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Start generating business ideas with the Wix Business Launcher →  Josh Spencer looked at the world and saw chaos. Lots of it. As a former Hawaiian resident living in LA, the constant noise and commotion of the city was overwhelming. So, when the opportunity came to build a brick-and-mortar bookstore, Josh was determined to make it a place of refuge for book lovers looking to escape the city’s madness. That’s when, in 2009, he opened The Last Bookstore . “I really wanted to create a place that was out of time and that was all times, too,” says Josh. “That's what books represent to me. They span thousands of years of people telling stories. I wanted to create a place people could step into—a portal into another dimension that was safe, secure and restful that had all this knowledge.” Today, the 22,000-square-foot store in downtown LA is California's largest new and used book and record store. The story of how Josh and his wife Jenna built it is the stuff of bestsellers. Ready to get your own business idea off the ground? Create your business website  with Wix. A life-changing event Josh was an active and outdoorsy kid growing up in Hawaii. But his world was turned upside down at 21, when a road accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. After several years navigating life in a wheelchair and struggling to find a job, he moved to LA. There, he began trading books online, sparked by his grandmother's idea to sell her old cookbooks. “I sold them on Amazon, made good money and was like, ‘I could do this,’” recalls Josh. “I started going to thrift stores and garage sales, finding books that I could sell and repurpose—and I was off to the races.” Through his new hustle, Josh rediscovered his love for books and found creative ways to buy and sell them. He made a living from it for almost a decade until a “man about town” named Brady Westwater approached him about opening a bookstore. “He was like, ‘We need a bookstore downtown and I hear you’re the book guy,’” says Josh.  Brady had a knack for bringing  the coolest traders into downtown LA and could see the potential in having an independent bookstore there. “So he convinced me,” adds Josh, noting how Brady drew him out of his shell. “I was shy and introverted.”  Before long, Josh was sizing up a historic bank building. Its landlord had initially planned to lease it to Urban Outfitters, but once he heard Josh’s vision for a used bookstore, he changed his mind. The Last Bookstore had its first home. Capturing LA’s imagination Before setting up the store, Josh took some time to sit in the empty space and visualize how it all might look. As a long-time wheelchair user, he was hyper-aware of the physical space around him, so he had a distinct vision for its layout. “There are so many great bookstores I can't go to in a wheelchair because they're too crammed,” says Josh. “I love that visual aspect, but it's not something I can engage with. So, I wanted to make it wide enough and spacious enough for anyone to feel free to roam.” Josh also thought most bookstores were cookie-cutter. Instead of straight, predictable aisles, he envisioned a place where people could wander, get lost and discover the unexpected. Drawing on his love of the steampunk genre, he infused the store with an otherworldly feel, pulling inspiration from films as varied as Hellboy , V for Vendetta , Indiana Jones  and Alexander the Great . The finished space resembled an art museum more than a bookstore, with its high-soaring ceilings, mosaic floors, antique vaults and marble pillars juxtaposed with playful designs like book sculpture installations, a book tunnel and themed rooms. It captured the imagination of people in downtown LA. “[People] came in, and for them, there was an immediate lowering of temperature compared with the commotion outside,” says Josh. “There were so many smiles and wide eyes. I still love sitting there and just watching people’s faces when they come in. That's when the wandering starts.” Throughout the years, The Last Bookstore has become so much more than a retailer; it’s an institution where people congregate, browse, read, relax, attend events and explore. It has even inspired spin-off sister stores in two other locations across California, and one in Hawaii. Some Saturdays, there can be as many as 1,000 customers in the store. It has gained international recognition too, becoming the world’s most Instagrammed bookstore . “There's definitely a sense of belonging with a lot of customers,” says Josh. “Some people I’ve seen regularly for 15 years. Some are now elderly and have long since retired. Then there are younger people who tell me they’ve been coming with their parents for years and love it. So, it's part of people's stories. Our story is their story. It's amazing to have that.” Read also: How this founder created ‘the first hanger worthy of Vogue’ Jenna and Josh Spencer (image source: The Last Bookstore ) Going back to where it started—online Josh’s bold move from online to physical retail made The Last Bookstore a massive hit, but it meant its digital side got less attention. That’s where Josh’s wife Jenna came in. “At the time, Jenna was looking for a change, and so, she wanted to join me in the Last Bookstore and see how we could elevate it beyond what I was able to do,” says Josh. “With her creative eye and experience, she's very good at making things beautiful.” They’d long planned to grow online, but a single Instagram post promoting their book bundles pushed them into action. "It ignited a viral chain reaction, leading to thousands of orders,” recalls Jenna. “We needed an online store—fast—and Wix gave us the agility to adapt.” The post not only prompted the couple to start selling these book collections online, but also to give the website a full makeover. They had a strong vision for their new site: modern-looking, easy to navigate and built for growth, with a nostalgic feel that captured the large-scale indie spirit of the physical store. “Most bookstore sites are very standard and boring to me,” says Josh. “There's no imagination. I didn’t want our website to be just a brochure—I wanted it to be art.” A virtual love letter to literature Starting with a mood board, Josh and Jenna drafted the general look and layout of their site. They worked for weeks to ensure the user experience was clean and intuitive and that its look and feel were on-brand, drawing inspiration from unique websites, retro poster design and classic art. After a few iterations, the couple launched a website that goes far beyond basic functionality. It immerses visitors in the world of The Last Bookstore—promoting events, selling gift cards, merchandise and curated book bundles, while also expanding the store’s reach and deepening its connection with customers. Stylistically, the couple nailed the bookstore’s distinctive character, too. Sweeping drone shots and quick-cut videos draw visitors in immediately, while high-res imagery keeps things visually rich. For the color palette, black and white dominate the pages as golden-mustard accents highlight interactive elements. Bold sans-serif fonts make a statement, particularly in the hero section header, declaring: “WE ARE THE LAST BOOKSTORE.” Then there’s the dark, scratched background that adds a worn-in, indie vibe across much of the site—a subtle nod to second-hand culture. Quirky, interactive stickers represent different product categories with a playful, retro touch.  Finally, the About page shares the Last Bookstore’s unique story and links to press features from different media, while sharp, concise content is broken up by standout headers like “A LIVING LOVE LETTER TO LITERATURE.” “With Wix, we have total creative control,” says Josh. “You know, I layered photography, put drone footage and interactive elements so that even on-screen, you can feel our steampunk fantasy spirit.” “Our website goes beyond just functionality,” adds Jenna. “It’s a virtual extension of The Last Bookstore, where visitors can experience the warmth of our community.” Read also: The story behind Fork n' Film’s unique cinematic experience that’s going global A punk-rock DIY attitude to the future When you’re operating in a traditional market that competes with retailing behemoths, you can never stand still. Josh and Jenna are always exploring novel (pun intended) ways to make sure The Last Bookstore doesn’t fulfil the prophecy of its name. The store already hosts literary events, live music and even photography shoots, but the couple plans to bring more creative dimensions to the business—like podcasting, making documentaries on the bookstore industry and spotlighting authors and artists in-store. And all these can be managed or hosted from their website. “We want to create things that tell the story of books and bookstores, authors and writers in new and different ways,” says Josh. After all, Josh considers himself much more of a creator than a businessperson. “I'm able to tap into the business side,” he says. “I have to, but it's not what I want to be thinking about. And it's not the motivation for me. I'm not in this to make tons of money. I'm in it to make something that will change people's lives and allow them to be inspired to also be creative.” “We could easily switch our model and go all-in on new books, but that's not interesting to us,” adds Jenna. “I think people want to support us and hopefully help us continue to do what we're doing.” Whatever they do next, Josh won’t be deterred by a fear of failure. As he notes, he’s lost things in life that are much more traumatic than losing a business. He’s also kept that punk attitude, telling him anything is possible. “I come from a punk rock sort of background," he says. “So I'm very much DIY, do it yourself, figure it out yourself. And so, in my mind, I can do whatever I want to do.” Get inspired: Who let the dogs out? The story behind America's first pug cafe, CuppaPug 7 business lessons from Josh and Jenna If you’re thinking about how to start a business  or diving into entrepreneurship , Josh and Jenna’s story is packed with lessons on creativity, resilience and building a business that truly inspires. 01. Storytelling fuels growth The Last Bookstore gained notoriety through word-of-mouth, travel guides, media and social sharing. Josh: “We’re on all the most beautiful bookstores in the world lists… lots of people have seen us in all different kinds of places.” Lesson: A compelling brand story and organic PR can drive global recognition. 02. Build a community, not just customers Regular customers treat the store as a part of their lives, even across generations. Josh: “Some of these people are now elderly… Some say, ‘I’ve been coming here since I was five.’ Our story is their story.” Lesson: Strong communities ensure longevity and loyalty beyond transactions. 03. Embrace imperfection and authenticity Unlike most large book retailers, The Last Bookstore doesn’t have a store map, making discovery harder. But that has become part of its charm. Josh: “Even though it might not be good business sense necessarily, people have really responded to it.” Lesson: Differentiation sometimes means breaking conventional best practices. 04. Keep a consistent vibe across physical and digital Josh consciously designed the physical space with cinematic, neo-Victorian, labyrinth-like aesthetics—a feeling he also wanted to shine through on the website. Josh: “I wanted the store to feel expansive… almost a book temple, from some other time. Likewise, I wanted our site to be cinematic, have a photographic element to it and to feel big.” Lesson: The physical environment of a brick-and-mortar business should seamlessly carry through to its digital presence. 05. Adapt quickly to change During the pandemic, the store launched curated book bundles overnight, which exploded in popularity. Jenna: “The same day that our door shut, that idea just happened to take off through a comment on Instagram.” Lesson: Stay flexible—listen to customers and pivot when the environment shifts. 06. Diversify beyond core operations The Last Bookstore is expanding into podcasts, live events, streaming and media content. Josh: “We want to create things that tell the story of books and bookstores, authors and writers in new and different ways.” Lesson: Explore new formats to keep the brand fresh and relevant—don’t stay locked into one business model. 07. Choose a business name that captures a cultural moment The Last Bookstore name tapped into fears about the “death of bookstores” in 2009. Josh: “Everyone thought bookstores were going to disappear… I wanted to be here at the end.” Lesson: A brand name with symbolism and storytelling power can carry the business far. Get business name ideas for your next venture with Wix’s Business Name Generator   and then claim your perfect domain name .

Your business ideas deserve a website, secure your domain to begin →   Noah Rosen always knew he wanted to start a business . At the ripe age of 12, he was managing a food blog. By 15, he was running a catering business. By the time he was in culinary school—well, anyone who knew Noah wouldn’t have been the least surprised to find him selling chef knives out of his dorm room.  Today, Noah is a 30 Under 30  founder whose business, Forge to Table , is about to turn eight years old. Unlike many people his age, he has rubbed elbows with some of the best chefs—and mentored some of the youngest ones—in the world.  He has also equipped them with the very tools that they cook every day with. In Noah’s own words, Forge to Table is “meant to be affordable and [serve as] a gateway knife to introduce people to crafted, Japanese-style blades.”  And just like the blades he sells, Noah’s entrepreneurship  story is anything but conventional. Even he couldn’t have predicted that his best idea yet wouldn't come by design but by staying bold, adaptable and ready when opportunity knocked. Got a business idea? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. From forge to dorm Before it was ‘forge to table,’ it was forge to dorm. As a bright-eyed (and “broke,” adds Noah) culinary student, being able to afford even a used Japanese knife meant saving up two weeks’ worth of pay.  All that changed in 2017. “I had tagged along on my dad's business trip,” Noah recalls, thinking back on a Chicago houseware show that he attended. It was there that he first came across the most immaculate display of Japanese kitchen knives—and with it, Carole Zheng.  As it would turn out, Carole was representing her family’s third-generation business of blacksmiths. “I essentially pretended to be something besides just a culinary student to get a custom knife,” Noah says. “I was like, ‘Oh, I'm a chef. Yes, oh yes, I have all these business ideas.’ And we started this conversation and developed what became a friendship.”  Before long, Noah got a hold of a beautiful bespoke knife, hand-forged by master blacksmith and Carole’s husband, Alex.  “Forge to Table started from my sole selfish desire to have a custom chef knife,” Noah freely admits today. “I brought that chef knife into class, showed it to my peers in my culinary labs, and they asked me, ‘Oh, whose knife is that? What brand?’” “That was the ‘light bulb moment’ that showed me that there was something to this…I ordered 200 hand-forged knives to my dorm room and built a Wix website to sell them.” Related reading: The story behind Fork n' Film’s unique cinematic experience that’s going global Developing a taste for eCommerce  You could say eCommerce was somewhat of an acquired taste for Noah—one that stuck as he warmed up to the idea of breaking away from the traditional career path of a chef. “I loved being a chef, but working in someone else's kitchen just wasn't cutting it for me,” he says. In his final year of school, when he was “already 150 knives sold into this” and managing a new Kickstarter campaign, he was still applying to culinary jobs. But eventually, “I went solo and built my own online knife empire.” Noah now commands a business that runs entirely online. Forge to Table serves more than 30 different countries and offers more than 40 kitchen products. At the back of the house, Noah is supported by a staff of culinary artists and creatives. At the forge, Alex and Carole are backed by a large team of blacksmiths, polishers, blade fitters and logistics specialists.  Noah himself remains at the front of the house, greeting online visitors as they enter his Wix site. “Customer service is the core of what the food service world is, and it's the same with great retail and eCommerce,” he says simply, noting his team’s  mise en place approach to the online experience. Every detail—from the live chat and testimonials, to the navigation and product pages—is carefully curated. Ready to get your own business idea off the ground? Create your business website  with Wix. His philosophy: “We design every knife with intention and deliberate action, and we want our website to showcase that same precision.” With Wix, he had all the ingredients to concoct a highly custom experience and stay in control of every customer interaction, order and more: “I think Wix offers the perfect medium for everyone—even someone like myself, a really good cook, but a monkey with a keyboard. I’m able to drag-and-drop edit or build an email newsletter that looks nice.” Create your store, your way— get started Wix's online store creator  today. Serving everyone from chefs to home cooks   If Forge to Table hosted a dinner party, the guest list would run the full gamut. You’d find first-time home cooks sharing a table with classically trained veterans. You’d bump into old cooks, young cooks, bakers, chefs and everyone in between. It’s a classic case of being in the right place at the right time, according to Noah—with his first customers being fellow students at school; Forge to Table’s first patron being a chef whose restaurant he frequented; and COVID birthing a new wave of home cooks, eager to rediscover their love of cooking.  He also credits the company’s recipe blog ("a big point of pride for us…we want to offer our customers something that they can come back and see without just the, ‘Hey, come buy a knife’”) as well as email marketing, live chat and online ads, which are all managed through Wix. Read also: The story behind the world's most photographed bookstore “We're just a click away for people to find our brand, order a knife and upgrade their kitchen,” he says proudly. It’s that level of accessibility that put Forge to Table on the map for influencers, culinary students and even those looking for a perfect gift idea.   To top it off, Noah and his team remain deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of chefs. They serve as judges for high school cooking competitions, support the National Restaurant Association's ProStart program (which reaches more than 214,000 high school students who have an interest in culinary arts and restaurant management) and team up with other like-minded brands.  “Our work with culinary students, both high school and college level, has brought us even more full-circle moments,” Noah shares. “We have people that we worked with when they were 19 and 20 in school, now working at some of the best restaurants in the world with our knives.” “As a chef, the biggest joy comes from watching someone do their little food dance when they take the first bite…for me, that [joy came from] passing this knife on to someone who immediately started to love cooking with it.”  The lasting beauty behind the blades  When asked, ‘What’s so great about your knives, anyway?,’ Noah doesn’t bat an eye. Rather, his eyes light up.  He animatedly describes his blades’ design— “Our best-selling Gyuto knife has elements of Chinese and Japanese craftsmanship, but in a familiar profile to the American blade.” The weight— “The Gyuto knife is one-third the weight of what you'll find in a German chef knife of the same size.” The material— “We're able to source our steel from some of the greatest steel manufacturers in Japan.” The price— “The price point appeals to people because when I first started, I was just selling to culinary students.”  And when asked to pick a favorite one? “That's like asking someone to pick their favorite child.” Noah still has many aspirations for Forge to Table, including expanding its product line, testing new designs and bringing customers’ ideas for their kitchen tools to life. The business is only just getting started, and so are Noah’s dreams of making an impact, one kitchen at a time.   “If we can give you a knife that makes you love cooking for your friends and family again—that makes you happy to eat well and live healthy—that's what we want to do.” Noah’s tips for running your own business The journey to becoming an entrepreneur  is full of twists and turns—Noah would know. Throughout the various chapters of his career, he has encountered his fair share of surprises and setbacks. But through it all, several key lessons have helped him stay afloat: Seize the opportunity: “If you have an idea that you're passionate about, take the leap. Do it, do it, do it—and do it yourself. Build a portfolio. Build a website. Build a network. Write it down. Tell your friends and your mentors. Because if you have a passion, if you have an idea, you are the person who can make it succeed. And you should start right now.” Break the mold: “My career path isn't the usual career path, and it's been exciting to share that because if you're 10, 12 or 15 years old and you want to become a chef…There's so little consideration for all that exists in the food world, like food policy or starting a small business that isn't purely cooking-based….now there's so much more in the career paths for students.” Share your idea: “When you start talking to someone about wanting to start a business, you're going to inevitably meet someone that's in a business network or has a group that they work with…and they're going to say, ‘Hey, let me connect you with so and so’ and this is going to take you to the next level. This is going to help you get started.”  Pick your website builder carefully:  “Wix plays an enormous role for me. It’s how we reach customers, work with our existing customers and provide our recipes and our knives to the entire world…Wix is my business partner, my assistant, my CRM and my marketing assistant.” Take accountability:  “The only person that I'm accountable to is myself. I always joke that my boss is just a hard-ass and makes me get up early for work, and work late and work weekends. But that's self-motivation and that self-drive is a must as an entrepreneur.” Define your ‘why’: “I found myself really doubting where this was all going a lot of times. But I always held it together because of the faces of the people that we give our knives to: the chefs, or the culinary students that are leaping into their careers with our blades in their kits. Those are the people that drive me forward and drive our whole team to keep doing what we're doing and make amazing knives.”

It all started with a pug named Gizmo. At just seven weeks old, Gizmo was given his death sentence: he had two heart conditions, which were so severe that the vet predicted that he wouldn’t survive another week.  Even if he did survive, he’d likely need an expensive surgery.  But this wasn’t enough to stop Aaron Carty. Being the dog lover (correction: the pug  lover) that he is, Aaron raced from London to Wales to adopt Gizmo.  Now, four years later, Gizmo is healthy and living his best life. He shares a home with nine other pugs and spends his days frolicking along the beach or making an appearance at the CuppaPug  cafe.  The cafe is, in some ways, Gizmo’s insurance plan. But what started as a business to afford Gizmo’s surgery (should he ever need it) is now a place where people can walk in and be “consumed with pug love,” according to Aaron.  Self-described as a full-time Pug Daddy, Aaron now finds himself on a mission to create spaces where both dogs and humans can thrive. “I already had four pugs when we decided to open the cafe, and it was a really selfish reason to be able to have more pugs,” he says with a cheeky smile. “If I had a cafe, I would need more pugs.  “Little did we know that so many people were just as pug crazy as we were.” Ready to get your own business idea off the ground? Create your business website  with Wix. From pug meetups to full-time business Before the cafe, there were pug meetups. The problem? They were often canceled due to weather. “So I thought, ‘I'm going to have my own pug cafe,’” says Aaron. But years passed and “we hadn’t done anything about it.” That is, until Gizmo came along. It all happened very quickly from there.  “The day we opened, we were fully booked for weeks and weeks ahead—so we never had the opportunity to actually get used to the business,” recalls Aaron.  From Day One, Aaron and his partner Matthew were flying by the seat of their pants. With just £15,000 (around $18,904 USD) in their pockets and zero experience running a cafe, the duo raced against the clock to do something that had never been done before (“No one in the world had done a pug cafe with resident pugs and pugs that you could rescue as well”).  They consulted charities. Posted to social media. Received thousands of signups before an open date was even set. The first cafe was bare white—“that’s how unready we were”—a stark contrast to the signature pink that smothers the cafes today.  Today’s cafes also offer pug-themed cocktails and snacks. They serve as both a place for play and for adoption, about which Aaron notes: “We knew that pug rescue was a huge problem, and we thought we had a solution to that. “We have up to 300 people a day coming to one of our cafes. We can talk to them, we can ask them questions [and] we can see how they are with dogs…We are then able to facilitate rescuing and adopting so many more pugs.” Related reading: How Forge to Table became Noah Rosen’s culinary calling Behind the scenes of having four-legged colleagues Of course, starting a business  and running a space with four-legged creatures has its challenges.  First, you’ve got potential investors writing off your business as a popup. Second, you’ve got people turning their nose up at the idea, saying they don’t want dog hair in their coffee. And third, you’ve got the responsibility of actually caring for the pups. (“We train them…they don't snort like other pugs typically do because they're well-exercised, they're well-looked after and they eat a whole foods diet.”)  But to this day, Aaron remains committed to one rule of thumb: take those problems and tackle them head on. “People were giving me reasons why they wouldn't come to the cafe,” he says, “[so] I was finding solutions for them.”  To the investors: CuppaPug now flaunts four locations across the U.K. and U.S. that greets 1,200 people a day, four days a week. Each cafe is a space where “I've got dogs that are so loved and are so intelligent that people want to come back to see them…we've got people that come every week—sometimes every day.”  To the hygiene skeptics: The cafe has installed strict cleaning procedures and only serves hand-held foods, so there aren’t any plates for the dogs to lick.  As for the home situation, Aaron, Matthew and their employees are holding down the fort. However, Aaron has an attractive offer for anyone looking to try their hand at being a “Pug Au Pair.” (“It’s the best job in the world.”) Read also: The story behind the world's most photographed bookstore Taking the “pink paradise” online  “Pink paradise” is the unofficial name of CuppaPug, as dubbed by its creators. It’s easy to see why.  Whether you step foot into one of the cafes or click onto the CuppaPug site, you’re met with pink. Pink backgrounds. Pink bandanas (on the pups that are up for adoption). Pink decor.  It’s the embodiment of “pug love” and no matter if you show up online or in person, you know you’ve arrived at the right place. “The cafe is a whole experience, and my website really has to capture the same magic,” says Aaron. “When I was building the website on Wix, I really wanted it to reflect my personality, my character and, more importantly, the dogs.” As it regards the process of building the website, “it’s one of those things where I could only have done it myself,” he states. There would be no compromising on the branding, or the utility, of the site.  With Wix, Aaron is able to change any aspect of the design whenever he wants. The system makes online bookings easily too, enabling customers to book, reschedule or add themselves to a wait list. Employees, in turn, can track bookings through the mobile Wix App while automating things like waitlist notifications whenever slots open up.  “Every day I'm on the website updating stuff…It’s just as alive as the cafe is." - Aaron Carty, founder of CuppaPug Another perk: As CuppaPug expands into new locations, it’s “very easy for us to duplicate the entire website and then just change what [we need for each] specific location.” The result: reduced costs and a bigger purse to spend on other high-priority activities, including marketing.  Interested in pink websites? Get inspired by pink website examples . Marketing on a budget CuppaPug is marketable by design. Its website and cafes already lend themselves to plenty of Instagram-worthy posts.  These days, there’s also the Pugs & Mugs  podcast , the CuppaPug Instagram and TikTok accounts—and even merch, now available online by popular demand. The cafe’s online store ships worldwide, delivering Gizmo gear to fans in Australia and beyond. Behind the scenes, Aaron uses Wix’s built-in email, dashboard and analytics tools to further spread the word about special events and offers. “We make fantastic money off our email campaigns,” he shares, “and seeing how much we've made from that one email is really important to me because it reminds me I need to do another one.” “As creative as I am, I'm also a numbers man and I'm constantly looking at the website traffic, the bookings, the conversions.”  Your store, your way—get started Wix's online store creator  today. In it for the long run   Like Gizmo, CuppaPug has beat the odds.  “No one believed in [our idea],” says Aaron about the early days. “But we believed in it.” Today, CuppaPug welcomes visitors from all over the world. The cafe is included in several company-run mental health programs. For some customers, it’s a lunchtime escape; for others, it’s a place to heal after losing a pug of their own.  “It ends up being a really emotional place,” says Aaron, recalling a few customer stories that have stuck with him over the years. “It's a place where people can come in, spend some time with the dogs, forget about all of their troubles—[then] leave with a smile on their face and loads of fur, obviously.” One thing’s for certain: it has and always will be about the dogs.  “If there’s one thing [I want people to take away about my business, it’s] that the pugs are so loved and have the best life.”  Lessons from Aaron  With a clear knack for entrepreneurship  and a soft spot for those looking to become an entrepreneur , Aaron regularly volunteers his time to speak with aspiring business owners. However, he’s quick to say, “I often don't give advice. The one thing I would say to people is, ‘You've really got to find the courage to find your own way.’” Nevertheless, his story is packed with valuable lessons. Here are some highlights from our conversation with Aaron: “Always do it, but do it your way.” "You can listen to all their self help books and do your own research on similar businesses, but I would always give the advice to go for it. Go for it and see what happens [and] find the courage to do it every single day. Block out that negativity and move forward.” Control your narrative: “I'm a big believer that if you do not tell your story, somebody else will. So we really wanted to be in control of the narrative. [For us, a] big challenge is that there are people out there who don't think that pugs should be bred—that they have a lot of health problems...So it's really important to us that our content reflects education. It reflects a true representative of a pug.” Your brand is what your customers say about it: “You know, you can spend all the time and money in the world to create what your brand and what your message is, but at the end of the day, it is what other people say about it that [makes up] the brand. That's ultimately the brand.” Challenge yourself. “I think when I start getting bored, I look for that next challenge. And I think that's something that people should always do: always look for that next challenge. I don't like being comfortable…[my experience] climbing Everest was a great example of that because you're cold and wet the whole time, but you still have to push through. I love to have those experiences because I think they really help me translate them into business and just general life as well.” Push past the negativity. “I had so many people telling me it's not going to work as a long-term business. Even close friends and family would say, ‘I love you, but I don't think this is going to work as a long-term business’...It was a scary time [but] I kept that business face on when I was with customers and with prospective investors.” Take it one day at a time: “[Matthew and I] always say to each other, we just do what we need to do in the moment and don't overthink it.” Related reading: The story behind Fork n' Film’s unique cinematic experience that’s going global

Start generating business ideas with the Wix Business Launcher →  Francesca Duncan and Nick Houston want you to play with your food—and have fun doing it. It’s far from the message their parents gave them at the dinner table as kids, but it’s now a mission statement helping drive the couple’s business. Fork n’ Film  offers an immersive culinary experience where you can watch a movie in a venue while being served food inspired by what’s on screen. The business idea came one night while Francesca and Nick were watching the movie Matilda  and that  infamous chocolate cake scene sparked a lightbulb moment. “I thought, ‘I’m really hungry. I wish I could try that [cake],’” recalls Francesca. “How cool would it be to put on an event where people are able to eat what they see on screen?” (Spoiler: very cool). At the time, the Los Angeles social scene was still recovering from the COVID lockdown and, according to Francesca and Nick, there wasn’t enough for young people to do in the city. That’s when they decided to put their unique idea to the test—and quickly realized the value of website creation , since knowing how to make your own website  helps attract and manage guests. Ready to get your own business idea off the ground? Create your business website  with Wix. DIY-ing their first event After weeks of planning, the couple hosted a trial event on the rooftop of Nick’s apartment block showing Harry Potter . It was all hands on deck as Francesca, Nick and some friends scrambled to bake dozens of cakes and cook chicken in one oven while running up and down to the 34th floor to serve guests. “We were the chefs, managers, the servers and janitors,” jokes Nick. Only he’s not joking. It was a true lesson in DIY events. Despite some initial teething problems with the sound system and running behind schedule, the pair managed to pull it off. Not only was it a success, but a social media post by an attending influencer went viral overnight. “That's when we knew, ‘Wow, we have something really, really special,’” says Francesca. It prompted the duo to release tickets for their next event, which sold out in less than a second. “We ended up putting on a bunch of events that summer, and I had to quit both of my nanny jobs to give this our full attention.” What started as a novel pop-up event in 2023 transformed into a self-funded events company hosting around 180 screenings per month across eight locations in the U.S. and one in London (plus pop-ups in Hawaii and Tokyo). In less than two years, Fork n’ Film has grown to a team of around 100 staff, amassed more than half a million followers on Instagram  and generated over $11 million in sales. Read also: The story behind the world's most photographed bookstore Tapping into their superpower Before becoming self-professed “multifunctional entrepreneurs,” Francesca and Nick were first and foremost creatives. Both are singer-songwriters, while Francesca has some notable acting credentials and a talent for social media. They describe this creativity as a superpower they regularly tap into for Fork n’ Film. This superpower came in handy when the couple recognized that their startup needed a strong and professional online presence. “From that DIY to viral moment, we realized almost immediately that we needed a website,” says Francesca. “We wanted people to know that we were a legitimate company.” The pair decided to build the website themselves so they’d have complete creative control and be able to turn it around quickly with minimal costs. Wix had been Nick’s go-to platform since college for creative projects, so for him, it was an obvious choice. However, it was the built-in event website  capabilities, eCommerce platform  and scheduling software  that made it the right fit for Fork n’ Film. For the site’s look and feel, the couple wanted to capture that same energy guests experience at their events. “When people first go onto our website, I want them to feel the magic,” says Francesca. “I want them to feel excited, like they're buying tickets to Disney World.” Taking their magic online Before building their website, Francesca and Nick immersed themselves in the world of cinema, drawing inspiration from movie posters, graphics, branding and typography. They chose four key characteristics to guide their design: cinematic, immersive, bold, and structured but playful. The couple incorporated subtle yet quirky movie-themed design elements, such as ticket stub graphics, frame-like imagery and film-inspired fonts to give the website its cinematic feel. They also added a mix of layered visuals, close-up photography and full-screen sections to create a multi-sensory experience for visitors. Inspired by iconic films like Kill Bill  and Little Miss Sunshine , Francesca and Nick opted for a bold contrast of black and white, complemented by a vibrant yellow accent for their brand colors and chunky text for the headers. (It packs a punch on the website’s footer.) Working with a large amount of content, the couple was mindful to keep things organized. To achieve this, they used a rhythmic, center-aligned flow across different pages, reminiscent of closing credits in a film. They also added image overlays and surprising transitions to make the user experience light and fun. Real footage from Fork n’ Film events added extra authenticity. The final result: a highly engaging, easily navigable website bursting with that energy Francesca and Nick were looking for. So much so that it even surprised them. “In the [design] process, we learned how capable we are of building a website, which is crazy,” says Francesca. “We literally built our website with Wix with our own two hands, and we’re proud of that. It’s really cool to say that we are the owners [of Fork n’ Film], but also the website developers.” Finding their audience in the numbers Apart from Wix’s website builder, its email marketing tools  and website analytics  have been central to helping the founders understand their audience and drive ticket sales. In fact, the latter prompted the company to launch in Portland after the city showed up as a location with high ticket demand. “I love the analytics on Wix—it tells a big story about who we are as a company and who our customers are,” says Nick. “When it comes to expansion, we want to go off data. We don't want to just go off assumptions.” The couple likes to drill down into the numbers to discover where their customers come from, how long they spend on the website and which movies they want to see. The analytics also tell them how successful influencer partnerships have been and who Fork n’ Film’s top customers are, including one loyal individual who spent over $16,000 in one year. Today, there’s no shortage of die-hard fans within the Fork n’ Film community—one went as far as getting a Fork n’ Film tattoo on her ankle. As wild as that might be to Francesca and Nick, this super fan has been their go-to persona when channeling what it is their customers want. Because that’s what keeps the couple motivated most—witnessing a customer’s inner child come out at screenings. “Seeing how even for one night we’re able to make people forget about any problems that they're having…and being able to bring people together is super motivating for me,” says Francesca. “For me personally, it’s seeing the looks on people's faces, especially when the food comes out and matches the [movie’s] scene,” adds Nick. Going big with the Fork n' Film brand Whether it’s doing collabs with influencers, working with big food PR firms or co-hosting events with D23, the official Disney fan club, partnerships have formed a core part of Fork n’ Film’s growth strategy. Unfazed sitting at the same table as iconic brands like Pixar and Disney, Francesca and Nick have big ambitions for the company. “In the past two years, we have proven to ourselves and everyone around the world how special a concept this is,” says Francesca. “We've done really well in all of our locations. So I think now, our goal specifically for this year is tightening a lot of things up, getting out of startup mode and moving into real business mode, hiring the people we need, automating certain processes and being more efficient.” Nick has his sights on…well, something not far off world domination. “Fork n’ Film needs to be a household name in every single state and country,” he says. “At the end of the day, we want people to look at Fork n’ Film as they look at Disney—something you can bring your loved ones or friends to to have a nostalgic experience and reconnect.” Francesca and Nick’s tips for running your own business There’s no perfect guide on how to become an entrepreneur , as every entrepreneurship  journey is unique. However, it’s always helpful to learn from those who have taken the leap and found success. Here are five tips from Francesca and Nick on starting a business: Just do it: “People have a tendency to want to perfect something before doing it,” says Francesca. “The number one piece of advice is ‘just do it.’ Even if you don't know how to do it, because you’re going to learn while doing it. Working at Fork n’ Film has been the best college class that I've ever taken. So, I think it's literally like the Nike slogan says—just do it.” Choose the right platform for you: “If we didn't have our website, we would not have a business,” says Francesca. She and Nick note that for them, Wix was the right fit for Fork n’ Film because of the built-in analytics, events and eCommerce solutions. The pair also cite Wix’s website templates  as giving them a strong starting point for the design. The platform’s intuitiveness meant they could onboard staff quickly, while the dashboard makes it easy to manage the business across nine locations. Consider how your business name will translate online:  Francesca and Nick took some time coming up with a business name, whittling it down to a shortlist of 12 that encapsulated the fusion of food and cinema. The deciding factor was having one that was available as a website domain  and an Instagram handle. They didn’t want it to be a mouthful, either—hence the shortening of ‘and,’ which Nick says is a nod to Guns N’ Roses, too. Get advice from the experts: Francesca and Nick had to learn on the job fast (or, as Nick puts it, “build the plane while flying”). One of the biggest challenges they faced when the business took off was understanding film licensing. Luckily, they sought support from content licensing company Swank. “Long story short, we've built an amazing relationship with them and learned the ins and outs of movie licensing and how to do things right,” says Nick. Have fun: It’s clear Francesca and Nick have relished their business journey to date, so it’s no surprise they advise others to enjoy the ride. “If you fail, that’s okay,” says Francesca. “Just have fun along the way and do everything without expectations—literally [take it] day by day in baby steps.” Nick adds: “Trust yourself and have fun.”

Get your professional business email address →    Creating an email with your own custom domain name is a great way to look more professional and build trust with your customers. Instead of a generic address like yourbusiness@gmail.com , a custom business email address like contact@yourbusiness.com instantly ties your communications back to your brand. Having a professional email address connected to your domain name helps customers recognize your brand in their crowded inboxes. It’s a simple change that makes a big impact, strengthening your brand identity with every message you send.   This guide will walk you through exactly how to set up an email with your domain. Get your business email up and running fast. Wix provides built-in security, plenty of storage and real-time tools to help you stay on top of your work. Everything’s backed by 24/7 support so you can focus on growing your business. TL;DR: How to create an email with your domain Short on time? Here’s a quick overview of the steps to get your professional email address up and running. Steps Action 1. Choose a domain name Pick a name that reflects your brand and is easy for customers to remember. 2. Select an email hosting provider Find a provider that offers custom email addresses, like Wix’s integration with Google Workspace. 3. Connect your domain to your email host Follow the provider’s instructions to link your domain to their email service. 4. Create your email address Set up your new professional email, like info@yourdomain.com or yourname@yourdomain.com . Why is a custom domain email address good for your business? It makes sense to create a domain email address for a number of reasons. A custom domain email instantly elevates your professionalism, strengthens your brand identity and helps customers trust that they’re communicating with the real you. It also keeps your business communications organized, consistent and easy for clients to remember—giving you an edge in every inbox. “If a premium domain contains high-intent keywords—like "[City]InjuryLawyer.com"—it can boost search rankings, increase trust and drive organic leads. When potential clients search for representation, they click on what feels authoritative and local.” - Justin Lovely, owner of the Lovely Law Firm Injury Lawyers Benefit Why it matters Professionalism Builds trust and credibility with customers by showcasing a professional image. Branding Reinforces your brand identity with every email sent. Trust & credibility Customers are more likely to trust emails from a custom domain than generic ones. Control & security Offers better control over email accounts and enhances security. Scalability Easily create multiple email addresses for different teams or purposes. Improved deliverability Reduces the chances of emails being marked as spam. Competitive edge Helps you stand out from competitors using free email services. You may also be interested in: Email name ideas Domain name management Why choose Wix to host your custom domain emails? When you’re building a business, every detail should work together seamlessly. That’s why Wix offers custom business email addresses that keep your brand professional and consistent from the very first message. With Wix, you get a business email to match your domain, creating a cohesive identity your customers can instantly recognize and trust. Plus, Wix offers business email addresses with Google Workspace integration, giving you reliable tools and smooth communication all in one place. It’s more than just setting up an inbox—it’s building a unified, credible brand foundation. Explore more: What is Wix domains? Everything in one convenient place Managing your website and email from separate providers can get complicated. With Wix, you can connect your business email directly to the same platform you use to build and manage your site. This integration means less time spent switching between accounts and more time focusing on what you do best. Your website, domain and professional email all live together, managed from a single, familiar dashboard. Explore more: How to manage a website Look the part with a professional email An email address like info@yourbusinessname.com  instantly tells customers you’re serious about your work. It builds credibility and reinforces your brand every time you send a message. Using a custom domain email from Wix helps you move beyond generic email addresses, giving your communications a polished and professional feel that matches your website. Secure your communications In business, keeping your information safe is a top priority. Wix provides robust website security features to protect your email account from spam, phishing and other threats. You can feel confident knowing that your business communications are secure and your data is protected, allowing you to correspond with clients and partners without worry. Simple tools for easy management You don’t need to be a tech expert to manage your business email. Wix offers user-friendly tools that make setting up and managing your email accounts straightforward. You can easily create new email addresses for team members, set up mailboxes and manage your settings, all from your Wix dashboard. This simplicity empowers you to handle your email hosting confidently, no matter the size of your business. Explore more: Is Wix good for business email? How to create an email with your domain in 4 steps Creating a custom email address is a straightforward process. Here’s a breakdown of the four main steps you’ll need to follow. Choose a domain name Select an email hosting provider Connect your domain to your email host Create your email address 01. Choose a domain name Before you can create a custom email, you need a domain name. This is the web address people will use to find your website, like yourcompany.com . Your domain name is a core part of your brand, so it’s important to choose one that’s memorable, easy to spell and reflects what you do. Think about your business name and the services you offer. Try to keep it short and simple. A domain that's easy to say and type will help customers find you without any trouble. Once you have some ideas, use a domain name generator to check if they're available. Read more: How to choose a domain name I have a domain name, now what? 02. Select an email hosting provider Next, you'll need an email hosting provider. This is the service that will manage your emails. Many website builders and hosting companies offer email hosting as part of their packages. For example, Wix offers business email addresses with Google Workspace integration, which gives you access to a reliable email service along with other useful tools like Google Calendar and Drive. When choosing a provider, consider factors like storage space, security features and ease of use. You'll want a service that’s dependable and simple to manage. Look for providers that offer a straightforward setup process and good customer support in case you need help. Learn more: How much does a business email cost? 03. Connect your domain to your email host Once you've chosen a domain and an email provider, it's time to connect them. This step involves updating your domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) records to point to your email host. While that might sound technical, most providers make this process very simple with step-by-step instructions. If you purchase your domain and email hosting from the same company, like Wix, this process is often automated. If they are separate, you'll need to log into your domain registrar's control panel and add the MX (Mail Exchange) records provided by your email host. This tells the internet where to send emails addressed to your domain. 04. Create your email address With your domain and email host connected, you're ready for the final step: creating your email address. You can choose a prefix that suits your needs, such as info@, support@ or your own name like jane.doe@yourcompany.com . Creating multiple addresses for different departments can also help organize your communications as your business grows. Log into your email hosting account and follow the prompts to create new mailboxes. You’ll be able to set up your new professional email account, create a password and start sending and receiving messages. From here, you can also set up your email on your phone and computer for easy access. Learn more: What is domain history? What is domain privacy? What is a subdomain? Get your professional email with your domain today A custom email address with your domain name is a powerful tool for building a professional brand. It boosts your credibility, improves brand recognition and helps you organize your communications. Follow the steps in this guide, set up your own professional email and start making a great impression with every message you send. Ready to take the next step? Wix offers everything you need to get started, from a custom domain to a professional business email that will help your brand shine. You may also be interested in: Best domain registrars How to trademark a domain name How to create an email with your domain FAQs Is it necessary to have a website to get a custom email address? No, it's not strictly necessary, but it's highly recommended. You can purchase a domain name and email hosting separately. However, having a website that matches your email domain makes your brand look much more credible and gives customers a place to learn more about you. Can I create multiple email addresses with my domain? Yes, most email hosting providers allow you to create multiple email addresses (or "aliases") for your domain. This is useful for different departments, like sales@yourcompany.com  or support@yourcompany.com , and for individual team members. How much does it cost to create a custom email address? The cost can vary. You'll need to pay for a domain name (usually an annual fee) and an email hosting plan (often billed monthly or annually). Many providers, like Wix, offer bundled packages that include a domain, website hosting and a professional email address, which can be a cost-effective option.

Bring your inspiration to life with a Wix website →   Finding the best winery website examples can inspire you to create a site that truly represents your brand. A great website does more than just sell bottles; it tells your story, invites guests for tastings and builds a community around your vineyard. Whether you’re using a free website builder , trying to understand how to make a website  , exploring the best websites  for design inspiration or learning how to make a winery website  that truly captures your story, the right examples can help you build a site that feels inviting and works hard for your business. Below, you’ll find real winery and wine-tour websites, each offering something unique, from elegant visuals to clever booking flows. Use them as inspiration, then see which Wix template they were built on so you can bring your own winery website to life. Discover top restaurant and food website templates  to launch your site fast and effortlessly. Looking at ideas for your next website? With Wix, you can build a professional website that looks exactly how you imagined. Choose from thousands of customizable templates and use Wix’s drag-and-drop website builder  to make it your own. Creating a unique, professional website has never been easier. TL;DR: winery websites Building a winery website starts with strong web design , clear storytelling and the right platform. These  Wix websites  show how making a business website  can be both simple and visually compelling when you use the right structure, visuals and booking or eCommerce features . A great winery site blends storytelling, photography and easy website navigation . Strong visuals, tasting notes, wine shops and wine club options help convert visitors. Each example below is built on Wix website templates  you can use for your own brand. Use these examples to guide your layout, photography style, membership ideas and online store  setup. “Wix lets you focus on your vision, not the tech. Drag, drop and customize your site while knowing it’s backed by a platform that scales as your business grows.” - Yarin Singolda, PMM at Wix Key element Wix website feature Storytelling & design Customizable templates, rich media galleries Visuals & photography Image galleries, video backgrounds Wine shop & club Wix Stores, subscription & pricing plans Navigation & layout Drag-and-drop editor, menu options Booking & events Wix Bookings, Wix Events Best winery websites Below are detailed breakdowns of what makes each winery or wine-related website standout examples. Aquila's Nest Vineyards Daniel's Vineyard The Windmill Winery North Georgia Wine Tours Yakima Wine Country Blue Ridge Wine Tours Finger Lakes Wine & Travel Card Salù! Wine Reggie Wine Round Lake Vineyards Wander Food & Wine 01. Aquila's Nest Vineyards Aquila’s Nest Vineyards blends modern luxury with story-driven design. Their homepage design uses immersive photography, soft neutral tones and clean typography that gives the entire site a calm, elevated feel. "We use Wix because it’s easy for anyone to manage. I needed one platform for my website, payments, reservations and email marketing, and Wix handles it all in one place." - Aquila's Nest Vineyards The event websites section stands out with easy-to-browse listings, letting visitors quickly find tastings, workshops and seasonal gatherings. Their booking and reservation experience feels smooth and thoughtfully organized, ideal for wineries that run frequent events. "Wix makes it simple to customize a template to fit exactly what I need, whether it’s booking events, selling products or updating content myself or with my team." - Aquila's Nest Vineyards Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Start from scratch website template Editor’s note: This winery site started from a blank template, offering a highly customizable foundation. It lets you design a site that perfectly showcases your story, events, wine club and experiences. 02. Daniel's Vineyard Daniel’s Vineyard nails the balance between lifestyle and business. Their site feels like an invitation, from weddings to concerts to relaxed tastings, each page uses strong visuals and smart CTAs. The wine shop is well-structured with clear labels and a polished, professional storefront visitors can browse without friction. Their events calendar and venue information pages are especially strong, making this a great model for wineries offering private bookings. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Vegetarian restaurant website template Explore more: Booking website builders How to make a booking website Booking website examples 03. The Windmill Winery The Windmill Winery site gives a rustic, romantic feel that instantly communicates their brand personality. Their imagery and color scheme create a cohesive experience, while their navigation makes it easy to explore tasting experiences, weddings and on-site venues. The quick-access CTAs (“Book a Tour,” “See Packages”) are excellent examples of high-intent user flow design. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Cake shop website template 04. North Georgia Wine Tours The North Georgia Wine Tours website demonstrates how service-based wine businesses can build trust fast. The homepage highlights curated itineraries and local expertise and the booking process is simple with clear descriptions, pricing transparency and helpful FAQs. The use of badges, testimonials and local photography keeps the design both credible and welcoming. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Minimal layout website template 05. Yakima Wine Country Yakima Wine’s site is part tourism, part wine discovery hub. Its directory-style layout makes it easy to explore wineries by region, experience or tasting preference. The map integration and travel-focused content help visitors plan full itineraries, not just a stop. This is a great model for regions, associations or collaborative wine groups. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Farm sanctuary website template 06. Blue Ridge Wine Tours Blue Ridge Wine Tours uses warm colors, large images and itineraries to guide users through their offerings. The homepage gives a clear sense of what the experience will feel like, and their tour pages break everything down with organized sections, pricing and availability. They also do a strong job showcasing customer reviews, a must for tour-based businesses. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Classic layout website template 07. Finger Lakes Wine & Travel Card Finger Lakes Wine & Travel Card offers a simple, high-clarity layout that gets straight to the point: what the card is, how it works and why it saves money. Visual icons, smart spacing and straightforward copy make it easy for users to understand the value proposition in seconds. This is a great reference site for wineries offering memberships, tasting passes or loyalty rewards. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Travel agency website template Learn how to make a subscription website to get started today. 08. Salù! Wine Salù Wine! uses minimalism beautifully. The homepage is simple yet sophisticated, with elegant typography and clean product photography that lets the bottles shine. The shop is intuitive with a premium feel, perfect for wineries offering high-end or limited-release wines. Their About Us page is also a standout for storytelling. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Logo design portfolio website template 09. Reggie Wine Reggie Wine brings personality into every section with bold visuals, vibrant colors and fun micro-interactions. The site feels energetic yet polished, making it especially appealing to younger or urban wine audiences. Their product pages use clear tasting notes and lifestyle photography to create a memorable brand experience. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Private chef website template Editor’s note: The template name doesn’t matter, you just need to find one you like. With Wix, every template is fully customizable, so you can turn it into the winery website you want. 10. Round Lake Vineyards Round Lake Vineyards uses sweeping vineyard photography paired with clear, modern navigation. Their weddings and events pages are particularly well organized, giving users everything they need to start planning without feeling overwhelmed. Their wine shop also features structured filters that make browsing smooth and intuitive. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Plant store website template 11. Wander Food & Wine Wander Food & Wine shows how wineries and tasting lounges can merge restaurant-quality design with wine-centric charm. The photography is crisp, the website menu is easy to explore and their events section adds momentum to the brand’s online presence. It’s an excellent example for wineries that offer food pairings or operate full-service venues. Get this look: This winery website was built using a customizable template: Template name: Bar website template Explore more: How to create a restaurant website Restaurant websites Best restaurant website builders Why Wix is a great fit for your winery website Wix offers a winery-friendly toolkit that makes running an online wine business easier: Ready-made winery & wine-bar templates:  built to showcase bottles, tasting notes, menus and events. Check out more food and drink website templates . Full eCommerce platform : including variants (vintage, bottle size), shipping rules, local delivery and pick-up options. Subscriptions & wine clubs:  using subscriptions + pricing guides, complete with customer self-management. Omnichannel & point of sale (POS):  syncing tasting-room, festival or market sales with your online inventory. Shipping & fulfillment integrations:  like Wix + Shippo for automated labeling and carrier options. Bookings & events  through Wix Bookings or Wix Events for tastings, tours, classes and ticketed experiences. Marketing strategies and tools:  like email marketing , loyalty programs, discounts and built-in blog support. If you want a platform that pairs storytelling with storefront and scheduling, Wix makes it simple to go live fast. Why trust Wix’s experts Wix’s team provides guidance and practical tips for wineries, tasting rooms and wine-tour businesses. They can help you make the most of your website, from setting up bookings and wine clubs to showcasing your wines and events, all based on real-world experience with similar businesses. Winery websites examples FAQ What makes a winery website effective? Strong visuals, easy navigation, tasting or tour information, online wine sales, clear hours/location and options to book experiences or join a wine club. How do I make a winery website? Start with a winery template, add your branding, upload bottle shots and vineyard photos, set up your shop or wine club and add bookings or event pages if needed. What should a winery website include? Wine collections, tasting notes, an about page, booking options, a wine club, events, a blog, contact details and a mobile-optimized design. Easily create a blog with Wix. Can wineries sell online legally? Yes, but rules vary by region. Most wineries use platforms with shipping integrations and compliance-friendly workflows to manage orders. How important is SEO for winery websites? Extremely. SEO features helps visitors discover your winery when searching for tours, tastings, wine clubs or regional wineries, especially during peak travel seasons.

Bring your inspiration to life with a Wix website →   Creating a resume website is one of the strongest ways to stand out in today’s job market. CareerBuilder  reports that 70% of employers review personal websites  during the hiring process. A resume site acts as an online portfolio  that highlights your skills, personality and achievements. This blog showcases the best resume website examples to inspire your career growth. These examples will help you understand how to plan a website  that goes beyond a traditional CV. If you’re ready to learn how to make a professional website , the right website builder  and templates make creating a resume website  simple, effective and budget-friendly. Need inspiration for your website? With Wix, building a standout site is easier than ever. Choose from hundreds of customizable templates and use Wix’s easy drag-and-drop website builder  tools to make your vision come to life. Turn your ideas into reality and see just how simple it is to create a unique, professional website. TL;DR: best resume website examples Your resume doesn’t have to live in a PDF. A standout resume website can showcase your skills, personality and career story far better than a static document ever could. This guide highlights CV websites that do just that—with smart layouts, personal branding and interactive features that help them stand out in competitive industries. You'll also get practical takeaways for creating your own, from choosing the right design to writing compelling copy. How we chose the resume website examples What we looked for Why it mattered Strong personal branding Memorable visuals and messaging that reflect the individual Clear professional summary Concise storytelling that highlights expertise and goals Design and usability Clean layouts that are easy to navigate and mobile-friendly Work samples or experience Portfolios, projects or detailed experience sections Calls to action Easy ways to contact or download a traditional resume “A strong personal brand can help you stand out in your field, attract professional opportunities and establish credibility.” - Caroline Mignaux, co-founder of Agence Personnelle and host of Marketing Square podcast 15 best resume website examples  Below is our roundup of the best resume website examples built on Wix. From these great CV examples, you can get ideas for your own website design , including ideas for what sort of web pages , content and website features  you’ll need to represent your own professional presence online.   Christina Sterbenz Danielle Gorodenzik Matt Lewis Kendall Brandt Tobias Becs Lauryn Higgins Toni Bonini April McCain Anissa Hexton Jenna Gross Akin Yemi Elizabeth Bullard Danielle Matthew Matt B. Atkins Cameron Renfrow 01. Christina Sterbenz: Best editor and writer resume website example With one glance at the top fold of Christina Sterbenz ’s resume website, her skill as a bold and talented writer stands out. With a design that’s minimalistic, yet full of personality, Christina combines strong website copy with an engaging user interface  to foster a connection with potential clients.    Key takeaways:  As a writer, there’s no better way than look to Chistina’s bold website copy as an example of how to showcase her talent from the get-go.   Christina’s homepage is simple, but engaging. The writer employs a subtle website color scheme and hover animations for an intriguing interaction with visitors.  Christina’s resume page is clean and concise to highlight the most important aspects of her experience. It’s a great example of how to write a resume  that will confidently engage future employers.   Be inspired: Resume design ideas Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Creative CV website template 02. Danielle Gorodenzik: Best curator resume website example Danielle Gorodenzik  has a great resume website example, demonstrating how a clean design and thoughtful content can facilitate an exceptional user experience to contribute to her professional presence. All together, Danielle’s resume site showcases her attention to detail, aesthetic sense and organizational skills—all essential qualities sought after in an art writer and curator.  Key takeaways:  An organized website layout  alongside intuitive navigation makes Danielle’s resume website well-organized and user friendly. Danielle’s resume site opens right up to the About page, providing a strong introduction to the curator’s portfolio and CV.  Danielle includes social media links in her website’s footer, giving visitors the opportunity to follow her pages on LinkedIn, Facebook, Spotify and Instagram—as well as providing easy access to her inbox.  Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Artist website template 03. Matt Lewis: Best creative director resume website examples  He’s kind of a jack-of-all-creative-trades, which is why Matt Lewis ’s versatile resume website example perfectly suits his diverse professional background. Matt uses the right combination of visual and written content to draw attention to his diverse talents and personal brand.    Key takeaways:  In this resume website example, a black and white color scheme creates a minimal and calming effect, allowing visitors to read and focus on Matt’s not-so-minimalistic experience and diverse set of skills.  Matt’s About page lists his “Top 10” TV shows and films, adding personal touch to engage with his creative and media-oriented audience.  Each of the projects highlighted on Matt’s homepage has its own landing page. This provides intuitive navigation on his site, and is also useful if he wants to build a landing page  to promote each individual project.  A professional headshot, like in Matt’s resume website, is a great chance to make a friendly, professional impression to show off your personality.  Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Interior designer website template 04. Kendall Brandt: Best graphic design resume website  Kendall Brandt  has one of the best graphic design resume examples  on our list, using her site to hone in on a diverse portfolio of work. On top of her love for illustration and color, visitors to Kendall’s graphic design resume site will have the chance to dive into the professional world of the designer and connect to her passion and skill.    Key takeaways:  Kendall’s website opens right up to her work portfolio, leaving no time before visitors are introduced to her versatile skill set.  Each page of Kendall’s graphic design portfolio describes the research, challenge and objectives of the process. This way, potential employers get a sense of her dedication to approaching graphic design as a way of problem solving.  Every web page also includes high quality photography, providing visual representation of the various stages within each project, from start to finish.  Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Graphic designer website template 05. Tobias Becs: Best athlete resume website example  Tobias Becs  is an all-star football player, boasting an impressive resume of awards and world records. Off the field, this sports star and content creator has an even more innovative journey, and is the active founder of Off-Pitch and 4freestyle—two of the biggest sports brands for freestyle and street football.  Not only does Tobias promote his talent and the art of free-style footballing, he’s also showcased his ability to master how to start a business . Let’s see how Tobias fits it all into his resume website example to reach his goals, on and off the field.  Key takeaways:  Tobias immediately shows visitors that he’s an athlete, with a hero image of him juggling a soccer ball. The photograph is full screen and high-quality, presenting an impressive and professional appearance.  Included in his homepage is his Instagram feed, where visitors can click-through to join his following. Social media is a great way to build engagement, grow a more diverse audience, and increase web traffic .   As a business owner, Tobias uses his resume website as a launching pad for interested visitors. He incorporates links to his business website  directly in his “About Me” text.  Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Coming soon landing page website template 06. Lauryn Higgins: Best journalist resume website example  Lauryn Higgins  is no ordinary writer—the two-time Pulitzer Prize winning journalist contributes to some of the biggest names in news, and has covered major events from tracking the Covid-19 pandemic to the Russia Ukraine War. Lauryn’s site combines well-crafted language and clean design elements to get right to the point. The resume website showcases her exceptional experience and reflects the passion she has for her journalistic career.   Key takeaways:  Lauryn’s writing portfolio highlights her impressive experience in a visually appealing way. She uses the logos of publications she’s contributed to, like PBS, The New York Times, Vogue and more, linking these images directly to her author page on each site.  A serif font used in the titles of Lauryn’s resume website reflects her profession as a journalist. Pairing this with a modern sans serif font for longer content enhances user experience and readability.  On her resume, Lauryn uses a custom business email to give her freelance services a more professional quality   when future clients want to be in touch.  Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Food photographer website template Editor’s note: Don’t worry about the template’s original niche. Wix templates are fully customizable, so choose a design that feels right and adapt it to your brand. 07. Toni Bonini: Best art director resume website example   As an art director, Toni Bonini ’s website design already does a great job at showcasing her creative talents before diving into the specifics of her resume. Toni uses her vibrant website design to create an unforgettable impression for first time visitors. Using attention to detail and a perfectly balanced user interface, the colorful resume website puts her portfolio of work at the forefront, relying on vibrant visuals to grab the attention of visitors.   Key takeaways:  By displaying her portfolio on the homepage, and representing each category of work with colorful shapes, Toni invites us to dive into many aspects of her creative work, without overwhelming visitors.  Toni’s blog, Flamingos + Fringe, is a great way for her freelance business to gain a following, and gives potential clients the chance to learn more about her interests, expertise and passions in the creative world. It can also improve her site’s SEO , acting as a strategy to increase organic traffic. Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Illustrator website template 08. April McCain: Best portfolio resume website  April McCain ’s resume website focuses on bringing attention to her graphic design portfolio. With a meticulous color scheme and personalized elements such as photographs, a custom logo and unique animation, this is one of the best examples of how to use your website design to amplify your personal brand.  Key takeaways:  A striking trio of headshots add a professional and personal touch to April’s homepage, immediately highlighting the designer’s distinctive character.  Throughout the site, a black and pink color scheme is used to turn April’s artistic flair into a personal brand. This is implemented in the website background, website text and her professional logo.  Clean typography and modern fonts are used to present the designer’s content, from her website’s favicon, to the clean website copy.   Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Graphic designer website template 09. Anissa Hexton: Best marketing resume website   Anissa Hexton 's online CV captures her decade of experience in marketing and branding with a clean friendly design. The homepage instantly introduces her with a professional headshot and a warm welcome while simple buttons lead visitors to her resume, projects and background.  Key takeaways:   A personable introduction makes the site feel professional yet approachable.  Clear call-to-action buttons guide visitors to her work.  Multiple contact options (phone, email, LinkedIn) make networking easy. Like what you see? Build your own CV website using this same template. Template name: Business CV website template 10. Jenna Gross: Best home designer resume website example Jenna Gross 's website for Colordrunk Designs is a direct reflection of her fearless approach to interiors—bold, colorful and full of personality. The site immediately sets the tone with vibrant imagery and playful design elements that echo her mastery of mixing patterns and hues. Visitors are greeted with an inviting aesthetic that feels both polished and approachable, showing off Jenna's ability to create spaces that are sophisticated yet fun.  Key takeaways: The portfolio section is the heart of the website, filled with photography that captures Jenna's signature use of color and eclectic combinations. Each project feels dynamic, giving potential clients a clear sense of her creativity.  Her "about" page tells her story in a personal and engaging way, outlining her path from New York fashion to Southern interiors—helping clients connect with both her experience and personality.  Her email is placed in the footer making it simple and straightforward for potential clients to reach out. Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: One page layout website template 11. Akin Yemi: Best musician resume website example   Akin Yemi  is a musician who uses his resume website to promote his one-of-a-kind tracks, tours and videos. The colorful site is full of imagery that showcases the artist’s musical talent and presents himself in a trendy, composed and professional light.  Key takeaways Full screen images of Akin in the studio or performing in front of a live audience uplift the resume website visually, but also give visitors a glimpse at his professional activity and experience.  As a musician, it’s a strategic move to add a musical track to his website, featuring one of his own compositions. He also connects his site to Spotify, SoundCloud and Apple music pages, inviting us to listen to more.  A page dedicated to upcoming tours is a great way to promote Akin’s upcoming shows and sell tickets to his following.  Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Musician website template 12. Elizabeth Bullard: Best illustrator resume website example  Elizabeth Bullard  is a digital artist with an extensive portfolio to showcase her work. The artist uses a resume website to exhibit images of her creations, from double exposure photographs and illustrations, to her work in typography and advertising.  Key takeaways:  An abstract video background is a great way to highlight Elizabeth’s creative side, giving her homepage a dynamic effect without distracting too much from the artist’s own creations.  The extensive website menu gives visitors the chance to view a wide range of Elizabeth’s work. Visitors can click on each clearly labeled topic to open a new web page of her portfolio.  Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Illustrator website template 13. Danielle Matthew : Best marketing resume website  Danielle Matthew 's website shows how clear positioning, visual polish and smart messaging can make a marketing professional shine. Her site instantly tells you who she is, what she does and what she brings to the table, all wrapped up in a design that's engaging, modern and super easy to navigate. Key takeaways: Right from the start, Danielle states her value proposition. It's bold, forward-thinking and designed to grab attention from brands wanting someone who can drive real change. Calls-to-action are perfectly placed: a "See Full CV" link, a "Get in Touch" button—every section shows visitors exactly how to take the next step (connect, hire or learn more). Her website also includes a direct messaging feature so visitors can reach out right away without bouncing around to different pages. Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Creative CV website template 14. Matt B. Atkins: Best digital marketing manager resume website Matt B. Atkins 's resume website positions him as a forward-thinking digital marketing manager with over a decade of experience. His homepage makes a strong first impression with bold typography and a confident introduction backed by a clean modern layout.  Key takeaways:  Matt's website engages visitors with a dynamic graph showing his professional knowledge across important skills. His portfolio pages present projects through clean visually striking graphics. Matt's website includes a contact form making it easy for potential clients or employers to reach out directly. Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: UX designer website template 15. Cameron Renfrow: Best interior designer resume website Cameron Renfrow  is an interior designer whose resume website presents Cameron's portfolio in a visually striking and organized way. The site immediately shows off his design aesthetic and professional experience allowing potential clients and collaborators to explore his work with ease. When starting a business of your own, tools like a resume template,  business name generator  and  logo maker  are excellent ways to get your online presence off the ground.  Key takeaways: Cameron shows his projects through high-quality images giving visitors a clear sense of his style and versatility.   The website includes a contact form and links to social media making it easy for potential clients to reach out and start collaborations. Like what you see? Build your own resume website using this same template. Template name: Food photographer website template Editor’s note: Don’t worry about the template’s original niche. Wix templates are fully customizable, so choose a design that feels right and adapt it to your brand. The best websites featured here were built with Wix and show what’s possible with real, DIY designs. They represent functional, effective and thoughtfully crafted options that help people run their businesses. Recommended CV website templates  Ready to create a CV website of your own? There’s no better way to start than by using a professional  website template . When considering  how much a website costs  and  how long it takes to build a website , starting with a template and customizing it to match your personal brand will save you both—time and money.  The following CV website templates are all built on Wix, and provide examples of how each design will start you off with the right foundations. Below, we’ll point out the stand-out features of each and why they’re a solid tool for making your own resume website. 01. Business CV website template  For business professionals, a minimalistic design is ideal for highlighting your experience. This resume website features a clean, organized layout with pre-made sections for your skills and work history. Use this business CV website template . 02. Creative CV website template  This creative resume template gives you all the foundations to show off your imaginative personality. Using modern fonts and an asymmetrical website layout, it’s the perfect start to a creative portfolio that help you represent your skills and ideas.  Use this  creative CV website template. 03. Academic CV website template Who says academic CVs have to be dull? This polished scholarly template lets you showcase your achievements with style. From a clean, organized layout to sections for your credentials, publications, and experience, it’s designed to make your academic journey shine. Customize it with your unique qualifications and let your expertise take center stage. Use this academic CV website template . Essential components of a resume website A great resume website is more than just a list of your past jobs; it’s a dynamic space that tells your professional story. Think of it as your personal online headquarters where recruiters and potential clients can see who you are and what you bring to the table. Let's walk through the components that will help you build a resume website that gets you noticed. Clean design First impressions matter and a simple, professional design lets your accomplishments shine. A minimalist layout with clear structure helps visitors find what they need without distractions, showcasing your organization and professionalism from the first click. Contact information Make it easy for recruiters or clients to reach you. Place your email, phone number or a contact form in a prominent spot like the header or footer. The simpler it is to get in touch the more likely they’ll reach out. A professional photo A high-quality headshot adds a personal touch and builds connection. It shows you take your personal brand seriously. Choose an image that reflects your personality and suits your industry. A portfolio of your work This is your chance to shine. A portfolio shows rather than tells what you can do. Whether you're a writer, designer, developer or photographer, include your best projects to prove your skills. Detailed work experience Clearly outline your professional history with roles, responsibilities and achievements. Use bullet points for easy scanning, making it simple to see the impact you’ve made. Relevant links Add professional links like your LinkedIn profile or portfolio. These let visitors explore your work, achievements and expertise in more depth. Ready to land your dream job? Check out the  best resume website builders  and make a professional resume that gets noticed. Best resume website examples FAQ What is a resume website? A resume website is a personal site dedicated to your professional experience, skills and portfolio. It’s more interactive than a paper resume, allowing you to share your career story through text, images and project examples. Why should I create a resume website? A resume website gives you a space to control your professional narrative. It allows you to present a more complete picture of your abilities than a one-page document ever could. You can include a portfolio, share testimonials and give potential employers a better sense of your personality and work ethic. How do I start building a resume website? Getting started is straightforward. You can begin with a website builder that offers customizable templates. From there you can add your personal information, upload your work and adjust the design to match your personal brand. Can I use templates to create a resume website? Absolutely. Using a professionally designed template is a great way to build a polished website quickly. You can choose a design that fits your industry and then customize it with your own colors, fonts and content to make it uniquely yours. How much does it cost to create a resume website? The cost can vary. Many website builders like Wix offer free plans that provide all the tools you need to create a professional-looking site. If you want more advanced features like a custom domain name there are affordable premium plans available.

Ready to share your ideas with the world? Start your blog → Want to start a blog ? The easiest way is to use a blog maker that gives you access to the tools you need to design, write and publish posts in one place. With just a few steps, you can launch your blog, share your ideas with the world, grow and audience and even open up new income streams. This guide walks you through the process from your very first idea to hitting “publish” with confidence. You’ll also get tips on writing posts and attracting readers so your blog reaches the right people. Learn more: How to make a website Starting a blog should feel exciting, not overwhelming, right? With the Wix Blog Maker, you get everything you need to create, design and grow your blog from scratch–without needing a tech degree. Use Wix’s intuitive tools to share your ideas with the world.  TL;DR: How to start a blog Starting a blog is easier than it seems. Pick a topic, set up your website, design it to match your style, write your first posts and share them with your audience. With consistent effort, you’ll build a blog that attracts readers, showcases your expertise and supports your goals. To help you create a blog that stands out, here’s a quick look at what makes a great blog. What makes a great blog What it includes Why it matters Clear focus Keeps your content relevant and attracts the right readers Consistent posting Builds trust and keeps your audience engaged Authentic voice Helps you connect and stand out from other blogs Useful and valuable content Provides readers with insights, answers or entertainment Easy-to-read format Makes your posts enjoyable and accessible Strong visuals Supports your content and makes your blog visually appealing SEO-friendly structure Helps new readers discover your blog through search engines Easy navigation Allows visitors to explore more of your content effortlessly Calls to action Encourages readers to take the next step, like subscribing How to start a blog in 10 steps Choose a blogging platform. Use a platform that offers customizable templates. Pick a hosting platform. Consider a platform with good bandwidth, uptime and customer support. Find the right niche. Narrow down your theme and have a specific audience in mind. Select a blog name and domain. Choose a descriptive name that piques readers’ interests. Set up and design your blog. Include imagery and effects that reflect your theme. Brainstorm blog topics. Write down all your ideas before narrowing down topic selections. Write your first blog post. Engage your audience with a killer title and use headers to make the content skimmable. Create an editorial calendar. Create a calendar to help you publish consistently and hold yourself accountable. Promote your blog. Use marketing strategies to expand your reach. Make money blogging. Take advantage of opportunities to monetize your blog. In this complete how to blog A to Z tutorial, we’ll cover everything from choosing your blogging platform to making money from your written work. With a little bit of guidance, you can get your blog online in 30 minutes or less. This is going to be the most comprehensive advice you’ll find on building a successful blog from scratch. If you want to start a blog fast, though, feel free to use the numbered steps above as a quick cheat sheet. You can go directly to the step you need the most help with, or grab a cup of coffee and read it all the way through. What is a blog? While a blog can encompass an entire website or simply be its own section of a website, this is a place to share content about a topic you’re passionate about. Starting a blog will typically include both written and visual elements published in an easy-to-read, article format so visitors can swiftly browse and find what they’re looking for. And with over 31.7 million blogs in the US alone, you can literally find blogs about every subject out therein, from home renovation to baking to local business marketing strategies . Once you’ve established a community of readers, the possibilities are truly endless. We use our blog as a platform to support you on your website building journey. Our posts guide you through the entire process, from start to finish, giving informative insights and practical tips at every step along the way.  As far as a timeline goes, there's no definitive "perfect" time to start a blog. If you feel that you have the time and resources to start, manage and promote a blog and are enthusiastic about sharing your ideas with the world, it might be the right time to take the plunge and start your blogging journey. The sooner you start, the sooner you can learn and grow as a blogger. 01. Choose a blogging platform If you're here, you're likely curious about how to get started—and you're in the right place. The first step in starting a blog is to select a blogging platform or Content Management System (CMS) for publishing your content. A quick Google search will show you that there are several different sites available that suit bloggers from all industries. The blog you're reading is actually built on Wix, a free website builder I highly recommend for new and seasoned bloggers. Wix’s blogging platform is fairly straightforward to get the hang of, and it offers a variety of attractive design options and templates to work with. In addition, it comes with features to analyze your blog’s performance and monetize your content, which will come in handy as you setup your blog and build your readership. How much does it cost to start a blog? When researching how to create a blog, one of the biggest questions people have is how much does it cost to start a blog . On many blogging builders, starting a blog is completely free . You can decide at any point whether you’d like to upgrade to a variety of different plans, depending on your budget and needs. Learn more about how much does it cost to build a website. 02. Pick a hosting platform Once you select your preferred blogging platform, you’ll need to choose a hosting platform. A blog, like other types of websites , requires a host. This essentially stores websites on a server under a unique address so that visitors can easily reach them. On some blogging platforms, hosting is already included, so you won’t need to find a separate web host when setting up your blog. In that case, you can skip this step and move to Step 3 . With other blog builders, such as WordPress, you will need to find and pay for a separate web hosting platform. Some popular options include: BlueHost HostGator GoDaddy DreamHost If you’re not sure which web hosting platform to choose, take into account these factors: Uptime: The amount of time that the server hosting your website is up and running. A strong uptime rate (99.95% or above) is a good indication that the host’s servers perform well. Bandwidth: The amount of data your website can transfer to visitors over a certain period of time. This factor is based on the size of your website pages as well as the amount of traffic you expect. This quick bandwidth calculator can help you determine your site’s bandwidth. Customer support: Customer service you can contact in the event something goes wrong. Ideally, your hosting provider should offer an online help center, offer callbacks and respond to questions and concerns on social media. Once you’ve chosen your blogging platform and hosting provider, you can start coming up with your blog idea. Don’t worry about picking and registering your domain name just yet. We’ll walk through that process together in Step 4 . 03. What to blog about? How to find your blog niche There is virtually no limit when it comes to your choice of subjects. The most crucial thing is that you select a specific topic area that will be the central focus of your entire blog and its content strategy. What is a blog niche Popular blog niche ideas How to choose your blog niche Don’t follow trends you don’t love Stay focused Testing the waters Your blog niche doesn’t need to be perfect What is a blog niche A blog niche  is the specific topic your blog focuses on—like travel, tech, food or personal finance. A niche lets you narrow your content to attract a specific audience. Think of it as picking your lane: readers know what to expect and you become the go-to person for that topic. Why does this matter? When your blog has a clear focus, it’s easier to grow. Search engines understand your site which helps with SEO. Readers are more likely to stick around and subscribe when the content feels made for them. And if you’re looking to make money from your blog, a niche makes it easier to recommend products, attract partnerships or create content that converts. Popular blog niche ideas These blog topics attract big, active audiences and offer lots of room to grow, monetize and build a community. Blogging for fun, as a side hustle or to support your business? These niches give you plenty of flexibility and potential—especially when you bring your unique voice and experience. Personal finance : Budgeting, saving, investing and making money online— finance blogs are always in demand. Health and wellness : A health blog can cover everything from fitness routines and nutrition tips to mental health advice and holistic living practices Food and recipes : Share meals, diet-specific cooking (vegan, keto or other food blog  types) or cultural cuisine. Travel : Tips, itineraries and experiences from around the world or your own backyard. Parenting : Advice, stories and activities for new parents or families. Lifestyle : A broader niche that can include home decor, fashion blogs , productivity or minimalism. Tech and gadgets : Reviews, how-tos and insights into the latest devices and trends. Beauty and skincare : Tutorials, reviews and routines for makeup and skincare enthusiasts. Career and personal development : Productivity tips, job hunting or entrepreneurship. Education and learning : Great for teachers, tutors or curious minds. Share study tips, teaching tools or start a book blog  with reviews and reading guides. How to choose a blog niche Before picking a niche, think of it like finding your blog’s sweet spot. It should be something you love talking about, know a bit about and that people are actually interested in. The best niches mix passion, knowledge and the potential to grow through ads, products or building a loyal group of readers. 3 steps to pick the perfect blog niche: Narrow down your interests : Start by listing 5–10 broad interests then narrow each down to something more specific. For example, if you love travel, maybe it’s backpacking in Southeast Asia; if you like cooking, maybe it’s vegan recipes. These personal interests will help shape a niche you’ll stick with and actually enjoy building content around. Research your blog audience : Start by using tools like Google Trends  to see how many people are searching for certain subjects. The more searches a topic gets, the more potential audience you have. For example, “vegan recipes” shows steady interest, making it a strong choice for a blog niche while topics with lower or declining interest like “paleo recipes” may have fewer readers. Check if it’s profitable : Even if you’re running a hobby personal blog , it’s a good idea to explore ways to make money from it. Affiliate marketing is a popular option where you promote products and earn a commission on sales. Consider how your niche fits into this, like writing "best of" or "how to" posts with affiliate links. For example, a "Best kitchen appliances for easy cooking" post could include links to food processors making you money with every sale. Don’t follow trends you don’t love Jumping on a trending topic can be tempting when it feels like everyone else is making it work. But if you're not truly interested, your blog won't last. Writing about something you don’t care about feels like a chore and readers will notice when you're not into it. Passion is what keeps your blog going and makes the process more enjoyable. Stay focused Another trap to avoid? Going way too broad. “Lifestyle” might sound cool but it’s too broad. Instead, go for something like “sustainable living for young moms” or “minimalist style for city dwellers.” It gives your blog a clear focus and helps you build a loyal audience. Also stick to your chosen niche—changing topics all the time confuses readers and hurts your SEO. Testing the waters: how to know if your niche will attract readers Before jumping in, make sure people actually want to read about your niche. A quick Google or Pinterest search will show you what kind of content is already out there. If you find blog posts, YouTube videos and products, that’s a great sign. Tools like Google Keyword Planner can also help you see if your topic gets decent search traffic. Forums and Facebook groups are super helpful too. Look at what people are asking, complaining about or curious to learn—those are your content ideas. And don’t skip checking out the competition. What are other bloggers covering? What are they missing? That gap could be exactly where your blog stands out. Your blog niche doesn’t need to be perfect Most bloggers don’t get it right on the first try. You might start out writing about wellness and realize you’re actually into natural skincare. Or maybe you find your groove creating tech tutorials for beginners instead of covering every new gadget out there. That’s totally fine. Your blog can grow and evolve with you. It’s not about having the perfect plan from day one—it’s about staying flexible and figuring out what works. Many successful bloggers refine their niche as they go, learning what resonates with their audience and what feels good to create. Start now, adjust along the way and enjoy the process. 04. Select a blog name and domain As you think about how to make a blog, the question of what to name it is probably lurking somewhere in the back of your mind. There are three main routes you can go with your blog's name. These include: Your first and last name The name of your business (if you have one) A creative new name When choosing your blog’s name, you should also think about the personality you want it to reflect. Should it be formal and professional? Sweet and romantic? Edgy and offbeat? If you’re stuck on names for your blog , this blog name generator is a helpful source of inspiration. Once you decide, you should also go ahead and choose your domain name for your blog. Also referred to as a URL , a domain is a site’s address on the web (this website’s domain name, for example, is www.wix.com). Typically, your domain name will be the same as, or at least influenced by, the name of your blog. If you really want your blog to stand out, consider a .blog domain extension . It's a clear and unique way to help your blog and content pop. Tips for picking a domain name for your blog: Keep it short and simple so it's easy to remember. Try to use keywords related to your blog's niche. Avoid numbers or hyphens—they can be confusing and hard to share. Check if the domain name is available using a domain name search . Make sure it aligns with your blog name for consistency. Pro tip: Find the domain owner and registration details for a website with a  Whois domain lookup .  05. Set up and design your blog Choose a blog template Decide which pages to include Get indexed on search engines Create a blog logo At this point, you’ve chosen a blogging and hosting platform, domain name and blog niche. You’re now equipped with all the basics for setting up your blog. Here's how to optimize your blog design : Blog templates - food and travel Choose a blog template The first part of setup for a blog is selecting a template. Like your blog’s name, its look and feel will be an important part of its personality. The most efficient way to get your blog up and running is to choose a pre-designed blog template . Afterwards, you can customize it based on your preferences. Be sure to pick one that conveys your blog’s subject area. There are website templates for bloggers of any genre, whether you’re a food blogger, starting a photography blog or write about business. As you browse, think about the mood you want your website to communicate, for example. whether it’s classic, modern, rugged or minimalist. You should also take that into account as you further personalize the template with your preferred colors. Color psychology plays a huge role in forming your audience’s impression of your blog. As you choose a color palette, keep in mind the feelings and attitudes that different colors evoke. Blue, for instance, tends to evoke dependability and trust, while yellow evokes energy and joy. If you’re unsure of which templates to choose, these blog examples serve as a helpful source of design inspiration. Decide which pages to include Once you’ve chosen a template, think about which pages to include. Most blogs include more than just a section to display their posts. They might also include an online store, as in the image below, or a contact page. Here's an overview of the different options when designing your blog: 01. Contact page: This is a place to put your email address so that fans and potential business partners can reach out to you. You can also include a contact form so that people can send a message directly through your site. 02. About page: This tells visitors who you are, what you do and why you do it, providing some context behind your blog and humanizing your content. 03. Online store: You’ll also want to add a separate online store page if you’re thinking of selling items related to your blog. You can call this page “Products” or “Shop.” In addition to your primary content pages when you create a blog, you can include a few legal pages to protect your interests and inform your visitors. Create a disclaimer page to clearly explain the accuracy of your information, especially if you're giving advice or using affiliate links. A privacy policy is often required by law and tells users about how you handle their data. You can also add a Terms of Service page to outline usage rules, user expectations and your rights. If you want to beef up your blog with even more pages, a Tutorials page, Now Trending page or Author’s Pick page are all popular options. Furthermore, some blogs opt to place their posts directly on the homepage, while others keep their homepages and blog pages separate. If you do this, make sure to include a navigation menu so that visitors can easily access your blog as well as any other pages. There’s no right or wrong way to set up a blog, so play around with different options to see what best suits your style and personality. Keep in mind that you can always add or remove pages over time as your blog evolves. Get indexed on search engines Another part of starting a blog is making sure it’s visible on Google and other search engines. This is crucial if you want your content to pop up in search results, so you’ll want to take care of this step right away. First, make sure your site is indexed on Google. Essentially, this means giving Google a heads up that your blog exists. You can do this by submitting your sitemap to Google Search Console . Pro tip: Google Search Console is not only important for indexing your site, but it’s also a valuable platform that you’ll be using throughout your blogging journey. It tells you important data about your blog’s site visitors and clicks, which you can use to improve your content. To find out whether your site is already included in Google’s search index, do a quick site search (a site search uses your homepage URL and takes the form of site:yourblogname.com ). If your blog pops up in the search results, then your site is already indexed. Create a blog logo Finally, polish off your site with an attractive blog logo . This is another way to add personality to your site, and it’s an essential step if you want to create a blog that evolves into a recognizable brand. One option is to design your own or outsource the task, but you can also use an online logo maker . These tools give you plenty of room to customize your logo with your preferred colors, fonts and icons, and tend to be quicker and more affordable than hiring a professional designer. Once you create your logo, place it in the upper left-hand corner of your website, and link it to your homepage. This will help brand your content while improving the navigation experience for readers. 06. Brainstorm blog topics On the technical side, your blog is now setup and ready to go. It’s time to start thinking about which topics you’ll get started with. Begin by thinking about your experiences, successes, failures or discoveries related to your niche. What insights can you share? What ideas are you looking to explore in-depth? Understanding your audience As you think of topics, try to get into your readers’ heads. Here are some questions to guide you through the brainstorming process: What characteristics does my target audience possess? What subjects does my target audience get excited about? What challenges does my target audience face? Understanding what resonates with readers can make all the difference. Some content formats just click because they’re handy, easy to digest and leave readers ready to take action. Content formats that work Take "how-to" articles, for example. These are blogging royalty, and for good reason. According to research from Statista , about 76% of bloggers say they publish "how-to" content. Why? Because these articles deliver real value by walking readers step-by-step through a process, whether it’s learning to bake the perfect sourdough or optimizing a website. Another format readers love? Lists. From "10 travel essentials" to "5 simple ways to save money," lists hold their own, with 55% of bloggers including this type of content. Lists work so well because they’re clear, organized and completely scannable. Your audience can skim through quickly, find what they need and apply it right away. Choosing topics that matter Here on our blog, we choose topics by focusing on what matters most to you, our reader. We pay attention to trending industries, common questions and what people are searching for right now. By mixing popular topics with practical advice and insights from our in-house experts, we make sure our content is genuinely helpful. We also explore niche areas that often get overlooked, adding unique tips to give you your website, blog or other online presence that extra edge. Our goal is simple–create blog posts that solve real-world problems and provide value to anyone ready to start their own blog. Using the topic cluster model You can also come up with ideas using the topic cluster model . Essentially, this is a tightly organized system that strings together related posts using a series of internal links. While this process is usually considered part of SEO, you can also think of it as a mind map for coming up with ideas. By this model, think about a broad topic—say, recipes—and then divide that up into smaller subtopics, like dinner recipes or brunch recipes. Then, divide those up into even more specific topics, like 20-minute dinner recipes, mimosa recipes, and cake decoration ideas. Any of these topics could be its own blog post. If you’re still stuck, this list of blog ideas can help jumpstart the brainstorming process. They include: A 30 before 30 list (also 40 before 40, or 50 before 50) Your sources of inspiration Beginners’ guides Time-saving hacks A challenge you’ve faced Use these ideas to guide you, but feel free to add your own creative twist based on your niche. 07. Write your first blog post Start with keyword research Come up with a blog post title Outline your main points Write engaging content Insert images Optimize for SEO Edit and publish Now that you’ve come up with ideas, you’re ready to dive into the writing. Let’s go over how to write a blog post from start to finish: Start with keyword research Finding the right keywords is crucial for getting people to read your posts. By targeting certain phrases with your article, you increase the chances of your blog appearing on search results pages for those queries. Let’s say, for instance, that you want to share a carrot cake recipe in your blog. You’ll want to target keywords such as: Carrot cake Carrot cake recipe Best carrot cake recipe How to make carrot cake Depending on your topic, some keywords may be more obvious than others. You can refine your keywords using free keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner or you can use more robust paid options like SEMrush or Ahrefs . Targeting keywords Next, you’ll need to strategically target your selected keywords throughout your article. This means two things: First, you’ll need to sprinkle those phrases throughout your post (but try to do so as organically as possible—no one likes unnatural keyword stuffing). Second, you should structure your article based on the format you see in the top 10 search results for those keywords (you can also reference these results when deciding how long should a blog post be ). Analyzing competitors Let’s say, for example, that you want to write an article about your favorite carrot cake recipe. Start by checking your competitors—the top 10 search results on Google for the keyword “carrot cake recipe.” When you type that phrase into the search engine, you’ll notice that the top results are written as numbered steps, rather than as a story. You can therefore assume that most readers prefer the list format for these types of posts. In order to provide valuable content to your readers—and to rank high on Google as a result—you’ll want your own post to assume a similar format. Covering all the main points Likewise, you’ll want to touch on all the main points covered by your competitors. This doesn’t mean you can’t be creative. It’s just to say that in addition to sharing your own original insights, you should cover all the bases. To continue with our example, let’s assume that when you look up “carrot cake recipe,” the top search results include a section about how to make cream cheese frosting. This is an indicator that many readers find this content helpful. In addition, it shows that Google has a preference for articles including that detail. You’d be wise, then, to touch on this idea in your own article. Outline your main points Keyword research gives you an idea of the best format for your blog post, as well as which sections to include. This naturally segues into the outline stage of the writing process. First, choose which type of blog post you’d like to write. Will it be a how-to guide? A product recommendation? An op-ed? Whichever blog post template you choose, you’ll want to have a clear idea in mind before structuring the outline. Then, use headers and subheaders to break up your content into organized, bite-sized chunks. Beneath each heading, make bulleted notes of the main points you’ll include in each section. This will be the skeleton of your first blog post. Feel free to use this downloadable blog post template to help with your outline. All you need to do is fill in the blanks. Come up with a blog post title The next part of starting a blog article is coming up with a strong title. You can come up with your blog titles at any stage of the planning process, but the best ideas often arise as you build your outline. Why titles matter A blog title is a small but mighty piece of content. Often, it makes the difference between whether or not people click on your article. When it comes to writing blog post titles, we keep it simple, clear and to the point. We’re all about grabbing your attention while giving you exactly what you need to know. Our goal? To speak directly to you in an approachable tone that still shows we’ve got the know-how. Each title is designed to promise real value–from solving a problem, answering your questions or walking you through a step-by-step guide. And yes, we make sure to include some SEO magic, so our blogs are easy to find, but we never sacrifice that for personal touch. Because here’s the thing, a great headline isn’t just about getting clicks; it’s about keeping our promise and giving you exactly what you’re looking for. Strategies for catchy titles To make your blog titles catchy and compelling, put yourself in your readers’ shoes. Think about what might interest and excite them, and try the following strategies: Be clear and direct Promise value Appeal to your readers’ emotions Pique their curiosity Use humor, alliteration or wordplay Here are a few fill-in-the-blank blog title ideas to help you: If you’re curious about diving more into what makes a headline a success, Buzzsumo’s shared headlines study is also an insightful resource. Looking to make the most out of your blog? Subscribe to the Wix blog newsletter and get fresh content and updates straight to your inbox. Write engaging content Now, it’s time to start typing away. Keep in mind that you’ll need an introduction, body text broken up by headers and sub-headers, and a conclusion (optional). Crafting catchy headlines Start with a compelling headline that grabs attention. Use curiosity, numbers or clear value propositions to make readers want to click. A strong headline sets the tone for your entire post. Writing the introduction In the introduction, grab your audience’s attention with a captivating anecdote, a compelling quote or statistic, or an interesting fact. Then, share a brief summary of what the article is about, making sure to grab the interest of your readers. Building the body Next, write the body text, using your outline as a guide. This is where you share your knowledge and expertise as a blogger. Be sure to avoid fluff; writing for the sake of writing is one of the biggest blogging mistakes . Instead, make sure each sentence is meaningful, and dive straight into sharing your original insights and actionable tips. You should also use a tone of voice that resonates with your audience, whether it’s funny and casual or serious and formal. Writing reader-friendly content Break your content into short paragraphs, headers, subheaders and bullet points. Use images, charts or visuals when possible to make your post easier to scan. A well-structured article keeps readers engaged and improves readability. Wrapping up with a conclusion Finally, wrap up the post with a concluding section. While not every blog includes this final bit, it’s a nice way to tie your ideas together and share your closing thoughts. Keep in mind that writing a blog post can take several hours, and it’s a process that shouldn’t be rushed. Set aside at least half a day to write your first draft. Using AI to speed up content creation There are quicker ways to research, plan and create blog content, if you choose to decide with AI content generation tools. There are several to choose from - including Open AI's Chat GPT, Google's BARD and others such as Jasper.ai. Just be sure to heavily edit any AI generated content, be on top of fact checking it's output and don't forget to bring your own voice and style to the content. Write a blog post with AI As AI content generators become more popular and as their output improves, considering whether to use AI to write blog posts is a valid question a lot of bloggers are asking themselves. AI content generation can speed up the blog writing process and help you create more, faster. However, in our experience, AI generated content still requires a large degree of human editing, fact checking and injecting of experience into it. So while it might help you create drafts faster, it's not going to be something you can publish fresh from an AI content generator. However you can use AI for other parts of the blog writing process. You can use it to: Create blog titles Write meta titles and descriptions Structure your blog articles Help you proofread for grammar and spelling mistakes Insert images As you start your blog, remember that your choice of images can strengthen readers’ overall impression of your article. Whether you add photos, screenshots or illustrations to your articles, they should be functional as well as beautiful. Make sure they convey your main points and highlight important examples in the post. If you don’t have your own images, begin by browsing free stock photos on the web. Pexels and Unsplash are both popular sites for gathering visual material. While you might eventually want to use photos you take yourself, stock photos are a quick way to get your blog started. Optimize for SEO Once you create your content, there are a couple things you’ll need to take care of before hitting Publish. These steps primarily revolve around strategy, from improving your blog SEO to generating conversions through your article. Here’s a quick post-writing checklist to guide you: Double check your keywords: Quickly search your content (CTRL+F) to review your use of keywords. Did you include all the keywords you intended to? If not, check to see whether there are any other opportunities to incorporate the keywords throughout your article. (Keep in mind that keyword stuffing is considered a bad practice, and search engines can penalize you for it. Incorporate them naturally into the text, rather than forcing them in.) Add internal links: One trick up every bloggers’ sleeve is to link between their blog posts (also known as the practice of internal linking). This helps improve your posts’ SEO, and it also encourages your readers to browse your other articles. Rather than linking randomly, you should link between primarily related blog posts; this is better for SEO, and it also makes the links more valuable to your readers. If you’re just starting a blog and don’t have much content yet, don’t forget to go back into your posts and add in the links later. Incorporate CTAs: The next trick in the book is to include calls-to-action (CTAs) throughout the article. These little snippets of content often take the form of phrases such as Buy Now, Subscribe, or Read More. By placing call-to-action buttons in your article, you can direct readers to buy your products, subscribe to your newsletter, or click for further reading. Use alt text: Because Google can’t read photos, bloggers often add a short description to each image (ideally using keywords) to help the search engine understand what is being displayed. This description, called alt text, helps your images show up in Google image searches. Write your post’s metadata: Metadata is the term for the text used to display a web page in Google search results. This includes the meta title (also known as the title tag) and meta description. Sometimes, the meta title is the same as the title of your blog post, while other times, you’ll want to choose a slightly different title for displaying your post. There’s no right or wrong here, so long as your title is engaging and includes your most important keyword. The meta description, which is the short snippet of text beneath the meta title, should also include your main keywords and should preview the article’s main points. Choose your URL: Every webpage has a dedicated URL, and your blog posts are no different. A strong URL helps your articles rank high on search engine results pages, and typically contains a keyword. Blog post URLs often take the form of www.yourdomainname.com/blog-post-keyword or www.yourdomainname.com/blog/blog-post-keyword . Pro tip: Edit the slug, or the end portion of the URL, to be simple, clear and include a keyword. For instance, www.yourdomainname.com/delicious-cake-recipes reads much better than something long or generic. There are also more advanced SEO strategies you can employ: Add structured data: Adding structured data markup allows search engines to display rich snippets in search results, such as ratings, images and additional details. These snippets improve visibility and attract more clicks by making your content appear more informative and engaging to users. Optimize for voice search: Voice search relies on natural language and conversational queries, so tailoring your content to include long-tail keywords and question-based phrases improves your chances of appearing in results. Using structured answers within your content can also make it more compatible with voice-activated devices. Edit and publish You now have everything you need for your first blog post. Give it a couple reads, and share it with family members or friends to review. It’s always helpful to have a second, third, or fourth pair of eyes. When you think your article is ready to go, upload it to your blog. Your blogging platform will also have a place for you to type in the metadata and URL. Once that’s done, hit Publish and let the celebrations begin. 08. Create an editorial calendar Whew! You’ve just written your first blog post. Take a break, and when you’re ready, plan out the rest of the month’s posting schedule. Creating an editorial calendar is an important part of starting a blog. It’s an effective way to ensure you publish content consistently, letting you hold yourself accountable as a writer and ensuring you don’t deviate from your blogging goals. Your readers want new content, and you need to deliver. Plus, search engines take into account how frequently you publish when determining your site’s overall ranking. You probably already have a handful of topics from your brainstorming session in Step 6. If not, use the same process to come up with new ideas. Once you have at least 10 or so ideas, start building a content calendar. Your calendar doesn’t need to cost a thing, and it certainly doesn’t require the use of unfamiliar tools or platforms. Open up Excel or Google Sheets, and start building a schedule from there. The columns you use are completely up to you, but you’ll probably want to create different sections for the publishing date, blog title, main keywords, article status and comments. Pro tip: If you know you’re prone to procrastination (aren't we all?), open up a Google Calendar and fill in your deadlines there. You can even set aside blocks of time in your calendar for writing. How often should you blog? When learning how to start a blog, a big question people ask is how often they should be publishing new content. As a rule of thumb, the more often you blog, the more traffic you get. There’s no black-or-white answer for exactly how frequently that is, but studies have pointed us to a few important statistics : 11 or more posts per month yields a noticeable increase in traffic. Among small companies of 10 or fewer employees, those who published at least 11 blog posts a month had twice as much traffic as those who published two to five blogs a month. Small companies also found that publishing at least 11 posts per month yields twice as many leads as those publishing six to 10 monthly articles. This is important if your goal is to obtain subscribers, sell products or work as an affiliate (more on that in Step 10). How often you blog also depends on your goals . If your main goal is to generate brand awareness, start with one to two new posts per week. On the other hand, if you’re primarily aiming to increase blog traffic , you should ideally be writing three to four new posts per week. Keep all this in mind as you create your editorial calendar, but make your goals small and achievable. If you set unrealistic deadlines that you can’t meet, you’ll get thrown off course and even discouraged. You can always ramp up your efforts once you get used to publishing and make it a habit to stick to your schedule. In addition, remember that you can always bring in guest contributors to up the quantity of published content each week. Expert tip from Sharon Hafuta, SEO blog editor at Wix.com: "When blogging, it’s easy to think, 'The more I blog, the more people will read it.' And that may be true in some circumstances. But it’s also about striking a balance between quality and quantity, as well as brevity and exploring your content in sufficient detail, to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more—a concept sometimes referred to as 'blog cadence.'" Here are some ways Wix can help you get your site out there: 09. Promote your blog Share on social media Create a blog newsletter Write for other sites and consider guest blogging Reach out to an existing community Participate in question and discussion sites Invest in paid ads Try new content formats Add videos to your blog Network for backlinks Build an email list At this stage, you have everything you need to start a blog. These last couple of steps will focus on how to spread the word about your blog and grow it into a serious monetization tool. In order to get readers, you’ll need to find creative ways to drive traffic to your site. While improving your SEO is an important step, the following methods can also help you promote your blog . Note that most of them are completely free, while a few (like advertising) are paid. Share on social media: Social media is an excellent place to post your content and draw attention to your blog. Whether you promote your blog on Facebook , Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn, it’s a great way to reach new readers. Learn more about blogging vs instagram in our guide. Create a blog newsletter: Send out a weekly email newsletter to engage your readers and get them coming back to your blog for more. This will help you sustain a loyal fan base. To get subscribers to your blog email list in the first place, include a prominent Subscribe button in your website’s navigation bar, footer and within your blog posts. Write for other sites and consider guest blogging: Strengthen your reputation as a writer and expert in your niche by publishing content outside your own website. Consider opening a Medium account and making a name for yourself there, or post articles on LinkedIn . You should also keep an eye out for guest blogging opportunities, which are offered by publications such as Forbes and Entrepreneur . This helps you expand your reach and introduce your content to new audiences. Reach out to an existing community: Facebook groups, forums and LinkedIn groups are gathering places for people interested in a particular topic. If you find an online community that’s relevant to your blog niche, share your website with them and network among their group members. Participate in question and discussion sites: Sites such as Quora and Reddit give you the opportunity to highlight your blog in discussion threads. Use one of your blog posts to answer a question or follow up on a comment, but be sure to come across as helpful and informative rather than promotional. Invest in paid ads: In addition to sharing posts on social media, you can boost your posts with a paid promotion so that they reach more people. Likewise, you can pay for Google ads and reach new users through the search engine. Try new content formats: Expand your reach even further by trying new content formats. These essentially repurpose the same information provided in your posts. For instance, you can turn your blog posts into videos and start a YouTube channel. You might even create a podcast or offer a webinar. The sky's the limit. Add videos to your blog: Adding videos to your blog often elevates engagement and draws in a wider audience by transforming your content into a dynamic experience. Videos help visitors stay longer on your site, a key factor in improving SEO. By seamlessly integrating videos into your posts, you ensure they not only complement but also enrich your written content. Network for backlinks: Networking plays a key role in building backlinks, which are critical for boosting SEO and monetizing your blog. Backlinks from authoritative sites signal to search engines that your content is credible, improving its rankings and driving organic traffic—key factors for monetization. To earn quality backlinks, engage with other bloggers through thoughtful comments and social shares, and pitch guest posts to share value while securing links to your site. Build an email list: Growing your email list is one of the best ways to stay connected with readers and drive consistent traffic back to your blog. Offer something valuable like a free resource or exclusive content to encourage people to sign up. Make it easy for them to subscribe by adding sign-up forms to your homepage, blog posts and sidebar. Once your list starts growing, send regular updates or newsletters to keep readers engaged and coming back for more. Track key metrics such as open rates, click-throughs and conversions to see what resonates with your audience, and use these insights to continuously optimize your email campaigns. Learn more: Blogging vs Youtube 10. Make money blogging Affiliate marketing Advertise within your blog Offer paid subscriptions Write sponsored content Sell e-books and merchandise Provide consulting services Create and sell online courses Explore diverse income streams Build a strong brand If you’re looking to create a blog with a large readership, chances are you’re also aiming to make money from your blog’s popularity. We touched on affiliate marketing earlier in the article, but let’s talk more about this and other money-making strategies that can help you generate passive income from your writing efforts. There are more ways than one to make money blogging . Here’s a quick overview of each method: Affiliate marketing: This is one of the most common ways to make money blogging, and it’s easy to get started. Intermediate affiliates can earn between $300 to $3,000 per day , and that number only goes up with experience. There are plenty of affiliate marketing programs out there, but Amazon Associates is a popular choice for beginners. Advertising within your blog: Another option is to display ads within your blog, which means you’re essentially selling your blog real estate as ad space. This is a fairly reliable way to make money, as you’ll be earning revenue with each click. If you’re thinking of taking this route, Google AdSense is by far one of the most lucrative and popular programs. Offering paid subscriptions: You know how the New York Times makes you pay to read their content? You can do the same thing with your blog. While some of your articles should be free, you can also create exclusive content that readers can buy access to through a subscription plan. Write sponsored content: Reach out to companies—or, as you blog grows, make it easy for brands to contact you—regarding sponsorship opportunities. You’ll be writing articles that promote those companies’ products, and the business, in turn, will compensate you for the posts. Sell e-books and merchandise: You can also sell digital or physical goods directly from your site. This might include branded merchandise, products related to your field, or e-books and other online resources. One way to do this is by adding a Pay button to your homepage that your readers can click to browse your merchandise. Provide consulting services: This approach involves making use of your professional experience and harnessing the knowledge you’ve gained as a professional blogger. Based on your insights and expertise, think about the kinds of consulting services you might be able to offer to your clients. If you’re writing a nutrition blog, one such idea could be making customized diet plans or working as a nutrition coach for clients. Create and sell online courses: Use your expertise to develop online courses that teach skills or share knowledge in your niche. Start by identifying a topic that aligns with your blog content and appeals to your audience’s needs. Then, create engaging course materials such as video lessons, downloadable resources and quizzes. Explore diverse income streams: Diversifying income streams is a crucial step toward building a sustainable and profitable blog. By exploring opportunities like public speaking, you can turn your expertise into income while expanding your network. Social media advertising offers another avenue, allowing you to leverage your influence for sponsored content and brand partnerships. Together, these strategies not only boost revenue but also enhance your blog’s credibility and strengthen its overall brand presence. Build a strong brand: A strong, recognizable brand is key to growing your blog and turning it into a reliable income stream. Create a consistent voice, design and message that resonate with your readers. Whether it’s your blog name, logo or topics you cover, a strong brand helps you connect with your audience and keeps them coming back. It also makes you more appealing to sponsors, advertisers and new opportunities. For further details, take a look at this article on how to monetize a blog or check out the Wix Learn online course on monetizing your blog. Ready to start your blog now? Sign up with Wix  today. 5 reasons to start a blog and is it worth it People make blogs for a variety of reasons, many of which mean blogging is still worth it, some of these reasons include: 01. Share your ideas with the world Sometimes you just want to be heard and get your ideas out into the universe. This is where starting a blog can help—it’s a form of communication and space that’s entirely your own. You can use your creativity and passion to create a space customized exactly to your liking where you can share your ideas, expertise and experiences. 02. Promote a product or service Blogging for business  is a great way to engage potential customers and provide more information about a product or service. Additionally, blogging does wonders for a website's SEO. 03. Build your brand Starting a blog provides a platform to showcase your knowledge and skills, establishing yourself as an authority in your field and building credibility and trust with your audience. As Ophyr Hanan, Blog Growth and SEO Outreach Specialist at Wix, says, "By fostering relationships and collaborating on content, it can help build the foundation for thought leadership and authority building both for you and within your industry." 04. Earn income Blogging can be profitable with time and continued effort. The best way to see the monetary fruits of your labor is by posting quality content regularly that draws in new readers and brings more traffic to your website. This will help your blog gain advertisers and can also boost your status as an online influencer, which can open up the door for affiliate marketing. 05. Build a community Thanks to the internet, we no longer need to live in the same city, state or even country to feel connected to others. When you create a blog as part of a wider blogosphere  community, you create a space to share your story and ideas, as well as start conversations with people all over the world with mutual interests. A blog typically has a comments section where your readers can speak with you directly, allowing you to engage in conversation and build relationships. Blogging stats to reinforce why starting a blog can still be a good idea Yes, competition is fierce with over 600 million live blogs globally but with over 4 billion active blog readers—there's still demand for blogs. Building a blog as a part of content marketing is still alive and well, believe us. Businesses with blogs generate 55% more traffic than those that don't, meaning they still work. Data shows that B2C blog content is shared 9.7 times more than any other type of content—meaning starting a blog to promote a business, works. B2B businesses that use blogs get up to 67% more leads than those who don't. Related reading: Experts weigh in on why you should start a blog Is it too late to start a blog? Blogs are still a popular and effective way to share your thoughts, ideas and expertise with the world. In fact, building a blog is one of the most popular forms of content marketing. It can also be a great way to build a community and connect with other people who share your interests. According to Judit Ruiz Ricart, Team Lead of Blog Growth at Wix: Blogging is crucial to build your brand's voice and community, and allows you to expand your reach to a relevant audience who might otherwise not know you exist. Remember that the internet is still growing, with more and more people using it every day. This means that there's a large and growing potential audience for your blog, too. While there are many blogs out there, there's always room for new voices and perspectives. If you have something unique to share, people will be interested in reading it. And the best part is that there are many tools and platforms that make it easy to create and manage a blog. There are a number of reasons why blogging is still relevant, including: Search engines love blogs Starting a blog is a great way to improve your website's SEO and rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). This is because blogs provide fresh, high-quality content that is relevant to your target audience. Blogs build authority When you write informative and engaging blog posts, you establish yourself as an expert in your field. This can help you attract new customers and clients, and build trust with your existing audience. Blogs build connections Blogs provide a platform for you to share your thoughts and ideas and to connect with other people who share your interests. This can help you build a community around your brand. This is especially true of service industries, fitness blogs for example are a great way to build a loyal health focused audience and the same is true for almost every industry. Blogs generate leads and sales When you write blog posts that are relevant to your target audience, you can include calls to action that encourage them to learn more about your products or services, or to contact you for a consultation. The blogging landscape has changed in recent years, the space is more competitive as more blogs exist and competition for audience numbers grows. Hand in hand with this social media and video have become more popular ways to consume content, especially amongst younger audiences. However amongst all of this blogs still play an important role in the content marketing mix. Blogging resources - how to become a blogger As you learn how to create a blog and become a blogger, browse these blogging resources to help guide you through the writing process, SEO and more: Blog post checklist : Check off these steps to ensure you’ve covered all the bases with your first blog post. Blogging for beginners : Read through these additional tips on how to start your blog from scratch. Free online writing courses (Udemy) : Browse Udemy for professional writing courses that will help you develop your blogging skills. Free SEO tutorial (Moz) : Learn the basics of SEO with this free six-part video course. Blogging tools to make a blog successful Finally, online tools are a big part of launching a blog, since they make the process more streamlined and efficient. Here’s a quick list of some helpful blogging tools you can use to start a blog—don’t forget to bookmark them for future reference: Google Keyword Planner : Get data about which keywords to use in your blog posts. Google Analytics : Obtain insights into your blog’s data to strengthen its performance. Google Search Console : Have a clear view of the number of website visitors and clicks your blog receives. ShareThrough’s headline analyzer : Type in your headline and get feedback on its strengths and weaknesses. Pexels : Find free stock photos for your blog articles. Grammarly : Review your writing with an AI editing tool. BuzzSumo : Keep track of trending content to create relevant, targeted posts. Asana : Manage your writing schedule with an online task management tool. At this point, you have all the tools and resources you need for starting a blog. You couldn't have found a more rewarding endeavor, and I couldn't be more honored to help you create a blog and get it off the ground. Feel free to bookmark this guide as a reference as you begin this new journey, and happy blogging. Firsthand insights from a successful wedding planner For Kristine, a seasoned wedding planner, the busiest months mean juggling new inquiries, onboarding next year’s couples and producing multiple weddings at once. “Wedding season is intense… it definitely isn't for the faint of heart and requires an incredible attention to detail,” she says. Her blog has become a way to share guidance, ease decision fatigue and build trust with couples before they even reach out. That’s where Wix makes the difference. “I use Wix blogs consistently as well as forms. These two tools have helped me consistently place high for SEO in Google and streamlined inquiries from couples all over the world,” she shares. Like other pros featured in Wix’s wedding season advice for businesses , Kristine uses her blog to both support couples and scale her business, showing how a Wix blog can be a marketing tool and an authentic extension of client care. Why trust Wix’s experts? This article was written by Wix’s in-house experts, who have years of experience helping people start and grow successful blogs. Every tip, template suggestion and example comes from real Wix projects, designed to help you launch a blog that looks professional, runs smoothly and supports your long-term goals. At Wix, we’ve helped millions of creators, business owners and entrepreneurs share their ideas through blogging. Our team stays at the forefront of content, SEO and design trends, ensuring the guidance we provide is practical, actionable and rooted in real-world results. You can trust this blog as a go-to resource for every stage of your blogging journey, from setting up your first post to scaling your content into a lasting online presence. You can also read more about is Wix good for blogging  and why. How to start a blog FAQ How can I start a blog for free? First of all, you'll need to choose a blogging platform with free user options. With Wix, for example, you can create a blog for free. You can also save money when starting a blog by writing all of your content yourself and by using as many free content planning and keyword research tools as possible. You can also use stock images included within the template or editor of your blogging platform for free in most cases. How do I make a successful blog? First of all you'll need to define 'successful.' Generally a successful blog is one which has a large readership, and generates considerable amounts of traffic. But depending on your blog niche, the goals of a successful blog may look different. For some bloggers an engaged readership who share your content widely and look at it as a source of authority and trust, is what defines the success of their blog. For other bloggers how fast, and effectively their blog can be monetized or act as a part of their marketing funnel, would be another indicator of success. Is blogging still worth it in 2025? Yes, blogging is still worth it. Despite the rise of social media platforms and video content, blogging continues to be a valuable medium for individuals and businesses. Here are a few reasons why blogging remains relevant: content ownership and control is all yours on a blog, unlike with social media; blogs still work for building search engine visibility and traffic; blogs still work for community building. and establishing your brand authority; there's still huge potential for blogs to be monetized. How to make a blogging website? There are a few steps necessary to making a blogging website. Once you've chosen your blog niche, you'll need to create your actual site. Choose a website builder, like Wix, with hosting included and everything you need to create a blogging website from their blog creator. How do bloggers get paid? Bloggers can get paid in a variety of ways, including: Advertising: Bloggers can sell ad space on their blog to businesses. The amount of money bloggers make from advertising will vary depending on the size and popularity of their blog. Affiliate marketing: Bloggers can promote other people's products or services on their blog and earn a commission on each sale that they generate. Sponsored posts: Bloggers can write posts about specific products or services in exchange for payment from the company that produces the product or service. Selling digital products: Bloggers can create and sell digital products, such as e-books, online courses or templates. Selling physical products: Bloggers can sell physical products, such as merchandise or handmade goods. Membership sites: Bloggers can create membership sites where readers pay a monthly or annual fee to access exclusive content or resources. The best way for bloggers to get paid is to diversify their income streams. This way, if one income stream dries up, they will still have other sources of income. Can you start a blog as a side hustle? Yes, you can start a blog as a side hustle. In fact, blogging is a popular side hustle for many people, as it can be a relatively low-cost and low-time commitment way to make extra money. When starting a blog as a side hustle, you will need to choose a niche, create a blog and start publishing content. Once you have a following, you can monetize your blog through a variety of methods, such as advertising, affiliate marketing and selling your own products or services. How to write a blog post with AI? AI can be a valuable asset throughout the content production process, from generating topic ideas to serving as a proofreader. AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard can help brainstorm blog topics, provide research insights, construct outlines and even write drafts. However, it's crucial to review and refine AI-generated content to ensure accuracy, relevance and adherence to your brand voice. Additionally, grammar checkers like Grammarly and ProWritingAid can assist in proofreading, but their suggestions should be considered carefully to avoid altering creative writing styles. Do blogs make money? Yes, blogs can be profitable ventures with the potential to generate income through various monetization strategies. Common methods include advertising (e.g., Google AdSense), sponsored content, affiliate marketing, selling digital or physical products, offering services and membership/subscriptions. Successful bloggers often diversify their income streams and focus on providing value to their audience to maximize revenue potential. How do I start a blog with no money? To start a blog with no money, begin by leveraging low-cost blogging platforms and use social media and online communities to attract visitors. Invest time and effort into building relationships with your audience and consistently providing value through your content. With dedication and persistence, you can gradually grow your blog into a successful venture without initial financial investment. How to make a blog popular? To be in with any chance of making a popular blog, you're going to need to start by choosing a popular niche (something you know at least one audience once will) and then by creating great content. To become popular though you'll then need to invest as much again in promoting your blog, generating traffic to it and engaging your readers. Popular can be defined in many different ways when describing a blog - traffic, readers, shares, going viral, comments and engagement, sales from a blog. Make sure to define what popular means to you before chasing it. What are the baby steps to starting a blog? Choosing a niche is an important baby step in starting your blog. Once you’ve picked one, start writing. Don’t get caught up in perfecting your blog’s design or tackling technical details just yet—those can come later. Focus on sharing your passion and ideas in your unique voice. Write content that feels natural and engaging, whether it’s a story, a tip or an idea. Publishing your first posts, even if they’re not perfect, is the best way to grow and improve. What are legal considerations for bloggers? Bloggers need to be aware of several legal considerations to ensure compliance and protect themselves. Key areas include creating a privacy policy to inform readers about data collection practices, using disclaimers to clarify the accuracy of information and any affiliate relationships, and respecting copyright laws by using only licensed or original content. Additionally, bloggers should be mindful of advertising regulations, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines in the U.S., which require clear disclosure of sponsored content and affiliate links. What is the 80/20 rule for blogging? The 80/20 rule for blogging suggests you should focus 80% of your efforts on promoting your content and 20% on creating it. This principle highlights that even the best content can go unnoticed without proper promotion. By dedicating more time to sharing posts on social media, optimizing for SEO and engaging with your audience through email or collaborations, you can amplify the reach and impact of your blog. How much money is 1000 views on a blog? Earnings from 1,000 blog views vary widely based on factors like your blog's niche, the ad networks you use and how you monetize your site. On platforms like Google AdSense, you might earn anywhere from $1 to $10 per 1,000 views depending on your audience's demographics and interests. If you use affiliate marketing or sell your own products, this amount could be higher. Understanding your audience and diversifying income streams can help maximize your earnings per thousand views.

If you're wondering how to make a website that's both well-designed and functional, one of the first things you'll need to consider is your website infrastructure . At the core of that infrastructure is secure and reliable web hosting. Rush this step, and you leave yourself vulnerable to malicious attacks and server downtime, both of which can take a toll on your website's performance. This guide will break down the main types of hosting options you can choose from, explain the difference between web hosting and domain names and provide tips on how to find a dependable hosting service. TL;DR: Website hosting Web hosting is where your website’s files are kept so people can visit it online. It keeps your site fast, safe and always available and is different from your website’s address. Hosting comes in various types: some are cheap and shared, others give more control, grow with your site or handle the tech for you. When choosing one, look at speed, security, reliability, support and extra features. Wix offers free cloud hosting with tools and easy upgrades to keep your site fast and secure. What is web hosting? Web hosting is the service that stores your website's files and makes them available on the internet. When someone types your website's domain name into their browser, they're actually reaching out to a specific server —your website's digital "storage unit." This server holds all your website's elements, from text and images to code and videos. It has a unique digital address called an IP address , which users can access by typing your domain name into their web browser . How does hosting work? When someone enters your website address into their browser or clicks a link that leads to your site, their computer reaches out to the server where your website is stored. This server, a physical computer or software that's always on, then sends back the files needed to display your web page on the visitor's computer or device. Opting for a website hosting service means you're essentially renting space on these ever-awake servers to store all your website's files and data. Why is hosting important - do I need it? Hosting is a cornerstone of your website's performance and accessibility. Think about it: when people visit your site, they expect quick loading times, high-quality images and a secure environment. Your hosting provider plays a key role in meeting these expectations. A reliable host ensures your website is available to visitors around the clock, so you don't miss out on potential customers, ad revenue or other opportunities. Quality hosting providers also offer advanced security features to help protect your site from cyber threats. They often include backup services so you won't lose all your hard work in case something goes awry. And let's not forget that website speed isn't just about user experience; it also affects your search engine ranking. Google and other search engines favor faster, reliable sites and a good hosting service can help you achieve those faster load times. Web hosting versus domain name Web hosting and domain names are two distinct but interconnected elements that make your website accessible to users. Web hosting focuses on storing your website's files on a server and delivering them over the internet. On the other hand, a domain name serves as your website's online address. It's the name people type into their browsers to find your site, and it signals your server to present your website's content to visitors. Both elements are crucial for establishing an online presence. While you can acquire them separately, many opt for SaaS solutions like Wix, which offers free cloud hosting along with the option to create a custom domain name, simplifying the entire process. Learn more: Web host vs domain registrar Get a custom domain name from Wix today. The main types of web hosting Choosing the right type of web hosting for your website is a bit like picking the perfect home for your family—it depends on your specific needs and future plans. Factors like your website's size, anticipated traffic and scalability requirements will all play a role. In this section, we'll explore some of the most popular types of hosting and help you determine which might be the best fit for your website. Hosting Type What it does Who it’s for and why Shared hosting Your website shares a single server and its resources—storage, bandwidth and processing power—with other sites. Performance can be affected if other sites use too many resources. Small websites, personal blogs or beginners who need an affordable easy-to-set-up option without worrying about technical management. VPS hosting You get a dedicated portion of a physical server with guaranteed resources. You have more control over server settings and can install custom software. Growing websites or small businesses that need better speed, stability and customization than shared hosting allows. Cloud hosting Your site is hosted across a network of servers (“the cloud”) so resources can scale automatically and traffic spikes are handled without downtime. Websites with fluctuating traffic, eCommerce stores or international audiences, because it’s highly reliable, fast and scalable. Dedicated hosting Your website has a full server to itself. You control every aspect of the server from security settings to software, ensuring maximum performance. Large websites, high-traffic eCommerce stores or businesses needing full control and high security. Ideal for sites that can’t risk slowdowns or outages. Reseller hosting You buy server space in bulk and rent portions to other users while hosting your own site. You manage your clients’ sites but don’t handle physical servers. Entrepreneurs or agencies looking to start a hosting business, monetize unused server space or offer hosting as a service to clients. Managed hosting The hosting provider takes care of setup, updates, security, backups and troubleshooting. You focus on running your website rather than technical maintenance. Business owners or anyone without technical expertise who wants a hands-off worry-free hosting experience with strong support and maintenance. Shared hosting Shared hosting is like living in an apartment building where you share resources like water and electricity with your neighbors. In the digital world, this means your website is stored on the same server as multiple other websites. You all share the server's resources, such as storage space, bandwidth and processing power. It's an economical choice, especially for small websites or those just starting out, since the web hosting costs are spread among all the users. However, the catch is that if one website on the server experiences a surge in traffic or has some other issue, it could affect the performance of all the other websites hosted on that server. Think of it like one apartment throwing a loud party; it could be disruptive for the whole building. For an eCommerce site that’s prone to holiday traffic surges, shared hosting is not the best option for this reason. That's why shared hosting is often best for smaller websites with less traffic, where high performance and speed are less critical. VPS hosting VPS hosting, or virtual private server hosting, is like living in a condo complex. You still share a building with other residents, but you own your own space and share fewer resources compared to apartment living, as in shared hosting. In the digital realm, this means you get a designated portion of a physical server, giving you more control and better performance. With VPS hosting, you have your own set of resources like storage, bandwidth and processing power, separate from other users on the same server. This provides a boost in speed and reliability. It's particularly well-suited for websites that have outgrown shared hosting but aren't quite big enough to need their own dedicated server. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to scale resources as needed. If your website starts getting more traffic, you can easily allocate more resources to handle the load. However, VPS hosting is generally more expensive than shared hosting and requires some degree of server management. It's a good option for businesses or websites that need more power, customization and flexibility. Cloud hosting Similar to cloud storage and cloud communications , cloud hosting is like having a house that can magically expand or shrink based on how many people are staying with you. In the tech world, this translates to hosting your website on a network of virtual servers (“the cloud”) rather than on a single physical server. This gives you the ability to easily scale your resources up or down as your website needs change. The major advantage of cloud hosting is its flexibility. Because your site is hosted on multiple servers, if one server fails, another can quickly take over, minimizing any disruptions. When considering the difference between cloud hosting and shared hosting , this is the biggest. As your website grows, cloud hosting can effortlessly adapt to handle increasing traffic without sacrificing performance. Cloud hosting is the best option for sites with significant international traffic. Virtual servers and CDNs (content display networks) can be placed in multiple geographical locations. This means that when a user enters a domain name for a specific website, cloud hosting delivers the site from a virtual server in the same region as that user. This is one of many hosting choices you can make to avoid building a slow-loading website. In the past, one of the main issues with cloud hosting has been its cost. This has changed, however, and now many website creators—including Wix—include free cloud hosting with every site created. Wix's multi-cloud hosting makes it one of the best web hosting services, even amongst other cloud hosting providers, because it offers a layer of redundancy; if one cloud service encounters issues, another can take over, ensuring that your website remains up and running with minimal disruption. For example, when a significant AWS outage in December 2021 disrupted millions of websites (including banks, airlines and streaming services), not a single Wix site went down . This approach enhances the overall uptime and performance of your site, which is crucial for maintaining your site's reliability and user satisfaction. Dedicated hosting Dedicated hosting is like having an exclusive piece of digital real estate: one website is hosted on a single, dedicated server. This is often the preferred choice for large websites attracting thousands of users per day. It offers an experience akin to owning your own on-site server and usually includes full management services. The primary advantage of dedicated hosting lies in its total control. You have the freedom to configure the server any way you want, from its operating system to security protocols. This control allows you to optimize for your website's specific needs, offering a performance level that's hard to match. It's particularly effective for handling large volumes of traffic without breaking a sweat. However, such luxury comes at a price—both literally and metaphorically. Dedicated hosting is typically the most expensive option on the hosting menu. It also demands a significant investment in management and maintenance, often requiring specialized technical expertise. Plus, should anything go awry with your specific server, your website will bear the brunt until the issue is resolved. This is a limitation that other hosting types like cloud hosting elegantly sidestep, thanks to their network of multiple servers that offer greater flexibility and redundancy. Reseller hosting Reseller hosting stands out as a unique blend of entrepreneurship and website hosting. Imagine you're leasing a large office building. Instead of using all the space yourself, you sublet individual offices to other businesses. That's reseller hosting in a nutshell. You purchase a significant amount of server space from a hosting provider, use a portion for your own website and then rent out the remaining space to other site owners. The primary motivation is often revenue generation, but it can also be a savvy way to make the most of server space that would otherwise go unused. While this may sound like an attractive way to offset hosting costs or even turn a profit, reseller hosting has many of the same challenges as shared hosting. Just like tenants in an apartment complex share amenities like a gym or laundry room, websites on a reseller hosting plan share crucial server resources. This means storage and bandwidth are divided among multiple sites on the same server. Consequently, if one of your subtenants experiences a sudden surge in traffic, it could impact the performance and reliability of your own website as well as those of your other tenants. So, just as you would screen potential tenants for a rental property, it's wise to be selective about who you allow to share your server space. Managed hosting Managed hosting is more of an add-on service than a standalone type of hosting. Picture it as a concierge service for your website. Whether you choose cloud, dedicated or VPS hosting, managed hosting takes care of the nitty-gritty details for you. This includes tasks like setting up the server, configuring software, troubleshooting issues and generally ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Managed hosting is great for providing a comprehensive service, including data backup and full server and software management. For website owners, this often means peace of mind in terms of your site’s security and performance. Many web hosting providers, Wix included, will incorporate this as part of their service, regardless of the type of hosting (cloud, dedicated or VPS) customers opt for. How to choose a web hosting service When you're on the hunt for a web hosting provider, avoid simply picking the first one you come across. You have to play detective, investigating the features that each service offers. From security measures to performance capabilities, different hosting providers offer a variety of features that can either make your life easier or leave you with a bitter aftertaste. In this section, we'll explain how to choose a hosting provider, so you can make an informed choice that suits your needs. 01. Find out if its servers are reliable Server reliability is a must-have for the smooth operation of your business and the performance of your website. When your site experiences downtime, it doesn't just frustrate visitors; it can also harm your search engine rankings and possibly incur penalties. This could derail transactions, disrupt sales and thwart other crucial interactions with your audience. To get a sense of current issues that could affect you, it's wise to search Google News for recent instances of outages or security breaches. This can offer insight into how different hosting providers respond to and manage such events. Choosing a web hosting provider with a strong track record of uptime is vital for ensuring your site is always connected and acceptable. Wix, for instance, boasts a 99.99% uptime. A reliable host should further offer globally distributed servers and CDNs to ensure your website performs well, no matter where your audience is located. But don't stop at just uptime percentages; your hosting provider should also actively monitor traffic and server functionality. The goal is to anticipate and address any issues before they can cause problems. 02. Assess its security features With risks like data breaches and cyberattacks on the rise, skimping on security features when choosing a web hosting provider is a gamble that you can't afford to take. Here are the cybersecurity basics you should look for when assessing web hosting providers: TLS certificates: Transport layer security (TLS) certificates—which replaced SSL certificates as the go-to protocol—encrypt the data exchanged between your site and its visitors. In simpler terms, it makes sure prying eyes can't easily snatch sensitive information like passwords or credit cards. When a hosting provider offers TLS, it changes your website's address from HTTP to HTTPS. That little ‘S’ informs visitors that your site is secure. Beyond reassuring your site's visitors, HTTPS is also favored by search engines, giving your site a potential boost in rankings. Firewalls and malware scanning: While a firewall keeps hackers and malicious software out, malware scanning takes care of any viruses, spyware or ransomware that may have slipped through the cracks. Backups: Even if your hosting provider offers all the security features, it's basically impossible to make your site 100% secure. Choosing a hosting provider that offers regular, automated backups ensures that you’ll be able to restore your site if it does suffer a security breach. DDoS protection: Distributed denial of service ( DDoS ) attacks aim to overwhelm your website with traffic to make it unavailable. A good hosting provider should offer robust DDoS protection to ensure your site remains accessible even under such attacks. Beyond these essential features, Wix hosting takes website security to the next level with 24/7 monitoring to spot issues before they become major problems. It also allows you to enable features like two-factor authentication and phishing protection. To further fortify its security landscape, Wix even runs a bug bounty program , inviting skilled ethical hackers to identify and report any potential vulnerabilities. “With our bug bounty program, which includes tens of researchers who are constantly looking for ways to hack our environment, every new and existing feature is being given the necessary attention to ensure it’s secure,” explained Ifat Kooperli, Wix’s lead of vulnerability management, to HackerOne . “When we see the same vulnerability repeatedly, we examine the root cause and find out how it can be mitigated across the platform.” 03. Consider speed When you're considering a web hosting provider, don't let speed fall by the wayside. Avoiding site speed mistakes (like overlooking caching and not implementing lazy loading ) is crucial for keeping visitors engaged. And let's not forget, speed also plays a key role in your website’s search engine ranking. Heavy hitters like Google factor in page load time when they're deciding which sites to display in those prized top search results. A zippy website could be your ticket to the big leagues. So, how can you tell if a hosting provider is up to speed? Peek at their server hardware specs; the more modern the hardware, the faster your website is likely to load. And don't skip over the mention of CDNs. A CDN stores snapshots of your website at various global locations, which makes your site load faster for people, regardless of where they are in the world. With three data centers and over 200 CDN nodes across the U.S. and Europe, Wix ensures that your audience can access your content in a flash, regardless of where they’re located. Real-time monitoring of performance data ensures constant improvements, while automatic media adjustments on their servers promise fast downloads and optimal visual experience on any device. Plus, Wix’s single, unified tech stack means you instantly benefit from any updates or optimizations they roll out. Learn more about how Wix’s performance can help your business. 04. Determine if it allows for easy scalability When you suddenly find yourself in the internet spotlight, the last thing you want is for your site to slow to a crawl or, even worse, crash entirely. Those are peak moments when every visitor counts, and being prepared for rapid growth helps you make the most of these golden opportunities. That's why, when you're on the hunt for a web hosting provider, scalability should be high on your list of must-haves. Opt for a hosting provider that offers a spectrum of plans, each with different resource allocations. This ensures that when your website starts hitting it big—whether in terms of visitor numbers or the sheer amount of content—you can effortlessly transition to a more robust plan. A provider that prioritizes easy scalability is essentially investing in your future success. They're not just handing you a one-size-fits-all package but offering a roadmap for growth. Even if you aren’t aiming to attract millions to your site, underestimating the importance of scalability could come back to haunt you down the line. Over time, you might decide to add more features, images or videos. If your plan doesn’t accommodate the extra weight, your hosting provider could slow down your site, charge you overage fees or even take your website offline until you upgrade or remove some of that extra data. Wix’s website hosting services cater to businesses ranging from solo ventures to large enterprises, making it versatile enough to handle whatever your site needs. The platform automatically adjusts your website's resources to manage traffic spikes or dips. While the 500MB of storage space that comes with the free plan is more than sufficient for basic blogs or portfolio sites, you can get anywhere from 2GB to unlimited storage space depending on the Premium plan you sign up for. 06. Review pricing plans Web hosting costs vary between providers and according to the type of hosting you choose. With many web hosting providers, the more you pay, the more features you unlock. This is something to consider when choosing a type of hosting and provider since the cheapest option isn’t always the best. For example, some shared web hosting plans start from as little as $1.39 per month, although this low price will typically involve a multi-year commitment plan. Low monthly payments often mean you don’t have access to certain services—such as data backup—which may require an extra charge. The more exclusive the type of hosting, the more expensive it gets. Dedicated hosting plans can cost up to several hundred dollars a month, but free web hosting is now an integral part of many website creation tools and is also a good option. 07. Test customer support Unless you’re a technical wizard, you’re going to want to choose a hosting provider that handles the heavy lifting for you. That said, you still want to ensure that you’ll have access to expert technical support and customer care if questions or issues do arise. Look for a provider that has its customer care team readily available 24/7 and accessible over multiple methods of communication. Wix’s customer care team is available 24/7 via live chat, email and phone. If you sign up for a business account, you even have a specialized support team. This means you not only get help whenever you need it but that help is tailored to the specific needs and challenges you might face as a business owner. 08. Look for extra features Besides the essentials we've already discussed, some hosting providers sweeten the deal with additional features. Here are a few examples of features to look out for: Custom email accounts: Imagine if Wix’s support team reached out to you from a Gmail address. You would correctly assume that you were receiving spam. A business email address that carries your domain name not only elevates your professional image but also makes it simpler for people to remember how to get in touch with you. Ecommerce capabilities: If you're running or planning to run an online store, then you can't ignore eCommerce web hosting and features. The basics include an SSL certificate for secure transactions and multiple payment gateways. Having a built-in shopping cart feature is a big plus too. The more seamless the online shopping experience you can provide, the better for your business. Analytics: In the digital age, data is your best friend. Your hosting provider should offer analytical tools that track visitor behavior, site performance and other metrics. This valuable data can help you understand your audience better, fine-tune your site's content and ultimately improve your website's overall performance. Migration support: If you're making a move from another hosting provider, the last thing you need is a complicated, messy transition. Make sure your new hosting provider offers migration support to ensure a smooth, error-free shift. This can save you hours of time and plenty of headaches. As a website builder with all these features as well as a full suite of business solutions, Wix certainly fits the bill. FAQs How do I host a website? Now that we’ve explained exactly what web hosting is and the main types available, here is how to host a website : Research the types of hosting available—including all of the potential hosted services available Choose the right type of hosting for your site Select your hosting platform or provider Decide on and connect your domain name Does Wix host websites? Yes, Wix hosts websites. It provides cloud-based web hosting services as part of its website-building platform, enabling users to create and host their websites directly through Wix. How much does it cost to host a website? The cost to host a website varies widely, depending on the hosting provider, type of hosting plan and additional features. Basic shared hosting can start as low as a few dollars per month while more advanced options like dedicated hosting can cost hundreds of dollars per month. Wix provides free hosting services to all of its users. Can I host a website myself? Yes, you can host a website yourself, but it requires technical knowledge and resources. You'll need a server (which can be a dedicated machine or a computer), a stable and fast internet connection and knowledge about server management, website maintenance and security protocols. However, for ease and reliability, many opt for professional hosting services. Why do I need web hosting? Web hosting is essential for storing your website’s files and making sure it’s accessible online 24/7. It provides bandwidth for data transfer, offers security features and includes technical support - if you opt for a managed service. Hosting services optimize site performance, offer scalability and can include professional email accounts with your domain. Can I get free web hosting? It depends on your hosting provider. But, build a website with Wix and secure, reliable hosting is free with every site. Sign up for Wix today.

Web design has come a long way since the first site was published in 1991. With over one billion live websites on the internet today, it’s no surprise that this industry is here to stay. Wix is home to thousands of website design professionals, enthusiasts, and designers who are empowering the industry to reach new heights. So, if you’re here to learn more about the world of web design, you’ve come to the right place. As a preliminary to learning how to design a website , this article will hone in on the role of web design and go over helpful tips by defining critical terms and ideas, and looking at examples that will give you further insight. Ready to put your website design skills to action? Start designing your site now. Here’s what we’ll cover: What is web design Web design vs. website development Web design tools Principles of design applied to websites Website layouts Functional components of web design Visual elements of web design Website maintenance Web design inspiration Accessibility in web design 01. What is web design? Web design is the art of planning and arranging content on a website so that it can be shared and accessed online with the world. A combination of aesthetic and functional elements, web design is a type of digital design that determines the look of a website—such as its colors, fonts, graphics and user interface (see our guide on website design best practices ). Today, creating a website is one of the pillars of having an online presence. Because of this, the world of web design is as dynamic as ever. It is constantly evolving, including mobile apps and user interface design, to meet the growing needs of website owners and visitors alike. Web design is often a collaborative process that combines knowledge and tools from related industries, ranging from web design statistics to SEO optimization and UX. Web designers will often bring together professionals from these areas who can optimize performance and focus on the larger process and outcome. Learn more: The science of first impressions in web design Why is web design important? Web design quotes 02. Web design vs. website development The first step in our web design journey is to clarify the difference between web design and website development, since the two are closely related and often (mistakenly) used interchangeably: Web design refers to the visual design and experiential aspects of a particular website. We’re going to dive into more detail about web design throughout the rest of this article. Website development refers to the building and maintenance of a website’s structure, and involves intricate coding systems that ensure the website functions properly. The following are some basic markup languages most commonly used by web developers to build a website: HTML or HyperText Markup Language, is a coding language used to create the front end of websites. It is written to include the structure of a web page and carried out by web browsers into the websites that we see online. CSS or Cascading Style Sheets is a programming design language that includes all relevant information relating to a webpage’s display. CSS works with HTML to design the style and formatting of a website or page, including the layout, fonts, padding, and more. However, if you use a CMS (a computer software application that manages the digital content of a website) you can learn how to make a website and make updates without the knowledge of using code. Wix is an example of a CMS, which functions as a user-friendly system for website content development. Wix even offers you a way to design a website with AI , as well as an advanced solution for web designers called Wix Studio. Continue reading: Wix vs. Wix Studio 03. Web design tools Web designers require their own unique set of tools to create and design. There are a few key elements that will determine which types you’ll use, and at which stage you’ll need them. Here are a few questions to consider: How big is your team? What kind of budget do you have? What kind of technical requirements will your site need? What is the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve? Will you create an adaptive or responsive design? What is the purpose of your website? The answers to these questions will also help you understand​​ which kind of website builder you want to work with, or other design software tools. Website builders like Wix are great since they don’t require code, and come equipped with a range of ready-made templates suitable to every industry. For novice web designers, website builders are a great foundational tool that can easily be customized both in terms of visual elements and functionality. For more experienced web designers, Wix Studio is the ideal platform with more advanced features for layouts, interactions, effects and designed assets. Design software tools such as Figma , Photoshop and Sketch can be used to create wireframes, custom features and design elements. However, the major difference with these tools is that all elements must be converted to code. While these tools offer creative flexibility and collaborative integrations like hand-off features to web developers, they can require more time, knowledge and resources. As you gain more experience with a range of web design tools, you’ll know which are best suited to you and your business needs. 04. Principles of design applied to websites One of the first parts of understanding what web design is knowing what good web design is—and how to achieve it. We can have a look at the principles of design for reference, a theory practiced by artists and designers which outline the visual qualities any composition should aim for. Applying these principles to web design can help beginner and advanced web designers alike achieve a site with a harmonious look and feel. Of course, these are not strict rules to follow, but rather guidelines to learn how we can apply the various elements of a website’s design. Take it from Picasso, “learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” Once you understand the goals of web design and become more comfortable with each website element, you can tweak the approach with a more creative touch. Let’s explore the following principles: Balance Contrast Emphasis Movement Rhythm Hierarchy White Space Unity Read also: 10 high-end website design tips  (feat. advice from an art director) Balance Visual balance means ensuring that none of the elements in a single composition are too overpowering. This can be applied to web design by drawing an imaginary line down the center of a webpage and arranging elements so that the visual weight is equal on both sides. There are two main ways to achieve balance on a website: Symmetrical balance is when the visual weight on both sides of that line are equal and arranged like a mirror image. When applied to your web design, this can evoke feelings of balance, beauty and consistency. Asymmetrical balance is when the visual weight is equal on both sides, but the composition and order of elements will vary (i.e., not a mirror image). A balanced asymmetrical design is considered a modern website design approach and will create a more dynamic experience for the viewer, while maintaining a harmonious composition. Contrast Contrast refers to arranging juxtaposing elements in a way that highlights their differences: dark and light, smooth and rough, large and small. When contrast is in the picture, it’s dramatic and exciting qualities can captivate visitors as they scroll through your site. Emphasis The principle of emphasis reminds us that not all website elements are equal. Whether it’s your logo , a CTA, or an image; if there’s something on your webpage that visitors should notice first, applying the principle of emphasis with the use of bright color, animation or size will ensure it's the dominant aspect of your composition. Movement When applied to web design, movement is what guides visitors from one element to the next. By controlling the size, direction and order of elements on an individual web page’s composition, you can direct the movement of the viewer's eye throughout your site. This is especially noticeable with techniques like website gamification . Rhythm Rhythm refers to the repetition of elements in order to create consistency, cohesiveness, or to amplify a certain message. Repeating characteristics such as your logo, brand colors, including complementary colors , and using the same typeface, will also strengthen your brand identity and presence on the web. Hierarchy Placing your business name at the bottom of your homepage is simply poor web design practice. Can you guess why? First-time visitors would have to scroll all the way down your site to know who you are. This is something we understand from the principle of hierarchy, which teaches us that the most important content should be placed in a prominent spot where visitors immediately see and interact with it. White space In art and design, any area of a composition that’s void of visual elements is referred to as white space (psst: even when it’s not actually white). This might not seem like a critical thing to pay attention to, but the conscious arrangement of white space in web design will give the visual elements of a webpage room to breathe. It can also help achieve other goals in your composition, such as hierarchy, balance, emphasis, and more. Unity Unity is the culminating effect of all the individual elements you’ve added to your site, ideally resulting in one harmonious composition. The goal of unity in web design is to ensure that visitors will not get overwhelmed, confused, or turn away from your site. It might take a few tries to get it right, but once you achieve a unified web design, you can ensure that each aspect of your site plays a valuable role in its function and performance. This also means paying attention to what elements you include, where and how you position them, and if they are truly serving a purpose. 05. Website layouts Planning your website layout is like setting its foundation, since it will determine the arrangement and sequence of visual elements on each page of your website. This critical step in web design plays a role in a site’s visual appearance, level of usability, and amplifying its message. The best layout for your website can be determined by a variety of factors: the goals of your website, the message you want to convey to viewers, and what kind of content you’ll include. While there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution, there are two major directions you can take: Layouts to accommodate your content: The layout you choose should be fitting for the type of content. For example, if you want a layout that will showcase products you might go for one that leaves ample space for highlighting images. A blog layout, on the other hand, will need to convey new information in an organized way. Common layouts: There are plenty of tried-and-tested website layouts out there. These tend to feel familiar to users, as they build on their existing expectations or past experiences of other websites. Since they may result in a more intuitive, easy-to-use interface, they can be great for beginners. When designing a website of your own, you can use website templates in a wide range of categories to provide a solid infrastructure for your site’s layout. If you want to design a layout from scratch, we recommend using wireframes to start. This process will allow you to draft out the layout of your website before the implementation process. Pro tip: Explore old-school types of layouts in nostalgic web design and Y2K website design . 06. Functional components of web design Website functionality essentially refers to how your website works; everything from its speed and ease of use, to what specific actions can be performed on it. At the risk of dating myself, when I think about how speedy and efficient websites function today—compared to the ‘90s (I can hear AOL’s dial up signal in the background), I’m reminded that we’ve come a long way. Given the advancements across the industry of web design, it’s in our best interest to utilize the modern tools available to guarantee our websites perform well, and are easy to use. Let’s go over the components of web design that will affect how your site functions: Navigation Speed SEO UX Adaptive design vs. responsive design Navigation A single web design can consist of multiple pages and items to be viewed or used by the visitor. Website navigation is what lets visitors find the webpages they need after they arrive at your site. Adding a navigation menu to your design is the best way to provide smooth navigation for visitors. A website’s menu links to multiple items on your site and serves the user by helping them navigate between different pages and sections. Depending on your site’s design, you might choose between the following types of menus: Classic navigation menu: This popular menu type is placed in the website’s header, presented as a horizontal list. Sticky menu: Also known as a fixed or floating menu, this menu stays put as visitors scroll down the site. Hamburger menu: A hamburger menu is an icon made up of three horizontal stripes that opens to a full menu once it’s clicked. Dropdown menu: A menu in which a list of additional items opens up once visitors click on—or hover over—one of its items. Sidebar menu: A list of menu items located on the left or right side of a webpage. Speed Speed measures how quickly your site fully loads after a visitor enters it. No one, especially in our fast-paced generation, likes a slow website. It’s got to be performing at high speed. In fact, studies show a 38% rise in bounce rates when a webpage’s loading time surpasses 3 seconds . No matter how pretty the web design is, you can’t compete unless you’re providing visitors with the smoothest browsing experience. Many factors can affect the loading time of a page; some are related to a visitor’s own device or internet connection, while others might be specific to the website they’re attempting to browse. Today, there are proven practices and tools checking for auditing your site’s performance and improving the loading speed of its pages . You can also learn more about Wix Performance here . SEO SEO, or search engine optimization, is the process of optimizing a website so that it ranks well on search engines. Since it plays a big part of your website’s success, we think it deserves to be included here with the functional elements. The more people who are able to find you on Google means the more visitors you’ll have using your website. Although SEO is an ongoing task, there are steps you can take to integrate website design with SEO from the get-go. For example with Wix’s SEO solutions, your site’s built-in infrastructure will already support positive performance. There are a number of common SEO practices you can take before hitting publish, too: include headings in your content, add alt text to images, use meta descriptions on relevant pages, and choose a domain name that represents your brand or business. UX Since the explosion of computer usage in the 1980s, the tech industry has constantly been exploring how human beings can better interact with technology. This is the practice of UX design —or user experience—and when applied properly to web design, it can have a great impact on the user’s journey. The term UX is often used interchangeably with “user interface” design or “usability,”, which are really , in reality, a part of the larger UX vision. While UX designers are concerned with these aspects of a product, they are also involved in looking at the big picture, finding ways to perfect and develop the products, branding, design, usability, and function. The process of is meant to ensure that a website encompasses high-quality interactions, content, products and services, by improving these seven factors: Useful Usable Findable Credible Desirable Accessible Valuable Adaptive design vs. responsive design Today, mobile devices account for over half of online traffic , making it critical to adapt our websites to the small screen. There are two types of styles that make it possible to shift a web design from its desktop version to mobile: adaptive design and responsive design. Knowing the difference between the two will come in handy, especially when choosing the website builder that’s best for you as most platforms will support one of the two: Adaptive design involves creating different versions of the same website, where each can adapt to a different size screen, or browser width. For example, with Wix, our users can arrange the layout for their site’s desktop version, and will be provided with a mobile website adaptation that is customizable. Responsive design i nvolves creating websites with a flexible grid. This creates a dynamic appearance, depending on the screen size and orientation of the device used to view it. 07. Visual elements of web design A website’s visual elements are just as important as the functional qualities, and work together to shape its overall look and feel. From color schemes to fonts and video, these details play a role in user experience and the shaping of your brand. In the age of skim reading, it is especially important to make sure every element pops. In this section we’ll go over the visual elements of web design, along with some tips for making aesthetic decisions of your own: Website header Website footer Color scheme Typography Website background Imagery Animation Website header A website header refers to the very top section of a website page, and is the first thing visitors see when they arrive at a site. In such a strategic location, a header is generally used to display a navigation menu, business name, a logo or contact information. Website footer A website footer is located on the bottom of the page and is fixated every page of your site. Since it’s the last thing visitors will see, it’s a good place to add and repeat important information they may have missed, without taking up too much visual real estate. A footer is also a common place to include contact details, a map, an email sign up bar, or social media buttons. Color scheme When it comes to web design, your website color scheme will set the tone for your site. Not only that, but splashing a branded color scheme strategically throughout can play a key role in strengthening your online branding. When determining a site’s color scheme, decide which hues will represent your primary color (the one that’s most dominant on your site), secondary color (used consistently, albeit more sparingly than your primary color), and the accent colors (used in clever ways to highlight certain details of your site). Typography Typography refers to the visual aspects of type, such as the choice of font and arrangement of text. A crucial part of web design, typography can be used to complement a website’s aesthetic style, or to strengthen the written messaging throughout a site. When choosing the best fonts for your website, consider the fact that typography can be as important as the words themselves. You’ll want to choose fonts that are readable, suit the stylistic theme of your site, and above all—on brand. Similar to a color scheme, you can pick primary, secondary and accent fonts to direct the way a visitor experiences your written content. Website background Setting the tone for your page, the website background plays an important role in web design. Whether it’s static or animated, solid or textured—the background is what follows visitors consistently as they scroll. You can upload any image or video to become your website background, use a brand color, go for a trendy gradient background or opt for a minimalist theme and leave it white. Whichever you decide, make sure it fits into the overall visual theme of your site and grabs visitors attention without being too distracting. One way to add more excitement to a background is by implementing scrolling effects, such as parallax scrolling —a trendy favorite of both professional web designers and beginners. Imagery In just a few seconds, your website imagery can strengthen the message you send to visitors. This might mean displaying your business’s products or location, uploading photos from an event, including a branded favicon , or using an icon maker to add a bit of flair to your site’s design. Wix provides a rich library of free visual content—from AI image tools to collections of innovative designs, like the transparent videos we purchase from some of our talented users. When working on a web design, our users also have the ability to upload their own images, stock photos from sources like Unsplash , custom website animations or vector art. Read also: 7 things you can do in 30 seconds using Wix’s AI image tools Animation One of the goals of web design is to set your site apart from others. Adding animation to a website is a great way to do that, and can help direct your users’ experience and action. You can include animation throughout your site to create a more dynamic experience for viewers, or to trigger certain reactions. For example, try adding a touch of animation to: A CTA button to encourage visitors to click Elements like arrows to provide direction for users Loading bars to make their (hopefully short) waiting time more exciting Things that you want users to pay attention to, such as a lightbox for email signups 08. Website maintenance The web design industry is one that’s constantly introducing new features, tools and solutions. The down side of this quickly evolving world is that it requires you - and your website - to stay constantly up-to-date and implement a website maintenance plan. After you’ve completed your first design, you'll eventually have to update your website to ensure the content is relevant, and the design is not obsolete. While seemingly futile, any outdated elements on your website can negatively impact your visitors’ interactions, resulting in decreasing overall performance and sales. Check in on your website at least once a month to make sure there are no bugs, everything works properly and that your information is current. When considering a redesign , think about the changes you can make to keep your web design relevant, improve it’s ease of use, or amplify its performance. This might mean adding fresh visual content, an extra page, working on SEO or performing an accessibility audit . 09. Web design inspiration Now that we’ve covered the basics of web design, it’s time to seek creative examples. Web design inspiration is everywhere, and we recommend you regularly browse through sites like Behance , Awwwards , and Pinterest to find new ideas. Here at Wix, we’ve got our finger on the pulse of web design trends , and are constantly on the lookout for the best websites made by users. We love seeing what these proud website owners do with our product - from artists to small business owners, and everyone in between. Check out the following “best of” websites for inspiration of your own: 30 Best Websites Outstanding Wix Websites 21 Best About Us Pages Homepage Design Examples Effective FAQ page examples Beautiful Contact Pages Best Graphic Design Websites Beautiful One Page Websites 15 Stunning Websites Is your site irresistible? Looking to start a web design business? Read our guide. 10. Accessibility in web design Accessibility in web design ensures that your website can be used by everyone, including individuals with disabilities. It’s not just a moral or legal obligation—it's an essential part of creating a user-friendly, inclusive digital space that benefits all visitors. By implementing accessible practices, you open up your website to a wider audience while enhancing the experience for every user. Here are the key practices in accessible web design: Ensure sufficient color contrast: Use contrasting colors to make text readable for users with visual impairments. Provide descriptive alt text: Add meaningful alt text to images so screen reader users can understand visual content. Ensure keyboard navigability: Make all website functions accessible via keyboard for users who cannot use a mouse. Use clear and consistent navigation: Design intuitive navigation to enhance usability and minimize confusion. Provide text alternatives for multimedia: Include transcripts for audio and captions for video to make multimedia accessible. Avoid reliance on color alone: Use labels or symbols in addition to color to convey information clearly. Enable scalable text: Allow users to adjust font sizes to improve readability based on their preferences. Use semantic HTML: Structure content using proper HTML tags to enhance compatibility with assistive technologies. Design accessible interactive elements: Make buttons and clickable areas large and easy to identify, especially on mobile. Conduct regular accessibility testing: Use tools and user feedback to identify and resolve any barriers to accessibility. Beyond improving usability, accessibility can also boost your website’s performance. Search engines often favor accessible websites, resulting in better SEO rankings. Additionally, compliance with standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) helps you avoid legal risks while showcasing your brand’s commitment to inclusivity. Web design FAQ What does a web designer do? A web designer is responsible for the visual appearance and layout of a website. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and goals, and then they create a design that is both aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly. Web designers use a variety of software tools to create their designs. What are the 3 types of web design? There are three main types of web design: User interface (UI) design: UI design focuses on the visual elements of a website, such as the layout, typography and color scheme. UI designers strive to create websites that are easy to use and navigate. User experience (UX) design: UX design focuses on the overall experience of using a website. UX designers consider factors such as user behavior, usability and accessibility. Visual design: Visual design focuses on the overall look and feel of a website. Visual designers use their creativity to create websites that are both visually appealing and memorable. Can you teach yourself web design? Yes, it's possible to teach yourself web design. There are many resources available online, such as tutorials, articles and courses, that can teach you the basics of web design. You can also practice your skills by designing your own websites or by volunteering to design websites for local businesses or nonprofits. What qualifications do you need to be a web designer? There is no formal education requirement to become a web designer. However, most employers prefer to hire web designers who have a portfolio of their work and who are proficient in a variety of software tools. A degree in graphic design, web design or a related field can also be helpful. Is web design hard? It depends. If you're looking to become a professional web designer, so there can be a lot to learn. These include technical skills, like HMTL and CSS to being able to code responsive designs. You'll need some degree of software proficiency in tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Sketch and Figma. Web design as a career means understanding fundamental design principles, such as color theory and typography. You also can't master web design without understanding user experience, the importance of site navigation for example. However if you're interested in web design simply to make your own website, it isn't hard. When you use a website builder, for example, you can choose from hundreds of customizable templates that make web design a lot simpler. Do I need coding skills for web design? If you plan to get into web design professionally, yes. You'll need to understand, HTML/CSS and Javascript as a basic. However if you're just looking to understand web design better in order to create a website, no. Using a website builder means needing zero coding experience or knowledge.

Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →   A virtual assistant website shouldn’t be considered a luxury for your business but a necessity. With the virtual assistant market expected to grow to $19.4 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 24.4% , having a strong website is more important than ever. It acts as your digital  business card , your portfolio and your first point of contact with potential clients. A well-made virtual assistant website can improve your professional image and help you stand out in a crowded market. To manage and market your  virtual assistant business , you’ll need a website that helps you run your business better. In this guide, we’ll explain what a virtual assistant website is, why you need one and how to make one step by step. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. We’re all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. What is a virtual assistant website?  A virtual assistant website is your dedicated business space where potential clients can learn about your services, experience and how to work with you. It typically includes key pages like your service offerings, about section, portfolio or case studies, pricing and contact details. More than just an online profile, a virtual assistant website helps you build credibility, attract the right clients and manage inquiries in one place. Whether you’re a freelance virtual assistant or running a growing VA business, your website acts as the foundation for your brand and long-term growth. Learn more: What is a website? , Website vs blog Why do you need a virtual assistant website? Virtual assistants tackle a wide array of tasks, from administrative duties to customer support and everything in between. The role of a virtual assistant is versatile, catering to the specific needs of each business or entrepreneur. In order to help you manage these different roles, a virtual assistant website can be a big help.  A website dedicated to your virtual assistant services does more than just list what you offer. It serves as a testament to your professionalism and commitment to your work. It's a platform that can significantly enhance your visibility among potential clients who are searching for reliable and efficient assistance. And it can help you make money as a virtual assistant.   The benefits of a website can also include attracting international clients and diversifying your client base by connecting with a variety of clients from different industries and geo's.  Your online portfolio  is your proof of what you do. It's essential to highlight your past work and experience on your website. This not only showcases your skills but also gives potential clients an idea of what you're capable of achieving. Include case studies, samples or descriptions of previous projects that demonstrate your expertise. Your virtual assistant website can also serve as a hub for client communication and project management. By incorporating features like online booking systems  or client portals in this type of a website , you can allow clients to book appointments directly through your website. You can also use integrated tools to track progress, share updates and collaborate with clients seamlessly. Key features of a virtual assistant website A virtual assistant website should be more than just designed well. It needs to have certain key components that not only make it functional but also help in converting visitors into clients.  Here's what your website must include to serve its purpose effectively: Service offerings:  Clearly outline the services you provide. This helps potential clients understand what you can do for them and sets clear expectations about your services. About section : Introduce yourself and share your story. This personal touch can help build trust and rapport with prospective clients. Contact information : Make it easy for clients to reach out to you with visible contact details or a simple contact form. Testimonials:  Displaying reviews from past clients can greatly enhance your credibility and reassure potential clients of the quality of your work. Free consultation : Offering a free consultation can be a game-changer for attracting new clients. On your website, make sure there's an easy way for clients to schedule this consultation—whether through an integrated calendar, booking system or a simple sign-up form. Domain name First, choose a domain name  that reflects your brand and is easy to remember. This will be your unique address on the web. Next, select a hosting provider to host your site and make it accessible to visitors (compare web hosting costs in this guide). Consider learning how to create a website with a website builder  like Wix, you can choose a domain name for free with a paid plan and reliable hosting is included in your site’s infrastructure . Expert tips from Esin D. Habif, Product Marketing Lead Outbound at Wix The most important consideration is to choose a website builder that grows and scales with you and your business. Learn more: What is a .com domain? The right virtual assistant website template When building your site, you'll want to choose a website template  that aligns with your brand and the services you offer. Look for virtual assistant website templates  that are: Professional:  Your template should have a clean, professional look that conveys trustworthiness. Customizable : You'll want the ability to tweak colors, fonts and layouts to match your branding. Design elements The design of your website  plays a crucial role in how potential clients perceive you. Here are some important design elements to consider: Navigation : Make sure it's easy for visitors to find what they're looking for with clear menus and intuitive layout. Call-to-Action (CTA) : Encourage visitors to take action, whether it's contacting you, booking a consultation, or signing up for your newsletter. Visuals:  Use high-quality images or graphics that complement your content and add visual interest. Content:  Write clear, concise copy that communicates your value proposition and speaks directly to the needs of your audience. Looking to learn how to design a website with AI ? Consider using an AI website builder .  How to make a virtual assistant website in 5 steps Follow these five steps to create a professional virtual assistant website that attracts clients and showcases your services. Step Summary 01. Choose a website builder Select a website builder or CMS that fits your technical skills and budget. 02. Define a clear brand identity for your business Develop a clear brand identity including your business name, logo and color scheme to create a professional image. 03. Create great content for your site Showcase your skills and experience through engaging content about your services, industries and testimonials. 04. Focus on your website design Create a user-friendly design with clear navigation, calls to action, contact details and a mobile friendly layout. 05. Promote your virtual assistant website Use social media, online directories and freelance platforms to promote your services and grow your audience. Choose a website builder Define a clear brand identity for your business Create great content for your site Focus on your website design Promote your virtual assistant website 01. Choose a website builder Select a website builder or content management system (CMS) that suits your technical expertise and budget. Popular options include Wix for example. 02. Define a clear brand identity for your business Develop a clear brand identity, including your business name, logo, and color scheme. This helps establish a professional image and resonate with your target audience. 03. Create great content for your site Showcase your skills and experience through engaging website and online content. Write about your specific services, target industries and client testimonials. 04. Focus on your website design Prioritize a user-friendly website navigation and design. Include clear calls to action, contact information and if necessary a portfolio showcasing your past work. Implement mobile friendly design for optimal viewing across different devices. 05. Promote your virtual assistant website Use social media platforms, online directories and freelance marketplaces to promote your virtual assistant website and services. Network with potential clients, engage in professional communities and actively seek opportunities to showcase your professional expertise. Virtual assistant website examples to inspire your own T hese virtual assistant website examples  show how professionals present their services, highlight their skills and connect with clients online. Use them as inspiration to design a site that reflects your brand and attracts the right audience. Task Flow  is a professional platform that helps businesses outsource tasks and boost productivity by highlighting services like Admin & Customer Support and Ecommerce Support with clear CTAs. Elevated Virtual Assistants  website is a polished freelance website that showcases unique offerings with strong branding, featuring a professional headshot, tagline and key services to position the business as high-value. The Virtual Assistant Store  is a service-focused website offering professional support to entrepreneurs and small businesses, with clear messaging and prominent CTAs that combine client conversion and lead generation. 3rd Party Virtual Assistance is a technology-powered virtual assistant company with a full roster of experienced, college educated administrative assistants. Tikino Virtual Assistants  is a full service virtual assistant service that offers top quality virtual assistant services for any industry. How to make a virtual assistant website FAQ Do I need technical skills to create a virtual assistant website? You don’t need to be a coding expert to create a professional virtual assistant website. With modern website builders and templates, you can easily design pages for your services, portfolio and contact info. Even beginners can set up a polished site in just a few hours, making it simple for clients to find and hire you online. Can I make a virtual assistant website for free? You can create a fully functional virtual assistant website for free using Wix, which offers customizable templates and basic features. The free version includes Wix branding and limited storage, but it’s a great way to start building your own virtual assistant website. Can I integrate scheduling or payment tools into my virtual assistant website? You can integrate scheduling and payment tools directly into your virtual assistant website, including booking calendars, appointment forms and payment gateways. This allows clients to schedule your services and pay online, saving time and creating a smooth professional experience that encourages more clients to hire you.

Ready to share your ideas with the world? Start your blog → With over 600 million blogs on the internet, you’ve likely encountered one or two blogs—you’re even on one right now. But you may still wonder what exactly is a blog? How does it differ from a website ? Why does every business seem to have one? You may even ask yourself, how can I start my own blog? In short, many individuals and businesses create a blog to share their ideas and expertise as well as boost their online presence. This article will answer your most pressing blogging questions and help you understand how and why blogs succeed, plus show how you can utilize them. Starting a blog should feel exciting, not overwhelming, right? With the Wix Blog Maker, you get everything you need to create, design and grow your blog from scratch–without needing a tech degree. Use Wix’s intuitive tools to share your ideas with the world.  TL;DR: What is a blog? A blog is a regularly updated website or page written in a conversational tone, often sharing personal insights or professional expertise. Whether you're launching a business or building a personal brand, a blog helps you connect with readers and grow your presence online. In this guide, you’ll learn what a blog is, how it works the different types out there and why blogging is a smart move for just about anyone looking to build trust and stay visible. What makes a blog stand out? Feature Why it matters Fresh, consistent content Keeps your blog relevant and helps improve SEO Clear focus or niche Builds credibility and attracts the right audience Authentic voice Creates a stronger connection with your readers Visual elements Improves readability and adds personality through images, video or graphics SEO-friendly structure Boosts visibility with optimized headings, meta tags and keywords Engagement tools Lets readers interact with your content through comments, shares and CTAs Monetization potential Opens up opportunities to earn through affiliate links, products or ads What is a blog? Blogs are a type of regularly updated websites that provide insight into a certain topic. The word blog is short for "weblog" (a combined version of the words “web” and “log”). At their inception, blogs were simply an online diary where people could keep a log about their daily lives on the web. They have since morphed into an essential forum for individuals and businesses alike to share information and updates. In fact, many people even make money blogging as professional full-time bloggers. As the publishing world has evolved, and more of it has moved online, blogs have come to occupy a central position in this digital content world. Blogs are a source of knowledge, opinion and concrete advice. While not yet posed to replace journalism as an art form, people increasingly look to trusted blogs to find answers to their questions, or to learn how to do something. What makes blogs especially engaging is their informal and conversational style, making them feel approachable and relatable to readers. Another defining feature of blogs is how they organize content, with posts arranged in reverse chronological order. This means that the newest posts always appear first, keeping the most relevant or timely information front and center. Blogs are always evolving both in terms of how they're created and what they are used for. They can be a vehicle for creativity and for marketing. They're also increasingly created and read on mobile apps, as mobile blogging also comes into its own. Learn more: Website vs. blog , Website vs. blog vs. forums Source: Oxford Languages Who uses a blog? A variety of people use blogs, including individuals, businesses and organizations — both commercial and nonprofit. Bloggers range from hobbyists and influencers to professionals and experts in specific fields. Most blog users have a blog to share their personal experiences, opinions or creative work. Businesses and companies use blogs for marketing, customer engagement and SEO traffic. Educational institutions and nonprofits may also start a blog to share their research, updates and resources. Bloggers can be individuals starting a personal blog or they can be, usually, marketing employees of a business or organization. Bloggers can use a blog to write on anything, common types of blogs include fitness, travel, finance and business, technology and politics. Ultimately, anyone with an interest in communicating with an audience or sharing knowledge benefit from using a blog. What does a blog look like? A blog consists of a series of articles or posts. While the appearance of your blog can vary depending on the platform and design choices made by you as the blogger, here are some common elements you may find in a typical blog and include in your own, keeping in mind the importance of user experience design and web design. Header The top section of a blog often contains your blog's title or logo, along with a navigation menu that helps visitors explore different sections or categories of your blog. You might decide to categorize blogs from the same topic together, for repeat readers who are looking specifically from posts from that area of interest. Content body This is where the content of your blog posts is displayed. Each post usually includes a title, author name, date of publication, and the main content of the post, which can include text, images, videos, or other multimedia. Sidebar A blog may have a sidebar on one or both sides of the main content area. The sidebar often contains additional information or features such as a search bar, recent posts, popular posts, categories, tags, social media links, an about section, and advertisements. You can this part of your blog to help establish your blogs navigation, and site hierarchy to users and search engines. Comments Many blogs allow readers to leave comments on their posts. The comments section typically appears below the main content of each post and may include the ability for readers to reply to comments or upvote them. Before enabling comments on your blog, make sure you have the time and resources to manage comments effectively. You'll need to monitor them for spammy messages which should be deleted, or for messages from genuine readers who you'll need to connect with. Footer The bottom section of your blog usually contains copyright information, links to your privacy policy and terms of service, additional navigation links, and sometimes widgets like a subscription form, social media icons (social share buttons) , or related posts. Blog designs can vary greatly depending on the theme, customization options, and personal preferences that you chose. These elements provide a general overview of what a blog looks like, but blogs may have unique layouts or additional features based on your chosen platform and your design choices. Generally to create and manage a blog, you'll need a blog platform or CMS . Within this you'll also need a domain name and web hosting service like Wix hosting . Ready to start blogging today? Get started with Wix . Types of blogs Different types of blogs cover varying topics, from food and fashion to marketing. Blogs are composed of individual posts on more specific subjects within the blog’s field of expertise. To get started with blogs on social media, check out microblogging . These posts often serve as a platform for discussions, as many blogs have active comments sections. You can think of a blog almost as a newspaper that adds articles and continually maintains the archive. Whether you’ve seen stand-alone blogs or blogs as website sections, you’ve probably encountered blog examples all over the internet. Some of the most popular types of blogs in the blogosphere include: Food blogs Travel blogs Health blogs Fitness blogs Lifestyle blogs Fashion blogs Beauty blogs Parenting blogs, Mom Blogs Business blogs, Finance blogs , Tech blogs Sports blogs Art blogs, Poetry blogs Music blogs Gaming blogs Coaching blogs Interior design blogs Want to learn more about blogging? Visit Wix Learn . Website vs. blog As you now know, a blog often deals with a given topic and is updated with regular posts, mostly in the form of articles. Websites, however, are often broken down into inner explanatory pages, each with varying purposes. This can mean anything from an FAQ page to a welcoming homepage design. These pages are occasionally updated, making a website more static than a blog. Oftentimes websites have internal blogs, while other websites are entirely blogs without any additional pages. When blogs are a section of a larger website, the website provides the bulk of the information and uses a blog feature to keep users updated and engaged. For example, think of an online store that also offers a blog about their various products and how to use them. Blogs that make up the entire website usually rely on the content itself rather than sell a product or market a service. Learn how to make a website . Fashion blog template Importance of blogs Whether it’s personal or professional, a blog provides endless opportunities for a website’s traffic growth. Not to mention, the popularity of blogs hasn't diminished. In fact, the opposite is true: As Neal Shaffer, founder of the digital marketing consultancy PDCA Social says, blogging isn’t dead , “blogs are useful for a lot more than just sharing your thoughts. In fact, 60% of consumers will buy something after they’ve read a blog post on the topic.” Blogging is still important today, for establishing your web present and for the following reasons. Relationship and community building Much like social media platforms, blogs allow people to share their thoughts and experiences with others. Given the active comment sections, they enable people to interact with one another and build relationships based on shared interests that aren’t limited by geographic location. They're an impactful form of information exchange. Essentially, blogs have become a social platform unto themselves and a central part of online community building. For this reason blogs are also a key part of brand management. Your content creation efforts, published via a blog can be used to represent your brand, its values and your products. Monetization Another reason why blogging has become so popular is that many people have started monetizing their blogs . Bloggers tend to make money off of advertisements in a couple of different forms. One of the most common types of advertisements is affiliate marketing . Since bloggers often discuss a given topic and experience in their field, they are reliable sources for those topics. For example, if you've started a travel blog and write about your experiences and what you did in various destinations, your readers might follow your advice. Because you provide information about travel attractions and promote them to your readers, those travel attractions might be willing to pay you to increase their visitor count. Bloggers could also make money on digital ads through an advertising network (such as Google Adsense) or sell their blogs to larger media entities. Easy to create On a technical note, blogs have surged because it has become easy for individuals to create and update their own blogs regularly using a code-less website building platform. And because blogs are about any topic of choice, anyone can choose to create their own. Still not convinced? Let our blogging for beginners guide show you how. Get your blog started with these totally customizable blog website templates Blog templates Personal blog templates Food and travel blog templates Fashion and beauty blog templates News and business blog templates Music podcast blog template Blogging for business, why it matters Here are three ways blogging for business can help you promote your business. Keep customers up to date Most businesses have turned to blogging as an effective form of digital distribution to effectively keep customers or clients up to date. Since blogs are updated regularly, they enable businesses to share company changes, inform users about deals and provide the best tips possible for using their product. Inbound marketing opportunities Blogs also allow businesses to provide a wider breadth of content, thereby helping them attract a larger audience of readers. This tactic is called inbound marketing, and is the act of creating content to draw your audience to your brand. Let’s say you sell flowers and your site offers various bouquets. Logically, anyone looking to buy flowers can find what they need on your site. But, if you come up with relevant blog content ideas with posts like, “How to Care for Your Flowers” then people who aren’t explicitly looking to buy flowers, but searching for similar keywords, could reach your site. You drive traffic to your site as a result. A blog can be an important of wider marketing strategies and more specific content marketing efforts. Blog posts can be repurposed and shared on social media platforms too as part of your social media marketing work. SEO SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the practice of improving a website’s position on search engine results, thus improving its visibility. When search engines like Google notice that more people visit a given site, they may consider their content more relevant. In turn, search engines might increase exposure of that website, allowing it to appear closer to the top of the results page. And, of course, the closer to the top of the results a site gets, the more likely people will click on it. Additionally, search engines often look for fresh and timely content. While many websites have relatively static content, a regularly-updated blog provides the perfect forum for content changes. While SEO can feel a bit intimidating, these SEO for bloggers tips can help ease the process. "Effective keyword research is a nuanced process of refinement and expansion. Start by eliminating irrelevant topics to focus on core themes with high relevance and demand. Then, delve deeply into these topics to uncover nuances in keyword types, user intents, and search queries. This detailed understanding allows for a more targeted and strategic content approach, maximizing the effectiveness of your SEO efforts." - Idan Cohen, SEO growth specialist at Wix Why start a professional blog? A blog is an excellent way to establish your professional expertise in a given field. When you include practical information and regularly updated guides, you present yourself as an authority in your line of work and a leader in your field. Blogging as an expert can also open the door for potential monetization and turning your blog into a career. Read also: Why start a blog? Experts weigh in. Professional food blog template Why start a personal blog? Blogs allow individuals to share updates with friends and family. For example, if you're traveling somewhere exotic and want to share photos and info about your trip with a number of different people, you can direct them to a centralized blog. Personal blog template How to start a blog? Now that you’ve learned all about blog essentials, you’re ready to start a blog . First, head to a website builder and create an account in order to start learning how to make a website . Then, choose your favorite customizable blog template to fit the style and needs of your blog design . Finally, you add your authentic content, create blog posts and hit publish. As you plan your blogging strategy you may be wondering, how much does it cost to start a blog ? You may encounter different expenses like domain name registration and web hosting fees. It's important to understand the potential costs of blogging so you can make a better informed decision about how to pursue your blogging goals.  Looking to start a blog quickly? An AI website builder , or even an AI store builder for those looking to expand into eCommerce, can help you get up and running fast. What to include in a blog Once you’ve created your blog, it’s time to think about your blog posts. When figuring out your content type, think about your target audience. Be sure to produce evergreen copy and regularly update your blog content. Blog posts should be relatively easy to read and understand, but should nonetheless provide a complete summary of the topic at hand. Check out this article for a complete explanation of how to write a blog post and read through our best blog post templates for inspiration. Writing a blog starts with knowing how to write a catchy blog title . The title is the first thing that readers see before they even reach your blog. Your title will appear on Google, and most potential readers will judge you by those few words alone. Consider what keywords people would search for to get to your blog or blog post. If you need guidance, a blog title generator can point you in the right direction. By getting into your readers’ minds, you can optimize your blog and your writing to become a content powerhouse. Key characteristics of a blog Blogs stand out from traditional websites because they’re built for ongoing conversation, fresh ideas and dynamic content. Here are the core features that define them: Regular updates:  Blogs grow through consistent publishing and give readers a reason to return. Reverse chronological order:  New posts appear at the top so visitors can quickly find what’s fresh and relevant. Interactive by design:  Blogs invite readers to comment and engage with the author and community. A clear focus:  Most blogs center around a specific niche, helping you build authority and attract the right audience. Use of multimedia:  Blogs often combine text with images, videos or podcasts to create a richer experience. How to make your blog succeed? After launching your blog, you can add elements to your blog to please both readers and Google. Those elements range from quick supplements, such as adding quality visuals to your blog posts, to doing intensive keyword research for SEO purposes. To get a full sense of how to boost your blog, check out these essential blogging tools . You'll also want to understand more about your blog analytics - how it's performing in terms of how much traffic it generates and where that traffic is coming from. How to promote your blog You also need to know how to promote your blog to make it successful. There are many ways to promote your blog, but some of the most effective methods include: Social media: Sharing your blog posts on social media is a great way to reach a wider audience and drive traffic to your blog. Be sure to use relevant hashtags and tag other users to increase your reach. Email marketing : If you have a list of subscribers, you can send them email newsletters with links to your latest blog posts. This is a great way to stay in touch with your audience and keep them coming back to your blog for more. Guest blogging: Guest blogging is a great way to get your name out there and reach a new audience. When you guest post on another blog, you write an article for their site and include a link back to your own blog. SEO : Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing your blog so that it ranks higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). This means that when people search for relevant keywords, your blog is more likely to show up in the results. Paid advertising: Paid advertising can be a great way to reach a larger audience and drive traffic to your blog quickly. However, it's important to note that paid advertising can be expensive, so you'll need to set a budget and track your results to make sure it's worth the investment. While social media is an accessible blog promotion channel for most, look at these highly recommended tips for how to promote your blog . Here’s to becoming the next viral sensation. What is a blog? FAQ What is a blog post? A blog post is an article or entry that is published on a blog. A blog, short for "weblog," is a platform or website where individuals or businesses can share their thoughts, ideas, opinions or information. What is a blog post used for? It depends on the goal of the blog, and the person or business running it. Blogs can be used to share information and opinions. They can also be used for marketing purposes, to showcase products or company developments. Blogs can also be used as part of an SEO strategy to generate traffic from search. Blogs are great for building authority in. a specific or broad range of topics. Where to start with writing a blog post? Begin writing a blog post by first defining your topic and target audience. Craft a compelling headline to grab attention then outline any key points and structure your content logically. Start with an engaging introduction, addressing the reader's pain points or interests. Next comes the body with supporting details and a clear narrative. Conclude your blog post with a strong call-to-action or summary. What is blog writing? Blog writing is the creating of engaging, informative or entertaining content for blogs, often incorporating personal insights, expert knowledge or commentary on various topics to attract and retain readers. Blog writing is now often considered a writing discipline of its own and blogging is now considered a professional career in its own right. How do bloggers make money? Bloggers earn money through several strategies, such as displaying ads, earning affiliate commissions by promoting products or creating sponsored content in collaboration with brands. They can also sell their own products or services, such as eBooks, online courses or consulting. Memberships, subscriptions or hosting events like webinars are other ways bloggers generate income. What’s the difference between a blog and a website? A blog is a type of website focused on regularly updated content, often shared in a conversational and engaging style. Blogs typically showcase posts in reverse chronological order and encourage reader interaction, like comments. A website, on the other hand, is a broader online entity that can serve various purposes, from displaying static pages to hosting eCommerce stores or portfolios. While all blogs are websites, not all websites are blogs. How do I make sure my blog isn't obsolete? Keep your blog relevant by sharing authentic content that connects with your audience. Focus on unique perspectives, personal stories and genuine insights. Regularly update your posts to stay accurate and reflect current trends while staying true to your brand’s voice and values. Engage with your readers through comments and social media to build a strong loyal community. Remember, quality always beats quantity—well-crafted meaningful posts will stand out and make a lasting impact. Instead of chasing the algorithm or other metrics, prioritize building a real human connection with your audience. What not to include in a blog? When writing your blog, focus on giving your readers something useful and engaging. Skip the sales pitch and outdated information—that only drives people away. Don’t overwhelm them with big, unbroken blocks of text. Avoid anything that doesn’t add real value or speak to their needs. Instead, keep it fresh, clear and easy to read with short paragraphs and relevant content.