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Your business ideas deserve a website, secure your domain to begin →     Whether you're a seasoned business owner or new to the entrepreneurial scene, understanding the creation of an LLC is key. Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC)  in Ohio offers a great opportunity for entrepreneurs. This guide takes you through setting up an LLC in the Buckeye State, from choosing a business name  to understanding costs and benefits. Remember, establishing an LLC  is more than paperwork; it's about starting your own business  and building a sustainable, profitable enterprise. Got a business idea? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. How to start an LLC in Ohio in 7 steps Pick your business name Choose your registered agent Obtain relevant state business permits File a Articles of Organization Draft your LLC operating agreement Apply for an EIN and pay relevant taxes Organize your annual reports 01. Pick your business name Choosing a name for your LLC is the first step to starting a business in Ohio . This isn't just a creative process, it's a legal one too. Your business name should be unique and must not be the same as or too similar to other names on record with the Ohio Secretary of State . You'll want to make sure your chosen name ends with "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company" to comply with state requirements. Here's how you can make sure your business name stands out and meets all legal criteria: Check for availability Follow naming guidelines Consider your website and domain name Once you've chosen your name and checked its available, you'll need to pay a fee of $39 to register it and to fill out Form 534B. Perform a domain name search  if you plan to also focus on understanding how to build a website. Tip:  If you're having trouble coming up with a unique name for your business, consider using a business name generator . 02. Choose your registered agent Every LLC in Ohio must have a registered agent, an individual or company that agrees to accept legal papers on behalf of your LLC. Your registered agent must be available during regular business hours and have a physical address in Ohio. In Ohio a registered agent is usually referred to as a statutory agent but the roles are exactly the same. To choose the right registered agent, consider the following factors: Reliability Availability Compliance Need help setting up your LLC? Wix has partnered with LegalZoom ,  the No. 1 choice for online business formation to help you start, run and grow your business. 03. Obtain state business permits Depending on the nature of your business, you may need specific permits or licenses to operate legally in Ohio. These could range from general business licenses to industry-specific permits. For example, Ohio is a monopolistic state for Workers' Compensation, meaning you must  buy it through the state fund (BWC). To obtain the necessary permits in order to register your business , follow these steps: Identify requirements: Check with local and state agencies to determine what permits you need. Complete the applications:  Fill out all required paperwork accurately and submit them to the appropriate authorities. Pay any fees : Be prepared to pay any associated fees for obtaining your permits. For example, if you want to  start a travel business , you may need a business license from your local government, as well as permits or certifications if you plan to offer transportation services. You may also need specialized permits if you plan to operate as a travel agent or sell travel packages. It is important to familiarize yourself with any applicable regulations in order to operate your business legally and efficiently.   Learn more: How to get a business license In Ohio its worth knowing that you can specify a future date for your LLC to officially start (up to 90 days before). This is popular for business owners filing for their LLC in November/December but who want a January 1st start for tax reasons. 04. File Articles of Organization The Articles of Organization is a critical document that officially creates your LLC in Ohio. You'll file this with the Ohio Secretary of State, either online or by mail, along with the required filing fee.  The process of filing involves the following key steps: Provide your business information : You'll need details like your LLC's name, registered agent information and planned management structure. Fill out Form 532A : This is the specific form used for filing an LLC's Articles of Organization in Ohio. Submit and pay fees : Complete the submission process by paying the $99 filing fee. 05. Draft your LLC operating agreement While not legally required in Ohio, creating an operating agreement is highly recommended for any LLC. This internal document outlines ownership structures, member roles and operational procedures for this type of business .  Here’s why an operating agreement is important: It clarifies business rules and guidelines : It sets clear expectations for members regarding operations and conflict resolution. It protects LLC status : Helps maintain limited liability status by proving that your LLC is a separate business entity . It prevents misunderstandings : Reduces potential disputes among members by detailing policies and procedures for how the business should be run. 06. Apply for an EIN and pay relevant taxes An Employer Identification Number (EIN)  is like a social security number for your LLC. It’s necessary for hiring employees, opening bank accounts and filing taxes, as well as other necessary business operations. To get an EIN you must: Apply online or via mail:  The IRS provides free EIN registration through their website or via mail submission. Understand your business tax obligations : Learn about state-specific taxes that apply to your LLC, such as franchise tax or sales tax. In Ohio for an LLC owner this includes a 15.3% self-employed tax (12.4% social security, 2.9% Medicare). For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Taxation website.  Commercial activity tax (CAT):  This is Ohio’s unique gross receipts tax. If your LLC has taxable gross receipts over $150,000, you must register for the CAT in Ohio. 07. Organize annual reports In some states, annual reports are mandatory filings that keep your company's information up-to-date with the state government. If your LLC is taxed as a sole proprietorship or a partnership, it's exempt from the annual report requirement in Ohio. How much does it cost to start an LLC in Ohio Starting an LLC in Ohio involves various costs, which are important to budget for when planning your business. Here's a breakdown of the expenses you can expect: Filing fee for the Articles of Organization: The state of Ohio requires a fee to file your Articles of Organization. This is a one-time cost that is mandatory for all new LLCs. For an LLC it costs $99 . Registered agent fee: If you choose to hire a professional registered agent service, you will need to pay for their services. Costs can vary depending on the provider. Business permits and licenses: The cost for permits and licenses can differ based on the type of business you're starting and the specific regulations in your industry. Operating agreement:  If you decide to have your operating agreement drafted by a professional, this will incur additional costs. However, drafting it yourself can save money. Employer Identification Number (EIN): Obtaining an EIN from the IRS is free of charge. State taxes: Depending on your LLC's earnings and tax structure, you may need to pay state and federal taxes. It's advisable to consult with a tax professional to understand your obligations. Legal or financial consulting fees : If you seek professional advice during the formation process, these services will add to your startup costs. Domain registration and website creatio n: Establishing an online presence via a website is crucial in today's market. Costs can include domain registration  and potentially hiring a web designer or using a website builder like Wix. Business insurance : Depending on your industry, you might need various types of insurance to protect your LLC. Learn more: Cost to start an LLC Who can start an LLC in Ohio? To form an LLC in Ohio, there are specific eligibility criteria that must be met. It's crucial to understand these before you begin the process.   You must be at least 18 years old to form an LLC in Ohio. There's no residency requirement in Ohio, meaning you don't have to live in the state to start an LLC there. However, your LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address within the state. You don't need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to start an LLC in Ohio. Foreign nationals can also form an LLC, provided they meet the same requirements as residents. Ohio allows for single-member LLCs as well as multi-member LLCs. There's no maximum number of members specified. Your LLC must be formed for a lawful business purpose. Ohio does not restrict the types of businesses that can form an LLC, as long as they comply with all applicable laws and regulations. If you've previously been involved in business activities that resulted in disqualification or suspension, this could affect your ability to form an LLC. It's important to resolve any such issues before proceeding. Benefits of starting an LLC in Ohio Forming an LLC in Ohio provides various benefits that can be very appealing to business owners. These advantages include: Learn more: Benefits of starting an LLC Limited liability protection Members of an LLC are protected from personal liability for business debts and claims. This means personal assets are typically not at risk if the LLC faces bankruptcy or lawsuits. Pass-through taxation LLCs often benefit from pass-through taxation where profits are only taxed once at the member's personal income tax level, avoiding the double taxation that corporations can face. Flexibility in management Unlike corporations, LLCs have fewer formalities and can be managed by the members or appointed managers, providing flexibility in how the business is run. Credibility with customers and vendors Having 'LLC' after your business name can enhance your credibility with potential customers, suppliers and financial institutions. You can then choose an  .llc domain  for your website to reinforce this credibility.  Disadvantages of starting an LLC in Ohio When considering forming an LLC in Ohio, it's important to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks. Understanding both the benefits and disadvantages is crucial when deciding if starting an LLC in Ohio is the right move for your business. Here are some potential challenges you may encounter with an LLC in Ohio: Self-employment taxes Members of an LLC may be subject to self-employment taxes on their share of the profits. Limited growth potential Unlike a corporation, an LLC cannot issue shares of stock to attract investors, which may limit growth opportunities. State fees and regulations There are ongoing state fees and regulations that must be adhered to, which can be seen as a disadvantage for some business owners. Why start an LLC over another business entity in Ohio? Choosing the right business structure is crucial for entrepreneurs. In Ohio, forming an LLC is often preferred due to its unique advantages. But it's important to compare it with other types of business structures to understand why an LLC might be the best choice for your situation. Here's how an LLC stacks up against other business entities: Sole proprietorship : Unlike a sole proprietorship, an LLC provides personal asset protection, separating your personal liabilities from those of your business. Partnership : An LLC offers more protection for each member compared to a partnership, where each partner can be personally liable for the debts of the business. Corporation : While corporations also provide limited liability protection, they’re also subject to double taxation (taxes on both corporate profits and shareholder dividends). An LLC avoids this with pass-through taxation. You've formed your LLC in Ohio, now what? Once you've established your LLC in Ohio, the process of developing and expanding your business kicks off. Ensuring smooth operations and compliance with state laws involves taking a few key crucial steps.  Here are the next steps to consider after forming your LLC: Open a business bank account   To keep your personal and business finances separate, open a bank account specifically for your LLC. This will also help establish your business's credit history. Obtain necessary insurance   Depending on your type of business, you may need various insurance policies. Common types include general liability insurance, professional liability insurance and property insurance. Comply with tax requirements   Stay informed about federal, state, and local tax requirements. This may include paying estimated taxes quarterly if you expect to owe tax of $1,000 or more when you file your return. Maintain compliance with state regulations   Ensure that you file any required annual reports with the Ohio Secretary of State and renew any necessary permits or licenses. Looking to start an LLC in a different state? How to start an LLC in Colorado How to start an LLC in Tennessee How to start an LLC in Washington State How to start an LLC in Texas How to start an LLC in California How to start an LLC in Maryland How to start an LLC in Florida How to start an LLC in South Carolina How to start an LLC in North Carolina How to start an LLC in Michigan How to start an LLC in Massachusetts How to start an LLC in Virginia How to start an LLC in Pennsylvania How to start an LLC in Indiana How to start an LLC in Tennessee How to start an LLC in Colorado How to start an LLC in Arizona How to start an LLC in Louisiana How to start an LLC in Mississippi How to start an LLC in Wisconsin How to start an LLC in Georgia How to start an LLC in Illinois How to start an LLC in New York How to start an LLC in New Jersey How to start an LLC in Missouri How to start an LLC in Alabama How to start an LLC in Ohio FAQ How long does it take to form an LLC in Ohio? The time it takes to form an LLC in Ohio can vary. If you file online, the process can be completed in a matter of days. Mailed applications may take several weeks. Expedited services are available for an additional fee if you need to speed up the process. Ohio is famous for its tiered expedited service ($100, $200 or $300 for faster processing. Can I reserve a business name before starting my LLC in Ohio? Yes, Ohio allows you to reserve a business name for a period of 180 days before forming your LLC. This can be done by filing a Name Reservation form with the Secretary of State and paying the required fee. Do I need a business plan before forming an LLC in Ohio? While not legally required, having a business plan is highly recommended. It can help you outline your business goals, strategies and financial projections, which is especially useful if you're seeking financing or investors. What if my LLC has more than one owner? If your LLC has multiple members, it's important to clearly outline each member's investment and responsibilities in the operating agreement. This ensures that all members are on the same page regarding the management and financial arrangements of the LLC.

Turning your idea into a business? Start with a domain name→ This guide will lead you through the process of starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC)  in New Jersey step by step, from choosing a business name  to understanding the costs and benefits involved. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or new to starting a business , mastering how to form an LLC  is crucial. Remember, beginning an LLC goes beyond paperwork — it's about developing a stable and profitable business. Thinking about starting a business? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. How to start an LLC in New Jersey in 7 steps Pick your business name Choose your registered agent Obtain relevant state business permits File a Public Records Filing for New Business Entity Draft your LLC operating agreement Apply for an EIN and pay relevant taxes Organize your annual reports 01. Pick your business name Naming your LLC is the first step in starting a business in New Jersey. This is not only a creative process; it's also a legal one. Your business name must be distinct and neither too similar nor the same as any other name that is on file with the New Jersey Secretary of State . To ensure that your chosen name complies with state laws, make sure it ends in designators such as "LLC," "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company", as stated in N.J. Stat. § 42:2C-8. To make a business name that stands out and passes the legal test, follow these steps: Check for availability : Use the New Jersey Secretary of State's online database to search for existing business names.  Follow naming guidelines:  Avoid restricted words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (e.g., FBI, Treasury). Consider your online presence : Search for domain availability  if you plan to also focus on creating a website, which can be easily done through platforms like Wix. Tip:  If you're having trouble coming up with a unique name for your business, consider using a business name generator . 02. Choose your registered agent Every LLC in New Jersey must have a registered agent, an individual or company that agrees to accept legal papers on behalf of your LLC. Your registered agent must be available during regular business hours and have a physical address in New Jersey. To choose the right registered agent, consider the following factors: Reliability:  Ensure they are dependable and can handle confidential documents. Availability:  They should be consistently available at the listed address during business hours. Compliance : Verify that they meet all legal requirements set by the state of New Jersey. Need help setting up your LLC? Wix has partnered with LegalZoom ,  the No. 1 choice for online business formation to help you start, run and grow your business. 03. Obtain state business permits Depending on the nature of your business, you may need specific permits or licenses to operate legally in New Jersey. These could range from general business licenses to industry-specific permits. To obtain the necessary permits in order to register your business , follow these steps: Identify requirements: Check with local and state agencies to determine what permits you need. Complete the applications:  Fill out all required paperwork accurately and submit them to the appropriate authorities. Pay any fees : Be prepared to pay any associated fees for obtaining your permits. Let’s say you want to  start a homecare business  in the state. First, you’ll need a permit to operate.  You will also need to comply with state regulations related to home care services, which may include background checks for employees, training requirements and specific protocols for providing care.  Learn more: How to get a business license 04. File a public records filing for new business entity The Public Records Filing for New Business Entity is a critical document that officially creates your LLC in New Jersey. You'll file this with the New Jersey Secretary of State, either online or by mail, along with the required filing fee. The filing process includes these key actions: Gather your business information : You'll need details like your LLC's name, registered agent information and management structure. Fill out the online form : This is the specific form used for filing an LLC's Public Records Filing for New Business Entity in New Jersey. This is done with DORES the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services Submit and pay fees : Complete the submission process by paying the $125 filing fee. Note: you must first submit a Public Records Filing and once that is approved, the state issues a Certificate of Formation 05. Draft your LLC operating agreement Although not legally required in New Jersey, creating an operating agreement is highly recommended. This internal document outlines ownership structures, member roles and operational procedures for your type of business .  Here’s why an operating agreement is important: Clarifies business rules and guidelines : It sets clear expectations for members regarding operations and conflict resolution. Protects LLC status : Helps maintain limited liability status by proving that your LLC is a separate business entity . Prevents misunderstandings : Reduces potential disputes among members by detailing policies and procedures for how the business should be run. 06. Apply for an EIN and pay relevant taxes An Employer Identification Number (EIN)  is like a social security number for your LLC. It’s necessary for hiring employees, opening bank accounts and filing taxes. Securing an EIN  involves: Applying online or via mail:  The IRS provides free EIN registration through their website or via mail submission. Understanding your business tax obligations : Learn about state-specific taxes that apply to your LLC, such as franchise tax or sales tax. In New Jersey for an LLC owner this includes a 15.3% self-employed tax (12.4% social security, 2.9% Medicare). For more information, visit the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller's website .  In NJ, you must register for tax purposes using Form NJ-REG within 60 days of forming your LLC. You must also obtain an entity ID,  the 10-digit number assigned by NJ (distinct from the EIN). 07. Organize annual reports New Jersey requires LLCs to file annual reports to keep their information up-to-date with the state. These reports include current contact information and details about your business operations over the past year. Filing an annual report ensures that your LLC remains in good standing with the state government. To ensure you’re compliant with this make sure to:  Know due dates : Your New Jersey Annual Report is required each year on the last day of the month, in the month in which you completed your business formation. Maintain proper records:  Keep accurate records throughout the year to simplify report preparation when due dates approach. Submit and pay fees : Complete the submission process by paying the $75 filing fee. How much does it cost to start an LLC in New Jersey Understanding the costs associated with starting an LLC in New Jersey is crucial for budgeting and financial planning. Here's a breakdown of the expenses you can expect: Public Records Filing for New Business Entity fee: This is the cost to officially file your Public Records Filing for New Business Entity with the state. This is a one-time cost that is mandatory for all new LLCs. For an LLC it costs $125 . Registered agent fee:  If you hire a professional registered agent service, they will charge a fee for their services. Business permits and licenses:  The cost varies depending on the type of business and where it's located. Some industries may require multiple licenses. Employer Identification Number (EIN): Obtaining an EIN from the IRS is free of charge. Operating agreement: If you hire a lawyer or use a professional service to draft your operating agreement, there will be associated costs. Annual report filing fee: New Jersey requires LLCs to file an annual report, which comes with a filing fee. Additional costs may include: Legal or financial consulting fees : If you seek professional advice during the formation process, these services will add to your startup costs. Domain registration and website creatio n: Costs here include domain registration  and potentially hiring a web designer or using a website builder like Wix. Business insurance : Depending on your industry, you might need various types of insurance to protect your LLC. Learn more: Cost to start an LLC Who can start an LLC in New Jersey To form an LLC in New Jersey, there are specific eligibility criteria that need to be met. It's crucial to understand who can start an LLC in the state before you begin the process. Age requirement   You must be at least 18 years old to form an LLC in New Jersey. Residency   There's no requirement for you to be a resident of New Jersey or the United States to start an LLC in the state. However, your LLC must have a physical street address in New Jersey for the registered agent. Legal status   You don't need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to form an LLC. However, non-residents may have additional IRS requirements for taxation. Business restrictions   Certain types of businesses may have additional regulations or may not be allowed to form an LLC. For example, banks and insurance companies often have different requirements. Benefits of starting an LLC in New Jersey There are several benefits to forming an LLC in New Jersey, which may be quite appealing to business owners. It is a well-liked option for enterprises due to its perks, which include tax benefits and legal safeguards. Limited liability protection As the name suggests, an LLC provides its owners with limited liability. This means your personal assets are typically protected if your business faces lawsuits or debts. Pass-through taxation LLCs often benefit from pass-through taxation where the business itself is not taxed. Instead, profits and losses are passed through to the individual members' tax returns. Flexibility in management Unlike corporations , LLCs have fewer formalities and can be managed by the members or appointed managers, providing flexibility in how the business is run. Ease of formation and compliance Compared to other business entities, forming an LLC in New Jersey is relatively straightforward, with fewer formalities and compliance requirements. Credibility with customers and partners Having 'LLC' after your business name can enhance your credibility with potential customers, suppliers and financial institutions. You can then choose an  .llc domain  for your website to reinforce this credibility. A limited liability company—or LLC—is a type of business entity that offers some of the benefits of a corporation with less formality. One key benefit of an LLC is that it can protect a small business owner’s personal assets—like homes, cars, and personal bank accounts—from lawsuits against the business. Additionally, LLCs offer the flexibility of filing taxes as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. Also, you won’t need to worry about some of the same formalities as corporations, such as keeping minutes at shareholder meetings. Shylene D’Addario, VP and associate general counsel at LegalZoom Disadvantages of starting an LLC in New Jersey When thinking about setting up an LLC in New Jersey, it's crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. Knowing these drawbacks will help you decide if an LLC is the right business structure for you. Here are some challenges you might encounter with an LLC in New Jersey: Members of an LLC may be subject to self-employment taxes on their share of the profits. An LLC may not be suitable for businesses that plan to go public or seek investments from venture capitalists as it does not allow for the issuance of stocks. There are ongoing costs such as annual report filing fees that must be paid to maintain your LLC's good standing. Why start an LLC over another business entity in New Jersey? Choosing the right business structure is crucial for entrepreneurs. In New Jersey, forming an LLC is often preferred due to its unique advantages. But it's important to compare it with other types of business structures to understand why an LLC might be the best choice for your situation. Here's how an LLC stacks up against other business entities: Sole proprietorship : Unlike a sole proprietorship, an LLC provides personal asset protection, separating your personal liabilities from those of your business. Partnership : An LLC offers more protection for each member compared to a partnership, where each partner can be personally liable for the debts of the business. Corporation : While corporations also provide limited liability protection, they’re also subject to double taxation (taxes on both corporate profits and shareholder dividends). An LLC avoids this with pass-through taxation. LLCs also offer these unique advantages: Operational flexibility:  Corporations are required to have a formal structure with directors and officers, while an LLC can be managed by its members or managers, providing greater operational flexibility. Fewer record-keeping requirements : An LLC has less stringent requirements for record-keeping and reporting compared to a corporation. Profit distribution flexibility : Profits in an LLC can be distributed in any manner agreed upon by the members, unlike corporations that distribute profits according to the number and type of shares held. You've formed your LLC in New Jersey, now what? Congratulations on forming your LLC in New Jersey! With the paperwork out of the way, it's time to focus on the next steps to ensure your business's success. Here are some important actions to take: Open a business bank account : Keep your personal and business finances separate by opening a bank account solely for your LLC. Comply with tax requirements : Stay on top of your federal, state, and local tax obligations. This may include sales tax, payroll tax, and income tax. Create a marketing plan : Develop a strategy to promote your business. This could involve learning how to build a website , leveraging social media or networking in local business communities. Continue learning : Stay informed about changes in laws that may affect your LLC and seek opportunities for professional development. Additionally, focus on these areas to manage and grow your LLC: Understand ongoing compliance requirements:  Familiarize yourself with any annual filings or fees required by the state of New Jersey to keep your LLC in good standing. Develop a strong brand identity : Create a logo with a logo maker , establish a brand voice and build a professional website to present a cohesive image to customers.  Implement a good accounting system:  Good financial management is essential for any business. Set up an accounting system that allows you to track expenses, profits and financial growth accurately. Looking to start an LLC in a different state? How to start an LLC in Colorado How to start an LLC in Tennessee How to start an LLC in Washington State How to start an LLC in Texas How to start an LLC in California How to start an LLC in Maryland How to start an LLC in Florida How to start an LLC in South Carolina How to start an LLC in North Carolina How to start an LLC in Michigan How to start an LLC in Massachusetts How to start an LLC in Virginia How to start an LLC in Pennsylvania How to start an LLC in Indiana How to start an LLC in Tennessee How to start an LLC in Colorado How to start an LLC in Arizona How to start an LLC in Louisiana How to start an LLC in Mississippi How to start an LLC in Wisconsin How to start an LLC in Ohio How to start an LLC in Georgia How to start an LLC in Illinois How to start an LLC in New York How to start an LLC in Missouri How to start an LLC in Alabama How to start an LLC in New Jersey FAQ How long does it take to form an LLC in New Jersey? The time it takes can vary. Online filings may be processed quicker, typically within a few business days, while mailed applications can take a few weeks. Can I form an LLC by myself, or do I need a lawyer? You can form an LLC on your own using the resources provided by the State of New Jersey. However, consulting with a lawyer can be beneficial for complex situations or if you need personalized legal advice. Do I need a physical address in New Jersey to form an LLC? Yes, your LLC must have a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. This cannot be a P.O. box. What's the difference between a member-managed and manager-managed LLC? In a member-managed LLC, all members (owners) actively participate in running the business. In a manager-managed LLC, members appoint one or more managers to handle the business's daily operations. Do I need to file an operating agreement with the state of New Jersey? No, you don't need to file your operating agreement with the state. However, it's important to have one as it outlines the ownership and operating procedures of your LLC. What if my LLC name is already taken? If your desired name is unavailable, you will need to choose a different name that is not already in use or too similar to existing business names. What unique considerations exist for forming an LLC in New Jersey's Urban Enterprise Zones (UEZ)? UEZ LLC formation includes some of the following: Reduced sales tax collection (3.3125% instead of 6.625%) Tax-free purchases on certain items Additional tax credits for hiring local residents Special funding opportunities Must register separately for UEZ program after LLC formation Required annual certification to maintain benefits Location-specific requirements and restrictions Special reporting requirements for UEZ participation How does New Jersey's Benefit LLC status work with traditional LLC formation? Must include specific language in formation documents Required to state a public benefit purpose Annual benefit report submission mandatory Higher standards of transparency required Different fiduciary responsibilities for members Must consider stakeholder interests, not just profits Can convert existing LLC to Benefit LLC Special naming requirements (BLLC designation) Always consult with a legal professional before relying on any benefit, review up to date state regulations on the benefit and stay update with any law changes.

Build your website in minutes, try Wix for free today → Looking for WordPress alternatives? You’re not alone. While WordPress is one of the most popular website platforms in the world, it isn’t always the best choice for every website or skill level. If you want a faster, easier or more all-in-one solution, exploring alternatives to WordPress can make a big difference. In this article, we’ll break down the best WordPress alternatives, from traditional platforms to innovative AI website builders . Whether you're looking for a simpler website builder , want better customization options or are researching how to build a website from scratch , this guide has you covered. Each option includes an overview of features, pricing and ideal use cases, so you can make an informed decision. When choosing a website builder, you want one that’s flexible, powerful and easy-to-use. Wix is the go-to platform for millions of users looking to create a stunning website effortlessly. See what makes Wix stand out from the crowd and why it’s the right fit for you. Why consider other website builders? WordPress is a powerful platform, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you've ever wrestled with a steep learning curve or keeping up with the latest technical jargon, you're not alone. Many website builders offer a more streamlined, user-friendly experience—without sacrificing flexibility or functionality. So, what makes a great alternative? Platform Best features Wix Studio Advanced design tools, collaboration features, flexible content management Wix User-friendly drag-and-drop editor, extensive app marketplace, customizable templates, SEO tools Ghost Focus on content creation, powerful blogging features, built-in membership tools Webflow Powerful visual editor, customizable CMS, design tools Grav Open-source, no database required, focus on Markdown content  Bludit Flat-file CMS, great for small projects, simple setup ProcessWire Advanced file types, customizable content management, robust API OctoberCMS Built on Laravel, flexible backend, customizable, plugin ecosystem Kirby Flat-file CMS, flexible templating, easy for developer to extend Statamic Flat-file CMS, flexible content structures, powerful content management  10 best WordPress alternatives Wix Studio Wix Ghost Webflow Grav Bludit ProcessWire OctoberCMS Kirby Statamic 01. Wix Studio If you’re looking for a WordPress alternative with powerful design capabilities, built-in business solutions and AI-driven feature s, Wix Studio  is a top choice. It’s made for professional designers and agencies who want full creative control without the hassle of managing plugins, security or hosting. Key features: Responsive design  with extensive control over breakpoints 350+ fully customizable responsive templates  for different industries  Built-in Wix Studio eCommerce  features Wix Studio SEO tools  and marketing integrations AI-powered design and content creation with Wix Studio AI Why Wix Studio is an alternative to WordPress: Wix Studio simplifies everything with an all-in-one platform. It simplifies design, development and collaboration with built-in tools for design, SEO and marketing.  Pricing: Plans start at $19/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available.  Learn more about Wix vs. Wix Studio  to find the perfect fit. 02. Wix Building a website shoul d be as easy—and exciting—as designing your dream space. With Wix, you can simply drag, drop and customize every detail to fit your vision with an editor that suits beginners and experienced designers alike. From SEO  tools to real-time analytics, Wix helps you build, scale and optimize your website—whether it’s a basic blog or eCommerce website design . You can also read Wix reviews  direct from users who've built a website or started a business. Key features: Drag-and-drop website builder  and AI website creator Over 2,000 free website templates Built-in SEO and email marketing tools Robust eCommerce functionality to create an online store Wix analytics  for tracking performance Wix premium plans  include website hosting , a custom domain, AI creation tools and 24/7 customer care Robust security features with all plans, including SSL Why Wix is an alternative to WordPress: Wix provides simplicity with its customizable and AI editors and is ideal for all types of websites . It’s an excellent choice if you want full creative freedom without the technical complexities of websites like WordPress. Wix handles hosting and website security , ensuring scalability , uptime  and site reliability , making it one of the best website builders for small business  enterprises. Pricing:  Free plan available. Wix premium plans start at $17/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available.  Learn more: How to make a Wix website Website launch checklist Domain name search Domain name generator Cheap website builder Is Wix really free? Ecommerce website examples 03. Ghost Ghost is a modern platform for creators, publishers and businesses looking for how to make a business website  or personal blog. Its simple website templates  and built-in SEO tools help streamline your content. Ghost provides a user-friendly platform that helps you focus on what matters most: your content. Key features: Modern interface focused on content 20 free themes; 140+ custom themes with paid plans Built-in tools for SEO and analytics Website security features, including SSL Why Ghost is an alternative to WordPress: Ghost emphasizes its lightweight architecture and content-first web design, offering a streamlined experience, particularly for bloggers and writers. Pricing:   Get started for free. Starts at $15/month for 1,000 members (billed annually).  Month-to-month plans are also available.  According to Esin D. Habif, product marketing lead (outbound) at Wix: "As a creator or entrepreneur, you’re often wearing multiple hats. You’re designing the website and optimizing for SEO. This means you need a website builder that makes it easy and intuitive for you to do all those things on the same platform while still delivering results as if you were working with experts in those fields." 04. Webflow Webflow is a visual-first, composable CMS for teams to design, build and manage websites without writing code. It’s ideal fo r marketers, designers and developers. The platform houses templates for multiple industries, including single-page websites across industries, making it one of the best one-page website builders  on this list. Webflow ensures high website performance , scalability and hosting without plugin maintenance or software updates. Key features: Visual-first CMS Over 7,000 free and premium templates Built-in SEO, analytics and security tools Customizable eCommerce features AI-enabled website design Why Webflow is an alternative to WordPress:  Webflow eliminates the need for plugins or manual updates while enabling teams to collaborate, optimize and scale websites. Pricing:  Free plan available. Paid plans start at $14/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available. Learn more: Best AI website builder . According to Yaara Asaf, head of product at Wix Editor: "I think the biggest game-changer is the fact that you can easily create a stunning website, and you don’t need to understand layout, design or anything to get a great working website. You can get the creative juices flowing with AI’s help and Wix’s expertise until you get exactly what you want." 05. Grav Grav is an open-source, flat-file CMS that emphasizes speed and simplicity. Unlike traditional database-driven platforms, Grav stores data in plain text files, making it lightweight and straightforward to set up. It's suitable for blogs, portfolios, documentation sites and more. Grav uses technologies like Twig for templating and Markdown for content creation. Key features: Flat-file architecture 120+ themes Plugins for online store and email tools SEO features Security features, including flood protection to stop brute force attacks Why Grav is an alternative to WordPress: Grav offers a flat-file structure, eliminating the need for a database. It's a good option if you’re looking for a lightweight CMS. Pricing: Free to use, with optional paid plugins and themes starting at $25. 06. Bludit Bludit is a flat-file CMS that stores content in JSON format, eliminating the need for a database and making it easy to create a blog, portfolio or a business website . Bludit supports Markdown and HTML, giving users flexibility in how they write and display content. Key features: Flat-file CMS with no database Markdown and WYSIWYG editors 90+ customizable themes Brute force protection and SEO features included Ecommerce websites supported by plugins Why Bludit is an alternative to WordPress: Bludit is ideal for users who prefer a lightweight CMS without the complexity of database management. It offers flexibility and ease of use for small to medium sites. Pricing: Free, with optional paid plans starting from $1 a month. 07. ProcessWire ProcessWire is an open-source platform for building custom, dynamic websites and applica tions. It emphasizes flexibility, allowing developers to create their best website designs  and site structures without the limitation of templates or pre-defined setups. It’s particularly popular among developers who prioritize project customization and control. Key features: WYSIWYG editor Custom fields Flexible template and markup control Modules to add SEO, email and online store functionality Built-in security measures Why ProcessWire is an alternative to WordPress:   ProcessWire offers more control for developers creating bespoke websites or applications, thanks to its custom field-based structure, which makes the API easy to use. Pricing:  Free, with optional paid modules. Learn more: What is web hosting? What is a domain name? 08. October CMS  October CMS is a Laravel-based content management system designed to offer simplicity and flexibility for developers and u sers alike. It’s a self-hosted platform suitable for creating websites of any scale, with tools that streamline development and user management. October CMS emphasizes ease of use through intuitive workflows and robust website features . Key features: Code-based editor 40+ free and paid themes available Plugins marketplace for features like SEO, eCommerce, email, security and analytics  Why October CMS is an alternative to WordPress:  October CMS is ideal for developers familiar with the Laravel PHP framework who want additional flexibility. Pricing:  Get your first license free for the first year. After that, or for additional licenses, it’s $39/year.  09. Kirby  Kirby is a flat-file CMS that stores content in text files instead of a database. Its folder-based architecture lets you organize pages, images and files intuitively. Kirby is ideal for developers, d esigners or creators who prefer complete project control and can create custom templates and configurations using PHP. Key features: Flat-file, WYSIWYG editor 16 paid themes Ability to self-make templates SEO features through plugins Additional plugins for analytics, enhanced security, online store and more Why Kirby is an alternative to WordPress:  Kirby eliminates the need for a traditional database, ensuring it’s lightweight and easier to manage for users seeking flexibility and control. Pricing:  Basic licenses start at $119 /site.  10. Statamic  Statamic is another great Laravel-based CMS for building custom websites without relying on a database. It uses a flat-file structure, allowing developers to manage content directly in files. This makes vers ion control and collaboration seamless and enhances security. Statamic is particularly suited for bespoke sites requiring advanced functionality, flexibility and mobile-friendly website design.  Key features: Block-based editor 55 free and premium customizable templates Add-ons for advanced security, SEO, analytics and eCommerce Why Statamic is an alternative to WordPress:  Statamic offers a secure, developer-friendly CMS with Laravel integration, making it a fit for complex projects. Pricing:  Free plan available. Paid licenses start at $275/site (includes one year of updates, and then costs $65/year for updates). Learn more: How to make a website mobile-friendly . Editor's note: The information presented in this article is true as of December 25, 2025, unless mentioned otherwise. WordPress alternatives FAQs What is the best WordPress alternative? Wix supports entrepreneurs, content creators, and non-technical users in learning how to create a professional website , thanks to its drag-and-drop and AI editors and all-in-one hosting solution. It requires no technical setup, unlike WordPress, which involves managing hosting, plugins and updates. Is WordPress still the best CMS? WordPress remains popular for its extensive plugin ecosystem. However, it may not be the best for everyone. WordPress competitors like Wix or static site generators can be better for specific use cases, such as simplicity, speed or custom website development . Learn more: How long does it take to build a website ? How to make a website accessible

Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix eCommerce →   When learning how to develop a website  for your online store, two platforms are brought up a lot: Wix and WooCommerce.  Wix lets you build an eCommerce website  in minutes. With its intuitive  drag and drop website builder , Wix offers diverse eCommerce solutions, including managing physical and digital stores, running a  dropshipping shop , utilizing  print on demand services  and  selling subscriptions .  If you want to skip the manual setup, Wix’s AI website generator  can do the heavy lifting for you. Just describe what you need as a chat prompt, and you’ll have a fully functional online store in minutes.  WooCommerce is a free plugin for WordPress, turning any WordPress website into a highly flexible online store. AI website generation is available via third party plugins and integrations.  Let’s cut through the noise and find which platform best fits your business goals, technical comfort level and budget. Learn how to sell online  with Wix’s website builder .  Ready to launch your eCommerce business? With Wix eCommerce, you can build a professional online store that attracts customers, drives sales and grows your brand. Enjoy full customization, built-in SEO and powerful marketing tools, all in one platform. Start today and turn your vision into success. TL;DR: Wix vs. WooCommerce When it comes to ease of use and all-in-one convenience, it’s hard to beat Wix’s  online store builder . If you have the technical resources and want to get more out of your store’s design and functionality through coding, WooCommerce on top of WordPress offers that flexibility. Key Takeaways: Wix strength: beginner-friendly, no-code setup with integrated eCommerce hosting  and AI tools. WooCommerce strength: unlimited customization and plugin options for advanced users. Wix limitation: may feel limited to users with prior web development experience or those aiming to build highly customized, complex storefronts. WooCommerce limitation: requires technical expertise and additional costs for hosting and plugins. Build your store today and start capturing more sales with Wix’s   online shopping cart . Wix vs WooCommerce: feature comparison table Feature Wix WooCommerce Setup difficulty Beginner Advanced Monthly cost $29-159 per month (billed annually) $150-5,650+ per month (depending on hosting, plugins and possible developer costs) Templates 2,000+ website templates 14,000+ (varying in quality. Includes WooCommerce and WordPress themes) Product limit 50,000 Unlimited Hosting included Yes No 24/7 support Yes No Customization Very high Unlimited Editor’s note: this comparison focuses on the WooCommerce plugin with wordpress.org and not the commerce plan offered by wordpress.com. Learn how to start an eCommerce business Wix vs WooCommerce: meet your contenders  Each year, close to 2.77 billion people shop online worldwide , so choosing the best eCommerce platform for your eCommerce website design  is a pretty big deal. Before researching the best eCommerce website builders and figuring out which platform is best for you and your website, remember that knowing how to start an online store is the first step to building a successful eCommerce business. Wix is the complete website solution for self creators and internet entrepreneurs. In addition to the drag-and-drop website builder, Wix offers integrated free website hosting , payments , marketing tools  and a free AI powered website builder. WooCommerce takes a different approach, as a free WordPress plugin, letting you turn any WordPress site into an online store. It's the go-to eCommerce solution for WP developers and businesses that need comprehensive control over their WordPress store's functionality. It’s important to note that WooCommerce requires WordPress hosting and some technical know-how to unlock its full potential. "Creating a well-structured online store that aligns with customer expectations is now one of the main ways to offer satisfactory shopping experiences and maintain competitiveness in the market."_Bruno Carvalho, Online Payments Product Manager at Mercado Pago See more: What is an eCommerce website? Is Wix good for eCommerce? What's the best way to start an online store? Wix vs WooCommerce: the ultimate comparison You've met the contenders. Now let's put them head-to-head. Both platforms take different approaches to selling online. Wix emphasizes ease of use and integrated features, while WooCommerce prioritizes technical flexibility and control. Choosing between Wix and WooCommerce usually comes down to your specific business needs, technical comfort level and long-term vision. Are you looking for an all-in-one platform with an easy to use back-end, or are you interested in managing technical details in exchange for more customization options? Templates and web design Website builder Apps and plugins Security and reliability Ecommerce Hosting and domains Blog integration  SEO Pricing Customer support 01. Templates and web design What Wix offers:  Wix helps you stand out with bold, on-brand website templates  (over 2,000 in total, with 340 eCommerce website templates ), offering product galleries, shopping cart integration and mobile optimization built-in. The drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to build a stunning online store, by simply moving the elements wherever you want on the page, without having to know a single line of code. What WooCommerce offers:  WooCommerce has over a hundred themes specifically designed for selling via WordPress, with prices ranging from $49 to $100 annually. Since WooCommerce is a WP plugin, you aren’t locked into strictly using WooCommerce themes. WordPress offers over 14,000 free and premium themes, but they don’t all work seamlessly with WooCommerce, so some trial and error and research might be needed. CSS coding  knowledge or a dedicated developer is recommended to get the most out of WooCommerce.  Bottom line:  If you’re looking for simplicity and speed, go with Wix. If you need a fully customizable layout and have the technical resources, choose WooCommerce. See more: What is an online shopping cart? How does eCommerce work? Ecommerce website examples 02. Website builder What Wix offers : Wix offers a no-code website builder  to get you online fast. To build a stunning website with Wix, all you need to do is choose one of the professionally designed and customizable templates and drag and drop the elements wherever you want them on the page. It’s that simple. For an even less technical approach, Wix’s AI website builder lets you build a website and storefront with simple chat prompts, helping with content generation, product descriptions and SEO features . What WooCommerce offers : WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin, which means you need to build and host your WordPress site before integrating with WooCommerce. While powerful, WordPress often requires more technical knowledge compared to other website builders. WooCommerce and WordPress offer AI abilities through plugins like Elementor Website Builder  and AI Product Content Generator & Automation Toolkit for WooCommerce . These plugins can help with content creation and product descriptions. AI plugins for WordPress and WooCommerce can require separate subscriptions and setup. Bottom line : Wix’s website builder is straightforward and offers integrated AI features, making it easy to build a website with zero experience. WooCommerce relies on WordPress's powerful and robust open source publishing platform to build and launch a website and may require third-party tools and plugins, adding potential complexity and cost. See more: Best AI website builders Best website builders for SEO Best low-code no-code website builders 03. Apps and plugins What Wix offers:   Wix App Market  features more than 800 applications designed to work perfectly with Wix. When it comes to selling online, the app market’s eCommerce category  covers everything from dropshipping and shipping solutions to product reviews, customer support chat-bots and loyalty programs.  What WooCommerce offers:  WordPress's ecosystem is considered one of the largest there is, with an estimated 60,000-90,000+ available plugins across its plugin directory and third-party developers and marketplaces. WooCommerce alone has close to 1,200 plugins that handle everything from subscription billing to advanced inventory management. Since you can use both WooCommerce and WordPress plugins, it’s important to make sure that the plugins you choose are compatible with one another. Bottom line:  Wix’s easy-to-use and accessible website builder, coupled with its curated app market, ensures everything on your eCommerce store just works. With WooCommerce and WordPress, you need to piece things together—themes, plugins, hosting—so if something goes wrong, it’s not always clear what happened. 04. Security and reliability What Wix offers:  Wix takes eCommerce website security  and reliability seriously. Every Wix site automatically receives SSL certification , is protected from DDoS  attacks and is fully PCI compliant to help safeguard and protect payment and transaction details. Security updates happen automatically without user intervention. Wix's infrastructure can handle traffic spikes and provides global CDN  coverage, backed by a proven track record of 99.99% uptime .  What WooCommerce offers:  Since WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin, your site’s security depends on your WordPress hosting provider and maintenance practices. You'll need to manage your website’s SSL certificates, security plugins, schedule and implement regular updates and create site backups yourself. Because of this, any issues with the site's security and uptime falls on you and your chosen hosting and maintenance practices.  Quality managed WordPress hosts like WP Engine provide enterprise-level security already built in, but can be pricey depending on which hosting plan you eventually choose. Bottom line:  At Wix, website security is all handled on their end, letting you focus on creating the best shopping experience for your customers. WooCommerce can be extremely secure, but requires either ongoing technical hands-on management or paying for enterprise-grade hosting solutions with baked-in security. 05. Ecommerce What Wix offers:  Wix makes it easy to create a professional website for your eCommerce business, letting you list up to 50,000 products with multi-channel selling on Amazon, eBay, Facebook and more. Their payment solution, Wix Payments, lets you accept payments via major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and more. Depending on your location and customers, you can also accept payments from  over 80 global payment gateways , including Braintree, Klarna, Stripe, PayPal, Square and more. Other advanced eCommerce features include dropshipping integration, cart abandonment features, inventory management, subscriptions and loyalty programs to name a few. What WooCommerce offers:  WooCommerce technically lets you list an unlimited amount of products—depending on your hosting setup, website optimization and bandwidth—and offers extensive customization options for building complex product catalogs. Extended functionally for features like dropshipping/print-on-demand, shopping cart abandonment notifications, inventory management and subscriptions are available through paid extensions and plugins or can be developed in-house.    Payment gateway options are virtually unlimited and can be integrated through WP plugins or manually inserted via iFrame or APIs. This flexibility and advanced functionality has a bit of a learning curve and might require additional costs. Bottom line:  Wix has everything you need to start selling online in one place. WooCommerce offers solutions for complex requirements like payments, subscriptions, memberships and unique product page configurations through its extensive library of free and paid plugins. 06. Hosting and domains What Wix offers:  All Wix plans include multi-cloud hosting, automatic backups, global CDN and a free domain for the first year (after which, prices start at $9.90 per year). No server management, software updates or technical maintenance required. Hosting scales automatically with your traffic. What WooCommerce offers:  Since WooCommerce sits on top of WordPress.org’s open-source platform, you’ll need to register for a domain via a third-party registrar and arrange separate WordPress hosting, which come with their own costs. Remember, where you decide to host your WordPress website can directly impact your store's speed, security and reliability.  Bottom line:  Wix strips away any technical complexities and has you covered when it comes to hosting and domains. WooCommerce and WordPress give you full control of your website’s hosting choice, and you'll need to do your research to find the best solutions for your store and plan ahead for any ongoing related costs. 07. Blog Integration What Wix offers:  Wix makes it easy to start a blog with its feature-rich blog maker  offering AI-powered content generation, automated SEO and eCommerce website optimization , scheduling tools and mobile optimization. The blog seamlessly integrates with your Wix eCommerce store for content marketing strategies. AI tools help generate blog ideas, full posts and optimize content for search engines. What WooCommerce offers:  WordPress.org powers over 40% of all websites primarily due to its blogging capabilities. As a result, WooCommerce stores get access to WordPress's extensive CMS with unlimited customization options, advanced SEO plugin support and sophisticated publishing and scheduling workflows. Bottom line:  WordPress/WooCommerce offers industry-standard blogging for content marketers. Wix provides an excellent integrated blog solution that works great for most businesses without the technical complexity. 08. SEO What Wix offers:  Wix’s built-in SEO tools include automated meta tags, XML sitemaps , structured data markup and personalized SEO plans. Wix’s AI assistant helps optimize individual pages and product descriptions for search engines. Integration with Google Search Console comes standard. What WooCommerce offers:  WordPress offers extensive SEO flexibility with plugins like Yoast SEO and RankMath providing granular control over every optimization aspect. Advanced users can jump up to the plugins’ paid tiers to implement complex technical SEO strategies, which are usually not possible with hosted platforms.  Bottom line:  Wix handles SEO basics automatically with AI assistance. WooCommerce (and Wordpress) offers access to professional-grade SEO tools and plugins for advanced SEO strategies. See more: how to drive traffic to your online store → 09. Pricing What Wix offers:   Wix Plans  with eCommerce support and features start at $29 per month for the Core plan, and go up to $159 per month for Business Elite and its advanced eCommerce capabilities (billed annually). All Wix plans include hosting, SSL certificates and a free domain for the first year. Higher tiers add advanced marketing tools, priority support and increased storage.  What WooCommerce offers:  The WooCommerce plugin itself is free, so you need to calculate WordPress hosting, premium themes, domain registration, essential plugins and developer costs. Average costs range between $150 and $5,650+ per month, depending on chosen solutions, functionality and complexity of your website.  Platform Typical monthly cost range Wix $29 a month for Core, $39 a month for Business and $159 a month for Business Elite (billed annually). WooCommerce Estimated $150 to $5,650+ a month, depending on chosen hosting, plugin and developer options. Editor’s note: Wix’s Light plan at $17 a month doesn’t offer eCommerce functionality. All pricing information is accurate as of October 17, 2025. Bottom line:  Wix offers predictable monthly costs with everything included. The WooCommerce plugin is free, but developer costs, domain registration, WordPress hosting, plugins and premium themes can quickly add up. Learn more: Wix premium plans   How much does a website cost? How to build a website for free 10. Customer support What Wix offers: With Wix you get 24/7 callback support  for English speakers, live chat during business hours, access to their comprehensive help center, video tutorials and Wix Academy for advanced training. What WooCommerce offers:  WooCommerce doesn’t offer phone support or have a dedicated support team, relying on community forums, documentation and knowledge bases. Since WordPress.org is open-source, they also don’t offer any dedicated support channels beyond forums and documentation. This means you’ll either need to contact your hosting provider or hire a dedicated WP developer/IT specialist for ongoing support.  Bottom line:  Wix has dedicated 24/7 support. WooCommerce and WordPress rely on community help, third-party support or in-house hires, which can be inconsistent. Wix vs WooCommerce: final verdict Choose Wix if you're  looking for a more hands on approach and want to start selling online quickly, without technical headaches and overhead. Wix is a great choice for businesses selling physical products, digital downloads or services with straightforward requirements. The all-in-one approach means you can focus on growing your business and your product offering instead of managing technology. Choose WooCommerce if you  have complex requirements, are looking for a bespoke solution with unlimited customization options and have the technical resources and abilities to manage and maintain a hosted WordPress site. WooCommerce works best for companies with online stores that require specific and unique functionality. The main difference between Wix and WooCommerce is control versus convenience. Wix handles the technical complexity, so you can focus on your products, customers and sales. WooCommerce gives you complete control, but requires significantly more technical resources and a larger budget. "I built our website in less than a week. Prior to Strathcona Spirits, I worked in eCommerce and online communications, so I knew what I wanted. I didn’t want an eCommerce site that was clunky and difficult to update, where the smallest change required a developer. This was a lean startup, so we wanted to have a website that we could easily update ourselves — or delegate to an employee to update — in a really simple and time-efficient way. So that's how I decided on Wix.“_Andrea Shubert, co-founder of Strathcona Spirits See more: How to make a website to sell What's the best way to start an online store? Wix vs WooCommerce FAQ Is WooCommerce really free? Yes, the WooCommerce plugin is free, but you need to calculate for WordPress hosting, domain registration, SSL certificates, premium plugins, themes and potential developer costs. Total expenses often exceed Wix's monthly fees.  Maintaining an eCommerce store on a WordPress site comes with expenses that often surprise new users. These aren't hidden fees, but essential components you need to build a robust WordPress site and online store. Can I migrate from WooCommerce to Wix later? Yes, you can migrate from WooCommerce and WordPress to Wix, but it's not a straightforward, one-click process. Since there’s no direct migration tool available to automatically transfer your data, you’ll need to manually re-enter your products, product descriptions, images and pricing into your new Wix store.  If you’re a Wix Business Plan subscriber, their support team can help make the manual migration process smoother. Which platform is better for SEO? Both WordPress/WooCommerce and Wix deliver strong SEO results, but with different approaches. WordPress, combined with WooCommerce for eCommerce, is known for its extensive customization options. Through powerful plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math, users have granular control over on-page SEO elements, from meta tags and schema markup to XML sitemaps and redirects. This level of control makes it a preferred choice for those with highly specific SEO strategies or the desire to fine-tune every aspect of their site's optimization. Wix focuses on streamlining the process with built-in, automated SEO features. Wix SEO provides you with a personalized checklist to guide you through the optimization basics, handling many technical aspects automatically. While it may not offer the same depth of customization as WordPress, Wix’s user-friendly approach is highly effective and sufficient for most small to medium-sized businesses looking to establish a solid online presence without needing deep technical expertise. Both platforms can achieve excellent SEO results. WordPress/WooCommerce offers more advanced SEO control, while Wix provides automated SEO optimization that works well for most businesses. Do I need coding skills for either platform? Wix is a   no-code website builder and requires zero coding knowledge. You technically don’t need coding skills to work with WooCommerce—or WordPress—but CSS and PHP knowledge can be a big help when it comes to customization and troubleshooting. Which platform scales better for high-traffic stores? Both can handle high traffic, but approach scaling differently. Wix handles scaling automatically through its infrastructure. Scaling and accepting high traffic volumes with WooCommerce depends on your hosting solution and technical optimization. Can I sell both physical and digital products on both platforms? Yes, both Wix and WooCommerce support physical products, digital downloads and services.

Get  free website hosting  from Wix today → Yes, Wix does host websites. Wix provides integrated, free web hosting with every website. Unlike standalone web hosting services that require you to create a website and finding hosting separately, Wix combines website creation and web hosting. When you start building a website with Wix, hosting is automatically included. Learn how to build a website from scratch .  Wix hosting keeps your website running smoothly and securely from day one. With reliable performance, strong security and built-in tools for SEO, analytics and marketing, your site is ready to grow without limits. Plus 24/7 support means help is always just a click away. Does Wix host websites? Yes, and here's the website infrastructure behind it Wix's web hosting is built on a robust, enterprise-grade foundation designed for reliability and performance. The platform uses a multi-cloud hosting approach , leveraging the combined power of: Google Cloud Platform Amazon Web Services (AWS) Fastly's edge computing services This distributed architecture means your website remains accessible even if one service experiences issues. Wix hosting also deploys content through a global Content Delivery Network (CDN) with over 200 nodes across multiple continents, significantly reducing load times for visitors regardless of their geographic location. Learn more: What is web hosting? What is Wix? What is a Wix website? Does Wix host websites? Yes, and here's some of the main benefits of it Speed and reliability Wix's hosting provides 99.99% uptime . It does this by implementing web optimization techniques such as: Image lazy loading (loading images only when they scroll into view) Automatic mobile optimization, learn more about how to make a mobile-friendly website JavaScript and CSS minification Browser caching mechanisms These optimizations mean your site will load quickly across devices, a crucial factor for better user experience. John Mueller from Google says, "If your website can go down for a day or two from time to time, your hosting is terrible. Even mediocre hosting doesn't (or shouldn't) do that. (Also, downtime from hosters makes me appreciate well-run platforms from Wix & co. even more)." Scalability Wix's hosting and website infrastructure automatically scales to accommodate traffic fluctuations, making it suitable for: Personal blogs experiencing steady traffic, as well as business blogs with large traffic numbers Business websites with growing visitor numbers as a business scales Ecommerce web design and stores during promotional events or seasonal peaks where traffic can increase suddenly Learn more: How to host a website Website security Security is a cornerstone of Wix's hosting service. All Wix websites receive: Free HTTPS and automatic SSL certificate installation DDoS protection against malicious attacks 24/7 security monitoring from a dedicated team PCI DSS Level 1 compliance for e-commerce stores Regular security patches and updates that are applied automatically These provide your website with enterprise-grade website security without needing any technical input from you. According to Allan Kinic, cybersecurity expert and founder of Prevention-internet.fr "A good web hosting should offer: A free SSL certificate, automated and outsourced backups, 24/7 server monitoring, responsive technical support and an infrastructure that's resilient to traffic spikes and attacks. This is the foundation on which everything rests. Never neglect this choice." Is my Wix website secure? Yes, and we explain how. Storage and bandwidth Wix offers varying levels of storage and bandwidth depending on your subscription plan: Free plan : 500MB storage with bandwidth limitations Basic paid plans : 2GB to 5GB storage with bandwidth caps Business and e-commerce plans: 20GB to 100GB storage with unlimited bandwidth Enterprise plans: Unlimited storage Storage limitations primarily affect image and video uploads, while bandwidth restrictions determine how many visitors can access your site and what content they can download. Explore these eCommerce website examples . Simplified hosting management By combining making a website with integrated web hosting, Wix hosting means: No separate hosting control panel to learn Unified billing through a single subscription Centralized dashboard for all website operations Automatic backups with site history functionality 24/7 customer care accessible directly from your dashboard Consolidated support covering both website and hosting issues No finger-pointing between separate hosting and platform providers Regular system-wide upgrades benefiting all hosted sites Cost Wix hosting is included in all Wix plans, whether free or paid. While potentially more expensive than basic shared hosting, Wix's hosting also comes with: Website builder functionality, including access to 2000+ website templates Web hosting Advanced website security Ecommerce capabilities (with a paid plan) Marketing tools (integrated in Wix's website builder) Customer support Wix hosts websites, but is it right for your website? Wix hosting is ideally suited for: Business websites who need something professional without the technical complexity Ecommerce stores that need reliable, secure hosting with integrated payment processing Creative professionals creating the best portfolio websites with rich media content Build your site quickly with ready-made web templates or get a polished, custom look with a website designer .

Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix eCommerce →   A website is a collection of interconnected web pages under a single domain name , typically used to provide information. Think of it as an online resource that showcases your business, services or personal portfolio. On the other hand, an online store is a specific type of website designed primarily for sales transactions. It includes features like product listings, shopping carts and website payment processing . It's your virtual storefront where customers can browse and purchase products or services. Whether you choose to go about learning how to build a website or start an online store depends on your business goals and the needs of your customers. Learn more: What's the best way to start an online store? Ready to start your eCommerce journey? Now’s the perfect time to bring your vision to life. With Wix eCommerce, you have the tools to build a professional online store and create a website that captivates your audience, drives traffic and boosts sales. Take the first step and explore Wix eCommerce today. Make your mark online and turn your ideas into success. What's the difference between a website and an online store? Definition and purpose The core purpose of a website is to provide information. It's a place where you can tell your story, share details about your services or offer insights through a blog . Websites are versatile and can serve various functions from showcasing an online portfolio , starting a blog , to hosting a forum. In contrast, an online store is designed with one primary goal in mind: selling products or services directly to consumers. It's an e-commerce platform that allows visitors to become customers by selecting items, adding them to a cart and completing purchases. Design and user experience When it comes to website design the focus is on user engagement. They aim to be visually appealing and easy to navigate so that visitors stay longer and explore more content. The user interface of a website is crucial as it impacts how visitors perceive your brand. For online stores, the design revolves around conversion. Every element from product displays to checkout processes is optimized for efficiency and simplicity. The goal is to minimize obstacles between the customer and the sale, ensuring a smooth shopping experience. Functionalities and features Online stores boast unique functionalities that cater to online shopping needs. Some of the core ones include: Shopping cart : Allows customers to accumulate various items before proceeding to checkout. Payment gateways : Secure payment systems that process transactions with various payment methods. Customer accounts : Enable users to create profiles for faster checkouts and order tracking. Order management : Systems that handle orders from confirmation through delivery. Conversely, informational websites might include: Contact forms for inquiries or service requests. Blogs or news sections for updates and articles. Photo galleries showcasing work or products without direct sales capabilities. Isn't an online store also a website? Yes, an online shop is a type of website. It falls under the broader category of websites but with a specialized purpose – to sell products or services online. An online shop features all the elements of a website, such as a domain name and web hosting but it also includes additional e-commerce functionalities that transform it into a marketplace. Think of it as a subset of websites, tailored specifically for commercial transactions. The specialized nature of online shops means they are designed from the ground up to facilitate the buying and selling process. This includes not just product listings and shopping carts but also customer service features like live chat support, user reviews and return policies that enhance the shopping experience and build trust with customers. All online shops are websites, not all websites are online shops. An online shop is simply a more focused version of a website with the specific aim of e-commerce. Website vs eCommerce website features When it comes to starting an online store, you'll need to build an ecommerce website to bring it to life. Understanding the difference between a general website and an ecommerce one can help you make the decision about what's right for your business. eCommerce website features Because eCommerce website design is meant to handle the buying and selling of goods or services online, it comes with a set of features tailored to facilitate eCommerce activities: Product management : Tools to add, organize and manage product listings including descriptions, images, and prices. Inventory tracking : Systems that monitor stock levels in real-time, helping to manage supply and demand effectively. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) : Features that help store owners track customer interactions and purchasing history to enhance marketing efforts and customer service. Analytics and reporting : Integrated analytics tools that analyze sales patterns, customer behavior and website traffic to inform business decisions. Typical website features Regular websites may not have the complex selling functionalities of e-commerce platforms but they still offer valuable features for different purposes: Content Management Systems (CMS) : These allow for easy updating and management of website content without needing technical expertise. Mobile-friendly design : Ensures that the website is accessible and visually appealing across various devices, including desktops, tablets and smartphones. Multimedia integration : Ability to incorporate videos, images, and audio into the web pages to enhance user engagement. SEO optimization : Features that help improve the visibility of the website on search engines like Google. All of these site features can also be included in an ecommerce website or online store and many are. Online shop vs online store - is there any difference? The terms online shop and online store are often used interchangeably but they can imply subtle differences that might influence your business strategy. An online shop typically refers to a smaller-scale e-commerce operation, perhaps focusing on a specific niche or offering a curated selection of products. It's akin to a boutique that provides a unique shopping experience and personalized customer service. It's most commonly used to refer to small businesses, like a crafter selling handmade goods from their home. An online store, on the other hand, might suggest a larger, possibly more comprehensive e-commerce site. Think of it as akin to a department store with a wide array of products and categories. It may cater to a broader audience and often requires more complex logistics and inventory management. Ecommerce website examples might include Gap or Target online stores. In terms of the type of business model, an online shop might be operated by an individual or small business focusing on handcrafted items or specialized goods. An online store could be part of a larger business with multiple product lines and an extensive supply chain. While the difference in terminology is subtle, the practical use can hint at the scale and scope of the business. As you plan your eCommerce business , consider how you want your customers to perceive you and choose the term that aligns with your vision and operational scale. What to consider before building a website or online store Before making a website Before you dive into creating a website, there are several preliminary considerations to keep in mind: Purpose : Define what you want to achieve with your website. Is it to provide information, showcase your portfolio or establish credibility in your industry? Audience : Understand who your visitors will be and then tailor the content and design to meet their expectations and needs. Content : Plan the type of content you will offer, this could range from blog posts and company news to detailed service descriptions. Design : Consider how you want your brand represented visually. The design should be consistent with your branding and appealing to your target audience. Maintenance : Think about how you will keep the website updated as regular updates are important for engaging visitors and improving SEO. Before launching an online store Launching an online store comes with its own set of steps and considerations: Business model : Decide on the type of products you'll sell and how you'll source or produce them. E-commerce platform : Choose the right platform that can handle your product range, traffic expectations, and scalability needs. Payment processing : Set up secure payment options that are convenient for customers and reliable for your business. Shipping and fulfillment : Establish how you will manage inventory, packaging, shipping and returns. Legalities : Ensure that you comply with online business regulations, including data protection laws and consumer rights. Security for websites and online stores When establishing a business online, security should be at the forefront of your planning. Both websites and online stores require protection against cyber threats but online stores often face higher risks due to the fact that they use and sometimes store sensitive information, such as their buyers credit card details and other personal information. For websites, basic security measures include: SSL certificates : Encrypts data between the server and the user's browser, ensuring that personal information is transmitted securely. All Wix sites, for example, come with SSL. Regular updates : Keeping software and plugins up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities. Wix sites are automatically updated. Secure hosting : Choosing a reputable web hosting provider , like Wix, with robust security measures in place. Online stores need to implement additional layers of security: PCI DSS compliance : Adherence to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard is essential for online stores that handle credit card transactions. Two-factor authentication (2FA) : Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification when logging into customer accounts. Fraud detection systems : Monitors for suspicious activities that could indicate fraudulent transactions or attempts to breach customer accounts. Wix ecommerce sites and online stores, as well as all Wix websites, are monitored by a 24/7 web security team/ Websites vs online stores and their SEO Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is vital for ensuring that your website or online store is easily discoverable by your target audience. However, the strategies differ between informational websites and online stores due to their distinct content and objectives. For informational websites, SEO strategies often focus on: Content quality : Producing high-quality, relevant content that provides value to your audience can improve search rankings. Keyword and intent optimization : Including relevant keywords in your content helps search engines understand and index your pages appropriately. Backlinks : Earning links from reputable sites can boost your site's authority and search ranking. For online stores, SEO requires additional considerations: Product descriptions : Detailed, unique descriptions with relevant keywords can help products rank higher in search results. Image optimization : High-quality images with descriptive file names and alt tags improve visibility in image searches and enhance user experience. User reviews : Encouraging customer reviews can generate fresh, keyword-rich content and improve product credibility. Website vs online store - what's best for your business Deciding whether to build a website with a website builder or an online store is a strategic choice that should align with your business goals and the needs of your customers. Here are some factors to consider: Product or service : If you're selling goods, an online store with e-commerce capabilities is essential. For services or non-transactional business models, a regular website may suffice. Customer interaction : Consider how you want to interact with your customers. An online store often requires more direct interaction through sales support, whereas a website might focus on providing information and generating leads. Budget and resources : E-commerce platforms can be more complex and costly to develop and maintain - unless you use an ecommerce website builder like Wix, where the paid plans include most of your functionality. Ensure you have the budget and resources to manage an online store effectively. Scalability : Think about future growth. An online store should be able to scale with your business, handling increased products and traffic without compromising performance.

The perfect domain is just a click away:  claim your domain → GoDaddy is a popular and widely recognized option for domain registration, but it’s far from the only choice. If you’re looking for a GoDaddy alternative for domain registration, other providers may offer more flexibility, better pricing or easier ways to manage your domain and website in one place. Some platforms combine domain registration  with email hosting, making it easier to get started without juggling multiple services. We’ll break down how GoDaddy alternative domain registration options compare to GoDaddy itself across features like domain registration, email hosting and website builder  tools. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which alternatives are worth considering for your next 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: GoDaddy alternative domain registration GoDaddy is known for offering website hosting, domains, business email and website builder tools, but its separate services and rising prices aren’t the right fit for everyone.  You’ll see when all-in-one platforms like Wix  make sense versus more customizable hosting providers. The article also includes side-by-side comparisons, common GoDaddy drawbacks and guidance for choosing the right option based on the level of control, simplicity and scalability you need. What you’ll learn: When it might make sense to switch from GoDaddy The best alternatives for domain registration Top email hosting options to suit your workflow Hosting alternatives tailored to your specific needs The best website builders for small businesses   GoDaddy alternative topics Platform considerations GoDaddy alternative domain registration GoDaddy isn’t the only strong option for domain registration. Alternatives may offer better renewal pricing, including privacy or easier long-term management. Domain registration considerations The most important factors are renewal costs, WHOIS privacy, DNS control and how easy it is to transfer your domain later. Free domain registration Free domains are usually included for the first year with a paid plan and renews at standard rates, so long-term cost and ownership matter more than the upfront offer. Email hosting alternatives GoDaddy’s Microsoft 365 email works well for some users, but other providers may offer better integrations, pricing or flexibility depending on your workflow. Website hosting options All-in-one platforms simplify hosting and maintenance, while customizable hosts give more control for advanced or content-heavy sites. All-in-one vs separate services Platforms like Wix work best if you want domains, hosting, business email and a website builder managed in one place, while modular setups suit users who want to mix providers. Website builders for small businesses Small businesses often benefit from website builders that include hosting, security, eCommerce tools and easy site management in a single dashboard. Choosing the right platform The best option depends on how much control you want, how hands-on you plan to be and how much you expect your site to grow over time. GoDaddy alternative domain registration Many people look for alternatives to GoDaddy for domain registration. The first-year price might be attractive, but factors like renewal costs, domain privacy protection  and domain name management  often matter more in the long run. Here are some popular alternatives worth considering: Wix Namecheap Squarespace (Domains) Cloudflare Registrar 01. Wix Wix brings together domain registration, free website hosting  and website building tools into one handy platform. It also includes an AI website builder , along with an AI-powered  domain name generator  and allows you to perform a  domain name search . If you’re looking for a one-stop shop, this is a great choice. Many of Wix’s annual plans come with a free domain for the first year, helping you get started right away. The Wix dashboard makes managing your domain, DNS settings and connecting to your Wix site super simple. Plus,  WHOIS domain  privacy is included for free on eligible domains, and setting up an SSL certificate or a  business email  is straightforward. If you want everything for your site in one place, Wix is a convenient and user-friendly option. Pricing: Free domain for the first year with a paid plan. Renews at a standard rate.  Found the perfect name for your business? Lock in your domain  before someone else does. Learn more: What is a domain name? How many domain names are there? How to register a domain name 02. Namecheap Namecheap specializes in domains offering transparent pricing, often lower renewal rates than GoDaddy and free WHOIS privacy for most extensions. Its interface supports bulk domain management, easy DNS editing and domain transfers. Namecheap is a good choice if you only need domain registration and prefer a standalone service without bundled hosting or email. Pricing: A .com domain costs $14.98 per year, with a discounted rate in the first year. Learn more:  How to choose a domain registrar Best domain registrars 03. Squarespace (Domains) With Squarespace you can register domains separately or link them directly to your Squarespace site. Your privacy is automatically protected and renewal pricing is clear. Squarespace’s DNS controls let you use custom records email forwarding and third-party integrations. This makes it a good fit if you want some control without juggling multiple platforms. Pricing: : Free domain for the first year with a paid plan. Renews at a standard rate.  Learn more:  Wix vs Squarespace Squarespace alternatives Wix Studio vs Squarespace 04. Cloudflare Registrar Cloudflare Registrar offers domains at wholesale pricing with no markup, making it potentially cheaper over the long term. WHOIS privacy is automatically included. It’s perfect for experienced users who want total control over DNS, security features like DNSSEC and integration with Cloudflare’s performance and protection services. This option might be too advanced for beginners but provides the most detailed technical control. Pricing: Domain pricing is determined by the extension and shown after you search for a domain. Learn more: How much does a domain name cost? What is TLD? How to buy a domain name Key factors to consider when choosing a domain registrar: First-year and renewal pricing:  Compare initial offers and standard renewal fees to avoid unexpected costs. WHOIS privacy:  Protects your personal information from being publicly listed in the WHOIS database. Some providers include it for free while others charge extra.   DNS management:  Look for flexible DNS  records, subdomain control and easy integration with third-party services.  Domain transfers:  Check domain transfer  policies, costs and the time it takes to move your domain if needed. Learn more: What is domain privacy How to transfer a domain name Editor’s note: All prices and information in this article are accurate as of January 2026 and are subject to change. Please check the provider’s website for the most up-to-date details. GoDaddy alternatives for free domain registration Many registrars advertise “free” domain registration but it’s important to understand what that actually means. Typically, a free domain  is included only for the first year and comes bundled with a paid website, hosting or email plan. After the initial period, the domain will renew at the standard rate which can be higher than first-year pricing. When looking at free domain offers, keep an eye on these things: Eligibility requirements:  Some offers only apply to specific domain extensions ( .com, .net or .org ) or certain hosting plans. Renewal costs:  Check the regular annual rate before signing up. What seems free upfront can become expensive over time if renewal fees are high. Ownership and control:  Make sure the domain is registered in your name. Some providers keep partial control until the plan is active which can complicate transfers. Transfer policies:  If you decide to move your domain later, review how long you have to wait, any fees and the steps needed for a smooth transfer. Privacy protection:  Free domains may not always include WHOIS privacy which could expose your personal details. Free domain offers are great if you’re already planning to invest in a hosting or website plan and want everything managed in one place. They’re a convenient starting point but it’s important to understand the fine print on renewal fees, ownership and transferability to avoid surprises later. Alternative to GoDaddy email hosting GoDaddy offers professional email with Microsoft 365, but it may not meet everyone's needs for pricing, features or integrations. When evaluating email hosts, consider: Storage : Does the plan offer enough space for all your emails and attachments? Integration : Will it connect with the other business tools you love? Security : Are there features like spam filtering encryption and backups? Support : Is there an expert you can talk to when you need help? Email hosting alternatives Here are some top email hosting options that let you connect your domain, manage multiple accounts and stay organized with the tools your team already uses. Wix With Wix, you can get a business email powered by Google Workspace and easily connect your Wix domain. Create a professional email that matches your site (like info@yourdomain.com). This helps you set up multiple team accounts, boosts your email deliverability and syncs with all the Google Workspace tools you know and love like Calendar, Drive and Docs. Plus you can use cool features like Smart Compose, email scheduling and built-in chat to manage your inbox like a pro. You can set it all up right from your Wix dashboard. Google Workspace You can create a professional email that connects to your domain and works with all the Google apps you know like Drive, Docs and Calendar. Since it works with most domains, you have the flexibility to use it even if your domain isn’t from your site builder. Microsoft 365 You can create an Outlook email and get all the classic Office apps like Word Excel and PowerPoint. This is a great choice for teams already familiar with Microsoft tools. It comes with solid security, advanced spam protection and one central place to manage everything. You can handle multiple accounts, create shared mailboxes and connect with Teams and OneDrive to get work done together. Zoho Mail Zoho Mail is an affordable email choice for small to medium teams. It gives you good security and admin control without making you buy a whole suite of apps. You'll get features like multiple user accounts, domain-based email, spam filters and mobile access. Zoho also works with other Zoho apps and third-party tools, making it a flexible option as your team grows. Learn more: How to create a business email Hosting alternatives for every website type GoDaddy offers shared and VPS hosting but not every site needs the same setup. Depending on your business goals and growth plans you might prefer platforms that handle everything for you, give you full control over customization or are optimized for online stores. Here’s a look at practical hosting options and what each type offers so you can find the perfect fit. Learn more: What is web hosting? How to host a website What is wix hosting All-in-one hosting platforms Platforms like Wix include hosting with all premium plans. They handle infrastructure, security updates, scaling and backups automatically so you don’t need to manage servers. These platforms are ideal if you want a fast, reliable site with minimal technical work. Many include built-in tools for SEO, automated backups, performance monitoring and simple analytics. They also offer drag-and-drop editors, integrated forms and email marketing tools so you can manage content, customer communication and basic marketing from one dashboard. Customizable hosting Providers like Bluehost, SiteGround and Kinsta give you more control over your hosting environment. You can choose server types, configure caching and performance settings, install custom software and access staging environments to test changes before going live. These options are great for developers or teams with content-heavy or complex sites that want more flexibility with themes, plugins and code. You also get access to detailed analytics, server-level security and more advanced backup tools. Wix offers plenty of room for customization too. With Velo by Wix you can add your own JavaScript APIs, custom CSS and databases. This lets you build advanced website features without worrying about server management. If you need server-level changes you can check out Wix's enterprise solutions. Ecommerce-focused hosting Platforms like Wix, Shopify, BigCommerce and WooCommerce-specific hosting are optimized for online stores. They include SSL certificates, daily backups, PCI-compliant checkout, inventory management and secure payment processing. Many also offer performance monitoring for high-traffic sales periods, abandoned cart recovery and built-in integrations with shipping providers and marketing tools. Wix eCommerce hosting Wix’s eCommerce website design and hosting gives you fast, secure and reliable hosting so your store is always up and running. Hosting includes an SSL certificate to protect customer data and the built-in infrastructure to support physical, digital or dropshipping products. Wix’s servers handle your payment processing, shipping options and automated tax calculations so your orders and inventory management run smoothly. Wix hosting lets you customize your storefront, galleries and filters and add integrations via the Wix App Market. Learn more:  How much does it cost to host a website? Best website hosting providers Best website hosting for small business GoDaddy vs Wix: a side-by-side overview GoDaddy and Wix both provide domains, hosting and email, but they do it differently. GoDaddy lets you manage domain registration, hosting, email and site tools separately. This gives you the flexibility to pick and choose different providers. Wix, on the other hand, puts all these services together on one platform. This makes it a breeze to manage everything from a single dashboard and is perfect for anyone who wants a simple, all-in-one solution. GoDaddy vs Wix: feature comparison and use cases Feature GoDaddy Wix Domain registration Strong focus, flexible management, supports multiple domain extensions Included with platform, easy setup, automatically linked to your site Hosting Modular plans (shared, VPS), performance varies by plan Included with premium plans, automatically updated, scalable, secure cloud hosting Email Microsoft 365 integration, separate management, choice of plans Integrated business email, managed in dashboard, scalable for teams Website creation Separate website builder tools, less integrated, requires setup Drag-and-drop builder included, templates, centralized management, no separate setup needed Customization & flexibility Full server-level control on higher-tier plans, supports custom software Limited server-level options, advanced functionality via Velo (custom code, APIs, integrations) Ecommerce support Requires separate ecommerce tools or plugins Built-in ecommerce hosting, SSL, payment options, inventory management, tax automation Management Multiple dashboards for different services, more manual coordination Single dashboard for domains, hosting, email and site, easy monitoring Best for Users who want to choose and manage each service separately Users who want an all-in-one, managed solution with minimal technical work Alternatives to GoDaddy website builder Wix is a top alternative to GoDaddy, offering powerful design tools and an intuitive  drag-and-drop website builder . With a large library of customizable, industry-specific templates and AI-powered features, it makes website creation easy—even for beginners.  "Choose a website builder that allows you to make fast pivots based on your business needs. If, from one day to the next, you need to add events or an online store, make sure your website builder makes that possible for you." - Esin D. Habif, product marketing lead (outbound) at Wix 6 best GoDaddy alternatives Wix Wix Studio Hostinger Squarespace WordPress Shopify 01. Wix Wix is your go-to platform if you're looking for an alternative to GoDaddy. With its drag-and-drop builder, free website hosting, over 2,000  website templates  and powerful AI features, you can build a site that looks great and runs smoothly without a hassle. Want to  start a blog ? Wix makes it easy to grow your audience and even turn your content into a source of income. Want to start an eCommerce store? You can easily handle payments, inventory and marketing all from within the platform. Plus, it's built with  scalability , site reliability, 99.99%  uptime  and top-tier website performance in mind. This way, your site stays reliable and fast, even when traffic grows. Key features: AI website builder  with an infrastructure built for scale Built-in  SEO features  to help your website get found on search engines, including sitemaps with automatic updates Wix Analytics  to get actionable insights about your site Enterprise-grade security to thwart cyber threats Logo maker  to help build your brand identity Learn more: Cheap website builder Best AI website builder Best website builders for SEO  Free website builders  Best website builder for small business  Personal website builders  Best one-page website builders You can also read  Wix reviews  direct from users who've built a website or started a business. Why Wix is an alternative to GoDaddy: Wix makes it easy to design, manage and grow your website with powerful tools, smart AI and hundreds of customizable templates. Wix also handles sitemaps automatically, keeping search engines updated whenever you create or edit a page. GoDaddy, however, requires manual submissions. With Wix, saving time and boosting your site’s visibility comes built in, so you can focus on building the website you’ve always wanted. Pricing:  Free plan available. Paid plans at $17/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available.  "One of the reasons why I love Wix and chose Wix for my website: it’s a whole business tool. You can handle everything on there for your whole business—it’s crazy. The thing that I loved about it over all of the other platforms out there is that you’re able to customize everything on your website so that it’s really yours." - Angus Willows, founder of Kangaroo Hangers Learn more: How to monetize a website How to make a Wix website How to make a business website 02. Wix Studio Wix Studio  is perfect for enterprises and agencies that want to build their online presence. It offers advanced   design capabilities with over 360  responsive templates  to help you create exceptional sites. Want to add movement and make your website more engaging? You’ve got plenty of design options, from hover effects to looping animations and even mouse parallax. You can also tweak the CSS to add your own styles and make elements interactive if you're the kind of person who likes to fine-tune every detail. Key features: Multi-cloud hosting with 99.99% uptime Free custom domain name for one year Wix Studio eCommerce  to create and grow your online store Wix Studio AI tools  to speed up your workflows and transform how your team works Wix Studio SEO tools  to boost your search engine rankings, including dynamic XML sitemaps Marketing integrations  with social media and analytics tools to improve your  marketing strategies Website analytics to help you gain insights into visitor behavior, site traffic and revenue Top-notch security features for threat prevention and real-time detection Blogging tools to grow your online community Why Wix Studio is an alternative to GoDaddy:  Wix Studio offers advanced AI-powered tools and extra design flexibility for enterprises and agencies looking to grow their online presence. Pricing:  Plans start at $19/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available. 03. Hostinger Hostinger is primarily known for its web hosting services, which offer 99.9% uptime. The platform also has website building and domain registrar services. You can search a domain to see if your preferred name is available. If not, Hostinger's AI domain name generator can suggest creative alternatives based on your brand or project description. Once you’ve secured your domain, you can choose from more than 170 customizable website templates or use Hostinger’s AI-powered website builder to create your portfolio, online store or blog in minutes. Key features: Ecommerce tools to help you launch and grow your online business AI tools, including an AI writer to generate SEO-friendly content and an AI logo generator Free domain for a year Automatic sitemap creation so your website can get found on search engines Security tools, like SSL certificates to keep your website data safe Why Hostinger is an alternative to GoDaddy:  Hostinger offers affordable pricing, reliable performance and a user-friendly experience. With competitive hosting plans, a free domain on select plans and an easy-to-use website builder, it’s a strong option for individuals and businesses looking to create a website. Pricing:  Paid website plans start at $2.49/month, while paid hosting plans start at $3.49/month with a 12-month plan (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available.  Learn more: What is a domain name? How many domain names are there? What is web hosting? How to host a website 04. Squarespace Squarespace offers a library of over 190 templates, special fonts and curated color palettes to help you create a site that reflects your personal style. Just pick a  website design , add your  web pages  and edit them with the drag-and-drop editor. You can also use Squarespace's Blueprint AI to create your site much faster. Every Squarespace plan includes reliable web hosting with a 99.9% uptime guarantee, so you can focus on creating your site instead of the technical details. Key features: AI-powered tool to check domain name availability and a free custom domain for one year  Marketing and social media features to promote your business Automatic sitemaps and other  website SEO  tools to boost your site’s visibility eCommerce features for creating and growing your online store Website analytics to help you gain powerful insights Blogging tools to create a personalized blog Logo maker to design a unique brand logo. SSL certificates for  website security  (included only for domains pointing to Squarespace websites)  Why Squarespace is an alternative to GoDaddy:  Squarespace offers an array of features to speed up the  website development  process. You also get built-in SEO, marketing and eCommerce features, so you don’t have to juggle multiple apps or pay additional costs. Pricing: Paid plans start at $16/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available.  Learn more: How to make a website accessible How to make a website mobile-friendly 05. WordPress WordPress offers numerous  web design  tools to create different  types of websites . For example, you can  start a blog  to engage your audience, create a portfolio to showcase your work or even turn your website into an  eCommerce  store. The platform is best known for its open-source nature, as well as the thousands of free and paid plugins that help you add additional features to your website, such as AI content creation. WordPress also offers WordPress.com , a hosted and managed version of the platform designed to make website creation more accessible to users without technical expertise. Key features: Free domain name registration with paid annual plans Over 1,000 responsive website themes Security features, like brute force protection and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) mitigation Data analytic plugins to help you make informed decisions SEO plugin tools to help your website rank in search engines Logo maker to create a professional image for your website Why WordPress is an alternative to GoDaddy:  WordPress gives you access to thousands of free and paid plugins. This helps you add new features and tailor your site to your needs. You also get strong security features and built-in SEO tools so your site can grow with your business. That said, if you prefer more straightforward website builders, check out our article on the best  WordPress alternatives . Pricing: WordPress.com paid plans start at $4/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available.  Learn more: What is website design ? Website ideas How to start a blog Website launch checklist 06. Shopify If you’re looking to create an  eCommerce website , then Shopify is a good choice. It offers  eCommerce solutions  catered specifically to different types of online stores, including wholesalers and dropshippers.  You can build your store using the customizable website builder and thousands of apps, themes and integrations without any coding. But you can still edit CSS and HTML files if you have the skill. You also get Shopify Magic, a set of AI-powered tools that help you save time and grow your business. From generating product descriptions and editing images to assisting with customer support, these smart features help you run your store more efficiently. Learn more: Ecommerce website examples Key features: Unlimited web hosting with 99.99% uptime  AI generator to search for and purchase your business name Built-in SEO features, like XML sitemaps, to help optimize your store. Analytics to track your  website performance Built-in blogging engine to grow your audience Free SSL certificates to secure your website and visitor data Marketing integrations with social media channels and online marketplaces. Logo maker to create your store’s logo. Why Shopify is an alternative to GoDaddy: Shopify offers an all-in-one eCommerce solution tailored specifically for online stores. You also get Shopify Magic to streamline website creation and customer support tasks. Pricing:  Free plan available. Paid plans start at $29/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available.  Learn more:   Shopify alternatives  Wix vs Shopify What is dropshipping ? Blog SEO "The most important thing before building a website is good research. Know what you want to do and collect good inspirations that will contribute to your design." - Anna Suntsov, blog and social design team lead at Wix Editor's note: The information presented in this article is true as of January 2026, unless otherwise noted. GoDaddy alternatives FAQ What should I use instead of GoDaddy? The best alternative for you depends on what you need. If you're only looking for a domain, providers like Wix, Namecheap, Cloudflare Registrar or Porkbun offer simple and affordable options. If you want a website builder and hosting too, Wix, Bluehost or SiteGround have managed solutions with all the features you need built-in. What are the disadvantages of GoDaddy? GoDaddy can feel pricey compared to similar services, especially for add-ons like SSL certificates or email. Its modular approach means hosting, email and website tools are managed separately which can be confusing. What is the best domain hosting site? The best option depends on what you want to manage in one place. If you prefer an all-in-one setup with domain registration, hosting, email and site tools working together, Wix is a strong choice. It keeps everything under one dashboard, includes hosting with premium plans and reduces the need to connect or manage separate services. Why is GoDaddy so expensive now? GoDaddy’s pricing has gone up due to bundling additional services, marketing costs and premium domain offerings. Renewal rates are often higher than the initial promotional price, which can make it feel expensive over time. Why is Wix better than GoDaddy? With Wix, you can manage your domains, hosting, email and site creation all in one place, making things much easier. Wix also comes with built-in security, backups and scalable hosting, taking a lot of the technical stuff off your plate compared to GoDaddy’s separate services. Which website host is best for small business? For small businesses, ease of management, reliability and support matter most. Wix is a popular choice because they offer integrated tools, secure hosting and scalable plans without needing advanced technical skills. Where can I buy a domain besides GoDaddy? There are many domain registrars where you can purchase a domain name besides GoDaddy. Wix offers domain registration as part of its website-building service, making it a convenient choice if you also need hosting. Other popular alternatives include Google Domains and Bluehost, all of which provide competitive pricing and additional features like WHOIS privacy protection. The best choice depends on your budget and whether you need additional services like web hosting or email accounts. Can I migrate my website from GoDaddy to another hosting provider? Yes, you can migrate your website from GoDaddy to another hosting provider like Wix. The process depends on whether your site is built with WordPress, a custom-coded setup or GoDaddy’s website builder. If you’re moving to Wix, you may need to rebuild your site using Wix’s tools, but you can still transfer your domain easily. Most hosting providers offer step-by-step guides or customer support to help with the migration, ensuring minimal downtime and a smooth transition. What is the cheapest alternative to GoDaddy? The cheapest alternative to GoDaddy depends on what you need: domain registration hosting or both. Wix is one of the most budget-friendly options for domain names and comes with free WHOIS privacy protection. If you're looking for free web hosting Wix provides plans that include website building hosting and a free domain for the first year. Other great options include Hostinger and Wix Studio which offer low-cost hosting plans with good performance and support.

Party supplies are all the things you need to throw a memorable celebration or event. These can range from decorations like balloons and streamers to tableware, party favors and costumes. Whether it's for a birthday, wedding or holiday event, these supplies help create a festive atmosphere. If you're looking to sell party supplies online, there are a number of factors to consider before starting a business focused on parties and events. We'll explore the main ones associated with this type of a business in order to set you on your way as an entrepreneur. Is selling party supplies profitable? Starting an online party supplies business can be a profitable business idea . With the right approach, you can tap into a market that enjoys celebrating life's milestones. People are always looking for unique and convenient ways to improve their parties, which means there's a consistent demand for party supplies. However, demand aside, the profitability of your business will depend on how well you setup, run and market your online business. 6 tips for selling party supplies online Research market demand and conduct competitive analysis Register and license your business Source your party supply products Decide how and where to sell your party supplies online Set pricing strategies Effectively showcase your party supplies online 01. Research market demand and conduct competitive analysis When you're considering entering the party supplies market, it's important to analyze both the demand for your products and the competition you'll face. When it comes to researching demand, look into current trends in celebrations and events. What themes or products are popular? Are there any gaps in the market that you could fill? For your competitive analysis research other online party supply stores. What are they offering? How do they price their products? Understanding your competition will help you find ways to differentiate your business. Once you've done this it's important that you create a business plan to lay out everything you'll need to decide on before starting your venture. This can include your executive summary, financial plans, planned marketing effort and details on how you'll run your business. 02. Register and license your business Register your business according to your local laws, then obtain the necessary permits or licenses and set up your tax information. Here are the necessary steps to register and license a party supplies business in the US: Choose a business structure or entity (e.g., LLC , Corporation ) Select and register your business name , check its availability with state's Secretary of State, you must register a DBA if you're using a name different from legal business name Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS Register with your state's revenue office for tax purposes Apply for a general business license from your city/county Obtain a sales tax permit from your state Check for any industry-specific licenses or permits: Usually not required for party supplies but verify local regulations first Register for unemployment and workers' compensation insurance if hiring employees Obtain any necessary health permits if selling food items Remember, requirements can vary by state and locality. It's advisable to consult with a local business attorney or your local Small Business Administration office for specific guidance. 03. Source your party supply products Start by finding reliable suppliers for wholesale party supplies or consider manufacturing your own unique products if you have the capability. Finding the right products at the right price is crucial for the success of your online party supply store. In order to source the right inventory you'll need to: Research wholesalers : Look for reputable suppliers who offer a wide range of party supplies at competitive prices. Check that they have positive reviews and a good track record when it comes to quality and reliability. Compare prices and quality : Evaluate different wholesalers to find the best balance between cost and product quality. Check also minimum order qualities and the variety of supplies they have. Order samples : Make sure to check quality yourself before selling anything to your customers. Negotiate:  Don't be afraid to negotiate terms, suppliers are often willing to offer discounts for bulk purchases or repeat business. Inventory management :  Keep track of stock levels, bestsellers, and slow-moving items to optimize your inventory. Storage solutions:  Consider your storage options, whether it's a home office, rented space, or dropshipping which eliminates the need for physical storage. Some popular party supplies to consider sourcing include: Balloons (various colors, shapes, and sizes) Party decorations (banners, streamers, confetti) Party favor bags and boxes Cake toppers and candles Piñatas and fillers Themed party kits (birthday, wedding, baby shower) Photo booth props Temporary tattoos and face paint Party games and activities Costume accessories (masks, hats, wigs) Glow sticks and light-up accessories Custom printed items (banners, invitations) Helium tanks and balloon inflators Eco-friendly and biodegradable party supplies 04. Decide how and where to sell your party supplies online One of the best ways to sell party supplies online is by starting an online store or creating an eCommerce website. First you'll need to choose an eCommerce platform , like Wix — go for one that includes enterprise-grade security and reliability. The benefits of using Wix to sell online include: User-friendly : Wix offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes setting up your store simple. Customizable website templates : Choose from a variety of templates that can be customized to match your brand identity. Scalability : As your business grows, Wix can accommodate an increasing number of products without compromising performance. You can begin your web design with an online store template , then you can focus on customizing it to match your brand and vision. Don't forget to add high-quality images and descriptions of your party supplies. Then, integrate a secure payment gateway and shipping solutions. You'll also need to make sure you can use your website to efficiently handle customer enquiries and support — by creating forms or using a chatbot. Having your own eCommerce website design means you have complete control over the customer experience, branding, and product presentation. You can build a direct relationship with your customers without intermediary fees or competition from other sellers on the same platform. You can also decide to promote and sell your party supplies on social media. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow you to engage with customers through posts, stories and ads. They also offer powerful tools for targeted advertising based on user demographics, interests and behaviors. This is how you can get your business and website in front of more potential buyers. Learn more: How to sell on Facebook How to sell on Instagram eCommerce website examples You can also decide to sell on online marketplaces, sites like Etsy, Amazon and eBay provide access to a vast audience of potential buyers. These platforms often come with built-in tools for inventory management, payment processing and customer communication. Let's look at selling on Etsy in more detail. Etsy is a popular online marketplace that caters to unique, handmade or vintage items, which can include party supplies. Here's what you need to know to get started selling; Familiarize yourself with how Etsy works, its fee structure, and its community guidelines. Set up an Etsy store with a memorable name and branding that aligns with your business identity. Post listings with attractive photos and detailed descriptions to attract buyers looking for party supplies. There are plenty pros and cons when it comes to selling via your own online store versus online marketplaces . With your own online store you get full control over your branding and the customer experience as well as direct communication (and sales) with customers without intermediary fees. Online marketplaces provide instant access to a vast customer base, ease of use and a quick setup. Ultimately your choice will depend on how much control you want over your brand and customer relationships, as well as how much effort you're willing to put into marketing. Pro tip: Online stores never close, and your customer support shouldn’t either. Wix AI Site Chat  delivers real-time support that keeps customers engaged and ready to buy. Easy to set up and always on, it smooths the path to checkout so your store keeps moving, even when you’re off the clock. You can also check out the Wix AI Site Chat overview  for a deeper look at how it works. 05. Build pricing strategies Setting the right prices for your party supplies is essential to attract customers and build profitability. Here are some strategies to help you price your products competitively: Calculate your expenses : Determine the cost of goods sold (COGS), including manufacturing, shipping and packaging costs. Consider your overheads : Factor in overhead expenses such as website maintenance, marketing and any other operational costs. Market research : Look at what similar products are selling for on various platforms to gauge market expectations. Value proposition : If your products offer something unique, such as higher quality or exclusivity, you may be able to justify a higher price point. Keystone pricing : This traditional retail pricing strategy suggests doubling the wholesale cost to determine the retail price. Discounts and promotions : Plan periodic sales or discounts to attract price-sensitive customers and encourage bulk purchases. Sales analysis : Regularly review your sales data to understand which products are performing well and which may need a pricing adjustment. Customer feedback : Listen to customer feedback regarding pricing and value perception to make informed decisions. By carefully considering these factors, you can set prices that appeal to your customers while maintaining a healthy profit margin. 06. Effectively showcase your party supplies online The presentation of your party supplies online can make a significant difference in attracting and converting potential customers. Here's how to effectively showcase your products: Professional photos : Use clear, high-resolution images that show your products in the best light and from multiple angles. Lifestyle shots : Include photos of your supplies in use, such as decorations at a party, to help customers envision them at their own events. Informative content : Provide thorough descriptions that include dimensions, materials, and any other relevant details. Storytelling : Use storytelling to connect emotionally with buyers, explaining how the product can enhance their celebration. Easy navigation : Organize your products into clear categories so customers can easily find what they're looking for. Search functionality : Implement a search bar with filters to help shoppers quickly locate specific items or themes. Businesses selling party supplies online: Wix examples Party Supplies This party supplies online store offers a wide variety of decorations for celebrations, including birthday parties. This includes plates, cups and straws as well as an assortment of fun and colorful party favors. Mad Hatter Party Box The Mad Hatter Party Box sells unique and handcrafted party supplies, which helps to set them apart from much of their competition. They help create themed parties, including the decorations and favors.

Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix eCommerce →   We've all heard the saying "just because you build it, doesn't mean they will come." There's no better example of this than when you're  building an online store . Despite pouring hours into getting your site ready for business, there's no guarantee that buyers will magically appear. Fortunately, there are many tried-and-true ways to get people clicking on your store. Crack open this quick guide to learn how to drive traffic to your online store. Get inspired by eCommerce website design ideas. Ready to start your eCommerce journey? Now’s the perfect time to bring your vision to life. With Wix eCommerce, you have the tools to build a professional online store and create a website that captivates your audience, drives traffic and boosts sales. Take the first step and explore Wix eCommerce today. Make your mark online and turn your ideas into success. But first, is your eCommerce site optimized for sales? Whether you’re just  building your eCommerce website  or have been in eCommerce for a while now, it’s always a good idea to periodically check that your site is still easy to navigate and optimized for sales. No matter how ingenious your marketing campaigns may be, a site that’s clunky or outdated can scare off customers faster than you’d think. To this end, here are several things to look out for: Organize your site with a clear structure and CTAs: Make sure shoppers can easily navigate your site and find what they’re looking for. If your product catalog isn't displayed directly on your site’s homepage, add a prominent “Shop Now” or “Start Shopping” button that leads customers to the right pages. Speak to a specific target audience: Think from your customers' shoes when you're writing your product descriptions, designing your homepage and/or setting your prices. If customers don't feel that your brand is tailored to them—chances are, they'll exit your site as quickly as they entered. Remember that photography is king: We’re living in a visual age. High-quality product photography is a must-have, allowing customers to envision themselves using your product. Aside from static product photos, include product videos and/or user-generated content that can serve as powerful social proof. Don't skimp on product details: Make sure that your product descriptions are detailed and accurate. The last thing you'll want is for customers to shy away from making a purchase because they have more questions than answers after looking at your product listings—or, if they do  make a purchase, you'll want to avoid an influx of returns due to "item not as described." Offer a seamless checkout process: An overly complex checkout process is one common cause of abandoned shopping carts online. Simplify the checkout process as much as possible while also accepting various forms of payment. By using Wix Payments, as an example, you can accept everything from major credit cards to Apple Pay to BNPL solutions, for  accepting payments online . Make sure your return policy is easy to find: More than two-thirds (67%) of shoppers want to see a return policy before they complete a purchase, according to  Invesp . Hence why you'll want to make your return policy easy to find so that shoppers can enjoy some peace of mind while they shop. Learn more:   Ecommerce website optimization What is an online store? How to make a website Just  starting your business  and getting your feet wet in eCommerce? Explore all of Wix’s helpful tools, including its eCommerce website templates , store name generator  and eCommerce website  builder.  How to drive traffic to your online store in 9 ways Once your site is ready to receive visitors, experiment with the following tactics and strategies to maximize your reach. Attract customers with a sales campaign Target your audience on Facebook Show off your business on Instagram Experiment with other social channels Lean into email marketing Optimize your site for SEO Utilize content marketing Engage influencers or brand partners Advertise on Google 01. Attract customers with a sales campaign A well-planned discount pricing strategy can draw attention without draining your wallet. The key is to find a strategy that makes your customers feel that they've gotten a good deal, while avoiding a situation where you're competing on price alone. To get you started, here are some campaign ideas that you can implement: Offer a competition or giveaway. Incentivize visitors by offering free shipping or a coupon towards their first purchase if they sign up for your mailing list. This not only entices your customers to take a chance on your brand, but also provides an avenue for you to stay in touch with them. Create a coupon for online use only.  Whether you offer a percentage or fixed amount off the final price, an "online only" coupon can draw people to your site. Extend this offer to your existing contacts and shoppers who visit your brick-and-mortar store (if applicable). You can  create a coupon  directly from Wix eCommerce, applying the coupon to a specific product or collection of products if desired. Create a sense of urgency. Whether you announce a flash sale, limited-time free shipping or a blowout holiday sale, creating a sense of urgency can get people rushing to your store. You could even add a countdown clock on your website to build excitement around an event or sale.  BOGO (buy one, get one) deals.  Incentivize shoppers to try multiple products from your store by offering a buy-one-get-one 50% off (or free) deal. BOGO campaigns are especially useful if you're trying to liquidate certain products. You can also create these directly within Wix. Note: Creating an enticing sale is only step one. Without a proper promotion plan (e.g., ads, email marketing or social promotion), you run the risk of no one seeing or hearing about your deal, so make sure to bake that into your plan as well. 02. Target your audience on Facebook  With  more than three billion monthly users , Facebook is the world's most active social channel. There are a plethora of ways to use Facebook to your advantage, including: Create a Facebook page. As a first step, set up a business page for your brand where customers can look for crucial store information. This is also a good place to publish and promote any content that links back to your website, such as a sales campaign, a blog post or a product announcement. Run Facebook ads. Create pay-per-click (PPC) Facebook ads that help you to reach new consumers with relevant interests, browsing habits and backgrounds. Choose from a variety of ads and adjust your campaign according to your business goals. If you’re looking for an easier way to manage your ads, use  Wix’s Facebook Ads  tool, which leverages AI to A/B test your ads, track sales and locate the ideal audience for you to target. Integrate Facebook shop. Let customers browse your products when they're on Facebook, then direct them to your site to check out. If you’re using Wix, you can  integrate Facebook shop with your eCommerce site  in just a few clicks. Your inventory can be managed from your site’s backend, and any updates you make to your product listings will automatically appear on your Facebook shop. 03. Show off your business on Instagram Depending on your business, Instagram can be a valuable asset for increasing traffic to your website. Use it to cultivate your brand and to give people an authentic look into your business. Kaekoo (pictured above) uses its  Instagram page  to show the face behind its brand—Kaekoo founder, Kae. The brand flaunts more than 158,000 Instagram followers, many of whom have fallen in love with Kae's creativity and personality.  Take a page from Kaekoo's book and take these steps on Instagram: Optimize your Instagram bio. Make sure your Instagram bio is optimized for your business by including a link to your store, alongside other contact info and perhaps some witty content. Use a link-in-bio tool like Hopp  to get even more mileage out of your Instagram bio and direct your followers to various pages and products within your site.  Utilize videos.  Your Instagram page shouldn't be a replica of your product catalog—rather, it should feature engaging content that expresses your brand's personality. As an idea, show behind-the-scenes footage that highlights your products or team members via Instagram Stories and/or Reels. If you're creating a story, use "link" stickers to direct visitors to a webpage, where they can browse your products or make a purchase. Integrate Instagram with your site.  Sync your Instagram feed with your online store so that customers can shop your products directly from Instagram. Similar to Facebook shop, this feature lets customers find the product they love on your social media channel, then click on the image in order to see more details and check out. Run Instagram ads. Target potential customers based on their preferences and online habits. Pick from a range of formats like photos, videos, carousels or Stories to create ads that align with your goals. Wix’s Facebook/Instagram Ads tool can help streamline this by using AI to create different ad variations and identify your ideal audience. Read also:  Ecommerce website examples 04. Experiment with other social channels   Branch out to other social media channels that may be appropriate for your brand. For example, if you run a fashion or beauty business, you might be eyeing TikTok—where you can hop on popular video trends, open a TikTok Shop and/or run TikTok ads (which can, in turn, be connected to your Wix product catalog ).   Or in the case of Kangaroo —a brand that specializes in 100% recyclable, heavy-duty hangers—TikTok affords an opportunity to connect with environmentally conscious shoppers. One of the brand’s earliest TikToks amassed more than 2 million views within just a few hours, leading to a surge of preorders on its website. If TikTok doesn’t match your vibe, you’ve got other channels like YouTube, Pinterest, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Threads, Reddit and X (formerly Twitter). As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to diversify your social media strategy so you’re not overly dependent on one channel, but avoid spreading yourself too thin. “By some grace of luck, I had my website already set up “and I had preorders available.” - Angus Willows, founder and CEO of Kangaroo Use tools like Wix’s AI-powered social media tools to quickly design custom videos, images and captions for various channels—and schedule things ahead of time so you’re not feeling overwhelmed. As you build up your social following, you can drive that traffic back to your website and turn their interest in your content into sales.  05. Lean into email marketing Although eCommerce email marketing may sound outdated in a world full of TikToks and heated Threads, email still boasts the highest return on investment (ROI) of all, with an average of $42 for every dollar spent . As one of the most successful ways to direct your customers to your online store, it’s worth taking seriously. The first step, of course, is to grow your email list. One way to get people to sign up for your emails is by adding a lightbox to your site that offers a discount or gift card as a reward for subscribing. You can additionally include a signup form in your site’s footer so that shoppers can opt in at any time. As you start building out your email list, think about the types of emails you want to experiment with. Do you need to automate essential emails, like order confirmations, shipping updates and abandoned cart emails? Are you looking to start a weekly or monthly newsletter? Do you want to highlight an upcoming sale or product launch? What kind of content will convince visitors to shop your products, both in the short term and long term? Learn how to set up abandoned cart emails in Wix .  As you seek the answers to these questions, keep the following tips in mind. Choose your eCommerce email platform wisely. Pick a platform that’s simple to use and lets you customize templates, easily sync contacts and track your performance. If you’re already on Wix, you can tap Wix’s AI email tools to craft and automate clever email campaigns. Alternatively, you can explore other options in the Wix App Market, such as Klaviyo , that can help you get even more out of your email marketing.    Test various subject lines.  Your subject line is arguably one of the most important elements of an email, with the power to attract or repel your customers before they've even seen the full message. Make sure you keep your subject lines short, punchy and provocative—while still keeping them relevant to the content inside. Keep written content short and sweet.  Don’t overdo it with the text. Make sure every word you write is useful and geared towards getting visitors to click on your main call-to-action (CTA).  Mix it up. Avoid inundating your email subscribers with content that's 100% promotional. Instead, send emails that offer value in the form of helpful content, inspiration or other material that'll help subscribers feel more connected to your brand. Don’t neglect your branding. Make sure to align your email images, copy, etc. with your store branding. By keeping these elements consistent across your various properties, you can create a brand that's easy to recognize, no matter where shoppers encounter it. 06. Optimize your site for SEO Your potential audience is most likely googling products like yours already. It's your job to make sure that your website appears in the first few results of these searches by implementing a smart  eCommerce SEO  strategy. To ensure that your SEO plan is effective, get familiar with critical SEO terms, like "keywords" and "metadata." Each of these elements (among others) influence your site's rankings on search engine result pages (SERPs) and help search engines discern when and how to showcase your products. Each page of your site needs to be optimized individually. That said, you can simplify your work by using  Wix's built-in SEO tools , which can recommend ways to optimize each page and even generate the metadata for you. Pair this with Wix’s AI tools for product descriptions to create fully optimized copy.  Bear in mind that even when SEO is done correctly, landing on page one of a SERP can take time, so you’ll need to be patient. You can supplement your organic efforts with paid placements, such as Google Ads. These types of ads can immediately put you at the top of SERPs while driving more traffic to strategic pages; this, in turn, can send positive signals to Google if it observes that a lot of people are finding what they’re look for on your site.  07. Utilize content marketing If you’re a newer company trying to compete with bigger brands, or if you’re trying to increase your brand recognition, content marketing might be the key to growing your website traffic. Clearly map out a content marketing strategy that identifies a specific target audience. Remember that when it comes to content, the immediate goal isn’t necessarily to get people to buy a product. Rather, you want to stimulate interest in your brand by presenting it as a trustworthy, knowledgeable player within your industry.   Some of the most common forms of content marketing include: Blogs: When you're learning  how to start a blog , it becomes pretty evident that a blog is a long-term investment. If done well, a blog can attract quality leads to your store and help you rank for keywords throughout the eCommerce customer journey. You can use your blog as a way to provide insights within your field, inspire customers to use your products or even receive backlinks from larger publications. If you need help with writing or editing content, Wix’s AI tools for blogging can lend a hand.  Videos: Create short, engaging video content that’s related to your field of expertise. You can use videos to answer frequently asked questions about your business, explain how to use your product or just provide interesting information. Infographics: What knowledge does your team hold that you can pass on to your customers? Publish key insights and stats in a visually compelling way by creating infographics. Aside from attracting potential buyers, infographics can help you earn backlinks from journalists or other publications in your field. Make sure that your infographic is well-branded, complete with your business’ logo and a URL to your site. Note: Creating high-quality content is just half the battle. The other half involves distributing your content so that it’s seen by the right people. This is where a strong email or social media marketing strategy comes into play. Use these channels to promote and repurpose your content for multiple audiences. 08. Engage influencers or brand partners Stepping out of your network into someone else’s is a great way to gain traffic for your site and reach new, relevant audiences. By working with credible influencers or brand partners in your space, you can more easily gain the trust of potential buyers. Start by researching your social platforms and looking for popular accounts related to your industry. If you’re on Instagram,  Webstagram  can help you analyze profiles related to your line of business.  After you’ve identified a few potential influencers or brand partners, reach out to them.  Get to known them at a more human level. Confirm that they’re a good match, both personality and content-wise, before negotiating business terms.  Familiarize your partners with your brand by sending them product samples, alongside enough information about your business to help them speak confidently about your products and mission. Consider passing along special discounts or gift cards that they can distribute exclusively to their followers. Or, offer a commission for every customer or order they help to attract.  You could create an affiliate marketing program to automate this process and work with a larger number of influencers. Affiliates can help you create social media content, videos and/or blog posts that link back to your site and can thereby drive traffic to your online store. 09. Advertise on Google Whereas with SEO, you garner traffic organically, Google Ads  enable you to gain traffic through paid placements. Google Ads let you target your customers by location, device, demographics and/or keywords.  Aside from providing a space to promote and link to your site, you can use ads to highlight special discounts or sales. You can additionally use Google Ads to quickly understand who’s clicking onto your ads (and therefore landing on your site) from a particular search query. You may discover that certain keywords are better than others for attracting people with an intent to shop, or that certain messaging is better at getting people to engage.  These learnings can then be applied to your organic marketing strategies. You can also use Google Ads to re-engage people who’ve visited your site before through remarketing campaigns. There are various ad types that you can choose from, including: Search ads: Text-based ads that are displayed at the top of Google search result pages Shopping ads: Ads that showcase your product at the top of Google search result pages, the Shopping tab, partner websites and Google's Display Network (note: shopping ads use product data, not keywords, to target the right people) Display ads: Ads that feature text, images, videos and/or rich media and are shared across Google's Display Network Video ads: Video ads that are displayed across YouTube Discover how Google Ads with Wix  can simplify your work by automatically connecting your Wix catalog to your ads, setting up your campaigns and more.  Drive traffic to your online store FAQ How can I drive traffic to my website for free? There are several free ways to drive traffic to any type of website , including but not limited to:  SEO: Make sure your website is search engine-friendly by using relevant keywords, improving site speed and creating quality content. This helps your store rank higher in organic search results. Social media: Post your products and special offers on platforms like Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest. Use engaging content, like behind-the-scenes videos or customer testimonials, to grab attention and drive followers directly to your site. Blogging: Writing articles related to your products or industry can bring in traffic over time. You can share tips, stories, and how-to guides that link back to your store, drawing in visitors through useful content. Referral programs: Encourage your existing customers to refer others by offering incentives like discounts or free products. Online communities: Participate in forums or groups (like Reddit, Facebook Groups or niche forums) where your customers hang out. Share your expertise and link back to your store when it’s relevant. Email marketing: If you already have a list of subscribers, sending regular newsletters with updates, new products or special offers can help drive repeat traffic to your online store. Email signatures:  Include your website link in your email signature for additional visibility. How do you reach customers digitally? To reach customers digitally, you’ll want to adopt a multichannel approach and focus on thing like:  Social media:  Establish and maintain a strong presence on relevant social media platforms, where your customers tend to discover new content. You might even want to sell directly on social platforms via TikTok Shop, Facebook Shop, etc.—or use ads to drive more people back to your site. Email marketing:  Build an email list that lets you directly communicate with your audience on an ongoing basis. Tailor your emails to engage different segments of your audience and to appeal to their varying interests. Content marketing:  Create blog posts, videos or other types of content that address your customers’ needs and interests. By offering valuable information, you build trust and stay top-of-mind, encouraging customers to return to your brand when they're ready to buy. Online advertising:  Online advertising lets you pay for targeted ads on platforms like Google, Facebook or Instagram to reach specific audiences based on their interests, location, behaviors and other factors. This ensures your ads are shown to people most likely to be interested in your products, helping you quickly increase visibility. SEO:  Tweak various elements of your website—like keywords, meta tags and content structure—to improve its visibility online. By making these adjustments, you increase the odds of potential customers finding your site via Google and other search engines.

Whether you're a business owner, a creative or someone with a message to share online, you've likely encountered the terms blog and website . These online resources are often considered key foundations of the internet, each serving unique purposes and offering different benefits for individuals and business owners alike. A blog is a type of website where individuals and , personals create and publish long form content around a specific topic or niche. A website is a collection of webpages with information about a business and brand. Many websites include a blog. So just how is a blog different from a website? Understanding this distinction is important as it can influence how effectively you connect with your audience online. If will also influence if you decide to focus on learning how to make a website or how to start a blog , or both. What is a blog and how does it work? A blog is a type of website that's all about content—unique, engaging and often personal. Think of it as a journal or a series of articles where you share your thoughts, knowledge or experiences with the world. Blogs are dynamic, meaning they're regularly updated with new posts, keeping readers coming back for more. Primary purpose of a blog Knowledge sharing : Whether it's cooking tips or tech insights, blogs share information. Some of it may be new and unique, sometimes its just repackaged. Personal branding : Professionals, including freelances and contractors, use blogs to build their reputation and showcase their expertise, experience, past projects and thoughts relevant to their industry. Business marketing : Companies blog to connect with customers and improve their online visibility. Blogs are also used to generate traffic and generate leads. Characteristics of a blog Content is King : The heart of any blog is its content. This is typically written in an informal or conversational style so that it's relatable to the reader. Regular updates : Successful blogs are updated frequently to engage readers and boost search engine rankings. Community engagement : Blogs often have a comments section where readers can interact with the author and each other. Why start a blog? Choosing to use a blog can be a strategic move for many reasons. Whether you're looking to establish yourself as a thought leader or want to create a more personal connection with your audience, blogs offer unique advantages. Benefits of using a blog for personal branding and business marketing A blog allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in your niche or industry. At the same time regularly sharing valuable content helps build trust with your readers. Blogs can also be very effective in attracting readers interested in specific, niche topics. This in turn can lead to new networking and business opportunities. What is a website and how does it work? A website is a collection of interconnected web pages under a single domain name, often serving as the digital storefront for businesses, organizations or individuals. Unlike blogs, websites tend to contain information that doesn't require frequent updates. Primary purposes of a website Informational hub : Websites provide a central place for visitors to learn about your business or services. Professional presence : A well-designed website can give your brand credibility and authority. Customer interaction and sales : Through contact forms, service pages and product listings, websites make possible business transactions and customer service. Learn more: Small business website statistics , What is a website Characteristics of websites Static or dynamic content : Websites can be static or dynamic , depending on how they're built and their function. eCommerce website design often needs to be dynamic to deliver different content to different buyers. A portfolio website on the other hand will generally always be static. Learn more: Sample portfolio websites eCommerce website examples Action orientated : Websites are designed with specific user actions in mind, such as making a purchase or booking a service. Design and functionality : A focus on website user experience (UX) guarantees that visitors can navigate the site easily and find what they're looking for. Blog vs. website and the key differences When deciding between using a blog or a website, it's important to understand the key differences that set them apart. While they share some similarities, their purposes and the way users interact with them vary significantly. Content A blog typically consists of articles, posts or entries listed in reverse chronological order. A website however contains more permanent content displayed on pages like 'Home', 'About Us' and 'Services'. Structure A blog usually has a simple layout with the latest posts featured prominently. Websites can have a more complex section, with multiple sections, main pages and subpages. They may also host content on sub domains or folders and include more complex structured pages, such as product pages. User interaction Blogs encourage reader interaction through comments and social shares. On a website engagement is more focused on user transactions like sign-ups, inquiries or purchases. Unlike blogs that primarily aim to inform and engage through content, websites are structured around these action contexts—be it filling out a contact form, downloading a resource or completing an online purchase. Understanding these differences will help you decide which platform is best suited for your online presence. Whether you're looking to engage an audience through regular content updates or provide a static informational hub for your business or services, choosing between a blog and a website depends on your specific goals and how you want users to interact with your content. Is it better to build a website or start a blog? Deciding whether to start a website or a blog in depends on your objectives and the resources you have available. Both serve distinct purposes and can be highly effective in the right context. Objectives If your goal is to simply share knowledge or expertise, a blog might be the better choice. But if you're offering services, showcasing products, or providing company information, a website is often more suitable. Resources Blogs require regular content updates, so consider whether you have the time to maintain it. While both require some level of technical know-how, websites might need more complex design and functionality depending on which website builder you choose to build it on. Website vs blog for businesses vs individuals When businesses and individuals are faced with the choice between starting a blog or a website, several considerations come into play. It's not just about what you want to convey, but also how you want to engage with your audience and what kind of online presence will support your long-term goals. For businesses A blog can enhance your SEO efforts and help establish you as a thought leadership in your industry. This can mean more traffic and conversion potential. It can also help reinforce your brand identity and authority. Blogging for business is a powerful marketing and lead gen strategy used across business types and industries. However as a business you don't have to choose one or the other. A website with a blog section can be a powerful combination, allowing you to share information and still encourage visitors to take specific actions. For individuals A blog is an excellent tool for individuals looking to build their personal brand or showcase their expertise. At the same time, for artists, writers, or freelancers, a portfolio website is often the best way to showcase your work. Checking out portfolio website examples can provide inspiration for design and layout while helping you attract new clients. Each business or individual should consider their specific goals, target audience and the type of interaction they want to foster - whether it's through the interactive nature of a blog or the professional showcase of a website. Isn't a blog just a website anyway? Technically, the answer is yes. And a common question often asked is whether a blog can be considered a website. A blog is essentially a type of website with specific features like regular posts and comment sections. Blogs operate within the framework of a website, using the same underlying technology and web hosting requirements. Despite being a type of website, blogs are often seen as distinct due to their content-focused nature and regular updates. The purpose of a blog—to provide regularly updated content—sets it apart from a website in the eyes of many users. Blog maker vs website builder Website builders that include blog makers within their offerings are an effective way to create an online resource that blurs the lines between a traditional website and a blog. Wix is one example of this. These platforms are user-friendly and can be an excellent choice for those looking to establish themselves online without extensive technical knowledge. If you're looking to create a website with a blog included, using a website builder like Wix gives you access to customizable blog templates and designs. You can create a great looking website and blog without design experience. You can also get access to robust web infrastructure that includes a domain name , web hosting and advanced security features to protect your site. Strategies for a successful blog To ensure your blog stands out and attracts readers in what is an often crowded blogosphere you need to implement effective strategies. A successful blog is not just about what you write but also how you connect with your audience and keep them coming back for more. Choose a specific niche that will appeal to your target audience, once you've clearly identified them. Then go all in on that topic so that you become an authority exuding trust and credibility. Generate traffic to your blog via SEO. You'll need high quality content targeting specific keywords as well as on-page optimization efforts. If you start a blog with Wix, you'll get access to an SEO assistant that will guide you through some of this process. At the same time build up a social media following where you can share your blog posts. Consistency is key when it comes to blogging. Both in terms of publishing new content but also when it comes to refreshing and updating it. Building an audience is important but don't forget to network too. The blogging world is big and there's much to learn from more established bloggers. Collaborations and guest posts can be an effective way to get more eyes on your content and blog. Strategies for a successful website For your website to effectively serve your business or personal brand, it's crucial to implement a number of things. An effective website is not just about good design it's about creating an experience that resonates with visitors and meets their needs. Design your website around taking action by including clear call-to actions (CTAs). Make sure your website is easy to navigate and visually appealing. Combining great design with functionality is essential. Refresh your site content regularly and keep your offerings current to show that your site is active. Regularly test your site to ensure all features work as intended. With more and more people coming to websites from their mobile device, check your site is mobile-friendly. Websites need traffic to do their jobs. Similar to a blog you can use SEO to generate traffic and users. You can also use online paid advertising for your website.

A Wix website is a site built with Wix's website builder . A Wix website represents the democratization of web design , allowing individuals and businesses with no coding knowledge to create professional, fully-functional websites with a drag and drop editor and website templates . According to Wix expert, Danae Salinas Islas, Spanish Marketing Blog Lead: A Wix website is a really powerful way to reach people that you wouldn't usually be able to connect too — not only your friends and family, but an entire community. I often hear amazing ideas, products, or knowledge that never reach their full potential, simply because the right people don't know it exist or don't have access to it. A website fixes that. It puts you on the map and makes sure your business, your skills, or whatever you have to offer can be found by the people who need it. What is a Wix website? The infrastructure behind it Behind every Wix website is advanced web infrastructure that manages its web hosting, web security and technical maintenance automatically. Wix websites operate on a proprietary HTML5 and JavaScript framework, with sites hosted on globally distributed cloud servers to ensure speed and reliability. This infrastructure handles millions of websites simultaneously, with built-in redundancies to prevent downtime. Wix's current uptime is 99.99%. What is a Wix website? 3 ways to build Wix Editor The Wix Editor is a user-friendly, drag-and-drop platform for building websites. It offers hundreds of customizable elements, including text, images, and shapes, allowing for deep personalization of your site. You can start with one of over 200 templates or from scratch. The editor also provides tools for mobile optimization, e-commerce and blogging. AI website builder The Wix AI website builder makes web design even easier with artificial intelligence. You start by answering a few simple questions about your site's purpose, name and desired features. The AI then instantly generates a complete, tailored website with custom text, images and a professional layout. This provides a unique and functional starting point, which you can then further customize. It's the fastest way to get a personalized, professional website online with minimal effort. Learn more: Is Wix easy to use? How long does it take to make a Wix website Wix Studio Wix Studio is a web creation and management platform designed for agencies and freelancers. It offers advanced design capabilities, including custom CSS and no-code animations, allowing for the creation of complex and unique websites. The platform features a centralized workspace for managing multiple projects, clients and team collaboration. Wix Studio also includes responsive AI tools for adapting designs to different screen sizes and provides a full-stack development environment for custom functionalities and APIs. Want to know more about what is a Wix website build on Wix Studio - these Wix Studio examples should help. What is a Wix website? Design customization A hallmark of Wix websites is their design flexibility. Unlike template-restricted platforms, Wix embraces a "what you see is what you get" (WYSIWYG) approach through its drag-and-drop editor. This allows elements to be positioned with pixel-perfect precision anywhere on the page. What is a Wix website? Wix expert and Tech SEO Yossi Fest weighs in, A Wix website means flexibility. I can quickly build, iterate and go live without depending on dev or design for each change. While Wix offers hundreds of professionally designed website templates as starting points, users maintain complete freedom to customize every aspect of their site's appearance. These include its layout, typography, color schemes and imagery. Millions of Wix websites start life as a template. Wix websites can be built from its extensive range of templates: Business website templates eCommerce website templates Beauty website templates Blog website templates Portfolio website templates Photography website templates What is a Wix website? Business functionality A Wix website can be used to run and manage many different types of businesses. You can add functional and interactive features like contact forms, booking systems and galleries. Wix's Content Management System (CMS) allows you to create dynamic pages and then update and organize text, images and other types of content. A Wix website can also include eCommerce functionality for selling online, memberships areas and other apps and systems for running a business online. It also includes built-in tools to market your website and understand better its visitors, from SEO tools to Wix Analytics . What is a Wix website? Wix Expert and Lead of Distribution Sharon Greenfeld says, A Wix website is built with a clear page hierarchy, optimized internal linking, descriptive meta titles and descriptions, and SEO-friendly visuals like infographics and images, all designed to help boost search visibility (SERPs & LLMs) and user engagement. What are the different types of Wix websites? Almost any type of website can be built with Wix. These Wix website examples are just a few of them. Business websites A Wix website can be almost any type of business website. We've put together these business website design examples to show what a Wix business website can be and do. Learn more: How to make business website , business websites Cinera  sells its unique cinematic experience with headphones that bring nightly-Netflix binging to the next level. With a main photograph featuring a user wearing the innovative headpiece, Cinera tells visitors a story about fashion and technology and invites them to invest in the vision via a crowdfunding  CTA. Online stores and eCommerce websites A Wix website can be used to sell almost anything online with complete inventory management and payment processing. You can also start both print on demand and dropshipping easily with a Wix website. We've put together these eCommerce website examples to show what selling with a Wix website can look like. Belgian family business Papier Patate  offers an adorable assortment of customizable, kid-friendly cards and stickers—all made from recycled paper. With a focus on simplicity and sustainability, their eCommerce website design perfectly suits their initiative, featuring a simple yet refined pastel color palette, flat design , organic shapes and straightforward navigation. The brand even features a "Spotlight" page to showcase photos of customers using their stickers and other goodies. Get inspired by eCommerce website design  ideas. Portfolio websites A Wix portfolio can help you showcase your work, projects and talents regardless of which creative industry you're involved in. Architecture portfolio examples Interior design portfolios Model portfolio examples Fashion portfolios UX portfolio examples Web design portfolios What is a Wix portfolio website? According to Wix expert Hani Safe, product lead (Showcase): "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. " Here are some portfolio examples to show you just what a Wix portfolio website can be. Illustrator and animator Alina Fomin  uses her portfolio to deliver an immersive experience. Right from the first page, you can see her ingenuity; Alina uses elegant animations and well-placed text to guide you through her work.   Learn more: How to create a portfolio website Blog websites Blogs are an example of a Wix website that can be used as a marketing tool, for community building and as a way to build authority in your industry. Starting a blog is easy with a Wix website. You can also use a blog to make money. Here are some great blog examples showing just what a Wix blog website can be. The Zion Adventure Photog raphy  blog establishes owner Arika as an expert of both photography and Zion National Park. The blog’s rugged, playful color scheme of brown and gold evokes nature and sunshine. Its homepage features visual testimonials of happy clients enjoying their adventures. Service websites A Wix website can be used to help run a service business. From taking bookings, to showcasing your services, to marketing what you do, a Wix website can help you do it all. Booking website examples Plumbing website examples Handyman website examples Landscaping website examples Construction website examples Here's an example of a Wix website used to run a service business. Full Circle Lawn Care  has one of the best landscaping websites thanks to its modern design and thoughtful website content. From its unique landscape logo  to the strategic use of web design elements like animation, images and parallax scrolling, the site offers a visually appealing experience while providing ample information for visitors.  Learn more: How to create a service website , What is web design? Event websites From RSVP, ticketing and scheduling capabilities, a Wix website can help you setup and manage almost any event. These event website examples showcase how a Wix website can do just that. The event website of this traveling theme park contains a large spiral image consisting of contrasting oranges, yellows, reds and purples that grab visitors’ attention right away. Next to this design is an outline of a picture of a red ticket stub with the event details and a Book Now  button, acting as the site’s call to action (CTA). Restaurant websites A Wix website can be the perfect way to showcase your restaurant's ambience and menu, it can also be used for food trucks, catering companies and almost any kind of food business. Food truck website examples Bakery website examples We've compiled these restaurant website examples to show what a Wix website can be for a food business. With a full-width photograph of enticing dishes surrounding an elegant logo , Red Bamboo homepage design is engaging and communicative. It features several call-to-action buttons throughout to prompt visitors to “Order Now” and “Order Pickup.” Learn more: How to make a restaurant website Membership websites A Wix website can be used to create a membership website and bring together communities around a topic or service. We've put together these membership website examples to show exactly how a Wix website can be used this way. Heroines  is an organization that brings women together to build a community and develop life skills. The website’s design leans heavily on the imagery of women to underscore that the members are its ultimate focus. The membership page shares the group’s mission and lists out benefits, like discounts to events and access to virtual challenges, and has a clear call to action.  What is a Wix website? Mobile-friendly design and responsiveness A Wix website can be automatically optimized for mobile-friendly design. A Wix Studio website can be made fully responsive with custom breakpoints. What is a Wix website? Development freedom While a Wix website is for the most part defined by its code-free creation, it also accommodates technical users through Velo by Wix, a development platform allowing custom JavaScript, API connections, and database manipulations for highly specialized functionality.

Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix eCommerce → Shopify might be one of the biggest names in eCommerce, but that doesn’t make it the best choice for everyone. Maybe you’re feeling restricted with limited design options or just want something simpler and more cost-effective. The right online store creator should make building and managing your store feel easy, flexible and empowering, with the tools you need to grow. In this article, we’ll explore the best Shopify alternatives that give you more control, better pricing and features designed for your business. Get inspired by eCommerce website design ideas. Ready to launch your eCommerce business? With Wix eCommerce, you can build a professional online store that attracts customers, drives sales and grows your brand. Enjoy full customization, built-in SEO and powerful marketing tools, all in one platform. Start today and turn your vision into success. TL;DR: Shopify alternatives This guide explores the best Shopify alternatives for selling online from simple platforms to more advanced options built for growing businesses. It walks through pricing, design flexibility and eCommerce features so you can see how each platform works in practice. You’ll get a clear sense of which tools fit smaller shops, content-focused sites or more complex stores along with practical insight into when each option makes the most sense for your goals. Here’s what this guide covers: A breakdown of Shopify alternatives and their pricing features and ease of use The best platforms for small businesses creators agencies and enterprises What to look for in an online store builder that grows with you How design flexibility and built-in tools can help you succeed Which platforms have free plans and which need paid upgrades 8 Shopify alternatives Wix Wix Studio Sellfy Adobe Commerce Ecwid Big Cartel Volusion WooCommerce 01. Wix Wix eCommerce  plans balance flexibility, affordability and ease of use for sellers to build the types of websites  that reflect their brand aspirations and business goals. Unlike Shopify, which primarily focuses on online stores, Wix provides a more versatile platform, making it a strong choice for businesses that want to combine content and commerce. With its drag-and-drop  website builder , Wix allows users to create highly customizable stores without any coding skills. Wix also offers an AI website builder, alongside plenty of built-in AI features for simplifying everything from polishing your product photos to co-piloting your marketing campaigns. You can also read Wix reviews  direct from users who've build a website or started a business. Key features: 2,000+ website templates , including simple website templates for quick store setup AI website builder, plus various AI tools and agents baked into the platform Wix Payments  or choose from over 80 other eCommerce payment processing  options Wix Analytics to track visitor behavior, sales performance and marketing efforts Built-in search engine optimization (SEO) tools to boost search visibility Reliable and secure free website hosting and eCommerce hosting with features like SSL certificates and secure payment gateways Why Wix is an alternative to Shopify: Wix is one of the best Shopify alternatives for small businesses and entrepreneurs who want an all-in-one eCommerce solution that supports website development . Its intuitive interface makes it easier for beginners to create a fully functional online store, yet it still offers advanced design customization for seasoned users. Pricing:  Ecommerce plans start at $29/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available. Learn more:  How to make a Wix website How to sell online Free online store Wix premium plans Is Wix really free? "I built our website in less than a week. Prior to Strathcona Spirits, I worked in eCommerce and online communications, so I knew what I wanted. I didn’t want an eCommerce site that was clunky and difficult to update, where the smallest change required a developer. This was a lean startup so we wanted to have a website that we could easily update ourselves—or delegate to an employee to update—in a really simple and time-efficient way. So that's how I decided on Wix.” - Andrea Shubert, co-founder of Strathcona Spirits 02. Wix Studio Wix Studio  is an eCommerce and web development platform for agencies and enterprises that offers advanced design capabilities, 360+ responsive templates  and robust eCommerce solutions. Developers can build anything from custom components to full-stack solutions, working within the cloud-based integrated development environment (IDE) or leveraging Wix Studio AI  for faster deployment. Plus, you can create interactive widgets and monetize them on the  Wix App Market , which reaches an audience of over 245 million potential customers. Key features: Advanced design tools for creating immersive digital experiences Support for physical and digital products Over 80 secure payment options, including Apple Pay Enterprise-grade security and multi-cloud hosting with all plans Built-in AI tools and coding assistants AI-powered Wix Studio SEO tools Marketing integrations  with native and third-party apps Smart automation to enhance workflow efficiency Why Wix Studio is an alternative to Shopify:  Wix Studio provides more agency- and enterprise-level design flexibility, AI-driven automation and customization. Its Wix Studio eCommerce solutions, coupled with advanced SEO and marketing features, make it attractive for businesses looking to scale their eCommerce operations. Pricing:  Plans with eCommerce features start at $27/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available. Learn more: How to build a website from scratch using a free website builder 03. Sellfy Sellfy is an eCommerce website builder for creators, digital entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to sell products online without the hassle of complex website setups. It supports digital and physical goods, print-on-demand and subscriptions. It additionally supports video streaming, allowing creators to offer videos on-demand in a secure manner, plus a variety of marketing features, including email marketing. Key features: 6 pre-designed website templates and drag-and-drop functionality Integrated SEO tools  to improve visibility Secure website hosting and domain name  connector Customizable storefront with integrations to two major payment processors Why Sellfy is an alternative to Shopify: Sellfy is a user-friendly platform for creators and small business owners who want a streamlined eCommerce solution. Pricing: Plans start at $22/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available. Learn more: What is a domain name? Domain name search Domain name generator 04. Adobe Commerce Adobe Commerce is a robust eCommerce platform for businesses looking to scale and introduce advanced customizations to thei r online stores. Formerly known as Magento, Adobe Commerce offers advanced tools (including generative AI) for creating a business website that can handle high traffic and complex product catalogs. It’s ideal for enterprises seeking a highly tailored web design and seamless integration with other Adobe products. Key features: Website builder with drag-and-drop functionality and eight customizable themes Support for selling physical, digital and subscription-based products Support for multiple payment options like credit cards, debit cards, PayPal and more Advanced SEO tools and analytics to optimize website performance  and visibility A/B testing and experimentation tools Comprehensive website security, including fraud protection Cloud-based hosting available Why Adobe Commerce is an alternative to Shopify:  Adobe Commerce offers tons of front-end and back-end customization, making it a strong choice for large businesses.  Pricing: Custom pricing based on business needs. Learn more: Best AI website builders Best website builders for small businesses Cheap website builder 05. Ecwid Ecwid allows businesses to add online stores to existing web pages or social media platforms. It’s perfect for small businesses or individuals looking for a simple website or single web page  to sell products without building a full eCommerce  store. With Ecwid, you get a few essential AI features for simplifying domain selection, improving product images and writing compelling product descriptions. Key features: Store builder integrates with existing domains, or you can host a new site through Ecwid  73 customizable templates Allows physical, digital and service-based products Choose from 70+ credit card payment providers Basic analytics and SEO features to track sales and improve visibility Security features include an SSL certificate Why Ecwid is an alternative to Shopify:  Ecwid’s seamless integration with existing websites and social media makes it a versatile option for businesses that don’t need a standalone store. Pricing: Paid plans start at $5/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available. Learn more: How to make a business website How long does it take to build a website? What is web design? 06. Big Cartel Big Cartel is a minimalist eCommerce platform for artists, creators and small businesses. It’s perfect for merchants who want a simple, no-frills website design  to sell products online without the complexity of a full business website . If you’re looking to expand your store, it connects with several popular apps, including Google Shopping and ShipStation (as eCommerce website examples ). Key features: Website builder with 15+ customizable templates and SSL encryption Sell physical and digital products with ease Supports payment processing via cards, PayPal and Stripe Google Analytics and SEO tools for tracking sales and traffic Why Big Cartel is an alternative to Shopify:  Big Cartel’s simplicity and affordability make it ideal for small-scale sellers looking for personal website builders  with built-in hosting. Pricing:  Paid plans start at $15/month (billed annually). A free plan and month-to-month plans are also available. Learn more: How does eCommerce work? 07. Volusion Volusion is a comprehensive eCommerce platform that gives you the tools to learn how to create a professional website  while managing your online store. Its features include mobile-friendly themes, ROI tracking, purchase order management and more. The Volusion Marketplace has more than 80 apps, too, which can help you expand your business further. All in all, Volusion is a good fit for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an all-in-one eCommerce solution.  Key features: Drag-and-drop website builder with 24+ high-quality themes Sell physical, digital and subscription-based products Supports payment processing with multiple gateway options, including Stripe and PayPal Built-in SEO tools and Google Analytics integration Robust website security features, including Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance Why Volusion is an alternative to Shopify:  Volusion offers a balance of ease of use and advanced website features , making it a strong contender for an online business that’s looking to grow. Pricing:  Month-to-month paid plans start at $35/month. 08. WooCommerce WooCommerce is a powerful eCommerce plugin for WordPress, enabling businesses to create an online store . It’s ideal for those who already use WordPress and want to leverage its flexibility for eCommerce. What makes WooCommerce unique is that it's an open-source platform, intended to give businesses full control over their online store, with limitless customization and the ability to scale as they grow. There are already over 1,000 extensions in its marketplace and a huge global community of developers and designers. Key features: An eCommerce platform built specifically for WordPress More than 1,000 free and paid extensions and 115 themes Sell physical, digital and subscription-based products Supports 68 free and paid payment processing options Built-in SEO tools and analytics for enhancing site performance Website security  plugin with regular updates Why WooCommerce is an alternative to Shopify:  WooCommerce’s integration with WordPress provides flexibility and control, making it a top choice for businesses with WordPress-specific design and functionality needs. Pricing: Free to use, with optional paid plugins. Hosting costs aren’t included. Learn more:  WordPress alternatives Squarespace alternatives Wix vs. Squarespace Free website builders   Shopify alternatives comparison Platform Pricing Key features Scalability Wix Free plan available—eCommerce plan starts at $29/mo Drag-and-drop editor, optional AI website builder, built-in AI tools and agents, Wix Payments Extremely scalable for any business size Wix Studio Ecommerce plan starts at $27/mo Advanced design tools for enterprises and agencies, AI coding assistants, flexible eCommerce tools Highly scalable for agencies and large businesses Sellfy Starting at $22/mo Quick setup, built-in marketing Best for small businesses and digital creators Adobe Commerce Custom pricing Advanced customization, B2B features Ideal for large enterprises with complex needs Ecwid Starting at $5/mo Easy integration with existing sites, multi-channel selling Works well for growing businesses Big Cartel Free plan available—paid plan starts at $15/mo Simple setup, budget-friendly, limited customization Best for small-scale stores and artists Volusion Starting at $35/mo Subscription options, inventory management Good for mid-sized businesses WooCommerce Free (paid plugins and hosting fees) Customizable, open-source, plugin ecosystem Suitable for small to mid-sized businesses who already use WordPress *Pricing reflects annual billing rates. All information presented in this article is current as of October 22, 2025, unless otherwise noted. Explore more top website builders: Best website builders for SEO Best website builders for consultants Best website builders for graphic designers Best website builders for creatives Membership website builders Best travel website builders Shopify alternatives FAQ What is the best alternative to Shopify? Wix is the best alternative to Shopify, offering a user-friendly platform with powerful eCommerce tools and t he best website designs . You also get a suite of business tools, including: Email marketing:  Use various email marketing tools , plus a business email  address, to attract, nurture and monetize leads Branding tools:  Learn how to design a logo  and create a strong brand identity with a free logo maker  and Wix’s business card maker Business management:  Manage your contacts with a business phone , streamline meetings with the Wix scheduling software  and coordinate sales with the invoice generator Is there a free alternative to Shopify? If you're just starting, Wix offers a free plan with basic features, but for full eCommerce functionality, you’ll need a paid plan. Compare Wix vs. Shopify  eCommerce features to see how much value you’re getting. Although platforms like Big Cartel provide free options, choosing an eCommerce platform based solely on price can limit site reliability , growth and uptime . Who is Shopify's biggest competitor? The top Shopify competitors include Wix, WooCommerce and Adobe Commerce. Each offers unique strengths depending on your business needs and technical skills. Is there anything better than Shopify Payments? Wix Payments offers PCI-compliance for eCommerce sites with competitive transaction fees and a built-in dispute resolution tool. However, some businesses prefer Square for in-person transactions, while others choose PayPal or Stripe for low fees or better scalability .