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It goes without saying that if you’re going to start a business , you need to give it a name. A really cool and catchy name, at that. This post will help you find the perfect name for your company. You’ll learn where some of the best company names come from, tips for picking the right name and 100+ creative business name ideas  to get you started. Need a little nudge? Try Wix’s free business name generator or these guides to small business name ideas or the best AI business name generators . What’s the secret behind the best company names? The best company names don’t come about by drawing a name out of a hat. A lot of thought needs to be put into crafting the name. As you begin brainstorming the best company names for your establishment, keep the following factors in mind: Simplicity Short, simple business names are easier for people to recall. If you can’t avoid a longer name, consider giving it a user-friendly acronym as well. For example, most people know the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as ASPCA . Originality and uniqueness Pick a name that can stand on its own two feet. Avoid names that are easy to confuse with another business’ or are too generic. Availability Check that your desired name isn’t already registered in your state or trademarked. Keyword optimization Think of keywords that represent your brand’s core values and personality. You don’t necessarily need to add any of these words to your business name, but they can act as a springboard for your brainstorming. Take Tinder, for example. Its founders knew that fire would be an important symbol in their branding and messaging. The word “fire” doesn’t appear in the company name but inspired the name they chose. Evergreen-ness The choices you make for your business’s branding need to have long-lasting staying power. So, it’s generally not a good idea to base your name on temporary trends or fads. Instead, choose a name that’s future-proof and able to grow with your business. Memorability Make sure that your name stands out, both now and in the future. One option is to inject humor into your name. Alternatively, use idioms, alliteration, power words and/or onomatopoeia to increase its memorability factor. Spelling You want people to be able to recall the spelling of your name when they go to look up your business online or suggest it to others. To that end, choose a name that’s easy to spell. That goes for real words as well as made-up ones like Instagram. Pronunciation The easier a brand name is to pronounce, the easier it’ll be for them to say it out loud (and for others to remember, too). This can sometimes be an issue when creating a business name from foreign words. For instance, Fage may be a well-known yogurt brand now, but not everyone is confident in how to pronounce it. (FYI, it’s pronounced “fa-yeh.”) Meaning The meaning behind your company name should be clear and make sense. It also shouldn't be offensive, should be culturally sensitive and represent your brand values. The origins of 20 cool, iconic company names Wondering how the most iconic companies came up with their names? Read on to see how today’s industry giants came up with their now-famous monikers. 01. Verizon The word “Verizon” has two roots. “Ver” comes from the Latin veritas , meaning “truth.” “Izon” comes from the English word “horizon.” Verizon wasn’t a random word that the owners cooked up—rather the company spent $300 million to create the brand name and the marketing around it. “Verizon” was just one of 8,500 possible names considered. 02. Reddit According to Reddit’s FAQs page , the name has a simple origin. It’s a misspelling of the words “read it.” As in, “I read it on Reddit.” As it turns out, the Latin reddit has a relevant meaning: “to submit for consideration or approval.” This connection between the Latin verb and the online discussion platform is a total fluke though. 03. Netflix Netflix’s name began with a whiteboard and a mission to combine one internet-related word with one movie-related word. The final result put together “net,” a shortened form of internet and “flix,” a colloquial version of the word “films”—a much catchier portmanteau than others in the running (TakeTwo and NowShowing, to name a few). 04. The North Face Although the idea behind The North Face originated on a beach, the business is named after the coldest and most difficult-to-climb side of a mountain. The name was meant to attract hiking, mountaineering and outdoor enthusiasts who are on the hunt for high-performance climbing and backpacking gear. 05. Spotify Daniel Ek, cofounder of Spotify, went on Quora to tell the origin story of the brand name. As he and cofounder Martin Lorentzon were spitballing names, Ek misheard a name as Spotify. He quickly googled it and found that it was available as a domain name—and voila, Spotify was born. (The afterconstruction, according to Ek, is to say that Spotify stems from “spot” and “identify.”) 06. Wix The North Face isn’t the only business concept that began on a beach. Wix’s three co-founders were on a beach when they came up with the idea of a no-code, no-cost platform that would allow anyone to build a business website . The goal was to think of a name that started with a W and was easy to remember, consistent with their mission to build a platform that’s easy to use and supports creative expression. 07. Sephora If you’re familiar with the Greek language, then you probably have a good idea of where Sephora comes from. The Greek word sephos means “beauty.” The company’s name also draws inspiration from Zipporah, the wife of Moses who was known for her beauty. In Greek, her name is transliterated as Sepphōra. 08. Squatty Potty Squatty Potty might not be a universal household staple, but the company has made tens of millions of dollars on this effective bathroom appliance. The creators originally toyed around with different names. “The Health Step” was one. “The Stool Stool” was another. “The S@#$ Shelf” was an even cruder one. In the end, they named it the Squatty Potty, a reference to the hole-in-the-ground toilets used in China. 09. Airbnb When Airbnb first started out, both the concept and name were different. The owners came up with the website for Airbed & Breakfast as a way to help out-of-towners book space (i.e., sleeping on an air mattress) in someone’s room. The business concept evolved to enable users to rent out entire apartments, homes and hotel rooms. Airbed & Breakfast became known as Airbnb from that point forward. 10. Dr Pepper The founder of Dr Pepper , Wade Morrison, was not a physician. However, he knew a Dr. Charles Pepper in real life. He was the father of a girl that he once loved. 11. Slack Many have speculated about the origins of the name Slack . That’s because it’s a project management term for the amount of time a task can be delayed without causing issues. Cofounder Stewart Butterfield, however, says that it’s an acronym for searchable log of all conversation and knowledge. 12. Etsy Etsy might have a cute-sounding name, but that wasn’t why cofounder Rob Kalin chose the moniker . Because this was going to be a platform unlike any other, he wanted the brand name to be a nonsensical word. He came up with that nonsensical word from real Italian words. While watching the movie 8½ , he misheard someone say “et si” (the actual phrase is e si ). In Italian, it means “oh, yes.” 13. IKEA Although the IKEA brand is known for its Scandinavian-inspired product names, the company name doesn’t come from any of these languages. According to the company website , IKEA is an acronym for Ingvar Kamprad (the founder’s name) Elmtaryd (the farm that Kamprad grew up on) and Agunnaryd (the village near where Kamprad lived). 14. College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving If you’ve ever seen one of the massive moving trucks around your town before, you may have wondered if the company really is staffed by a bunch of hunky college kids. A blog post on the company site from 2013 explains what the H.U.N.K.S acronym actually stands for honest, uniformed, nice, knowledgeable students. 15. Mazda While some believe that “Mazda” (formally called “Toyo Kogyo Co., Ltd.”) was inspired by its founder Jujiro Matsuda’s name, that’s only partially true. The company name also has a mythical origin: Ahura Mazda is the god of harmony, intelligence and wisdom celebrated by early West Asian civilizations. 16. Craigslist Craigslist was founded by Craig Newmark, and the original concept for Craigslist was an email list that would help Newmark’s friends learn about what was going on around San Francisco. This all goes to show that sometimes the best company names have the simplest of origins. 17. Mattel The name Mattel may not look like a familiar word. However, it is, in fact, a portmanteau stemming from two well-known names: Harold “ Matt ” Matson and El liot Handler, cofounders of Mattel. 18. Tinder Tinder was originally going to be called “Matchbox,” according to Tinder cofounder Jonathan Badeen . Jonathan and his team had even designed the logo and branding around the name, incorporating fire-related imagery as an abstract concept for “finding a spark.” But the founders ultimately pivoted to “Tinder”—a name that maintained the fire element but wasn’t as commonly used. 19. Starbucks Starbucks’ founders weren’t as concerned with choosing a cool-sounding business name as they were with finding one that represented their brand well. They needed a name that tapped into a sense of adventure, had a connection to the Pacific Northwest and related to the seafaring origins of the early coffee traders. As the company website explains , there was an overlap between two of their main sources of inspiration: “Starbo,” the name of a mining camp on Mt. Rainier—and “Starbuck,” the name of Pequod’s first mate in the novel Moby-Dick . 20. Panera Bread Panera Bread originally began as a single bakery called the St. Louis Bread Company. After five years of major growth, the company was acquired by Au Bon Pain. To make the brand more marketable on a national scale, the business was renamed “Panera Bread .” Panera in Latin means “breadbasket.” Get inspired: 105 catchy, cool and creative company names As demonstrated above, some of the most iconic names weren’t created by huge marketing teams with equally massive budgets. They were, rather, the invention of a few creative minds sitting together in a room. Whether you’re about to launch a new business endeavor or looking to rebrand a current one, you can easily do the same. Rather than start completely from scratch, comb through these lists of great company names. You’ll find a good mix of inspiration here, from real company names to ones generated using Wix’s free business name generator. App company names Calm GoodRx IFTTT Skype WhatsApp Puzzles Shack (puzzles and games app) Tripper (road trip planner) Check out Wix’s app name generator . Artistic business names BLICK Childish Gambino Electric Cinema Huemor White Cube Nature in Color (photography studio) Fire Talent (talent agency) Check out Wix’s artist name generator . Beauty business names Byrdie Lume MiniLuxe SHISEIDO Supercuts The Cuteness (beauty salon) Elemental Beauty (natural hair products) Check out Wix’s beauty business name generator . Blog and media names Apartment Therapy BuzzFeed Flipboard The Stranger TechCrunch Freelance Connection (blog about freelancing) Miami Food Dude (local food blogger) Check out Wix’s blog name generator . Boutique business names EnCreme LOVESTITCH Mukti Organics pHformula Recycled Karma Silky Curves (lingerie boutique shop) The Marry Bride (wedding boutique) Check out Wix’s boutique name generator or learn more from this guide to boutique business name ideas. Clothing and fashion business names FatFace GUCCI Osh Kosh B’gosh Too Faced UNIQLO Surf Comber (beachside clothing shop) Smuggler Shoes (footwear reseller) Check out Wix’s clothing and fashion brand name generator . Furniture company names Allform Anthropologie Arhaus DreamCloud Tuft & Needle The Small-Time Furniture Store (furniture for kids’ rooms) Real Home Office (office furniture shop) Check out Wix’s furniture store name generator . Jewelry business names Blue Nile BVLGARI Catbird Local Eclectic Olive & Piper Watertight Watches (sports watch manufacturer) Silver Bakery (custom-made jewelry designer) Check out Wix’s jewelry business name generator . Podcast names Dr. Death Fat Mascara Lore This American Life WTF With Marc Maron Keto & I (podcast about journey with Keto diet) Eternal Widow (podcast about the black widow serial killer) Check out Wix’s podcast name generator . Restaurant names Dunkin’ Donuts Little Caesars Sugar Factory The Melting Pot Whataburger The Athens (Greek restaurant) Lobster Nook (seafood food truck) Check out Wix’s restaurant name generator or be inspired by this guide to restaurant names . Small business names Front Porch Pickings HOTWORX Long Dog Fat Cat Naked Bar Soap Co. Social Llama Remarkable Candle (local candle maker) Air Yoga (yoga studio) Check out Wix’s small business name generator . Store names ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Chewy Pep Boys Trader Joe’s Wawa Bookmarked (online book store) Pure Grocery (organic grocery store) Check out Wix’s store name generator and store names. Technology company names Acorns Fitbit Google Lyft Toast A Eye (AI startup) Cool Code (web development tutorials) Check out Wix’s tech company name generator . Travel company names Booking.com Carnival Cruise Line Intrepid Travel Virgin Atlantic YOTEL Joyful Italy (tour operator) The Pack Vacation Rentals (dog-friendly rentals) Check out Wix’s travel agency name generator . YouTube channel names Bad Lip Reading Cocomelon First We Feast PewDiePie The Nerdwriter Moody Kale (DIY cooking channel) Slick Workout Gear (unboxing channel) Check out Wix’s YouTube channel name generator . 5 tips for coming up with the best company name Before you make a business website , both your company and its matching domain need a name. Here are five tips to keep in mind. Example of a query you can run on Wix's business name generator. 01. Do your research Before you start thinking of names, make sure you have a good understanding of the market you’re about to enter. Doing an analysis of the competitive landscape can give you a good idea of what sorts of company names are best. For instance, does your target audience appreciate a sense of humor when naming a company? If you take a look at local beauty salons, you’re apt to find a lot of puns in their business names. See what’s going on in your particular market and if you can spot any trends. Also, look for concepts and keywords that the competition has failed to capitalize on. Choosing a name that has untapped potential could be a great move for your business. 02. Play around with different options There are so many ways to construct a business name. For example: Straightforward name vs. a playful or catchy name One-word name vs. a name with multiple words Full name vs. acronym Real words vs. made-up words Collective brand name vs. person’s name As you generate business name options, experiment with different styles. You may find that an unexpected one suits your brand’s style best. Or, you may find that one stands out more effectively when displayed side-by-side with your competitors’ names. Before you move onto the next step, confirm that the company names that you’re considering are available. Check that they’re available as a domain name, plus aren’t registered or trademarked by another business. You can check your state’s business registry and the USPTO’s trademark database , respectively. 03. Get feedback What you think is a cool company name might fall flat with your target audience. The best time to find out if that’s the case is before you’ve spent money on registering your business name and generating your branding. Before you officially settle on one name, come up with a number of options. Then run them by people you trust—co-founders, team members, family, friends, old colleagues, etc. It’s also a good idea to connect with potential users on social media, or by hosting focus groups and user interviews. This way, you can give your target audience various options to look at and learn their preferences. 04. Claim your business name Once you have a winning name, it’s time to claim it. There are a number of steps to consider when you go to register a business name . Register your business. Each state has its own unique processes and requirements, but at minimum, you’ll need to decide which type of business entity you want to establish. From there, you can file the right paperwork and pay any necessary fees to get your business registered. (Note: if you want to operate under a name that’s different from your legal name, you’ll have to file for a DBA separately.) Buy the domain name. You can get a domain name for your business’s website through your website builder or a third-party hosting service. The sooner you can snag up the domain that matches your business name, the better. Get it trademarked. Trademarking your name will allow you to protect your business’s title and branding from being copied and exploited by others. Look up the trademark office for your country to register your business name. Create social media accounts. Once all the legal naming is done and your website’s domain name is official, get your business online using social media. The handles you use on these platforms should be identical to your domain name and business name in order to strengthen brand recognition. 05. Create a logo to match The best company names have beautiful branding to match. So, last but not least, you’ll have to spend time creating your own logo for your new company name. Your logo design should include the business name—either the full name or a shortened but still recognizable version of it. It should additionally have colors, fonts and layouts that align with your business’s values, purpose and goals. Looking for specific business name ideas? Band names Restaurant names Craft business name ideas Boutique business name ideas Small business name ideas Real estate business name ideas Marketing business names Food truck business name ideas Trucking business names

These days, companies don’t hire unless they’re sure. That’s why having a referral—someone from the inside vouching for you—has become the gold standard. But referrals are a luxury very few can afford. If you’re new, switching careers, or freelancing, you’re often on your own. But this doesn't mean you're out of options. If a referral builds trust through someone else’s word, an online portfolio builds it through your own.  In fact, 82% of employers  believe that a professional portfolio helps applicants stand out. Over the years, I’ve seen that statistic hold up again and again. As a CMO, I’ve reviewed more portfolios than I can count. Some were forgettable, a few were exceptional. But most lacked that extra layer of context or clarity that builds trust.  So, in today’s job market where trust is everything, how can you create a portfolio that gets you hired? Looking to land your next role? Learn how to make a portfolio for a job  that gets noticed. My tips for creating an online portfolio that gets you noticed Include tailored case studies Build credibility through self-initiated work Create interest with unsolicited pitches Earn trust by sharing your point of view Use transparency to earn credibility Use testimonials to prove you can deliver Make sure your portfolio is seen 01. Include tailored case studies I’ve seen too many portfolios that look like galleries. A few polished screenshots, a sentence or two about what they did, and they move on. That’s fine if you're just showing off visuals. But if you're trying to prove that you can solve real problems (problems worth paying for), you need more. A good case study should reveal your decision-making. Here's how:  Start with the problem:  What wasn’t working? What challenge did the client, user or team face? Frame it clearly and simply. For example: “The site wasn’t converting,” or “New users kept dropping off after the first session.”  Show your process: What did you look at? What did you question, test or analyze? This is where you let them see how you approached the task. Lay out your solution:  What did you actually do, and why? What tradeoffs did you consider? You need to show that your decisions were grounded in logic. Present the result:  What changed? What has improved? If you can quantify the results, even better. For example: “Increased conversions by 22%,” or “Helped the client land a $500K contract.” I'd also advise you to tailor your portfolio to the specific role. If you’re applying for a UX role and the job description mentions user flows and accessibility, don’t make them dig through a case study about branding. Lead with the work that speaks directly to what they care about. Related reading: How to build a website Types of websites (with templates) Best portfolio websites 02. Build credibility through self-initiated work If you felt a bit let down by my first tip (maybe because you’re just starting out and don’t have many projects to turn into detailed case studies), here’s the good news: some of the strongest portfolio pieces I’ve seen were self-initiated. Sometimes, the most compelling work you can show is the kind you make on your own—not to land a specific job, but to sharpen your skills or explore new ideas. For example, you might:  Redesign the site or brand of a nonprofit you admire. Do it as an exercise or offer it directly. Smaller organizations rarely get high-quality UX or design attention. A well-executed redesign can, in some cases, even open the door to paid work. Improve something that frustrates you. If a product you use is confusing, clunky or just plain outdated, reimagine it. You could improve the UX, streamline the flow or make it more accessible. This shows that you can spot issues before they become problems for users. Prototype a tool or feature you wish existed. What’s missing? What would make the experience smoother, faster or more useful? Build that and document your thinking. Good work speaks for itself. If it’s well-crafted and solves a real problem, no one’s going to care whether it came from a paying client or your own initiative. 03. Create interest with unsolicited pitches  If there’s a company you’d love to work with, don’t just send them a cold email with a link to your portfolio. That’s what everyone else does. Instead, build something for them  first. This project doesn’t have to be perfect or groundbreaking. It just has to be thoughtful and show that you understand their business, their product and where you might fit in. Start by doing your research . If a company has posted a job ad, read it carefully and look for clues about their needs. What are they hiring for? What skills do they emphasize? Where might they be falling short? If there’s no job ad, look into their product, their messaging or even their competitors and try to spot gaps, pain points or missed opportunities. That’s what you should build around. A few examples for inspiration: If you’re a product designer , you might mock up a fix for a small UX issue in a company’s app. If you’re a brand designer,  you could create a simplified logo system or rethink a company’s packaging hierarchy. If you’re a copywriter , you might rewrite a clunky onboarding email or tighten up the messaging on a company’s pricing page. This approach works because it lowers the risk on the company’s side. You’re not just asking to be considered for a role based on potential. You’re giving them something tangible to react to. And that alone makes you memorable. Very few people do this, and even fewer do it well. Just don’t forget the obvious: call attention to the work. The simplest way is mention it clearly in your email, explain what you made and why, then include a direct link. That’s often all it takes to make someone curious enough to click and explore the rest of your portfolio. Read also: Writing portfolio examples 04. Earn trust by sharing your point of view Your portfolio doesn’t have to be all case studies and client work. When everyone’s projects start to look the same, it’s the extra pieces like essays, insights or original thinking that can tip the scale in your favor. In my experience, people tend to forget that showing off skills isn’t the only way to build trust. Judgment matters too. Sharing your point of view helps others see how you think and what kind of mind they’d be bringing on. There are a few ways to do this: Write a short essay or industry take. The key here is to choose a topic you actually have thoughts on. Maybe it’s a trend you’re skeptical of, a common mistake you keep seeing or something you wish more people understood. It doesn’t have to be a full-on academic essay. Just keep it short, clear and opinionated. Spot patterns and analyze trends. Is something shifting in your field? Are people solving problems differently than they used to? When you can speak to these shifts, it shows that you’re paying attention. It also tells clients or employers that you understand what’s working right now and that you’re able to offer relevant, up-to-date solutions. You don’t need to publish essays every week. Just one or two sharp pieces can add depth to your professional portfolio , spark intrigue and often give hiring managers something to ask about in the interview. Showcase your skills in style. Create an online portfolio  with Wix. 05. Use transparency to earn credibility The whole point of a professional portfolio is to show your best work and make everything look intentional and flawless. In this context, my next tip might sound counterproductive, but I believe that there's some value in letting people see the messy parts of your process as well.  Being transparent about the wrong turns your projects have taken (the decisions you made, the iterations, the things you tried and rejected) shows your thinking and ability to adapt when things don’t go according to plan. Here are a few examples that come to my mind:  Share early wireframes, sketches or rough prototypes Include a few directions you explored but ultimately rejected, and explain why Add notes about what worked, what didn’t and how you adjusted Record a short walkthrough of your Figma file or editing timeline to highlight key decisions This is especially useful if you’re earlier in your career. You may not have dozens of client projects yet, but you can  show that your work is deliberate and that you know how to think through a problem and adapt as you go. 06. Use testimonials to prove you can deliver I’d argue that testimonials are even more convincing than a referral, simply because referrals often come from a friend or someone in your network who’s putting in a good word. A testimonial usually comes from someone who actually worked with you and still wants to tell others you’re worth it. That’s a different kind of trust, built not on who you know but on what you’ve done. So where do you get your testimonials? First, you need to find someone who's willing to be your reference. You can ask: Past clients or employers who were happy with your work Mentors or collaborators who’ve seen how you operate People you helped through volunteer or unpaid projects You don’t need a long letter of recommendation . A few honest sentences about what you did, how you worked and what stood out is more than enough. And don’t overthink where to put them. You can either set up a separate page titled “Testimonials,” or you can just drop a short quote into a case study. 07. Make sure your portfolio is seen Everything we’ve talked about so far only matters if someone actually sees  your online portfolio. That sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people treat it like an afterthought. You build all this proof of what you can do, then forget to give it a clear path to the people who are supposed to care. You simply can't afford to let your portfolio gather dust in a forgotten link, especially not when it might be the only thing speaking for you. Understand that the people reviewing your application are moving fast. They're skimming resumes, clicking through tabs, juggling deadlines. If your portfolio isn't immediately visible and easy to open, it won't do you any favors. Start with the simple things: Add the link to your resume, cover letter, email signature (especially if you're doing outreach) and wherever else someone might find you.  Make sure your resume and portfolio tell the same story. Start by checking that your key projects, roles and skills line up across both. Use your resume to highlight the what  and your portfolio to show the how . If you still need to build your resume  or give it a refresh, tools like Kickresume and Zety make it easy to create something that looks professional and communicates the right details clearly. If you’re using a platform like Wix to create your portfolio website , take the time to set it up properly. A lot of people will be looking at your portfolio on their phone, so make sure it works on mobile. Keep the navigation clean and simple. If you're sharing your resume at events or applying to jobs where people might print it out , a QR code is worth the extra two minutes. It lowers friction. All someone needs to do is point their phone, and they're inside your portfolio in seconds. No guessing, no mistyped links. It’s no secret that a lot of headhunting happens on LinkedIn , so make sure your portfolio is clearly visible in both your bio and your activity. You don’t need to post about it every week, but it should show up near the top of your recent posts. And when you do share something, skip the usual “I’m proud to announce” tone—just talk about what you explored, fixed or created.

GIFs are often the default tool of web humor, alongside memes and viral videos. Once considered juvenile and unprofessional, GIFs are now a fully accepted - and often essential - tool of social media and marketing strategies . Furthermore, they are immediately eye-catching and easily shareable across multiple social networks. Whether you’re already a social media influencer or are simply looking to animate your profiles’ personality, animated GIFs can add value to your brand and show off your character. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about GIFs and how to use them effectively on social media. Complete your online presence when you create a website . What is a GIF? A GIF (Graphical Interchange Format) is an image format invented in 1987 by Steve Wilhite , an American computer scientist who was looking for a way to animate images in the smallest file size. In short, GIFs are a series of images or soundless videos that will loop continuously and doesn’t require anyone to press play. This repetition makes GIFs feel immediately familiar, like the beat of a song. How do you pronounce GIF? This has been a topic of debate for many years. Is it pronounced with a hard G (as in the word "gift") or a soft G (as in the word "jiffy")? Steve Wilhite (the creator of the GIF) said that he intended the word to be pronounced with a soft G . But by the time he made his declaration, the hard G pronunciation was also widely accepted. Ultimately, the pronunciation of GIF is a matter of personal preference - the Oxford English Dictionary accepts both pronunciations of GIF . What’s the difference between memes and GIFs? Memes and GIFs are both types of digital media that can be used to express ideas and emotions. However, there are some key differences between the two formats. While memes can also be videos, they are typically text-based. In contrast, GIFs are always image-based. Memes are usually used to express humor or to share cultural references, while GIFs are used for a variety of purposes, including humor, communication and marketing. Memes are more likely to be shared on social media, while GIFs are more likely to be embedded when creating a website or blog posts. Why are GIFs popular? The popularity of GIFs has surged in recent years thanks to the rise of social media, messaging apps and meme culture. They are a great way to add humor and visual interest to your communication, and a well-chosen GIF will help you transmit much more than a text message or even a static emoji. Here are some additional reasons why GIFs are popular: They are more expressive. A GIF can capture a moment in time, but it can also convey emotion and movement. This makes them a more powerful tool for communication than still images. They are more shareable. GIFs are smaller and easier to load than videos, which makes them more likely to be shared on social media and other platforms. They are more versatile. You can use GIFs for a wider range of purposes than memes, from expressing your emotions to sharing reactions and telling stories. They are fun to use. Aside from using GIFs to communicate a wide range of emotions, from humor to sadness to anger, you can also share cultural references and just generally add a touch of personality to your online interactions. How to use GIFs? Using GIFs is a fun and easy way to add personality and humor to your digital communication. Here's a breakdown of how to use them effectively: Messaging: Add GIFs to enhance your texts, emails or direct messages. Most messaging platforms allow direct GIF insertion or searching via keyboard shortcuts. Social media: Share GIFs on your timelines or comments to make your posts more engaging and interactive. Presentations and documents: Slide decks and even reports can benefit from well-placed GIFs to break up text and add visual interest. Websites and blogs: Embed GIFs on your website or blog to highlight specific sections or inject humor into your content. Who is using GIFs on social media? GIFs used to be popular only on sites like Tumblr, Buzzfeed and Reddit, but most online platforms have since jumped on the bandwagon. In July 2015, Facebook introduced a GIF search engine to Messenger, while a similar search engine was rolled out to Twitter in February 2016. In the following year, over 100 million GIFs were shared across Twitter alone. Taking this into consideration, it’s time to start taking this image format seriously as an effective social media marketing tool. In the past, using GIFs in corporate communication might have been considered unprofessional. However, the prevalence of remote work has changed the way we communicate in the workplace. With fewer opportunities for face-to-face interaction, sending GIFs on apps like Slack has become a popular way to connect with coworkers, translate tone and nuance and add your personality to the conversation. Why should I use GIFs on social media? Brands who share authentic and engaging content can create a close relationship with their audience, and the right GIF can be the perfect way to make this connection. The short, looping aspect of this format provides a perfect snack for the attention span of today’s consumers. The average file is 2-5 seconds in length, which makes them perfect for grabbing the eight-seconds of attention you are given, as your followers scroll through their social feeds. How else can GIFs add value to your business? Increased engagement : GIFs are a great way to increase engagement with your audience. They are more likely to be noticed and shared than static images, and they can help to break up the monotony of text-based content. Improved brand awareness: You can use GIFs to make your brand more memorable and relatable. Use them to showcase your products or services in a fun and engaging way. Improved customer service : Improve your customer service by providing quick and easy answers to common questions with GIFs. You can even use them to apologize for minor errors or to thank customers for their business. How to use GIFs on social media? These animated wonders bring a dose of youthful entertainment to your social media presence . GIFs will not only keep your audience engaged, but they'll also keep your brand from appearing too serious. Whether your goal is to build brand awareness, develop a brand personality or create more viral content, here are a few tips on how to use GIFS on social media: Show off your products GIFs are a great way to show off your products in a visually appealing and engaging way. Because they’re dynamic, you can highlight the features of your product in action and show off details that static photos can’t capture. You can also demonstrate how to use your product, especially if it’s difficult to use. Gamify your posts One way to use GIFs to increase your social media engagement is through gamification , which is to apply game-like elements to non-game contexts. By making your audience feel as though they are participating in a game rather than a regular social media post, you’ll make it fun for someone to respond or participate. You can gamify your posts by creating interactive GIFs with buttons or prompts, or through challenges for your audience. For instance, you could create a GIF that shows a series of steps that your audience has to follow to complete a contest. To make this even more fun, reward winners with something, like a coupon or a badge. This will encourage your audience to interact more on your posts and participate in future challenges. Provide visual instructions GIFs are a great way to instruct your audience in how-to’s, step-by-step tutorials or recipes. Since they loop, your audience can watch as many times as they need to fully understand each of the steps to follow. Go viral with relatable content GIFs are easy to relate to, which also translates to shareability on social media. Every social network now prioritizes visual content in the news feed, so people are more likely to notice your content and share it. As an example, if you're a travel brand, you could share a GIF of a funny or relatable travel experience. This could range from getting lost in a foreign city to trying to communicate with someone who doesn't speak their language. The relatability and humor of these kinds of GIFs can help your content go viral and reach a wider audience. Learn more: How to design social media graphics . Animate your data Animating your data is a great way to make your data more digestible and visually appealing. Make use of GIFs to add some color and motion to normally-dull statistics. If you want to show how your data has changed over time, you could post a GIF of a line graph that shows the growth of your company’s sales, or a pie chart that shows the breakdown of your customer demographics. Provide a sneak peek Want to build excitement for a future product or an upcoming announcement? GIFs are perfect for a bite-sized teaser. For example, you can create a GIF of the product you are about to launch, moving from a close-up on one of its features to someone using it for the first time. Share content that makes you smile GIFs, much like other social posts, don’t always have to be about conversion or sales. We suggest you share some cool stuff sometimes just to entertain your audience. This is a good practice to stay connected with your visitors and boost engagement. Reply to your followers If you want to come across as approachable, positive and direct, GIFs are the perfect way to reply to your followers. If you ever run out of words or emojis, GIFs offer an excellent way to reply to any comment, post or Tweet. For example, if someone asks you a question about your product, you could reply with a GIF that shows a helpful or informative answer, from a short explanation to a demonstration that answers the question. How to make a GIF? You don’t have to be a tech wizard to create your own GIFs. Not only is it simple to make GIFs, but it can be a fun and creative outlet, too. You can quickly learn how to make a GIF by uploading your images and videos to any of these online tools: Giphy : Giphy is one of the most popular GIF creator tools, with a user-friendly interface and a wide variety of features to get you started. Ezgif : Ezgif allows you to create GIFs from images, videos or even your webcam. You can also add text, captions and filters to your GIFs. Makeagif : Makeagif is another free online GIF creator with a built-in editor that allows you to crop, resize and adjust the speed of your GIFs. Gifmaker .me : Gifmaker.me is specifically designed for creating GIFs from videos that you have uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo , differentiating it from the other tools available. On the move? If you’d like to make GIFs on your mobile device, we suggest Giphy Cam. This app, available for iPhone and web , will allow you to record a GIF with your phone’s camera. Once recorded, you can add effects, filters, stickers and text. Here are some tips for creating GIFs: Use high-quality images or videos. The better the quality of your source material, the better your GIF will look. Keep your GIFs short and to the point. Most GIFs should be no longer than a few seconds. Use a consistent frame rate. This will help your GIF look smooth and professional. Add text or captions to your GIFs. Adding captions often help add context or humor. Experiment with different filters and effects. Make sure your GIFs are unique and eye-catching with filters and special effects, but don’t go overboard either. Where to find GIFs? There’s no shortage of places to find GIFs. There are numerous websites where you can find the exact GIF you are looking for: Giphy : Giphy is one of the most popular GIF hosting sites, with a huge library of GIFs. You can search for GIFs by keyword, category or even by the mood you're feeling. For example, if you're looking for a GIF to express happiness, you could search for "happy GIFs" or "smile G I Fs." Tenor : Tenor is another popular GIF hosting site, with a similar interface to Giphy. Tumblr GIFs : Tumblr is a blogging platform known for its GIF culture. You can find a wide variety of GIFs on Tumblr, including reaction GIFs, funny GIFs and GIFs of your favorite TV shows and movies. Imgur GIFs : Imgur is a popular image hosting site, but it also has a large selection of GIFs. You can search for GIFs by keyword, category or even by the subreddit they were posted in. Reddit GIF subreddit s: Reddit has a number of subreddits dedicated to GIFs, including r/gifs, r/reactiongifs and r/animalgifs. You can find a wide variety of GIFs on these subreddits, and you can also submit your own GIFs to share with the community. Here are some tips for finding GIFs: Use specific keywords when searching. The more specific your keywords are, the more likely you are to find the GIF you're looking for. Use filters to narrow down your search results. For example, you can filter by category, mood or file size. Look for GIFs on social media. Many social media platforms have built-in GIF search tools, so you can easily find GIFs that are relevant to your interests. Create your own GIFs. If you can't find the perfect GIF, you can create your own using a GIF creator website or app. How to post GIFs on social media? Now that you better understand this phenomenon, you can take the social media marketing tips we provided and get creative. Most platforms offer native search tools that allow you to find GIFs that are already available. However, if you want to upload your own, you can do so in the following ways: Upload to Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest Animated GIFs work fine as a direct image upload from any device to Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest. To add your GIF, simply upload your image as you would any other image. Share on Twitter For a GIF to play online on Twitter, simply place the link at the end of your tweet as the last links in the tweet are previewed. Once posted, the GIF will be animated on Twitter. Share on Facebook For a GIF to play in the News Feed or on your profile, the GIF link must be the first link in the post. Once the GIF is previewed in the post, you can remove the URL. Why not use GIFs? GIFs are a popular form of digital media, but there are some reasons why you might not want to use them. Here are a few of the disadvantages of using GIFs: Slow loading times: GIFs often have larger file sizes compared to other image formats, such as JPEG or PNG, due to their support for animation and multiple frames. Consequently, they can take longer to load, especially for visitors with slower internet connections or mobile devices. This can result in a frustrating user experience and higher bounce rates. Potential for outdated content: GIFs that are trendy and popular today may not have the same appeal in the future. The fast-paced nature of internet culture and evolving trends can render GIFs outdated over time. Relying heavily on GIFs without considering their longevity may lead to the need for frequent updates or replacements. Risk of overuse: While GIFs can be engaging and visually appealing, using them excessively or inappropriately can lead to diminishing returns. When overused, GIFs can become distracting, annoying or even overwhelming to visitors. It's important to strike a balance and use them selectively to maintain a positive user experience. Negative impact on website performance: Incorporating multiple or large GIFs on a webpage can significantly impact its performance. Slow page load times resulting from heavy GIF usage can frustrate visitors and adversely affect search engine rankings. Optimizing website performance is essential for retaining users and maximizing conversions. Accessibility concerns: GIFs may present accessibility challenges for individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities. Screen readers may struggle to interpret or describe the content of GIFs effectively, limiting the inclusivity of your website. It's crucial to consider alternative options or provide textual descriptions for the content conveyed through GIFs.

Editor’s note: In January 2025, Google announced that Gemini would no longer be available as a standalone product but rather offered as part of Workspace plans. This article has been updated to reflect this change. AI tools are currently revolutionizing the way small businesses and creators operate. Processes that were once super time-consuming or required hiring outside help can now be done in a heartbeat with the right AI tools.  We designed Wix to be a website builder  platform that could make website creation and online business management as efficient as possible while still maintaining top quality. So, it’s only natural that we’d partner with Google to open up some of their most high-powered AI tools for business  to our users. Google AI is now available with any Google Workspace plan, which you can purchase through Wix. Gain access to some of Google’s most beloved AI features, including Gemini for Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, Chat and more Workspace apps—plus NoteblookLM, an AI research assistant. Let’s take a look at how Google AI can help you work even smarter and faster. Streamline your marketing operations with Gemini No matter how essential your product, service or content is, merely creating it and waiting for people to flock to your site is not likely to work. This is where marketing enters the picture. Bestselling author and marketing guru Seth Godin famously stated, "Marketing is no longer about the stuff that you make, but about the stories you tell.” The problem is, if you’re just starting a business  or have limited resources, telling these stories can require more time than they have to offer. This is where the Gemini AI assistant can be a big help. As outlined in the table below, Gemini can help you generate ideas for how to best tell your story and format these ideas for different channels. For example, if you're writing a blog post to draw traffic to your site, instead of facing a daunting blank page, you'll see a side panel within your Google Docs in which you can ask Gemini for whatever help you need. You can give Gemini a few prompts explaining what you want the blog to include, your preferred tone of voice and who your target audience is.  Gemini will instantaneously write the content for you. Of course, you can give it feedback to implement changes or give your draft a human touch by rewriting whichever parts you want to yourself. The time this saves can help you scale your marketing efforts and reach more potential customers. Provide quick and professional customer service with Gemini Everyone knows the old trope that the customer is always right. However, it may be equally true that the customer is seldom patient, particularly when it comes to delayed customer service responses.  Statistics show that customers will take their money and go elsewhere if they experience customer service that is not up to par. Bad customer experiences cost businesses $4.7 billion dollars every year , according to Qualtrics.  Gemini helps you stay on top of your inbox and answer your customers more quickly and professionally with AI that helps you craft customer response emails and more. Gemini can help you quickly identify your customers’ requests and write replies, directly from your Gmail inbox. This is a game-changer for businesses that are dependent on good customer service to thrive, but don’t have the time or resources to dedicate to this essential aspect of retention and growth. Manage your business more efficiently with Gemini Business management is an amorphous term that you might find hard to define in simple terms. Who better to ask for help in defining this term than Gemini itself? "Business management is basically the process of keeping a company running smoothly and successfully. It involves setting goals, making plans, organizing people and resources, motivating the team, and making sure everything works together to reach those goals." Business management may sound simple, but it can be difficult for businesses to zoom out, evaluate how things are going and plan strategically for the future. Gemini can help you consolidate and analyze business meeting notes and data so you can quickly understand what's working and what isn't. Then, Gemini can help you act on these findings, developing strategic plans for the future, broken down into manageable steps. When you're busy dealing with individual trees, an assistant that helps you see the whole forest can be very valuable. Read also: How to make a website Enhance your sales operations with Gemini Gemini is also a great tool for sales teams seeking to generate pitch materials, organize leads and learn how to increase productivity. If you’re a one-person operation, Gemini can help you take complex product information laid out in a Google Doc and turn it into easily digestible and persuasive proposals in Slides or Gmail for prospects.  If you’re part of a bigger sales team, Gemini can organize a large number of leads into categories in Google Sheets and then help craft personalized sales outreach to these segments in Gmail or as a one-pager in Docs.  Whatever your sales use case, Gemini can help you increase efficiency and focus your efforts on the human work of building relationships. Tackle complex projects with Gemini Advanced  If you’re swimming in spreadsheets and large docs every day: Gemini Advanced takes it a step further by offering access to Google's next-generation AI models: 1.5 Pro model: Built for logistical reasoning, analysis and more Gemini-Exp-1206: An experimental model built of complex tasks like coding and math  With Gemini Advanced, you can upload and analyze your own documents, create custom AI experts called Gems and generate comprehensive multi-page reports in minutes (among other benefits). It also provides 2 TB of storage through Google One and can analyze up to 1,500 pages of text.  Read: you’ve pretty much got all the space and tools to experiment with AI, whether you’re dealing with code or a pile of reports.   Simplify your research with NotebookLM Plus NotebookLM Plus is another tool that helps you take control if you find yourself drowning in documents, research and endless notes. It’s built to handle the chaos. Compared to NotebookLM, NotebookLM Plus lets you manage more—up to five times more Audio Overviews, notebooks and sources per notebook—while offering advanced features like customizable chat settings.  You can create shared notebooks for your team, complete with usage analytics. And, perhaps one of the most exciting features: interact directly with the AI hosts in Audio Overviews. Using your own voice, you can ask the host additional questions, treating it like your personal tutor.  Getting started with Gemini for Google Workspace from Wix Get started by purchasing a business email for your website. You can buy and set up a new Google Workspace business email from Wix by following these steps . Pricing varies by plan. Currently, there are several Google Workspace plans to choose from: Business Starter ($7/month): Includes 30 GB of pooled storage per user, and access to Gemini AI in Gmail Business Standard ($14/month): Includes 2 TB of pooled storage per user; access to Gemini AI in other Workspace apps; the ability to create your own team of AI experts; and NotebookLM Plus Business Plus ($22/month): Includes 5 TB of pooled storage per user; access to Gemini AI in other Workspace apps; the ability to create your own team of AI experts; and NotebookLM Plus Enterprise: Pricing available upon request. All plans listed above are annual (though you can opt for monthly billing at a higher price) and offer other features and benefits outside of Google AI. Try any plan for free for 14 days.

In the days prior to the reign of social media and smartphones, independent food businesses were largely dependent on walk-in traffic, print media reviews and word-of-mouth buzz. In the digital age, though, customers increasingly access information, decide what to do with their time and make purchases online. This makes for major opportunities among small, local food merchants. A low-quality vendor with a huge budget may still get lots of business just because he or she can afford the rent at that location just across from the bus station, but the smaller, more ambitious, artisanal bakery operating out of a home kitchen can now find success as well. With the right new media marketing and branding approach, everyone’s got a shot at a piece of the pie. (Sorry – we couldn’t resist throwing in that pun.) Here are six tactics to consider trying out so your food business can be found online and you can get more customers buying your edibles. 1. Pin Success on Social Media Social media is now a major part of how restaurants, bars, hotels, and similar businesses attract customers. About 90% use it for marketing , and nearly all food and beverage businesses—around 95%—are active on Facebook. Instagram is also popular, used by 80% to share updates and build interest. TikTok has quickly become a go-to for running ads and reaching new audiences. While much user activity on social media is based around interacting with existing offline social circles, on Pinterest, activity is mostly based on shared interests. In this sense, it’s easier for small businesses to find new audiences on Pinterest than on other networks. And food is the most browsed and pinned niche interest category on Pinterest. Check out Wix's "Food and Drinks" board on Pinterest 2. Publish Dynamic Content Content marketing is about establishing authority by sharing expertise. The more helpful content about your food sub-niche that you publish, the higher Google will rank you for relevant keywords. And if your original, dynamic content truly provides value to your intended audience by addressing their interests, readers will share it with their peers and will keep coming back for more. Get going with your blog right away so your pages can start getting indexed, which can take time! You can start by posting some of your favorite tips and hacks for the kitchen – those are always good fun. Kim Gilroy gives great food prep tips on her Wix site 3. Get Active on Niche Food Photo Communities When it comes to small food brand exposure via photo sharing communities, Pinterest is just the beginning. Opportunities await on super-targeted communities that you might or might not have heard of, including Foodily , Instagram , Purpple , Kitchen Artistry , dishPal and food-oriented groups on Flickr . Check out a great list here . Some of these platforms might have relatively small reach, but the people there are already self-selected to be interested in what you’re offering. Famous chefs like Jamie Oliver use Instagram to give their businesses a boost 4. Enable Online Ordering Depending on what kind of food you sell, you might already be using your website as an eCommerce property. This is essential if your edibles are packaged and can easily be shipped. But even if your product needs to be served within minutes of preparation, the potential for online ordering to improve your sales is huge. Both restaurateurs and food consumers are highly interested in electronic payment options and digital self-service ordering. The days of using your website strictly as a business card are clearly long gone. Whether you’ve got a swanky restaurant, a short order counter service establishment or a food delivery brand, there’s plenty you can do . The Wix App Market has a bunch of apps made for these types of functions, with tools for table reservations, ordering, transmitting funds and more. Management at The Brigaderia uses a Wix site as an online shop for these cute cupcakes 5. Optimize for Local Search Google receives over two billion searches each month with local intent – and that’s just from desktop computers in the US. Over half of all mobile searches use location-related keywords. These metrics make a lot of sense when you consider that the internet is a perfect resource for busy people who are looking for things to do with little advance notice. Make sure these people can find you by publishing content about your locale (mentioning your city, region neighborhood and zip code), related businesses in your area, and relevant events taking place around you. Double check that you’re listed on as many local directories as possible, too. You should reference Hubspot’s handy list of 50 locally indexed business directories to appear on, but you can start with Moz’s Getlisted.org , a search engine for local listing sites, to see where you currently stand. The Wix-integrated Site Booster app , meanwhile, will handle many key listing submissions on your behalf for under $6 per month. If organic local search results are too competitive in your area, pay-per-click ad networks from Google and Facebook can give you a boost with geo-targeted campaign settings. Half Baked Goods embeds local reviews from Yelp using Wix's Yelp app 6. Go Mobile When people get hungry at home, they might wonder where to get food, or they might raid their own fridges. But when people are out and about, especially in an area unfamiliar to them, they’ll turn to their smartphones for advice. Make sure your site looks good on mobile devices, so these prospects don’t get a bad taste in their mouths. Thankfully, with Wix's mobile website builder , publishing a mobile-friendly version of your site is free and painless. Pink Cabbage Cakery recently optimized their Wix site for mobile

Before adding another channel to your multichannel selling strategy, it’s always wise to dissect the true cost of selling on that marketplace first. Without doing your due diligence, you may wind up with a serious case of sticker shock. There’s no denying the power of Amazon. Today, every two out of three U.S. consumers shop on Amazon—and 57% make purchases weekly or more—according to Jungle Scout . This article will walk you through the numbers, starting with Amazon’s fee structure and ending with tips on how to reduce your costs. Mandatory Amazon fees Account fees: cost varies When learning how to sell on Amazon , the first step is to select a plan. You can choose from one of two seller plans. Individual plan ($0.99 per item sold): Only for merchants who sell fewer than 40 items a month. You may choose this if you’re just looking to test the waters and sell one or two key products to begin with. However, you won’t benefit from the same reach or efficiencies as you would with a Professional plan. Professional plan ($39.99 per month) : Best for any serious merchant looking to sell on Amazon. By signing up for the Professional plan, you become eligible for the Buy Box, plus gain access to many tools within Seller Central. Note: you can drop down to an individual plan at any time. With the Individual plan, you won’t pay a monthly fee. However, you will pay Amazon $0.99 (USD) for every unit you sell. So, if you sell 200 units on Amazon, you’ll pay $198 (200 x $0.99) back to Amazon. With a Professional plan, you’ll pay $39.99 per month no matter how many units you sell. You also get access to many premium features, including sponsored ads, sales analytics reports, and essential inventory and listing tools. For both, you’ll be subject to additional selling fees as noted below. Referral fees: 8% - 15% on average You don’t get access to Amazon’s gigantic audience for free. Each time you sell an item on Amazon, you pay a referral fee. Think of it as a commission that you pay to Amazon for the privilege of selling to its customers. Referral fees are charged as a percentage of an item’s total sales price (TSP), which includes the item price, shipping cost, and any gift-wrapping charges. Referral fees vary by category and generally range between 8% to 15%. A few examples: Automotive and powersports - 12% Backpacks/handbags/luggage - 15% Clothing and accessories - 17% Footwear - 15% Home and Kitchen - 15% Pet supplies - 25% Toys and games - 15% While most referral fees are flat percentages, some categories (like baby products, beauty products, and grocery items) take a tiered approach based on an item’s TSP. For instance, a baby product with a TSP of $10 or less is subject to an 8% referral fee, while a baby product with a TSP of $10 or more is subject to a 15% referral fee. The opposite is true for categories such as appliances, collectibles, electronic accessories, fine art, furniture, and jewelry. For furniture, you’ll pay a 15% referral fee for products with a TSP up to $200. But that fee goes down to 10% for furniture products with a TSP greater than $200. All categories also carry a minimum referral fee. It’s most often $0.30 but may run higher. View the full list of referral fees by category here . An intro to how fulfillment works on Amazon When it comes to fulfillment on Amazon, you get two choices: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) : Amazon will store your products in their fulfillment centers and pick, pack, and ship them for you. Amazon will also handle customer service and returns. Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) : You store, pack, label, and ship your products on your own. FBA is the most popular choice by far. According to Jungle Scout , 92% of Amazon sellers use Amazon FBA to ship at least some of their products, with 57% choosing an FBA-only approach. Only 9% of sellers use FBM alone. The primary reason: FBA products gain the highly coveted “Prime” status on their listings. This gives you a major competitive advantage in terms of ranking or winning the Buy Box; you can offer expedited shipping on your products and reach Amazon’s estimated 163.5 million Prime users . However, because Amazon does the work for you, you will be subject to multiple fees. Amazon FBA fulfillment fees:  cost varies For any items enrolled in FBA, you pay a fee for each one that Amazon ships to a customer. Fees are based on the size and weight of each package that gets sent. Amazon FBA fees fall into two broad categories: non-apparel and apparel. Within these, most packages will fall within the “small standard” and “large standard” size tiers. Small standard (non-apparel) This includes any non-apparel item with a maximum dimension of 15” x 12” x 0.75”. Fees are charged by weight. 6 oz or less: $2.92/unit 6+ to 12 oz: $3.07/unit 12+ to 16 oz: $3.59/unit Large standard (non-apparel) This includes any non-apparel item with a maximum dimension of 18” x 14” x 8”. 6 oz or less: $3.54/unit 6+ to 12 oz: $3.77/unit 12+ to 16 oz: $4.52/unit 1+ to 2 lbs: $5.14/unit 2+ to 3 lbs: $5.79/unit 3+ to 20 lbs: $6.13/unit + $0.30/lb above 3 lbs Apparel shipments follow the same size and weight requirements. However, apparel fees generally run $0.30 to $0.50 more per order than non-apparel fees. Small standard (apparel) This includes apparel items with a maximum dimension of 15” x 12” x 0.75”. 6 oz or less: $3.27/unit 6+ to 12 oz: $3.43/unit 12+ to 16 oz: $3.95/unit Large standard (apparel) This includes apparel items with a maximum dimension of 18” x 14” x 8”. 6 oz or less: $4.22/unit 6+ to 12 oz: $4.40/unit 12+ to 16 oz: $5.07/unit 1+ to 2 lbs: $5.81/unit 2+ to 3 lbs: $6.50/unit 3+ to 20 lbs: $6.68/unit + $0.30/lb above 3 lbs Inflation-related surcharges Since April 2022, Amazon FBA has required a 5% Fuel and Inflation Surcharge in addition to normal fulfillment fees. Between October 15, 2022 to January 14, 2023, Amazon is also requiring a $0.35 surcharge  per every item sold in the U.S. or Canada. Amazon FBA inventory storage fees: starting at $0.75/cubic foot In addition to fulfillment fees, Amazon will charge you a monthly storage fee based on the space your inventory occupies inside their fulfillment centers. This fee will typically be higher during the holiday season, when demand for storage (and FBA shipping services) is highest. Rates factor in your product type, size tier, average number of units stored, product volume (in its fully packaged condition), and “dangerous goods” classification as well. January through September $0.83/cubic foot (standard size) $0.53/cubic foot (oversize) October through December $2.40/cubic foot (standard) $1.20/cubic foot (oversize) Other FBA fees to be aware of Perhaps one of the biggest knocks against Amazon FBA is the number of other potential fees you could be paying. These fees could be triggered by various situations, such as if your products aren’t properly prepped for Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Here is a sample of other fees to be aware of: Long-term storage fees : To prevent a pileup of dead stock, Amazon applies a long-term inventory fee if your inventory sits in a fulfillment center for nine months or longer. This fee starts at $1.50/cubic foot for items stored between 271 to 365 days, then increases to $6.90/cubic foot (or $0.15 per unit, whichever is greater) for inventory stored after the first year. Returns processing : If a customer returns an item you sold on Amazon that offers free return shipping, you’re responsible for covering the cost. This applies to items within the Apparel and Shoes categories. Fees range from $2.12 to $3.41 for most items but may go higher for oversized items. Get a full fee schedule here . FBA removal order : This fee is charged for each unit you request to remove from an Amazon fulfillment center and have inventory sent back to you. For example, you may submit a removal order if your products aren’t selling and you want to avoid paying long-term storage fees. Removal fees range from $0.52 to $1.51 per unit for standard size items. FBA disposal order: If, alternatively, you’d like to request Amazon to destroy your items instead of shipping them back to you, you’ll have to budget $0.52 to $1.51 per unit disposed (for standard sized items). Unplanned services : Unplanned services fees kick in if you fail to prep your FBA shipments according to FBA’s Packaging and Prep requirements  or Shipping and Routing requirements . Fees depend on the type of service provided. For example, if Amazon needs to re-label your products, you’ll be charged $0.20 per unit for standard sized items. View the full rate sheet here . MCF orders: FBA offers its services for non-Amazon orders under the Multi-Channel Fulfillment program. In other words, if you’d like Amazon to fulfill orders that you receive from your online store, you can do so. However, you’ll have to pay higher fulfillment fees than you would for a non-Amazon order. MCF fulfillment fees start at $5.35/unit for small standard items, and $8.57/unit for large standard items. View all MCF rates here . (Note that some marketplaces like Walmart Marketplace expressly forbid the use of Amazon FBA.) Amazon FBM fees If you’re a Professional Amazon seller, you can set your own shipping rates (except for products in the media category) and cover the cost of shipping in your product price. However, sellers with an Individual plan must use Amazon’s set shipping rates for all products. For instance, if you sell a book to a customer, the customer will be charged $3.99 (per Amazon’s rate sheet) for domestic standard shipping. If shipping ends up costing more than $3.99, you’ll have to cover the difference. Optional and additional Amazon selling fees Amazon Ads: cost varies Amazon Ads are a hot commodity these days, with nearly two-thirds of sellers  using Sponsored Product Ads to promote their items. You, too, can take advantage of paid ad placements on Amazon. These ads are pay-per-click (PPC), meaning you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. The exact fee amount depends on the keyword you’re bidding on and your daily budget. Premium account services: $1,600 per month + 0.3% of total monthly sales Amazon offers a Strategic Account Services (SAS) Core program that connects you with an account manager, who can provide personalized tips on how to scale your business on the marketplace. As a SAS Core member, you get early access to new or beta programs, alongside tactical support. SAS Core costs $1,600 per month, plus 0.3% of your total monthly sales up until $5,000. Rental book listing fee: $5 per rental If you choose to rent out textbooks on Amazon, you will have to pay a rental book service fee of $5 per rental. High-volume listing fee: $0.005 per listing For any non-media listings, if you have a large amount of active listings that haven’t sold in the past 12 months, you will have to pay Amazon a monthly fee of $0.005 per eligible listing to cover cataloging costs. This fee is waived for the first 100,000 listings. Refund administration fee: $5 or 20% of referral fee (whichever is less) When you refund a customer for an order that they’ve already paid for, Amazon will refund your referral fee minus the refund administration fee, which is either $5 or 20% of the referral fee (whichever is less). So, if you refund a customer the price of your product ($10) in a category with a 15% referral fee, your refund administration fee will be $0.30 ($10 x 0.15 = $1.50). An example of an Amazon bill How does the cost to sell on Amazon stack up against, say, the cost of selling on Etsy  or another third-party marketplace? Here’s a rundown. Let’s say you’re a Professional Plan seller using Amazon FBA. You’re selling felt letter boards for kids that measure 10 inches by 10 inches (when packaged) and weigh 0.5 pounds. The boards cost you $5 to make, and you sell them on Amazon for $20 under the Toys & Games category. So, your customer pays $25 for a board, gets fast and free shipping (a la Prime), and pays $1.50 in tax, bringing their TSP to $26.50. At the end of the transaction, your bill will look something like this: Description Amount Item price $25 Referral fee (15%) -$3.75 FBA fulfillment fee (flat rate) -$3.07 Cost to ship to Amazon -$0.30 FBA storage cost (Jan - Sept) -$0.01 Cost of goods sold (COGS) -$5.00 Net profit from sale $12.87 (51.48%) You can use Amazon’s revenue calculator  to calculate your own costs. 3 ways to save on your Amazon selling fees 01. Join the Brand Referral Bonus Program If you’re a brand owner, make sure to join Amazon’s Brand Registry . Among the many perks of enrolling yourself in the registry, you can earn a bonus on any sales made through non-Amazon marketing efforts. Here’s how the Brand Referral Bonus Program  works: You embed an Amazon-provided link to any non-Amazon marketing assets. If a customer clicks on that link and makes a purchase from you within 14 days, you’ll earn, on average, 10% back on your referral fee. The exact bonus rate depends on your product category and the number of sales generated. 02. Join the Small and Light Program If you sell small products that weigh less than three pounds—and price them for $10 or less—then the FBA Small and Light Program  may be for you. This will land you reduced shipping rates on qualified products. For example, a small standard item could cost as little as $2.35 to ship, as opposed to the usual $2.92 with regular FBA. 03. Watch your inventory levels One of the best ways to avoid long-term storage fees or other inventory mishaps is by having a reliable system for tracking, forecasting, and managing inventory. If your online store is powered by Wix eCommerce, you can use built-in inventory management tools  to automatically and accurately sync inventory across all of your sales channels. The bottom line: know the money coming in and out of Amazon Amazon can be a great addition to your channel mix, but as with every third-party marketplace, it comes at a price. On Amazon you face: Tighter margins Fluctuating fees Lots of competition, especially around price Less control over your branding Read Also: How to start a business Our top tip: stay on top of your costs and treat Amazon as a supplement to your online store, where you retain total control over your fees and user experience. Start an online store  with a hassle-free platform like Wix eCommerce, and take advantage of all its built-in tools for catalog management, inventory management, price management, SEO, and more. Keep in mind that there are fees no matter where you sell, whether you're selling on eBay  or selling on Facebook Marketplace . Learn more about Wix eCommerce  today.

Get started by:  Creating an online store →  |  Getting a domain → With the rise of social media and digital marketing, more and more people are turning to the internet for their shopping needs. While many  types of eCommerce  involve creating a website  to buy and sell goods and services online, ghost commerce goes a step further, using these channels for marketing and sales without physical inventory. When thinking about  how to start a business , this is a great choice for  eCommerce business  owners who would prefer to concentrate on branding and marketing rather than logistics. In this article, we will explore what ghost commerce is, how to launch it effectively and the benefits it can bring to your business. What is ghost commerce? Ghost commerce is an online retail  model where products are promoted and sold  without storing physical inventory  or running a traditional online store . Instead of owning goods, a promoter uses their online presence, like content marketing, social media or influencer partnerships, to guide their audience to buy from third-party retailers or eCommerce platforms. This approach means the business doesn't handle or manage the products directly. Here's a breakdown of the key characteristics of ghost commerce: No inventory : The promoter simply guides potential buyers to where they can purchase the product. This means businesses can save on storage and stocking costs. Affiliate relationships : Earning opportunities include receiving commissions for sales generated from referrals. Online presence : Success heavily depends on building a strong online presence by starting a blog , engaging on social media, YouTube or any channel where you can reach a significant audience. Trust and credibility : Promoters need to cultivate and maintain a trustworthy relationship with their audience for sustained success. Marketing focused : Ghost commerce businesses can focus on branding and marketing strategies  instead of getting caught up in logistical challenges. Ghost commerce vs. eCommerce Ghost commerce is sometimes mistaken for traditional eCommerce, but there are key differences between the two. While both involve selling products online, ghost commerce doesn't involve physically handling and storing goods. Instead, it relies on partnerships with retailers or utilizing third-party platforms to facilitate sales. Another significant difference is that ghost commerce puts more emphasis on marketing and branding rather than inventory management . This approach allows businesses to focus on building strong relationships with their audience and promoting products through various channels. Learn more about what is eCommerce . 10 steps to set up a ghost commerce business Understanding how ghost commerce works is crucial for entrepreneurs and marketers aiming to leverage this model. In this section, we'll outline the inner workings of ghost commerce, showing how it smoothly merges marketing strategies with affiliate connections to drive sales without the challenges of inventory management. 01. Choose a niche and audience The first step in setting up a ghost commerce business is to choose your niche. You want to focus on a specific product or industry that you are passionate about, have knowledge of and can market effectively. Next, identify your target audience and their interests. This will help you tailor your content to appeal to them. 02. Online store setup To launch a ghost commerce business, you'll want to establish your online presence. Utilize an eCommerce platform like Wix to learn how to build a website for free, add product listings and create a seamless shopping experience for customers. 03. Supplier selection As a ghost commerce business, you won't handle or stock products directly. Instead, you'll need to form partnerships with suppliers and retailers offering dropshipping services to fulfill orders on your behalf. These suppliers keep stock of the products and handle inventory. Learn more: What is dropshipping 04. Product listing and promotion Once you've got your supplier sorted, you can add product listings to your eCommerce website  from their catalog. You have the flexibility to customize product descriptions, images and a product pricing strategy to align with your brand. You can also promote these products through various channels like social media, email marketing or influencer partnerships. 05. Customer orders and fulfillment When customers shop the online store and make purchases, the website collects all the essential order details, like the customer’s shipping address and online payment info. Learn more about how to accept payments online. 06. Order forwarding to suppliers Once the customer places an order on your website, you'll need to forward the order details to your supplier so they can fulfill it. You may also track and monitor orders to ensure timely delivery. This step can be automated through integration between the online store and the supplier’s system, streamlining the process. 07. Supplier fulfillment  The supplier then processes the order, packages the product and ships it directly to the customer. This includes generating shipping labels and handling any required customs documentation for international shipments. 08. Customer delivery When the customer gets the product, they assume it was sent by the online store. The packaging and branding might or might not show the supplier's name, depending on your agreement. 09. Payment handling When a customer makes a purchase, you'll get paid through your online store’s pos system , usually receiving the retail  price of the product. You then pay the supplier for the wholesale cost of the product and keep any extra profit as your commission. 10. Customer support You will take on the responsibility of providing customer support, handling inquiries, addressing concerns and overseeing returns or refunds. You might need to communicate with the supplier to resolve any issues. Pros and cons of ghost commerce Ghost commerce, like many other business models, comes with a mix of pros and cons that require thoughtful consideration. Pros Passive income :  Once properly set up, ghost commerce businesses can generate passive income streams as most of the processes are automated. This makes it a good side gig for individuals skilled in influencer marketing. Low overhead :  Ghost commerce businesses don't require physical storage facilities, managing inventory or handling products. This means lower operating costs compared to traditional eCommerce, leading to quicker profit generation. Flexibility : Promoters can switch products or niches, adapting to trends and audience preferences. After setting up your store, feature as many products as you like if it aligns with your store's goals. List items for sale on your site if your suppliers have them in stock, at no cost. Scalability : Easily adjust scale to meet demand, thanks to the absence of physical inventory and storefronts. This flexibility lets you swiftly respond to market shifts and customer needs, ensuring your business stays competitive. Cons Thin profit margins : As a ghost commerce retailer, your income is typically limited to a fraction of the profits from each item sold. This means your earnings may be lower compared to running your own store and selling your own products. Since you're not involved in handling the product, you have little opportunity for upselling, offering discount bundles or conducting sales campaigns. Dependence on third parties : When using ghost commerce, your inventory control is limited as you rely on suppliers or manufacturers for product delivery.  This means you are subject to their reliability and delivery timelines, which can affect customer satisfaction. Reputation management : As the face of your ghost commerce business, you are responsible for maintaining your brand's reputation despite not having direct control over product quality or delivery. This means you must carefully choose reliable and trustworthy suppliers to maintain customer trust and loyalty. Highly competitive : If you're not in a very specific niche, it's likely the market is overcrowded. Your products will need to compete against many others selling similar items, making it challenging to stand out when you have limited control over your product. Is ghost commerce profitable? If you are considering starting a ghost commerce business, it is important to do your research and make sure that you have a good understanding of the factors that can affect its profitability. While it may offer lower overhead costs and less effort in inventory management, the thin eCommerce profit margins and reliance on third parties can affect overall profitability. Here are some tips for increasing the profitability of your ghost commerce business: Product selection : Certain products demonstrate higher profitability than others. Consider luxury goods like designer handbags and watches, for example; they typically yield greater profits compared to lower-margin items, like household appliances. Marketing strategy : A solid marketing strategy is key for any eCommerce business, but it's especially crucial for ghost commerce businesses. Your goal is to connect with your target audience and persuade them to purchase your products. Cost management : Consider the expenses of your products, marketing and fulfillment. Save money by negotiating discounts with suppliers, utilizing free or low-cost marketing tools and handling shipping in-house. Tips to create a ghost commerce strategy To succeed in ghost commerce, it's key to boost your online presence to build trust with your audience and show them the value you offer. By using content marketing and SEO features , you can increase customer engagement with affiliate links and product recommendations. Here are some ways that businesses can leverage this trend. Establish a strong online presence Build an eCommerce site  that is user-friendly, visually appealing and easy to navigate. Share engaging, high-quality content on your site, social media and other online channels to boost brand awareness and foster a community. This approach will draw in potential customers and cultivate trust with your audience. Focus on customer experience Provide excellent eCommerce customer service to set your ghost commerce business apart from the competition. Ensure reliable and timely delivery of products, offer a flexible return policy and be responsive to customer inquiries and concerns. This will help build a loyal customer base and increase the likelihood of repeat purchases. Leverage data analytics Use web analytics  to track customer behavior and preferences, allowing you to tailor your product offerings and marketing strategies. This will help you identify trends, optimize your business website  for better conversions and make informed business decisions. Collaborate with influencers Partnering with influential figures in your niche can help increase brand visibility and credibility. Influencer marketing can also drive traffic to your website and boost sales. Make sure to choose influencers who align with your brand values and have a strong following of engaged followers. Use email marketing Email marketing tools  are valuable for connecting with potential and existing customers. Send targeted promotions, product recommendations and personalized content to subscribers. Encourage newsletter sign-ups by offering incentives like complimentary downloads or exclusive discount codes. Optimize for SEO Ensure your website and content are optimized for search engines to increase visibility and attract potential customers. Use relevant keywords, create high-quality content and optimize meta descriptions and tags. This will improve your chances of appearing in search engine results pages and driving organic traffic to your site. Ghost commerce FAQ Can anyone start using ghost commerce? Yes, anyone can start using ghost commerce as long as they have access to an online platform and are able to partner with suppliers or manufacturers for their products. However, it's important to carefully consider the pros and cons of this business model before getting started. How does branding fit into ghost commerce? Branding is crucial for any business, including ghost commerce. It helps establish your business's identity and sets you apart from competitors. With limited control over product quality and delivery, branding can be a powerful tool in building trust with customers and maintaining a positive reputation. Learn   how to design a logo  for effective branding. Do you need big investments in technology to run an effective ghost commerce operation? While investing in technology can certainly enhance your ghost commerce business, it's not necessary to have a large budget for technology. Many of the best eCommerce platforms  offer affordable plans and eCommerce tools , making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. It's important to prioritize investments based on your specific needs and goals. Is there more than one way to make money with ghost commerce? Yes, there are multiple ways to generate revenue with ghost commerce. These can include affiliate marketing, dropshipping and creating your own branded products. It's important to carefully consider which method aligns with your business goals and target audience. Is ghost commerce dropshipping? Ghost commerce and dropshipping  are similar in that they both involve selling products in an online marketplace  without the need for physical inventory. However, ghost commerce typically involves more collaboration with suppliers and manufacturers, while dropshipping focuses on working directly with a third-party supplier to fulfill orders. Learn more about how to start dropshipping .  Is ghost commerce the same as affiliate marketing? No, ghost commerce and affiliate marketing are different business models. While both involve promoting and selling products online, affiliate marketing typically involves earning a commission for each sale made through your unique referral link. Ghost commerce, on the other hand, enables businesses to sell their own or branded products directly to customers without having to physically handle inventory turnover . Can I do ghost commerce worldwide? Yes, ghost commerce can be done globally as long as you have access to online platforms and are able to partner with suppliers or manufacturers who can fulfill orders internationally. However, it's important to consider any local laws and regulations that may affect your business operations in different regions. How do I choose a niche for my ghost commerce business? Choosing a niche is crucial for success in ghost commerce. It's important to carefully research and consider trends, competition and target audience demographics when selecting a niche. Additionally, it's beneficial to choose a niche that aligns with your interests and expertise to ensure you are passionate about the products you're selling.

Proper planning is essential for any successful DJ business. Whether you're spinning beats at private events, rocking the dance floor at weddings or creating memorable experiences at clubs, a well-structured business plan is your backstage pass to success. From setting clear objectives to defining your strategies and financial projections, your business plan can help you keep rhythm when starting a business in the DJ industry. In this guide, we'll delve into core components of a DJ business plan and steps for getting started. Ready to turn your passion for music into a business? Kickstart your DJ journey by making a website with Wix. You can learn more about how to create a website in our guide. Why create a DJ business plan? There are many benefits to creating a DJ business plan. Among them: a business plan provides a structured foundation for your business. By defining your business's purpose, objectives and target audience, you can start your business with a clear understanding of how you plan to grow it and differentiate yourself from other DJs out there. A well-crafted business plan also helps with attracting investors, should you need it, and raising money for your business . Investors and lenders often require a business plan as a means to assess your business's viability. A detailed plan showcases your understanding of the market and the potential for success, thereby increasing your credibility. Furthermore, a business plan plays a big role in establishing a professional online presence, which is especially important when you’re working in the entertainment industry. By defining your strengths, style and target clientele—you can use your plan to guide tactical decisions, such as when you’re creating a business website or advertising your services. Your plan can guide your messaging, as well as the types of promotional channels you choose to invest in. Learn more: how to start a service business How to create a DJ business plan Regardless of the type of business you’re starting, a well-structured business plan includes several key components: Executive summary Business and domain names Market analysis and research Operations plan Marketing and advertising plan Financial plan 01. Executive summary The executive summary of a DJ business plan is a concise overview that encapsulates the key aspects of your plan. It provides a snapshot of your business's purpose, target market, services offered, competitive advantage and financial projections. The executive summary serves as an introduction to your business plan, giving readers a glimpse of what to expect. To craft a clear executive summary for a DJ business like GrooveBeat Entertainment, focus on highlighting your unique style, the range of events you cater to and your commitment to creating unforgettable experiences. Here's an example: “GrooveBeat Entertainment is a dynamic DJ services company committed to delivering exceptional musical experiences at weddings, parties and corporate events. With a diverse playlist and a passion for reading the crowd, we bring energy and excitement to every occasion. Our projected growth anticipates a 30% increase in bookings within the first year as we establish our brand as a reliable source of entertainment that keeps the dance floor buzzing.” 02. Business and domain names Choosing an appropriate business name is crucial for your brand identity. Your name should reflect your business values and appeal to your target market. You can use a business name generator to think of a creative name. Then, choose a domain name that matches. Make sure to keep it simple and memorable. Avoid using characters, numbers and hyphens and be sure to check that it's available for use. Be inspired: DJ name ideas Remember to register your business once you’ve landed on a name and legal structure. 03. Market analysis and research For this section, conduct market research to identify the events and demographics most likely to benefit from your DJ services. This analysis will help tailor your marketing efforts to specific client needs. Make sure to also study other local DJ businesses to identify gaps in the market or unique selling points. This will help you identify ways to differentiate yourself, plus promote yourself on the right channels. 04. Operations plan Your operations plans should cover the following components in relation to your DJ business: Location: Determine whether you'll primarily operate in a specific city or if you're willing to travel for gigs and events. Equipment: List the equipment needed for various types of events, such as sound systems, lighting and backup gear. Regular maintenance and equipment updates are essential for reliability. Staffing: Define the number of DJs and assistants you'll need based on event size and complexity. Specify roles and responsibilities to ensure smooth event execution. 05. Marketing and advertising plan You might want to consider the following marketing strategies and ideas in order to promote your DJ business. Be sure to lay these out clearly in your business plan. Event showcases: You can attend local events or fairs to showcase your DJ skills. This provides potential clients with a live experience of your talent and music. Online portfolio: Make a website showcasing your services, past events and client testimonials. Use social media platforms to share event photos and engage with followers. Networking: Collaborate with event planners, wedding venues and other vendors to tap into their networks and gain referrals. Need a cool DJ logo ? Try Wix’s free logo maker . And learn how to make a DJ logo for your brand. 06. Financial plan You’ll need to factor the following into your financial planning efforts for your DJ business plan. The main ones include: Startup costs: Estimate expenses for equipment purchase and maintenance, marketing materials and initial event showcases. Revenue projections: Project revenue based on the number of events and average service fees. Aim for steady growth at first. Funding: Consider self-funding, personal savings or a small business loan to secure the necessary funds for startup and initial operations. Profitability roadmap: With a solid marketing strategy and efficient event execution, anticipate reaching profitability within the first 12 to 18 months. Hypothetical DJ business plan example: HarmonyGroove Entertainment Executive summary HarmonyGroove Entertainment is poised to make waves in the DJ industry by offering an exceptional blend of music, energy and entertainment at various events. Our versatile and professional approach sets us apart, ensuring memorable experiences for clients and their guests. We project a 25% increase in bookings within the first year as we establish our brand as a go-to source for high-quality DJ services. Company and domain names Company name: HarmonyGroove Entertainment Domain name: www.HarmonyGrooveEntertainment.com Our company name, "HarmonyGroove Entertainment," reflects our commitment to creating seamless musical experiences that resonate with our clients. The corresponding domain name reinforces our brand identity, making it easy for clients to find us online. Marketing analysis and research Target market: Our research reveals a demand for skilled DJs at weddings, corporate events and private parties. We'll focus on serving clients who appreciate a diverse range of music genres and a DJ who can cater to their specific preferences. Competitor analysis: We've analyzed other DJ businesses and identified an opportunity to stand out by offering a broader musical repertoire and personalized event planning. This analysis informs our marketing strategies and helps us identify gaps in the market. Operations plan Location: While based in Los Angeles, we're open to traveling for events across California. This flexibility allows us to cater to a broader range of clients and events. Premises and equipment: We'll invest in top-notch sound systems, lighting equipment and backup gear to ensure seamless performances. Regular equipment maintenance is essential for our reliability. Staffing: Our team will include skilled DJs with expertise in various genres, as well as event planners to collaborate with clients on event details and music selections. Marketing and advertising plan Event showcases: We'll host regular DJ showcases at local venues, inviting potential clients to experience our musical style and energy live. Online presence: A professional website will feature our portfolio, testimonials and event photos. We'll actively engage on social media platforms to connect with potential clients. Networking: We'll establish relationships with event planners, wedding venues and other event vendors to generate referrals and collaborative opportunities. Financial plan Startup costs: Our initial expenses will cover equipment purchase and maintenance, marketing materials and event showcases. We anticipate an initial investment of $20,000. Revenue projections: Projected revenue will be based on the number of events booked and our competitive service fees. We aim for consistent growth, targeting a 20% increase in revenue annually. Funding: We plan to fund the business through personal savings and a small business loan to secure the necessary funds for startup and initial operations. Profitability timeline: With a focused marketing approach and stellar event execution, we anticipate reaching profitability within the first 12 to 15 months. Want to create another type of business plan? How to create a tutoring business plan How to create a party planning business plan How to create a photographer business plan How to create a bakery business plan How to create a bar business plan How to create a virtual assistant business plan How to create a cleaning business plan How to create a consultant business plan How to create a catering business plan How to create a car wash business plan How to create an eCommerce business plan How to create a food truck business plan How to create a restaurant business plan How to create a hair salon business plan How to create a real estate business plan How to create a contractor business plan How to create a rental property business plan How to create an interior design business plan How to create a bookkeeping business plan How to create a box truck business plan Check out more service business ideas as well as service business examples for inspiration. Related reading How to start an online business How to start a consulting business How to start a fitness business How to start a makeup line How to start a candle business How to start a clothing business How to start an online boutique How to start a T-shirt business How to start a jewelry business How to start a subscription box business How to start a beauty business How to start a virtual assistant business How to start a bookkeeping business How to start an interior design business How to start a homecare business How to start a courier business How to start a laundromat business How to start a plumbing business How to start a nail business How to start a flower business How to start an eCommerce business How to start a dropshipping business How to start a farming business How to start a food prep business How to start a rental property business

Yoga’s been around for thousands of years, but there’s a real case for doubling down on the practice now, even if the future feels uncertain thanks to COVID-19. Why be a yoga teacher now? For starters, the pandemic launched our collective stress levels into another stratosphere, and there’s a body of research deeper than your diaphragm suggesting that yoga and meditation can relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression (more on that in a bit). Plus, yoga offers an approachable, equipment-free way to move, ideal for those who continue to embrace at-home exercise during the pandemic. And new fitness software allows yoga instructors to teach clients virtually. So, if you’ve thought about starting a yoga brand of your own—either in-person or online—now might just be the ideal time to get your fitness business up and running. See why below, then learn how to become a yoga instructor in 7 steps. We’re experiencing a mental health crisis Our bodies need some TLC Community is everything Digital developments help you invest in your brand We want to be inspired Yoga helps us work through the hard stuff We’re experiencing a mental health crisis The American Psychological Association (APA) calls our current moment a full-blown “mental health crisis.” We’re stressed about economic uncertainty, social justice issues and the inability to plan for the future. The APA warns that the mental-health effects could linger for years. To be clear, fitness—even yoga—can’t replace expert-provided mental health care, but study after study shows that yoga improves mood and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Indeed, just 25 minutes of yoga or meditation a day can boost people's mood, according to a study published in the journal Mindfulness . “Yoga teaches breathing techniques that help people return to the present moment,” says Bre Williamson, yoga teacher and founder of Mindfully Bre . These techniques help students manage stressful thoughts about an uncertain future. “People in the yoga community also tend to be open about their struggles, which destigmatizes those experiences.” Read more about the new rules of training clients during a pandemic, including how to acknowledge anxiety. Our bodies need some TLC If you thought people were sore and stiff before COVID-19 hit, just wait until you factor in our longer work-from-home hours. Research from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the average workday increased by 48.5 minutes at the start of the pandemic (and this doesn’t include increased at-home demands like care-taking and home-schooling), which often translates to less movement and more body imbalances. Williamson says she’s seen more stiffness and lower back pain among her clients. “Before the pandemic, many people were walking more during their commutes, or to grab lunch or talk to colleagues,” she says. “Little movements add up, but now we’re just sitting at home.” Whether you plan on offering classes in a studio, outside or online, yoga can help people address these issues. Community is everything When the pandemic hit and cleared her calendar in a day, Miami-based yoga teacher Julianne Aerhee Byun knew she wanted to recreate the hallway banter that surfaced naturally before and after her classes. “Those small daily interactions are so important, which is why we started a digital forum where students could chat,” she says. “Community is the heart of yoga,” and while this community might look a little different now, we still need it—arguably even more than we did before the pandemic. Digital developments help you invest in your brand “I’ve always used Wix Bookings for my studio, so when we stopped offering in-person classes, I just connected it to Zoom and hosted my sessions online,” Williamson says, noting that she thinks video-on-demand workouts are here to stay, at least in some form. “I think hybrid fitness trends will be cyclical,” she says. “If people are traveling more during the summer, maybe they’ll want to do video-on-demand workouts from their lake house; same for the winter when they don’t feel like going into the studio.” That’s good news for anyone who wants to experiment with new classes or launch a brand for the first time: there’s minimal investment with the potential for major pay-off. Here's how to shoot a workout video like a professional producer and how to up your Zoom exercise game. We want to be inspired The New York Times called languishing—a sense of stagnation and lack of progress—the “dominant emotion of 2021.” Again, yoga isn’t a cure-all, but it could help. “Part of yoga is discipline,” Williamson says. “Once that wheel picks up speed, and you keep showing up over and over, you feel more motivated and inspired in other parts of your life.” It can also help you feel more confident as you become stronger and hold poses for longer, Byun says. “People take joy in seeing progress on the mat.” Yoga helps us work through the hard stuff “Yoga fosters stability and courage in times of chaos,” Byun says. “Peace is easy when life is good, but staying calm when shit hits the fan is hard.” That’s why we practice, and that’s why we need yoga in these uncertain times. (By the way, that's what inspired former NFL player DJ Townsel to become a yoga teacher.) “We hold challenging postures to cultivate inner strength, so that when something difficult happens, we can say, ‘I’m still okay. I’m still me. And I can keep moving forward because I have inner stability,’” she says. “We sit in discomfort and trust that we can get to the other side, where something new and beautiful will blossom.”

Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →   Gym marketing is a specialized approach to promoting fitness businesses and services. It's about reaching out to potential gym members and convincing them that your gym is the perfect place for their fitness journey. Understanding and implementing effective gym marketing strategies is crucial for the growth and success of your fitness business . Marketing isn't just about selling; it's about creating value for your customers. For gyms, this means offering a unique experience that goes beyond just equipment and classes. It's about building a community, providing exceptional service and ensuring that every interaction with your brand is positive. In this article, you'll discover the top gym marketing strategies  that can help elevate your gym business.  These strategies are designed to attract new clients, retain existing ones and differentiate your gym in a crowded industry. Whether it's through social media campaigns, or referral programs, these ideas will give you the tools you need to boost your gym's profile and increase membership numbers. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. Wix is all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. What is gym marketing? Gym marketing refers to the various strategies and tactics used to promote fitness centers, health clubs, and gyms. It aims to attract new members, retain existing ones and build a strong brand presence within the fitness industry. This involves a mix of advertising, promotions, digital presence, events and customer service—all tailored to create a compelling image of your gym that resonates with your target audience. The 4Ps of marketing for gyms The classic marketing mix, also known as the 4Ps—Product, Price, Place, Promotion—is a useful framework for gym owners to structure their marketing strategy: Product:  This refers to what you're offering. In the context of a gym, it's not just the physical space and equipment but also the quality of personal training services, group classes, amenities and any additional products like supplements or fitness apparel. Price:  Pricing strategies can greatly influence how potential members perceive your gym. Competitive pricing, discounts for long-term memberships, or premium pricing for exclusive services are all considerations that affect how you position yourself in the market. Place:  This is where your gym is located and how accessible it is to your target demographic. It also encompasses where you promote your gym—be it local advertising or online platforms—and how easily potential members can find information about your services. Promotion:  Promotion involves all the ways you communicate with your audience. This includes traditional advertising methods like flyers and local newspapers as well as digital marketing efforts  such as email campaigns, social media promotion and search engine optimization (SEO) to increase visibility online. 8 gym marketing strategies and ideas To stand out in the fitness industry, it's essential to have a robust gym marketing strategy. Here are ten innovative and effective marketing ideas that can help your gym attract new members and keep them coming back. Create and optimize a fitness website Write a marketing plan Partner with a fitness marketing agency Offer unique promotions and offers Build an engaged community Develop a referral network Make use of content marketing Focus on customer service 01. Create and optimize a fitness website Having a great fitness website is non-negotiable. Fitness websites  can help with your gym marketing as long as you: Optimize your website:  Ensure your website is user-friendly, mobile-responsive and optimized for search engines. Consider using a website builder , like Wix, so all of this is included in your site’s infrastructure.  Design with the user in mind:   Learn how to create a website by starting with sports and fitness website templates to kickstart your design. 02. Write a marketing plan A strategic marketing plan is the backbone of all marketing efforts. Make sure you use it to: Set clear objectives:  Define what you want to achieve with your marketing efforts for your gym, such as increasing membership sign-ups or improving brand awareness. Analyze your market:  Understand your local market and target audience to tailor your marketing messages effectively. It may be that your audience is very diverse and you’ll have to consider different messages to appeal to it. For example younger gym goers might respond to different campaigns, than older users.  Measure results:  Use analytics to track the success of your campaigns and make data-driven decisions. This allows you to improve them or pivot them completely if they’re not doing what they’re supposed to.  Learn more about how to create a landing page.   03. Partner with a marketing agency  If you’re new to the business world and marketing, professional help can make all the difference at least in the beginning while you’re still building out your gym. Some reasons to go with an experience agency include:  Expertise:  A specialized agency brings knowledge of best practices and innovative strategies. Focus:  Outsourcing allows you to concentrate on running your gym while experts handle the marketing. However, using an agency can be a pricey option added on top of the cost of opening a gym , so make sure your budget allows for it and that you can measure its impact compared to how much it costs you.  04. Offer unique promotions and offers Gyms are often very community centered businesses. This makes gym users sensitive to unique promotions and offers. Some examples of these that you could try as part of your gym marketing efforts include:  Seasonal deals : Offer special rates during New Year’s or summer when people are more motivated to start their fitness journey. Referral discounts:  Encourage members to bring friends by providing incentives for both parties. For example, if a current user refers a set number of friends, they can get 10% of their membership and so can their friends.  05. Build an engaged community  When it comes to gym marketing, the nature of this business makes building a community crucial to your marketing efforts and their success, especially in the long term. Some popular community focused marketing efforts include:  Hosting events:  Organize fitness challenges or health fairs to engage with potential members. You can run these from your gym, which also allows potential users to see your facilities in person.  Support local causes:  Sponsor local sports teams or charity events to show you care about the community and in  order to get your name out there and in front of fitness enthusiasts.  Social media marketing : Building a community online is also important when it comes to marketing your gym. Start off by choosing the social media platform where your target audience is most likely to be found. You might have to conduct some research to uncover this. Then focus on creating the content which will resonate most closely with them - be this workout videos, gym tours or other ideas.  06. Develop a referral network Word-of-mouth marketing  is a powerful tool when running a gym. For this reason consider using. Referral programs:  Create a system where current members can easily refer friends and family. Incentivized referrals : Offer rewards such as free merchandise, discounts, or membership upgrades for successful referrals. 07. Make use of content marketing Content is king in attracting new gym members and content marketing  is what makes this possible. Consider starting a fitness blog  where you share fitness tips, nutrition advice and success stories on your blog. You can use this to create a community and then lead them to sign up for tours of your gym.  Content marketing can also include the creation of videos, to be distributed on YouTube or social media. This can include workout videos, gym tours, real gym users working out in your gym, short sessions on using your equipment and any number of ideas.  08. Focus on customer services Excellent customer service is what will make potential users sign up for your gym and what will retain them too. You’ll need to make sure that your team provides excellent service at every touchpoint while you maintain a clean, welcoming environment with up-to-date equipment. It’s also recommended to regularly ask for member input to understand their needs and preferences better. Discover more strategies: Small business marketing How to get started with gym marketing Embarking on gym marketing as an effective type of marketing  requires a structured approach. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you initiate an effective gym marketing strategy that resonates with your target audience and aligns with your business goals. 01. Identify your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) Determine what sets your gym apart from competitors. It could be your state-of-the-art equipment, unique classes, experienced trainers,or community atmosphere. 02. Define your target audience Understand who your ideal members are. Consider factors like age, fitness level, interests and location. All of these factors will influence where you target them and how you speak to them.  03. Set specific marketing goals Establish clear, measurable objectives for what you want to achieve with your marketing efforts, such as increasing membership by a certain percentage or boosting engagement by x percentage on social media platforms. 04. Develop your branding Create a strong brand identity that includes a memorable logo, consistent color scheme, and an overall aesthetic that reflects the ethos of your gym. 05. Analyze your competitors Keep an eye on what other gyms are doing so you can identify gaps in the market and opportunities to differentiate yourself. 06. Monitor and adjust your strategy Regularly review the performance of your marketing activities using analytics tools to understand what's working and what isn't so you can make informed adjustments as needed. Why start gym marketing? Investing in a dedicated marketing approach for your gym business can lead to significant business benefits. Here's why you should prioritize gym marketing and the advantages it can bring to your fitness venture. Increase membership and retention rates : Effective marketing strategies can attract new members and keep them engaged, leading to higher retention rates. This then means you can put more effort into improving your core offering, your gym, rather than marketing strategies.  Enhance brand awareness : Consistent marketing efforts help build brand recognition, making your gym the first choice for those looking to start their fitness journey. Gain a competitive advantage : A strong marketing plan can set you apart from competitors, showcasing your unique offerings and drawing in clients who are looking for something different. Improve your Return on Investment (ROI) : By targeting the right audience with the right message, you can see a better return on your marketing spend compared to more scattergun approaches. Gym marketing FAQ Navigating the world of gym marketing can raise many questions. Here are answers to some common queries that can help clarify the essentials of promoting your fitness business effectively. How do I attract clients to my gym? Attracting clients involves a mix of strategies such as offering compelling promotions, maintaining an active social media presence, hosting community events, providing exceptional customer service, and ensuring your gym stands out through unique branding and services. How often should I post on social media for my gym? Consistency is key. Aim for a regular posting schedule that keeps your audience engaged without overwhelming them. This could be several times a week or daily, depending on your resources and the level of engagement you receive. Can digital marketing help increase my gym's membership? Absolutely. Digital marketing can significantly increase your reach and attract new members through targeted campaigns, SEO, content marketing, email newsletters, and more. What is a great famous gym marketing example? Gymshark's marketing is a great example due to its influencer partnerships, strong social media presence and community-building efforts. They rely heavily on fitness influencers to create authentic content, engage with their audience on platforms like Instagram and YouTube and host events. All of these efforts help build a loyal, motivated community and boosting brand visibility and sales. Are there any specific qualifications required for gym marketing jobs? While formal qualifications in marketing or related fields can be beneficial, experience in digital marketing tools, creativity in campaign planning, and an understanding of the fitness industry are often more important for these roles.

Regardless of your industry or niche—whether you have a blog, an online store or an eCommerce website —designing with a mobile-first approach will ensure your site meets the expectations of your mobile users when it comes to speed, appearance, ease of navigation and overall user experience. With over 80% of internet users surfing the web on mobile devices and up to 70% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, you must optimize your website for mobile use. If you’re wondering why designing a mobile website is important, consider the fact that nearly half of Americans consider themselves “addicted” to cell phones. We scan QR codes , navigate GPS, take photos, track steps, sleep next to, and, of course, browse the internet on our phones every day. You’re probably reading this on your mobile phone right now. In this article, we’ll cover what mobile-first design is, why it matters and how to make a website mobile-friendly . What is mobile-first design? As the name suggests, mobile-first design refers to the philosophy of designing your website around mobile users’ needs. Mobile-first website design considers smaller screens’ limits right from the start for a better mobile user experience. This mobile-first approach is rooted in progressive advancement, when a designer creates a website layout specifically for mobile and adapts to bigger screens later on. This method opposes graceful degradation, or designing for a larger screen and working backwards to the smallest. A user can obtain only so much content from a device’s dimensions. For example, a visitor has ample space to view and consume a website’s content on a 27-inch Mac monitor. However, another user viewing your site on their iPhone 11 or Galaxy 12 screen will have an entirely different experience. Mobile-first design streamlines your UX design efforts by optimizing the most essential features for users. Tip: When you create a website with a mobile website creator like the Wix Editor, it automatically creates a mobile-friendly site from your desktop version by resizing your content and layout for smaller screens. You can edit your mobile site from the mobile Editor . Adaptive and responsive design Designers use two main approaches when it comes to mobile website design: responsive and adaptive. We have an in-depth article covering responsive vs adaptive design , but let’s quickly go over how they differ: Adaptive web design (AWD): Uses fixed layouts and chooses the best option for the user's screen size. Adaptations are limited to what the web designer has created. Adaptive web designs fit into these standard viewports; 320 px, 480 px, 760 px, 960 px, 1200 px and 1600 px. Responsive web design (RWD): Automatically hides, shrinks or enlarges a site to improve display on any device (mobile or desktop). Responsive design fluidly adjusts a website’s appearance according to the browser window’s size. Why is mobile-first design important? Mobile technology continuously evolves—with ever-enhancing speed, higher quality video streaming capabilities and advances in wireless connectivity—changing the very way we manage our day-to-day lives. In fact, Sony predicts phones will soon overtake DSLR cameras , proving that technological advances can impact any industry. Many companies have also shifted to hybrid work models and adopted new mobile communications strategies . Mobile-first design matters for the following reasons: 01. Improved user experience with UX design Mobile device trends reveal both challenges and opportunities for UX and web designers. However, at its core, mobile-first design puts user experience front and center. As the Interaction Design Foundation states, “[UX designers] tailor experiences to match mobile environments. Attention spans are short in mobile UX. Users want results fast, with minimal effort and zero friction. They’re often distracted.” With this in mind, mobile-formatted websites inherently offer an optimized and more well-thought-out user experience. 02. Accessibility Mobile-first design provides users with greater control over when and where they can access a website. As The Drum reports, “Perhaps the best approach is to think of the internet experience as a fluid thing which should not depend on what browser or OS or device you use. The precedent here is web accessibility – making websites easy to use by people with disabilities, primarily sight impairment.” By designing or even redesigning a website for mobile accessibility, you’ll include users who your content may have otherwise excluded. As the same article shares, “in the same way that not considering a mobile user excludes them from your desktop site.” For example, mobile-first design makes e-learning accessible and usable , since mobile users can use voice commands or listen to content while driving or exercising, turning otherwise unproductive time into learning opportunities. Tip: Want to make your website more accessible? Check out Wix’s Accessibility Wizard . 03. Better website performance Mobile optimization is a core principle of website performance . In fact, research shows that when mobile retail site speed improves by 0.1 second, conversion improves by 8.4%. Not to mention that Google has used mobile-first indexing for over a decade, primarily crawling and indexing the pages that adhere to a mobile-first design. Basically, the better you design a site for mobile use, the easier the use—and the better the performance. Following mobile website best practices like a strategic content hierarchy and optimizing images, can help ensure your site is living its best/strongest mobile life. 04. Scalability A mobile-first approach will help you scale your design across different devices. When you conceptualize an idea on mobile, you’ll find it easier to adjust your content to meet desktop needs. For example, it’s easier to add website elements to a desktop version (which has bigger screen real estate) than take them away to fit your mobile site. Tip: Consider upgrading your mobile presence and enhancing your mobile experience with a mobile app. You can use Wix’s app builder to create a branded mobile app that aligns with your business needs. Mobile-first = content first Always remember that content is key when designing with a mobile-first mindset. Users viewing your site on mobile have way less space than a desktop monitor, so you’ll have to strategically decide what content to include. As Khalil Habashi, technical and UX designer for Wix, explains, “Any piece of content that we can make available for users to see on their mobile device, is a choice—by design. Showing content in different ways matters. For example, using a carousel instead of scrolling, or vertical scrolling vs. horizontal can all impact the user experience on mobile.” Since mobile users don’t view content with a mouse or a keyboard, Habashi adds that web designers must make the content easily browsable. For example, when using tap and scroll gestures on mobile, hover effects are not optimal on these devices. He also adds that collapsible tabs or menus can maximize the space and make content available to mobile users. Tip: In the Wix Mobile Editor , your mobile view reflects your desktop view, which means it displays all the same elements and content. The Editor automatically resizes your fonts, images and elements for optimal view, which gives you time to make the mobile experience truly unique. Mobile-first design principles Consider these key elements when designing a website with a mobile-first approach. Content first. Always consider your content first and strategically choose what is most important. Visitors will see your header content on both your mobile and desktop site, so ensure it instantly conveys your brand identity. For example, your desktop version might include extra decorative imagery for viewers, but with less space on a mobile version you'll want to ensure the imagery you display best conveys your brand identity, such as your logo and product images. Navigation. Help users move around on your mobile site and meaningfully consume your content by following strategic website navigation tips like adding clear CTAs and choosing the right menus. Many designers will opt for a hamburger menu to make the most out of the usable space on a mobile screen. Hierarchy. Consider website hierarchy when designing your website layout for mobile users. Carefully plot out your website content by adding ​​headers and subheaders, utilizing white space, creating image blocks and optimizing navigation tools. User-friendly interface. Beyond content and visuals, ensure your mobile-first design is user-friendly. For example, mobile users have direct access to their camera, touch screens, finger and face recognition as well as autocomplete fields. This means that you must attend to your website buttons, as a mobile site user will have higher chances of clicking the wrong button. Test on real devices. Before you publish, test your mobile site on real devices to understand how your user will experience your site. Try it on different screen sizes and devices to catch any variances between them. Tip: Use Wix’s Mobile Editor to easily optimize your pages' layout, change the background, hide desktop content or replace it with mobile-only elements. Here, you can optimize your user’s experience with elements like a “Back to Top” button and a “Quick Action” bar. Ready to create your mobile site? Get inspired with these mobile website examples.

Since the start of COVID-19, many workplaces have had to move online and get used to working remotely. This has posed a challenge for many employees and managers alike as everyone has had to learn to navigate new work norms. But remote work is here to stay even after the pandemic ends, so it’s worth getting comfortable with managing remote teams. Read Also: How to start a business Whether you’re new to leading remote teams or it’s something you’ve become familiar with, there are always ways to improve your workflow and make you and your team’s jobs easier. For example, we encourage you to consider using task management tools, or to build a website that all employees can refer to for updates and information. This article will dive into more tips like these as well as some of the common challenges faced by remote teams and what you can do to better manage your remote employees. For even more HR tips, check out our human resource guidebook . Common challenges of remote work As a manager, remote work may seem like a much bigger headache than it’s worth, especially if you’re used to working with a tight-knit team. While it’s true that there are some significant challenges to overcome, that doesn’t make remote work impossible. Let’s take a closer look at some of the challenges that arise from remote work so that we can have a better sense of how to tackle them. 01. Difficult to manage face-to-face Many small business owners and managers think that their employees won’t work as well if they’re not there to visually supervise them. It’s a lot easier to track an employee’s work when they’re working next to you as opposed to at home where they might be slacking off. However, while you may have the odd employee who takes advantage of a work-from-home model, that’s certainly not the case for all of your workers and there are ways you can make sure to stay on top of what your employees are accomplishing. 02. Tricky to onboard new employees Perhaps it’s easier for you to trust your existing employees with remote work as you’re already familiar with their work style and know what kind of output to expect. But, when it comes to onboarding new employees, there’s a lot that’s lost when you do that remotely. New employees likely need extra attention and closer supervision to help them learn the ropes, and oftentimes jumping straight into remote work can feel unnerving and confusing. 03. Hard to maintain company culture It’s not only the work and productivity aspect of your team that you need to worry about but also your company culture. If your team is used to weekly happy hours, regular outings, or having lunch with their co-workers, then the lack of socializing when working remotely can have a negative impact on their job satisfaction. 04. Working remotely can be distracting Many employees prefer the freedom and flexibility of working from home, but for others, the potential distractions might be a nightmare. This can mean getting distracted by those that live with you, not having the right work-from-home setup, or employees easily losing focus because of their surroundings. It can also be difficult to know how to motivate employees to work well within these difficult environments. 05. Lack of communication There’s no doubt that getting clear and instantaneous answers is easier when all your employees are under one roof. Remote work might lead to some communication breakdowns where your team isn’t aware of what to prioritize or what others are currently working on. It’s easy to miss an email with a quick question from your co-worker, but much more difficult if they come up to your desk in an office. 8 tips for managing remote employees The challenges might seem insurmountable, and while it’s true that you’re likely always going to face some distraction or miscommunication, that doesn’t mean remote work needs to be difficult. With the right mindset, a few useful tools and these tips, you can get your remote team to operate as smoothly as they would from the office. 01. Set expectations and review them frequently Take the time to sit down with your team to set out clear expectations and guidelines on how they can effectively work from home. These guidelines can include instructions like letting others know when they are stepping away from their workstation or being consistent in their use of collaborative tools. You may have an open-door policy in the office, or you’re used to speaking with your co-workers regularly throughout the day, but you won’t have this opportunity for in-person discussions anymore in a remote work setting. That’s why it’s important to take time to regularly check in with your employees and get feedback, especially if you’re just transitioning to remote work. Collect feedback on what has worked and what hasn’t. From there, you can amend your remote policies and guidelines to make them more comfortable for everyone involved. 02. Communicate with your team often Whether it’s a quick 5-minute call in the morning to plan out tasks for the day, a weekly or monthly meeting, or texts to check on the progress of a project, make sure you’re regularly engaging with each employee. A good way to do this is to schedule video meetings at regular intervals and at the same time each day or week. This will allow your team members to get used to communicating on a regular basis so they don’t feel like they’re working on their own. 03. Don’t over-communicate While communicating with remote teams is essential, make sure you’re not over-communicating. Since the start of the pandemic when many teams shifted to a remote work model, many employees reported “Zoom fatigue,” where they felt exhausted by the excessive use of virtual platforms and the constant need to be available. Emailing, calling, texting, or holding a business meeting too often can have the adverse effect and leave your employees feeling burnt out, uninspired and irritated. To avoid this, make sure you define what communications are essential or time-sensitive, and which are less urgent. By striking the right balance between video calls, meetings and other types of less immediate messages, your employees won’t feel overloaded. 04. Schedule remote social events While many people will love the shift to working remotely and the benefits it affords them, others may miss certain aspects of working in an office, particularly the social ones. Set aside time to continue with your office traditions, or make time for new ones. Here are a few ideas: Schedule a virtual happy hour. Send your employees a nice lunch to their homes. Hold occasional in-person training events. Plan a company outing or retreat once or twice a year where all your employees can get together in one place. Celebrate company success, accomplishments, or personal and professional milestones of individual employees with things like email shoutouts or virtual hangouts. Encourage team members to have one-on-one chats when a new hire joins your company. A common difficulty with remote work is that employees feel like they’re “out of sight, out of mind.” By maintaining your company’s social culture, you’ll be able to keep your employees happy and ensure that they continue to feel appreciated even when you’re not always together. 05. Give your team the resources they need You can’t send your employees home with a laptop and expect that everything will run smoothly. In order to ensure remote teams function at their peak, you need to provide them with the right tools and resources. Of course every remote worker will need to ensure they have reliable WiFi and a comfortable working environment, but you also need to be sure they have access to tools that help guarantee a good workflow. When it comes to software, if you weren’t already using any project management, time management, or collaborative communication tools in your office before, now’s the time to start. Try out tools like Slack, Salesforce, Zoom, Trello, or Asana to see what your team works best with and be sure everyone can access these platforms remotely. 05. Focus on project outcomes, not individual productivity Stay goal-oriented instead of micromanaging your employees’ productivity every day. It’s easier to be focused when working from an office than at home where you might have unavoidable distractions. Sometimes your employees may seem unproductive on certain days, but that doesn’t mean they’re slacking or that they won’t complete a project on time. Instead of focusing mainly on your team’s day-to-day production and work activity, check-in with employees to see what the status is on a goal, task or overall project. 06. Stay flexible and understanding When working from home, your team isn’t only managing your expectations, but also their own struggles that you might not be aware of. That can be a sick kid that they need to care for, ongoing repairs in their home, or anything else that impedes their ability to be 100% focused on their work. The best thing you can do for your remote team is to offer flexibility and understanding. You might have set work hours, but sometimes life gets in the way and an employee needs to finish up their tasks on their own schedule. Each employee is likely handling remote work differently, so be sure to be flexible with your employees who need it most, while also reiterating your expectations so that certain exceptions don’t become habits. 07. Encourage new ideas Some people feel most creative when they’re around others and are able to draw inspiration from multiple sources. Others feel more innovative when they’re on their own and able to reflect. Don’t assume that just because your team isn’t together to regularly brainstorm that innovation should take a backseat. Once you and your team start to get more comfortable with working remotely, encourage them to explore new ideas or projects. That might mean asking them to share new processes or programs they’ve used while working on their own, or diving deeper into mistakes, either their own or the team’s, to see what can be improved. This type of self-reflection promoted an environment in which employees explore their own entrepreneurship and aren’t afraid to take risks. It’s a lot more engaging for employees to feel like they have the freedom and trust to be creative and take risks, especially if they’re not around to ask for your permission or feedback every step of the way. 08. Provide recognition Recognizing your employees’ accomplishments isn’t only for remote teams and should be done regularly regardless of where your team works from. However, it’s especially important when you’re not around your team often. Workers want to feel like they’re still contributing to the team and company, and they want to know that their managers are happy with the work they’re doing. In other words, they want to feel seen, even if you’re not seeing them do the work in person. Aside from recognition for their accomplishments, it’s equally important that you give your employees the space to voice their concerns or stresses about remote work. If they’re feeling anxious about balancing their personal responsibilities while working from home, make sure to ask how you can help. Sometimes simply airing their concerns so that you’re aware of their circumstances is enough to make an employee feel more at ease.