Get the perfect domain for your eCommerce store: find your domain→ Selling on Amazon typically costs between 8% and 15% in referral fees per sale, depending on your product category, plus fulfillment and account fees on top. Whether you're launching an eCommerce website or learning how to sell on Amazon, understanding the full cost breakdown upfront will help you protect your margins. Wix integrates eCommerce stores with Amazon, eBay and Google marketplaces, making it easy to manage all your sales channels from one place. This guide walks you through every Amazon selling fee, from mandatory charges to optional upgrades, with tips on how to reduce your costs. Ready to start selling online? Build a custom online store with Wix and get the tools to sell, manage and grow your business from one dashboard. Customize every detail, reach customers across channels and market your brand with built-in SEO and marketing tools. TL;DR: how much does it cost to sell on Amazon Selling on Amazon costs $0.99 per item sold on an Individual plan or $39.99 per month on a Professional plan, plus a referral fee on every sale and per-unit fulfillment charges if Amazon ships your orders. What you actually pay depends on your product category, the size and weight of each package and whether you or Amazon handles fulfillment. Cost What you pay Selling plan $0.99 per item sold on the Individual plan, or $39.99 per month on the Professional plan Referral fee A percentage of the total sales price set by category, with a $0.30 minimum in most categories Media closing fee $1.80 per media item sold FBA fulfillment Per unit, based on size tier, shipping weight and price band FBA storage Monthly, based on your daily average volume in cubic feet, higher in the last quarter 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): Best 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 to compete for the featured offer, 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. The break-even point between the two plans sits at about 40 units a month. Below that the per-item charge costs less than the subscription, and above it the subscription wins. 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: what Amazon takes on each sale 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. Most categories sit at 15%, some drop to 8% and a few run well above that. A few examples: Automotive and powersports - 12% Backpacks/handbags/luggage - 15% Clothing and accessories - 5% up to $15, 10% from $15 to $20, 17% above $20 Footwear - 15% Home and Kitchen - 15% Pet supplies - 15%, except 22% for veterinary diets 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 total sales price above $10 is subject to a 15% referral fee. The opposite is true for categories such as appliances, 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 $0.30 in almost every category, with fine art the main exception at $1.00. View the full list of referral fees by category here. Media items carry one more charge on top of the referral fee. Books, DVDs, music, software, video games and video game consoles all pay a closing fee of $1.80 per item sold. 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. FBA products gain the highly coveted "Prime" status on their listings, giving you a major competitive advantage in terms of ranking or winning the Buy Box and the ability to offer expedited shipping to millions of Prime users. However, because Amazon does the work for you, you will be subject to multiple fees. Amazon FBA fulfillment fees: charged per unit by size, weight and price For any item enrolled in FBA, you pay a fulfillment fee each time Amazon ships a unit to a customer. Three things set the rate. The size tier your packaged product falls into, its shipping weight and which of three price bands the item sells in. Anything under $10 gets a discounted rate, items from $10 to $50 sit in the middle band and anything above $50 pays the most, because Amazon applies extra handling to those orders. Shipping weight is not always the number on your scale. For large standard items and anything bulkier, Amazon charges on whichever is greater, the unit weight or the dimensional weight. A light product in a big box gets billed like a heavy one. Small standard (non-apparel), non-peak rates Any non-apparel item with a maximum size of 15” x 12” x 0.75”. Fees are charged on unit weight. Shipping weight Under $10 $10 to $50 Over $50 2 oz or less $2.43 $3.32 $3.58 2+ to 4 oz $2.49 $3.42 $3.68 4+ to 6 oz $2.56 $3.45 $3.71 6+ to 8 oz $2.66 $3.54 $3.80 8+ to 10 oz $2.77 $3.68 $3.94 10+ to 12 oz $2.82 $3.78 $4.04 12+ to 14 oz $2.92 $3.91 $4.17 14+ to 16 oz $2.95 $3.96 $4.22 Non-peak rates. Peak rates apply from mid-October through mid-January, plus a 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge. Large standard (non-apparel), non-peak rates Any non-apparel item with a maximum size of 18” x 14” x 8”. Shipping weight Under $10 $10 to $50 Over $50 4 oz or less $2.91 $3.73 $3.99 4+ to 8 oz $3.13 $3.95 $4.21 8+ to 12 oz $3.38 $4.20 $4.46 12+ to 16 oz $3.78 $4.60 $4.86 1+ to 1.25 lb $4.22 $5.04 $5.30 1.25+ to 1.5 lb $4.60 $5.42 $5.68 1.5+ to 1.75 lb $4.75 $5.57 $5.83 1.75+ to 2 lb $5.00 $5.82 $6.08 2+ to 2.25 lb $5.10 $5.92 $6.18 2.25+ to 2.5 lb $5.28 $6.10 $6.36 2.5+ to 2.75 lb $5.44 $6.26 $6.52 2.75+ to 3 lb $5.85 $6.67 $6.93 3+ to 20 lb $6.15 plus $0.08 per 4 oz over 3 lb $6.97 plus $0.08 per 4 oz over 3 lb $7.23 plus $0.08 per 4 oz over 3 lb Non-peak rates, with the same peak period and surcharge as above. Apparel carries its own rate card. The gap is smaller than sellers expect on light items and wider on heavier ones. A 2 oz apparel item in the middle price band runs $3.51 against $3.32 for non-apparel, and a 4 oz large standard apparel item runs $4.30 against $3.73. Dangerous goods sit on a separate and higher rate card again. Products priced under $10 also receive Low-Price FBA rates automatically, averaging $0.86 less per unit than the figures above. If you are planning fourth-quarter inventory, budget against the peak rates rather than these. Amazon FBA inventory storage fees: starting at $0.56 per cubic foot On top of fulfillment fees, Amazon charges a monthly storage fee for the space your inventory takes up in its fulfillment centers. The charge is calculated on your daily average volume in cubic feet, measured on the fully packaged unit, and it climbs sharply in the last quarter of the year when warehouse space is tightest. Two components make up the bill. Every seller pays a base rate set by size tier and time of year. Slow-moving inventory can also trigger a storage utilization surcharge, which is where storage costs quietly get expensive. Size tier January to September October to December Standard-size $0.78 per cubic foot $2.40 per cubic foot Oversize $0.56 per cubic foot $1.40 per cubic foot Dangerous goods, standard-size $0.99 per cubic foot $3.63 per cubic foot Dangerous goods, oversize $0.78 per cubic foot $2.43 per cubic foot Storage utilization surcharge Amazon compares how much inventory you hold against how much you ship over a rolling 13 week window. Hold more than 22 weeks of supply and a surcharge lands on top of your base rate for every unit that has been sitting longer than 30 days. It applies once you have a Professional account, your first shipment landed more than a year ago and you average at least 25 cubic feet of daily volume. Newer and smaller sellers pay the base rate only. Storage utilization ratio Standard-size Oversize Below 22 weeks No surcharge No surcharge 22 to 28 weeks $0.44 $0.23 28 to 36 weeks $0.76 $0.46 36 to 44 weeks $1.16 $0.63 44 to 52 weeks $1.58 $0.76 Over 52 weeks $1.88 $1.26 At the top band, a standard-size product stored through the holiday quarter costs $4.28 per cubic foot each month against the $2.40 a fast-moving seller pays for the same space. 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. Other fees worth knowing about include the following. Aged inventory surcharge Amazon charges this on top of your monthly storage fee for any unit that has been sitting in a fulfillment center for 181 days or longer. It is assessed from an inventory snapshot taken on the fifteenth of each month, and inventory age is counted first in, first out across the whole network, so a unit you just shipped is deducted from your oldest stock rather than your newest. Inventory age Surcharge 181 to 210 days $0.50 per cubic foot 211 to 240 days $1.00 per cubic foot 241 to 270 days $1.50 per cubic foot 271 to 300 days $5.45 per cubic foot 301 to 330 days $5.70 per cubic foot 331 to 365 days $5.90 per cubic foot 366 to 455 days $6.90 per cubic foot or $0.30 per unit, whichever is greater 456 days or more $7.90 per cubic foot or $0.35 per unit, whichever is greater The first three bands exclude clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry and watches. Note the jump between 270 and 271 days, where the rate more than triples. That cliff is the strongest argument there is for clearing slow stock before it reaches it. Returns processing fee How this works depends on what you sell. Apparel and shoes pay the fee on every customer return with no threshold. Every other category pays only on returns that push a product above its own return rate threshold, which Amazon sets by fee category. Your return rate is the share of a month's shipped units that come back during that month and the two months after it. Products that shipped fewer than 25 units in a month are exempt. Category Return rate threshold Toys and games 4.7% Office products 4.4% Media 5.1% Beauty, health and personal care 5.5% Home and kitchen 8.1% Baby products 9.3% Pet products 10.2% Consumer electronics 11.2% Backpacks, handbags and luggage 12.8% The fee itself runs from $1.65 per unit on the lightest apparel to $5.00 and up on heavier standard-size items, scaling with size tier and shipping weight the same way fulfillment fees do. The threshold structure means a high-return product can look profitable on paper and lose money in practice. Removal, disposal and liquidation You can have Amazon ship unsold inventory back to you or dispose of it, and both cost the same per unit. Sellers usually place these orders to escape the aged inventory surcharge before stock crosses the next age band. Shipping weight Standard-size Bulky and extra-large 0 to 0.5 lb $0.84 $3.12 up to 1 lb 0.5+ to 1 lb $1.53 $3.12 1+ to 2 lb $2.27 $4.30 2+ to 4 lb $2.89 plus $1.06 per lb over 2 lb $6.36 4+ to 10 lb $2.89 plus $1.06 per lb over 2 lb $10.04 Over 10 lb $2.89 plus $1.06 per lb over 2 lb $14.32 plus $1.06 per lb over 10 lb There is a third option. Liquidation hands the stock to a liquidation partner instead, and Amazon takes a 15% liquidations referral fee on the recovery value plus a processing fee starting at $0.25 per unit. It recovers less than a clean sale but more than a disposal order. Inbound placement and inbound defect fees Amazon charges an inbound placement service fee for spreading your inventory across fulfillment centers when you send it to a single location. Standard-size rates run from $0.14 to $1.90 per unit depending on size, weight and region. Ship to five or more locations yourself with matching cartons and the fee drops to zero. Separately, shipments that never arrive, arrive late or land at the wrong location carry an inbound defect fee averaging $0.60 per unit. Multi-Channel Fulfillment orders FBA can also fulfill orders that come from your own store or another sales channel, at higher rates than Amazon orders. A single-unit standard delivery starts at $7.34 for the smallest items and $7.56 for large standard items. The per-unit rate drops steeply as order size grows, so a four-unit order of the same small item costs $3.64 per unit. Expedited two-day delivery costs more again, and the fuel and logistics surcharge applies here too. Some sales channels prohibit fulfilling their orders through FBA, so check the rules before routing orders this way. 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 put your products into paid placements across the marketplace. These ads are pay-per-click, meaning you only pay when someone clicks. What you spend depends on the keywords you bid on and the daily budget you set, so this is one of the few lines on your bill you control directly. Premium account services: hands-on help from an account manager 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. Amazon no longer publishes SAS Core pricing, so you need to request a quote through Seller Central. 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: $0.001 per SKU Amazon charges $0.001 per SKU per month to cover the cost of cataloging large inventories, and waives the fee on the first 1.5 million SKUs. Every SKU across every category counts toward that allowance regardless of when it was created or whether it has ever sold. A catalog of 1.6 million SKUs pays $100 a month on the 100,000 above the allowance. Refund administration fee: $5 or 20% of referral fee (whichever is less) When you refund a customer for an order they have already paid for, Amazon returns the referral fee minus a refund administration fee, which is the lesser of $5.00 or 20% of the referral fee. Refund a $10.00 item in a category with a 15% referral fee and the referral fee is $1.50, so the refund administration fee is $0.30. An example of an Amazon bill Fees are easier to judge against a real order than against a rate card. Marketplace costs vary widely, and the cost of selling on Etsy works out differently again. Here is how a single Amazon sale breaks down. 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 $25 under the Toys & Games category. So, your customer pays $25 for a board, gets fast and free shipping thanks to Prime, so the total sales price Amazon calculates its fee on is $25. 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) -$4.20 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 $11.74 (46.96%) Amazon's Revenue Calculator gives you the exact fulfillment and referral charges for a specific product before you commit to it. Enter the category, price, dimensions and weight, then compare the FBA estimate against the cost of shipping the order yourself. Is it cheaper to sell on your own website than on Amazon Selling on your own website removes the per-sale commission but replaces it with a monthly platform cost and payment processing on every order, so which one costs less comes down to your volume and your margin rather than the platform itself. A marketplace charges you most in the months you sell most. Your own store charges roughly the same whether the month is quiet or a record. Comparison Selling on Amazon Selling on your own store Cost per order Referral fee set by product category, plus fulfillment charges Payment processing on the transaction Fixed monthly cost Selling plan subscription Platform plan and domain Traffic Built-in shopper demand, with advertising to stay visible You build it through SEO, email and social Customer data Held by the marketplace Yours to keep and market to Branding A listing layout shared with every other seller Full control of the storefront Channel risk Policy and account changes sit outside your control You own the channel The practical answer for most sellers is not one or the other. A marketplace listing buys reach, and your own store protects margin on the customers who already know you. Wix eCommerce lets business owners sell products, services, bookings, courses, memberships and donations from one platform, no plugins required. That keeps the fixed side of the equation predictable as you add revenue streams, instead of stacking a subscription for every new thing you want to sell. You can build an online store and run it alongside your marketplace listings rather than choosing between the two. 2 ways to save on your Amazon selling fees Two thresholds decide whether storage stays cheap. Keep your storage utilization ratio under 22 weeks to avoid the surcharge on top of your base rate, and clear stock before it passes 270 days in a fulfillment center. Amazon lets you submit a removal or disposal order up to the fourteenth of the month and the unit escapes that month's surcharge even if it has not physically left yet. 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 like this. 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. 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 the following. Tighter margins Fluctuating fees Lots of competition, especially around price Less control over your branding Our top tip is to 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. Did you know? Wix enables omnichannel eCommerce by connecting online stores to marketplaces, social commerce platforms and in-person point-of-sale systems from a single dashboard. How much does it cost to sell on Amazon FAQ Can you sell on Amazon for free Selling on Amazon is never completely free, but you can start without a monthly subscription by choosing the Individual plan and paying $0.99 for each item you sell. You still pay a referral fee on every sale, and fulfillment charges on top of that if Amazon ships your orders. The only cost you avoid is the monthly plan fee. What percentage does Amazon take from each sale Amazon takes a referral fee set by your product category, and most categories sit at 15% of the total sales price. A few are lower, some are tiered so the rate changes at set price points, and a small number run much higher. Most categories also carry a minimum referral fee, which matters on low-priced items where the percentage works out to less than the floor. Is the referral fee calculated on the price including tax The referral fee is calculated on the total sales price, which is the item price plus any shipping and gift wrap charges you collect. Sales tax is not part of that figure. Sellers often overestimate their fees by including tax in the calculation. Do you still pay Amazon fees when a customer returns an item Amazon refunds most of the referral fee when you refund a customer, but it keeps a refund administration charge, so a refunded order still costs you something. If the order was fulfilled by Amazon, a returns processing charge can apply as well. Returns are rarely cost-neutral, which is why high-return categories need wider margins. Is FBA cheaper than shipping orders yourself FBA is usually cheaper per unit than comparable premium carrier options, but it adds storage, returns and inventory-related charges that self-fulfillment does not. The answer depends on how fast your inventory sells. Fast-moving, compact products tend to come out ahead with FBA, while slow-moving or bulky stock can lose money to storage charges before it ever ships. Do you need to choose between Amazon and your own online store You do not have to choose, and most established sellers run both. An Amazon listing gives you reach, and your own store gives you the margin, the customer data and control over the brand. Wix integrates eCommerce stores with Amazon, eBay and Google marketplaces, making it easy to manage all your sales channels from one place.

Get the perfect domain for your eCommerce store: find your domain→ To sell on Instagram you need a business account, a product catalog and a website that can take the payment. Instagram is where people discover your products and your own site is where they buy them, so selling online and selling on social work as one setup rather than two. Using a free website builder makes the store side quick to set up. Instagram has passed 3 billion monthly active users, which puts one of the largest audiences in the world within reach of anyone starting a business. Reach alone does not sell anything, so Instagram works best as one piece of a wider marketing strategy that runs alongside the best online selling sites you already use. Wix allows merchants to sell directly on Instagram. That keeps your catalog and your product tags tied to the store that handles the checkout. This guide shows you how to sell on Instagram in five steps, which tactics lift sales and what Instagram checks before it approves a shop. Ready to start selling online? Build a custom online store with Wix and get the tools to sell, manage and grow your business from one dashboard. Customize every detail, reach customers across channels and market your brand with built-in SEO and marketing tools. TL;DR: how to sell on Instagram Selling on Instagram means converting your profile to a business account, connecting a product catalog, tagging products in your content and sending shoppers to a checkout on your own website. Instagram handles discovery and your site handles the sale, so both need to be connected before you post anything shoppable. What to check What it means Eligibility Physical goods, a supported market, a verified domain and a connected Facebook Page Setup A business or creator account plus a product catalog in Meta Commerce Manager Checkout The purchase completes on your website, not inside the app Cost Free to open a shop, you pay your own payment processor What performs Product tags in reels and posts, link stickers in stories, collections on your profile Wix empowers businesses to scale globally and sell across multiple channels from a single platform. Merchants can localize their stores with automatic translations, accept payments in multiple currencies and calculate taxes automatically for international sales. The platform also connects to major marketplaces like Amazon, eBay and Google, enables social commerce on TikTok and Instagram and allows businesses to launch branded mobile apps for iOS and Android. What is Instagram Shopping? Instagram Shopping transforms your Instagram profile into a visual shop, offering a seamless shopping experience for users. It allows you to: Tag your products: Tag products in posts, stories and reels, making it easy for users to be introduced to your products and then purchase them. Build a product catalog: Showcase a catalog of products on your Instagram profile. Set up a shop on your profile: Add a shop to your profile where users can browse your products and collections. Shoppers can tap a product, see the details and continue to your site to buy it. Shopping Analytics: Direct access to which products sell the best, allowing you to tweak your targeting and products to sell more. Learn more: eCommerce vs marketplaces, eCommerce vs social commerce How to sell on Instagram (with Instagram Shopping) in 5 steps Now we understand more about what it is. Let’s talk about how to set up your Instagram Shop. It’s fairly straightforward, and you can get started making money on Instagram in just five steps. Create an Instagram business account Create content to showcase your products or services Build an engaged following Promote or sell your products directly on Instagram Measure results 01. Create an Instagram business account If you don’t already have an Instagram business account, you’ll need to create a personal one first. Once you’ve got one set up, you can then convert it into a business account by clicking on your profile, heading to Settings and privacy, then scrolling down to Account type and tools under the For professionals tab. Tap Switch to a professional account. Follow the on-screen instructions, such as: Choosing what category your business is Setting up Instagram Shopping Connecting to your Facebook business page Adding products to your catalog Showcasing your brand While some of the steps are optional, completing them all may streamline the process. Once you have set up your account, make sure to optimize your bio and contact information by including relevant details, such as your business address and contact phone number. 02. Create content to showcase your products or services Creating relevant content can be an effective strategy in promoting your products, similar to utilizing multiple online marketplaces. Since Instagram is all about beautiful imagery, it’s crucial to create compelling content that inspires users to engage with and share the content that showcases your offerings. The simplest way to start is by featuring high-quality photos of each product from different angles and in various settings to give customers a clear idea of what you have to offer. Flat-lay photography can be an effective way to feature multiple products at once or share behind-the-scenes stories that show the effort put into creating each item. However, remember to create content that puts your audience and potential customers at the center. Like copywriting, it’s tempting to put your brand at the forefront. Think of ways to show how your products can be used and the benefits it’ll bring to the customers if they buy them. Take Highline Wigs, who could have just featured their products on mannequins. Instead, owner Sharon shares with her audience just how excited she is that her product is part of a customer’s special day. You can get even more creative with your content. Experiment with different posts such as Reels or Stories to showcase new arrivals or limited-time promotions. You can repurpose testimonials from other sales channels to increase social proof, which can be done with just text and minimal graphics or photography. Other Instagram marketing ideas you could try include: Tutorials that show customers how to use your products Incorporating user-generated content Writing engaging captions that tell a story and connect with your audience 03. Build an engaged following Posting content alone won’t get you more sales on Instagram. To truly succeed on the platform, you need to build an engaged following. When you start your Instagram account, it can take a while before you start seeing some ROI on your efforts. However, remember that your total follower count is only one metric, and a vanity one at that. On average, well under 1% of a follower base actively engages with a brand's content, and that share has fallen for two straight years. Instead of growing a large list of followers, focus on building an audience of engaged users. When you post content, it’s important to respond to any comments within the first few hours of posting. You can also drive post engagement by leaving a comment or two of your own that act as additional captions. To increase the reach of your content, include hashtags so it’s part of relevant conversations and topics. Using hashtags increases the chances that your content will appear in relevant search results, appearing in front of users who wouldn’t normally know of your brand or follow your account. Hashtag research tools can help you find the best hashtags for certain posts, and if you have your Instagram Shop connected to your Wix website, you can automatically add tags to your posts (and sync products to your Shop). It’s worth noting, however, that even the best hashtags do not guarantee views. Instagram has its own unique algorithm for choosing what’s shown on the results or Explore page. Still, you’ll want to give yourself the best shot by taking advantage of trending or popular tags. As you build your network over time, you can collaborate with other accounts to cross-share posts for extra exposure to new audiences. 04. Promote or sell your products directly on Instagram Shoppable posts can be influential, as they share what your products look like during specific use. And you can use shoppable posts in different content formats, like product stickers in Stories and the Shop tab on your profile, to showcase your products and encourage purchases. When users click on the product tags in your posts, they’ll be directed to the product listing of your choice. From there the purchase completes on your own site, since Instagram no longer processes the payment itself. Learn more: Can I see products on Wix? You can also run Instagram ads to launch targeted campaigns that expand your reach and drive more traffic to your products. These ads are an excellent way to enhance your shoppable posts, increase visibility and maximize your impact. If you prefer that users buy from your eCommerce site, you can easily connect your Instagram store with Wix for a seamless multichannel selling approach. (Note that Wix users must connect their site to Facebook in order to list products on Instagram. Learn how to sell on Facebook Marketplace.) From your website dashboard, you can also automate adding tags to Instagram posts and syncing products to your Instagram Shop, driving customers to check out your website for more information. Wix supports global and omnichannel eCommerce with multilingual storefronts, multi-currency payments, marketplace and social selling, mobile apps and integrated point-of-sale systems for online and offline sales. For a real-life example, Izzy Wheels utilizes an Instagram Shop to guide potential clients to their eCommerce site, where visitors can learn more about the products or make a purchase. The sister-owned, Dublin-based brand creates fun, vibrant and innovative wheel covers for wheelchairs. 05. Measure your results You can access Insights from your account settings, where there’s a wealth of information to monitor engagement and help you decide on how to tweak your content strategy. If you link back to your site, you can see how many visitors come from Instagram. Insights can also help you with your scheduling. When you click on Total Followers, you can see when your followers are most active. You’ll also be able to see demographics, such as: Locations (split from town/cities and countries) Age range Gender With the data, you’ll have a better idea of what type of content resonates with your audience based on impressions, reach and engagement. You can also use Wix Analytics for your eCommerce website to narrow down your key performance indicators (KPIs) by traffic source. For example, if your Instagram Shop is driving a certain percentage of traffic or sales for certain products, you’ll be able to see this info at a glance. Why sell on Instagram? There are a multitude of reasons why selling on Instagram can be a powerful and rewarding move for your business: Reach and engagement With more than 3 billion monthly active users, Instagram offers a huge potential customer base, increasing your brand exposure and reach significantly. But it's not just about numbers. Laser-focused targeting options let you pinpoint your ideal audience and landing your message right in their laps. Instagram's visual nature fosters greater engagement than other platforms, with users actively liking, commenting and sharing content. This translates to potentially higher conversion rates and brand loyalty. Visual storytelling and branding On Instagram, your brand is not static. It is a captivating story unfolding through stunning visuals. Photos, videos and stories become your stage, where you can showcase your products or services in a way that highlights features, entices customers and leaves a lasting impression. But it's not just about the product. It is about the perception. Instagram grants you the perfect canvas to curate a consistent, aesthetically pleasing brand identity that helps you build a loyal community. This community isn't just a passive audience; they're active participants in your story, engaging through comments, direct messages and live videos. This direct connection fosters genuine relationships, turning followers into brand advocates and propelling your success. eCommerce functionality Shoppable posts and product tags, coupled with seamless integration with eCommerce platforms like Wix, let customers purchase in a few taps, never leaving the app. On top of that, you can use the power of promotion through targeted Instagram ads, strategic influencer partnerships and branded hashtags that help ignite brand awareness and send sales soaring. Wix enables omnichannel eCommerce and marketplace/social selling with direct selling on Instagram. The best part is that powerful analytics tools unveil the secrets of user behavior, campaign performance and product engagement. This treasure trove of data lets you continuously refine your approach, ensuring every click transforms into a win. On Instagram, you don't just sell products. You optimize the entire journey, from initial interest to purchase, ensuring every step is as smooth and satisfying as a scroll through your perfectly curated feed. Learn more: What is multichannel eCommerce integration? Tips for succeeding on Instagram Creating your Instagram business profile is just the first step. Now, let's dive a bit deeper into how to make the most of this platform as a social commerce channel. Unlike traditional eCommerce where you have multiple touch points to convince a customer to make a purchase, social commerce brings the entire shopper journey onto social media platforms. Learning how to drive traffic to your content and promote products could significantly increase your bottom line. Place product stickers in Instagram Stories Instagram Stories are effective at driving sales because of their ability to deliver snackable content. Here are five ways to use product stickers in IG Stories: Highlight new or featured products with a “new arrival” or “featured item” sticker Add a link sticker that points directly to the product page for easy purchasing Share customer reviews or testimonials with a “happy customers” sticker Create themed story highlights showcasing different categories of products with corresponding stickers Use creative animations and designs for the stickers to make them eye-catching and visually appealing Product stickers simplify selling without being pushy, and encourage users to engage with your brand and explore what you have to offer. Curate your collections Curate product collections on your Instagram Shop to tell your brand's story and showcase products in an editorial way. By grouping products based on themes or styles, you create a more cohesive shopping experience. Collections help customers find what they're looking for and highlights your brand's uniqueness. For example, you could create a collection featuring complementary color schemes or designs for handmade ceramics. Product collections also showcase new arrivals or seasonal products. Remember to update collections regularly to attract users to your profile. Automate customer support Maintaining excellent customer service is crucial for running any eCommerce store. Good customer support plays a significant role in influencing customers' purchasing decisions. There is an effective way to handle customer queries promptly: automating customer support through chatbots. Chatbots can efficiently manage incoming messages to your eCommerce website and provide personalized responses by recognizing common keywords or questions. By automating responses, they save valuable time and energy while ensuring customers receive timely assistance. Chatbots can also set up follow-up messages based on previous conversations, enhancing the feeling of being heard and understood by customers. If you have a Wix website, the Wix Chat feature instantly connects you with your site visitors in real time, opening a direct line of communication with potential customers. You can set chat hours that work best for your business, reach out to customers directly as they browse and even send messages to visitors via WhatsApp. Remix content By enabling the Remix feature on Instagram, you're giving your customers the chance to put their own spin on your content. This not only encourages engagement, but also provides an opportunity for potential customers to see how others are using and enjoying your products. Remixing content doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's as simple as allowing others to edit or add their own photos or videos onto yours. For example, if you sell clothing items, encourage customers to show off how they've styled your pieces by remixing one of your posts. If you sell food products, ask customers to share their recipe ideas by adding them onto one of your recipe posts. Not only does this provide valuable user-generated content for your brand, but it also creates a sense of community among your followers who are able to connect through shared experiences with your product. Get featured on the Explore page Being featured on the Explore page introduces your brand to new audiences and potential followers. To maximize your chances of gaining organic traffic through this coveted feature, follow these guidelines: Engage with users regularly by responding to comments, sharing other users' posts or reposting relevant and high-quality content Experiment with new formats to stand out Use relevant hashtags and craft engaging captions to improve visibility Optimize your post timing by using Instagram Insights to identify peak activity times of your users Keep in mind newer posts won't appear in Explore but your goal is to drive engagement and impressions to your content. The Explore algorithm focuses on showing users new content based on their preferences and followed accounts. Therefore, strive to produce content worth checking out. While the Explore page may not immediately drive sales, being featured can organically increase your followers. Over time, these followers can become engaged users and potential customers as a result of your content strategy. Collaborate with influencers Look for influencers who share your brand values and appeal to your target audience. For instance, if you’re promoting a fitness product, collaborate with a fitness influencer to showcase a workout featuring your product. Keep communication open and set clear goals to ensure a successful mutually beneficial partnership. Encourage the influencers to share honest reviews, behind-the-scenes content or host giveaways that resonate with their followers. This builds trust, sparks interest and drives engagement with your brand. Are you qualified to sell on Instagram? If you’re considering selling on Instagram, there are several Instagram rules you need to meet to set up your store and continue running. Let’s look at the five criteria as listed by Instagram. Comply with Instagram’s policies: Complying with Instagram's terms and community guidelines is crucial for running a successful Instagram store. Avoid copyright infringement and illegal content, refrain from using fake followers or likes, and maintain transparency and honesty to build trust with your audience. Represent your business and your domain: You need to set up an Instagram business profile that reflects the store or website linked to your domain. This builds brand recognition and authenticity. Verify domain ownership by linking it to your Facebook page or Instagram professional account before creating an Instagram Shop. Be located in a supported market: To set up an Instagram Shop, your business needs to be in a supported marketplace (think selling on eBay). Instagram Shopping is available in a limited list of markets, and the purchase itself completes on your website. Demonstrate trustworthiness: To increase your brand's reputation on Instagram, focus on building a significant follower base with engagement, interact with followers through comments and messages, be transparent about business practices and respond promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and complaints. Provide accurate information and follow best practices: When selling products online, it's crucial to provide accurate information to build trust with your audience and avoid account suspension. Be transparent about your brand, values, pricing and offerings. After setting up your Instagram Shop, your account will be reviewed, so it's important to adhere to guidelines consistently. Learn more: Do you need a website to sell on Instagram Do you need a business license to sell on Instagram? Whether you need a business license to sell on Instagram depends on a few factors, mainly your location and the nature of your business. Instagram itself doesn't require a business license. However, the laws and regulations of your local area take precedence. You might need a license to operate your business even if you sell primarily online via Instagram according to the laws in your state. You'll need to consider the following: Location: Check with your local government or Small Business Administration (SBA) to understand the specific licenses and permits required for your type of business in your area. Business type: Some businesses, like selling food or products with age restrictions, may have additional licensing requirements. Tax registration: You may need to register for sales tax, even if you only sell online. How to sell on Instagram FAQ Can I sell directly on Instagram? You can showcase and tag products on Instagram, and the purchase completes on your own website. Instagram Shops let you display a product catalog on your profile and tag items in posts, stories and reels, so shoppers tap a product and land on your product page ready to buy. Instagram no longer processes the payment itself, which means a working store of your own is part of the setup rather than an optional extra. How much does it cost to sell on Instagram? Setting up a shop on Instagram is free, and Instagram does not take a cut of the sale. Your costs sit on your own side, mainly your website plan and your payment processor's transaction fee, plus whatever you choose to spend on ads. Can I sell on Instagram for free? You can sell on Instagram for free by setting up a shop, tagging your products and sending shoppers to your website to pay. The platform charges nothing for a shop or for product tags, so the only unavoidable cost is running the store that handles checkout. How to cross-promote my Instagram sale? Cross-promoting your Instagram sale involves leveraging other platforms: Share teasers on X, TikTok and Facebook to direct users to your Instagram profile. Utilize email marketing to notify subscribers about your Instagram sale. Create visually appealing pins on Pinterest or share posts on Tumblr linking back to your Instagram. Collaborate with influencers on different platforms to promote your Instagram sale. Share professional insights or announcements on LinkedIn to tap into a different audience. What's the easiest way to sell on Instagram? The easiest way to start selling is by converting your profile to a business account, connecting your product catalog and using product tags in your posts and stories. This allows users to tap on your products and buy them directly or learn more about them. How can I make my Instagram posts more shoppable? To make Instagram posts more shoppable: 1. Use product tags 2. Create clear, attractive product photos 3. Write compelling captions 4. Use relevant hashtags 5. Showcase products in use 6. Create carousel posts with multiple products 7. Add prices in descriptions 8. Use call-to-action phrases What's the difference between Instagram Shop and Facebook Shop? Instagram Shop is mobile-focused, Facebook Shop works on both mobile and desktop. Instagram Shop integrates seamlessly with Instagram's interface, Facebook Shop offers more customization options. Instagram Shop leverages visual content more effectively. Checkout processes differ slightly between the two. How do I create effective product catalogs for Instagram? To create effective product catalogs for Instagram: 1. Use high-quality, visually appealing images 2. Ensure consistent image sizes and styles 3. Write clear, concise product descriptions 4. Include accurate pricing information 5. Organize products into logical categories 6. Use relevant tags and keywords 7. Keep inventory updated regularly 8. Include multiple photos per product 9. Highlight bestsellers and new arrivals 10. Ensure mobile optimization 11. Use lifestyle images to showcase products in use 12. Include size and color variations 13. Sync catalog with your website inventory How can I use Instagram Reels for selling products? To use Instagram Reels for selling products showcase your product features and demonstrate its use with before and after videos. Share customer testimonial videos, as well as quick tutorials highlight the products benefits. Don't forget to include clear calls to action. How do I handle customer service on Instagram? To handle customer service on Instagram: 1. Respond promptly to comments and DMs 2. Use Instagram's 'Quick Replies' feature 3. Create a FAQ highlight 4. Offer personalized solutions 5. Use a friendly tone 6. Follow up on resolved issues 7. Monitor mentions and tags What are Instagram's requirements for becoming an approved seller? Instagram's requirements for approved sellers are that you must comply with their commerce policies. You must have an authentic, real presence on the platform. You need to be located in a supported market, sell physical goods and have a connected Facebook Page. Do you need a Facebook Page to sell on Instagram? Yes, an Instagram shop needs a connected Facebook Page, because both storefronts are managed through the same Meta commerce account. You set the connection up once, and after that your catalog, product tags and shop settings all live in one place. Can you sell digital products or services on Instagram? Instagram shops are limited to physical goods that ship, so digital downloads, subscriptions and services do not qualify for a product catalog. You can still promote them on Instagram and send people to your website to book or buy, which is how most service businesses use the platform. How long does it take to get an Instagram Shop approved? Approval usually takes anywhere from a day to a few weeks, depending on how quickly Meta reviews your account. Rejections are common on a first attempt and usually trace back to an unverified domain, a product type that is not eligible or a policy issue, all of which you can fix and resubmit.

Get the perfect domain for your eCommerce store: find your domain→ To sell on Etsy, open a shop, create listings with strong photos and accurate tags, price your items to cover materials and fees, then market the shop and ship orders promptly. Etsy is a marketplace built around handmade goods, vintage finds and craft supplies, which suits artists, makers and small business owners who want access to an existing audience rather than traffic they have to build from scratch. Whether you're already running an eCommerce website alongside your Etsy shop or looking to create your own online store, the same groundwork applies. Wix is an all-in-one online store creator that lets Etsy sellers build a business-ready storefront of their own in minutes. Below you'll find how to sell on Etsy from setup through fulfillment, what the platform charges and how to judge whether it fits your products. Ready to start selling online? Build a custom online store with Wix and get the tools to sell, manage and grow your business from one dashboard. Customize every detail, reach customers across channels and market your brand with built-in SEO and marketing tools. TL;DR: how to sell on Etsy Selling on Etsy means opening a shop on a marketplace built for handmade, vintage and craft-supply products, then listing items, pricing them to cover fees and optimizing each listing for Etsy search. Etsy charges a small listing fee plus a percentage of every sale, and sellers keep full control of what they make and how they price it. Wix eCommerce lets business owners sell products, services, bookings, courses, memberships and donations from one platform, no plugins required. You'll learn: How to open an Etsy shop and what setup actually costs What makes a listing rank in Etsy search, from photos and tags to free shipping How to price your items so Etsy's fees don't eat the margin Which marketing channels bring shoppers to an Etsy shop What Etsy charges per listing, per sale and per ad-driven order Where Etsy fits alongside your own online store How to sell on Etsy in 6 steps Set up your Etsy Shop Create high-quality listings Set the right price Optimize your listings Market your shop Fulfill orders 01. Set up your Etsy shop Signing up for a free, self-service Etsy shop takes only a few minutes. Create your account today and experience the freedom of starting your own business in three simple steps: Step 1: Sign up by visiting Etsy.com and clicking on the "Sell on Etsy" option in the footer menu. Step 2: Select "Open Your Etsy Shop" and sign up for an Etsy account. You can create a new account or sign in with your existing account if you already have one. Step 3: Once you're signed in, click on the "Open Your Etsy Shop" button again. You'll be prompted to provide essential details for your shop, including the shop name, language and currency. Choose a unique and memorable shop name that reflects your brand or products. 02. Create high-quality listings Regardless of the platform you use to sell your products, be it Etsy, another online marketplace or your own website, the significance of compelling product photographs cannot be overstated. According to Etsy's customer research, 90% of shoppers said photo quality was “extremely important” or “very important” to their purchase decision. You can add up to 10 photos for each product, plus a video. For optimal results, Etsy advises using all 10 photo slots. You’ll also want to invest in professional-looking product photos that showcase your items in the best possible light. Use natural lighting, clear backgrounds and multiple angles to give customers a clear view of your creations. Don’t skip the video slot — listings with a short product video tend to convert better and can earn stronger search placement, since Etsy factors engagement signals like clicks and favorites into ranking. 03. Set the right price Finding the sweet spot in terms of pricing may take a bit of experimentation. A few tips to get you started: Research your market: Take a look at similar products for sale on Etsy and other platforms to get an idea of the price range. Consider factors such as materials, craftsmanship and uniqueness when comparing your products. Understand your target audience and their willingness to pay for your products. Consider their demographics, preferences and the value they perceive in your offerings. Calculate your costs: Determine all the costs involved in creating and selling your products, including materials, labor, overhead expenses, packaging, shipping and Etsy fees. Ensure that your prices cover your costs while still providing a reasonable profit margin. Determine your pricing strategy: You can choose to price your products competitively to attract more buyers, or you can position them at a higher price point to convey exclusivity and premium quality. Experiment with different pricing strategies to find what works best for your business. Continuously evaluate your pricing strategy based on customer feedback, market trends and your business goals. Be open to making adjustments to optimize your pricing for profitability and customer satisfaction. 04. Optimize your listings To enhance your visibility in Etsy search results, it's important to focus on key factors that impact your listings' performance. The following factors play a significant role in determining the placement and order of items in a shopper's search results: Listing quality: Etsy's search algorithm evaluates the performance of individual listings based on customer engagement and purchase likelihood, known as "listing quality." Factors such as the product thumbnail photo, clear titles and shopper interactions influence listing quality, as do clicks, favorites and purchases of an item. The higher your listing quality score, the greater the visibility. Relevance of tags and titles: Ensure that your tags and titles accurately reflect the content and nature of your products. A tag is a short phrase that describes your item. When shoppers search for specific items, Etsy matches their queries with listing tags to provide relevant search results. Each tag can contain concise, descriptive phrases, such as "wooden spoon." Pro tip: For the best results, use all 13 available tags per listing. When a buyer's search term is present in both the title and tags of a listing, it is considered more relevant by Etsy’s search algorithm. Additionally, words at the beginning of titles hold greater significance than words at the end. Relevance of item attributes: Provide accurate and detailed information about your items in the Listing Details section. Choose the type of item you're listing and its categories. Then include attributes shoppers may use to search for your item such as size, color, material and other relevant specifications. This helps Etsy understand your products better and match them with relevant searches. Customer experience: Prioritize excellent customer service, prompt shipping and positive feedback from buyers. Maintaining a good reputation and delivering a positive experience can improve your listing’s performance, as the more positive reviews you earn, the higher you’ll rank in search. Free shipping (for U.S. sellers): Consider offering free shipping on your items, as it can be an attractive incentive for shoppers and increase your visibility. Etsy gives preference to listings that offer free shipping or shops that offer free shipping on orders over $35, particularly for sellers based in the United States. “Free shipping is a powerful marketing tool. It builds trust and enhances customer satisfaction.” — Lisa Kammermayer, Chief Marketing Officer at SimpleSell 05. Market your shop You need to drive traffic to your product listings to break through the competition and get your products seen by the thousands of buyers visiting Etsy every month. A few ways to attract new shoppers to your store and keep them coming back for more. Etsy advertising Etsy offers a few advertising programs to help you promote your products and reach a larger audience. Etsy Ads: Promote your listings within Etsy search and relevant product listings using a pay-per-click (PPC) model. Set a budget, and Etsy will optimize ad placements for visibility and clicks. A daily budget of $3 to $5 is recommended, with 30-day testing for effective data collection. Offsite Ads: Extend your ad visibility to selling on Instagram, Google, Facebook and Pinterest with Offsite Ads. You pay only when an ad leads to a sale. Orders attributed to ads within 30 days incur an advertising fee of 15%, or 12% if your shop earned $10,000 or more in the past 365 days, and the fee is capped at $100 per order. Shops at or above that threshold cannot opt out of Offsite Ads. Promoted Listings: Increase visibility in Etsy search by promoting selected listings. Set a cost-per-click bid to enhance placement in relevant search results. Social media promotion Utilize social media platforms to showcase your products, share behind-the-scenes content and engage with your audience to encourage social commerce. Build a brand presence and drive traffic to your Etsy shop. “Social media and eCommerce will become even more intertwined, users will flock to platforms like Instagram, TikTok and others to shop, pushing social media to evolve into primary eCommerce hubs.” — Kobi Gamliel, VP Partnerships & AI Ecosystem, Wix Regular shop updates Keep your shop fresh by regularly adding new products or variations. Regular updates keep customers engaged and encourage them to revisit your shop. Collaborate with influencers Partner with influencers or bloggers in your niche to promote your products. Their endorsements can introduce your shop to a wider audience and boost your sales. Offer discounts and special promotions Run occasional sales, offer discount codes or provide incentives like free shipping to attract new customers and encourage repeat purchases. Build a multichannel sales strategy Use Etsy to complement your multichannel retailing approach. You’ll reach a global audience and enhance brand visibility alongside your other platforms. On Wix, AI agents acting on behalf of shoppers can browse products, check availability, compare options and complete purchases without manual navigation. Learn about Wix’s multichannel features for managing all of your sales channel under one roof. Wix supports global and omnichannel eCommerce with multilingual storefronts, multi-currency payments, marketplace and social selling, mobile apps and integrated point-of-sale systems for online and offline sales. Running Etsy alongside your own store also widens what you can sell. “Wix eCommerce isn't just for stores that sell physical products. We have businesses running bookings, digital courses, donation campaigns, restaurant ordering and wholesale operations, all from the same backend. That reflects how modern businesses actually generate revenue, across multiple models at once.” — Maya Isak, eCommerce Project Marketing Manager at Wix 06. Fulfill orders Streamline order fulfillment by maintaining efficient turnaround times. According to Etsy’s shipping guidelines: “Prompt shipping means that you ship each item within 30 days of purchase, unless you specify otherwise in your processing time or agree to a different shipping period with the buyer through Messages.” Set realistic expectations that allow you to meet or exceed customer expectations consistently. Create a memorable unboxing experience with branded packaging and thoughtful touches like handwritten notes or surprise bonus items. Communicate effectively by providing shipping updates, tracking information and seeking customer feedback to foster trust. “For an online store, where the customer experience is paramount, optimizing order management not only improves customer satisfaction but can also reduce operational costs and increase sales.” — Alfredo García Herrera, VP of Partnerships LATAM at Skydropx Additional tips for successful selling on Etsy Encourage customer feedback and reviews: Encourage customers to leave feedback and reviews for your shop. Positive reviews build trust and credibility, attracting more customers to your products. Adapt and improve: Listen to customer feedback and adapt accordingly. Commit to continuously improving your products, customer service and shop experience to meet the evolving needs and preferences of your target audience. Continue learning: Stay informed about the latest trends, techniques and best practices for selling on Etsy. Join seller communities, forums and attend webinars to learn from experienced sellers. Is Etsy right for you? 4 considerations To determine if Etsy is worth your while when starting a business, consider factors such as your target audience, product type, profit margins and more. A few things to weigh before you learn how to start selling on Etsy. 01. Audience Etsy has 5.6 million active sellers and 86.5 million active buyers, with about 74% of its sales volume coming from U.S. buyers, mostly individuals seeking unique, handmade and vintage products. Before you tackle how to sell on Etsy, consider how well your target audience aligns with the shoppers attracted to the platform. While Etsy does not typically disclose the specific demographics or values of its buyers, you can observe general trends that Etsy buyers gravitate toward through social interactions and shopper feedback: Sustainability: Many buyers come to Etsy looking for secondhand, vintage or small-batch alternatives to mass production. Unique products: Buyers come to Etsy to find unique or one-of-a-kind items they cannot find at major retailers. Supporting small businesses: Buyers turn to Etsy to support small, independent entrepreneurs and directly contribute to their success. Connecting with sellers: Etsy shoppers are looking for a more personal connection to the artists and shop owners they buy from. 02. Top product categories Etsy is a specialized marketplace dedicated to handmade goods, vintage products and arts and crafts supplies. Its online marketplace is great for artists, shop owners, woodworkers, jewelry makers and various creators to showcase their unique creations to a vast audience of potential buyers. eBay and Amazon offer a wide range of products, but Etsy stands out as a destination where customers can discover one-of-a-kind treasures, customizable items, unique goods and niche products often unavailable elsewhere. In understanding how to sell things on Etsy, you should consider the platform’s top-level product categories. Some of the top-selling categories on Etsy include: Craft supplies and tools: Paint, papers, crochet and knitting patterns, yarn, string, cord, wire, tool sets, beads, etc. Paper and party supplies: Handcrafted greeting cards and invitations, stickers, journals, printable planner pages, gift wrap, stationery, etc. Home and living: Home decor, bedding, pillows, blankets, throws, cleaning supplies, window treatments, rugs, furniture, candles, etc. Jewelry: Necklaces, rings, bracelets, personalized jewelry, body jewelry, pins, hair accessories, earrings, jewelry boxes, watches, etc. Weddings: Dresses, accessories, veils, suits, decorations, cake toppers, centerpieces, baskets and boxes, gifts, invitations, etc. Accessories: Baby accessories, costume accessories, belts, gloves, hats, mittens, hair accessories, keychains, scarves, wraps, sunglasses, etc. Adding print-on-demand products is one way Etsy sellers expand a catalog without holding stock. “Wix and Printful take the heavy lifting out of launching a print on demand business. You can go from idea to online in a matter of hours using built-in tools for design, fulfillment, marketing and growth. It’s a full solution for anyone serious about turning their creativity into a real business.” — Rebecca Tomasis, Head of Organic Growth Marketing at Wix Creating and selling custom products has never been easier. With Wix’s on demand printing, powered by Printful, you can design and launch personalized apparel, accessories, home goods and more, made to suit any style, niche or need. No extra tools, no complex setup. Just pick a product, upload your design and start selling, all from your Wix dashboard. With seamless Printful integration, you get a streamlined way to build, brand and sell, without ever leaving Wix. 03. Seller requirements Etsy's seller requirements are more relaxed than some online marketplaces, making it reasonably easy to set up shop. However, reviewing Etsy's Seller Policy will help to ensure that you meet all the requirements and that there are no surprises. The main provisions cover how to become a seller on Etsy: Must sell one of three accepted product categories: Handmade items (physical or digital products that are created by the seller, with no reselling of handcrafted items made by someone else); vintage items (products that are at least 20 years old); or craft supplies (tools, ingredients or materials designed for use in crafts, DIY projects or a special occasion). Must provide accurate product representation: All items posted for sale must be accurately represented using your own descriptions, photos and videos. Stock photos and images taken from other websites are not allowed. All products must meet quality standards: Your items should be well-crafted, accurately described and represented by clear and appealing photographs. All interactions with customers must be kept professional: You must respond promptly to buyer inquiries and communicate professionally with your customers. Refer to Etsy's official website or contact the company’s support team for the most up-to-date information. 04. Cost of selling on Etsy Opening an Etsy shop is low-cost, though new sellers may be charged a one-time shop set-up fee, typically between $15 and $29 depending on location. Etsy shows the exact amount before you finish opening your shop. However, there is a cost to selling on Etsy that includes various fees. Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee per item, which automatically renews every four months unless the item is sold or you opt out. The platform also deducts a 6.5% transaction fee from the total order amount, including shipping and gift wrap charges. Payment processing fees vary by country. In the U.S., this fee is 3% + $0.25 per transaction. Sellers offering international shipping should consider import taxes and customs duties imposed by the destination country, which are typically the buyer's responsibility. VAT-registered sellers may also be required to charge VAT on their items. If your shop’s listing currency differs from your payment account currency, Etsy also applies a 2.5% currency conversion fee, which is deducted from your earnings. Additional fees are applicable if sellers choose to use Etsy's advertising services. Pros and cons of selling on Etsy Every platform has its challenges and benefits. Below, we look at what makes Etsy a great choice and what challenges you may face as an Etsy seller. Pros of selling on Etsy Easy setup and maintenance: Learning how to sell on Etsy as a beginner is simple. You don't need technical skills to set up an account. Of course, adding product details with high-quality photos takes time, but the process is relatively straightforward. Once everything is set up, an Etsy shop is easy to maintain. Trusted reputation: Etsy has been around since 2005 and is a trusted marketplace for handcrafted, vintage and unique items. It offers instant exposure to a global customer base, providing reach you may not have otherwise. Seller support tools: Etsy provides a variety of tools and resources to help you manage your shop efficiently and effectively, such as a mobile app, listing and shop manager, ads, coupons, shipping labels and more. Relatively low-risk: Getting started on Etsy requires very little upfront investment, making it an excellent place to test new products. Large customer base: Etsy gives sellers access to an established global audience already searching for handmade and vintage goods. Cons of selling on Etsy Limited customer loyalty and branding: Building brand loyalty on Etsy can be challenging, considering many customers aren’t searching for specific sellers on Etsy. Customization options for your storefront are also limited. High concentration of competitors: Etsy's online marketplace attracts many sellers offering similar products, intensifying competition based on pricing and shipping speed. Etsy has full control: As with any third-party marketplace, Etsy holds the keys to the kingdom and can implement changes to pricing, structure and seller requirements as needed. It’s best not to become over-reliant on the platform and to explore Etsy alternatives in case your sales or selling privileges are impacted at any point. Limited seller communication: Etsy holds restrictions for seller-customer communication to prevent unsolicited requests or promotions. You cannot encourage shopping outside of Etsy, and therefore are limited in how you’re able to promote your brand or engage customers. How to sell on Etsy FAQ Do you need a business license to sell on Etsy? Etsy does not require a business license to open a shop, but your local government might. Whether you need one depends on where you live, what you sell and how much you earn, so check your city, state or national requirements before you start. Many hobby sellers begin without one and register later as sales grow. How long does it take to get your first sale on Etsy? Most new Etsy shops wait weeks rather than days for a first sale, because Etsy search favors listings with a track record of clicks, favorites and purchases. New shops shorten that window by listing a full catalog rather than one or two items, using all 13 tags and filling every photo slot. Sharing listings outside Etsy also helps, since early outside traffic sends engagement signals back into Etsy search. Can you sell print-on-demand products on Etsy? Yes, you can sell print-on-demand products on Etsy as long as the design is yours and you declare the production partner that prints it. Etsy treats these as handmade items under its seller policy because the seller creates the design, not the blank product. Reselling someone else's finished goods is not allowed. Can you sell digital downloads on Etsy? Yes, digital downloads are one of Etsy's accepted product types and they deliver automatically once a buyer pays. Printables, templates, patterns and digital art all qualify, and because there is no packing or shipping, the same listing can sell repeatedly with no added cost per order. You still pay the same listing and transaction fees as a physical item. Is Etsy better than having your own online store? Etsy and your own store solve different problems, so most established sellers run both. Etsy brings existing buyer traffic but limits branding, customer relationships and how much you can control the storefront. Your own store gives you the customer list, the design freedom and no per-sale marketplace cut, but you have to generate the traffic yourself. Wix eCommerce lets business owners sell products, services, bookings, courses, memberships and donations from one platform, no plugins required.

Get the perfect domain for your eCommerce store: find your domain→ To sell on Facebook Marketplace, open the Marketplace tab, create a listing with photos, a price and your location, then arrange pickup or shipping with the buyer who messages you. In the U.S., more than one in three Facebook users browse Marketplace every month, which makes it a low-friction way for entrepreneurs and small business owners to add another eCommerce channel without building anything new. Wix helps you create a business-ready online store in minutes. Wix users can take their selling further with the Facebook Shops by GoDataFeed app, available from the Wix App Market. Connect your Wix store to display products on Facebook and Instagram. Run paid promotions directly from your site dashboard with Facebook and Instagram Ads with Wix. Wix supports global and omnichannel eCommerce with multilingual storefronts, multi-currency payments, marketplace and social selling, mobile apps and integrated point-of-sale systems for online and offline sales. To help you succeed, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about how to sell on Facebook Marketplace for beginners. From choosing what to sell to creating listings and offering tips for successful selling, we've got you covered. TL;DR: how to sell on Facebook Marketplace Facebook Marketplace costs nothing to list on, and a local pickup sale carries no platform fee at all. Shipped orders paid through Facebook checkout are charged 10% of the buyer-paid total, with a $0.80 minimum. Bulky secondhand goods do best because buyers can collect them in person instead of paying to ship. Quick facts A personal Facebook account is all you need to start listing Local pickup is fee free, shipped checkout orders cost 10% with a $0.80 minimum Furniture, baby gear, electronics and tools move fastest At least 5 photos per listing, priced below comparable local items Messenger handles negotiation, pickup and delivery details Ready to start selling online? Build a custom online store with Wix and get the tools to sell, manage and grow your business from one dashboard. Customize every detail, reach customers across channels and market your brand with built-in SEO and marketing tools. Looking to get started with selling on Facebook fast? If your aim is to get yourself setup and selling as fast as possible you can go straight to these steps: Login to your Facebook account Choose the Marketplace button, you'll find it in the left side menu Click Create New Listing Select Item for Sale Fill out all of the required listing information: A high-quality photo A description Price Condition Additional details, such as SKU numbers or product tags (if any) Click Next Preview the listing and join groups you think might be relevant Click Publish to post the listing Learn more: eCommerce vs marketplaces, eCommerce vs social commerce, What is social commerce? How does Facebook Marketplace work? Facebook Marketplace is quite easy to use, even for those who are brand new to starting a business. Just like posting a status or photo, you can post an item that you want to sell on the marketplace as either a private Facebook user or business account. You just need to provide details like what the item is, its price and your location. When you're done, Facebook will show your listing to consumers in your area. People can browse your items and send you a direct message for more information. Once you agree on terms, you can arrange for pick-up or delivery. Is Facebook Marketplace right for you? For many beginner entrepreneurs, selling on Facebook Marketplace is an attractive, simple way to start multichannel selling. Before you invest time and resources into the platform, consider these factors to see if, as an online selling site, it’s also a good fit for your eCommerce business growth strategy: Audience: If you're looking to target local customers, Facebook Marketplace is an excellent choice. However, you'll want to make sure your target audience is actually active on Facebook. Facebook use peaks among adults aged 30 to 49, where 80% report using the platform, and a majority of every age group uses it. If your buyers are mostly under 30, check how they actually shop before committing much time to the channel. Product category: Facebook Marketplace caters to a wide range of physical items, including clothing, electronics, furniture and more. Some categories may perform better than others. If you're selling unique or vintage items, or niche products that don't fit into other online marketplaces, then Facebook Marketplace might be a good choice. Seller requirements: To sell on Facebook Marketplace, you just need a personal Facebook account, though U.S.-based business accounts with a Facebook Shop can also manage Marketplace listings through their Commerce Manager dashboard. To avoid having your account suspended while selling on Facebook Marketplace, it's essential to adhere to Facebook’s commerce policies to maintain a positive selling experience. Costs: Local pickup sales on Facebook Marketplace are free of any selling or listing fees. Shipped orders are subject to a 10% selling fee (minimum $0.80 per order), which Meta applies to the total sale including shipping and tax, then deducts from your payout. This fee structure has been in place since Meta’s April 2024 update. If Facebook Marketplace sounds like the right fit for you, let’s dive into how to list and sell items on the platform. How to sell items on Facebook Marketplace Set up a Facebook Marketplace account Create a compelling listing Set your delivery method Promote your listings Communicate with buyers and finalize the sale 01. Set up a Facebook Marketplace account To set up your Facebook Marketplace account, simply log into your personal Facebook account and click on the Marketplace icon. If you don't see it immediately, try clicking on the “See More” option from the menu bar to find it. From there, you’re ready to create a listing. Alternatively, if you feel you need a more comprehensive eCommerce experience, create a Facebook Shop. You’ll need a business Facebook page to create a Shop account, which provides a dedicated online storefront that you can customize to your liking. Facebook Shops can also utilize Facebook Marketplace as a sales channel through the platform’s Commerce Manager tool. This gives your customers the option to purchase from your business in three different ways: through Facebook Marketplace, your Facebook Shop or your online store. If you’re a Wix user, you can create a Facebook Shop through the Facebook Shops by GoDataFeed app from the Wix App Market. The app lets you display your Wix store products on Facebook and Instagram while keeping orders in one place. It’s an easy way to run multiple sales channels without doubling your workload. 02. Create a compelling listing When you sell on Facebook Marketplace, it’s crucial that you capture the attention of your potential buyers with a compelling listing. To get started, first click on “Marketplace” from the left-hand sidebar. Then, click “Create new listing.” You’ll need to select from one of three types of listings: Item for Sale Vehicle for Sale Property for Sale or Rent From here, you’ll be prompted to fill in the details of your Marketplace listing. Your listing should include a clear, concise title and description. You should also use relevant keywords in your copy to improve your chances of getting seen. To gather intel here, put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and mimic their search behaviors. Take note of the listings that appear first in relevant search results, including the keywords used in the titles and descriptions. In addition, post high-quality photos and/or videos of the item for sale. Potential buyers are more likely to click on listings with clear, detailed images. A few small choices in your photos make a big difference. Use natural daylight near a window, photograph against a plain neutral background and shoot from multiple angles including any flaws. Aim for at least 5 photos per listing. More angles means fewer questions in your inbox and fewer buyers who back out after seeing the item in person. For pricing, look up 3 to 5 comparable items in your local area and price 10 to 20 percent below the average. Leave room for negotiation since most Marketplace buyers will message with a counteroffer before committing. 03. Set your delivery method Before you can publish your listing, you’ll need to choose from one of several delivery methods: Shipping only: You, the seller, will be responsible for shipping items directly to your buyers within 10 business days of receiving the order. Note that many purchases that are completed with checkout on Facebook are covered by Purchase Protection. Local pick-up only: You will need to arrange an in-person pick-up with your buyer, though you can use an existing store location as a drop-off/pick-up location. Shipping and local pick-up: Buyers can choose between pick-up or shipping; whichever is most convenient for them. 04. Promote your listings Posting something on Facebook Marketplace does not guarantee that it will be seen by potential customers. Therefore, you’ll want to invest some energy (and potentially some money) into promoting your listings. There are several ways to reach more potential buyers on Facebook Marketplace. Tap the locals: Join local buying and selling groups by using the groups feature on Facebook. You’ll find many customers looking for a good deal or other sellers wanting to make money through arbitrage, so it’s worth joining a few groups related to your niche. Cross-promote your listings: Post your listings on your other social media channels, like Instagram. Learn how to sell on Instagram to explore further. Leverage Facebook Ads: Create ads that put your listings front and center when people are scrolling through Marketplace or other Meta-owned channels (like Instagram, Messenger and the Meta Audience network). Wix users can take advantage of fully integrated Facebook and Instagram ads directly from their site dashboard. 05. Communicate with buyers and finalize the sale Effective communication with potential buyers is key to ensuring a smooth transaction and finalizing the sale. The Facebook Messenger tool is an easy way to do this right from the Facebook app; use it to answer any questions customers may have about your listing, negotiate prices and arrange pick-up or delivery details. Payment methods vary on Facebook Marketplace. You can arrange for local transactions for in-person deliveries, or enable online checkout to accept credit cards, debit cards, PayPal or Meta Pay. What sells well on Facebook Marketplace Some categories move faster than others on Facebook Marketplace. If you have flexibility about what to sell, leaning into a category buyers are actively searching for can speed up your listings and lift your average price. Furniture and home goods. Sofas, dining tables, bookshelves and other large items move quickly because shipping them across distance is expensive. Local pickup makes Facebook Marketplace the obvious fit. Pricing 10 to 20 percent below comparable retail listings usually attracts serious buyers within the first 48 hours. Baby and kids gear. Cribs, strollers, high chairs, toys and clothing have constant turnover demand. Families know this stuff gets outgrown fast, so secondhand from a nearby seller is the default move. Electronics and small appliances. Phones, tablets, laptops, kitchen appliances and gaming gear all have strong resale demand. Be ready to share original receipts or serial numbers if you have them, since buyers are alert to scams in this category. Tools and outdoor equipment. Power tools, lawn equipment, bikes and camping gear see steady demand from local buyers who’d rather not pay full retail. Seasonal timing helps, with bikes in spring and leaf blowers in fall. Vintage and unique finds. One-of-a-kind items, vintage clothing, mid-century furniture and collectibles often attract higher prices on Marketplace than on Craigslist because Facebook’s search and recommendation engine matches niche items with niche buyers. Items that struggle on Marketplace include extremely common low-value items (think used kitchen utensils, basic clothing) and anything that requires complex shipping logistics. If your item is bulky and only worth $5, listing it as part of a bundle usually beats listing it alone. Tips for selling on Facebook Marketplace For any eCommerce endeavor, building your online presence and consumer trust is crucial, whether you sell through Marketplace alone or create a website to sell from as well. There are a few key things you can do to ensure a successful experience selling on Facebook Marketplace. Build consumer trust To gain the trust of potential buyers on Facebook Marketplace, it's important to treat your listings like a storefront. Here are three things you can do to build consumer trust: Complete your profile: Fill out the details in your personal profile, like having a bio, profile picture and cover photo. A fleshed out profile will help you seem like an actual human user on the platform. If you’re selling in a more professional capacity, you’ll want to make sure your profile, business page or Shop looks the part and is in good standing. Be responsive and communicative: Respond promptly to questions from potential buyers, be honest about any flaws or issues with your items and keep buyers updated throughout the sales process. If you can’t answer questions immediately, let buyers know what the expected turnaround time is with automated messaging or in your bio. Be honest in the item’s description: It’s important to accurately describe your products’ features and attributes. This prevents disputes and an overall negative customer experience. As you continue to sell products on Facebook Marketplace, remember that building consumer trust is an ongoing process. Treat every transaction with the same level of care and dedication to excellent customer support. This will help you build a strong reputation on the platform. Choose the right time to post your listing Timing is key if you want to increase your chances of selling your items on Facebook Marketplace. Sprout Social's analysis of nearly 2 billion engagements found that the best time to post on Facebook is Tuesdays and Wednesdays from noon to 8 p.m. local time. Studies disagree on the exact window, so treat it as a starting point and check your own results. Encourage positive reviews and ratings Research has shown that potential customers spend more time reading negative reviews compared to positive reviews. That’s why you should spend time managing your reputation as a seller. One way to do that is by reaching out to previous customers and asking them to leave a review. BrightLocal's consumer research found that 78% of consumers were asked for a review in the past year, and 65% of those asked went on to write one. You can increase your chances of earning positive ratings by providing excellent customer service and responding quickly to inquiries. Bonus points if you manage to turn negative experiences into positive ones. Research your competitors Researching your competitors when selling on Facebook Marketplace is helpful for a few reasons. Gain insider insight: Researching your competition’s pricing and product offerings helps you identify gaps in the market and differentiate your own offerings. Gauge customer preferences: Taking note of customer experiences and expectations will help you to tailor your products and services accordingly. Inspire your marketing efforts: Looking at competitor marketing tactics and promotional campaigns can provide ideas for improving your own sales approach. Understand Facebook Marketplace algorithms To increase your visibility and reach potential buyers on Facebook Marketplace, you'll need to understand how the platform's algorithms work. The algorithm considers various factors when determining which listings to display, including relevance, engagement and seller reputation. Relevance: This is determined by the information included in the listing, such as product details and keywords. Engagement: This refers to how many users interact with the listing through likes, comments and shares. Seller reputation: This takes into account feedback from previous transactions and overall activity on Marketplace. Boost your listings with Facebook Ads Finally, one of the most effective ways to increase your online visibility is to use Facebook Ads to drive website traffic, or traffic to your Marketplace listing. If you know who your target audience is, you can target those potential customers with ads based on their interest. You’ll need to set specific ad parameters to increase the chances of your listings appearing in front of the right people, such as location, interests and demographics. Facebook Ads remain one of the strongest performers for marketing return, with around 43% of marketers naming Facebook among their highest-ROI social platforms. They're also easily managed with online commerce platforms, such as those offered within Facebook & Instagram Ads with Wix. That being said, poorly optimized ads could lead to a lower conversion rate and fewer sales. Understanding the best practices of Facebook Ads could turn Facebook Marketplace into a significant sales channel. Here are some effective ways to increase the chances of customers clicking on your ads: Include a call-to-action (CTA): Let customers know what you want them to do after seeing the ad. CTAs create a sense of urgency and direct customers where to go to learn more about your product. Share what you’re selling: The description must provide enough information on what you’re selling and why it’s better than similar products on the marketplace. Ensure it’s error-free: To encourage potential customers to engage with your ads, the copy should have no typos and proper grammar. Run your copy through a grammar checker before launching the ad. The benefits of selling on Facebook Marketplace Facebook Marketplace offers numerous benefits for sellers, making it a popular platform for decluttering, earning extra income and reaching a wide audience. Here are some key advantages of selling on Facebook Marketplace: Vast audience: Facebook reaches billions of people worldwide, and Meta reports more than 3.5 billion people using at least one of its apps every day, giving your listings an enormous potential customer base. Local reach: Marketplace prioritizes listings based on proximity, allowing you to target buyers within your local community. Free listings: Posting items is free and local pickup sales carry no platform fee, so you keep the full amount on in-person deals. Direct communication: Connect directly with potential buyers through Facebook Messenger, facilitating negotiations and arrangements. Simplified transactions: Marketplace streamlines the selling process, allowing you to arrange meetups and handle payments directly with buyers. Variety of products: Sell a wide range of items, from furniture and electronics to clothing and vehicles, catering to diverse interests. Explore the vast possibilities, from selling a video game console, desktop computer or camera to vintage clothing flipping, to build a thriving customer base. Brand recognition: Facebook's brand recognition and reputation add a layer of trust and familiarity for buyers. Mobile accessibility: Manage your listings and communicate with buyers on the go using the Facebook mobile app. Community engagement: Connect with buyers in your local community, fostering a sense of connection and trust. Sustainable practices: Contribute to a circular economy by giving new life to pre-owned items and reducing waste. Rules for selling on Facebook marketplace Facebook Marketplace has established guidelines to ensure a safe and compliant experience for both buyers and sellers. Here are some key rules to follow when selling on Facebook Marketplace: Prohibited items: Avoid listing items that are illegal, dangerous or violate Facebook's Community Standards. This includes items like drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods and regulated products. Accurate representation: Provide accurate and truthful descriptions of your items, including their condition, features and any flaws. Use clear and high-quality photos that accurately represent the items. Responsible pricing: Set fair and competitive prices for your items. Avoid misleading pricing tactics or price gouging. Respectful communication: Communicate politely and professionally with potential buyers. Avoid discriminatory or offensive language. Safe transactions: Arrange meetups in public places with good lighting and visibility. Consider bringing a friend or family member along for added safety. Payment methods: Decide on acceptable payment methods, such as cash or electronic transfers. While conducting transactions, be cautious of payment methods like cashier's checks or money orders to maintain a secure and transparent process. Protect personal information: Avoid sharing personal information like your home address or phone number with strangers. Use Facebook Messenger for communication. Report suspicious activity: If you encounter suspicious behavior or potential scams, report them to Facebook and avoid engaging with those individuals. Stay vigilant: Be aware of potential scams and avoid unrealistic offers or requests for personal information. Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to walk away from a deal if it feels unsafe. Community guidelines: Adhere to Facebook's Community Guidelines and avoid engaging in prohibited activities, such as harassment, bullying or hate speech. Privacy policies: Facebook Marketplace operates within a framework that demands adherence to privacy policies, ensuring transparency in user profiles and behavior. Be attentive to compliance requirements, especially in areas related to surveillance, online advertising and internet privacy. It's crucial to understand the importance of regulatory compliance and compliance requirements. By following these rules, you can minimize risks and ensure a positive selling experience on Facebook Marketplace. Learn more: Amazon alternatives Can I sell products on Wix? How to build a marketplace website How to sell on Facebook Marketplace FAQ Is it worth selling on Facebook marketplace? Whether or not it's worth selling on Facebook Marketplace depends on various factors, including the type of products you are selling, your target audience and your overall business goals. Selling on Facebook can be a good choice if your target audience is active on Facebook as using Facebook Marketplace can be a valuable way to reach potential customers directly. It is also particularly beneficial for selling to a local audience, as it prioritizes nearby buyers. Unlike some other online marketplaces, Facebook Marketplace generally does not charge listing fees, making it cost-effective for sellers. At the same time listing products on Facebook Marketplace is relatively straightforward, making it accessible for sellers without extensive e-commerce experience. What are the disadvantages of selling on Facebook? Facebook Marketplace offers several benefits for sellers, but there are also some disadvantages to consider. Unlike dedicated e-Commerce platforms, Facebook Marketplace has limited targeting capabilities. Sellers may find it challenging to reach specific or niche audiences. At the same time due to the vast number of users and sellers on Facebook Marketplace, competition can be high, making it challenging to stand out and gain visibility for your products. Facebook Marketplace does not provide structured buyer protection or dispute resolution processes. This can lead to potential issues with fraudulent buyers or disputes over transactions. The user experience on Facebook Marketplace can vary significantly based on individual users' preferences and interactions. Some buyers may be less comfortable purchasing through this platform, affecting conversion rates and brand trust. How much does it cost to sell on Facebook? Selling on Facebook is generally free. The platform allows users to create personal profiles, business pages, and groups where they can list and sell items without incurring listing fees. However, if you choose to boost your posts or create targeted ads to reach a broader audience, Facebook offers paid advertising options. The cost of advertising on Facebook varies based on factors such as audience targeting, ad format, and ad duration. How do you get paid for selling items on Facebook? Payment for items sold on Facebook is typically arranged directly between the buyer and the seller. Facebook itself does not handle financial transactions for most person-to-person sales. Sellers often specify accepted payment methods in their listings, such as cash, bank transfers, or popular payment apps. For businesses using Facebook Shops, there may be integrated payment options where customers can make secure payments through credit cards or other payment methods. Facebook may facilitate transactions, and businesses may receive payments directly through their chosen payment gateway. How to sell things quickly on Facebook Marketplace? For those aiming to sell items quickly on Facebook Marketplace, several effective strategies can be employed. First, setting a competitive and reasonable price is essential, with research into similar listings aiding in determining market value. High-quality and detailed photos, showcasing items from various angles, enhance the appeal to potential buyers. Urgency can be promoted through language indicating limited availability or time-sensitive offers. Being responsive to messages and inquiries, regularly updating listings, and offering flexible meeting options, such as contactless pickup or convenient public locations, contribute to a faster selling process. Utilizing social proof, such as positive customer reviews from satisfied buyers, can also build trust and attract a broader customer base. How do I sell on Facebook Marketplace locally? Selling on Facebook Marketplace locally is a user-friendly process that begins by accessing the "Marketplace" tab on your Facebook account. To create a listing, click on "Create New Listing" and provide essential details about the item, including a title, description, price, and category. Indicate your preference for local transactions and set your location and delivery preferences. Once the listing is complete, review it for accuracy and post it to make it visible to potential buyers. What are some best practices for creating compelling listings on Facebook Marketplace? Prioritize high-quality images and videos that catch attention first of. Craft concise and engaging descriptions that highlight key benefits. Use strong calls to action that encourage engagement. Target your audience with relevant keywords and demographics and schedule your posts strategically for optimal reach - at the weekends when more people are on social media, for example. What's the best way to price items on Facebook Marketplace? You should research comparable items already listed on Facebook Marketplace to understand market value. Consider your item's condition, age, and brand before setting a price. Be realistic with your pricing and offer competitive pricing while factoring in your desired profit margin. How to handle low ball offers on Facebook Marketplace? Respond politely and professionally, acknowledging the offer but explaining your reasoning for the current price. Highlight the item's condition, unique features or market value. If the offer is significantly low, decline gracefully and offer a counteroffer if you're willing to negotiate. If you're not willing to budge, politely decline and move on.

Ready to showcase your best work? Start building your portfolio → Learning how to make a nursing portfolio is key to showcasing your clinical experience, education and professional achievements. This guide walks you through each step to create an online portfolio that highlights your skills, compassion and commitment to patient care. Whether you’re applying for your first nursing job, seeking a promotion or advancing your education, a well-organized portfolio helps you stand out and demonstrates your dedication to professional growth. With Wix’s portfolio builder, you can create a professional, eye-catching portfolio in just a few clicks. Customizable templates and intuitive tools make it easy to showcase your work with confidence, leaving a lasting impression on every visitor. TL;DR: How to make a nursing portfolio Start by including your credentials, licenses, certifications, clinical experience and work accomplishments. You can also add brief reflections to show what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown as a nurse. A digital portfolio makes it easy to update and share with employers, mentors or graduate programs. Using tools like Wix, you can create a professional, customizable portfolio while keeping patient information secure, thanks to HIPAA compliance. Keep your portfolio organized, easy to read and updated regularly with new certifications, experiences or achievements. A well-maintained portfolio shows your professionalism and commitment to lifelong learning in nursing. Features of a great nursing portfolio Features Why it matters Credentials and certifications Shows your qualifications and expertise. Include degrees, licenses, specialty credentials and CPR or CEU certificates, organized by category and date. Clinical and work experience Demonstrates hands-on skills and impact. Highlight responsibilities, key accomplishments and measurable outcomes, including anonymized patient care examples. Professional growth and reflection Shows critical thinking and ongoing learning. Add short reflections on experiences, what you learned and how you improved patient care. Clean, organized design Makes your portfolio easy to navigate. Use clear sections like About me, experience, certifications and references with a simple, professional layout. Privacy and compliance Protects patient information and builds trust. Redact identifiable patient data and use HIPAA-compliant platforms like Wix for your digital portfolio. How to make a nursing portfolio in 6 steps A nursing portfolio is more than a resume. It’s a professional collection that tells your story as a nurse. Follow these six steps to create a portfolio that showcases your skills, compassion and dedication to patient care. Start with your nursing credentials Showcase your clinical and work experience Build and design your nursing portfolio Protect patient confidentiality Add reflective and professional growth entries Keep your nursing portfolio updated 01. Start with your nursing credentials It’s important to start the process of building a portfolio by first collecting what's essential to include in your nursing portfolio. Degrees Nursing licenses (RN or LPN) Other relevant certifications (including CPR certification) Specialty credentials (like ACLS or PALS) Continuing education (CEU) certificates Skill competency checklists and annual performance appraisals A good way to organize your credentials is by category and date so they're easy for potential employers to look through. It's also recommended to upload scans of all of the above. Never include original, irreplaceable documents. It's a great way to establish your credibility as a nurse from the start. Learn more: How to make a portfolio 02. Showcase your clinical and work experience You should use your nursing portfolio to highlight your practical experience, both clinical rotations and professional roles. As part of this you can list each healthcare facility you worked at with the relevant dates, your responsibilities and key accomplishments. Include examples of patient care situations, teamwork and examples of your leadership in fast-paced environments. Focus on measurable outcomes such as improved patient satisfaction, reduced wait times or successful implementation of care plans. Make your nursing portfolio stand out by including any awards you’ve won, leadership experiences, letters of recommendation, thank-you notes from patients or families (with identifying details redacted) and presentations or research. Another thing to consider is that testimonials from supervisors, instructors or colleagues can provide valuable third-party credibility. Just be sure to request permission before publishing them online. You can also include professional activities such as committee involvement, evidence-based practice projects or publications/posters to further demonstrate your engagement in the field. 03. Build and design your nursing portfolio Building a nursing portfolio doesn't have to be complicated, time consuming or expensive. The first thing to do is to choose a portfolio builder, like Wix. A portfolio builder makes it easy to create a portfolio because it includes: Secure web hosting, a domain name (customizable if you need), in-built website security Portfolio templates for a wide range of website types, including health website templates Drag and drop editor, for easy customization of your portfolio Customer support Both free and paid portfolio building plans (yes, you can create a nursing portfolio free) AI portfolio generator for quickly building a professional portfolio layout In some cases, an AI website builder that allows you to create a site in minutes Wix Harmony is Wix's AI website builder that pioneers a hybrid creation experience, giving you the speed of AI and the precision of full manual control in one seamless interface. One prompt generates a complete, business-ready site, and Aria, Wix Harmony's built-in AI agent, stays contextually aware of your canvas throughout, ready to generate, refine, advise and act on your behalf with web design and business strategy expertise. Move fluidly between chatting with Aria and editing by hand, backed by Wix's enterprise-grade infrastructure, so you can build fast, build boldly and build with confidence. If you're using a template, you don't have to be a web designer to create an effective and great looking nursing portfolio. But it’s important to make sure it's clear, easy to read and professional, just as with building a medical website. You can create either a physical binder or a digital portfolio depending on your preference. Check out these best portfolio builders to explore further. Focus on a clean layout with relevant sections such as an: About me Clinical experience Certifications Professional development References You can also think about adding a professional headshot and a short bio summarizing your nursing philosophy, something about what drives you, your areas of expertise and your approach to patient care. Be inspired by some of these portfolio websites. 04. Protect patient confidentiality Confidentiality is critical in any nursing portfolio. Never include identifiable patient information, such as full names, dates of birth or medical record numbers. Redact or anonymize documentation, including case studies, evaluations or thank-you notes. It’s also important to make sure your portfolio complies with privacy regulations, such as HIPAA, to protect patients and maintain professional standards. Did you know? Wix is now officially HIPAA compliant. HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is a U.S. law that protects sensitive patient information. With Wix’s compliance, our platform meets top-tier data privacy and security standards. This makes Wix a secure and reliable option for nurses and other healthcare professionals who handle personal health details. You can create your site with confidence, knowing you have the tools to protect your clients' information. This includes HIPAA compliant hosting. Your portfolio data is stored on infrastructure that meets the same federal standards required across the healthcare industry. Get inspired: Dental website design examples 05. Add reflective and professional growth entries Reflective entries give your portfolio depth by showing how you learn, think critically and grow as a nurse. They’re especially valuable for students and early-career professionals. Keep reflections brief but meaningful. You can: Describe a clinical situation you encountered Explain your actions and reasoning Highlight what you learned and how it improved patient care Using a simple framework, like Gibbs’ reflective cycle, can make it easier to structure your thoughts and show your ongoing growth and professional development. 06. Keep your nursing portfolio updated A nursing portfolio is a living, online asset. This means that you need to update it regularly with any new credentials you earn, your continuing education and work experiences. As your career progresses, include more advanced roles, new specialties or professional memberships you take on. Regular updates ensure your portfolio always reflects your current skills, which keeps it ready for job interviews, annual reviews or graduate program applications. Creating another type of portfolio? How to create a dance portfolio How to create a makeup artist portfolio How to make a voice acting portfolio How to make an interview portfolio Tips and best practices for your nursing portfolio Following a few best practices can help your nursing portfolio stand out and clearly showcase your skills and experience. As Chava Katz, PMM @ Wix Pages at Wix says: “Your portfolio is your visual resume, it speaks before you do. It’s how clients, employers or collaborators understand what makes your work special. The stronger the story it tells, the more doors it opens.” How to make a nursing portfolio FAQ Should I create a digital or printed nursing portfolio? A digital portfolio is convenient to share and keep especially when applying for jobs online. However, a printed version can be useful for interviews or networking events. How often should a portfolio be updated? Update it at least once a year or whenever you complete new certifications, start a new position or achieve a milestone. Regular updates ensure your portfolio remains accurate and professional. What is the difference between a nursing portfolio and a nursing resume? A nursing portfolio is the evidence file behind your resume, and the resume is the short summary that points to it. Your resume lists your degrees, licenses and roles on one or two pages. Your portfolio holds the documents that prove them, along with reflections, evaluations and examples of your clinical work. Most employers read the resume first and review the portfolio during the interview. What should a new grad nurse include with no work experience? New graduate nurses can build a complete portfolio from clinical rotations, coursework and transferable experience. Include your clinical placements with the units and hours you completed, evaluations from clinical instructors, skills competency checklists, academic awards, volunteer work and any healthcare role you held before nursing school. Two or three strong instructor evaluations usually carry more weight than a long list of short placements. How long should a nursing portfolio be? A nursing portfolio should be long enough to prove your credentials and short enough to review in a few minutes. For a digital portfolio that means a handful of clearly labeled sections rather than a page count. Lead with your license and certifications, keep each experience entry to a few lines and move supporting scans into a separate documents section so a hiring manager can skim first and dig in second. Can I include patient information in my nursing portfolio? No, you cannot include anything that identifies a patient in your nursing portfolio. Remove names, dates of birth, medical record numbers, facility identifiers and photographs before you add a case study, evaluation or thank-you note. Describe the clinical situation and your reasoning instead, which is what employers are actually assessing. Can I make a nursing portfolio for free? You can build and publish a nursing portfolio online for free. Wix offers a free plan with portfolio templates, hosting and a drag and drop editor, so you can get a working portfolio live before deciding whether to upgrade for a custom domain. Wix provides an AI portfolio generator that builds a professional layout from a short description of your background.

Ready to showcase your best work? Start building your portfolio → To make a copywriting portfolio, choose three to five of your strongest pieces, explain the goal and the result behind each one, then publish them on a site clients can reach and back them up with testimonials. Your writing does the selling here, so what you leave out matters as much as what you keep. Wix gives you the tools to make a portfolio website fast. Customizable templates, hosting and a drag and drop editor mean your work can be live the same day you choose it. Below, you’ll learn how to make a copywriting portfolio in five steps, from picking your best pieces to promoting the finished site. With Wix’s portfolio builder, you can create a professional, eye-catching portfolio in just a few clicks. Customizable templates and intuitive tools make it easy to showcase your work with confidence, leaving a lasting impression on every visitor. TL;DR: How to make a copywriting portfolio A copywriting portfolio is proof of what you can write and what that writing achieved, rather than a list of skills. It works the same way whether you have paid client work behind you or only self-directed pieces. Our guide on how to make a portfolio covers the same ground for creative work beyond copywriting. Steps What to do 1. Choose your best copywriting samples Select 3–5 diverse pieces that show your range and skill. 2. Write project descriptions Explain each project’s goal, audience and results. 3. Design your online portfolio Use a clean, professional template and keep navigation simple. 4. Add testimonials or metrics Showcase credibility and measurable impact. 5. Optimize for SEO and sharing Make your site discoverable and easy to share. How to make a copywriting portfolio in 5 steps Creating a copywriting portfolio doesn’t have to be overwhelming or difficult. Follow these five clear steps to go from blank page to a professional website that gets you noticed. Choose your best copywriting samples Write project descriptions that sell Design your online copywriting portfolio Add testimonials and case studies Optimize and promote your portfolio 01. Choose your best copywriting samples Start by selecting your strongest work, the work that you want to make the focus of your copywriting portfolio. We suggest using a mix of long-form articles, ad copy, website copy and email campaigns to demonstrate your versatility. Remember quality trumps quantity, and three polished samples beat ten average ones. If you don’t have client work yet, create mock projects to show your skill and creativity. Learn more about how to create a writing portfolio of your own. 02. Write project descriptions that sell your work Each portfolio piece should include a short paragraph describing the goal, your approach and the results. For example, highlight how your landing page copy increased conversions or how your product descriptions improved engagement. The description is where you show your thinking, not just the output. As Doreen Weissfelner, head of Wix Home and Wixel Slides at Wix, puts it, “A portfolio isn’t just a collection of projects, it’s your opportunity to demonstrate how you approach a problem, analyze the data and transform it into something meaningful.” Keep descriptions concise and results-driven as this helps clients see your value immediately and mirrors some of the best writing portfolio examples out there. 03. Design your online copywriting portfolio First, you’ll want to choose a portfolio maker. With a portfolio builder you can create a website for free or opt for a paid plan. A portfolio builder gives you a few things worth having. Robust website infrastructure: many of the best portfolio builders include a domain name, web hosting, enterprise-grade security and other crucial features as a given when you create a portfolio with them. This means all you have to focus on is presenting your work in the best way possible. Drag and drop editing tools: these make it easy to customize your copywriting portfolio, upload your writing samples and other important portfolio features, like a contact form and an About section. Portfolio templates: with over 2,000 website templates to choose from, Wix makes it easy to build a copywriting portfolio from scratch without design or coding experience. All Wix portfolio templates can be customized, so you're able to make it unique to your writing style and professional brand. AI portfolio maker: if you’d rather not start from a blank canvas, an AI portfolio generator builds the layout for you and leaves every section editable. Describe the kind of writing you do, swap in your own samples and publish once it looks right. When it comes to designing your copywriting portfolio website, it’s important to design with a clear layout, simple site navigation and the important pages, including your homepage, work samples, testimonials, portfolio About page and contact form. Get inspired by these portfolio websites. 04. Add testimonials and case studies to your copywriting portfolio It's important to ask past clients for short testimonials that highlight your professionalism and results to include with your work samples. If you’re new to copywriting you can include mock client feedback or performance data from personal projects. Case studies with before-and-after results are especially effective for showing the ROI of your copy. The US had 76.4 million freelancers in 2025, around 36% of the workforce, so proof of results is often what separates two writers with similar work. 05. Optimize and promote your copywriting portfolio Once your site is live, you can optimize it for search using Wix’s built-in SEO tools. You can also add social share buttons, post your work on LinkedIn and include a link in your email signature. It’s worth promoting it actively so potential clients can find it. Copywriting portfolio examples 01. Jed Donahue Jed Donahue’s website is a great example of how speaking to your client’s pain points can compel them to reach out. The homepage header copy, “When you need great content, I’m here to help,” focuses on the customer’s needs. Testimonials from previous clients provide proof that Jed can deliver results. Meanwhile, the “What I can do for you” section gives a practical breakdown of the workflow and services that clients can expect. Learn more: Why do I need a portfolio? How much does a portfolio website cost? 02. Sam Carlson Sam Carlson takes his writing portfolio a step further by putting his client work front and center. He highlights his creative flair and prowess as a copywriter by including engaging introductions for each case study. Every project page boasts a concise and clever summary, followed by the client's logo and key project assets. Additionally, his "Fun" page, which presents his personal projects, offers a glimpse of his hobbies and talents outside of writing. Looking to make another type of portfolio? How to make a nursing portfolio How to make an acting portfolio How to create a dance portfolio How to create a UGC portfolio How to make a voice acting portfolio How to write a cover letter for a portfolio How to make a copywriting portfolio FAQ Do I need real clients to create a copywriting portfolio? No, you can build a strong portfolio using mock projects, personal blog posts or rewritten examples of real ads (with credit). The goal is to demonstrate your skills, not client history. What should I include in my copywriting portfolio? Show 3–5 samples, short project descriptions, testimonials and a brief bio. Always include a clear CTA to contact or hire you.

Ready to showcase your best work? Start building your portfolio → You make a teaching portfolio by choosing a format, curating your strongest lesson plans, student work and credentials, then publishing them where a hiring committee can browse everything in minutes. Today that rarely means a three-ring binder. Most educators build online with a portfolio builder or an AI website builder, creating a teaching portfolio that grows with them. Wix makes it easy to create a teaching portfolio website. Whether you’re applying for a teaching job, showcasing your skills to peers or simply building your professional confidence, an organized portfolio makes a powerful impression and tells your story as an educator. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a teaching portfolio step by step, see the best teacher website examples and get free templates and tips for your own. With Wix’s portfolio builder, you can create a professional, eye-catching portfolio in just a few clicks. Customizable templates and intuitive tools make it easy to showcase your work with confidence, leaving a lasting impression on every visitor. TL;DR: How to make a teaching portfolio A teaching portfolio collects your teaching philosophy, lesson plans, assessments, student work and credentials in one place, so schools can see how you teach and not just where you have taught. You can build one as a printed binder, a shareable PDF or a website, and the website version is the one you can update, link to in an application and keep open to hiring committees around the clock. The same process works in any field, so the wider guide to how to make a portfolio is a useful companion read. For help choosing the right platform, check out the best website builders for portfolios plus examples of the best portfolio websites to spark ideas. How to make a teaching portfolio in 7 steps Whether you're wondering how to make a teaching portfolio for high school interviews or you're applying for a new district, these steps can help you build one that reflects your unique style. Define your goal Choose a portfolio builder Find a portfolio template that suits your style Select and present your best work Optimize for mobile and SEO Add a clear call to action Review and refine 01. Define your teaching goals Start by identifying what you want your teaching portfolio to achieve. Are you preparing for interviews? Applying for a specific position? Seeking promotion? Your goals will shape the structure, tone and web content of your portfolio. Be honest about your strengths and the unique value you bring to the classroom. Your goals might include emphasizing your classroom management approach, showcasing student work or aligning with a school’s educational philosophy. Clarity here will guide every decision you make. 02. Choose a portfolio builder To create a professional online teaching portfolio, start by selecting a portfolio website maker that fits your needs. Ideally, the portfolio builder you choose should let you register a domain, provide free website hosting and offer tools like a domain name generator and domain name search to help you find the perfect web address. A strong website builder gives you a strong website infrastructure including flexibility, scalability, website security and ease of use. Whether you prefer to use drag-and-drop tools or let an AI assistant guide the process, look for a platform that helps you launch quickly while still offering robust customization. Wix Harmony pioneers a hybrid creation experience that blends vibe coding with full manual control. Describe your vision in a single prompt and Wix Harmony builds a complete, business-ready site around it, with pages, business tools and a responsive layout wired in from the start. Aria, Wix Harmony's built-in AI agent, stays beside you throughout, contextually aware of what you are building and ready to generate sections, refine copy and offer web design and business strategy expertise on demand. When you want hands-on precision, radical customization tools are ready: pixel-level drag-and-drop editing, custom component generation and a brand kit for global site styles. You are never locked into one mode, because AI and manual control coexist in the same interface, backed by Wix's enterprise-grade infrastructure. Think about long-term features too, such as blog functionality, contact forms and the ability to update your site as your teaching career evolves. "An outstanding portfolio is all about storytelling. It’s not just a showcase of work but a narrative that weaves together a professional’s skills, creativity and personality. Features like dynamic presets, AI setup and beautiful templates let creators bring their stories to life, ensuring that every portfolio not only stands out for its aesthetic appeal but also tells a compelling story about the creator behind it." - Hani Safe, product lead at Wix Explore the best website builders for teachers to get started on your portfolio. 03. Find a portfolio template that suits your style Your teaching portfolio should reflect your personality, professionalism and teaching approach. Choosing the right website templates, especially portfolio templates, is crucial. Look for clean, modern website designs with intuitive website navigation so that hiring committees can easily explore your work. Strong web design balances style and substance. Don’t overwhelm visitors with too many colors or complicated layouts. Instead, choose a website layout that puts your teaching philosophy and work samples front and center. Prioritize templates with organized sections, accessible menus and responsive design so your site looks great on any device. 04. Select and present your best teaching work Once you’ve chosen a format and template, it’s time to fill your teaching portfolio with meaningful content. Start by curating your strongest lesson plans, student work samples, classroom management strategies and any relevant certifications. Quality over quantity is key, and each piece should tell a story about your effectiveness as an educator. Give context for each sample you include. For example, instead of simply uploading a worksheet, explain what learning objectives it addressed, how students responded and any measurable outcomes. This narrative approach helps hiring managers see your teaching in action and understand the impact you’ve made in the classroom. 05. Optimize for mobile and SEO Most Many people will review your portfolio on a phone or tablet, so it’s critical to build a site that functions smoothly on smaller screens. Ask yourself: what is a mobile website? It’s a version of your site tailored for smartphones, easy to navigate, fast to load and touch-friendly. Use one of the best mobile website builders to ensure your site works seamlessly across all devices. Equally important is search engine visibility. Choose one of the best website builders for SEO and take advantage of built-in seo features to help your portfolio rank higher in search results. Want to boost visibility even more? Use a blog maker and explore how to start a blog, which is a great way to enhance your blog SEO and showcase thought leadership through your portfolio. Together, these steps create a strong foundation for SEO website design. Learn how to start a teaching blog in just a few easy steps. 06. Add a clear call to action Your teaching portfolio isn’t just a presentation, it’s a communication tool. So what’s the next step for your visitor? This is where a call to action comes in. Strong CTAs help guide your audience, whether you want them to download your resume, contact you for an interview or request a full portfolio via email. Check out call to action examples or browse a guide on call to actions to craft one that fits your tone. Effective CTAs are clear, visible and actionable. Use bold buttons that say things like “Get in Touch,” “Schedule a Call” or “Download My Portfolio.” Position them in key places: the homepage, end of each section and your site footer. A compelling call to action helps turn a great first impression into a real opportunity. 07. Review and refine your teaching portfolio A teaching portfolio should evolve as you grow. After launching your site or preparing your print version, take time to review everything. Ask trusted colleagues to proofread and offer feedback. Make sure your links work, your content is error-free and your site functions properly on desktop and mobile devices. Set a schedule to revisit your portfolio every few months, especially before job applications. Update older materials with new examples, revise your teaching philosophy to reflect your latest thinking and replace generic content with more personalized, targeted work. A regularly refreshed portfolio shows initiative and ongoing professional development. What is a teaching portfolio? A teaching portfolio is a curated collection of documents, lesson plans, reflections and evidence of teaching effectiveness. It’s used to showcase your skills, philosophy and growth as an educator. Key purposes: Highlight your teaching philosophy Present lesson plans, assessments and student work Reflect on your growth and development Provide evidence of student learning Demonstrate qualifications to potential employers Pro tip: An online portfolio is easy to share in an application and easy to keep current. An online teaching portfolio can show tech-savviness, organization and initiative, all things school administrators value. Common teacher portfolio formats Format of a teaching portfolio Description Best for Print portfolio Physical binder with tabs and printed documents. In-person interviews. Digital PDF Shareable, downloadable file. Email applications. Website portfolio Online version hosted via website builder. Showcasing work 24/7; interactive experience. Why create a teaching portfolio? Even if it's not required, having a professional portfolio shows initiative, professionalism and a genuine passion for teaching. Benefits: Helps you prepare for interviews by organizing your talking points. Showcases your unique teaching style and strengths. Builds credibility and confidence in your abilities. Makes you memorable to hiring committees. "In an interview setting, your teaching portfolio does more than back you up—it speaks for you. A clean, organized portfolio shows you think like an educator and a professional." - Sharon Hafuta, managing blog editor at Wix What to include in a teaching portfolio This is one of the top questions educators ask, and for good reason. There’s no universal format, which can be both freeing and overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of what to put in your teaching portfolio, with a template you can follow: Section of your teaching portfolio Purpose Tips Cover page Introduce your portfolio. Include your name, title, photo and contact info. Table of contents Navigation aid. Hyperlink sections for digital formats. Teaching philosophy Share your beliefs and goals. Keep it personal yet professional. Resume/CV Outline your qualifications. Tailor it to education roles. Lesson plans Show teaching skills in action. Add student outcomes or reflections. Assessments Demonstrate evaluation strategies. Include examples of feedback. Student work samples Showcases results. Include a range of learning levels. Letters of recommendation External validation. Choose diverse voices. Certifications & awards Proof of credentials. Include relevant dates. Professional development Commitment to growth. List conferences, courses, webinars. Optional additions: Classroom management plan Syllabi or course outlines Technology integration samples DEI-focused practices Teaching portfolio examples Looking through real-life teaching and personal portfolios can spark ideas for your own. Below, we’ve handpicked a few standout examples, each showcasing a unique strength, from design to content structure to accessibility. Whether you're building your site from scratch or using templates, these examples highlight what’s possible when you bring personality and professionalism together. 01. Art Smart with Mrs. J Art Smart with Mrs. J’s art teacher portfolio feels like an extension of the classroom itself. The use of playful fonts, student artwork and thematic sections turns the site into an immersive teaching experience. From lesson plans to videos, every element reinforces Mrs. J’s identity as a passionate and creative educator. It’s a reminder that your site should feel like you. Don't be afraid to incorporate your subject matter into the design, especially if you're teaching art, music or drama. A themed portfolio is not only fun to explore but also tells a story about how you engage with students. 02. Sunflower Scaffolds Sunflower Scaffolds’ teaching portfolio embraces a bold, expressive color scheme, using warm hues and soft web gradients that reflect the nurturing energy of early childhood education. The gentle transitions between rainbow colors give the site a vibrant yet soothing feel, perfectly in tune with its audience of educators and young learners. This site reminds us that a portfolio doesn’t need to be neutral to be professional. Color can be used intentionally to evoke emotion and reinforce your teaching values. Thoughtful use of web gradients and palettes creates a warm, welcoming digital space that’s both on-brand and inviting. 03. Teaching Allison Teacher Allison’s portfolio is a great example of an authentic and approachable teaching website. It showcases her educational background, teaching philosophy and even personal touches like favorite quotes. While the layout is simple, the content feels genuine and relatable, ideal for educators who want their site to reflect their personality, not just their credentials. This site is a good reminder: your teaching portfolio doesn’t need to be complex to be compelling. If you’re just starting out, focus on telling your story honestly and updating as you grow. 04. Mrs. Kinder's Korner Mrs. Kinder’s Korner combines bright design with best practices in website accessibility. From readable font sizes to high-contrast text and keyboard-friendly navigation, it’s clear the creator understands web accessibility and how it impacts the user experience. This site is a great case study in how to make a website accessible without compromising on personality. If you're building your portfolio on Wix, take note: Wix offers built-in tools and guidelines for accessibility. Familiarize yourself with website accessibility best practices and learn how to make a Wix website accessible to ensure your teaching portfolio is welcoming to all visitors, including those with disabilities. 05. Isabel Forward Isabel Forward’s teaching website doubles as a portfolio and digital resume, making it a great example for job-seeking educators. The homepage features a polished headshot, concise website bio and easy-to-navigate sections for resume highlights, projects and classroom work. If you're wondering how to make a professional resume website, this is a strong blueprint. Wix is one of the best resume website builders, offering stunning resume website templates and tools to help you stand out. Use this site as inspiration for website layout, tone and structure if you're searching for resume website examples that balance visuals and content effectively. 06. Cheryl Cofer Cheryl Cofer’s teaching portfolio makes a lasting first impression with its crisp layout, intuitive website navigation and modern website design. The standout feature? A subtle Apple-style logo that lends a sleek, tech-forward tone to the homepage. This logo isn't just decorative, it’s a reflection of Cheryl’s professional identity. If you're inspired by this, consider using a logo maker to create your own mark or explore guides on how to design a logo that matches your teaching philosophy. The minimalist design, white space, limited color palette and a clean font mirror the style of high-end brand websites, which lets her content shine without distraction. It’s proof that simplicity, when done right, can feel powerful and memorable. Check out these niche industry portfolios: Fashion portfolio examples Model portfolio examples UX portfolio examples Illustration portfolio examples Industrial design portfolio examples Animation portfolio examples Social media portfolio examples Writing portfolio examples Digital portfolio examples Teaching portfolio templates Want a head start? Explore these free teaching portfolio template to get started: Template name: Online language school website template Template name: Classroom website template Template includes: Editable cover page Table of contents with hyperlinks Teaching philosophy page Lesson plan and assessment templates Student work sample layout Free portfolio templates on Wix Artist portfolio template Photographer portfolio template Illustrator portfolio template Videographer portfolio template Branding portfolio template Food photography portfolio template Graphic designer portfolio template Designer portfolio template Architecture portfolio template Acting portfolio template Fashion designer portfolio template Art director portfolio template UX designer and web developer portfolio template Fashion journalist portfolio template Teaching portfolio cover page tips & examples First impressions matter. A strong cover page should be: Visually clean and easy to read Aligned with your teaching style Personalized with your name and photo Sample cover page layout Element Example Full name John Smith Title Middle School Science Teacher Photo Professional headshot Contact Phone number, email address and LinkedIn Design Soft colors, clear typefaces, school themed icons Online vs. print: which teaching portfolio format is best? Feature Online portfolio Print portfolio Accessibility 24/7 access Requires physical delivery Visual impact Interactive design options Tangible, tactile presence Updates Easy to revise Requires reprinting Best for Remote applications, networking In-person interviews Pro tip: You can always create both. Use a website as your primary portfolio and a printed version for interviews. How to make a teaching portfolio FAQ What is a teaching portfolio? A teaching portfolio is a curated collection of teaching documents that shows your educational philosophy, classroom experience and impact on student learning. It usually holds a philosophy statement, resume, lesson plans, assessments, student work samples and evidence of professional development, and it can live as a printed binder, a PDF or a website. What should I include in a teaching portfolio? A teaching portfolio should include your teaching philosophy, resume, lesson plans, assessments, student work samples, letters of recommendation and certifications. Add context to each item, such as the learning objective it addressed and how students responded, so a hiring committee can see the thinking behind the work. How do I make a teaching portfolio from scratch? You make a teaching portfolio from scratch by defining your goal, choosing a format, gathering your strongest teaching materials and publishing them in a structure someone can navigate quickly. Building it as a website keeps it easy to update and easy to share as a single link in an application. Are digital teaching portfolios accepted? Yes, online teaching portfolios are increasingly expected, especially for all types of teaching positions.

Want one AI system running your whole business? Meet Symphony by Wix → The best AI tools for business do a lot more than answer emails: platforms like Symphony by Wix now coordinate entire teams of AI agents to run daily operations, marketing and customer communications for you. The right mix of AI agents for small business can still draft your marketing copy, answer customer questions overnight and flag which leads are worth chasing, often before you've had your morning coffee. The trick isn't finding the flashiest tool. It's finding the one platform that fits how your business actually works. TL;DR: best AI tools for business AI has moved from a nice-to-have to a genuine operating layer for small businesses, handling everything from customer replies to scheduling to first-draft copy. The list below starts with a coordinated AI agent platform, then covers the best standalone tools by category, so you can match a tool (or a whole team of them) to a real bottleneck in your business. You'll learn: Which AI agent platform coordinates the categories below in one place The best standalone AI tools for content, sales, automation and productivity Free and low-cost tools worth trying before you pay for anything How to pick tools that fit your business instead of collecting apps If you're still figuring out where AI agents fit, start with our guide to businesses that should use AI agents. Growing a business shouldn't mean doing everything yourself. Symphony by Wix is an AI agent platform that builds a dedicated team of agents around your business, helping you win new clients, stay on top of operations and actually grow revenue. Symphony learns how your business works so you can spend less time on the day-to-day and more time on the work only you can do. 11 best AI tools for business Adoption has moved well past the novelty stage: nearly all US small business owners (96%) plan to adopt AI and other emerging technology, and 82% of those already using it say it helped them grow their team, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The list below covers the tools actually worth your time in 2026, starting with a full agentic AI platform and moving through the best standalone options for content, sales, automation and productivity. Jump to any tool: Symphony by Wix ChatGPT Claude Gemini Zapier AI Salesforce Agentforce Notion AI ClickUp Brain Canva AI Grammarly Fireflies.ai Here's how they stack up side by side, on the same categories, before the full breakdown of each one below: 01. Symphony by Wix Symphony is an AI agent platform built for independent business owners and small businesses, with Symphony’s agents working as a coordinated team under a single orchestrator across every layer of your operation rather than one tool per task. Symphony's agents carry 20 years of accumulated Wix knowledge from more than 300 million businesses, so they already understand your industry and what good looks like for a business like yours. Best for: Symphony is the AI agent platform that runs a business's daily tasks automatically. Best for business owners who want a system that runs their day-to-day tasks automatically, surfaces new business ideas, and captures and follows up on leads, all from one coordinated AI team instead of a dozen separate subscriptions. Starting price: free plan, with paid tiers from $16 a month (billed annually). Good to know: Symphony gets sharper the more it learns about your business, so treat the first few uses as an onboarding period, not a limitation. See what Symphony by Wix actually is for the full picture, or check Symphony pricing to see what's included at each tier. 02. ChatGPT (best general-purpose assistant) ChatGPT is a general-purpose AI assistant that handles drafting emails, product descriptions and social captions, along with research, brainstorming and basic data analysis from uploaded files. Its Team and Business tiers add shared workspaces, custom GPTs built around your own documents and processes, and stronger data controls so nothing you paste in trains the model. It's a strong all-purpose tool, though it works best as a set of separate conversations rather than a system that connects those tasks to each other or to the rest of your business. Best for: fast, flexible writing and research work across almost any department. Starting price: free, with its paid entry-level Go plan starting at $8 a month. Learn how to make a website in GPT or how to make a website with Wix and ChatGPT. 03. Claude Claude is a general-purpose AI assistant built for longer, more nuanced writing, careful reasoning and light coding or technical documentation, with a large context window that holds an entire brief, contract or codebase in view at once. Its Team and Enterprise tiers add shared projects, custom instructions that keep a consistent voice across a group of writers, and stronger data controls for sensitive business documents. It's a dependable choice for careful drafting and analysis, though like other standalone assistants it works conversation by conversation rather than coordinating those tasks with the rest of your business. Best for: businesses that need careful, well-reasoned output over quick-and-rough drafts. Starting price: free, with the Pro plan starting at $17 a month (billed annually). Learn more: How to make a website with Claude How to make a website with Claude and Wix How to use Claude with Wix How to make an online store with Claude 04. Gemini Gemini is Google's AI assistant, built directly into Docs, Sheets, Gmail and Meet, so it can summarize a thread, draft a reply or build a first-pass spreadsheet formula without leaving the app you're already working in. Its Workspace tiers add Gems, which are custom assistants trained on your own files, plus deeper research and data-analysis features across Sheets. It's a convenient layer for teams already living in Google's tools, though its strengths stay tied to that one ecosystem rather than coordinating tasks across your whole business. Best for: teams that want AI built into the tools they already use every day, without adding a new app. Starting price: bundled into Google Workspace plans, from around $5 per user a month. 05. Zapier AI Zapier AI connects the apps you already use so information moves between them automatically: a new order can create an invoice, add a customer to an email list and post a note in your team chat without anyone touching a step. For a look at where this fits into a broader plan, see small business automation ideas. Best for: connecting software you already run day to day. Starting price: free for a limited number of monthly tasks, with paid plans from around $20 a month (billed annually). Worth knowing: automation tools are only as good as the process you're automating. Map out the steps by hand first, since automating a broken process just makes the same mistakes faster. 06. Salesforce Agentforce Salesforce Agentforce is Salesforce's AI agent layer for sales and service teams, scoring incoming leads, drafting personalized follow-ups and flagging which deals are likely to close or stall, turning a pile of contacts into a prioritized list. It also runs pre-built agents for case routing and basic customer service, and it gets more capable the more deal and ticket history it has to learn from. It's a strong option for surfacing priority in a large pipeline, though it's built on top of Salesforce specifically, so getting real value out of it means already running (or being ready to adopt) that CRM. Best for: sales teams with enough deal volume to make lead scoring worth the setup. Starting price: free plan, followed by usage-based credits/add ons or per-user licenses from around $125 a month. One thing worth knowing: AI-scored leads are a starting point, not a verdict. Treat the score as a nudge to look closer, not a reason to skip your own judgment on a deal. Wix's own AI CRM and lead management tools cover similar ground for businesses that want that layered directly onto their existing site and sales process. 07. Notion AI Notion AI summarizes long threads, drafts status updates and turns scattered notes into structured pages, which matters most for small teams without a dedicated ops person keeping everything tidy. Its Notion Agent feature goes a step further, working across your whole workspace to research a question, update several pages or pull together a report on its own rather than waiting for a specific prompt each time. It's a solid way to keep a growing knowledge base organized, though it stays focused on your documents and notes rather than the broader operational side of the business. Best for: teams that already live in Notion and want AI layered directly into their existing docs. Starting price: free, with paid plans starting at $20 per user a month. 08. ClickUp Brain ClickUp Brain turns meeting recordings into action items and keeps task lists updated automatically, saving a team the better part of an hour a week that used to go into writing recap emails. Its Autopilot Agents can also draft status updates, reassign overdue tasks and answer questions about project progress by pulling directly from your existing ClickUp data, so less of that follow-up work depends on one person remembering to do it. It's a helpful way to keep a busy project board on track, though its reach stops at the projects and tasks you manage inside ClickUp. Best for: businesses managing multiple projects and deadlines across a growing team. Starting price: a Brain AI add-on from around $9 per user a month, on top of a paid ClickUp plan. 09. Canva AI Canva's AI features generate on-brand graphics, resize assets across formats and remove the need for a separate design tool for most day-to-day marketing needs. Pair it with AI writing tools to cover both the visuals and the copy for a campaign in one pass. Best for: small teams that need consistent, on-brand marketing visuals without hiring a designer. Starting price: free, with paid plans for teams that need brand kits and shared assets. Explore AI agent use cases. 10. Grammarly Grammarly's AI layer catches tone and clarity issues on top of basic grammar, which matters most when several people on a team are writing in the business's voice. Best for: keeping one consistent voice across every writer on a team. Starting price: free, with paid plans for teams that need shared style and tone controls. One thing worth knowing: general assistants and writing tools write good first drafts, but they don't know your brand voice until you tell them. Save a short style guide and paste it into every session, and the output improves fast. 11. Fireflies.ai Fireflies.ai joins calls automatically, transcribes them and pulls out action items, which is a small but real time-saver for any business running frequent client or team calls. Best for: teams that want a searchable record of every call without someone manually taking notes. Starting price: free, with paid plans for teams that need longer storage and more integrations. Best AI tools for business: summary Tool Best for Standout feature Starting price Symphony by Wix One coordinated AI team instead of many separate tools Orchestrator agent builds a custom team of agents from a single conversation Free plan, paid from $16/mo ChatGPT Fast writing and research across any department Custom GPTs and shared team knowledge at the workspace level Free, paid entry plans from $8/user/mo Claude Careful, well-reasoned writing and light coding Large context window built for long, complex documents Free, Team plans priced per seat Gemini Teams already living in Google Workspace Built directly into Docs, Sheets and Gmail Bundled into Workspace, from ~$7/user/mo Zapier AI Connecting the software you already use AI Agents that build and run automations from a plain-language prompt Free (100 tasks/mo), paid from ~$20/mo Salesforce Agentforce Sales and service teams with real deal or ticket volume Pre-built agent library across sales, service and commerce Usage credits or per-user from ~$125/mo Notion AI Teams that already run their knowledge base in Notion Notion Agent that acts across your whole workspace on its own Free, bundled into Business from ~$20/user/mo ClickUp Brain Teams managing multiple projects and deadlines Super Agents that automate tasks across your whole workspace Brain AI add-on from ~$9/user/mo Canva AI Small teams that need on-brand marketing visuals fast Magic Studio suite for one-click design generation Free, paid plans for teams Grammarly Keeping a consistent brand voice across writers Brand voice and tone detection built into every draft Free, paid plans for teams Fireflies.ai Businesses running frequent client or team calls Searchable AI-generated transcript and action items for every call Free, paid plans for teams Symphony is the only entry on this list built to coordinate every category above, content, sales, automation and productivity, from one place, rather than asking you to buy, learn and manage each one separately. How to choose the best AI tools for your business "Most small business owners are incredible at what they do. A great plumber, a talented photographer, a brilliant consultant, what holds them back isn't talent or drive, it's capacity. There are only so many hours in a day and most of them get eaten up by the stuff that keeps the lights on," says Ronny Elkayam, COO & Head of R&D at Wix. It's a good reminder to start with the one bottleneck actually costing you time, rather than overhauling every department with AI at once, and it's exactly why a coordinated platform like Symphony by Wix tends to outperform a pile of single-purpose apps: you tell it what's slowing you down, and the right agent picks it up, instead of you researching, buying and learning a new tool for every bottleneck as it comes up. Momentum is already broad across business types: 84% of eCommerce businesses have integrated AI tools or are actively planning to, according to AI in eCommerce Statistics 2025, a sign that waiting to "figure out AI later" is quickly becoming the exception rather than the norm. For businesses whose AI needs start with the website itself, an AI website builder can generate a working site in minutes, and Symphony can then take over running it, handling everything from customer messages to marketing, without adding a second platform on top. One thing worth knowing: most small businesses only need one coordinated agent platform, not three or four separate AI tools, to feel a real difference. Adding a dozen apps "just in case" usually creates more overhead than it saves, which is the exact problem Symphony was built to remove. Symphony's free plan is the easiest way to see this for yourself: a free CRM or the free tiers of ChatGPT, Gemini, Canva and Grammarly can each handle a single task at no cost, but only Symphony's free plan lets you try that same one-platform coordination before you commit to a paid tier. Learn more: Best AI agent platforms Best AI agent orchestration platforms What is a multi agent platform How to build ai agents Which AI agent platform is most customizable Best AI tools for business FAQ What are the best AI tools for business? The best AI tools for business are increasingly moving away from a pile of separate apps and toward one coordinated platform. Symphony is built exactly for that: instead of buying and managing a different tool for content, sales, automation and support, Symphony runs a whole team of AI agents that handle all of it from one place, so you're not stitching together ChatGPT for writing, Zapier for automation and a separate CRM for leads. Standalone tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Zapier are still useful for a single, specific task, but the businesses getting the most out of AI are the ones consolidating around one platform rather than adding another app for every new need. Do I need technical skills to use AI tools for business? No. Most AI tools built for small businesses, including AI agent platforms, are designed around plain-language prompts and no-code setup, so you don't need a developer or IT background to get value from them. The learning curve is closer to learning a new app than learning to code. How much do AI tools for business typically cost? Standalone AI tools commonly offer free plans to paid plans ranging from $10 to $50 per user per month for small business tiers, scaling with usage volume and team size. Full AI agent platforms like Symphony price differently since they replace several tools at once, so it's worth comparing the cost of one platform against the combined cost of the standalone tools it would otherwise take to cover the same ground.

The perfect domain is just a click away: find and register your domain→ While .com remains the most popular and widely recognized option, .org and .net each serve specific audiences and goals. Understanding the difference between these domain extensions helps you choose one that fits your website’s purpose, earns your visitors’ trust and represents your brand well. TL;DR: .com vs .net vs .org Picking the right domain name, .com, .org or .net, can shape how people see your site and how easy it is to find. A .com is the classic choice for businesses, .org is a great fit for nonprofits and .net is often used for tech or network-based sites. You'll learn: Differences between .com, .org and .net When to choose each for your site How domains affect branding and user experience Country-specific and newer domain options Why owning multiple extensions helps protect your brand Found the perfect name for your business? Lock in your domain before someone else does. .com vs .net vs .org What is the best domain extension? What domain extension should you use? What does .com mean? What does .org mean? What does .net mean? .org vs .com differences .com vs .net differences .org vs .com vs .net differences What is the best domain extension? There isn’t one single “best” domain extension for every website. The right choice depends on what kind of site you’re building, who your audience is and how you want people to see your brand. Some domain extensions feel more familiar and trusted right away, while others help people quickly understand the type of website they’re visiting. Your extension can influence how professional, trustworthy or purpose-driven your site feels before someone even clicks on it. A good domain extension should feel natural for your brand, easy to remember and easy to share. It should also match what people expect to see when they find your website in search results, emails, ads or social media. That said, some extensions are usually a better fit for certain types of websites. What domain extension should you use? The easiest way to choose between .com, .net and .org is to think about what people assume about your site before they even visit it. .com reduces explanation. It matches what most people already expect, so it works best when you want quick understanding and low friction. .org shapes meaning. It guides people toward expecting purpose, education or community, which can build trust faster when that aligns with your work. .net adds flexibility but less direction. It does not strongly define your site, so it works when you are in a technical space or when .com is not available, but it relies more on branding to carry recognition. A practical check is how the domain feels in real situations like a social post, spoken recommendation or email address. .com usually works everywhere without explanation. .org fits best when your message already signals purpose. .net often needs a bit more context unless your audience is technical or already familiar with your brand. The sections below break down what each domain extension means, where it works best and what to consider before choosing one for your site. If you are... Choose Business, ecommerce, SaaS .com Nonprofit, charity, community .org Hosting, networking, developer tools .net .com unavailable Compare .net with newer alternatives before deciding What does .com mean? The .com top-level domain is still the most widely used and recognized domain extension. Originally, “.com” stood for “commercial” and was created for business websites, but today it’s used by companies, creators, online stores, blogs and personal brands across almost every industry. .com has become the default web address people expect to see. As of 2026, it represents roughly 40–45% of all registered domains globally and remains the extension users trust and remember most. That matters in practice: people are more likely to type a .com automatically, remember it later and trust it when they see it in search results, ads or emails. This doesn’t mean other extensions can’t work well, especially niche or industry-specific ones. But if your goal is broad recognition, easy recall and long-term brand trust, .com is usually the safest and most practical option. Learn more: What is .com? How much does a .com domain cost on Wix? How to choose a domain name .com availability Because .com is the most popular and trusted domain extension in the world, availability is much more limited than with newer TLDs. Many short, memorable and brand-friendly .com domains are already taken, which can make finding the right name more challenging. This is why it’s smart to check domain availability early when starting a business and even consider it while choosing your business name. Securing a strong .com from the beginning can save you from rebranding, buying an expensive domain later or settling for a name that’s harder to remember. If your first choice isn’t available, try natural variations or different word combinations instead of adding numbers or hyphens. A domain name search tool can help you compare available options quickly. Read more: .ai vs .com .co vs .com What does .org mean? The .org top-level domain stands for “organization” and is primarily used for nonprofit websites such as NGOs, open source projects, charitable organizations and educational platforms. This extension was one of the original domains established in 1985, and is therefore perceived as stronger and more credible than newer alternatives. This domain extension was originally created for organizations that didn’t match the intent of any other domains available at the time: not commercial, not in networking, not a university, not government and not military. Over time, .org became exclusively for nonprofits, however, this restriction was removed in August 2019 after the domain name registry was sold to an investment firm. What's going on with .org now? While for-profit businesses are now legally allowed to purchase and use .org domains, the public opinion is still very much set on its old ways and experience. .Org signals a focus on social good. Any business using a .org domain is inherently perceived as a nonprofit organization or a fundraising website for a nonprofit, and the failure to clearly disclose the for-profit nature of your company could result in serious backlash. Learn more: What is a domain name How to get .org domain What does .net mean? The .net domain is the second most popular extension. It’s often presented as the recommended alternative to .com when you try to buy a domain name that is already in use. It’s estimated that around 4% of all global registered domains use this extension. The .net domain name extension stands for “network” and was originally meant to be used by umbrella websites acting as a portal for smaller sites. It's now particularly common in tech companies. You should use a .net extension for businesses that provides services like internet, website hosting, databases or collaboration tools. Another reason to use .net is when .com is not available. In this case, you’ll need to make sure that the business with your same domain name with a .com extension is not in the same industry, otherwise your audience might end up becoming their clients. Whatever the reason is for you to use a .net domain extension, you’ll need to ensure that potential visitors remember it and don’t end up on the wrong site. An effective way to achieve this is by integrating your site’s TLD within your branding efforts, as your audience will end up naturally connecting your business name with .net. For example, a marketing consultant firm called Upstream may refer to themselves as Upstream.net to get their audience familiar with their correct domain extension. .org vs .com vs .net differences A simple way to decide is to think about what someone assumes about your site before they read a single word. That first impression shapes trust, clicks and how easily people remember you. When a .com domain is better A .com domain is the most familiar and widely trusted extension. People are used to seeing it on businesses, online shops, service providers and general websites, so it creates a sense of “this is the main version of this brand.” That familiarity lowers hesitation. Visitors do not need to interpret what the site is about, they just move forward. This makes .com a strong choice when your goal is action. If you want people to sign up, buy something, book a service or reach out, .com helps because it feels complete and established. It also works well long term since it does not lock you into a specific category. A simple idea can grow into something bigger without the domain feeling limiting. What a .org domain is used for .org (short for "organization") is traditionally used by nonprofits charities and organizations focused on education or advocacy. It signals trustworthiness and purpose making it a great choice for mission-driven websites though it’s less common for businesses. If someone sees a .org they usually assume the site has a purpose beyond just selling. That can work in your favor if your trust comes from transparency and shared values rather than transactions. It often fits spaces where people want reassurance before they engage like education community work or advocacy. The important thing to know is that users don't just read .org as "nonprofit" anymore they read it as "this is here for a reason beyond profit." If your content or messaging doesn't support that expectation you might feel a mismatch even if your site is legitimate. What .net domains are used for If someone sees a .net the reaction is more neutral and less automatic. People don't assign as strong a meaning to it which can be both good and bad. It gives you flexibility but it also means your site has to do more work to establish its identity. In practice .net often performs best when the product itself is already clearly technical or system-based like developer tools hosting APIs or network services. In those cases the extension reinforces what the product does. Outside of that it can feel like a second choice rather than a deliberate brand decision so your name design and messaging need to carry more weight. .com vs .net vs .org comparison Feature .com .org .net Meaning Commercial Organization Network Intended use Businesses, personal blogs, general websites Non-profits, charities, open-source projects Tech services like ISPs and hosting Popularity Most popular globally Popular with non-profits and communities Recognized but less common Trust factor High, often seen as credible and trusted High, associated with transparency and community efforts Moderate, strong fit for tech industries Availability Highly competitive (many names taken) Easier to find than .com Easier to find than .com SEO impact No technical SEO advantage, but strong branding value No direct impact, trusted for non-profits and education No direct impact, solid for tech brands Cost on Wix Starts at $7.90 Starts at $6.90 Starts at $11.90 Best for Businesses, eCommerce, personal blogs Non-profits, advocacy groups, communities Tech companies, startups, hosting services Editor's note: Pricing information is accurate as of March 11th, 2026. .org vs .com differences .org tends to signal purpose-driven or community-focused projects, while .com feels more commercial and broadly neutral. Because of this, users often expect .org sites to be nonprofits, open-source projects or educational initiatives, even though anyone can technically register it. From a practical angle, .org can help set the right expectations if your work is mission-led or community based. But it can also create confusion if you’re running an online business, since many people still default to typing .com first when searching for a website. But it’s rarely that simple. According to current domain registration data, there are around 12 million .org domains registered globally, which is far fewer than .com. Compared to .com, .org domains are generally more available, especially for short or brandable names. There is still a wider pool of usable options, which makes it easier to secure a matching .org domain without major compromises. Find the domain owner and registration details for a website with a Whois domain lookup. .com vs .org: .com is often used for businesses, signals commercial intent, is faster to type on mobile and allows more flexibility over time. On the other hand, .org is typically used by nonprofits and community projects, suggests a mission-driven focus, often has better name availability and works best for long-term noncommercial use. User experience and SEO considerations From a user experience standpoint, .com holds a subtle but notable advantage: many mobile keyboards include a built-in “.com” shortcut for faster typing, while no such shortcut exists for .org. This may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s a small factor worth considering, especially for mobile-first audiences. When it comes to SEO, neither .com nor .org offers any inherent advantage. Search engines rank websites based on content quality, relevance, site performance and user experience, not domain extensions. So whether you choose .com or .org, your site’s SEO success will depend on how well it’s built and maintained. Expert tip from Einat Shafir, product manager at Wix: ".com is the most popular and widely recognized domain extension, making it the best choice for businesses. However, other extensions like .net, .org and country-specific ones can also be effective, depending on your business." Pricing, perception and when to use .org Historically, .org domains had capped pricing, making them a more affordable option for nonprofits and charities. However, those price controls were lifted in 2019, and now domain costs can vary depending on the registry. In general, both .com and .org domains are widely available to the public and typically cost about the same at registration. Technically, any type of business or organization can use a .org domain as long as they back it with the right marketing strategy that will avoid potential misunderstandings among those who still connect this domain extension with nonprofits. However, the notion that .org domains belong to charities, NGOs and educational platforms is so ingrained in the collective mindset that you might want to keep this TLD as a last resource only. Find your perfect .com, .net or .org domain, plus more than 400 other domain extensions, on Wix. Search and register your domain in one place with built-in security and easy setup. Additional .org vs .com considerations Trust and expectations: People often connect .org domains with nonprofits advocacy groups or educational projects. This can build trust for mission-driven sites but might confuse people if your site is for business. Email perception: Email addresses ending in .com usually feel more familiar for sales, partnerships and customer support. .org emails are legitimate but may be seen as informational or donation-focused. Brand protection: Many organizations register both .com and .org versions of their domain to prevent impersonation and reduce brand confusion even if they only actively use one. Long-term flexibility: A .org domain can limit future shifts toward paid products or commercial services. .com offers more flexibility if your goals change over time. If you’re in need of a strong .com domain alternative for your business or online portfolio, you should take a look at what .net is instead. .com vs .net differences Choosing between .com and .net usually comes down to what you’re building. Originally, .com was the home for "commercial" sites, which is why it’s still the top pick for businesses, blogs and eCommerce website platforms. On the other hand, .net was made for "network" sites like internet service providers, tech platforms and online communities. If you’re launching a forum, a cloud service or an internet-focused platform, a .net domain might be your perfect match. Popularity and availability Nearly half of all registered domains are .coms so finding an available one can be tricky. This makes .net a popular alternative when your ideal .com is taken. You can also explore expired or auctioned .com domains which sometimes allows you to claim your preferred name. Over time the original distinction between .com and .net has blurred and many people now choose based on availability branding and memorability rather than strict purpose. User experience and mobile impact One small thing to keep in mind is the mobile experience. Most mobile keyboards have a handy “.com” shortcut, which makes it a breeze for your visitors to type. Since .net doesn’t have its own button, your users might need a couple of extra taps to find you, something to think about if your crowd mostly browses on their phones. .com vs .net: Choosing a .com is a smart move for businesses, blogs and online stores because it’s the name everyone knows and finds easy to type on the go. On the other hand, .net is a great fit for tech or community sites and is a solid backup if your dream .com name is already off the table. Branding and perception .com is the most recognized and trusted extension globally, instantly signaling a commercial or professional presence. .net can suggest tech-savvy, network-oriented or community-driven projects but doesn’t carry the same universal recognition as .com. This perception matters if your goal is brand authority, trust or global reach. SEO and technical considerations When it comes to SEO, search engines don’t play favorites with .com and .net. Your ranking really comes down to creating great content, having a high-performing site, making sure your site looks good on mobile and getting quality backlinks. The extension itself won't give you a boost. Pricing and long-term strategy Both .com and .net domains are similarly priced at registration, though premium .coms can be much more expensive. If your project might grow or change direction, .com is usually more versatile for any type of business or online venture. .net is a great fit for tech-focused or network-based platforms but can also work creatively if the .com isn’t available. Learn more about domain expiration and how to purchase an expired domain in this guide. Domain choice and SEO While choosing a .net or .com extension doesn't impact your site's SEO capabilities or ability to show up in search engine results, mobile browsers’ UI design can negatively affect sites with a .net domain. Most smartphone keyboards have a button dedicated to domain extensions, but as you’ve probably noticed its default option is always .com. As a result, searching for .net domains is more time-consuming and less user-friendly. With mobile accounting for more than half of all online traffic, this small detail can have a significant impact on the success of your site. In order to maximize your online presence and web traffic, it’s recommended to purchase both .net and .com extensions. With a domain name cost ranging between $8-$20 per year, the purchase of a second TLD will most likely result in a high return on investment as it will allow you to ensure visitors don’t accidentally reach a competitor’s site. All you need to do is redirect the additional extension to your main domain name. Ultimately, the decision of which domain to choose shouldn’t be heavily influenced by what is perceived to be best for SEO. Google’s John Mueller has confirmed over and over again that domain choice has no real impact on a site’s SEO. Mueller said, “The newer top-level domains (TLDs) are equivalent to other generic top-level domains like .com when it comes to SEO. Pick something you like, there are lots of options out there now.” Learn more: How much does a domain name cost? Can I use Wix just as a domain registrar? So while there are many different reasons as to why you might opt for a specific type of domain, its impact on your SEO shouldn’t be a deciding factor. Check out this guide for more information on subdomains, as well as this list of best domain registrars. Expert tip from Keren Friedlander, product manager at Wix: "If your desired domain is already taken, consider using alternative extensions. These can still effectively represent your business. Another strategy is to add relevant keywords to your domain name like industry or location. This way, you can create a memorable and relevant domain for your business." Owning multiple extensions To make sure your audience always finds the right site consider registering .com .org and .net for the same name. Owning multiple extensions helps prevent confusion, protects your brand and keeps competitors from snatching up a similar domain. Once you have them you don’t need to build separate websites for each. You can redirect the extra domains to your main site. For example if your primary website is example.com you can set it up so example.org and example.net automatically take visitors there. Owning multiple domains is a smart move if: Your business grows and you want to launch a nonprofit branch on a .org site You’re in tech or networking and want a .net domain to show that focus You want to catch traffic from people who type the wrong extension by mistake The future of domain extensions The latest 2026 data shows that .com remains by far the most popular domain extension, while .net and .org continue to rank among the largest extensions worldwide. As of June 2026, there were 166.6 million .com domains, 12.5 million .net domains and 11.7 million .org domains. At the same time, the domain name market continues to grow. There were 401.6 million domain name registrations across all top-level domains (TLDs) at the end of Q2 2026, up 8.1% year over year. Newer extensions are also gaining ground, with new generic TLDs growing 31.3% year over year in Q1 2026. For now, these trends suggest that .com, .net and .org will remain important choices, but they are no longer the only options. As more domain extensions become available, you can choose between the familiarity of a traditional extension and a newer option that may better fit your brand, industry or audience. Rise of new generic extensions New domain extensions are also gaining ground. In the first quarter of 2026, .xyz was the fourth-largest generic domain extension, with 8.1 million registered domains. It ranked behind .com, .net and .org, making it the largest of the newer generic extensions tracked by DNIB. Overall, newer generic extensions accounted for 12.6% of all domain registrations in Q1 2026, up from 10.6% a year earlier. Future expansion with ICANN Domain variety is expected to grow further, driven by increasing website creation and the upcoming ICANN second new gTLD program in 2026. This initiative will introduce even more options, including non-Latin script TLDs, making the internet more inclusive. Learn more: Is .shop a good domain? What is .ai domain? What is a .info domain? Tech and niche-specific domains Technological trends are also reshaping the domain landscape. The .ai extension, originally for Anguilla, has surged in popularity due to the rise of artificial intelligence. Recognized by Google as a generic top-level domain, .ai now sees over 20,000 new registrations monthly, a trend likely to accelerate. The growth of websites has driven demand for diverse domains. Many brands use industry-specific extensions like .shop, .design, and .health to create memorable, purpose-driven identities. Startups and niche businesses stand out with extensions that highlight their expertise. Creators and influencers are also embracing extensions like .me, .bio, and .fans to build personal, approachable brands that connect with their audiences. Other domain extension options include: .studio .wiki .finance .nl (Netherlands) .yoga .center .space .top .fun .ch (Switzerland) .me .co .live .biz .blog Key tips for choosing the right domain extension Here are some domain tips to help you decide which domain extension to choose: Build trust: A ".com" domain is often seen as the most professional and reliable option. It’s the default choice for many and helps establish credibility with your audience. Match your purpose: Choose an extension that fits your organization. For example, businesses often go with ".com" for its association with commercial activity while non-profits lean toward ".org" for its connection to community-driven initiatives. Explore alternatives: If your ideal ".com" domain isn’t available, don’t worry, there are plenty of great options. Extensions like ".net" or ".org" can work well depending on your goals, while newer options like ".info" or ".co" offer creative ways to stand out. Think locally: If your business operates in a specific country, consider using a country code domain like ".uk" or ".ca" to better connect with local audiences. Keep it simple: Avoid overly long or complicated extensions. Short, memorable domains are easier for users to remember and type, enhancing your site’s accessibility. Plan for the future: If you’re thinking about growing your business or taking it in a more commercial direction down the road, choosing a .com could be a smarter long-term choice. According to Michael Yerardi, Property Specialist, Turning Point Home Buyers: "Consider purchasing different variations of your chosen domain name (such as .com, .net, .org) to protect your brand and prevent others from using similar names for their own websites." You may also be interested in: How to start a blog How to make a website Best domain endings Domain registration with Wix Wix is an ICANN-accredited domain registrar that gives you access to more than 400 domain extensions in one place. Alongside domain registration, Wix includes tools for DNS management, domain security and private registration, plus a free SSL certificate to help protect your site. You can also set up custom business email, get a free one-year domain voucher with eligible annual plans and access 24/7 customer support for domain-related help. About Wix’s domain experts This article was created by Wix’s in-house domain experts, with years of experience helping people choose, register and secure the perfect domains for their businesses and online projects. The guidance, tips and best practices shared here come directly from real Wix projects, so you can be confident they’ll help you find a domain that represents your brand, stays secure and supports your long-term goals. At Wix, we’ve guided millions of entrepreneurs, creators and small business owners in establishing a strong online presence. Our team keeps up with the latest in domain management, security and branding, making sure the advice you get is practical and backed by proven results. Think of this article as your trusted resource for every stage of domain ownership, from finding your first custom domain to protecting and growing your online identity. Explore more: What is a website address? Domain Name System Webpage definition IP address What is a web server? .org, .com, .net domain extensions FAQ What does .org mean on a website? The .org domain extension in a website URL stands for "organization." Originally intended for non-profit organizations, .org has since been expanded to include various types of entities, including for-profit organizations, educational institutions, community groups, and individuals. What does .com mean on a website? The .com domain extension in a URL stands for "commercial." It's the most widely recognized and commonly used top-level domain (TLD). The .com domain is often used by companies, e-Commerce websites and businesses of various sizes and types. It is widely understood and trusted by online users. What does .net mean on a website? The .net domain extension in a URL stands for "network." It was originally intended for organizations involved in networking technologies and services. However, like other domain extensions, the use of .net has expanded beyond its initial scope. Now it's commonly used by a variety of entities, including businesses, individuals, non-profit organizations, internet service providers (ISPs), and technology-related websites. It's often associated with websites that provide networking services, technology solutions, software development, or online platforms. Do people trust .com or .org more? Generally, people tend to trust .com domains more because they are widely recognized as commercial websites. .org domains, on the other hand, are typically associated with non-profit organizations and may be perceived differently depending on the context. Should I use .org if .com is taken? If the .com domain for your desired name is already taken, using the .org domain can be a viable alternative, especially if your website serves a non-profit or organizational purpose. However, consider whether using a different domain extension could potentially confuse or mislead your audience, and ensure that the .org domain accurately represents your website's content and purpose. Can I use .org for my business? While .org domains are traditionally associated with non-profit organizations, there are no strict rules prohibiting businesses from using them. However, using a .org domain for a commercial business may create confusion among users who expect .org websites to be non-profit in nature. It's important to consider the perception and expectations of your target audience before choosing a domain extension for your business. If possible, securing both the .com and .org domains for your business name can help prevent confusion and ensure consistency in branding. Is .net only for network-related sites? No, .net is not exclusively for network-related sites. Originally intended for network providers, it's now open for general use. While still popular among tech companies, .net can be used by any business or individual. It's often chosen as an alternative when the desired .com domain is unavailable. Are there country-specific versions of these extensions? Yes, there are country-specific versions of these extensions, known as country code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs). Examples include: .org.uk (United Kingdom) .com.au (Australia) .net.nz (New Zealand) These combine the generic extensions with country codes. They're often used to target specific geographic markets or comply with local regulations. Availability and registration rules vary by country. Can I own multiple extensions for the same domain name? Yes, you can own multiple extensions for the same domain name. This practice is common and has several benefits: Brand protection Preventing competitor acquisition Capturing typos Targeting different markets or purposes For example, you could own example.com, example.org and example.net. Each can be used separately or redirected to a primary domain. Do .org, .com and .net have different pricing? On Wix, the pricing for .com, .org, and .net domains varies by extension: 1. .com: $7.90/year 2. .org: $6.90/year 3. .net: $11.90/year While these three popular extensions are priced the same on Wix, it's worth noting that prices can vary on other platforms. Additionally, Wix often runs promotions that may affect these prices temporarily. Premium domains (highly desirable names) in these extensions may cost significantly more even on Wix. Always check the current pricing on Wix's domain registration page for the most up-to-date information. How to know if a domain name is available? Another business may have already taken your desired domain name, so the first step is to do a domain name search. If your first choice isn’t available, pop it into a domain name generator, which can help you find a similar domain name. You can also find the domain owner and registration details for a website with a Whois domain lookup.

The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain→ A domain extension gives people a first impression of your site, hints at what it’s about and can even make it feel more trustworthy. If you’re building a website, personal blog or putting together an online portfolio, the TLD you pick can shape how people see your brand. This guide breaks down the most popular options and helps you figure out which domain extension works best for your website. Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. TL;DR: domain extension From familiar options like .com and .org to country-specific and unique extensions, every domain has a purpose and audience. Picking the right one can make your website look trustworthy, reach the right people, support your marketing and protect your brand. You’ll learn: The different types of domain endings and what they mean How your domain choice affects your website’s perception Easy tips for picking the right extension Domain costs and rules to remember How to keep your domain safe and secure What is a domain extension? A domain name is essentially your website’s address on the internet, also known as a URL. It’s what users type in their browser to reach your site (e.g., yourbusiness.com). A good domain name or URL is easy to remember, reflects your brand and hints at what type of services or content users can expect. Domains are made up of two parts: Second-Level Domain: This is your business name or unique identifier. Domain Extension (TLD): The Top-Level Domain or the extension that appears after the dot. Domain basics: What is a domain? What is a TLD? How to choose a domain name In Wix.com, the .com is the domain extension of the Wix domain name. The most common domain extensions include .com, .net, .org, .co and .us. While the second-level domain identifies your brand, the domain extension shapes your online identity. Choosing the right extension builds trust and signals professionalism. Types of domain extensions and uses Domain extensions come in many varieties, each serving different purposes. Understanding the types of domains and their categories can help you find the best fit for your online goals. Some extensions are aimed at a specific way of working rather than a specific industry, which is why the best domains for freelancers are a distinct shortlist. Generic top-level domains (gTLDs) These are the most common domain extensions that serve general purposes. They include: .com for businesses or commercial entities. .org for organizations and nonprofits. .net historically used for network-related companies but often used more broadly today. Learn more: What is .com domain What is .net domain How to get a org domain What is a .info domain? .to domain .app domain explained Sponsored top-level domains (sTLDs) These are restricted extensions sponsored by specific organizations or communities. Examples include: .gov for government websites. .edu for educational institutions. .mil for military organizations. Did you know: an extension can stop being sponsored. A .mobi domain was sponsored until 2017 and came with a mandatory mobile style guide, and today it registers like any other generic extension. Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) These extensions are specific to particular countries or regions. ccTLDs are ideal for businesses targeting a local audience and want to build trust within a specific geographic area. Some examples are: .ch (Switzerland) .uk (United Kingdom) .nl (Netherlands) Learn more: cctld meaning New generic top-level domains (new gTLDs) These are modern extensions created to expand domain options beyond traditional choices. New top-level domains are often industry- or niche-specific, such as: .tech for technology companies. .store for online retailers .blog for content creators and bloggers. .tools for calculators, converters and other single-purpose utilities. .international for businesses that sell in more than one country. Find out more: Is shop a good domain? What is ai domain? Best domain extensions for startups .icu domain meaning Best domain names for digital marketing Best domains for consultants Best domains for real estate Worth noting: some new gTLDs read as plain infrastructure words. A .network domain suits agencies, communities and anything built around connecting people, and it carries none of the novelty that puts some buyers off. Restricted domain extensions Some domain extensions are open to anyone (e.g., .com), while others you need to meet certain criteria to purchase one of these domain name extensions. Many of them have been paid for (sponsored) by an organization or set aside for certain groups. For example, .gov requires verification that the user represents a government entity. Professional fields work the same way, and the best domains for lawyers shows which legal endings check a license and which ones anyone can register. Worth knowing: not every corporate-sounding ending is actually restricted. A .inc domain is open to anyone who pays, despite reading like it requires proof of incorporation. Read more: What's the best domain extension for a personal website Cheapest domain extensions Should your online store use a .store domain? Domain extensions for salons Does domain extension matter? Choosing the right domain extension is a key part of your brand. It shapes how people perceive your business and can even impact your website’s online visibility. The best domain extension is the one that aligns with your brand, vision and audience’s expectations. A .vip domain, for instance, can lend a premium, members-only feel, while options like .pro or .expert signal authority. Make it count—your domain name and extension are the foundation of building a strong, memorable online presence. Here’s how domain extensions can impact your brand: Enhance brand perception Your domain extension can impact how potential customers perceive your business. A .com domain is often associated with credibility and professionalism, while a more niche-specific extension like .tech or .shop may signal expertise in a particular industry. Consider what message you want to convey to your audience and choose an extension that aligns with your brand's values and image. If competitive pricing is central to that message, a .cheap domain conveys it immediately. If you're naming a technical project or dev tool, it's worth comparing the best domain extensions for developers before you decide. Boost visibility on search engines While the domain extension itself doesn't directly affect SEO, it does play a role in how search engines rank websites. For example, country-specific extensions like .mx or .fr are more likely to rank higher in local search results for users in those areas. Additionally, having a unique or relevant domain extension can help your website stand out in search engine results pages, ultimately driving more website traffic. Target customers geographically Country code top level domains (ccTLDs) can help target a specific geographic audience. This is especially important for businesses that operate in one or a few countries and want to establish trust and credibility with local customers. They also convey a sense of pride of place, showing customers that your business is rooted in and dedicated to their region. Drive creative marketing and engagement New gTLDs offer a great opportunity for creative branding and marketing strategies. They can make your website memorable, unique and stand out from the crowd. For example, a restaurant may use a .menu extension, or a photographer might opt for a .gallery extension to showcase their work. These extensions are also perfect for promoting loyalty programs, such as a .club for exclusive member benefits, or driving sales with a .sale extension for discounts and offers. These creative uses can serve as calls-to-action in marketing campaigns, driving engagement with potential customers. Worth noting: some endings are community shorthand. A .moe domain signals fandom membership rather than a product category, which is a different kind of marketing signal entirely. Worth noting: .discount describes a standing pricing position rather than a one-off event, so it fits a business that is permanently cheaper than its competitors. Highlight your offering In some cases, certain domain extensions can immediately reflect the type of business or service you offer. For example, businesses related to technology might use a .tech extension to convey their expertise in that field. A .store extension may make it clear that your business is an eCommerce store. These types of extensions can help potential customers quickly understand what your website has to offer. Likewise, a gaming, contest or sports brand might choose a .win domain to telegraph competition at a glance. A free trial or giveaway page might use a .free domain for the same reason, since the offer does the explaining. Worth noting: a few extensions name the service instead of the sector. A .hosting domain tells a visitor exactly what the company sells before the page loads. Worth noting: some extensions state the sector rather than hint at it. A .energy domain puts the industry in the address, which saves the name from having to explain it. Use a domain name generator if you need help coming up with an idea. Already have an idea? Check the availability with a domain name search tool. How to choose domain extension Before you register a domain, take a moment to think about your website’s purpose, audience and long-term plans. The tips below will help you choose an extension that fits your website and is easy for people to remember. Consider your website purpose and audience Think about your website's purpose and the audience you want to attract. If you're a local business targeting customers in a specific region, a country code TLD (ccTLD) could be ideal. For businesses with a global audience, a more general extension like .com or .net may be a better fit. Other popular TLDs include .info, .org, .co, .edu, .biz, .gov and .tv. Worth knowing: a home-related ending narrows usefully. A .house domain fits anyone working on residential property, and it reads as warmer than the generic business endings. Research competition and trends Take a look at what domain extensions your competitors are using and research current industry trends. This can help you choose an extension that sets you apart from the competition while also staying relevant in your industry. Explore all options Don't be afraid to think outside the box and explore all available options. While .com may be one of the most popular domain extensions, there are many other creative extensions that can add value to your brand and website. Consider using a domain checker tool, or WHOIS, to see which extensions have available names that align with your business's brand and vision. Worth knowing: the hospitality endings are among the most available. A .restaurant domain will usually take an exact business name that .com lost years ago. Check pricing and renewal fees Some domain extensions cost more to register or renew. Older extensions, like .com, tend to be more affordable, but available names may be limited. Pricing depends on factors like popularity, typical buyers and how new the extension is. For example, .io, .ai and .tech are popular with tech companies and often come with a higher price tag. Consider these costs when choosing your domain extension to find one that fits your goals and budget. Pricing and longevity work differently in software, so review the best domain extensions for tech companies before you commit. Learn more: What's the easiest way to get a domain? Keep it simple and memorable Choose a domain name and extension that’s simple to remember and easy to type. Avoid long or complex extensions that might make it harder for people to find your website. Make sure it’s easy to say, too—your domain should be something anyone can share effortlessly in a conversation. Expert tip from Einat Shafir, product manager at Wix: "Shorter domains can be easier to remember and type, but they aren't essential. What matters most is that your domain accurately represents your brand and is memorable." Be wary of trademark infringement It's essential to avoid using domain extensions that can infringe on trademarks or copyrights. It not only puts your business at risk but can also damage your brand's reputation. Before registering a domain name with a specific extension, research if that extension is associated with any existing trademarks or brands. Read our guide on how to trademark a domain name for a more in-depth exploration. Register multiple extensions for brand protection To safeguard your brand and prevent others from using similar domain names, consider registering multiple extensions that represent your business. This can help prevent confusion among customers and protect your brand's online presence. Learn more: How to register a domain name Is Wix a domain registrar? Where to register a domain Country code domains explained with a complete list How much does a domain extension cost? The domain name cost varies depending on the type of extension and where you are registering it. Prices can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars per year for registration and renewal fees. Highly sought-after domain names that are short, memorable, or use popular keywords can significantly drive up prices. Additionally, some registrars may offer discounts or promotions for certain extensions. It's important to research different registrar options and compare prices before making a decision. Keep in mind that there may also be additional fees for domain privacy protection, deciding to learn how to create a business email or other add-on services. Learn more: How much does a domain name cost? What is a professional email address How to choose the best domain ending Firsthand domain insights from a travel entrepreneur When Erica and Shanticleer launched Paper, Planes and Passport, securing a custom domain was one of their first steps. Erica had experience creating online portfolios on Wix from her modelling days in the 2000s, so Wix was their first choice for building a professional website. “I've seen the progression of what you can do with Wix over the years—and it's crazy,” she says. Choosing the right domain—and pairing it with a clear, easy-to-remember extension—helped establish credibility, build trust with their audience and make their brand memorable online. Because they’d already been sharing content under #paperplanesandpassports, finding the matching domain with a strong extension connected their brand identity to a professional website. Worth knowing: a .legal domain does not change what bar advertising rules require, because those attach to the content of a site rather than its address. Why trust Wix’s domain experts? This article was created by Wix’s in-house domain experts, with years of experience helping people choose, register and secure the perfect domains for their businesses and online projects. The guidance, tips and best practices shared here come directly from real Wix projects, so you can be confident they’ll help you find a domain that represents your brand, stays secure and supports your long-term goals. At Wix, we’ve guided millions of entrepreneurs, creators and small business owners in establishing a strong online presence. Our team keeps up with the latest in domain management, security and branding, making sure the advice you get is practical and backed by proven results. Think of this article as your trusted resource for every stage of domain ownership, from finding your first custom domain to protecting and growing your online identity. Learn more: How to build your own website from scratch How to make a business website Domain extension examples from real Wix sites V-Labs is a software studio that uses .co, a popular alternative to .com. V-labs.co shows how a short, modern extension keeps a brand-matched address available while still reading professional. Ayelet Raziel is an artist whose portfolio uses the niche .art extension. Ayeletraziel.art shows how a themed top-level domain can describe the field at a glance and make a brand feel purpose-built. Lirona is a creative director whose portfolio runs on the personal .me extension. Lirona.me shows how a short, identity-focused domain suits individuals and reads as a first-person web address. Guide to domain extensions FAQ How many domain extensions are there? There are currently over 1,500 domain extensions available, with new ones being added regularly. Some popular options include .com, .net, .org and country code TLDs like .uk or .ca. There are also many niche-specific extensions like .photography, .pizza, or .yoga. You can see the entire list on the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) website. Who's in charge of domain extensions? Domain extensions are regulated and overseen by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN oversees the management and administration of the domain name system (DNS) and is responsible for approving and regulating top-level domains (TLDs). Can I create my own domain extension? Yes, you can create your own domain extension, but it’s a challenging and costly process. To launch a new TLD, you’ll need to meet ICANN’s requirements, invest significantly and have the technical expertise to operate as a registry. For most individuals and small businesses, this might not be practical. However, there are plenty of existing domain options to help you build a strong online presence without the complexity. Can I change my domain name extension? Yes, you can change a domain name extension by registering a new domain with the desired extension and setting up a redirect domain to ensure traffic from your old domain points to the new one. Keep in mind that this may cause confusion for existing customers. It's important to carefully consider all factors before changing your domain extension. What if someone is impersonating my brand by using a domain extension? If you believe someone is infringing on your trademark or brand by using a similar domain name with a different extension, you can file a complaint with ICANN. This process allows for the resolution of disputes over domain names that are alleged to be used in bad faith for domain squatting. You may also consider consulting with an intellectual property lawyer for further assistance. What is the best domain extension to use? The best domain extension depends on your business type and what your website is for. com is the oldest and more popular and because of this is often most trusted for businesses. .org suits nonprofits, while .net is good for tech-related sites. Country-specific extensions (e.g., .uk, .ca) work for local businesses. Newer extensions like .tech, .ai or .store help with branding if you're a technology company or online store. Does domain extension affect SEO? Domain extensions don't directly impact your SEO rankings. Search engines care more about things like content quality, relevance, backlinks and site performance. That being said, country-specific extensions like .uk or .ca can tell search engines who your target audience is, which can give you a boost in local search results.

The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain→ Popular domain extensions like .com, .org and .net have become online standards, signaling trust, credibility and professionalism. Choosing the right one helps your website stand out, attract organic traffic and build long-term recognition for your business. In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular domain extensions, what they mean and how to choose the best one for your brand. Website trends may come and go, but a domain name is meant to last. Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. TL;DR: Popular domain extensions From classics like .com to emerging extensions like .ai, this guide breaks down the most popular domain extensions, how they’re being used today and what to consider when picking the one that best fits your business. You'll also get a look at newly launched TLDs and industry-specific options to help your domain stand out while aligning with your goals and audience. The most popular top-level domains include: .com: The most widely used domain, suitable for almost any type of website .org: Common for non-profits, communities and open-source projects .net: Originally for network services, now a general alternative to .com .io: Popular with tech startups, apps and SaaS companies .co: Often used by startups and businesses as a shorter alternative to .com .ai: Strongly associated with artificial intelligence and modern tech companies .app: Designed for mobile apps and software products .dev: Used by developers, tech projects and coding-focused platforms .shop: Popular for eCommerce and online retail stores .blog: Ideal for personal blogs, creators and content-driven sites Ready to turn your vision into reality? Grab your free domain name and create a website now. What is a domain name? In order to understand what is a domain, think of it as a digital address for your website, similar to how a physical address directs people to your store or office. It's the URL that customers enter into their browser to find you (e.g., “www.wix.com”). This name is unique to your website and acts as a memorable identifier in the vastness of the internet. By owning a domain name, you secure a professional presence online, helping customers find you easily. Tip: Be sure to use a trusted domain registrar to help you choose and purchase an available domain name. What is a domain extension? A domain name consists of two elements: the top-level domain and the second-level domain. The hierarchy of domains moves from right to left so the top-level domain (TLD) (a.k.a. domain extension), is the last piece of text in the domain name. It’s the part of a web address that comes after the final dot. In Wix.com, for example, the top-level domain is ".com” and the second-level domain (SLD) is “Wix.” As more websites are created and competition for domain names grows, new domain extensions have been introduced to give businesses more choice. Explore the most common industry domain names to help identify patterns or trends that resonate with your target audience Learn more about how to get an .org domain what is .com? what is .net? What is a .info domain used for? Popular domain extensions (TLDs) With over 1,200 possible TLDs available, you can easily craft a unique domain name that conveys your brand’s story without incurring premium prices or waiting for ideal domains to become available. Here are some of the most popular domains this year, organized by trending categories: The most common Location-based Tech-related Competitive positioning News and trends Multi-purpose Influencer and community Topical trend Niche market Restricted and sponsored The most common domain extensions .com .net .org .co Some domain extensions never go out of style. .com is the most recognized domain globally, making it a safe and effective choice for businesses across all industries. .net, originally associated with networking services, has evolved into a versatile option for tech startups, communities and more. For non-profits and charities, .org conveys trust, credibility and a clear sense of purpose. .co has grown in popularity as a modern, startup-friendly option that's short, clean and ideal for businesses looking for something fresh and memorable. Classic extensions like these are perfect when you want your domain to be clear, credible and universally understood. Learn more: Best domain extensions for developers Best domain extensions for startups Should your online store use a .store domain? best domain endings Popular location-based domain extensions .co.uk .de .ca .fr .com.au .us Whether you’re looking to be local or global, location-based TLDs (a.k.a., CCTLDs, short for “country code top-level domain”, what is a ccTLD) instantly tell visitors where you're located or who you cater to. Local extensions can boost local SEO and build trust with potential customers searching for services nearby. Broader options like .global and .world showcase the expansiveness of your online reach. No matter your target market, if location matters to your business, a CCTLD extension can help you connect with the right audience online. Worth noting: not every geographic-sounding ending is geographic. A .global domain is classed as generic rather than a country code, so it carries no location signal at all. Popular tech-related domain extensions .tech .digital .cloud .website .technology .ai .io Technology and the internet go hand in hand, so it’s no surprise that tech-themed extensions continue to be among the most popular domains. The use cases are variable and extensive: .tech for a cutting-edge startup, .cloud for a secure storage solution or .app for a mobile innovation. With Wix you can choose from over 400 domain extensions. One extension that’s seen a major rise in popularity is .ai. Originally the country code for Anguilla, .ai has become the go-to for artificial intelligence companies and startups. Its sleek, tech-forward feel helps position your brand at the forefront of innovation, especially in fast-moving fields like machine learning and automation. These extensions immediately signal an affiliation with the tech industry, fostering trust among tech-savvy visitors. And with a domain name search, finding and registering the right tech extension is simple, so your digital presence is just as innovative as your product. Did you know: a .software domain names the product category outright, which helps when a brand name alone does not explain the offer. Read more: Domain name trends and 23 business owners share their worst domain naming mistakes Popular competitive positioning domain extensions .top .guru .expert .vip .pro .one .best Showcasing industry expertise or a higher level of service with popular domain extensions is an excellent way to set your business or brand apart in as little as three to four characters. Use your domain name to communicate your competitive advantage, with TLDs like .pro for seasoned professionals or .best to convey exceptional service. These popular domain extensions prime potential customers to expect a superior experience. In a competitive market, they offer a powerful way to showcase your expertise and claim your position as the best in class. As Cameron Walker, general manager at Name.com shares: "We're incredibly excited about the continued growth and future of domain extensions. At Name.com, we see these new options as a powerful tool for both individuals and businesses to express their unique identities and thrive." Did you know: as one of the newest endings available, a .free domain often still has short, clean names open. It reads as an offer rather than a brand, so it suits promotions, freemium products and giveaway pages more than a main business address. Worth knowing: naming the format beats naming the action. A .auction domain describes the business, where a bid ending describes one thing a visitor does. Popular news and trends domain extensions .today .wiki .media .buzz .news .fyi Digital platforms continue to be primary hubs for news and information. According to the Pew Research Center, 57% of Americans said they prefer to get news from a digital device in 2024. It’s no surprise that domain extensions related to news, trends and timely delivery of information are among the most popular domains. Domain extensions like .news, .today and .buzz can help convey where you fall in the industry, whether you focus on more traditional, current, viral or breaking news. By understanding the unique strengths of these TLDs, you can effectively communicate your purpose and attract a targeted audience eager for the latest news and insights. Wix makes domain transfer easy, with free SSL, reliable hosting, privacy options and 24/7 support. Popular multi-purpose domain extensions .site .online .website .link .xyz These extensions are versatile and instantly recognizable, strengthening your brand identity while ensuring your website is easy to find and remember. With popular domain extensions like .site or .online you can create a web address that perfectly reflects your brand. If price is your pitch, a .cheap domain says it in a single word. Worth knowing: a handful of endings are colors rather than categories. A .blue domain is one of a small family that also includes red, pink and black. Popular influencer and community domain extensions .club .blog .social .life.cyou .icu .bio .me .family The domain name landscape has evolved to reflect the growing importance of online communities and personal branding. Extensions like .life, .cyou, .club and .icu offer influencers and community leaders a way to create memorable domain names that resonate with their audience. These popular domain extensions convey a sense of connection, individuality and self-expression, all essential elements for building a strong online presence. Worth knowing: a niche ending can serve a community rather than an industry. A .horse domain covers stables, breeders, clubs and events, and individual animals have their own pages on it. Popular topical trend domain extensions .bet .live .shop .play .join .vote Domain extensions that directly reflect emerging or growing industries will continue to gain popularity. For example, the TLDs .bet and .live have seen tremendous growth. The rise of .bet coincides with the surge in online betting as more and more states have legalized online sports betting. Domain names using the .bet extension have been sold for significant amounts, highlighting their value in the betting industry. For instance, "bet.bet" sold for $600,000 and "casino.bet" sold for $200,000. The .live extension continues to be popular among consumers who embrace live streaming and real-time event coverage. By using .live, sites can set themselves apart from competitors by touting their timeliness directly through their domain name. Did you know: .country carries two readings, country music and the countryside, which is why festivals and farms both use it. Did you know: a subject ending can say what a brand name does not. A .education domain states the field outright, which matters when the business name alone gives nothing away. Learn more: What's the best domain extension for a personal website? Should you choose a niche-focused domain? Is .shop a good domain for ecommerce? Best domain name for digital marketing Best domains for consultants Popular niche market domain extensions .art .agency .store .finance .travel .legal .biz .golf .cafe The domain name landscape is becoming increasingly specialized, with niche industry extensions gaining significant traction. Extensions like .art for a creative studio or .agency for a marketing firm act as powerful storytelling tools. Industry-specific domain extensions concisely communicate your core business function. If connecting to customers is key to the success of your business, industry domains are one way to attract a highly targeted audience who understands your value proposition at a glance. Healthcare is one of the deepest niches here, and the best domains for dentists breaks down where .dental, .dentist and .clinic each land. Worth noting: some niche endings are plain nouns rather than novelty words. A .market domain reads as infrastructure, and it exists in both singular and plural form. Popular restricted and sponsored domain extensions .edu .gov .mil Some domain extensions are reserved for specific types of organizations and require strict eligibility verification. For example, .edu is limited to accredited educational institutions, .gov is reserved for U.S. government entities and .mil is restricted to the U.S. military. Because access is limited, these extensions carry a high level of trust and credibility. Visitors immediately know they’re interacting with an official, verified organization, which makes restricted and sponsored TLDs especially powerful for institutions where authority and security matter most. Check out the new domain extensions available on Wix and grab one that fits your idea. Popular second-level domain names (SLDs) Second-level domains are parts of a website address that comes before the top-level domain, like ".com" or ".org". They typically represent specific entities or organizations, which offer a unique identifier within the larger domain name system. These popular SLD keywords reflect some of the same registration trends as top-level domains. Popular SLD Extension description Best fit for .jobs Perfect for career sites or companies showcasing open positions. Job seekers, recruiters, HR teams .foundation Great for nonprofit organizations and charitable trusts. Nonprofits, charities, philanthropic groups .app Strong for software and mobile-first brands. SaaS, app founders, tech products .ai Huge growth due to AI companies. AI startups, tools, automation platforms .services Clearly shows your website offers professional services. Consultants, agencies, service providers .tech Instantly connects your site to the tech industry. Startups, developers, IT companies .health Perfect for healthcare providers, medical institutions and wellness brands. Doctors, clinics, wellness businesses .digital Highlights your focus on digital products, services or strategies. Marketers, SaaS companies, eCommerce .life Great for lifestyle sites focused on wellness, hobbies or personal growth. Bloggers, wellness coaches, hobbyists .io Still widely used in tech and startup space. Developers, SaaS, tech founders .store Clear intent for selling products. eCommerce brands, product-based businesses .shop Similar to .store, very popular globally. Online retailers, DTC brands How to choose the right popular domain extension When it comes to domain extensions, .com remains the most recognized and trusted. It’s associated with credibility across industries and often the first choice for businesses. But depending on your goals, other extensions can be just as effective and sometimes more strategic. Target audience: If your business serves a specific region, a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) like .de, .co.uk or .ca helps build trust and signals a local presence to customers in that market. Branding: Generic top-level domains (gTLDs) such as .tech, .store or .design highlight your niche or industry, making your brand stand out with a name that feels modern and relevant. Availability: Many short or memorable names are already taken under .com, so newer extensions give you a better chance to secure a domain that fits your brand. Perception: Some newer or less common extensions have been linked to spam, which can affect user trust. Choosing a reputable domain and registrar helps ensure your website feels credible. Expert tip from Einat Shafir, product manager at Wix: ".com is the most popular and widely recognized domain extension, making it the best choice for businesses. However, other extensions like .net, .org and country-specific ones can also be effective, depending on your business." Worth noting: an ending can make a claim you then have to support. A .green domain is a marketing statement like any other, so the substance needs to sit on the page behind it. New domain extensions coming in 2026 ICANN, the organization that manages domain names worldwide, is planning a new round of domain extension applications from 30 April to 12 August 2026. This will allow brands, cities and organisations to apply for new domain endings, expanding what’s currently available on the internet. The last round in 2012 received around 1,930 applications and resulted in more than 1,200 new domain extensions such as .app, .london and .xyz. The 2026 round closed on 12 August 2026 having drawn more than 1,600 applications, but applying is expensive and complex, with a fee of $227,000 per application and total costs often reaching several hundred thousand dollars. The headline arrival is .web, which was finally delegated to the root zone in July 2026 with Verisign as its registry operator, ending a decade of legal disputes. Verisign expects to open registrations through its channel partners later in 2026. For most people and businesses, these changes won’t affect everyday domain registration right away. Approved extensions go through a long review process and are unlikely to become widely available before 2028 or later. When they do launch, they will include brand, city and industry-based endings, adding more options alongside familiar extensions like .com and .net. Premium domains Premium domains are concise and memorable domains. They usually consist of only one or two short words so that they’re easy to remember and type into a browser. They are considered premium because they match exactly with business or brand names and are often rare, or already registered by another user. These domains also tend to be very expensive. For example, in 2016, Elon Musk paid $11 million to acquire the domain name tesla.com to match his updated Tesla branding. Learn why some business owners are wiling to pay $100+ a year for a premium domain. Expired domains When a user purchases a domain, they are not purchasing outright ownership of that domain name indefinitely. Instead, they are paying to register the use of that domain for a specific period. Upon expiration of this term, the domain must be renewed to maintain ownership by the same individual or entity. If a domain name is not renewed, it becomes an expired domain, available for registration by others, potentially resulting in its acquisition by a different owner. Domain names may expire intentionally, such as when a business closes and no longer requires the domain, or inadvertently if the owner fails to pay the required renewal fee. Tip: If you are planning to buy a new domain name, you should always check the domain history. Learn more about smart domain name management strategies to keep your online presence strong. Website examples using popular domain extensions Get inspired by these standout website examples and personal website examples that creatively use popular domain extensions to showcase their brand, connect with their audience and stand out online: .com website example: Leanne Morgan Leanne Morgan is a successful comedian with a massive social following and a Netflix special. Her website's clean and professional design makes it easy to navigate, with a prominent tour schedule that keeps fans engaged. The .com extension is perfect for her global audience, as it’s universally recognized and easy to remember. .org website example: Liga De Arte This 50-year-old nonprofit art institution in Puerto Rico provides scholarships and aid to talented students with limited resources. The .org extension highlights their nonprofit status, building trust and credibility with donors and supporters. Their site beautifully reflects their mission, showcasing student artwork and sharing impactful stories. .net website example: KSM Candle Co. A Baltimore-based candle and fragrance shop offering workshops, owned by a woman entrepreneur. The workshop booking system is seamlessly integrated, making it easy for customers to engage with the brand beyond just shopping. The .net extension gives them a professional yet approachable online presence, perfect for a growing small business. .co.uk website example: Three Trees Tarot A creative and mysterious tarot business thriving in the UK, generating impressive revenue. The .co.uk extension emphasizes their UK roots, appealing to local customers seeking a trusted, homegrown service. Their site’s design reflects the mystical nature of their work, drawing in curious visitors. .fr website example: Mea Book Mea Book is a French website that lets customers create unique, personalized books. The .fr extension reinforces their French identity, making it clear they cater to a local audience. A standout feature of their site is the intuitive book customization tool, which makes creating a custom book a fun and effortless experience. .ca website example: The Ice Cream Truck Kris and Carli, a husband-and-wife duo, run a nostalgic ice cream truck business in Canada, bringing joy to events and birthdays. The .ca domain extension proudly highlights their Canadian roots, helping them connect with local customers. A standout feature of their site is its vibrant and playful design, which perfectly mirrors the fun and nostalgia of their ice cream truck. .store website example: Oak and Willow Oak and Willow is an eco-friendly brand with a great success story, offering 100% sustainable products. The .store extension makes it clear that they’re an online shop, making it easy for customers to find and shop their products. A standout feature of their site is the dedicated section on their sustainability practices, which reinforces their commitment to the environment. .edu website example: Montana Bible College Montana Bible College offers a range of theological programs in a faith-based environment. The .edu extension establishes their credibility as a trusted educational institution. A standout feature of their site is the detailed program pages, which provide all the information prospective students need to make confident decisions. Learn more: Is Wix a domain registrar? How to search for and select a domain name No website is complete without a domain name. When it’s time to select the domain, make a list of keywords that are most relevant to your business. Include your business name, descriptors, industry keywords, etc. Once you have a strong list, you can start searching for possible domain names. Popular domain extensions can help you define your industry (.beauty, .media, .design), instill confidence in your brand (.pro, .expert) or build a community (.bio, .club, .group). With a website builder like Wix, you can register a free domain for a year. You can experiment and see what’s available by searching for domain name options and using tools like the Domain Name Generator. You may also be interested in: Why do I need a domain name? What is domain authority? Domain name and website hosting How to get an SSL certificate ccTLD meaning Country code domains explained with a complete list Popular domain extensions FAQ What is the most popular domain extension? The most popular domain extension is .com. It’s widely recognized, trusted and often the first choice for businesses, organizations and individuals. Its universal appeal makes it highly competitive, so securing a .com domain can sometimes be challenging. Which domain is trending now? Extensions like .ai, .io and .xyz are trending, particularly among startups and tech companies. If you are choosing for a technology brand specifically, compare the best domain extensions for tech companies. These modern TLDs cater to niche audiences, such as artificial intelligence for .ai or innovation-focused ventures for .io. Their fresh appeal makes them increasingly popular alternatives to traditional options. What is the best domain extension other than .com? Other than .com, extensions like .net, .org and .io are highly regarded. .net is versatile and often chosen by tech-forward companies, while .org is trusted for nonprofit and educational purposes. For startups and innovators, .io is an excellent choice due to its modern and tech-friendly image. Is .org or .co better? Both .org and .co have their strengths, depending on your goals. .org is often associated with nonprofits, charities and educational institutions, making it ideal for building credibility in those spaces. .co, on the other hand, is often used as a shorter alternative to .com and works well for startups or businesses looking for a modern feel. What are some good and bad domain extensions? Good domain extensions are relevant, easy to remember and fit your brand, such as .com, .net and .ai for specific industries. On the other hand, extensions with reputations for spam or low credibility, like .xyz (used improperly by some), or regional TLDs misused out of context, may pose challenges. Research the reputation of an extension before choosing it. What should I do if my preferred domain name is unavailable? If your desired domain is taken, consider creative alternatives like adding keywords, hyphens or using another reputable extension such as .net or .co. You can also reach out to the current owner of the domain to negotiate a purchase. Tools like domain name generators can help you brainstorm fresh ideas if you’re stuck. Are there downsides to using less common TLDs? Using less common TLDs, like .biz or .info, may carry some risks, as they aren’t as trusted or familiar to users as .com or .org. They could also negatively impact your website’s memorability or credibility. However, newer, niche-specific TLDs like .tech or .design are gaining traction and can be excellent choices for the right audience or industry. Read more: trending domain extensions Read more: domain extensions for eCommerce Read more: top domains globally

The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain→ A top-level domain is the extension at the end of your domain name like .com, .net or .shop. It plays a quiet but important role in how your site is perceived, how professional it feels and how clearly it communicates what you do. Understanding how TLDs work helps you avoid common mistakes and choose an extension that supports your goals instead of working against them. Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. TL;DR: What is a top-level domain? A top-level domain, often called a domain extension, helps browsers connect your site name to an IP address. It also acts as a signal for your purpose, location and credibility. From generic and sponsored extensions to country codes and infrastructure options, there are plenty of types to choose from. You’ll learn: What a TLD and domain extension are The main types of top-level domains with examples How TLDs work within the DNS How TLDs affect trust, branding and SEO Which TLDs are most popular and why How to choose the right extension for your website What is a TLD? A top-level domain (TLD) is the part of a domain name that comes after the last dot, like ".com" in "wix.com." Also called domain extensions or suffixes, TLDs help identify a website’s purpose, owner, or geographic area, and they play a key role in the Domain Name System by directing browsers to the correct IP address. TLDs include generic options like .com or .org, country codes like .uk or .de, and sponsored domains like .edu or .gov. Each TLD has its own registry managed under the guidance of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), and the choice of TLD can also influence trust and credibility for visitors. TLDs were first created by ARPANET in the 1960s to make it easier to remember IP addresses. By the early 1980s, the first TLDs were developed along with the organized categories you see today when you register a domain name. Learn more: What is a domain name Our guide to domain extensions Best domain endings and how to choose one How do TLDs work? TLDs are a crucial part of the Domain Name System (DNS), helping to simplify the process of turning domain names into IP addresses. When you enter a web address like “google.com,” the TLD server plays a key role in directing your request to the right destination. Here’s how it happens step by step: Step 1: Your browser first contacts a root nameserver, the top of the DNS hierarchy. Step 2: The root server points your browser to the nameserver responsible for the specific TLD you requested. Step 3: The TLD nameserver directs your browser to the authoritative nameserver for that domain. Step 4: The authoritative server provides the correct IP address, and your browser connects to the website. Found the perfect name for your business? Lock in your domain before someone else does. What is the purpose of the different TLDs? Early on, top-level domains were limited and had a very specific purpose. Over time, however, the top-level domain list has surpassed three digits and most restrictions have long been abandoned in favor of creativity and branding. TLDs help classify domain names, communicate their purpose and make them easier to remember. While you’ll still need to meet certain principles if you're planning to register your site with a sTLD or ccTLD, choosing a gTLD will most likely come down to the domain name cost and your personal preference. See how the different options pair with your brand name and whether there are any that can particularly strengthen your message. Learn more: I have a domain name, now what? Domain name trends What is a parked domain? Different types of top-level domains The ICANN classifies top-level domains into different categories depending on the site’s purpose, owner and geographic location. There are 5 official types of TLDs: Generic Top-level Domains (gTLD) Sponsored Top-level Domains (sTLD) Country Code Top-level Domains (ccTLD) Infrastructure Top-Level Domain (ARPA) Test Top-Level Domains (tTLD) Additionally, there are a number of unofficial TLDs organized by individual companies that are not managed by ICANN. Different types of TLDs Type of TLD What it means Examples gTLD (generic) Classic extensions used around the world, now with new options .com, .net, .org, .app, .blog ccTLD (country-code) Two-letter domains for countries or territories, some open for everyone .uk, .de, .jp, .io, .co sTLD (sponsored) Reserved for specific groups or industries .gov, .edu, .mil, .museum Infrastructure Used for technical internet functions like reverse DNS .arpa Reserved/test Set aside for testing, not used in public web addresses .test, .example, .localhost 01. Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Generic top-level domains, commonly known as gTLD, are the most popular and familiar types of domain extensions. They are open for registration by anyone and, while the maximum length of top-level domains is 63 characters, most of them are composed of 2-3 letters. The origin of their categorization title dates back to the 1980s, when TLDs were simply differentiated between those related to the geographical location of a site and those that weren't, hence, generic. Over time, the use of certain generic top-level domains became more strictly controlled to ensure they met certain standards, leading to the creation of a new category known as sponsored top-level domains. Of the initial seven available gTLDs only three can still be registered without restriction: .org, .com. and .net. In recent years, ICANN has allowed companies to register TLDs that are restricted to trademark owners. These are often referred to as brand TLDs and include examples like .versace and .nescafe. These domains are exclusively managed by the respective trademark owners, offering a unique branding opportunity and a secure online presence for their customers. In mid-2011, ICANN approved a change to the domain name system that expanded the original gTLDs from 22 to over 1,200. These innovative options, aptly named New gTLDs, saw the incorporation of official domain extensions such as .berlin, .contact and .wow. You can see the complete top-level domain list on IANA’s database (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, a subdivision of ICANN). 02. Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLD) As the name suggests, sponsored top-level domains are those proposed and supervised by private organizations. These entities can be businesses, government agencies or other types of organized groups, and they have the final word on whether an applicant is eligible to use a specific top-level domain based on predefined community theme concepts. Unlike with gTLDs, the sponsored top-level domain list only includes a small, limited number of options. Some date back to the original 1980s domain extensions (including .edu, .gov and .mil), whereas others have been created in recent years. Among them, some of the most popular sTLDs are: .edu - for higher educational institutions .gov - for United States governmental agencies .cat - for Catalan linguistic and cultural community .museum - for museum organizations .travel - for travel industry businesses Worth noting: the sponsored list used to be longer. A .mobi domain sat on it for over a decade before moving to a standard agreement, which is why some reseller pages still publish rules that no longer apply. 03. ccTLD – Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLD) There are 312 country code top-level domains established for specific countries and territories, identifying them with a two-letter string. These domain extensions have dedicated managers who ensure each ccTLD is operated according to local policies and meets the cultural, linguistic and legal standards of the region. Besides local businesses and individuals, ccTLDs are widely used by large corporations with regional sites that operate independently. In these cases, domain extensions serve the same purpose as a subdomain. If you plan on using a country code top-level domain on your site, make sure to take this into account when searching for the best domain registrar, as not all platforms offer ccTLD registration. In 2012, the ICANN announced the addition of the first ccTLDs using non-latin characters to the domain name system root zone. These domain extensions, known as internationalized country code top-level domains (IDN ccTLD) include languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew and Cyrillic. Some of the most well-known ccTLD include: .us - for the United States .es - for Spain .fr - for France .it - for Italy com.br - for Brazil .de - for Germany .ca - for Canada .nl - for the Netherlands .ch - for Switzerland .mx - for Mexico .co.uk - for the United Kingdom .be - for Belgium .in - for India Worth knowing: ccTLDs send a clear geographic signal to both visitors and search engines. A .de site will be perceived as German-targeted by default, which is what you want if you're selling locally and a liability if you're targeting a global audience. Country-code domains can also carry licensing requirements (some ccTLDs require local presence or registration) so check the registry's rules before committing. 04. Infrastructure top-level domain (ARPA) This special category contains only one TLD: the Address and Routing Parameter Area (ARPA). The .arpa domain extension is managed directly by the IANA for the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) under the guidance of the Internet Architecture Board (IAB) and is only used for technical web infrastructure purposes. 05. Test top-level domains (tTLD) Test top-level domains are reserved for documentation purposes and local testing, and cannot be installed into the root zone of the domain name system. According to the IETF, the reason for reserving these specific domain extensions is to reduce the possibility of conflict and confusion. There are four TLDs: .example - for place holding .invalid - for invalid domain names .localhost - for usage in local networks .test - for testing purposes 06. Unofficial top-level domains Unofficial top-level domains are those which are not regulated or managed by the ICANN. This type of TLDs are sold and administered by private companies, and as such they aren’t in the domain name system and can only be used within a certain network or using a private DNS. One of the most well-known examples of unofficial TLDs nowadays is .eth, which serves as a user accessible address to the Ethereum ecosystem. Other popular cases include .metaverse, .moon, .token and .chain. The rising popularity of these not-quite-domains is heavily due to the evolution of Web3 and blockchain technology, and the general search for a decentralized network. How do top-level domains affect SEO? While top-level domains have no direct impact on your site’s SEO performance, unusual or complex domain extensions can lead to fewer inbound links and direct traffic. Top-level domains (TLDs) may not directly impact your search rankings, but they do influence how people perceive and interact with your site. Well-known TLDs like .com or .org build trust and credibility, making users more likely to click on your link in search results. On the other hand, less familiar TLDs can feel unconventional, which might discourage clicks and affect your organic traffic. To avoid this, while planning how to build a website from scratch, make sure to pay attention to how easy your TLD is to pronounce and remember when it’s combined with your domain name. Furthermore, keep in mind that when browsing on mobile, most smartphones display a button dedicated to domain extensions whose default option is set to .com. Worth knowing: the SEO claim that "ccTLDs help you rank in that country" is partly true and partly outdated. ccTLDs do signal geographic intent to Google, but Google's hreflang tags, geographic targeting settings in Search Console and server location all factor in too. A .com on a US-hosted server with German hreflang tags can outperform a .de site that's poorly configured. The TLD is one signal, not the only one. What are the most popular top-level domains? Here is a list of the top 10 most popular top-level domains (TLDs) in the world: .com .net .org .cn .de .uk .in .jp .fr .ru These TLDs are popular for a variety of reasons. .com is the oldest and most well-known TLD, and it's often used for commercial websites. When it comes to what .net is, it's often used for technical websites and .org is often used for non-profit websites. The other TLDs on the list are country code TLDs (ccTLDs), which are used for websites that are targeted to a specific country. Why are TLDs important? Top-level domains are important for a website's branding and user perception. Here are some reasons why TLDs matter. Brand recognition TLDs contribute to a website's branding and recognition. A well-chosen TLD can enhance brand identity, make the website more memorable and convey the website's purpose or target audience. For example, a tech company might choose .tech or .app to immediately communicate its focus. Adam Garcia, founder of The Stock Dork, explains how the right domain choice translates into measurable outcomes: "TheStockDork.com is a memorable, quirky domain that helps us stand out in the crowded financial advice space and makes our brand more approachable for new investors. Last year alone, our domain name helped drive over 100,000 organic visits, since people actually remember and type it directly, rather than having to search for us on Google." Direct-type-in traffic is one of the clearest signals that a domain choice is doing real branding work. User perception and credibility TLDs can influence how users perceive a website. Familiar TLDs like .com and .org instill a sense of trust and credibility, while newer TLDs may require more effort to establish recognition. Certain restricted TLDs, like .edu and .gov, are highly trusted because only specific organizations can use them, signaling authority and professionalism. SEO relevance and targeting TLDs can signal relevance to search engines, particularly for country-code TLDs (ccTLDs). For instance, a website with a .de TLD is likely to be more relevant for German users and may rank better in German search results. Trustworthiness Certain TLDs, such as .com and .org, are generally perceived as more trustworthy and established, which can indirectly influence SEO. These TLDs can be a good choice when creating a fundraising website for particular types of sites that involve users submitting their financial information, since they require a greater degree of trust and security. However, this perception is evolving as newer TLDs gain recognition. Memorability A memorable TLD, like the widely recognized ".com" used by many commercial entities, can enhance brand recognition and help users easily remember your web address, especially if your website name is unique or less common. Website discoverability Choosing the right TLD, a crucial part of the domain name system (DNS) that helps users locate websites online, makes it easier for people to find and remember your site. A domain that aligns with your industry, purpose or audience creates a strong connection and enhances the user experience, giving visitors a clear idea of your site's focus right from the start. Website organization TLDs play a key role in organizing and categorizing websites. They help group sites based on purpose or type, such as ".edu" for educational institutions or ".gov" for government organizations. This organizational function makes browsing and navigating the web more intuitive for users. Essential to DNS TLDs are foundational to the domain name system (DNS), which is the infrastructure that allows users to find and interact with websites. Without TLDs, the system that connects domain names to their respective IP addresses couldn't function properly. Purpose alignment The right TLD can immediately communicate a site’s purpose to users, reinforcing what the website is about and helping attract the intended audience from the start. How do you choose the best TLD for your website? When choosing a top-level domain for your website, there are a few things you should keep in mind: Your target audience: Who are you trying to reach with your website? If you're targeting a global audience, you may want to choose a generic TLD such as .com or .net, especially because people already know what .com is. If you're targeting a specific country, you may want to choose a ccTLD for that country. The purpose of your website: What kind of website are you creating? If you're creating a commercial website, you may want to choose a TLD such as .com or .store. If you're creating a non-profit website, you may want to choose a TLD such as .org. Your brand: What is your brand identity? If you have a well-established brand, you may want to choose a TLD that matches your brand name. For example, if your brand name is [Brand Name], you may want to choose the TLD [Brand Name].com. Your budget: Some TLDs are more expensive than others. For example, .com domains are typically more expensive than .net domains. You also need to make sure your domain name is available, so do a domain name search. If your first choice isn’t available, pop it into a domain name generator, which can help you find a similar domain name. Alan Carr, creative director at Webpop Design, frames the cost question this way: "The question is never about price alone, it's about whether the domain strengthens visibility, credibility or long-term positioning. When a name aligns with branding and market perception, it can carry more weight than any marketing campaign." For most small businesses, the cheapest available TLD isn't the right answer; the right answer is the TLD whose total brand value over five years exceeds its annual registration cost which sounds obvious but is the math most beginners skip. Industry-specific TLD examples Industry TLD options Example domain Tech startup .tech, .ai, .digital, .cloud innovativestartup.tech eCommerce .com, .shop, .store, .online trendystore.com Business / corporate .company, .agency, .group, .llc, .solutions strategygroup.llc Photographer / creative .photography, .studio, .design, .art, .photos, .pictures jane.photography Health & wellness .fit, .fitness, .live, .yoga, .club mindful.health Education / learning .org, .training, .expert, .guru, .tips, .center, .info learnfast.training Travel / tourism .holiday, .world, .tokyo, .london, .blog explore.travel Finance / fintech .finance, .biz smartinvest.finance Fashion / retail .shop, .design, .gifts chicstyle.fashion Real estate .land, .center dreamhomes.estate Entertainment / media .media, .tv, .fun, .party, .today streamnow.tv Legal / consulting .expert, .coach yourlaw.law Protecting your brand with multiple TLDs Registering different TLDs for your brand name is a smart way to stay protected. By grabbing common alternatives like .com, .net and .org, you make sure competitors or opportunists can’t snag similar domains that might confuse your visitors. Even if you only use one main TLD for your site, owning the others keeps your identity consistent. This is a big win for your email addresses and marketing campaigns, since most people naturally default to a familiar TLD like .com. Plus, securing multiple extensions makes growing your business much easier. If you decide to go global, having region-specific TLDs like .co.uk or .de ready to go keeps your brand unified and credible as you reach new goals. Learn more: What is .me domain? .biz domain meaning .info domain meaning Country code domains explained with a complete list Considering new and niche gTLDs New generic top-level domains (gTLDs) like .tech, .photography and .store are fantastic ways to tell people exactly what you do the moment they see your URL. Unlike traditional extensions that feel a bit generic, these niche options give you a unique way to introduce your site to your audience. Did you know: some niche extensions name a service rather than a sector. A .hosting domain is used by web hosts, VPS sellers and cloud providers to say what they do in the address itself. Did you know: .discount is nine characters, so a short name in front of the dot matters more here than on a brief extension. The rise of .ai domains As Tom Pasha, Product Manager at Wix Premium Services and part of the Wix domains team, explains: "The latest additions to generic top-level domains (gTLDs) address the growing demand for .ai domains, which have become increasingly popular and competitive in the industry." The .ai TLD in particular has shifted from a niche country-code (originally Anguilla) to one of the most sought-after extensions for AI-focused companies, driving both prices and competition for available names up significantly. Tim Hanson, CMO of Penfriend, shares how that plays out in practice: "Penfriend.ai costs significantly more than a standard .com domain because it's a .ai TLD. In our case, it was a no-brainer because we're an AI company, and having that .ai extension instantly communicates what we do. Our simple value calculation goes like this: if having a .ai domain helps close even one enterprise deal faster by adding legitimacy (which it has), it's paid for itself many times over. Sometimes the 'expensive' option is actually the cheapest when you look at the bigger picture of what you're trying to achieve." More great niche TLD examples The .ai surge is the headline, but plenty of other new extensions do the same job of signaling what you do at a glance. Retailers reach for .store and .shop, tech teams lean on .tech and .app, and creatives gravitate to .design, .studio and .photography. Location-based options like .nyc, .london and .berlin work well for businesses rooted in a specific city, while .blog, .news and .media suit publishers and content-first sites. The appeal is the same across all of them: a descriptive extension turns your web address into a mini headline, telling visitors what to expect before they even click. A bakery on .cafe, a nonprofit on .org or a consultant on .expert each communicate purpose instantly. The trick is to pick an extension your audience will recognize and trust, then pair it with a name that is short and easy to spell, so the whole address stays memorable. Did you know: the plural matters on some of these. A .games domain reads as a catalog rather than a single title, which is why studios and stores use it more than individual releases do. How to choose and use a niche gTLD A niche gTLD is worth considering when the extension itself reinforces what you do, when your ideal name is already taken on .com, or when you want a short, memorable address that stands out. Before committing, weigh a few practical factors: how widely your audience recognizes the extension, its annual renewal cost (some niche and premium extensions are priced higher than a standard .com) and how clearly it reads next to your brand name. When those line up, a niche extension gives you a more descriptive web address without giving up credibility. While niche extensions are good for branding, keep in mind that newer extensions may need extra work to build trust. Since some visitors might not be familiar with them, bridge the gap with a professional design and clear messaging. For example, if you use .photography, back it up with a strong portfolio and visible social proof. You can also pair a niche gTLD with a traditional one to get both brand personality and familiarity. As Michael Yerardi, the Property Specialist of Turning Point Home Buyers, shares: "Also consider purchasing different variations of your chosen domain name (such as .com, .net, .org) to protect your brand and prevent others from using similar names for their own websites. Researching keywords related to your website's topic can also help in choosing a domain name that is SEO-friendly and easy to remember." Do people still care about domain extensions? Domain extensions still matter, just in a more subtle way. They no longer define what your site can do, but they do influence how people react to it. When users scan search results or links, they make quick decisions. A familiar extension feels safer, while an unfamiliar one can create hesitation, which can affect clicks before your content even gets seen. They also shape how easily people remember and return to your site. Many users rely on memory instead of bookmarks. If your domain feels predictable, they’re more likely to type it correctly and come back. If it’s unclear or unexpected, they may search for you again or land on a different site. The same applies to word of mouth, where people often guess the ending of a domain if they’re unsure. Your choice of extension also affects how much work your brand needs to do. Some domains feel clear right away, while others need stronger design and messaging to build recognition. That doesn’t make them worse, but it does mean more effort to reach the same level of trust and recall. Who's responsible for managing TLDs? The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is responsible for managing top-level domains (TLDs) at the global level. ICANN is a non-profit organization that oversees the coordination of the Domain Name System (DNS), the internet's naming system that translates domain names into IP addresses. ICANN delegates the responsibility for managing specific TLDs to registrars, which are organizations that sell domain names to individuals and businesses. For example: Verisign manages .com and .net Public Interest Registry (PIR) manages .org Country-code TLDs like .uk, .de or .jp are managed by designated local registries When you register a domain through a provider like Wix, Wix acts as the registrar. This means they handle the registration process on your behalf under ICANN rules. ICANN also establishes policies for the domain management of TLDs, such as the rules for creating new TLDs and the procedures for resolving disputes between registrants. ICANN's key responsibilities: Creating new TLDs: Evaluates and approves applications for new TLDs, ensuring they’re safe and reliable. Delegating TLDs to registries: Assigns each TLD to a trusted organization to manage consistently. Resolving disputes: Helps settle conflicts over domain names to protect owners’ rights. Protecting the internet: Suspends or revokes TLDs that pose risks to security or stability. One thing worth knowing: TLDs aren't owned permanently, you lease them. Annual renewal is required to keep your domain active, and if you let a renewal lapse the domain typically enters a redemption grace period before being released back to the public registry. Set up auto-renewal or calendar reminders for any domain you actually care about; lost domains tend to be picked up immediately and become difficult or expensive to recover. According to Itay Shmool, VP of Wix Domains, Wix: "For most small businesses, reducing technical overhead is more valuable than chasing marginal cost savings across multiple platforms." Choosing where to register your TLD is part of that same trade-off. A few dollars saved on a separate registrar can easily evaporate the first time you need to debug DNS, SSL or email-routing issues across providers. For non-technical site owners the consolidated path is usually the lower-overhead one. Did you know: German company law reserves the GmbH designation for registered entities, which is a separate constraint from anything the .gmbh registry itself checks. Domain registration with Wix Wix offers more than 400 domain extensions, giving you the flexibility to find a web address that fits your business, brand or target audience. As an ICANN-accredited domain registrar, Wix lets you search, register and manage domains, from classic options like .com and .net to newer industry-focused extensions, all in one place. Beyond registration, Wix includes built-in tools for DNS management, domain security and private registration, along with a free SSL certificate to help protect your site and visitors. You can also create a custom business email, get a free one-year domain voucher with eligible annual plans and access 24/7 support whenever you need help managing your domain. Ready to secure your domain? Search for your perfect name and register it in just a few clicks with Wix. What are top-level domains? FAQ How much do different TLDs cost? TLD costs vary on Wix, as an example: .com: $7.90/year .org: $6.90/year, .net: $11.90/year .info: $11.95/year Country-specific (e.g., .co.uk): $15.95/year Newer TLDs (e.g., .online, .store): $19.95-$39.95/year Prices may change during promotions or renewals. Some premium domains cost more. Always check current pricing on Wix's domain registration page. Can I change my TLD after registering a domain? You can't directly change a domain's TLD after registration. However, you can: 1. Register a new domain with your desired TLD 2. Set up 301 redirects from the old to new domain 3. Update website and email configurations 4. Inform users and update all your marketing materials This process effectively "changes" your TLD but it requires registering a new domain. Are there industry-specific TLDs? Yes, there are industry-specific TLDs, often called "new gTLDs". Examples include: .tech for technology .law for legal services .photography for photographers .health for healthcare .travel for tourism .finance for financial services .education for educational institutions .fashion for the fashion industry How often are new TLDs introduced? New TLDs are introduced periodically but not on any fixed schedule. ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) oversees this process. Major expansions occurred in 2012 and 2016. New TLDs are proposed, evaluated and approved in batches and the process can take several years from proposal to launch. Is .io TLD getting removed? The .io top-level domain (TLD) remains a viable option for now, but it faces potential removal within the next five years. This uncertainty stems from geopolitical factors, notably the UK's decision to relinquish control of the Chagos Islands. Despite these concerns, the .io TLD continues to be favored by tech startups for its modern and tech-oriented appeal. While immediate changes aren't on the horizon, those using or considering .io should stay informed about its status. What is a TLD in the military? In the military context, a TLD like .mil is utilized specifically for United States Department of Defense entities. It ensures that all websites and email addresses under this domain are linked exclusively to U.S. military operations. This TLD is subject to strict registration criteria, reflecting its specialized and secure nature. What is the difference between a top-level domain and a subdomain? A top-level domain (TLD) is the last part of a domain name, such as ".com" or ".org" that defines its category or geographical origin. A subdomain is a prefix added before the main domain to organize content, like "blog.example.com." While TLDs are part of the domain's core structure, subdomains act as extensions of a domain to create separate sections or functions for a website. Together, they work to structure and organize how websites are accessed and presented online.