Use the :hover pseudo-class to change styles when the mouse is over a list item. Active state : Use the :active pseudo-class to style the list item during a mouse click. Here's what the CSS file would look like if you incorporated all of these styling options into a dropdown menu: nav { background-color:#333; color: white; } .menu { list-style-type: none; margin: 0; padding: 20px; } .menu li { display: inline; margin-right: 20px; } li a { color: white; text-decoration: none; } .dropdown-menu { z-index: 1; display: none; position: absolute; background-color:#444; list-style-type: none; padding: 10px; } .dropdown-menu li { color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left; padding: 10px; } .dropdown-menu li:hover { background-color:#111; } .dropdown-menu li:active { background-color:#777; } .dropdown:hover .dropdown-menu { display: block; } .dropdown-menu li { margin: 0; padding: 10px; } .dropdown-menu li a { color: white; text-decoration: none; } Put it altogether, and this is what it looks like: How to make a dropdown menu in Wix Feeling a bit daunted by the thought of coding in your own dropdown menu? Worry not—Wix enables you to make a dropdown menu in just a few keystrokes. The best part is, if the styling options don't quite align with your vision, Wix Velo enables you to add your own code to the existing framework. How to add a dropdown menu to the navigation bar Click the plus-sign icon on the sidebar, then hover over "Menu & Anchor" and choose the style that catches your eye. Once that's done, a newly minted navigation bar will appear on the page. If you don't see it, just click on the page icon in the sidebar—it'll take you to the "“Site Pages and Menu” panel. To add a subsection dropdown menu, drag the relevant pages underneath the page you want to serve as the parent section. Then, hit the ellipsis icon next to each of those pages and click "Subpage." You'll notice the page shifts a bit, becoming indented and connected to the parent page with a line. If you don't want the dropdown menu to have a main section, click the "Submenu title" button at the bottom of the "Site Pages and Menu" window. This action creates a "Folder" in your site menu list. Simply rename it and drag the relevant pages under this folder. To adjust the styling, click the navigation bar element, then the paintbrush icon to open the design window. You can either choose from one of the presets or click "Customize Design" to make it your own. Switch to the mobile editor to edit the appearance of the menu in that version of the site. How to create a dropdown menu with Wix's Mega Menu feature Still craving something more sophisticated? Level up with a Mega Menu . A Mega Menu is like an expanded dropdown that you can add to your advanced menu. It pops open when visitors hover over or click the corresponding menu item. Inside this container, you can place various elements to highlight key content. Plus, you can deck it out with custom designs to offer a unique navigation experience to your visitors. Here's how to set it up: From the Editor, click the gear icon above the navigation bar, then hit the "Set as Advanced" button. A new "Manage Menu" window will appear. Click "Add Menu Item" and choose "Mega Menu." (Note: Mega Menus only work with horizontal menus. If you don’t see a “Menu Menu” option, it might be because you’re using a themed menu or other type of menu that isn’t compatible with this feature.) Once clicking “Add Menu Item,” you'll see a new item with an accompanying container. Rename this to whatever you want this menu item to show. Drag your desired pages under this new Mega Menu item, hit the ellipsis, then click "Move under [name]" to organize it under the main menu. Click the container to start designing the dropdown menu. This container is essentially a blank canvas, so you can design it just as you would any other page. Add text boxes and link to the relevant pages. Then, jazz it up with layout alterations, a background, imagery or even a video. How to add a dropdown menu to a form Click the plus-sign icon, navigate to "Contact & Forms" and pick a form that meshes with your needs and brand. Choose "Add New Field" and proceed to "Basic Fields" where you'll find "Dropdown Field." Select that. Click "Edit Field" to configure the static elements, then hit "Manage Choices" to specify what shows up when visitors engage with the dropdown. Dropdown menu design tips: what to do, or not Do consider usability, dropdown menus should be easy to navigate. This means checking options are clearly labeled and easy to select without confusion from the user. Do use dropdown menus to establish your website pages hierarchy. This means that main categories should be clearly defined, with subcategories nested underneath. Do make sure dropdown menus are mobile-friendly. They should be easy to use on touch devices, with larger clickable areas and a simple design. Do check your dropdown menus are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Use proper keyboard navigation and make sure screen readers can identify your menu options. Do keep dropdown animations smooth and fast, avoiding excessive delays or complicated effects that could confuse or frustrate users. Don't overcrowd your menus. Limit the number of items in a dropdown to avoid overwhelming the user. If there are too many options, consider using a multi-level menu or a search bar. Do label each dropdown item clearly, using concise language that helps users quickly understand what they are selecting. Always make dropdown menus easy to close if users accidentally open them. Also, organize options with logical groupings to minimize errors when selecting. Looking for an easy-to-use solution for creating your website? Sign up for Wix today.

  • How to add fonts to your Wix site (plus helpful tips)

    You wouldn’t wear clothes that don’t suit your style, so why write in Times New Roman when your brand is more Helvetica? Whether you have a chic online store or a local restaurant, it’s important to pick the font that matches your brand. When you  create a website , the typeface you choose sets the stage for your visitors and gives them a feel for your unique style. The Wix Editor already provides a plethora of free customization options, including ninety six outstanding fonts, images and video backgrounds. You can also upload your own  best website fonts  to the Wix Editor easily. With the ability to add any font you want—in any language—the possibilities are endless. Here’s how to add your personal fonts when you are learning how to make a Wix website , as well as some tips and best practices from our design pros. How to upload your own fonts to the Wix Editor See a font you want for your blog, business or portfolio? Follow these easy steps to upload and implement your favorite fonts onto your site.  If you have a few websites that will look great with your new typography , your fonts are now accessible from all sites in your account.  To upload your own fonts: Using the Editor, add a text element to your site. Select the text element and click Click Edit Text .  Click the Fonts  drop-down.  Click Upload Fonts  to upload your own.  Click Done  once the font has uploaded. Tip : Uploading fonts larger than 4 MB can affect your site's performance and speed. We recommend using system fonts available from Wix, as they're optimized for your site.  To use your own uploaded fonts: Click a text element in the Editor. Click Edit Text . Click the Fonts  drop-down. Select the font you uploaded under My Fonts . With all the options of beautiful fonts at your fingertips, it can be hard to decide which font you want to use. The key is not to get overwhelmed and follow this guide when picking fonts that work best for you. How to choose a font family that fits the tone of your site It’s important to keep your audience in mind. Your business and brand have a personality that you should convey in your font types and colors choices. This will help you decide whether to choose serif, sans serif or script. For example, it’s a good idea to use serif for a lengthy text, while sans serifs are suggested for captions, headings and charts. Be inspired: Typography trends There are three main font families you should be familiar with: Serif, Sans Serif and Script. Serif fonts are characterized by small decorative strokes at the ends of the letters, similar to Times New Roman or Baskerville. This gives them a classic and elegant appearance, making them well-suited for print media such as newspapers, books and magazines. However, they’re less readable on screens, so they’re not as commonly used for websites.  Sans serifs , on the other hand, are fonts that don’t have the same decorative trimmings at the edges. They’re classified as a modern and cleaner typeface, like Arial and Verdana, and are considered to be preferable for reading online. This is why sans serif fonts are the standard for digital and web design. Script fonts are another more decorative typeface, often used for their ornate and flowing appearance. However, they can be difficult to read for long stretches of text or in call to action statements. As a result, they’re best used for short phrases or titles.   The golden rule: three’s a crowd  The judicious use of fonts is essential for creating a visually appealing and readable design. As a general rule, it’s best to limit yourself to two fonts in a design. This allows you to create a sense of hierarchy and focus, and helps ensure that your message is communicated effectively. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can use three fonts, but be sure to choose them carefully and use them sparingly. How to make your fonts serve your UX UX (user experience) is where design meets function. Essentially, it’s the concept that while websites should be beautiful, they should also be user-friendly and easy to navigate. Pro tip:  When choosing fonts for your brand, it’s important to consider both the needs of your brand and the readability of the text. To ensure that your fonts are used effectively, you should: Choose fonts that are appropriate for your brand's personality and values.  For example, a classic serif font might be appropriate for a traditional brand, while a modern sans serif font might be more suitable for a contemporary brand. Consider the readability of the text.  Avoid using fonts that are too small or too ornate, as these can be difficult to read. Use different fonts for different purposes.  For example, you might use a larger font for headers and a smaller font for body text. Experiment with the placement and composition of the fonts.  This can help to create a sense of hierarchy and emphasis in your design. Ultimately, the goal is to pick fonts that are both visually appealing and readable. By following these tips, you can create a design that is both stylish and effective. To mix or not to mix? If you’re feeling limited by only using two different fonts in your font pairings , play around with the contrast between bold and thin, italics or uppercase and lowercase. Spacing is also a great trick to use when wanting to accent certain words. Experiment with mixing all the options of serif and sans serif, bold and thin. Put some thought into your combos and see what works best for you. Make sure your fonts flatter each other rather than detract from one another. If you’re a bit overwhelmed, here's how to choose the  best fonts for websites . The three  website templates  below are great examples of how to mix typefaces for the web. They represent different approaches to what typography is and how to use it. Which one do you like best? Examples of fonts on Wix websites This pilates studio website template is a great example of using a slab serif font to accent certain elements of your site, while sticking to simple sans serif for the paragraph texts: On the other hand, this branding portfolio website template uses only sans serif with different weights and styles to differentiate text elements and achieve a sense of hierarchy: This interior design company website template , a single font is used across all content elements in order to strengthen the brand identity and avoid taking attention away from the project visuals.

  • The RSS feed: An oldie, but goldie

    The 21st century can be described as a period of information overload. That’s why we’ve got to be smarter about our content, whether we’re engaging in the public sphere or creating a website . Having an RSS feed for your website can help you bring valuable content that matters to your audience in a structural and digestible way. If you’re interested in learning more about this classic aggregator of online content that periodically gets a reboot, keep reading our article below for a deep dive into RSS. Read Also: How to make a business website and how to make a Wix website What is RSS? RSS , which stands for Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary (depending on who you ask), is a web feed that is used to keep up with relevant topics and stay on top of new content from websites. Sometimes referred to as an RSS feed, they appear in the form of an XML document or can sometimes be displayed as an HTML list in an RSS reader. Each RSS feed is specifically formatted to provide machine-readable information on the publisher and each piece of content, presented in date order. As soon as new content is published on a site or folder connected to the feed, the items are updated simultaneously for all subscribers. This means that the first top results on any RSS reader will always reflect the latest content of a website making RSS an accurate tool for discovering new content. For example, an RSS feed on your blog could help you automatically publish your content on any one of your social media channels. You hit publish on your blog, and the RSS feed can be configured to make sure the content is then automatically published on the connected social media platform. You could also repeat this process with testimonials on your site , or any other form of content. RSS is based on the concept of web syndication , which is when online content from one site is made available on another site. Content syndication is a marketing strategy that is often used by news sites, blogs, industry publications, podcasts and other trusted content sources. What happened to RSS feeds? Once the darling of the world wide web, RSS has evolved to become a more practical tool for marketers and developers and are less frequently used for general content curation.Today RSS is most commonly used by podcasters, vloggers, journalists and computer programmers in order to distribute and manage content. As well as a traditional RSS, sites that showcase feeds of multi-media like YouTube and DeviantArt also support Media RSS. Are RSS feeds still relevant in 2023? Yes. Since RSS feeds distribute content in real-time and segment content into bitesize machine-readable attributes, they are a valuable tool for those wishing to: Distribute breaking news Help search engines, such as Google, discover new content Organize serialized video and podcast content Google recommends the use of RSS for News Publishers and will accept RSS as a valid sitemap in Google Search Console . Finding the RSS feed URL of a website Since the popularity of RSS feeds has dwindled over time, it’s likely that the younger readers of this post are rediscovering RSS feeds as they make their website. For this reason, I’ve prepared a quick lesson on how to locate a site’s RSS feed in case you need to: Wix If a blog is hosted on Wix, simply add /blog-feed.xml to the end of the URL. For example, you can see our blog’s RSS feed at: https://www.wix.com/blog/blog-feed.xml . This feed is particularly valuable for SEO because it includes the full HTML output for each blog post, which helps to improve indexing in search engines. Medium If a site is published on Medium, type /feed/ before the publication’s name. Go from this: https://medium.com/wix-engineering to this: https://medium.com/feed/wix-engineering . Medium is an example of a site that includes multiple RSS feeds for every publisher. So as well as including attributes for the channel and the articles, they also have a few lines referencing the webmaster, who manages the site overall, and the central feed for all of their content. This has an SEO benefit because it gives search engines opportunities to discover your content on both the main feed and on the channel feed. YouTube channel Every YouTube channel has a unique Media RSS feed which includes information about the channel, each individual video, and even the number of views. To find your YouTube Channel RSS you can search the source code by: Going to the Channel homepage Right clicking view source or update address in navigation bar to include view-source: before the full url of your channel Press CTRL+F and search for “rssurl” Copy and paste this feed into the browser to see the full feed. Podcasts Putting your RSS to work is essential to growing the organic reach of your podcast and helping your followers to stay up to date with your latest recording. To find podcast RSS for a podcast you would like to follow, visit the homepage of the podcast and look for the RSS icon. If you have started a podcast and would like to find the RSS feed, visit your podcast hosting provider to get the address, manage the settings and use the feed for podcast marketing. Other websites You can also uncover the RSS feed of any website by using a Chrome Extension like Get RSS Feed URL or checking the source code of the homepage and/or blog feed page. Let’s take a look at how to find the RSS feed of our blog. Right click an empty area of the homepage (see image). Select “View Page Source,” or any similar wording that may appear, according to the type of web browser. Search “RSS” via Control/command + F on the page. Look out for an RSS URL. This web address is what you’ll need to plug into the RSS feed reader. It is important to note while all Wix sites include an RSS feed, other websites may not. And while an RSS may be discoverable on the home page and the main blog feed page, the RSS may not be visible from other pages on the site. How to use an RSS feed Follow content creators If you’re a user looking to get content from RSS feeds, the first step is to download an RSS reader, like Feedly or Feeder . Then you can add various RSS feeds to the reader, thus organizing everything in one place. You’ll also receive automated notifications on updated content from each site. Similarly, you can use RSS feeds to send content directly to Slack channels using their dedicated app. Distribute content If you’re a website owner who produces content of your own, you can take advantage of RSS by using it to help your content distribution strategy. Social media posts If you’re sharing your content on social media, you can use RSS to put your social media posting on autopilot. Using a tool like Dlvrt.it, you can pull new content directly from your site’s RSS feed and onto your social feed. Email marketing With an RSS feed on your blog, you can also distribute content via automated email newsletters. For example, an RSS email campaign that pulls new content from your feed and automatically sends it off to your subscribers. Integrate Mailchimp with your Wix blog so that you can create an RSS campaign based on the schedule you choose. Manage your content Content managers will be pleased to know that there are a number of tools which utilize RSS to make it easier to organize and optimize your content. There is a dedicated Google Sheets formula for scrapping RSS feeds which makes it easy to pull out the latest content of your site for analysis or review. Zapier’s RSS tool allows you to connect your RSS to project management tools like Monday.com. So whether you are following RSS to follow the content of others, or harnessing your RSS to distribute your own content, they are still one of the best ways to filter out the noise - so to speak - and take control of the topics you want to read (or be read) amid a sea of content. Connect your RSS feed For those who created a blog on Wix, you can make your followers even happier by gently nudging them to where your site’s feed is located by adding an RSS icon to your blog . With that URL, they’ll be able to subscribe to your feed via an RSS reader app. Read also: How to start a business

  • What is a storyboard and how to make one

    Ready to let your work shine? Build your portfolio →   Made early on in the pre-production phase of filmmaking, a storyboard determines so much of what audiences end up watching on-screen. Storyboards are an important part of any film’s development, and can also be used to enhance your portfolio website design or your graphic design portfolio by including your work process alongside the final piece, regardless of the type of website. This article will answer all of your questions on the topic, from what is a storyboard to what it should include and how to make your own whether making a website or for another purpose: Showcasing your talent should be easy. With Wix’s portfolio builder, you can create a professional, eye-catching portfolio that shows your best work in just a few clicks. Wix’s customizable templates and easy-to-use tools let you present your skills with confidence–leaving a lasting impression on anyone who visits your site. What is a storyboard? A storyboard is a visual representation of a film, composed of a sequence of illustrations or images. It serves as a graphic organizer or an aid in the planning of a motion picture, establishing what exactly will be shown on screen, from which angle, in what order, and so on. This common technique is used in different types of filmmaking, ranging from video , to animation, motion graphics, and more. The process of storyboarding can help you make many of the critical decisions regarding the film prior to the actual shooting or animating. This will enable the production to run more seamlessly and intentionally, resulting in less trial and error during the work process. Storyboards can be created either by hand or digitally, using illustrations, sketches or photographs. They usually contain accompanying written notes to further explain the visuals. The practice of storyboarding as we know it was developed by Walt Disney Studios during the 1930s. There are many beautiful storyboard examples from that time that you can find online, as well as ones by other famous directors, like Hayao Miyazaki and Alfred Hitchcock. These can serve as excellent inspiration for your own storyboards. The main advantages of using a storyboard in filmmaking are: Planning and refining a film’s narrative or storytelling. Improving communication across team members through visualization. Defining key technical parameters such as camera angles and lighting. Storyboard made at the Wix Studio for a promotional video. Storyboard frame (left) and final frame (right). Learn more: How to make a Wix website What is included in a storyboard? As a pre-production resource, a good storyboard should refrain from being overly detailed. Instead, it should include just enough information to move the narrative forward, explain all of the major occurrences in the film, and help envision how the final piece will come to life. Here are the most important elements to include in a storyboard: Action: Each main activity in the film should be depicted in at least one thumbnail or frame. To indicate motion within the shot, use arrows and action lines (usually marked in red). Shot numbers: Number the shots in accordance with their appearance on the video’s shot list. Type of shot: Establish the type of shot (close-up or bird’s-eye view, for example), plus the camera angle and camera movement for each shot. Camera movements are usually expressed using arrows placed at the edge of each individual panel. For example, use a sidewards-pointing arrow to signify a panning shot, or an upwards-pointing arrow for a tilt. Dialogue or narration: Write down any text spoken or heard in the shot. Special effects: Mention any relevant special effects that will be added to the shot, such as sound effects or design elements like typography. The main types of camera movements as depicted in storyboarding. How to make a storyboard Break down your script Create blank panels Add textual descriptions Sketch your narrative Ask for feedback Make an animatic 01. Break down your script Before getting to work on your actual storyboard, go over your script (or concept) and break it down into actions. This can be done in the form of a list, or a chart with each action listed in a separate cell. Number each of your actions. These same numbers should later align with the numbering of the panels on your storyboard. Your list of actions can be done more generally, mentioning the overall action that viewers see in each frame. For the example below, created by animator and Wix user Yukai Du and published on her animation portfolio website , the action list would probably look something like this: 1. It opens with some flowing liquid. 2. Zoom out, we see the liquid is in a hand. 3. Zoom out, the hand turns and… 4. Morphs into the top part of the pot product. And so forth. If your video or animation includes narration or spoken lines of text, mention them in your action list, so that you’re clear on which part of the script goes in which storyboard panel. If your film is more elaborate, you might prefer to create a detailed shot list, mentioning each action’s location, type of shot, camera angle and camera movement. Storyboard by animator and Wix user Yukai Du. 02. Create blank panels Create a grid to act as the wireframe of your storyboard. There are plenty of storyboard templates online, which you can use as a reference when making your own. Alternatively, find a downloadable template that suits your project’s needs. Whether you’re working with ready-made panels or are creating them yourself, make sure that the frames you use are in the right aspect ratio. This is important as it ensures that your drawings will end up in the correct proportions, matching those of your film. An aspect ratio is a design and photography term referring to the relationship between an image’s width and length, represented as width: height. For example, the standard widescreen video aspect ratio is 16:9, whereas for Instagram Stories it’s best to work in a 9:16 ratio. Your storyboard page or template should include a dedicated space for notes and numbers alongside each of the different scenes and shots. 03. Add textual descriptions By each panel, write text to describe the action that will be shown in each frame. Do this in accordance with the script break-down from the first step. Be sure to include any spoken dialogue or narration. In addition, number your panels and scenes. If your storyboard is longer than a single page, you should number the pages themselves as well. Storyboard vs. the final animated-loop by animator and Wix user, Inbal Ochyon . 04. Sketch your narrative Drawing out the panels is the most important part of storyboarding, as it’s where you envision and visualize the film. But you don’t have to be an expert illustrator in order to get it right. While good drawing skills can definitely come in handy, as any professional storyboard artist would tell you, what matters most in a storyboard is not the art itself, but rather the information it conveys. The drawings you create can therefore be as simple as line art or rough sketches. They should explain what action is taking place in the scene, showing where the characters are and what they're doing. In addition, the drawings should indicate details like framing, camera angles and camera movements. When drawing your storyboard, keep in mind key cinematographic elements such as composition, focus, lighting, transitions, and continuity. You can also take motion graphics and video trends into account, keeping your work up to date. If the color palette plays a big role in your film, you could incorporate color in your storyboard. However, it’s not a must and many storyboards stick to just black and white. If you’re interested in a more in-depth test for the use of color in your film, consider working on a color script. A color script demonstrates how the palette evolves in parallel with the unfolding of the film’s storyline. It is similar to a storyboard, only that it places an emphasis on color psychology and symbolism, alongside lighting. Storyboard by Wix user Line Art Studios. 05. Ask for feedback Much like a mood board , a storyboard is created during the early stages of a project and can have a huge impact on the end result. Your storyboard should therefore be communicative and easily understood by everyone involved in the project - be it the client, camera operator, animators or concept artists. But even when working independently, it’s imperative that the storyboard reflects your movie clearly. Perfecting your storyline and cinematography at this stage in your production will pay off down the line, resulting in a much more effective and informed filmmaking process. To ensure that the film is clearly understood, show your complete storyboard to a team member or a trusted friend and ask for their input. See what stands out to them as confusing, and invest the time to revise the storyboard accordingly. Address the problems that arise during this early stage, and the final film will be all the better because of it. 06. Make an animatic Once your storyboard is finalized, you can take it to the next level by creating an animatic, or in other words, an animated version of your storyboard. By taking the frames or panels from your storyboard and placing them on a timeline, combined with an initial soundtrack and rough camera movements, you can start to get a real feel for your end result. You can also add in subtitles to signify any speech. To create an early version of your soundtrack, check out these sites for free music for your videos. Creating an animatic allows you to not only visualize every scene in your film, as does a storyboard, but also to decide on the timing and pacing of each part of your movie. It makes it easier to know how long you should linger on some sections, versus how abrupt certain transitions should be. This helps to plan the animation process better, as well as to time the soundtrack and dubbing more accurately. Animatic (top) versus the final version (bottom) of a promotional video by Wix.

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