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  • Best online payment solutions for your online store

    When starting your business , it’s crucial to choose an online payment solution that’s secure, user-friendly and reliable. Imagine, for a moment, that you’ve attracted a brand new customer to your website. After shopping, your customer heads to the checkout page with a few items in their cart. But they hesitate because your site only accepts Visa or Mastercard. This triggers other questions. Is your online payment processing secure? Can you be trusted with their credit card information? It might sound improbable, but it happens. And as a business owner, it’s essential to remember that the checkout process has the power to make or break a sale. In this article, we’ll run through some of the best payment solutions out there today. We’ll cover the expectations customers have during the final stages of ordering and how to build a checkout experience that puts your eCommerce customers at ease. Learn more: What's the best way to start an online store? What is a payment gateway? A payment gateway is a service that collects, authorizes and securely sends your customer’s payment information to the bank for processing. Think of it as your virtual cash register. Why is choosing the right payment solution important? There's plenty of evidence to say that the more flexible and streamlined your checkout process is, the more likely it is for your customers to follow through with their purchases. According to Baymard Institute , nearly 70% of online shoppers routinely abandon their carts during checkout. When asked why: 24% said that they didn’t want to create an account 18% said that they didn’t trust sharing their credit card information with the store 17% said that the checkout process was too complex 9% said that the payment methods offered were insufficient For sellers, this means a few things. For one, simplicity is key. Keep your checkout pages clean and straightforward, minimizing the number of steps it takes to complete a transaction. Secondly, offer a variety of payment options. While some customers may choose to pay with credit cards, others may prefer to use a digital wallet like PayPal. Lastly, regularly audit and analyze your checkout process. Customer expectations are constantly evolving—and aside from deciding how  to pay, your customers may have high expectations around security, pickup options, and the overall user experience.   Pro tip: Choosing the right eCommerce platform can save you from a lot of heartache. Platforms like Wix already offer the highest level of PCI compliance , plus have native solutions (like Wix Payments) that allow you to accept secure online payments  in various ways without having to hop between different channels. Top 5 online payment methods you need at checkout To start accepting online payments, you have to install at least one payment gateway on your site. This could mean activating Wix Payments, or choosing from more than 80 third-party payment gateways  that integrate with Wix.   In any case, you’ll want to empower customers to select their preferred way to pay. At minimum, make sure to support these popular payment methods: Credit and debit cards Digital wallets Buy now, pay later (BNPL) solutions 01. Credit and debit cards Card payments are the bread and butter of every eCommerce business . While dozens of payment gateways allow you to accept good-ole credit cards online, no two providers are exactly the same. Some may charge higher processing fees. Others may not support the credit cards that your customers prefer. And payout periods, supported transaction types, and other factors vary from company to company. Below is a breakdown of some of the most popular providers to consider.   Wix Payments Wix Payments  offers one of the easiest ways to accept debit and credit card payments online , especially if you manage your store on Wix. By eliminating the need for external eCommerce payment processors , Wix Payments ensures that your customers enjoy seamless checkout. They can shop and pay as they wish—without being redirected to another site. You can additionally use your Wix dashboard to manage all payments, sales, refunds, and payouts. Quickly   respond to  chargebacks  with Wix’s built-in dispute tool, or unify your in-person transactions with your online orders using Wix Point of Sale (POS) .   Wix Payments merchant fees: Credit/debit cards: 2.9% of transaction amount + $0.30 (USA and Canada) ApplePay: 2.9% of transaction amount + $0.30 (USA and Canada) Wix Payments POS: 2.6% of transaction amount No monthly fees for Payments or POS Retail Lite plan Processing fees vary by region. Learn more . Key benefits: All-in-one business solution with an integrated payment dashboard Supports various transaction types: credit/debit cards, POS, manual card entries, Apple Pay, online bank transfers, and more Accepts payment in various currencies Mobile-friendly payment interface Advanced online encryption and fraud detection   Stripe   Like Wix Payments, Stripe is able to process one-time and recurring payments. It offers its own suite of integrated products, including global payment options, financial management features, and banking-as-a-service tools.   Stripe currently accepts payments in more than 135 currencies. It also supports in-person checkout via Stripe Terminal, which includes hardware for handheld and/or countertop use.   Stripe merchant fees: Credit cards and digital wallets: 2.9% processing fee + $0.30 Digital wallets: 2.9% + $0.30 BNPL options: starting at 5.99% + $0.30 International payment methods: starting at $0.80 Stripe Terminal: 2.7% + $0.05 No monthly fees Additional fees apply  for international and manual transactions. Key benefits: Supports various transaction types: credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and BNPL solutions Robust international support (30+ languages, 135+ currencies) Mobile-friendly payment interface Competitive payment processing fees No setup or monthly fees for a standard Stripe Connect account Advanced fraud and chargeback protection Square Many small business owners  enjoy Square—which you can easily connect to your Wix site. Square accepts multiple payment methods, including all major credit cards and digital wallets. You can additionally email customers one-time or recurring invoices, set up subscriptions, and use Square’s POS solution to support your brick-and-mortar business. Fun fact: Not all payment gateways support the sale of alcohol, tobacco or similar products. But Square does.   Square merchant fees: Online payments: 2.9% processing fee + $0.30 Stripe POS: 2.6% + $0.10 Manually entered in-person payments: 3.5% + $0.15 Afterpay (online): 6% + $0.30 No monthly fees Learn more about Square processing fees  and check out our guide on POS system costs . Key benefits: Complete business banking and payment solution with an intuitive dashboard Supports various transaction types: credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and BNPL solutions Mobile-friendly payment interface Competitive payment processing fees No setup or monthly fees for a standard account Free basic card-swipe hardware for Square POS Automatic, business-day balance transfers to your bank Fewer seller restrictions   02. Digital wallets It’s estimated that 60% of people  are now comfortable leaving their homes without their wallets. One major reason why: digital wallets. By allowing customers to store their credit or debit cards on their phones (alongside their computers and other compatible devices), digital wallets have simplified the payment process for both online and offline payments. Customers can now complete a purchase with a tap of a button, bypassing several steps of the normal process. Here are several of the most popular digital wallets to be aware of. (Note: the payment gateways mentioned above are all compatible with one or several of these digital wallets, and/or you may have the option to add standalone buttons to your site, depending on your eCommerce platform.)   Apple Pay Most of us are probably familiar with this one, if only because it’s pre-installed on our iPhones. Apple Pay is now accepted by an estimated 85% of retailers in the U.S. , allowing customers to pay from a variety of devices: their iPhones, Apple Watch, Mac, or iPad. Apple promises several benefits from using its app: safe, encrypted payments; contactless payments; and easy setup. Today, Apple Pay accounts for nearly half (45.5%)  of all in-store digital wallet purchases. Apple Pay merchant fees: No fees for accepting Apple Pay, however, you’ll have to pay the regular transaction fees required by credit card issuers Key benefits: Widely used by customers and merchants alike Built-in privacy and security features Free to offer online or in-person Allows customers to pay via credit/debit card or Apple Cash   Google Pay Google Pay is supported by both iOS and Android devices. It boasts flashy features that some of its competitors lack. For example, consumers can use Google Pay to store gift cards; earn cash-back rewards; and track spending habits by linking their bank accounts, Gmail, and Google Photos together. Similarly, businesses can accept payments, track sales, and earn special rewards using the Google Pay for Business app . Google Pay has reportedly led to a  55% reduction in cart abandonment rate  for one top global retail partner. And 35% of Google Pay users that previously relied on a different payment method now prefer to use Google Pay for repeat purchases, according to a top IR500 retailer interviewed by Google. Google Pay merchant fees: No fees for accepting Google Pay, however, you’ll have to pay the regular transaction fees required by credit card issuers Key benefits: Well-known and trusted by consumers worldwide Fast and secure payment method with built-in fraud protection Lower chargeback volume than standard credit card transactions   PayPal With more than 426 million users worldwide , PayPal is considered one of the most popular digital wallets today. Thanks to widespread brand trust, PayPal converts 28% higher  at checkout when compared to other payment methods. According to the same study, PayPal is associated with a higher Net Promoter Score (NPS)—with PayPal increasing NPS by an average of eight points. You can easily connect PayPal to your Wix store  to offer your customers a variety of payment options. You have the ability to decide whether to show PayPal buttons on your product and/or cart pages. Your customers, in turn, can choose whether to pay via PayPal, PayPal Pay Later, and/or other supported methods. PayPal merchant fees: PayPal Checkout: 3.49% processing fee + fixed fee  ($0.49 for U.S. transactions) No monthly fees Learn more about PayPal’s merchant fees . Key benefits: Well-known and trusted by consumers worldwide Known to increase cart conversion rates and NPS Offers various payment options: PayPal Checkout, Pay Later, and PayPal Credit Supports cryptocurrency payments via its “ Checkout with Crypto ” feature Amazon Pay Amazon Pay references shipping and payment information stored in a shopper’s Amazon account. Any Amazon Pay purchases are protected by the company’s A-to-z Guarantee, which ensures that products are delivered in a timely and responsible manner. Amazon Pay has been linked to higher conversion rates  and order values, as well as a reduction in checkout time. Amazon Pay also supports several payment options, including deferred, split, recurring, and subscription payments. Amazon Pay merchant fees: Web/mobile transactions: 2.9% processing fee + $0.30 authorization fee Cross-border web/mobile transactions: 3.9% + $0.30 No monthly fees Amazon Pay fees  vary by region. Key benefits: Well-known and trusted by consumers worldwide Fast and secure payment method with built-in fraud protection Amazon's A-to-z Guarantee protects Amazon Pay purchases   03. Buy now, pay later (BNPL) solutions Whether you sell higher-ticket or low-ticket items, buy now, pay later (BNPL) has proven to be a welcome addition to most checkout experiences. BNPL services saw “explosive” growth after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to The Washington Post , increasing as much as 200%. Nowadays, fashion and beauty products make up 70% of pay-later transactions, The Washington Post reported. This underscores a shift towards credit-card alternatives, fueled by a growing distrust in traditional banks and credit card providers. For merchants, offering BNPL comes at a higher cost than traditional credit cards. Transaction fees average out to around 6%. However, the long-term benefits may justify the costs; pay-later solutions have been attributed to higher AOVs and repeat purchases from empowered shoppers. When deciding which BNPL services to offer, consider the appeal of each platform. Here’s a roundup of the top BNPL providers and their various benefits. Klarna Known for its customer service and user-friendly app interface, Klarna has amassed more than 150 million active users . The app has been praised for offering more flexible payment terms than other services of its kind. Klarna users can choose to pay in four equal installments (interest-free), or pay in custom amounts within 30 days. No minimum credit score is required to qualify for Klarna financing. Consumer terms of use: APR: 0% Amount due at time of purchase: 25% “Pay later” payments: four installments, due every two weeks “Slice it” payments: up to 36 equal payments, due monthly; or pay in 30 days without interest Late fee: $7 Affirm Ideal for more expensive purchases, Affirm offers loans from $50 to $17,500 and allows customers to space out their monthly payments for up to two years. Alternatively, users can choose Affirm's pay-in-four option to receive interest-free financing. Like Klarna, Affirm provides an app that empowers users to use Affirm anywhere they shop. One big bonus: Affirm does not charge any late fees. Consumer terms of use: APR: 0% for the installment plan, up to 30% for certain loan types Amount due at time of purchase: starts at $0 Pay-in-four payments: four installments, due every two weeks Other financing options: up to 36 equal payments, due monthly; other repayment terms available depending on loan type Late fee: None Afterpay Afterpay is another popular option for larger purchases, with interest-free financing on purchases from $200 to $2,000 (the latter being granted to users with good repayment histories). Afterpay allows consumers to split purchases into four installments, with the first installment due at checkout. Unlike other services, Afterpay does not require a credit check to be approved for financing. Consumer terms of use: APR: 0% Pay-in-four payments: 4 installments, due every 2 weeks Monthly payment option: six- to 12-month interest-based payment options for purchases over $400 Late fee: $8 Ready to integrate an online cart  into your website? PayPal Credit and PayPal Pay Later PayPal offers a couple of flexible payment options. PayPal Credit offers special deferred-interest financing for up to six months on purchases over $99. Minimum monthly payments must be maintained, and the purchase balance must be paid in full within six months to avoid accrued interest. By comparison, PayPal's Pay Later option works similarly to other BNPL installment options by allowing shoppers to split payments into four biweekly installments. Consumer terms of use: APR: 0% PayPal Pay Later: four installments, due every two weeks PayPal Credit: interest-free financing on purchases over $99 if paid in full within six months Late fee: None   Selling in person too? Wix Point of Sale lets businesses accept card payments and manage online and in-store sales together. For UK sellers, see Online POS UK . Tips for selecting an online payment solution At the end of the day, you’ll want to evaluate which payment options are must-haves for your unique audience. From there, crunch the numbers and keep close watch over the impact that your checkout experience has on total sales, AOV, and customer lifetime value. In summary, here are several factors to consider when picking the right payment solutions for your business: Security : As many as 55% of consumers  list security as the most critical aspect of their online shopping experience, while nearly half also wanted security measures more prominently displayed. For the most secure encryption, look for companies that strictly adhere to PCI-compliance standards. Familiarity and reputation : Research your competitors or other sites that are popular among your target market to determine payment methods that they already use and expect. Select a reputable payment gateway to start offering those well-known options. The brand recognition will strengthen your credibility and ease your buyer’s safety concerns during checkout. Integration: How easily does your payment gateway integrate with your eCommerce platform? A fully integrated payment gateway streamlines the checkout process, while a standalone payment gateway can disrupt and slow it down (i.e., require consumers to complete additional security checks or jump to separate payment windows). Flexibility : Select a payment gateway that supports flexible payment options that align with current consumer trends and needs (e.g., following the pandemic, digital wallets and BNPL options surged in popularity). Fees : Does the online payment solution charge additional fees to use their services or to access other security features? The lowest cost isn’t always the best if security is the trade-off. Restrictions : Each payment gateway may have varying restrictions that limit the types of products or services your business can sell. Read the service agreement carefully to ensure your company operates within the provider’s guidelines. Ready to get started with Wix Payments?  Create your online store today. Online payment solutions FAQ What are the different types of online payment solutions? Payment gateways, payment processors, mobile wallets, digital currencies (cryptocurrencies), contactless payments and biometric authentication methods. What's the safest payment platform? All of the main solutions are known for the security. It's not about the safest platform, but the one that best fits your needs. Look for platforms like Wix, PayPal. They prioritize security features like PCI DSS compliance, tokenization and two-factor authentication. Ultimately, choose a platform with strong features but remember to practice good online security habits like using strong passwords and being cautious of phishing attempts. What are interchange fees? Interchange fees are the charges a payment processor pays to a card network, like Visa or Mastercard, for facilitating a credit or debit card transaction. Think of it as a commission for processing the payment. These fees are usually passed on to merchants, often in the form of a percentage of the transaction amount. What is a merchant account? A merchant account is a bank account specifically for businesses that accept credit and debit card payments. It allows merchants to process transactions and receive funds directly from card networks. Think of it as a gateway connecting your business to the world of card payments. What is a payment gateway? A payment gateway is the technology that sits between your website or point-of-sale system and the payment processor. It securely transmits customer payment information, processes transactions and provides you with the status of the payment. Think of it as the middleman that makes online payments happen.

  • What is Wix Payments?

    Wix Payments is a comprehensive, integrated payment processing solution designed to simplify how businesses accept and manage payments online and in-person. As the native payment processor for the Wix website builder , it allows merchants to streamline their financial operations (to sell online ) while providing their customers with a range of flexible, secure payment options. Learn more: How to make an eCommerce website Wix Payments: an in-depth look Wix Payments offers merchants a centralized dashboard to manage all their transaction types, including product orders and subscriptions, service bookings and event tickets. This means not having to navigate multiple platforms or reconcile data from various sources, saving business owners valuable time. Its also much simpler to manage. Multiple payment types Consumers today demand flexibility in how they pay, Wix Payments delivers by supporting (according to location): Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) PayPal and Venmo Buy Now Pay Later options (Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, PayPal Pay Later) Tap to Pay functionality for mobile devices This variety helps reduce cart abandonment rates by giving customers a choice of preferred payment methods, leading often to higher conversion rates and sales. Seamless checkout process Because the checkout experience significantly impacts conversion rates Wix Payments allows merchants to build a seamless checkout experience that keeps customers within their online store rather than redirecting them to third-party payment providers. This continuity maintains trust and reduces friction points that could cause potential customers to abandon their purchases. Learn more: How to start an online store Simplified financial operations Efficient operations is a key benefit of Wix Payments. The platform achieves this by streamlining: Transaction processing and reconciliation Payout management (typically within 1-3 business days) Chargeback handling and dispute resolution Fraud protection through AI and rule-based systems The integration of PayPal directly into Wix Payments allows U.S. merchants to manage PayPal transactions alongside other payment types, further simplifying back-office operations and providing clearer cash flow visibility. Omnichannel sales support With Wix Point of Sale (POS) integration , businesses can create a unified ecommerce experience across online and offline channels. This omnichannel approach delivers: Synchronized inventory management Consistent customer records Consolidated sales analytics Seamless returns processing regardless of purchase channel The system automatically updates inventory levels and customer data across all sales channels, preventing overselling and improving customer service. Selling in person too?  Wix Point of Sale lets businesses accept card payments and manage online and in-store sales together. For UK sellers, see Online POS UK . Built-in security and compliance Wix Payments prioritizes security for merchants and their buyers with: PCI-DSS compliance HTTPS/TLS encryption for all transactions Advanced fraud detection tools Secure data storage These measures not only protect businesses and their customers but also help merchants avoid the complex compliance requirements they would otherwise need to manage independently. Transparent pricing Wix Payments offers straightforward pricing, typically charging: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for online payments in the U.S. No setup or monthly fees for merchants on Wix Core plans or higher Competitive rates for in-person transactions via Wix POS This transparent fee structure helps businesses accurately forecast costs and eliminates unpleasant surprises from hidden fees. Global availability Wix Payments is currently available in approximately 15 countries (primarily in North America and Europe) and Wix itself supports over 80 third-party payment gateways to facilitate global commerce. This allows merchants to: Accept payments in multiple currencies Choose region-specific payment methods like Giropay (Germany), iDEAL (Netherlands) or Pix (Brazil) Expand into international markets even where Wix Payments isn't directly available Business analytics Beyond processing payments, Wix Payments provides valuable analytics and reporting tools that help merchants: Identify top-selling products or services Analyze sales trends and patterns Understand customer purchasing behavior Track revenue across different sales channels These insights enable data-driven decision-making to optimize inventory, marketing strategies and business growth plans.

  • 12 common ASO mistakes and how to avoid them

    Getting your app noticed isn’t a simple thing. It’s like the saying, “Just because you build it, doesn’t mean they’ll come.”  And while it’s impossible to predict exactly when and how your app will take off, there are some app store optimization  (ASO) blunders that you’ll want to avoid making. Below are some of the most common ASO mistakes I’ve witnessed in my three years of studying this very topic.   Bear in mind that these aren’t just tips directed at developers. ASO is a type of marketing  that may come in handy for any business owner or professional looking to make their mark online.  So without further ado, let’s dive into the top ASO mistakes.  Create a website  and try out Wix’s app builder  today. 12 common ASO mistakes you might be making Not conducting keyword research Not using keywords in the title, subtitle or description Using the same ASO strategy for iOS and Android Not localizing your app Waiting too long to start working on an ASO strategy Not performing A/B tests Forgetting to optimize your creative assets Neglecting reviews and ratings Failing to monitor your app’s quality Only optimizing once Turning a blind eye to your competitors Not tracking algorithm changes 01. Not conducting keyword research Far too often, I see app creators rely on gut instincts when writing their app titles and descriptions. This leaves a lot of potential traffic on the table; until these creators perform proper keyword research, most don’t realize the types of words that people are actually searching to find apps like theirs. The right keywords can ultimately increase your app’s visibility in the app stores, attract the right audience and increase your conversion rate (from impression to download). Therefore, you’ll want to thoroughly research high-intent and high-traffic keywords that are relevant to your audience. You can use tools like: AppTweak Sensor Tower MobileAction App Radar Asodesk Keep in mind that keyword research can help you prioritize new app feature development, too. You can prioritize features (or even decide on app and feature names) based on popular searches.  02. Not using keywords in the title, subtitle or description Your app title and subtitle are the main fields that both the Apple and Google app store algorithms consider when ranking an app. Using keywords in those fields will increase your app’s ranking potential, and thus your visibility in the app stores.  To maximize your iOS app, make sure to use all the space available for the “keyword list” field since it affects rankings. (Note: The keywords field is hidden from users and only used by app developers to communicate with the algorithm. It’s basically a place to add the keyword that you're targeting.)   To maximize your app’s rankings on Android, use your keywords in the long description. While you can add a long description on both Android and IOS, only Android uses this field for ranking. Some other best practices to keep in mind: Add the primary keyword at the beginning of your description. Avoid keyword stuffing , and use your description to clearly explain what your app does and why people need it. It may be a good idea to share your support info and subscription prices in the description so that users have all the information they need upfront.  03. Using the same ASO strategy for iOS and Android Using the same keywords and placing them in the same way on iOS and Android is an avoidable ASO mistake that, if left untreated, will likely hurt your app’s performance. The algorithms are different from one another, and you can’t assume that what works for one of them will also work for the other. First, you’ll notice that some keyword fields are different between iOS and Android—i.e., iOS asks for a keyword list, while Android does not. Android uses tags, while iOS does not. Second, some shared fields don’t have the same character limit. You have 30 characters for the iOS subtitle, and 80 for the Android one. In addition, there are differences in the way you optimize for each app store. For example, you’ll want to avoid repeating keywords across your title, subtitle and description on iOS, but you’ll benefit from repeating important keywords on Android. On Android, you have the option of adding tags  as well (whereas on iOS, you do not). You can choose up to five tags, which will help boost your organic visibility in the Google Play Store.  04. Not localizing your app If your app is available in different countries and languages, you must localize your app store page. This doesn’t mean just using Google Translate to convert your app store assets to other languages.  Conduct thorough market research for each region. Consider local marketing  strategies. Hire native content writers and designers who understand the unique qualities of the local culture (including the language, humor and values of the area) and can adapt your content appropriately. For example, they may be able to add local slang in your app description or local symbols in your app’s screenshots. Run your business from anywhere with the Wix app . 05. Waiting too long to start working on an ASO strategy An app should have an ASO strategy from day one. The Apple App Store artificially ranks your app for the first week. In other words, it guesses which keywords are related to your app, then waits to see if people searching for those keywords actually download your app. After that first week, it will correct itself and adjust your rankings. For this reason, using the right keywords from the start can help your app rank higher (and stay ranked) on relevant keywords from the get-go. It can also help to prime the pump by proactively using marketing strategies  to attract users to your app. In particular, mobile marketing  tactics—like driving people to a dedicated landing page or reaching users through SMS—can help you get your first downloads.  06. Not performing A/B tests A/B tests allow you to test different app page assets and make a rational decision. You can identify which version of the tested asset brings more downloads to the app and better understand user behavior.  To set a proper A/B test, think about what you want to test, like your title or app icon. Focus on one change at a time. If you make too many changes, you won't know which change affected the test result. Having said that, the change shouldn’t be too small—otherwise, you might get a tie. Once you pick what you want to test, decide on two variations to compare (i.e., the original version and a hypothesis one). Comparing more than two variations at a time could lead to unclear results, and you will likely need to retest your hypothesis. Test for at least a week. For low-traffic apps, the test will take longer to get enough data for proper analysis.  07. Forgetting to optimize your creative assets Neither app stores give you a lot of space for the app title and subtitle. On top of this, only 2% of users read the app description , which emphasizes the importance of your app page creatives. Your creatives offer a great space to explain further what your app is all about.  For instance, you can show your app’s main features in the screenshots or show the user flow in the preview video. In addition, app page creatives are known as one of the main factors that affect downloads and conversions from impression to download, according to the 2022 ASO ebook  created by several industry leaders.  08. Neglecting reviews and ratings Your app’s rating and reviews have a big impact on conversion rates (from impression to download). Users tend to download apps with a rating of at least four stars, based on my experience. Recent studies  have further shown that 79% of users read app store reviews before downloading an app, and 90% of them take those reviews into consideration before deciding whether to download an app or not.  Having bad reviews will result in a low conversion rate and a low number of app downloads. To combat this, I recommend:  Don't take too long to answer reviews.  It looks bad if it takes you weeks to respond to a review, especially a negative one. Try to answer within a few days. Don't copy and paste the same response to every review.  Try to customize your responses. Thank users  for their feedback. Acknowledge  the user’s struggles, and be empathetic. Answer professionally  and show that you take feedback seriously. Try to find a solution.  If the feedback involves a complex problem, ask the user to contact your support team. Don't forget to leave an email or another way for the user to reach out to you. Inform users  about bug fixes, if possible.  09. Failing to monitor your app’s quality Apple and Google both want users to have the best experience possible when using their app stores and therefore reward reliable, high-quality apps. High-quality apps have a greater chance of earning high rankings and being promoted in different areas of each app store, such as the “More apps like this” and “What’s new” sections. To this end, you need to keep an eye on crashes, uninstall rate, number of active users, etc.  The goal is to maintain high engagement with minimal performance issues. 10. Only optimizing once While there are best practices when it comes to ASO, it still requires a lot of trial and error. That’s why it’s an iterative process, and you can’t expect it to succeed after only one round of optimization. It takes time to learn each algorithm and see how it responds to tweaks to your app page.  According to best practices, each iteration should be given four to six weeks to breathe. This gives the algorithm enough time to pick up on the keywords you’re using, understand how relevant they are and rank your app accordingly. It also gives you enough time to analyze your app’s performance and optimize your app’s textual assets. In addition, working in iterations forces you to constantly monitor important metrics, such as impressions, downloads, conversion, rankings, etc. These metrics provide valuable insights on your app’s performance, and allow you to fix issues on time. 11. Turning a blind eye to your competitors It’s easy to operate in a bubble and believe that your hard work will attract fans. But the reality is that more than a thousand new apps  are launched on both the Google Play and Apple App Store each day.  If you want to be the best in your niche, you must understand who your competitors are and what they’re doing. You can learn a lot from looking at competitors’ app pages—such as which keywords they target, which app features they emphasize, who’s in their targeted audience, etc. Use this information to optimize your own messaging and ASO strategy. 12. Not tracking algorithm changes From time to time, both app stores adjust and update their ranking algorithms. If you don’t track those changes, you may quickly find yourself unranked for your most important keywords—something that is very hard to recover from. You need to monitor these changes and adjust your ASO strategy accordingly to stay visible in the app stores. For instance, if you see that your rankings have suddenly dropped, do some investigation. This could indicate an algorithm change. Additionally, check forums (like this ASO Stack Slack community ) or use an algorithm change detector (like AppTweak) to stay in the know.

  • App store optimization: complete guide to ASO

    You’ve transformed your brilliant idea into a mobile app and tested it thoroughly. But with millions of options available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, how will users find yours? When you create a website , search engine optimization helps your site rise to the top of search result listings. There’s a similar concept at play within mobile app stores. By practicing the art of app store optimization, or ASO, your app can reach the right audience and generate mobile brand buzz. Below, we explore everything you need to know about ASO. Complete guide to app store optimization What is app store optimization? Benefits of app store optimization Important ASO factors Optimizing for Google Play Store vs. Apple App Store 5 tips for effective app store optimization What is app store optimization? App store optimization is a mobile marketing technique for improving the visibility and appeal of your app within various app stores. The right mix of textual and creative assets help your app rise to the top of unpaid (otherwise known as “organic”) search results within the store. Carefully optimized content also immediately communicates your app’s value and ease of use, both of which are critical to convincing users to download and try it. ASO is a close cousin to search engine optimization (SEO), which relates to increasing visibility within web search results. Both practices are types of marketing that help your offering stand out in a vast sea of content. There are currently more than seven million apps for iOS and Android, the two main platforms for mobile development, according to Business of Apps. Another similarity: just as users don’t scroll through multiple pages of web search results, the majority of app store visitors don’t scroll, either. Around 60% of visitors won’t look beyond their first impression. However, ASO does have its own tools and best practices that set it apart from SEO. For starters, ASO requires optimization for two major platforms—the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store—whereas SEO focuses on just online search results, primarily through Google. Once a developer changes the app's metadata (the textual asset in the app store), the algorithm begins the process of keyword indexing, and it takes about a month for the rankings to stabilize and reflect the impact of the change. Because of this, the best practice is to adjust and optimize your content roughly every four to six weeks. At the same time, less data is available on overall search volume. So, the ASO process involves a lot of testing and tweaking of your existing content, versus the upfront research capabilities available in SEO. Read more about ASO vs. SEO . Learn more about how to make a web app of your own . Pair your own branded mobile app to your online store or business website . Benefits of app store optimization Given that ASO requires learning a unique set of standards and rules, it may be tempting to put it on the back burner. But if you have an app, its success depends on people finding and using it—so ASO is a must. The benefits of ASO are concretely measurable, and include: Improved organic traffic: Searching the app store outranks every other way users find new apps, so your app needs to show up immediately when they’re searching for relevant keywords. While you could buy paid listings to boost visibility, a prominent spot in organic results is more cost-effective. Ranking well organically also ensures your visibility won’t spike and fall depending on your ad budget; you can count on steady reach and, as time goes by, reliably predict user growth. Higher conversion: Currently, just 3.9%.of users install an app after viewing the listing, according to AppTweak. It’s important not just to be seen, but to reach the users who are seeking what your app offers and are likely to download. Using accurate descriptions and visuals also helps set expectations for the app experience so that users who download your app keep using it. Across most categories, fewer than 5% of downloaded apps are still in use after 30 days. ASO is critical to reducing this dropoff and maintaining a connection with your audience. Increased revenue: Presumably, you created an app because you plan to generate revenue from it—whether by creating a more frictionless shopping experience for retail customers, building a robust customer loyalty program, selling in-app ads, offering in-app purchases or monetizing subscriptions to app content. ASO drives more qualified traffic to your app and helps convince those visitors to download, which in turn generates in-app revenue. If you run ads, ASO increases the likelihood that users following the ad link will go on to download, boosting effectiveness of your paid ad spend. Growth in new markets: According to Business of Apps, the U.S. isn’t the country with the highest app usage. In fact, it’s number three, behind China and India. Mexico comes in at number seven, ahead of all countries in the EU. Given this potential international reach, your app can be among the marketing strategies you deploy to introduce your brand to new markets. Both the Android and iOS app stores enable you to localize your content by territory and language, which should go beyond simply running the text through Google Translate to include adapting visuals and substance to reflect local tastes. Successful ASO in new markets can help you grow new revenue streams and build the global value of your brand. Learn more about the benefits of a mobile app  for your business. Important ASO ranking factors App store algorithms reference specific elements of your app store content to determine its relevance. Your app’s position within organic search results listings is based on how the algorithm interprets your offerings. Fine-tuning the images, video and words you use to describe your app can impact its visibility. While the Google/Android and Apple app stores assign different weights to specific elements, both major app stores pay attention to these broad categories of content. On-app factors These elements are part of the app itself or the content you manage; they’re within your control. They include: Textual fields: These are sections of the app store listing such as the app’s name, short description or subtitle, and keywords. Thoughtful use of descriptors for these fields will give your app the best chance at ranking well. Localization: This is the extent to which you customize your app store listing and the app’s features themselves to accommodate different languages. This not only helps boost visibility in localized app store listings, but can also potentially increase the rate of downloads in targeted regions. Off-app factors Off-app elements aren’t directly within your control in the app store content or within the feature set of the app itself. Although you may be able to indirectly influence some of these factors, they’re ultimately determined by user behaviors. For example, your app’s retention rate may be influenced by the quality of your offering, but in addition, it could be affected by new competition or a change in consumer habits overall. Examples of off-app factors include: Download volume and velocity: The overall usage of your app helps the algorithm determine its popularity. The number of downloads over time indicates whether your app is trending or experiencing a spike in popularity. If an app takes only a week to accumulate as many downloads as others manage in a year, for example, it’s likely to rank higher based on its rapid adoption. Customer reviews: Positive reviews can improve app visibility, while a slew of negative reviews can downgrade your ranking. Uninstall rate: Users who try your app, then decide to uninstall it, affect your app store ranking negatively, whereas strong user retention signals that the app is valuable enough to keep on users’ phones. Engagement: Frequently using an app and making in-app purchases signal that the app is viable for those who’ve downloaded it. Backlinks: For apps listed in the Google Play Store, links from high-quality, authoritative sites to your app suggest that it’s popular enough to earn an endorsement. App crashes: Frequent bugs or app crashes can lead to a high uninstall rate, negative reviews and poor keyword rankings. Make sure you quickly resolve technical issues with your app to prevent this negative impact. Optimizing for Google Play Store vs. Apple App Store According to Business of Apps, Apple and Google together dominate 95% of the app store market outside of China (where Google Play isn’t available). By optimizing your app store content for both platforms, you have an opportunity to reach the majority of app users. Since the two app stores use different methods for ranking and indexing content, however, you’ll need to invest time and effort in learning the ins and outs of each platform. ASO features and terminology The two app stores prioritize different elements of your app store content when determining which results are relevant to users’ search queries. A summary: App store algorithms The algorithms for these two platforms operate completely differently. Below is a brief comparison of the two. Google Play Store Android’s app store exists as part of a larger ecosystem driven by the leading search provider, Google. As such, Google indexes all the text fields of your app store listing and considers keyword density and frequency when determining relevance. You should repeat the most important keyword descriptors for your app throughout your app store content, and use precise terminology. For example, if you want to rank well for the term “portfolio maker,” use those exact words, not “portfolio and blog maker.” When it comes to off-app ranking factors, backlinks to Play Store apps affect the algorithm as they do in web SEO; that is, more authoritative and popular link sources help boost your app store rankings. If you localize your app store listing for other territories, Google Play indexes that content separately. In other words, content you provide in Spanish only helps improve your rankings in Spanish-speaking locales. Google also offers a built-in machine translation function, so users in regions where you opt not to localize your content can see auto-translated content—which may or may not help you rank well. The top three ranking factors for Google Play Store include: Title Short description Long description Apple App Store Apple’s algorithm is arguably less sophisticated than Google’s and relies on the designated keyword field to match your app with relevant searches. Keyword density and semantic context aren’t considered, so you should completely avoid repeating keywords. Precision matters less than in the Google Play Store; the term “portfolio and blog maker” is sufficient if you want to rank well as a “portfolio maker.” Apple doesn’t consider backlinks as a ranking factor. Apple’s platform does enable localized content to affect ranking in multiple locales. If your app marketing ideas include reaching multilingual and multicultural audiences, this crossover capability is especially valuable. AppFollow provides a helpful list of cross-localizations for ASO in the App Store. The top three ranking factors for the Apple App Store include: Name Subtitle Keywords 5 tips for effective app store optimization Effective ASO is a comprehensive practice that goes well beyond choosing the right keyword combinations for your app store content. The functionality of your app, the competitive landscape and your marketing practices can all help your app rise in the rankings and maintain healthy visibility and engagement. Whether you're listing your app on Apple's App Store or Google's, these tips are universal. Learn more: Common ASO mistakes 01. App quality comes first Usage, crashes and uninstall rates all factor into your app store rankings, so test your app thoroughly before launch to ensure it works as advertised. Update your app regularly to repair bugs and respond to user requests for new features. Not only does refreshing your app improve your rankings, but improvements can help garner positive reviews and boost retention. 02. Research keywords extensively Use the tools available to determine which keywords you should use in your app store content. Look up the keyword score within external tools like AppTweak, MobileAction and Sensor Tower, and try different keywords to see which apps show up at the top of results for each. Studying competitors’ offerings can help determine which keywords are popular. 03. Cross-promote across your digital channels Quick adoption by a large number of users can help establish a solid app store ranking. As you prepare to launch, make a marketing plan that includes promoting the app to your existing customers by all the means at your disposal, including via social media, your flagship business website and email newsletters. 04. Use A/B testing Both Google and Apple provide built-in tools for A/B testing, which allows you to experiment with different app store content and measure which is more effective at engaging and converting visitors. Small adjustments in icons, visuals and descriptions can make a big difference. To hone in on what works, make just one change per experiment and give the test time to run before drawing conclusions. 05. Encourage (the right) reviews A large number of reviews can help boost your rankings, so be sure to follow up with users who download your app and ask them to provide a rating. But because negative reviews can cause your ranking to drop, devise alternative channels for users to report problems. Provide in-app access to customer service and live chat, and follow up promptly whenever complaints arise.

  • Nostalgia and marketing: 6 examples we love

    We’ve all had that moment riding in a car, listening to tunes on the radio when suddenly a song comes on that takes you back in time and makes you smile. It reminds you of a special person, a gorgeous place or perhaps just a cool thing. Music is a strong trigger for nostalgic memories, but can a game evoke those same nostalgic memories?  Why is nostalgia so powerful? Our talented designers here at Wix, for example, tend to use their childhood memories as inspiration when creating our stunning website templates . Being a kid meant that you didn’t need much to be wowed, and those simple things you had to play with encouraged you to use your imagination and dream big. This is why we’ve decided to take a journey back in time and look at how some products we used to think were the bomb, came back to the future in a slick and sophisticated marketing package and left us all wanting to be kids again. Why looking back will take you forward If you want to create something unique – ahem, like a free website , you have to do your research. Looking back at what others have done before you will not only save you from copying or repeating what’s already been done, it will motivate you to dig deeper and find a way to create the next best thing. Just don't let this trip down memory lane stop you from incorporating sustainable marketing best practices into your strategy. Our needs change on a daily basis. Case in point? When you got your first cell phone and texting your friends or playing Snake was the highlight of your day. These days if your phone can’t multitask, send pictures, video chat and surf the Internet, there’s practically no point in owning one. Inventing new technologies is based on studying past user experiences and the ability to reinvent the wheel over and over again, while adding newer elements. Research is your key to identifying what worked and what didn’t. Use that information to inspire yourself in thinking of other ways to make your idea universal and timeless. Without further ado, here are some of the latest products and brands that made a comeback, using our childhood memories (remember 8-bit?) to create a whole new experience that any generation can enjoy. They would also work as part of a wider integrated marketing strategy . 8-bit – Simplicity is the name of the game The third generation of video games was also referred to as the ‘8-bit era’ and began in the early 80’s. Back then, the Japanese launched this exciting product that allowed people to play these games in their very own homes. Their invention used a two-dimensional bitmap and incorporated independent objects that were composed together to create an engaging game. Some of the games that were invented are still relevant today, such as: Pac-Man, Mario Bros and Donkey Kong. Games were easy to play and follow: a hero needed to collect stuff and reach a destination. Using only the keyboard to move and jump (space bar!), made that experience amusing and approachable for most ages. Nowadays major brands decide to use the old school 8-bit look and simplicity in order to push their products in a new way, such as: Old Spice – Youland The infamous male grooming company is always looking to impress everyone with their unique digital marketing campaigns such as their 8-bit inspired Youland game in which the player is the hero fighting to find their friends through various obstacles. Players could connect via their Facebook profile page and add their own friends to compete against. How fun is that? Check out their trailer for Youland: DJ Khaled / Champs Sports – Secure the Bag DJ Khaled is a major social media influencer nowadays, mostly known for providing his “major key” tips for a better lifestyle. Khaled partnered with Champs Sports in order to promote their newest Timberland boot. The decision behind creating this promotion through an 8-bit game was almost expected, as they’re combining a classic brand with a classic game.  The coolest part? When the game ends, the player can choose to play again or head over to buy the shoe. This type of marketing is a genius move. Play it now: La La Land Do you remember who won the 2017 Oscar for best film? La La L… oh wait! No they didn’t. The idea to create a unique trailer that incorporates the look of an 8-bit game with the functionality of a “quest” game (where you choose what the hero would do through a series of multiple choices options). This could have been a fantastic move, however, they fell a bit short when they introduced this promotion as a video and not as an interactive game like the other brands previously mentioned.   Take a look at the trailer: Pokemon Go – bringing back the past to change the present Originally launched in Japan in the early 90’s as video games, Pokemon later branched out across many different outlets such as card games, an animated television show, comic books and toys. Throughout the years, this brand kept reinventing itself for the needs of the current gaming industry and kept in mind the importance of social interaction in a world full of endless screens. Their first social phenomenon was the card game of the late 90’s. These cards were a brilliant move during those days when video games became accessible to all, and the challenge to get kids outside was almost impossible. The game encouraged kids around the globe to gather in small groups and exchange different cards. Cut to the late 2000’s where everyone and their grandmothers own a cellphone. Smart phones have kept reinventing themselves, creating quite a segregated community worldwide, and making it one of our primary forms of interaction with the outside world. The latest invention? Pokemon Go. The game uses elements from the original game, like the lovable characters and the concept of locating them. But this time they’ve thrown in a major social twist; you actually have to step outside and search for them on the streets from your mobile phone.“Get Up and Go” is their promotional catchphrase, implementing both the craze of the smartphones and shifting back to a time where players explored what the world had to offer. NOKIA 3310 – When effortless counts as quality Do you remember when your mom got you that brick-like phone that had a small screen and you were able to text your friends and play Snake? Those were the days when charging your phone was just an option. Nowadays we call it a “smartphone” as it can do everything you could imagine and more, that is depending on how long the battery lasts ;).  Today’s market is saturated with different smartphones, and the more complicated they get, the more fragile they become (some can even explode in your hands – yikes!). Seems like they’re adding features most of us don’t use, let alone understand. Nokia decided to bring back their beloved phone and gave it a slight makeover. Not quite a smartphone, but not totally old-school like it’s 1999. It’s sure to be a hit among hipsters and technophobes who like the retro and uncomplicated feel that this phone has to offer. Nokia wisely uses the nostalgic trigger in this case, allowing us go back to a time where we felt life was much easier. The benefits of this classic includes:  Being a brick that can’t break Having a battery that lasts forever (and ever) Costing less than the competitors It has Snake (!!!!) Nokia took a big risk by bringing an old product back that has basically the same functions it used to have, yet they nailed it by marketing it in a new and a fresh way. This phone is made for all those folks who want to take a step back and enjoy their surroundings, rather than living their lives through an app. Bonus Brand Lego was launched back in 1949 when they first introduced their interlocking toy bricks. What makes them stand out in the crowd of toys is that no matter your gender, you’ve probably played it. Lego made it to our bonus round, for the prime reason that it has evolved throughout the years and branded itself across many horizons such as: video games, board games, films & TV, books and a chain of epic theme parks known as Legoland. Just from looking at their website, you realize that they’re one of the most current brands out there. Take a look for yourself :  In order to become a power brand, you need to be in a constant battle against the future and you have to remain current, even when it’s not “cool” anymore. But even in a world that keeps on evolving and changing, you need keep in mind that what used to be hip, might just come back around and be totally lit.

  • 12 guerrilla marketing examples to learn from

    After you’ve spent countless hours on creating your website and it’s been unleashed unto the world, it’s time to market it. Marketing strategies come in several different forms, from basic print ads to Google Ads, to the more creative methods on TV. One of the most interesting of the latter types of marketing would be guerrilla marketing. While the technique may seemingly be designated for larger companies, it certainly didn’t start that way, nor does it need to be as grand as some of the examples you’ll find below. What is guerrilla marketing? Defined as, “innovative, unconventional, and low-cost marketing techniques aimed at obtaining maximum exposure for a product”(Oxford dictionary), this type of marketing delivers a “wow-factor” and as mentioned above, it is supposed to be cost-effective. It’s in-your-face, larger-than-life, and anything but subtle. It’s also an easy way for small businesses to get the word out without spending an arm and a leg. For your inspiration, we’ve compiled some of our favorite guerrilla marketing examples that you can learn a thing or two from. Guerrilla marketing examples to get inspired by Wix's German billboard campaign Frontline's floor advertisement Netflix's DIY doorbell IWC's bus handle straps KitKat's benches Copenhagen Zoo's bus advertising Pepsi's bus stop pranks King King the movie's 3D footprints It the movie and its spooky scares Manhattan's Carrie Cafe UNICEF's dirty water machine Twin Peak's pop-up diner 01. Wix embraces its German name translation with billboard campaign For Germans, Wix is a name that’s often laughed at due to its translation. If you sprechen sie Deutsch, Wix means “to wank.” Of course, not a brand to shy away from anything, Wix has done its part to make it known that it doesn’t care about the translation. In fact, it’s done the opposite. In the past, Wix has addressed the translation of its name with a few online-only ads. Now it’s back with a completely new German billboard ad campaign. Fakten übers Wixen takes to the streets of Berlin and showcases facts about Wixing you never dared to ask. The team behind the campaign saw interesting usage patterns of their German audience and decided to share their findings, in the most hilarious fashion. Some of the fun facts you’ll see on the streets of Berlin: Every 74 seconds another German is discovering the power of Wixing The most popular day for Wixing is Tuesday. In 2019 the number of Wixers in Berlin has grown by 32% 02. Frontline reminds us to keep looking at the big picture The pet flea medication, Frontline made people walking across the floor advertisement look like the pest it is designed to eradicate. The method is clever due to the fact that the impact of the ad can really be effective only from certain angles. The ad successfully creates a form of accidental human interaction that reminds onlookers exactly what the product does. 03. Keep it Strange like Netflix To promote the popular TV show Stranger Things during Halloween, Netflix cleverly crafted its own DIY doorbell that allows homeowners to continuing “treating” themselves to their scary movie night, while costumed trick-or-treaters can collect their candy outside. It’s a win-win for the parties on both sides of the door. The fact that this is a legitimate project you can build yourself is a bit hilarious, with all the appropriate files found at makeit.netflix.com . To continue the spookfest, the project files also include theme songs and scream sounds from both Black Mirror and American Horror Story alongside Stranger Things . You can watch the entire video right here: 04. IWC reminds your wrist it’s missing something Watchmaker IWC utilized ambient marketing, another example of guerrilla marketing that cleverly uses elements of the environment for advertisements. IWC used bus handle straps on airport shuttle buses to push their timekeepers. While not everyone is going to hold the strap like this, it’s a clever and effective way to make a statement. Related reading: The art of cringe marketing , and examples of when cringey works. 05. Break me off a piece of that sidewalk bench KitKat utilized street benches to advertise their chocolate bar in the very place people would rest, echoing their tagline, “Have a break…Have a Kit Kat!” It’s simple, cost effective and impactful – all while staying on brand. 06. Copenhagen Zoo puts the squeeze on to visit Guerrilla Marketing is all about maximum impact without having to “spell it out” to the onlooker. The point should get across easily with minimal words. As such, it doesn’t take much to “wrap your head” around the next example. The Copenhagen Zoo’s bus advertisement depicting a giant snake crushing a bus is both effective and telling. The message gets across with no additional explanation. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a giant animal bus takeover, as National Geographic did the same thing for Shark Week, hilariously placing the mouth of a great white across the bus doors: 07. Pepsi embraces augmented reality for bus stop prank In the same realm, Pepsi focused on actual bus stops for its ad campaign. Utilizing augmented reality, practically in its quintessence, the rigged bus stop featured what looked like a regular glass pane offering a view onto the street. In reality, though, the screen was outfitted with cameras to project intricate animations, like running tigers, descending UFOs, and invading giant robots, onto the surrounding city block. Watch how waiting bus passengers reacted to the sight: 08. King Kong 3D marketers made the first move, the audiences did the rest To promote King Kong 360 3D movie, colossal footprints were left in the sand on Santa Monica beach, with a crushed lifeguard SUV alongside them. While hardly a small gesture, it was the onlookers who made it go viral on social media, because… obviously. 09. It isn’t clowning around Want to make a lasting impression? How about scaring an unsuspecting potential customer? Sure, this is a very risky method, but the best of these campaigns end in laughs, not tears. While gearing up for the 2017’s remake of clown horror movie It , select locations in Sydney, Australia were “victims” to some creepy and clever marketing around its sewer drains. A single, red, helium-filled balloon tied to the drains was enough to send most onlookers who have seen the trailer or are familiar with the “Georgie and the sailboat” scene running in the other direction. Or, if you’re like me, running towards it. 10. Manhattan’s ‘Carrie’ Cafe Have a case of coulrophobia? In case clowns aren’t your thing, perhaps the prank advertisement for 2013’s Carrie remake is more up your alley. An elaborate set-up built within a coffee shop plus several actors portraying patrons show what happens when a telekinetic girl goes berserk when someone spills coffee on her computer. We guarantee you’ll be cracking up at your desk. 11. UNICEF’s dirty water machine Guerrilla marketing’s high-impact effects aren’t always meant to be positive. Take UNICEF’s dirty water vending machine for example. In order to spread awareness about clean water (or lack thereof in certain areas of the world) UNICEF placed a water bottle vending machine in Manhattan. Said machine offered up discolored, “dirty” water, each of which with an afflicting illness that can be contracted through contaminated water. Of course, the vending machine also served as a place that you could donate to provide clean water to children. 12. Keep things mysterious like Twin Peaks Sometimes seeing isn’t enough to believe. Sometimes it takes an immersive experience to make believers out of potential customers. It’s for this reason that pop-up shops and live demonstrations can be so very effective. Sure the idea of a pop-up shop may sound expensive and intimidating but think of the people standing in front of their restaurant with free samples at a mall’s food court. It’s the same thing. Providing an experience by showing people how your products work can woo your business customers, especially if you throw around the word “free” a couple of times. A good example of “giving an experience” was orchestrated around the 20-year follow up season of Showtime’s popular mystery TV show Twin Peaks . The studio created a pop-up diner in multiple locations, including LA and SXSW in Austin, TX, resembling the Double R Diner from the series. Inside, the expected staples, coffee and cherry pie were served in a nostalgic setup with memorabilia throughout.

  • How Chipotle’s VP of digital marketing creates viral-worthy campaigns

    To recruit new customers, look no further than your existing customers—especially the most passionate ones. Tressie Lieberman, Chipotle’s vice president of digital marketing, calls these customers “super fans,” and tapping into what makes them tick is key to the company’s marketing strategies . “Our strategy is definitely to supercharge the super fans,” Lieberman says on Now What? , a podcast by Wix. “When you work at a brand like Chipotle, where people are so passionate about your product and what you stand for, you want to lean into that.” After you create a website for your business, you should focus on making people feel seen and valued, sending the right message to the right person at the right time and creating opportunities for enjoyment. In a sense, these are the basic tenets of building relationships with the people who are most passionate (and vocal) about your brand. It can pay off, as they’re most likely to share their experiences with their fans and followers, too. Here are three ways Lieberman and her team at Chipotle keep their audience engaged in an authentic and meaningful way. 01. Personalize your messaging Chipotle's website promotion meets their customers where they are with the right messages, tailored to them. For example, they don't show their new chicken quesadilla to customers who had previously ordered vegetarian. "It's a small thing, but it's such a thoughtful way to show customers that you're paying attention to them, that you know what's important to them, which is ultimately going to build trust," says Lieberman. And at the same time, you'll drive sales by showing up in the right ways for them. The same applies to the emails customers receive. Chipotle launched a 20-million member celebration last year where they used data to help people understand their engagement with Chipotle—that was one of their most shared emails. "It's really cool when you can see an email making its way to social because people are talking about how they've been shopping at Chipotle over the past year and what they've been eating at Chipotle," says Lieberman. 02. Put fun first It's well-known in the psychology of selling that tapping into peoples' emotions is essential for getting them to pull out their wallets. When looking at her campaigns, it's obvious Lieberman knows this and uses it to her advantage. "We take our food seriously. We don't take ourselves too seriously,” she says. “And I think it's really important to meet customers where they are and bring in some joy.” Prime example: Chipotle’s cilantro soap, inspired by how some people say cilantro tastes like soap. "We could ignore that, but instead we're like, 'let's play with it and actually create the soap that smells like cilantro.'" It sold out immediately.​​ Chipotle also partnered with e.l.f. Cosmetics for an ingredient-inspired eyeshadow pallet. This limited edition makeup collection had a huge media response with over three billion impressions driven by that superfandom. You want to bring the same type of marketing fun to emerging platforms, like the metaverse. Ask yourself, what would my customers actually enjoy here? For Chipotle, the answer was metaverse burrito parties. "No one wants another virtual event,” Lieberman says. “Let's do it in a way that is so unique to our consumer and Chipotle.” So, Chipotle recreated a successful Halloween event on Roblox, where customers could go through a Chipotle that looked exactly like one of their stores. "You'd dress up in costume like you would typically do at a Boorito event ,” she says. “But then, after that, you could go through a maze and discover virtual items," Lieberman explains. People played 8.5 million times. 03. Don’t wait Your corporate structure needs to encourage timely conversations and culture-driven campaigns. “As an organization today, where the world is moving in real time, you have to create a structure that responds to culture,” Lieberman says. Lieberman’s team created a system to work with legal quickly and escalate ideas through leadership just as fast. “Everybody has that shared mindset that we are going to move fast because that's how the world works,” she says. “When you do that enough, you start to build trust within the organization and people want to be a part of that. I've found that when you're doing great work and you're raising the bar and doing the unexpected, it just creates more advocates and more people wanting to join in because it's a lot of fun.” Listen to the episode now: Spotify Amazon Music Stitcher

  • 11 SEO trends experts think you should know

    The Wix SEO team has compiled the top 11 SEO trends we think will not only help your target audience find you on Google, but also help you build a solid organic growth strategy. But this important list comes with a disclaimer: we don’t really believe in SEO “trends.” SEO is not a short-term game or gimmick, but rather a part of your strategy that involves constant evolvement and growth. So whether you want to create a website , start a business, or just get your pages more visible in search—we’ve got you covered with SEO trends that will make your brand stand out. PS. Still not sure what SEO is? Start with our What is SEO guide. The SEO trends we’ll discuss: UX and performance Clustering SERP features Artificial Intelligence Brand trust Video content International SEO Site hierarchy Backlinks Conversion rate optimization Google updates and ranking volatility 01. UX and performance Key takeaway: Keep an eye on Google’s evolving user experience and performance metrics and measurement tools. Google introduced Core Web Vitals (CWV) over two years ago, and since then has gradually incorporated them into their algorithm (first mobile, then desktop). These performance metrics show us Google’s increasing focus on user experience and website performance . Not only should we aim to deliver the best content that matches a user’s search intent, but also Google also prioritizes fast-loading content that allows for immediate interaction. Since 2020, Google hasn’t introduced or updated CWV metrics. For the most part, how a site is measured against CWV is almost the same as when they were first introduced. But according to Asi Falcon, Technical SEO Expert, two recent updates show that Google is not only placing more emphasis on the user experience, but also making it easier for developers to improve page performance. First, in March 2022 Google introduced their Performance Insights panel, a tool that simplifies the CWV optimization process for developers. For example, it shows where a render blocking resource sits on a page, and makes it clear what slows it down the most. Additionally, in May 2022 Google introduced INP (Interaction to Next Paint), an experimental metric that measures all interactions in total runtime, beyond first load and responsiveness. Google states that INP is, “about making sure the website lets you interact with it within a short period of time.” Let’s say a user presses a button on a site. Originally, Google measured performance based on First Input Delay (FID). This metric indicated the time between the button being pressed and the signal sent to the “event listener” (what triggers the interactive element). Today, INP, by contrast, measures the entire time between the user pressing a button, and the interactive element actually appears. Google has not made it clear if INP will become a new metric or if it will replace FID entirely. But what is clear is that user first SEO is here to stay. 02. Clustering Key takeaway: Match your clusters with on-point internal linking. It’s no surprise that content quality matters alongside optimization for users and search engines. In the past, two specific Google updates—Hummingbird in 2013 and RankBrain in 2015—have placed topic-centered content in the spotlight. However, Ofir Buchsweiler, Content SEO Expert at Wix, predicts that the search engine is looking beyond single pages, and instead is looking for the big picture. “A satisfied user will get a whole journey around the topic on your site," she says. Judit Ruiz Ricart, Head of Growth for the Wix Blogs, agrees: "As search engine algorithms advance, our content efforts must evolve from keyword-centric to topic-wide.” Enter: clustering. Clustering means organizing your blog’s content according to relevant topics, in a way that helps signify to Google that you’re an authoritative source. Ricart says that at Wix, by covering a high percentage of entities (what Google refers to as a definable subject or concept) for a certain topic or cluster, all related content is more likely to rank in high positions. Let’s see what a marketing cluster looks like as an overarching topic: We’d create an in-depth article targeting “ Marketing Strategies ,” which will function as the cluster’s pillar page. We’d then expand on that cluster by breaking down its overarching topic. For example, creating a “ types of marketing ” subcluster, creating another pillar page that contained a complete guide to the different marketing types. But our marketing cluster doesn’t stop there. Let’s say that now, within the ”types of marketing” cluster we have an article about social media marketing. Our research shows us that this trending topic interests our readers and comes with a lot to write about. In this case, we’d build the topic of “social media marketing” into a sub-cluster and expand on “types of marketing” even further by including articles on Facebook marketing, Instagram marketing, etc. Eventually, each type of social media marketing we wrote about on the pillar page turns into their own articles and even subclusters of their own, down the line. To help connect the dots, Yael Iba Tepeleni, International SEO Expert at Wix, recommends using the most “overlooked” SEO tactic: Internal linking. “It will help Google discover your pages faster, users navigate easier, and most importantly, boost your rankings for a specific keyword/anchor. It’s a quick win,” she says. Semantic SEO is a part of the process when it comes to clustering and worth checking out. 03. SERP features Key takeaway: The SERP always evolves, and Google always experiments—keep an eye on what SERP features your target keywords rank for and adjust your content accordingly. Google knows that even if users search enter very broad terms, they are still searching for a relevant answer. That’s why featured snippets, which highlight specific excerpts from articles to provide users with quick answers, have become a favorite among SERP features. For years, SEO experts have copiously tracked and secured featured snippets, but some of the most eagle-eyed have noticed that Google is now testing the position of other SERP features like People Also Ask or Videos, to more accurately meet user intent. This example from Mordy Oberstein, Head of SEO Branding, shows just how much query filtering Google offers searchers, especially when searching broad terms: With this, Kyle Place, SEO Content Expert, says that a fluctuating SERP can affect your clicks and CTR—even if your ranking remains the same. “As Google adds or removes features, the number of organic results varies from the familiar 10 blue links. So while you may not see a drop in position for a particular keyword, you could be pushed further down the page or onto another one,” he adds. Mikki Ben-Or, SEO Content Expert, elaborates on this, saying that in the past, when Wix gains a keyword’s featured snippet, the CTR for that particular page increases— even compared to ranking in the first position on the SERP without the snippet. 04. Artificial Intelligence Key takeaway: Be open to change—automation can only help you. AI is an exciting space in any industry, and where it goes in SEO remains to be seen. Ido Shazkin, SEO Content Expert, has his eye on the scope and impact of AI on SEO from three angles: search, content writing, and on- and off-page analysis. AI and search: The SEO world had Artificial Intelligence on its radar since Google introduced MUM (Multitask Unified Model) in May of 2021. MUM works with natural language processing (NLP ) to process Google’s extensive global data (text, images and video in multiple languages) and accurately answer search queries. MUM highlights the following best practices for SEOs should: Focus on the specific intent of users more than ever Bring multimedia to your content when it matches users’ intent Cluster your content according to topics Organize your content by implementing internal linking and schema AI and content writing: Not every search query demands the best content in the world. Someone searching “how to start a YouTube channel,” for example, probably wants something straightforward, informative, with step-by-step instructions. They don’t want Pulitzer-winning content, so why waste time and resources creating it? It seems that AI-generated content (like those created by Natural Language Generation platforms Jasper, Copysmith and Writesonic) is stepping in to fill this void. One of the biggest concerns is if AI-generated content can meet the user’s expectations and Google’s strict content standards. Will they deem it of high enough quality or will they penalize it? Since this space is developing, there are no straight-forward answers with AI content generation. Plenty of content creators already use AI content tools for pre-publishing input, such as Grammarly and Wordtune, but Google is against AI pure AI-generated content. We predict that there’s room to experiment using AI to create a mix of article briefs and drafts, but we’re not losing the human element in the editing and publishing process. AI and on-page/off-page analysis If AI can make content creation faster, it can also help us organize, prioritize and scale our day-to-day workflows and research. AI has the potential to make SEO analysis more efficient in two areas: On-page analysis: An example is tracking and scaling tests to improve a page’s meta titles’ click-through-rate. AI tools like Rytr, Frase and Simplify can not only rewrite meta titles using SERP analysis, but they can also analyze your data and identify which keywords don’t reach your benchmark. Off-page analysis: AI tools like Similarweb can crawl the web and identify quality sites or content that advance your outreach efforts , saving you time. From niche podcasts, to sites with high topic authority and field experts—AI tools can help highlight relevant professionals to connect with. 05. Brand trust Key takeaway: First and foremost, be a great company—then focus on building up the signals that tell search engines just how great you are. Expertise, Authority and Trust (E-A-T) is not a new SEO concept, but a venerated and essential factor in creating high-quality, high-ranking content. What makes this worthy of our trends list, according to Ido Shazkin, SEO Content Expert, is that external brand and reputation reviews are now influencing the SERP and have a growing impact on a company’s online authority. Shazkin predicts that, in response, brands will signal authority to Google via expert-authored or verified content, dedicated author pages and expert-reviewed content supported by citations schema. Outside of on-page content, Adela Ance, International SEO Expert, suggests that a brand’s overall reputation can affect Google rankings as well. As consumers demand more commitment to trusted and sustainable practices, any material published that can detract from a positive and transparent brand image could also affect a brand’s E-A-T. One way your content team can establish company transparency is through webinars, which, regardless of topic, inform a large audience on essential information. As Clémence Arthur, International SEO Expert points out, webinars are not only a great way to build authority with strategic SEO content. They’re also a great way to make your online material more immersive and engaging, allowing your brand to speak directly and personally to its audience. 06. Video content Key takeaway: Start prioritizing video content by embedding videos in written content and devising a wider plan to get your videos ranking. Many companies overlook the game-changing SEO potential of video content, even when they already use videos as part of their marketing strategy. However, according to Yana Arad Raduzky, SEO Domain Expert, videos can be an easy win for SEO. “One of my greatest ROI successes was recycling paid ads promoting an RPG game into evergreen SEO content for YouTube and Google,” she says. Two key indicators show us that video could have a big future on SERPs: Video rich snippets appear as the top result for a growing number of user intents, especially on mobile search . In July 2021, Google announced automated identification of parts within a video, meaning that more videos will have the extended snippet showing ‘key moments” (or, specific chapters within the video). Video rich results take up a lot of SERP real estate. If you see a video tops the results page, Google likely has identified video as the most relevant content form for the query. This hints that another well-optimized video will have the best chance to rank, too. Following the pre-launch of YouTube Shorts in 2020, Google added a "Short Videos" carousel to mobile SERPs featuring clips from TikTok and Instagram Reels. Shorts are a new product, so it makes sense that Google makes them more visible on the mobile SERP to ensure their success. Let’s also not forget that Gen Z prefers to use video-first platforms, like TikTok, over traditional search engines like Google to identify and consume intent-driven content. 07. International SEO Key takeaway: To win international SEO, you need to go beyond translating keywords . International SEO is not a short-term strategy, Like other SEO strategies, scaling globally takes time and involves constant tracking and reporting. That’s why you should seriously consider if international SEO fits your marketing strategy and if you have the resources to do it properly. If you do want to dip your toes into localization, you’ll first need to decide if your audience needs localized content. You can get your answer by combining geo-specific competitor research with keyword research to understand how your target audience searches and behaves online. For example, if you’re targeting an Indian market, you may consider localizing your content for a Hindi-speaking population. But through your research, you may find that Indian consumers want English content, and that your translations would be in vain. According to Marieke Ehlers, International SEO Expert, the only way to win at International SEO is to localize everything along your site’s customer journey. Nothing turns off a potential customer more than arriving at your site via a blog post in the local language, only to be sent to a pricing page that isn’t. That may mean re-thinking where to start with your SEO research. While Google has a hold on search all over the world, that doesn’t mean you should disregard local search engines, too.. In Korea, for example, you might see pages behave differently in Google compared to Naver, the local equivalent. Once you gain international visitors, make sure you adapt images, videos and other multimedia to match local needs. A great example is the German Wix homepage, which includes an image of an actual person, rather than a product, since the German audience proved to respond more to this. 08. Site hierarchy Key takeaway: Make sure your internal linking strategy reflects the importance of site hierarchy—if you get that right, you’ll show your search engines your authority where it matters. Since site hierarchy is one way to show Google authority on a topic, you should identify your most important pages. According to Nitzan Papirov Eiges, Technical SEO Team Lead, the Pareto principle is a great way to understand what percentage of pages should be your authoritative ones. This ~20% (following the principle) will represent the pinnacle of your expertise—and you want Google to see these pages. The rest of your pages will support these top 20%, through internal linking. While you can show your authority in several ways, internal linking, sends a clear signal to both Google and your users about how your content fits together. To learn more about creating a strategy for your site, check out this internal linking webinar featuring SEO consultant and co-founder of Zyppy Cyrus Shepard as he delves into a recent case study on 23 million internal links. Two more ways to improve your authoritative content is to make sure: Your main menu (and its links) is consistent across your site pages. The menu, header and footer includes your most important links, as they will become the most linked to. 09. Backlinks Key takeaway: Focus on a diverse set of high-quality backlinks that support your site’s goals. Speaking of linking, the importance of backlinking and the best way to secure them is a practice that’s constantly evolving. “Backlinks are one of the more essential aspects of optimizing a site to gain the online presence and credibility it wants to achieve,” says Ophyr Hanan from the SEO Outreach Team. “The world of earning high-quality backlinks is a crucial and inseparable part of SEO.” While on-page SEO focuses on optimizing the pages themselves, off-site SEO focuses on increasing traffic to your website and improving your online reputation through backlinks. Since backlinks help search engines decipher how authoritative your site is, the more high-quality and relevant backlinks your site gains from reliable websites, the more likely a search engine will rank it high on the SERP for relevant queries and keywords. A high-quality backlink comes from a related page with original or well-reported content, from a reputable site. For example, if you published an original report about your site's SEO practices and related, reputable SEO sites (e.g. SEMrush's blog) cited the page in a round-up of the best SEO teams in enterprise marketing, there's a good chance Google would consider that a high-quality backlink. According to Sharon Greenfeld, Outreach and App Store Optimization Team Lead, the first step to gaining quality backlinks is regularly publishing and updating your site’s content. The next, more challenging part comes when you must audit your site’s backlink profile and rid it of duplicate or low-quality referral links. While Google suggests that toxic links don’t hold any weight on your site’s ranking (meaning you can just ignore them), you can still “Disavow” spammy links, or signal to Google that it should ignore them, too. While many of your backlinks may come organically, you can actively reach out to high-quality sites and seek strategic backlinks. To learn more about developing a backlinking strategy, read Wix SEO Hub’s Backlinking 101 guide, or their guide to getting started with backlinking . Check out Ophyr Hanan sharing her story as an SEO specialist with Semrush. 10. Conversion rate optimization Key takeaway: Not every page should convert, but when it can, make sure it does it well. Your conversion rate can impact how Google views your site and how well you can meet your user’s intent. “Google cares that your site is accurate and reliable,” says Amanda Weiner, Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) Specialist. “Of course, it [also] doesn’t hurt that if your elements are spot on, visitors will spend more time on your pages, clicking through to more inner pages. This ultimately shows Google that your site is what they were looking for.” Best practices for improving conversion rates include having clear cut buttons, text that explains exactly what you sell, plus images that support said text. 11. Google updates & rank volatility Key takeaway: Turn the focus from major algorithmic events to tracking ranking and behavior trends over time. SEO doesn’t sleep. While your rankings may have fluctuated after major Google algorithm updates , Mordy Oberstein, Head of SEO Branding, thinks these updates are becoming seemingly less powerful over time. Instead, the algorithm is heading towards more consistent, if not “real-time” updates. In October 2021, Oberstein found that there was a 68% increase in the instances (i.e. number of days in the year) that presented significant levels of rank volatility (i.e. the number of positions sites tended to move up or down the SERP). However, the actual rank movement was less drastic . Much of the volatility experienced in the past represented a series of rank reversals. Meaning, Google changes the URL’s SERP position only to reverse its ranking days or weeks later (with a possible reversal after that, and so on,). At times, Google tests new positions for URLs of a given keyword, reversing the rank to its former position only to release an official core update that cements the initial ranking change Google. Oberstein adds, “Google constantly changes the SERP rankings, testing new constructs (hence the reversals) and deciding on what makes sense for the query. At the same time, Google seemingly relies less on major algorithmic landmarks (i.e., core updates) to alter SERP rankings. Meaning, we seem headed towards Google making consistent (though perhaps less dramatic) and continuous ranking changes. This may sound like an outlandish concept, but remember Google’s Penguin went from infrequent specific releases to real-time functioning."

  • In a world full of copycats, network effects set your website apart

    Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →  When you’re creating a website , investing in great design and top-notch products is essential. But in today’s world, anyone can undercut your prices, copy your design or even clone your products. To set yourself apart, you need an advantage that can’t be copied overnight. You need an edge that grows stronger over time. You need strong network effects. I’ve spent years working with internet apps and online businesses, and I can confidently say that network effects are one of the most powerful yet underrated drivers of rapid growth and long-term customer loyalty. The idea comes from consumer software, but it works brilliantly for websites, too.  Let’s break it down. What do I mean by “network effects”? Network effects refer to the idea that a product or service becomes exponentially more valuable as more people use it. Take Instagram or WhatsApp as examples: the more friends and family who join, the more useful and engaging the app becomes. In the context of websites, the more people who use your site and contribute to it, the more valuable it becomes to other visitors (and the stronger your brand grows as a result).  Competing by utilizing network effects means going beyond building a static site that competes on things like product selection or price alone (which are easy to replicate). It’s about creating a dynamic ecosystem of users who actively bring others to your site and make the experience better for everyone. The four loops behind creating a network effect online  Going one layer deeper, network effects are fueled by four loops that play off of one another:   The viral loop The social loop The compulsion loop The data loop 01. The viral loop: designing a shareable experience    When most people hear “viral,” they think of a social media post that blows up overnight. But viral loops aren’t just about posting gimmicky videos in hopes of amassing a bunch of likes. They’re about designing an entire experience where users naturally bring in other new users, creating a self-propelling engine of growth. Take Groupon’s early days as an example. Remember when you could only unlock their discounts if enough people jumped in on the deal? To get the savings, you had  to share the offer with other people. You were, in essence, acting as a Groupon ambassador. That’s a viral loop in action. For your website, think about how to encourage organic sharing. For example: Offer group-based rewards  or unlockable perks for inviting others. Set up referral systems  that reward both the referrer and the new participant with tangible benefits. Publish quizzes, free tools and other resources that naturally get shared because they’re genuinely useful or fun. Create ‘utility loops’ where using the site brings in new users, like sending a document to sign or sharing a booking link. Recipients become users too, and often return for their own needs, fueling growth.  Hand out a limited number of early-access invites per user so they can share with their friends (note: people tend to act quickly on opportunities that feel exclusive). Give customers a voice in product design by allowing them to vote or suggest ideas, then share their input to inspire others to participate.  02. The social loop: turning visitors into active participants Websites that encourage more active participation are likely to be more sticky. According to Playwire , sites with a focus on problem-solving (e.g., tutorial sites), discussions (e.g., community pages) or games and interactivity have significantly higher session duration times than those that are more transactional in nature (e.g., news sites).  It’s why sites like TripAdvisor have fared so well. In the world of online travel, where everyone is essentially selling the same flights and hotels at roughly the same prices, TripAdvisor stood out by building a system that encouraged users to leave reviews and share their own travel tips. Over time, the site shifted from being a one-way content destination to a lively community that travelers returned to again and again. That repeat engagement made it much easier for TripAdvisor to drive bookings and slash customer acquisition costs.  For your site, the goal is the same: keep visitors coming back and get them involved in making the site better for the next person. Experiment with things like:  Inviting user reviews, testimonials or even Q&A on product and information pages. (You could even make the review process fun by giving participants levels or badges they’ll want to show off on social media.) Providing interactive spaces (such as forum threads, discussion boards, polls ) where users can add input and see each other’s contributions. Embedding mini-polls  on product pages, where customers can answer questions like “Which color should we launch next?” Offering a space where visitors can share their own photos featuring your products, such as outfits they’ve styled using your pieces. Creating post-action sharing prompts  that make it easy for visitors to share reviews, quiz results or outfit creations, and reward the best posts with prizes or leaderboard recognition. Read also: How to make money from your website CRO tests that have made the biggest impact on the Wix website How to get your website on Google Stop hiding behind a logo: why your personal brand can be the best investment for your website 03. The compulsion loop: keeping things fresh    Why do we compulsively check our phones and “doomscroll” through TikTok every day? It’s because we never know what we’re going to see next, and each little surprise hits our brain with a dopamine rush. That cycle of surprise and delight keeps us coming for more, time and time again. Similarly, when it comes to your website, visitors are much more likely to come back if you give them something new to look forward to. This doesn't mean obsessively redesigning your website every month. Rather, think about Costco. When you walk into a Costco, you’ll notice that Costco keeps staple goods in the back of the store, and puts high-impulse, limited-time offers up front. As a result, shoppers who stop by for their usual items often walk out with an unexpected purchase. Shoppers remember that feeling of surprise and delight, and look forward to experiencing that again in the near future. You can start generating that addictive habit online by trying things like:  Rotating your featured products or services regularly. Take advantage of the hero section or other “above the fold” elements of your site to draw attention to the most seasonal or highly anticipated offers.  Introducing a sense of surprise , such as flash sales, limited-time bundles or exclusive product drops. Offering fresh, engaging content  via a blog, forum, sales section or a “new arrivals” section (as an example) that keeps visitors checking in regularly. Promoting weekend specials that create a ritual where visitors know that every Friday bring a surprise drop, and every Sunday brings a bundle deal (as an example). Including a mystery gift with every purchase , changing weekly, so customers can’t help but wonder, ‘What will I get this time?’” 04. The data loop: building a “smarter” experience   The data loop is an iterative process of gathering data, analyzing it and using it to adapt your site. In other words, you’re creating a website that grows smarter with every visitor interaction. The more your visitors use your site, the better the experience becomes for them and for future users. Amazon is an obvious example here. The platform factors in user behaviors, product reviews, seller performance and a number of other signals to predict what visitors will do and want to see. This, in turn, improves their product recommendations, pricing strategies and other personalization efforts across the marketplace.  Over time, your site doesn’t just serve all customers. It becomes a place that’s customized to their  needs.  For your site: Use website analytics  to identify what your visitors are clicking on, how long they’re staying and where they might be dropping off. Show relevant recommendations , reminders or offers based on past activity. If you use a solution like Wix, you can leverage AI product recommendations that suggest products based on a visitor’s past behaviors. Surface the right products or messages to the right users at the right time with smart FAQs, context-aware chatbots, adaptive content  and apps like Twik . Each of these tools use real user data to predict their next move and to personalize the online experience accordingly.

  • CRO tests that we've tried and have made the biggest impact on the Wix website

    Build your website in minutes, try Wix for free today → The thing about owning a website is that your work is never truly done. At Wix, we never leave our website alone.  My job itself is fully dedicated to testing different elements of our site. Whether we’re dealing with a landing page, product page—or this very blog that you’re looking at, my role as CRO manager is to question everything.  Over the years, we’ve run multiple experiments across our site (with varying success). So, I thought I’d take a moment to reflect on a few of our learnings, in case they’re useful for your own testing. What is CRO testing? CRO testing, or conversion rate optimization testing, is about trying different techniques on your website to see which one gets more visitors to take action (such as signing up, making a purchase or clicking a button). It often uses A/B testing, where two versions of a page are compared, or multivariate testing, where more than two versions of a page are tested at once. The goal is to make small changes that improve results and convert more visitors without needing more traffic. Create a website that gets results. Start with flexible web templates or use a professional website designer . How we approach CRO testing  Another quick note before we dive in: When it comes to picking what to test, we try our best to think about what will have the biggest impact. The bigger the impact, the more important the test.  That said, there are many other factors that influence how feasible an experiment is. For example, we need to know how quickly a change can be made and who else needs to be involved (after all, I’m not the only one working on our site, and even a minor change could interfere with someone else’s strategy). The other thing that’s considered: What are the defensive versus offensive tests we want to run? A defensive test is one that we might conduct to keep our site on-brand, well-ranking and functional. Maybe we notice that our design is outdated. In this case, we’re looking to make changes so that our site doesn’t underperform in the near future. A defensive test, for that matter, is considered successful if it doesn’t negatively harm our KPIs during the testing period.   Meanwhile, an offensive test is one that’s meant to drive more conversions (and, in turn, sales). This only works if we can nail intent. In order to see the improvements we want to see, we need to get into the heads of our visitors and understand what they’re looking for when they land on our site. An offensive test is considered successful if we see a significant lift in conversions during the testing period. Defensive CRO test Offensive CRO test Purpose  A test for optimizing the branding, SEO performance and/or functionality of a page  A test for improving the conversion rate of a page Frequently tested variables Content, design, navigation, backend code Content, design, navigation  Expected results No negative impact on performance or conversions A statistically significant increase in conversions Example Remove form from a page because it’s slowing down the site Add a new call-to-action to the hero fold  Once we’ve done our research and identified the who, what and why, then we’re ready to jump in with a plan. Related reading:  How to monetize a website   How to get your website on Google How to create and sell templates Experiment one: adding Google One Tap  One of our most successful offensive tests in terms of numbers involved Google One Tap.  If you’re not familiar, Google One Tap (“GOT” for short) allows users who are signed into their Google accounts to log in or sign up to Wix with one click, directly on the page. On one hand, this experiment is super basic and obvious; it cuts down signup time and makes the process seamless, leading to more conversions.  On the other hand, it’s more complicated than you’d think, given the sheer number of pages on our site. The test started with a few products pages and our homepage, where a significant number of first-time visitors sign up for Wix. Very early on, we saw positive results—namely, an uptick in signups. Once we realized its impact, we began rolling out GOT across Wix’s many, many pages. Time and time again, we saw the positive impact of this element, no matter the intent of the page. The full rollout involved many hands and careful monitoring of the results.  But overall, I love this test because the concept behind it is really so simple and purely CRO. If you can take away an obstacle to sign up, then more people are likely to convert.  Read also: In a world full of copycats, network effects set your website apart Experiment two: adding “Get Started” to the top of mobile pages  Another test that followed a similar principle as our GOT test involved adding a “Get Started” call-to-action (CTA) to the top of our mobile pages.  We used to only have a CTA hiding inside of the hamburger menu of our mobile site, as that was what contained all of our buttons. This also mirrored the experience on desktop, where the “Get Started” CTA appears in the same area as the rest of our menu items.  But, of course, on mobile, accessing the hamburger menu is an additional step that you don't have to take on desktop. The button doesn’t stand out to the naked eye.  Therefore, we took the “Get Started” button and put it in the part of the mobile menu that’s visible right away. In other words, you don’t have to click into anything to see it. We saw an immediate uplift in signups from our mobile pages.  The logic here is similar: make the signup process more accessible and reduce friction to improve overall conversions.  Our “flops” For every successful test, there are a dozen failed experiments. I would be remiss not to mention these failures, because even these have taught us a lot.  Many tests where we totally redid the look and feel of a page or an element of a page often showed flat results. There was no clear winner between version A and version B. Or, in some cases, the original version slightly outperformed the new version.  It taught us that sometimes, the small, simple elements make all the difference. In one instance, we spent months rethinking the design of one of our pages and making it more exciting and modern—only to find that it had absolutely no positive impact.  Safe to say, we were disappointed. Crushed, even. But it made us question the impact of design on behavior. While design is still essential, many design tests from that point on became less focused on CRO and more focused on simply highlighting our own brand language (with no expectations of positive CRO results).  This clarity, I would say, was still a win. It helped us recenter and realign our expectations.  Try, try and try again If you take anything away from this article, I hope it’s this: never stop trying things. Even if you “fail,” you will learn something.  Base your tests on data and plan them wisely, but don’t let perfectionism or the hope of only creating “winning” tests get in your way of trying.  Another important tip: Always make sure you have enough data to really make a decision. Don’t let a few visitors acting one way or another persuade you. You have to see the same behavior over and over again to truly determine a pattern, and to determine whether what you’ve changed has made an impact. With that, I’ll leave you to it. Get testing, and enjoy the insights you gain along the way.

  • 27 real estate slogans that turn keys

    Find the perfect branding for your designs with Wixel → When you're starting a business , especially in real estate, a catchy slogan can be the hook that draws potential clients in. Real estate slogans should resonate with potential clients and capture the essence of what makes your real estate business unique. A few well-chosen words can make a big difference for your business. This article explores the art of crafting effective real estate slogans that connect with your target audience . Discover the key elements of successful slogans, see impactful examples, and gain practical tips to create your own memorable catchphrase. By the end, you’ll understand why investing time in creating a great real estate slogan is essential for branding and can significantly boost your real estate marketing  efforts. New to marketing? Learn why is branding important for your business. What is a slogan A slogan is a short, catchy phrase that captures your brand’s essence. It’s a powerful marketing tool, conveying your business’s value and competitive edge in just a few words. Think of it as your company’s verbal logo – it's what people remember and associate with your services. In real estate, a slogan is more than just memorable; it's a promise to your audience. It shows your brand personality , sets service expectations, and sets you apart. Think of a good slogan as a handshake – it introduces and leaves an impression. Whether on social media, your real estate website , or business card designs , your slogan ensures your brand speaks with one voice. Learn more about  what is a slogan . 27 real estate slogans to inspire your brand These real estate slogan examples  highlight a variety of styles, from simple and direct to playful and creative. They serve as inspiration to help you to craft a slogan that aligns with your brand's voice and resonates with your audience. Whether you aim for professionalism or prefer a touch of humor, there's a real estate slogan style that fits your brand personality. Simple and effective real estate slogans Funny real estate slogans Direct and professional real estate slogans Unique and creative real estate slogans Catchy real estate slogans Clever wordplay real estate slogans Rhyming real estate slogans 01. Simple and effective real estate slogans Turning dreams into addresses. Your gateway to a new life. Find your place in the world. Real homes for real people. Making every transaction a home run. Where homes happen. The key to your dream home. 02. Funny real estate slogans We'll find you a home before your next click. Houses so good, even the neighbors are jealous. We speak fluent real estate! Putting the 'real' in real estate. Home is where our story begins... and ends. 03. Direct and professional real estate slogans Exceptional service. Exceptional properties. Trust. Commitment. Excellence. Real value in a changing world. Where trust meets results. Precision in every transaction. 04. Unique and creative real estate slogans Crafting spaces, creating legacies. Beyond the sale: Real Estate Artistry. Elevating spaces into places. 05. Catchy real estate slogans Move smarter, live better. Unlocking the door to your future. Your journey home starts here. 06. Clever wordplay real estate slogans Home is where the 'hart' is. ‘Suite' deals on homes! 07. Rhyming real estate slogans From sale to sold with heart and soul. List with us, move without fuss. Why you need a real estate slogan for your business A well-crafted real estate slogan acts as an ambassador for your brand, conveying key messages and values at every touchpoint with potential clients. Your real estate slogan is a foundational piece of your brand strategy  that supports all other marketing efforts in the following ways: Identity : A real estate slogan helps establish your brand identity . It's a quick way to tell clients who you are and what you stand for. Memorability : A catchy real estate slogan sticks in people's minds. When they think of real estate, you want them to think of you. Differentiation : In a crowded market, a good real estate slogan can set you apart from competitors and highlight your unique selling points. Emotional connection : Real estate slogans can evoke emotions and create a personal connection with your audience, which is crucial in the real estate industry where decisions are often emotionally driven. Simplicity : A real estate slogan distills complex ideas into something simple. It communicates your message quickly and effectively without overwhelming potential clients. Marketing integration : Real estate slogans are versatile and can be used across various marketing channels , from social media to business cards, enhancing brand consistency. What makes a real estate slogan memorable A slogan is a brand asset  that supports your marketing strategies  and contributes to the overall success of your service business . When crafting your real estate slogan, aim for these qualities to ensure it resonates with clients and reinforces your brand identity: Clarity:  It's clear and easy to understand. Your real estate slogan should immediately convey what you do and who you are. Brevity:  It's concise. The best real estate slogans are typically short, making them easy to remember and repeat. Relevance:  It's relevant to your target audience. Your real estate slogan should speak directly to the needs and desires of your potential clients. Consistency:  It aligns with your brand voice  and personality. Whether you're playful, serious or somewhere in between, your real estate slogan should reflect the overall tone of your brand. Emotion:  It evokes an emotional response. Whether it's a sense of security, happiness or excitement, an effective slogan connects on an emotional level. Originality:  It's unique. Your real estate slogan should set you apart from the competition and avoid clichés. How to craft a real estate slogan in 5 steps A great real estate slogan reflects the heart of your business and can be a powerful tool in attracting and retaining clients. Take the time to craft a phrase that truly represents what you stand for – it's worth the effort. Follow these five steps to create a real estate slogan that captures the essence of your brand and appeals to your target audience: 01. Understand your brand identity Before you can articulate what makes your real estate business special, you need to understand it yourself. What are your core values? What is your mission? How do you want clients to feel when they work with you? 02. Know your audience Think about who you are trying to reach. What are their needs, desires and pain points? A good real estate slogan speaks directly to the audience and addresses what they care about most. 03. Highlight your unique selling proposition (USP) Identify what sets you apart from competitors. Is it your customer service, local expertise or innovative approach? Your value proposition  should be front and center in your real estate slogan. 04. Keep it simple and flexible A good real estate slogan is both easy to understand and versatile enough to work across different mediums and marketing channels. 05. Test and get feedback Share your real estate slogan ideas with friends, family or colleagues. Getting outside perspectives can help ensure that your real estate slogan is clear, memorable and effective. Struggling to come up with an idea? Consider using a headline generator . Tips for crafting your real estate slogan Creating a slogan for your real estate business is a creative process, but it also requires strategy. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a real estate slogan that resonates with clients and bolsters your brand identity. Here are some tips to help you craft a real estate slogan that's both catchy and effective: Focus on benefits:  Highlight the benefits of working with you. What can clients expect to gain from your services? Use evocative language:  Choose words that evoke imagery or emotion, making your real estate slogan more memorable and impactful. For example, Kindling Home adds its location to its slogan, evoking images of natural beauty: "Designing homes in the Carolina Mountains." Keep it positive:  Positive language creates a favorable impression of your brand and encourages trust. Avoid jargon:  Use everyday language that everyone can understand. This ensures your message is clear to all potential clients. Be authentic:  Your real estate slogan should be a genuine reflection of your brand's values and promise. Make it timeless:  Avoid trendy terms that may become outdated quickly. Your slogan real estate should stand the test of time. Consider rhythm and flow:  A rhythmic real estate slogan can be more pleasing to the ear and easier to remember. Implementing your real estate slogan in marketing Once you have crafted a compelling slogan for your real estate business, it's time to integrate it into your marketing efforts. By consistently using your real estate slogan across all marketing channels, you create a cohesive brand experience that helps clients remember who you are and what you stand for. Here's how to ensure your real estate slogan works hard for your brand: Incorporate it into your logo : Add your real estate slogan to your real estate logo  on all marketing materials to reinforce brand recognition. Feature it in your real estate website design : As you explore how to create a website , use a website builder to highlight your real estate slogan on key pages like the homepage and about page for maximum brand impact. Use it in advertising : Whether online or offline, make sure your real estate slogan is included in all advertisements. Display it on business cards and brochures : Every piece of physical marketing collateral should feature your real estate slogan. Embrace it in social media marketing : Use your real estate slogan as a hashtag, in profile descriptions and in posts to enhance social media presence. Voice it in presentations and pitches : When talking about your business, use your slogan to reinforce the message you want to convey. Craft a slogan for your business Bakery slogans Beauty slogans Bookkeeping slogans Cleaning slogans Coaching slogans Construction slogans Consulting slogans Fashion slogans Finance slogans Gaming slogans Landscaping slogans Laundromat slogans Plumbing slogans Real estate slogans FAQ Why is a slogan important for my real estate business? A real estate slogan is important because it encapsulates your brand's essence and communicates it quickly to your audience, giving you a competitive advantage . How often should I change my real estate slogan? A good slogan can last for many years. It should only be changed if there's a significant shift in your brand strategy or market positioning . Can a real estate slogan really attract more clients?  Yes, a well-crafted slogan can pique interest and make potential clients more likely to remember and choose your services over others. Do I need to trademark my real estate slogan?  Trademarking your real estate slogan protects it from being used by competitors. It's not mandatory but can be beneficial for brand protection. What if my real estate slogan is similar to another company's? If your real estate slogan is too similar to another company's, it could cause confusion and weaken your brand identity. It's best to create a unique real estate slogan that distinctly represents your business. Consider including your real estate business name in your slogan for added differentiation.

  • 29 gaming slogans to power-up your brand strategy

    Find the perfect branding for your designs with Wixel → In the high-stakes world of gaming, first impressions can make or break a player's experience. Whether you're an indie developer or a massive gaming corporation, a compelling gaming slogan can be the key to capturing attention and sparking interest in your game. A well-crafted gaming slogan can elevate your gaming marketing , making it more recognizable and relatable to gamers around the globe. If you're diving into the competitive world of gaming and starting a business , understanding the power of a strong gaming slogan can be your secret weapon in gaming marketing. In this article, we'll explore the key elements that make up great gaming slogans, showcase examples to spark your creativity and provide practical tips to help create impactful taglines that echo in the minds of players long after they've powered down their consoles. New to branding? First, understand the essentials. Discover  why is branding important  for your business. What is a slogan? A slogan is a short, catchy phrase that represents your brand's message and values. It's like a battle cry for your business, something that captures the essence of what you offer in just a few words. Think of it as the hook of your favorite song—it's the part you remember and sing along to. In the gaming world, where competition is fierce and attention spans are short, a powerful slogan can make all the difference. In the gaming industry, slogans are often used as part of a brand strategy  to differentiate games from competitors and communicate their unique selling points. A good slogan should be memorable, impactful and effectively communicate what makes the game stand out. Ready to elevate your gaming brand? Learn more about  what is a slogan  and how it can make a difference. 29 gaming slogans to inspire your brand These gaming slogan examples  spark creativity and highlight what makes your gaming service unique. Whether you focus on reliability, innovation or pure fun, there's a gaming slogan style that connects with your audience. Use these ideas to craft a gaming slogan that matches your brand personality  and excites customers about what you offer. Simple and effective consulting slogans Funny consulting slogans Direct and professional consulting slogans Unique and creative consulting slogans Catchy consulting slogans 01. Simple and effective gaming slogans Play Beyond Limits Epic Games, Epic Moments Unleash the Game Beyond the Screen, Into the Adventure Game On, Challenge Accepted Victory Awaits Enter the Realm of Legends Master Your Destiny 02. Funny gaming slogans We Speak Fluent Controller Eat. Sleep. Game. Repeat. Be a Hero, Not a Zero Conquer Worlds, Skip Tutorials Lagging Behind? Not Us! Respawn and Recharge 03. Direct and professional gaming slogans Precision in Play Strategic Gaming Excellence Next-Level Gaming Experience Where Gaming Meets Innovation Crafting Legendary Gamers The Pinnacle of Gaming 04. Unique and creative gaming slogans Dare to Play Differently Imagination Unlocked Adventure in Every Click Pixel Perfect Adventures Crafting Worlds, Creating Heroes 05. Catchy gaming slogans Press Start for Epicness Unlock Adventure Daily Game to Live, Live to Game Play Your Way, Every Day Looking for inspiration? Check out these gaming website examples  to level up your game. Why you need a gaming slogan for your business With the right gaming slogan, you're not just selling games; you're inviting players into an unforgettable experience. A powerful gaming slogan encapsulates your brand's essence, promises and values, resonating with gamers. Investing time in creating it is truly worth it. Here's why having a compelling gaming slogan is essential for your gaming business : Brand recognition:  A memorable gaming slogan can significantly increase brand recognition. When players hear your gaming slogan, you want them to immediately think of your business and the experiences you offer. Emotional connection:  Gaming slogans have the power to evoke emotions and create a bond with your audience. They can make players feel excited, curious or even nostalgic—all of which can drive engagement and loyalty. Market differentiation:  In the crowded gaming market, standing out is crucial. A great gaming slogan can differentiate your brand from competitors by highlighting what makes you unique. Simplicity:  A good gaming slogan simplifies complex ideas into something easy to understand and remember. It communicates your value proposition  quickly and effectively. Consistency:  Using the same gaming slogan across all marketing channels helps maintain consistency in your messaging, which is vital for building trust with your audience. Marketing versatility:  Gaming slogans are incredibly versatile and can be used in various marketing materials—from social media posts to advertising  campaigns and beyond. What makes a gaming slogan memorable A memorable gaming slogan is like a high score in a game—it stays on top. What makes a phrase an unforgettable gaming slogan? Keep these traits in mind when crafting your own. They help capture attention and ensure it sticks in the minds of gamers long after they log off. Here are some characteristics of effective gaming slogans that can make them memorable: Brevity : The best gaming slogans are short and sweet. They get to the point quickly, making them easy to remember and repeat. Clarity : A clear message ensures that your audience understands what you're about without any confusion. Emotion : If your gaming slogan can make gamers feel something—excitement, curiosity, a sense of belonging—it's more likely to be memorable. Originality : Stand out from the crowd with a unique gaming slogan that captures your brand's individuality. Relevance : Your gaming slogan should be relevant to both your brand and your target audience , resonating with their interests and needs. Consistency : A gaming slogan that aligns with your overall brand voice  and personality creates a cohesive experience for your customers. Adaptability : A great gaming slogan works across different mediums and marketing channels , from your gaming website  to social media marketing . How to craft a gaming slogan in 5 steps Creating a gaming slogan is a creative journey that requires time. With the right steps you can craft a powerful tagline that elevates your brand’s presence in the gaming industry. Follow these five steps to create a gaming slogan that captures the essence of your brand and resonates with your audience: 01. Understand your brand Before you can articulate what you stand for, you need to understand it yourself. Define your brand's mission, values and personality. What makes your gaming business unique? 02. Know your audience Get into the minds of your players. What do they want? What do they value? A great gaming slogan speaks directly to the hearts of your target audience. 03. Highlight your benefits Think about what benefits you offer that set you apart from competitors. Is it an immersive experience, unbeatable customer service or an innovative approach to gaming? 04. Brainstorm ideas With your brand understanding and audience insights in hand, start brainstorming potential gaming slogans. Don't filter yourself—let the ideas flow and refine them later. 05. Test your gaming slogan Choose the best ideas from your brainstorming session and refine them into clear, concise gaming slogans. Then test them out. Get feedback from potential customers and see which one resonates the most. Looking for a great gaming slogan? Try using a headline generator . Tips for crafting your gaming slogan Creating a slogan for your gaming business is an exciting journey. It's your chance to capture the spirit of your brand in a few impactful words. Here are some best practices to consider when crafting your gaming slogan: Keep it simple:  Avoid complex words or jargon that might confuse your audience. The simpler it is, the easier it is to remember. Be consistent:  Make sure your gaming slogan aligns with your brand's existing voice, style and values. Consistency helps build trust and recognition. Focus on benefits:  Highlight what players will gain from choosing your brand. Will they find community, experience epic adventures or enjoy unbeatable gameplay? Make it timeless:  Trends come and go, but a great gaming slogan stands the test of time. Aim for a timeless phrase that won't feel outdated in a few years. Use active voice:  Active voice is direct and powerful. It engages the reader and makes your message clear and dynamic. Avoid clichés:  Steer clear of overused phrases that have lost their impact. Your gaming slogan should be fresh and original. Test your gaming slogan:  Share your top slogans with friends, family or potential customers. Their feedback can be invaluable in determining which one truly resonates. Implementing your gaming slogan in marketing Once you've created an impactful gaming slogan for your gaming business, it's time to put it into action. Strategically implement your gaming slogan to make it a core part of your brand identity . This ensures it resonates with the gaming community at every touchpoint. This approach will help reinforce your brand and connect with your audience effectively. Here's how to weave your new tagline into your marketing strategies  effectively: Integrate across channels:  Feature your gaming slogan prominently on all marketing platforms. Whether it's social media, email campaigns or when creating a website , make sure it's visible. Incorporate into visuals:  Add your gaming slogan to your gaming logo , banners and ads. It should complement your visual brand assets  and enhance brand recognition. Merchandising:  Consider printing your gaming slogan on merchandise like t-shirts, stickers or gaming accessories. This not only promotes brand loyalty but also turns customers into brand ambassadors. Content marketing:   Learn how to make a website and use it as a hub to showcase your gaming slogan as a theme for blog posts, videos, and social content. This can provide a consistent thread that ties all of your content together. This can provide a consistent thread that ties all of your content together. Employee advocacy:  Encourage employees to use the gaming slogan in their communication and interactions with customers. When they embody the brand message, it strengthens its impact. Craft a slogan for your business Bakery slogans Beauty slogans Bookkeeping slogans Cleaning slogans Coaching slogans Construction slogans Consulting slogans Fashion slogans Finance slogans Landscaping slogans Laundromat slogans Plumbing slogans Real estate slogans Gaming slogans FAQ How often should I change my gaming slogan? There is no set timeframe for changing a gaming slogan. Some brands stick with the same gaming slogan for decades, while others may change it more frequently. It ultimately depends on your brand's goals and how well the current gaming slogan resonates with your audience. If you feel your current gaming slogan no longer aligns with your brand or doesn't generate a strong response, it may be time to consider a change. Do I need to trademark my gaming slogan?   While not required, it can be beneficial to trademark your gaming slogan to protect it from being used by competitors. This also helps establish ownership and prevent others from using a similar or identical gaming slogan for their own gaming business. Can my gaming slogan work in different languages?    It's important to consider the cultural and linguistic implications before using your gaming slogan in different languages. Some gaming slogans may not translate well or could have a negative connotation in other languages. It's best to consult with a language expert or conduct thorough research before expanding your gaming slogan into different markets. Should my gaming slogan be specific to one game or general for my brand?    It depends on your brand and its offerings. If you have a flagship game that is the main focus of your business, it may make sense to have a gaming slogan specific to that game. However, if you offer a variety of games or services, a more general gaming slogan that encompasses your overall brand message may be more effective.  Overall, your gaming slogan should capture the essence of your brand and resonate with your target audience, regardless of whether it is specific to one game or applies to your entire brand.

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