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- 6 domain name trends you can't ignore if you own a website
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain→ As technology evolves and our internet habits change, the world of domains is seeing some interesting shifts. According to the Domain Name Industry Brief Quarterly Report , domain registrations grew by 6 million in 2025. While .com remains the most popular domain extension, people are starting to warm up to newer, more unique options. In fact, in 2024, legacy TLDs like .com and .net domains experienced a combined year-over-year decline of 2.5% in registrations. This decrease was offset by a growth in country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) and descriptive top-level domains, also known as new generic top-level domains (ngTLDs). Your domain is more than just a web address; it’s the first impression of your online brand. With Wix, finding the perfect domain name is easy. Wix helps you secure the name for your business, blog, portfolio or any online presence, so you can focus on bringing your project to life. Ready to claim yours? Domain name trends Let’s take a closer look at the latest domain name trends and the forces behind them. As you’re learning how to create a website , use these insights to choose the perfect name and inform your digital strategy. ccTLDs are no longer just country codes, but key branding tools Descriptive domains like .shop are on the rise The domain aftermarket continues to grow Domains are being used as personal IDs on social media alternatives like Bluesky AI is changing how we register and manage domains Sustainability is influencing domain choices 01. ccTLDs are no longer just country codes, but key branding tools With a 1.4% year-over-year increase in registrations , country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) are on the rise—but not for the reasons you might think. What were once simple geographic identifiers are quickly becoming powerful branding tools. For example, several country code domains have been reimagined for creative and strategic purposes: .co : Once Colombia’s country code, is now widely used by companies and startups as a shorthand for "corporation" or "company." .me : Montenegro’s domain has become a favorite for personalization, social networking, and clever calls-to-action like "call.me" or "join.me." .my: Malaysia’s domain is gaining traction as a unique and memorable option for branding. Perhaps the most well-known example of this: AI (or .ai), which used to be known as Anguilla’s country code. Now synonymous with artificial intelligence, AI is stealing the spotlight among popular brand-worthy extensions. Learn more about smart domain name management strategies to keep your online presence strong. Behind the scenes, .ai is leading the charge As AI continues to dominate industries, businesses and individuals are racing to secure domains that reflect their connection to this innovation. In 2024, .ai saw explosive growth with an 81% increase in registration from the previous year at Name.com . Ram Mohan, chief strategy officer of Identity Digital (Name.com’s parent company), which is currently the RSP for .aI, noted in “ Demand for .AI Soars at Domain Retailers Worldwide ”: “Since launching our partnership with the Government of Anguilla (GOA) in October 2024, we have seen over 300 inquiries from domain retailers in just one month. It is clear that domain retailers are eager to be part of this fast-growing ecosystem, and we’re witnessing a huge uptick in their engagement with and interest in the .AI TLD.” Learn the basics: What is a domain? What is web infrastructure? Is Wix good for business email? 02. Descriptive domains like .shop are on the rise While .com domains remain dominant, descriptive top-level domains (like .shop and .pro) are gaining traction. According to the DNIB Q3 report , descriptive domains grew 17.4% year over year, ending the quarter with 5.2 million more registrations than in 2023. The surge in demand for certain top-level domains ( TLDs ) reflects broader industry trends and societal shifts, particularly in the areas cited below. Gambling-related domains The global popularity of online betting and gambling is fueling consistent demand for related TLDs. With the legalization of sports betting expanding in many regions, domain extensions like .win, .casino and .bet are becoming hot commodities. According to Name.com 2024 sales figures : .win has achieved an impressive 67% year-over-year growth , reflecting the competitive nature of online gambling. .casino follows with 46% growth , underscoring its appeal to the gaming and hospitality sectors. .bet has grown by 19% , maintaining steady traction in the betting industry. Creator economy domains The explosion of influencers and digital creatives, coupled with the growing adoption of decentralized platforms, has emphasized the importance of domain names on brand identity. Domains are proving to be essential tools for personal branding, eCommerce and community-building, enabling creators to stand out in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. Among the top-performing domains (according to Name.com data): .store ( +50% growth YoY ) and .site ( +26% growth ) have helped social influencers drive traffic to online stores or pages where they can more easily monetize their presence. .lol has surged by 75% , becoming a favorite among creators in entertainment and meme-driven niches. .me ( 41% growth ) has been widely adopted for personal branding, alongside .life ( 32% growth ), which regularly appeals to lifestyle influencers and wellness-focused businesses. Crypto domains Domains related to cryptocurrency and blockchain are starting to take off, a domain name trend that’s expected to continue. Blockchain-specific domains, such as .eth and .crypto, help to simplify cryptocurrency transactions by serving as a single address for sending and receiving funds. Instead of relying on a complex series of letters and numbers to create a wallet address, these domains act as user-friendly identifiers for crypto wallets. The .xyz domain , often associated with NFTs and crypto projects, has seen a notable 31% year-over-year increase in registrations at Name.com. As crypto-adjacent domains are gaining momentum, new opportunities are opening up for businesses and investors to explore these technologies and their associated domains. 03. The domain aftermarket continues to grow The domain aftermarket is where previously registered domains are bought and sold. Unlike registering a brand new domain, purchasing in the aftermarket means acquiring a name that’s already owned by someone else. Domain names that are just one word, exact match or highly descriptive (think cars.com or sound.ai) have always been highly sought-after, creating an entire industry of aftermarket domain brokerage. As digital branding becomes increasingly critical for businesses, the demand for these premium domains continues to rise. Known for their ability to foster trust, boost search engine optimization (SEO) and create instant recognition, premium domains have become prized assets in the online marketplace. The domain market has also evolved into a lucrative investment arena. With dozens of domains selling for over a million dollars in recent years, investors are increasingly drawn to the market, recognizing the long-term value of owning premium, descriptive domains. As one-word and exact-match domains become more and more rare, their value is expected to increase further. Combined with the growing use of non-.com TLDs, domains are cementing their role as both essential branding tools and strategic investment opportunities. Related reading: How to register a domain How to trademark a domain name Is your domain costing you business? 6 signs that it's time for a change Big sales that reflect this domain name trend Several high-profile sales show just how valuable these domains can be: chat.com was purchased for $15.5 million in 2023 by Dharmesh Shah, who later resold it to OpenAI for integration into its ChatGPT platform ( TechCrunch ). gold.com fetched $8.5 million in 2024, acquired by JM Bullion to align perfectly with its core business in precious metals ( namebio ). Other sales like shift.com , fair.com and rocket.com (which sold for nearly $1.4 million, $900,000 and $14 million, respectively) further demonstrate the appeal of short, memorable names that enhance brand positioning ( namebio ) . 04. Domains are being used as personal IDs on social media alternatives like Bluesky Alternative social platforms like Bluesky and Mastodon are attracting growing interest. The big difference with these networks is that they’re decentralized and open source. Oftentimes, the usernames, content and technology used on these platforms aren’t owned by one company or locked into one proprietary system. Rather, they’re spread out across multiple servers, which are usually controlled by different people or groups. Within these open source platforms, domains are the equivalent of "handles." But unlike a traditional social media handle, which is tied to a specific platform—your domain name is yours to control. Any content, followers and engagement associated with that domain stay with you, and you can carry it over to other compatible decentralized platforms. Users are therefore incentivized to pick a domain name that represents them well. On Bluesky, a custom domain not only serves as an address but also offers a way to build your brand and stay in control of your online identity. In this way, we’re seeing domain names play a much bigger role in social media and branding strategies. 05. AI is changing how we register and manage domains AI is transforming all aspects of domain registration and management. From AI-powered search results that help you find the perfect domain to AI-enhanced domain security measures that prevent spam and phishing attempts, the way we find, buy and manage domains is fundamentally changing. More broadly, AI is impacting every step of building an online presence, as website builders , email platforms and digital marketing channels all leverage this technology in innovative ways. Read more: Tips for future-proofing your domain 06. Sustainability is influencing domain choices Some businesses are now considering sustainability when choosing domain names. Domains that reflect environmental values or are hosted on eco-friendly infrastructure are gaining attention. In fact, a recent report found that 31% of respondents identified sustainability and eco-related themes as rising keyword trends in 2025. Explore domain pricing and get yours. Trending domain extensions The domain landscape is always changing. Some extensions are rising in popularity as businesses, creators and organizations look for names that stand out. Here’s a look at the top trending domains in 2025 : Top generic extensions: .ai – Highly sought after by artificial intelligence and tech companies .shop – Growing in popularity for e-commerce and online retail .xyz – Popular with startups and tech ventures seeking a modern edgy appeal .org – A trusted choice for non-profits and community organizations .net – Widely used by technology and network-based services Trending country-code domains (ccTLDs): .de – Widely used for German websites and businesses .ru – Popular for Russian websites and businesses .uk – A go-to for United Kingdom-based entities .br – Showing strong growth in Brazil .jp – Primarily used by Japanese websites and businesses Ready to buy a domain name ? Get started with Wix today. Domain name trends FAQ What domain sells the most money? High-value domains tend to be short, memorable and brandable. Domains like Car.com and Voice.com have sold for millions because they have broad commercial appeal and are easy to remember. What are common domain registration mistakes? Common mistakes include choosing a name that is difficult to spell or remember, overlooking trademark or copyright conflicts, skipping domain privacy protection, forgetting to renew on time and relying on untrusted or obscure registrars. Avoiding these pitfalls helps ensure your domain supports your brand effectively and securely.
- What is the purpose of a website?
If you're a business owner, a website is no longer a nice to have but pretty much a necessity. As the world moves more and more online, creating a website to help you start and run your business is a must. Whether you use your site to sell, for marketing or to make it easier for clients to access your services, it should be an integral part of starting a business and building a brand. Understanding the purpose of a website and more importantly, the purpose of your website lies at the heart of deciding why you need a website and how to go about designing one. It will also help you choose which type of website is best for you. Learn more: How to make a website from scratch What is a website? A website is a collection of interconnected web pages accessible via the internet. Beyond this, websites are essential tools for businesses, providing a means to reach and engage with customers effectively. They can also be used to sell goods and services or for bookings and scheduling. Websites host and deliver content, including text, images, videos and sometimes interactive elements like a form or poll as well. Examples of websites include: eCommerce websites Business websites Blogs Portfolio websites Booking website examples Websites can be used to provide information or a service depending on their type and purpose. What are the different types of websites? Websites come in various forms, each with distinct purposes and catering to different business needs. Understanding the different types can help you choose the right one for your business and help you clarify its purpose more clearly. Static websites: these are sites with fixed content that doesn't change, ideal for businesses whose information or services don't change frequently. Examples include on-page websites, portfolios and informational sites. Learn more about how to build a static website. Dynamic websites : these are usually more complex sites that include content which is updated regularly and in some cases interactively. Examples include social media sites like Instagram, large ecommerce sites like Amazon and news sites. Learn more about static vs dynamic websites and which to build. Components of a website All websites regardless of their purpose are made up of the same components and website infrastructure. These include: Domain name : This is the unique web address that users type into their browsers to access a website. Web hosting : The service that stores your website's files and makes them accessible on the internet. Content Management System (CMS) : A software application used to create and manage digital content. Website user interface (UI) : The design and layout that users interact with when visiting the site. Website navigation : The system that allows users to move through different sections of a website easily. What are the main purposes of a website? Websites can serve multiple purposes and understanding what each of these is can help you get the most out of your site regardless of your business type. Awareness One of the main purposes of a website is to increase your brand awareness. It can be used to provide up to date information about your products, services and company values. Its an effective way to build a brand online while reaching a wider audience. Take the example of a corporate website who uses their site for thought leadership content on topics related to their industry. When you choose to use a website builder like Wix, you also get access to its analytics tool — this is in-built and allows you to track traffic to your website by segment and source, as well as showing you how long users spend on a page and other behavioral metrics. Not only can this data help you understand your potential customers better, it can help you tweak your website design , content, product listings and so much more, in order to target them better. Lead generation Websites can be powerful tools for generating leads. Through contact forms, newsletters and calls-to-action you can capture visitor information and nurture potential customers. As an eCommerce business owner you might use your site to offer promotions alongside easy navigation to encourage purchases. Sales eCommerce websites and online stores are designed to sell. Meaning you can use a website to do more than just showcase and market your products, you can use it to sell too. A website can be a great way to get your products directly in front of the the people who will buy them. Learn more: How to make an ecommerce website How to start an online store Not looking to sell but run a service business? Websites are a great way to manage client bookings via scheduling software , forms and other resources. Learn more: How to create a booking website Booking website examples How to make a service website Information sharing Websites are a great way to share content with your audience and community. You can use blog posts, articles, videos and more to educator visitors and establish your authority. For example, as a nonprofit organization you might use your nonprofit website to spread awareness abut your cause and to solicit donations. Learn more: How to start a blog Nonprofit website examples Reach With a website you can connect with potential customers from across the world and on any time zone. For many businesses this opens up new avenues of business growth. You can also use a website for better customer service support, either through a chatbot or a forum and knowledge base answering frequently asked questions. Competitiveness If the businesses and brands you compete with have strong websites and you don't, you may not be as competitive as you think. Not having a website means you lack an online presence and are present in one less space where customers and and clients can find and interact with you. And if you're not there and your competitors are, they're engaging online with your customer base and you're not. Ready to make your own website? Get started with Wix today. What is the purpose of a website? FAQ Can you explain what the purpose of a website is? A website serves as a digital presence for a business or brand that shares information, promotes services or products, builds brand identity and connects with audiences or potential leads. It can educate, entertain or sell online. For many businesses, it’s a vital marketing tool, while for individuals or communities, it offers an online platform to express, share and engage globally. How do I determine the purpose of a website for my business? To determine your website’s purpose, first define your business goals and target audience. Decide if your site will generate leads, sell products, provide information or build brand awareness. Consider what actions you want visitors to take via your website and align the site’s content, design and functionality with those specific business objectives. What are common problems that arise when a website's purpose is unclear? When a website's purpose is unclear, users can become confused, navigation suffers and engagement drops. Visitors may leave quickly, leading to high bounce rates and poor conversions. Content appears disjointed, calls-to-action lack focus and the brand message is weakened—ultimately hurting credibility, SEO performance and overall business success. How does the purpose of a website differ from a social media page? A website offers full control over content design, and user experience, serving as a hub, that you own, for your brand or business. In contrast, a social media page operates within the rules of the platform its hosted on and is focused on engagement and community building. Websites drive conversions and authority, while social media pages boost visibility and interaction.
- How much does it cost to start an LLC?
Set your business up for success by starting your LLC with LegalZoom → Once you’re all in on a business idea , one of the first steps to bring it to life is to form a limited liability corporation (LLC). An LLC protects you personally from lawsuits against your business while providing the freedom and opportunity of being an entrepreneur. In the U.S., due to different filing fees, related laws and licensing costs, LLC costs vary by state. You can expect to pay anywhere from $140 to $5,000—with an average of $1,000. Common costs for starting an LLC include an LLC filing fee, required add-ons to comply with state-specific laws and additional perks to streamline your business journey. To determine what you can expect to pay, let’s check out the costs in detail: 8 costs to start an LLC Forming an LLC as part of starting a business comes with both required and optional costs: Filing fees Applying for an EIN Registered agent Operating agreement Business name registration Business registration and licensing Compliance fees Business tax for an LLC 01. Filing fees To legally register your business as an LLC, you need to submit articles of organizations to your state government—specifically with the Secretary of State's office. Additionally, you must also pay a state filing fee. State filing fees range from $35 to $500, with an average of $132. Here are the LLC filing fees for the five most populated states: California LLC : $70 Texas: $300 Florida LLC : $100 New York: $200 Pennsylvania: $125 Tip : While you can submit the articles of organizations yourself, using a third-party service makes the process smoother in exchange for a small fee, ranging from $50 to $100. 02. Applying for an EIN With a single-member LLC structure (without any partners), you can use your Social Security number (SSN) to do your business and file taxes. That said, banks might ask for additional documentation if you want to open a business bank account, so getting an employer identification number (EIN) is preferable. You also must apply for an EIN if you want to hire employees or work with a couple of entrepreneurs as partners. Regardless, it’s better to get an EIN to benefit from increased privacy, as using an SSN for business purposes makes you more vulnerable to identity theft. An EIN also lets you build a credit score for your business, get business financing from banks and distinguish yourself as a professional business. Typically, there are no costs associated with applying for an EIN as it’s a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you’re not a U.S. resident and want to rely on a third-party service for convenience, you might need to pay up to $100. 03. Registered agent A registered agent is an individual designated to receive legal documents, official documents and other mail on behalf of the LLC. It’s a legal requirement for LLCs to have a registered agent to keep an open communication channel at all times. Since any adult can be a registered agent, you can be a registered agent for your own LLC for free—or you can ask a friend, a relative, or even your Certified Public Accountant (CPA). That said, the registered agent must have a physical presence in the state and be available during standard business hours. If you don’t reside in the state, consider hiring a trusted professional to manage sensitive documents for you. Typical costs for getting a registered agent range from $100–$300, with an average expense of $160. Tip : With Wix, you can form a new business entity and build an online presence in one stroke via its partnership with LegalZoom , which comes with registered agent services. 04. Operating agreement While you don’t legally need an operating agreement to form an LLC, it helps clarify management structure, protect limited liability status and outline operational policies. In particular, if there are several owners, an LLC operating agreement gets everyone on the same page in terms of expectations—it’s the first hurdle to clear for a partnership. Once an operating agreement is in place, it helps the partners avoid disputes surrounding profit distribution, critical decisions and other business matters. You can create your operating agreement for free from scratch or using a DIY template . Alternatively, since dividing profits and losses among business owners can get complicated later on, consider opting for a legal service. Typically, you can expect to pay between $100–$200 on operating agreement preparation if you opt for online service providers. A local lawyer will also work, with costs depending on the location/practice. 05. Business name registration Excluding Alabama, all U.S. states let you choose a business name without incurring any fee. In Alabama, you need to pay $25 (via mail) or $28 (via the online service) to reserve your business name before filing your LLC documents. While it’s not a requirement in other U.S. states, you can pay roughly $30 for a name reservation to ensure it isn't taken by the time you get ready to submit the filing documents. Tip : If you need help brainstorming a great business name for your LLC, use Wix’s free business name generator to get a list of industry-relevant name ideas. Business names typically include an LLC designation—such as LLC, Limited, or Limited Liability Company—to convey their registration as an LLC. If you don’t want to use that name beyond legal documents, register a Doing Business As (DBA) name (also called a trade name). Sign up with Wix to register a domain name . Depending on the state, the cost of getting a DBA name ranges from $5 ( Iowa ) to $100 ( Wyoming ). On average, you can expect to spend $40 on getting a trade name. Tip : While finalizing your LLC name, get a domain name and social media handles to go with it, as well. Doing so at this stage ensures a consistent brand image and makes it easier for potential customers to find you online. Use Wix’s domain name generator to find available domain names relevant to your business. Learn more: How much does a business email cost 06. Business registration and licensing If you want to include specific words, like “insurance,” “bank” or “engineering,” in your business name, you’ll need to register with the relevant state agency before filing your LLC documents. This is because those terms might mislead customers into believing that your LLC holds a specific business license. For example, say you want to start a Texas company with “engineering” in the name. You’ll need to register your small business with the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS), which costs $150 . Beyond that, some states have a general business license, including: Alaska Delaware Nevada Tennessee (for businesses with gross receipts of $100,000+ only ) Washington LLC West Virginia If you’re looking to operate in one of these states as an LLC, you’ll have to spend $15–$200 for a business license . Other states don’t have a general business license. Still, you may need specific business licenses, depending on your industry, that come with additional costs. For example, California’s contractor license , which covers a range of labor-intensive services, has an application fee of $450 and an initial license fee of $200–$350. 07. Compliance fees You may also need to pay compliance fees, depending on the state. For example, most U.S. states require biennial or annual reports, with associated fees of $9–$100. In addition to these filing fees, you may also have state-specific compliance requirements. For example, New York , Nebraska and Arizona (except for Maricopa County or Pima County) require you to notify the public about the LLC formation in a local newspaper, which can cost from $80 in Nebraska to over $1,000 in New York. Similarly, California, Nevada and Washington require you to submit an initial report and charge a filing fee for that report—ranging from $10–$150. Here are the compliance fees for the five most populous states: California : $20 (annual report) + $20 (initial report) Texas : $0 Florida : $138.75 (annual report) New York : $9 (biennial report) + $50 (certification of publication) + $600–$1,200 (publication costs) Pennsylvania : $7 (annual report) 08. Business tax for an LLC LLCs don’t get a flat tax rate—like the 21% federal tax rate for corporations . Instead, LLCs have pass-through taxation. As a result, instead of an LLC paying the taxes, the owners pay self-employment and income taxes on the profits they earned from the LLC. However, a few states have minimum annual fees or taxes you must pay to maintain good standing with the state, regardless of whether you make any profits. For instance, every LLC operating in California must pay an annual tax of $800 . Here are the business fees on LLCs in the five most populous states: California : $800 Texas : $0 Florida : $0 New York LLC : $0 Pennsylvania LLC : $0 In addition, some states, like Texas and Washington State , have franchise taxes . Tip : After forming your LLC, it’s time to create a website. With Wix, you can easily create a website tailored to your business needs. Plus, secure an .llc domain . What is the most affordable state to start an LLC in? You can reduce your costs by opting for a state with low filing fees. For example, LLC filing fees in Montana are only $35 for local applications. You can get this low fee by having a registered agent there. Need more reasons to consider Montana? You don’t need to pay any compliance fees or business taxes, and you can also use a DBA by incurring a fee of only $20. Plus, the annual report fee ($20) is the only ongoing cost. Alternatively, you can opt for: Kentucky : LLC filing fee of $40 and annual report fee of $15 Arizona : LLC filing fee of $50 Mississippi : LLC filing fee of $50 New Mexico : LLC filing fee of $50 Colorado : LLC filing fee of $50 and annual report fee of $10 That said, it’s often simpler to start and run an LLC in your home state to simplify LLC formation, future taxation and business management. 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 Maryland How to start an LLC in South Carolina How to start an LLC in North Carolina How to start an LLC in Massachusetts How to start an LLC in Virginia How to start an LLC in Indiana 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 Missouri How to start an LLC in Alabama
- How to connect your email to your Wix website
You’ve probably already realized that Wix makes it easy for anyone to create a website with a website builder . But did you know that we also offer business owners all the tools they need to manage their online presence and marketing strategies , just as easily? Straight from your site dashboard, you can keep track of all of your customers’ essential information, send out newsletters to promote your business and get insights and reports. In today’s world, one of the tools that every serious venture needs is a business email address . It’s essential to build a strong, memorable brand and make it easy for your clients to reach out. Why a branded email address is important Having a custom business email address is one of the most important ways to promote your brand and show your customers that you are a legitimate and serious business. Typically, you want your email address to be the same as your web address, otherwise known as your domain name. You’ll need to own a custom domain before you can set up your email. When choosing a domain name , find something that’s easy to remember, simple to spell and includes your business name. For example, if you own Fat Cat Pizza, a perfect domain would be www.fatcatpizza.com and your email could be info@fatcatpizza.com or yourname@fatcatpizza.com . Not ready to invest in a custom email? You can also get a free Gmail address that incorporates your brand name, such as fatcatpizza@gmail.com . Tip: When you connect your Gmail account to your Wix Inbox, the connection only goes one way. You can see all Wix Inbox notifications in your personal Gmail account. However, any personal emails sent to or from your Gmail do not show up in Wix Inbox. Learn more about connecting your Gmail account to your website . Is a business email address relevant to your website? When learning how to create a website , adding your email address can save you time and simplify your life. When you connect your branded email, you can manage your email address—and those of your employees—all in one convenient place. By managing your email marketing address together with your website, you’ll have one less login and password to remember and one less payment to keep up with. In addition, when you buy your personalized Google Apps Mailbox, you also get access to Google Calendar, 25GB of Inbox space and 5GB of storage for your docs on Drive. Tip: Try Wix’s email marketing tool to help create professional and engaging campaigns right from your inbox. Check out these email marketing examples that work to get inspired. How to own and manage your domain Before you can connect your branded email to your website, you must first own a domain and manage it on Wix. Here’s how: Want to purchase your very own domain when creating a website ? Learn how to purchase your custom domain straight from Wix . (We even throw in a voucher for 1 year free with most of our Premium plans.) If you already purchased a domain elsewhere, you can learn how to transfer your domain to Wix . How to set up your email address Now that you have your domain under Wix, it’s time to create a new email address in just a few steps: Create your own website Pick the Premium Plan that fits your needs Connect your domain to your website Click on Purchase Mailbox Pick how many Mailboxes you want Choose a subscription and complete your purchase After you’re all set up, you can easily access your business email anywhere by going to Gmail.com or your phone’s Mail app. Learn more: How much does a business email cost If your email is hosted outside of Wix, can it connect it to Wix? No matter where your email originated, our tech team has a solution. In fact, we wrote how-tos for every situation. Find specific step-by-step instructions to connect your email purchased outside of Wix .
- How much does it cost to sell on eBay? Here's a fee-by-fee breakdown
As one of the OGs of eCommerce , eBay has evolved from a quirky online auction site into a top destination for online shoppers. Today, around 88% of items on eBay are now sold as “Buy It Now,” fixed-price listings—and 80% of them are sold in new condition. eBay ranks as the second most-visited online marketplace website in the U.S., topped only by Amazon, according to Similarweb . And you can find both emerging and well-established brands selling their wares on the channel as part of their wider electronic and online business strategies. This may lead you to wonder, is eBay worth adding to your multichannel selling strategy? It might be. But before jumping in, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with all the costs associated with selling on the marketplace. "One of the biggest mistakes I see eBay sellers make is not really understanding their cost and profit breakdown. They often guess their margins instead of knowing their actual numbers." - Nahar Geva, founder of ZIK Analytics Let’s break down how much it really costs to sell on eBay. Read also: How to sell on eBay , Best online selling sites , eCommerce vs. marketplaces Mandatory eBay fees Insertion fees: free – $0.35 per listing (in most cases) An insertion fee is the amount you pay eBay in order to list products on its marketplace. This will be charged every time you create or renew a listing, no matter if it actually sells. That said, eBay gives you 250 “zero-insertion” (aka free) listings per month—or more if you have an eBay Store subscription. But getting 250 zero-insertion fee listings doesn’t necessarily mean you can list 250 different items for free. An insertion fee is charged per listing and per category. In other words, let’s say you’re selling water bottles. You could list your bottles in the Sporting Goods category to reach runners, walkers, and other active folks. At the same time, you may want to list your water bottles in the Office Supplies subcategory to reach young professionals who want something to take into the office. This counts as two separate insertions in eBay’s eyes, meaning you’ll be charged two separate fees for them. You’ll also be charged each time you re-list an item. For instance, any “good ‘til cancelled” listings will automatically renew each month, and each renewal will count as a new insertion. Fortunately, you’ll only be charged once per listing, regardless of the number of available units or variations associated with it. The standard insertion fee is $0.35 per listing, though certain subcategories (like Guitars & Basses) are free while others (like Commercial Printing Presses) charge higher fees. If you have a store subscription, you may also benefit from lower insertion fees. Final value fees: 13.25% – 15% on average The heftiest single fee you’ll pay on eBay is called a “final value fee.” This fee represents the amount you owe eBay for every completed sale on its platform. The final value fee will vary based on your: Product category Total amount of sale (TAOS), which it the sum of your item price, handling charges, shipping fees*, sales tax and other applicable fees The final value fee will be charged as a percentage of your total sales price (based on the factors above), plus $0.30 per order.** For most categories, final value fees will amount to 13.25% of the TAOS, up to a maximum TAOS of $7,500. For any TAOS over $7,500, you will be charged an additional 2.35% on the portion of the sale that goes beyond the $7,500 threshold. Here’s an example of how other categories are charged: Books & magazines : 14.95% (up to TAOS of $7,500) Women’s bags & handbags : 15% (up to TAOS of $2,000) Jewelry & watches : 15% (up to TAOS of $5,000) Art NFTs : 5% on TAOS Guitars & basses : 6.35% (up to TAOS of $7,500) Athletic shoes : 8% (if TAOS is $150 or more); 13.25% (if TAOS is less than $150) You can get a full rundown of final value fees here . Learn more: Can I sell products on Wix and how? Special notes * The hardest part of figuring out your final value fee is accurately calculating the shipping portion of your TAOS. If you offer one-day or international shipping and a less-expensive domestic shipping option , the TAOS will be based on your cheapest domestic option. If you offer one-day or international shipping but no cheaper option , your TAOS will be based on the service your buyer chooses. If your business is headquartered in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand or Vietnam and your item isn’t located in the U.S., your TAOS is based on the shipping option your buyer chooses. ** While your final value fees are charged per item, the additional $0.30 fee is charged per order. So, if a customer buys five items from you on eBay in one order, you pay a final value fee on each item (five in total) but pay only one additional $0.30 fee for the entire order (and $0.40 for orders over $10). Final value fee mistakes to avoid It’s possible to inadvertently increase your final value fee by making one of these three mistakes. Asking a buyer to purchase your product outside of eBay to avoid fees: This is strictly prohibited by eBay, as is swapping contact information like email addresses. Violation will result in penalties whether or not your item sells. Failing to meet eBay’s minimum performance standards: eBay evaluates your performance as a seller on the 20th of every month. If you’re not meeting their minimum standards (for example, you’re regularly late on your shipments), you’ll get charged an additional 6% fee on top of the normal final value fees during the next calendar month. Using inaccurate product descriptions: If eBay finds that too many of your returned items are due to “item not as described,” you’ll get charged an extra 5% on your normal final value fees for sales in those categories during the following month. Optional eBay fees eBay Store subscription: starting at $4.95 per month You don’t have to purchase a monthly or annual subscription to sell on eBay. However, with a Store subscription plan, you can design a branded space within eBay to showcase your products, plus receive other perks like additional free listings and lower final value fees. eBay offers five subscription plans. Below is pricing for each plan when renewed yearly. Starter ($4.95 /month) Basic ($21.95 /month) Premium ($59.95 /month) Anchor ($299.95 /month) Enterprise ($2,999.95 /month) 250 free listings per month 1,000 free fixed-price listings per month 10,000 free fixed-price listings per month 25,000 free fixed-price listings per month 100,000 free fixed-price listings per month $0.25 insertion fees after 250 $0.25 insertion fees after 1,000 $0.10 insertion fees after 10,000 $0.05 insertion fees after 10,000 $0.05 insertion fees after 10,000 - Lower final value fees between 2.35% - 15.30% Lower final value fees between 2.35% - 15.30% Lower final value fees between 2.35% - 15.30% Lower final value fees between 2.35% - 15.30% - $25 per quarter to spend on eBay branded shipping supplies $50 per quarter to spend on eBay branded shipping supplies $150 per quarter to spend on eBay branded shipping supplies $150 per quarter to spend on eBay branded shipping supplies - Free subscription to Sourcing Insights tool Free subscription to Sourcing Insights tool Free subscription to Sourcing Insights tool Free subscription to Sourcing Insights tool Listing upgrades: $0.50 – $6 per item When you sell products on eBay, you’re sharing space with 2.5 billion active listings every day. Listing upgrades can help your listings to stand out. Upgrades include: One or three-day duration (for auction-style listings): $1 per listing. This lets you run a listing for a very short time. Reserve price (for auction-style listings): Either $5 or 7.5% of reserve price (whichever is greater with a maximum fee of $250). This is a fee that's charger whether or not your item sells, intended to establish a minimum price that your item needs to sell for. For select Business & Industrial categories, the feel for this upgrade is a set $5. Bold: $2 for auction-style listings, $4 for fixed price listings ("Good 'Til Cancelled"). Subtitles: $2.00 per listing for items priced $150 or less, $3 per listing for items priced above $150 and $0.50 for Real Estate listing. This allows you to get an extra line of copy below your product title, in which you can provide additional product features and information. Gallery Plus: $0.35 per listing for auction-style items not listed in the Art, Antiques, Collectibles and Pottery & Glass categories, $1.00 for fixed price listings not listed in these categories. Gallery Plus lets buyers view a larger version of your featured product image within eBay search results; this could be helpful if you’re listing a product in a hyper competitive category. International site visibility (for auction-style listings): Ranges from $0.10 –$0.40 per listing depending on your item's starting price. This feature lets you extend the reach of your product listings to eBay’s UK and Canada sites. Promoted listings: 2% – 100% of TAOS. If eBay ranks you as an “above standard” or “top rated” seller, you have the option of participating in their Promotion Listings Standard program. It’s essentially a type of ad that increases your visibility in eBay search results. The amount you pay per promotion is up to you. You can choose an ad rate for each item between 2% – 100% of the item’s total sale amount. If you take part in the program, eBay will give you a suggested rate as a starting point. In theory, a higher ad rate will increase your listing’s reach. An example of an eBay bill So, how much does it cost to sell on eBay, and how does it compare to the cost of selling on Etsy or the cost of selling on Amazon ? Let’s pretend you’re selling aromatherapy candles, which fall under eBay's Home & Garden category. Each candle costs you $3 to make. You sell them for $20 on eBay. Your customer pays $7.50 in shipping (your total cost of shipping) and $1.20 in tax, bringing the TAOS to $28.70. You don’t have an eBay subscription plan, but you’re within your 250 monthly limit of zero-fee insertions. Here’s what your bill will look like once the transaction is complete. Description Amount Item price $20.00 Shipping price $7.50 Insertion fee (within zero-fee insertion limit) $0 Item cost -$3.00 Shipping cost -$7.50 Final value fee (13.6% of $28.70 + $0.40) -$4.30 Net profit from sale $12.70 (46.18%) You can use this free eBay fee calculator by ZIK Analytics to estimate your own costs. Pro tips for increasing your eBay earnings Getting the most out of your eBay sales can take some trial and error, but a few thoughtful tweaks can improve your results. We spoke with Nahar Geva, founder of ZIK Analytics , who shared a few of his personal tips: Focus on profitability, not just revenue: "Sellers sometimes get excited by fast sales and large revenue, but they forget that in order to grow, they need enough cash flow to reinvest in inventory, marketing or simply keeping the business running. Without healthy profit margins, it’s impossible to scale sustainably." Track inventory and cash flow carefully: “The best way to manage both inventory and cash flow is to calculate your days of supply, how long it takes you to restock, and how much inventory you need to sustain your growth. When you know your numbers, you can plan smarter and grow faster. I see far too often that many sellers only look at the item cost versus the sold price and believe they’re making money, but by the end of the month, they wonder why their balance keeps shrinking and where the profit loss is.” Invest in high-margin items and reinvest profits: “Remember, if you want to grow your eBay business, you have to invest your profits back into inventory and marketing. I always recommend aiming for at least a 200% profit margin, especially when you’re starting out and don’t have strong cash flow yet. So, ensure you start with low-cost items that you can sell for at least three times the price, as this way, you can scale organically without relying on loans or losing your money." Research before you list: “Don’t rush to list new products. Spend time researching what actually sells, validate the competition and confirm demand using product research tools to make smarter choices. The difference between guessing and researching is the difference between selling and sitting on unsold stock." Don't just rely on price to stand out: "Offer a clear, unique selling proposition. That’s how you create your own blue ocean and dominate your niche. Once your product is ready, optimize your listings properly, from your eBay title and description to item specifics. And don’t underestimate your photos. Bright, clean, and realistic images can drastically improve your click-through rate." Expand your reach with eBay eBay’s reach and relatively simple fee structure make it an enticing option for sellers like yourself. But keep in mind that eBay works best as a complement to your online store, where you retain full control over your branding and the user experience. Read also: How to start a business If you’re a Wix eCommerce merchant, you can further simplify your work by signing up for eBay directly from Wix. You’ll not only gain a higher limit of free listings right off the bat, but will be able to auto-import your listings from Wix to eBay, saving you from hours of manual data entry. Get started with your free eCommerce website today and upgrade when you’re ready to start selling. Learn more: Amazon alternatives Sell on eBay FAQ How much does eBay take per sale? eBay charges a final value fee (FVF) for each item that sells. The FVF is a percentage of the sale price (13.25%–15% on average), plus a fixed fee of $0.30 for orders $10 or less and $0.40 for orders over $10. The percentage of the sale price that eBay takes varies depending on the category of the item being sold. For example, the FVF for most categories is 13.25%, but the FVF for jewelry and watches is 15% is the total amount is $5,000 or less. Does eBay charge a fee to sell? Yes, eBay charges a fee to sell. The fees are as follows: Insertion fee: This is a one-time fee that is charged when you create a listing. The insertion fee ranges from free to $0.35 per listing for most categories. Final value fee (FVF): This is a percentage (usually 13.25% – 15%) of the sale price of the item, plus a fixed fee of $0.30. The FVF varies depending on the category of the item being sold. Listing upgrade fees: These are optional fees that you can pay to improve the visibility of your listings. Fees depend on the type of upgrade you choose to use. eBay Store subscription: If you subscribe to an eBay Store, you will pay a monthly fee. The monthly fee for an eBay Store starts at $4.95 per month. Can I sell on eBay without paying anything? While it's not possible to completely avoid fees on eBay, there are some ways to minimize them: Free listings : eBay offers a certain number of free listings per month (usually 250) for personal accounts. No reserve price auctions: These don't incur a reserve price fee. Final Value Fee discounts : eBay occasionally offers promotions that reduce or waive Final Value Fees. Store subscriptions : For high-volume sellers, these can reduce per-item fees. Avoid optional fees: Such as subtitle or scheduling fees. However, eBay will always charge some fees, typically including a Final Value Fee on sold items. It's part of their business model and how they generate revenue. How do I start selling on eBay? Selling on eBay is easy and a great way to make extra money. Simply follow these steps to get started and reach millions of potential buyers. Set up your account: Create an account and add payment details. Research your item: Look up similar items to check pricing, demand and trends. Create a strong listing: Write a clear title, add a description and use quality photos. Set price and shipping: Choose auction or fixed price and use competitive shipping rates. Publish your listing: Review and publish to start attracting buyers. Manage sales: Track orders, respond to questions and ship promptly. Receive payment: eBay deposits payments directly into your account. Build your reputation: Earn positive feedback to attract more buyers.
- Showcase of 10 delicious HTML5 food websites
The art of designing great food-related websites is a delicate one. On the one hand, the website needs to be built in a way that makes visitors prolong their stay on your website and interact with your content. On the other hand, your website needs to tempt visitors to drop everything they’re doing and go eat. A good food website, like the ones you’ll see here, can actually achieve both targets at the same time. The following sites were created using Wix’ HTML5 website builder . They each promote a different kind of restaurant or catering service, but they all have one crucial thing in common – beautiful visuals that really make site visitors drool. Feast your eyes on these gorgeous HTML5 websites, but be warned! You will get hungry. Read also: Catering website examples
- How to start a petition in 10 steps to support your cause
Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → Creating a petition is a powerful way to make a change in your community. Gathering signatures helps you build strength in numbers and gives friends, followers, and fellow community members a platform to support your cause. Today, online petitions have mostly replaced pen-and-paper versions since they’re easy to share—and studies show they are more than three times as likely to attract media attention . Using a website builder , you can start your own petition to collect digital signatures and spread the word, from researching your cause to building awareness and momentum. In this guide, we’ll show you 10 easy steps to start a petition and create a petition website. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. We’re all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. TL;DR: how to start a petition A petition website makes it easy to rally support, collect signatures and share your cause online. From setting clear goals to designing your site and spreading the word, you can organize your campaign and engage supporters quickly and effectively. Key features of a petition website Feature Why it’s important Customizable homepage Showcases your cause and story to engage visitors immediately Signature form Collects digital signatures and supporter information efficiently Social sharing buttons Lets supporters easily share your petition on social media Progress tracker Displays signature counts and milestones to motivate supporters Mobile-friendly design Ensures your site works on phones and tablets for all users How to start a petition in 10 steps Let’s walk through how to start a petition in 10 simple steps. From planning your cause to getting support online, we’ll show you everything you need to know. Research your cause Identify your goal Name your project Choose a strategic design Create a clear and powerful homepage Write a statement of purpose Create a form for signatures Include social sharing tools Spread the word Keep your supporters in the loop 01. Research your cause The first step in starting a petition is to have a thorough understanding of the cause. If you want people to take you seriously and lend their support, you’ll need to get the facts right. Do your research by speaking to relevant lawmakers, community members or anyone else who may be involved. You should also refer to reputable news sources and reading material. This will help you approach the petition from a strategic angle and articulate your position more clearly. If you’re petitioning for a change in government policy or law, take note of any government regulations regarding the petition process, either at the local, state or national level. Depending on these legal guidelines, you may need a specific number of signatures before your efforts are deemed valid. You’ll also need to research who is in charge of the issues at hand. If your petition targets the wrong people, they may not have the authority to accommodate your proposal, even if they side with your perspective. Finally, take note of where you’ll need to submit the petition once your desired number of signatures has been collected. 02. Identify your goal A petition isn’t simply a complaint; on the contrary, it’s a demand to achieve a goal. Because of this, it’s important to use your research to develop an informed idea of what, specifically, you’re aiming to accomplish. First, confirm that the change you’re asking for doesn’t already exist. Maybe it does, and there are other obstacles that prevent it from being enforced. If that’s the case, you’ll need to shift the angle of your proposal. Second, offer a solution that is straightforward, quantifiable and concrete. Spell out exactly what you want so that your audience can’t circumvent your proposal with a half-hearted compromise. Be sure to be as direct and transparent as possible by explicitly writing out your goal and demands on your petition website. 03. Name your project To make your petition easier to identify and discuss, give it a name. Your title should: Include a catchphrase (similar to a slogan) associated with your cause. Identify the target of your petition. Use active verbs that call your supporters to action. Relatedly, you’ll need to choose a domain name for your petition website, since that’s the primary way people will learn about and share your message. Be sure to check the availability of your preferred domain names to ensure there isn’t already something similar that people can get confused with. 04. Choose a strategic design Once you’ve dug deep into the issues you’re aiming to tackle and identified your goals, it’s time to learn how make a website . Given the urgency of many petitions, you might consider using a template rather than building it from scratch. These website templates are created by professional designers, and they’re fully customizable so that you can adapt them to suit your needs. Like with all types of websites , you’ll also want your color scheme to strongly reflect your messaging and accurately represent the issue at hand. Do you want to evoke feelings of optimism and hope, urgency or solemnity? Using color psychology , you can strategically select colors that add to the impact of your petition website and inspire empathy for your cause. For additional inspiration on how to design for a good cause, take a look at this collection of the best nonprofit websites as well as these nonprofit website templates . Learn more: Cost to create a website 05. Create a clear and powerful homepage Your homepage will be many people’s first encounter with your petition. To persuade them to sign, this page should be informative and inspiring. In addition to displaying the name of your cause, the site’s homepage should include: A clear description of the issue, as well as your mission and goals. Images that depict the problem. A call-to-action (CTA) that prompts users to sign and takes them directly to the relevant form. The bottom line is to make your petition website as easy as possible for people to browse and understand. By improving your website navigation and creating a seamless user flow, you’ll increase the chances that site visitors will read about your cause and leave their signature in support. 06. Write a statement of purpose Like a mission statement, a statement of purpose outlines your mission and goals. By explaining the nature of the problem, why it needs to be fixed and your proposed solution, this statement helps put your petition website in context and persuade potential signees. To make this text as effective as possible, it should be concise and easy to skim read. Include straightforward information and relevant facts that tell a clear, logical story. At the same time, avoid bogging down your explanation with details, as this may confuse your audience or cause them to lose interest. Finally, cite your references. Not only is this a good practice when sharing other people’s information, but it also adds credibility to your cause. 07. Create a form for signatures At the heart of your petition is your signature database - the collection of all the people who have signed up in support of your cause. To obtain these signatures, you’ll need a dedicated form on your website for people to leave their name, as well as other details like their email address and comments. You can do this by adding Wix Forms directly onto your petition website. Start by navigating to Form Settings on your website dashboard, and then customize the design and submission fields. All submissions will automatically be saved as a table on your dashboard, so you’ll be able to view the full list of names and other information entered on the form. You can later import a digital file or export the data to another location, such as a spreadsheet. This will allow you to sync any external signatures with your website database, and to compile your data for printed submission if required. 08. Include social share buttons Social sharing is a critical part of raising awareness about your petition. Not only should you promote your petition website on your own social channels, but you should also encourage supporters to spread the word to their followers. For that reason, it’s critical to add a variety of social share buttons to your site. Place these buttons prominently on your homepage, as well as next to the sign-up form, to encourage supporters to sign and share. 09. Spread the word To grab the attention of potential signees, improve your website’s searchability. You can do this by boosting your website’s SEO, or search engine optimization. This important practice makes it easier for your site to get found on Google and other search engines, increasing the chances that people will navigate to your website and sign the form. Additionally, couple your SEO efforts with a social media marketing strategy. Share your petition on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other platforms to raise awareness for the cause and get more signatures. Be sure to use hashtags strategically, as this will help you reach people who aren’t connected with you on social media but who may be interested in your cause. Finally, make sure your petition website is mobile-friendly. Many supporters will visit and sign your petition from their phones or tablets, so having a responsive design ensures a smooth experience and higher conversion rates. "If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, it’s not search-friendly. At Wix, we design with mobile performance in mind—because great SEO starts with a seamless experience on every device." -Sharon Hafuta, SEO blog editor at Wix 10. Keep supporters in the loop After people have signed your petition, you don’t want to simply let them go. On their end, they’ll want to stay updated and informed about your petition’s progress, especially if it’s for a cause they particularly care about. On your end, you want to retain these supporters as people you can reach out to if you need extra hands to help promote this or future efforts. Using the contact details in your site’s database, send email newsletters to your signees about how your work is progressing. You can also create a free blog to write updates on your site, tell the story behind your efforts, and detail other ways your supporters can help. Finally, include supplementary resources to rally additional supporters and build an online community. Create a forum on your site where people can engage with one another and share ideas. You might also try creating other forms of content, such as podcasts, webinars, vlogs and more, to provide additional information about your cause. How to start a local petition in your city or county To start a local petition you need to clearly define your issue and planned outcome, just as you would with any petition. It's then a good idea to investigate if similar petitions exist and understand your local government's requirements for petition submission. Then write a compelling statement detailing the issue, why it matters and the requested action. Petitions need signatures. Use both digital platforms and face-to-face interactions to garner the support you need. Ensure you meet the required number of signatures. Submit your petition to the appropriate local government body. This could be your city or county council. Always keep signatories updated on the petition's progress and next steps. If necessary, arrange a public meeting or council hearing about the issue. How to start a petition on social media Once you've created a petition, social media can be an effective way to get it in front of a lot of people, fast. Start with a compelling description explaining the issue, why it matters and the change you're advocating for. Then share the link to your petition on all your social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and ask people to sign and share. Always respond to comments and messages from supporters to keep them engaged. Regularly update followers about the progress of the petition. Once you reach your signature goal, present the petition to the decision-maker and share the outcome with your supporters. Core elements of a strong petition A strong petition has a clear and concise message, a compelling call to action, and is easy to sign. Here are some core elements to keep in mind when writing a petition: Start with a clear and concise message. What is the issue that you are petitioning about? Why is it important? Be sure to state your message in a way that is easy to understand and that will resonate with your audience. Avoid using jargon or technical language that your audience may not understand. People are more likely to read and sign a petition that is short and to the point. Make it easy to sign. The easier it is for people to sign your petition, the more likely they are to do so. Include a clear and concise signature form, and make sure that the form is accessible to people with disabilities. Include a compelling call to action. What do you want your readers to do after they read your petition? Do you want them to sign it, donate money, or contact their elected officials? Make sure your call to action is clear and easy to follow. Personalize your petition. Address your petition to a specific audience, such as your elected officials, your company's CEO, or a community organization. This will help to make your petition more relevant and persuasive. Use strong visuals. Visuals can help to make your petition more engaging and persuasive. Use images, infographics, or videos to illustrate your message and to make your petition more visually appealing. Proofread your petition carefully. Typos and grammatical errors will make your petition look unprofessional and will undermine your credibility. Be sure to proofread your petition carefully before you publish it. How to start a petition FAQ What makes a petition legal? In the US, for a petition. to be legal it must be submitted to the appropriate authority who can take action on it. It must also not request for anything illegal and comply with all relevant local and national laws. It must be signed and those who signed must be qualified to do so. It must have a clear purpose and call for action. Everything it contains must be accurate and truthful. Often for a petition to be legal it may need to be submitted within a specific time frame, depending on what it's asking for or to happen. How to file a petition? The process for filing a petition will vary according to the type of petition being submitted and in which state. Generally the process will involve submitting the petition online, or through a specific form sent and submitted to the specific office who can hear the petition. The process may also require you to submit supporting documents to build a case for your petition request and you may need to pay a filing fee. How to create a petition online? One of the easiest and quickest ways to create a petition online is with a website. It's easy to build, with the right website builder, and then easy to share to get people to sign it. How many signatures does a petition need? The number of signatures a petition needs depends on its nature and target. For official governmental petitions, there may be set requirements. For example, a petition needs 100,000 signatures to be considered for debate in the UK Parliament, whereas in the U.S., the White House requires 100,000 signatures within 30 days for a response. For petitions aimed at influencing private entities or raising awareness, there isn't a fixed threshold. However, the more signatures a petition has, the stronger the perceived public support and the more likely it is to make an impact or gain the target's attention.
- How to build a multilingual website to expand your reach
As you look to expand your online audience, you might have already considered building a multilingual website . A site with content in the various languages you serve enables you to communicate effectively with your visitors. There are other reasons why you might want your online presence to be multilingual and this website type . Your business might be located in a popular tourist destination, having the potential to attract clients spanning far beyond the neighborhood, state or even country. In this article, you will learn how to make a website that is easily accessible to all languages and localized to different regions. Therefore, we put together a step-by-step guide to help you start. What is a multilingual website? A multilingual website is what it sounds like - a website available in multiple languages. This means that visitors to your website can access your content in their preferred language. Multilingual websites are becoming increasingly common, as more and more businesses are looking to reach a global audience. Top 5 multilingual website features Keeping your site multilingual is all about making things easy for visitors and search engines. The table below highlights the key features every multilingual site should have so people can find the right language fast and enjoy a smooth experience. Feature Why it matters Language switcher Lets users easily choose their preferred language. Hreflang tags Helps search engines understand which language version to show. Localised content Builds trust and improves relevance for each region. Localised metadata Boosts click-through rates and improves SEO in each language. Multilingual sitemap Ensures search engines index all language versions correctly. What to know before you build a multilingual website Building a multilingual website can broaden your reach and engage diverse audiences, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Here's a guide to key considerations that will help you create an effective and user-friendly multilingual site. Understand your target audience : Research the regions, languages and cultural preferences of the users you want to reach. Tailor your content for relevance and engagement. Select appropriate languages : Focus on languages that align with your target markets and business goals, prioritizing the most impactful ones. Ensure accurate translations : Avoid automated tools for important content; use professional translators or native speakers to maintain clarity and credibility. Be culturally sensitive : Adapt visuals, messaging and design elements to suit cultural norms and preferences for each audience. Ensure legal compliance : Adhere to region-specific regulations regarding privacy, copyright and accessibility standards. How to build a multilingual website in 5 steps Translate your website content Adapt your visual content Modify your SEO for all languages Enable your site to be multilingual Test and maintain your website 01. Translate your website content A multilingual site’s most essential component is translation. If you don’t speak the additional languages you’re adding to your site, you have several options for translating your content. You can invest in a professional translator, or you can use a neural machine translation service for a quick fix, like Google Translate. If you’re using the latter, make sure to review and proofread your translated content as there are many grammatical or cultural nuances that can get lost in translation. Start by identifying your target languages. Research your audience to determine which languages they speak and prioritize those. Use professional translators for key content while using automated services for faster translation of less critical sections. Wix Multilingual allows you to enjoy Google Translate’s powerful linguistic services, in addition to manually editing your translation directly on your site’s editor. During the translation process, make sure not to overlook any parts of your site’s copy, from the text on your homepage design and menu, to the retailing details on your online store , to the content in your online course . Don’t forget other elements like videos, currencies and date formats to match each region. Starting a blog with a blog maker ? You'll need to think about your translation options here too. Tip: Learn how to make a multilingual blog to support your content. Ensure your fonts support all characters in every language. Pay attention to cultural references, idioms or microcopy that may need to be adapted for each audience. For example, if your call-to-action uses a pun or colloquial phrase in one language, find an equivalent that resonates in the target language. While translating you can consider using website under construction templates . 02. Adapt your visual content Text is not the only element on your page that you can “translate.” The same principle goes for images, too. If you offer a localized service, for example, and want to display photos of it from sites across the globe, you can select the requisite images to match the regional language of the text. Choose culturally appropriate visuals and images that resonate with each audience. Say you have the Statue of Liberty featured on your homepage to illustrate a cultural landmark. You might want to swap that image with the Eiffel Tower for your French-speaking audience on your multilingual site. International visitors will have a better connection with your site if you localize your visual content, since images carry different meanings for different cultures. Adjust layouts for languages that are longer or shorter than your original text, and make changes for right-to-left (RTL) languages like Arabic or Hebrew. This ensures the design looks balanced and remains easy to navigate. 03. Modify your SEO for all languages Once you have completed the translation stage, it’s time to make sure your work can be found in all of its linguistic glory across the internet. That entails optimizing each of your new pages for search engines. Each international market comes with its own internet searching habits and SEO needs. Start by conducting keyword research in your new language - and update your site's SEO settings accordingly. That way, potential customers searching the web for a business or solution like yours in their native language will have a higher chance of stumbling across your site. Decide on a multilingual URL structure, using subdirectories (example.com/en/), subdomains (en.example.com) or ccTLDs (example.fr). Add hreflang tags to tell search engines which page belongs to which language and prevent duplicate content issues. Submit separate sitemaps for each language to improve crawling and indexing. 04. Enable your site to be multilingual Now that your web content is all ready to go, it’s time to let visitors of all different languages know that they can access your website. Show off your linguistic talent with an easy-to-spot language menu . You can customize it to your liking, representing each language with mini flag icons, written abbreviations or a combination of the two, to signal to users the options that are available for their choosing. We suggest placing this language toggle in your primary header navigation. You can even use subtle animation features, to draw visitors’ attention to the translation option. The longer they have to search, the higher the chance they might leave in favor of a page they can actually understand. A word for the wise: if you offer two or three languages, flag or word icons that appear right in the header menu will be perfect. If you offer more than three languages, consider a drop-down menu to avoid clutter. The process of creating a multilingual site can feel daunting at first. Yet, believe it or not, once you've learned how to make a professional website and built one in your primary language, you’ve already taken a major step toward simplifying this process. The site structure you’ve created can now serve as a roadmap to help you in adapting to a second, or even third and fourth, language. If you’re building your website on Wix, you’ll find that there’s absolutely no need to recreate a new site for each language. Every time you add in a new language with Wix Multilingual , a parallel copy is automatically created for you. And if you change any element in one of your languages, the same change is immediately reflected across all of your multiple versions. You might also want to consider the pros and cons between a static and dynamic site before hitting publish. 05. Test and maintain your website Once your multilingual site is live, your work isn’t done—this step ensures visitors have a smooth experience in every language you offer. Start by putting yourself in your users’ shoes. Before and after publishing, have native speakers review each language version. They can catch grammar issues, awkward phrasing or cultural missteps that automated translations might miss. Next, click through every menu, button, form and interactive feature to make sure everything works across all versions. A seamless experience keeps visitors engaged and builds trust. Maintenance is just as important as testing. Every time you update content in your primary language, update all translations too. Nothing undermines credibility faster than outdated content. If possible, offer customer support in the languages on your site—this helps your audience feel valued and understood. A multilingual website thrives on regular attention. Think of testing and maintenance as a habit, not a one-time task. The more consistently you check, update and refine, the smoother your site will run, keeping every visitor in every language happy and engaged. How to create a Wix Multilingual site Log in to your Wix account or sign up and pick your favorite professional online template to get started. In the Wix Editor, select ‘Settings’ from the top menu bar. Click ‘Multilingual’ and then ‘Get Started.’ Choose the language(s) you want. Set your main language and the flag you want to display with it. Select ‘Next.’ Set your secondary language (note: you can add additional languages later) and the flag you want to display with the language. Click ‘Next’ and then ‘Start Now.’ Translate the content on your site including text, photos and videos. You can switch between languages using the flags on the top left corner of the Editor, and access your Multilingual Dashboard by selecting ‘Settings’ > ‘Multilingual’ from the top bar. Click Publish to make your changes live. Learn more: How much does a website cost Benefits of a multilingual website As you can see, creating a multilingual website can be demanding, so you need to be sure it's worth it. Here are some of the most important benefits: Reach a wider audience: A multilingual website can help you reach a wider audience by making your content available to people who speak different languages. This is especially beneficial if you're targeting a specific country or region. Improve SEO: When you translate your website content into multiple languages, you can rank for keywords in those languages. This can help you attract more visitors to your website from different parts of the world. Build trust with international customers: When visitors to your website see that you've taken the time to translate your content into their language, they'll be more likely to trust you and do business with you. Increase sales: 76% of online shoppers prefer to buy products with information in their native language. A multilingual website can help you increase sales by making it easier for people from different countries to buy your products or services. Provide a better user experience: A multilingual website provides a better user experience for people in the language in which they searched for something. Challenges of a multilingual website There are a few challenges that you may face when creating a multilingual website. These include: Cost in money and time: Translating your website into multiple languages can be expensive, especially if you use professional translation services. It also can be a time-consuming process, depending on the amount of content you need to translate. Localization: On top of translating your website content, you may also need to localize your website. This means adapting your website to the cultural and linguistic norms of the countries you are targeting. Managing content: Managing multilingual content can be complex. You need to make sure that all of your content is translated accurately and that the translations are consistent. You also need to continually update your translations whenever you add content. Despite these challenges, creating a multilingual website is a worthwhile investment if you're looking to expand your reach. Multilingual website examples Creating a multilingual website is a great way to reach a global audience and cater to users who speak different languages. Here are four examples of multilingual websites: Wikipedia: Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, is available in multiple languages. Users can easily switch between languages to access content in their preferred language. This approach enables Wikipedia to provide information to a diverse audience worldwide. Nike: Nike, a global brand, offers a multilingual website to serve its international customer base. Visitors can choose their preferred language, and the website adapts to provide content, product descriptions and support in that language. IKEA: IKEA, a multinational furniture retailer, has a multilingual website to accommodate its global customer base. Users can select their country and language preferences to access product information, shopping options and other content in their chosen language. Wix : Wix, the website builder has multiple language pages to reach and support its global range of users. Examples include de.wix.com (German), fr.wix.com (French). Pro tip: Beginners might also enjoy using Wix’s AI website builder , a first-of-its-kind chat-based experience that taps into Wix's ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) to help you design a website in record time. Simply chat with AI about the vision for your site and you’ll get a complete website that you can customize as you wish. "AI doesn't aim to replace humans but to turn them into superpowers. Everything that a person wants to do is possible with unimaginable ease. Writing software, composing a song, or creating an illustration - everything is possible without the need for prior knowledge or significant investment of resources." - Guy Sopher, Head of AI Assistant at Wix Want to see what others are saying about Wix? Check out our Wix reviews to read real stories from users. How to build a multilingual website FAQ How do multilingual websites work? There are two main approaches for multilingual websites: Subdirectories: Different language versions of the site are hosted in separate folders, like .com/en and .com/es. Visitors typically choose their preferred language through a flag icon or dropdown menu. Content Management Systems (CMS) : Discover plugins or built-in features to manage translated content within the same website framework. Users can switch languages seamlessly within the site. How do I translate a website into multiple languages? Several options exist: Manual translation: Hire professional translators for accuracy and cultural nuances. Machine translation: Use tools like Google Translate for quick rough translations, but be prepared to edit for accuracy and context. Translation plugins/services: Plugins or professional translation services offer automated translation workflows with varying degrees of customization and human editing. What are some tips for designing a multilingual website? Prioritize user-friendly navigation : Ensure seamless language switching with intuitive menus. Use clear language icons : Implement easily recognizable language flags or labels. Consistent design : Maintain a cohesive look across all language versions for a unified user experience. Translate metadata : Include translated titles, meta descriptions and alt text for SEO. Cultural sensitivity : Adapt content and design to resonate with diverse audiences. Localize, don't just translate. Test and optimize: Regularly check functionality and design across all language options for optimal performance. Can I use templates for a multilingual website? Yes. Build a website with Wix and you can choose from a selection of templates in different languages: https://de.wix.com/website/templates , https://ja.wix.com/website/templates , https://fr.wix.com/website/templates , https://es.wix.com/website/templates How do you structure a multilingual website? To structure a multilingual website, organize content using language-specific URLs, implement language detection for automatic redirection, provide clear language switching options and ensure accurate translation of all content across languages. Additionally, optimize for SEO with hreflang tags and regularly monitor performance for continuous improvement. What is an example of a bilingual website? One example of a bilingual website is the official website of the Government of Canada (canada.ca). This website offers content in both English and French, Canada's two official languages. Users can easily switch between languages using the language switcher located at the top of the page. The website is structured to ensure that all essential information and services are available in both languages, providing a seamless experience for users regardless of their language preference. How to create a multilingual website for free? You can get started building any type of website, including a multilingual one free with Wix. Paid plans start from $19 a month and include a domain name.
- How to make a responsive website in 4 steps
Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → Responsive web design is no longer optional—it’s essential when building a website that stands out. With so many devices and screen sizes online, designing for fixed dimensions can lead to errors and poor user experiences. A responsive approach ensures your websites look polished on every device, improving user experience and boosting traffic. When you switch to responsive design, you give clients a professional site that works seamlessly across all screens. Learn more about how to build a website . Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. Wix is all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. TL;DR: how to make a responsive website Creating a website that looks great on any device is easier than you might think with responsive design. Start by building wireframes to plan layouts for mobile, tablet and desktop, focusing on functionality and how visitors will experience your content. Define breakpoints, the key screen widths where your design adapts, and customize what content appears at each viewport. Designing mobile-first helps you prioritize what matters most, optimize for touch interactions and test layouts on real devices. Finally, use a fluid grid so rows and columns scale seamlessly, keeping your design consistent and polished across screens. Features of a great responsive website Feature Why it matters Mobile-first design Prioritizes content and usability for small screens ensuring essential information is seen first. Fluid grid layout Allows elements to scale proportionally across devices keeping the design consistent. Flexible images and media Ensures images and videos resize correctly preventing overflow or distortion on different screens. Breakpoints Defines key screen widths where the layout adjusts so content looks great on any device. Touch-friendly navigation Optimizes buttons, menus and interactions for fingers on touchscreens improving user experience. What is responsive design? Responsive web design is the process of designing types of websites that adjust to the size and capabilities of every device or browser it’s viewed on, thereby guaranteeing that visitors always see the best possible version of your site. Incorporating dynamic content makes sure that your site adapts seamlessly to user interactions, enhancing the overall experience. With so many devices, browsers and resolutions available on the market today, creating a responsive website is now essential for crafting a successful user experience. Responsive web design not only enhances user experience but also positively impacts web indexing . If you’re curious about how to create a static website , it’s important to understand the key differences in design flexibility between static and responsive layouts. Learn more: Responsive website examples Static vs dynamic websites What is web design? How to make a professional website What makes your website responsive? If you’re a designer or web creator about to embark on a new responsive project, you’ll probably need to adjust to thinking in relative sizes and proportions rather than envisioning one fixed and final layout, since responsive websites scale according to their dimensions. Read on for expert tips on how to make a responsive website from start to finish. How to make a responsive website in 4 steps 1. Get started with wireframes 2. Define your breakpoints 3. Design for small screens first 4. Create a fluid grid 01. Get started with wireframes The process of web design always starts with planning the layout, and there’s no better tool for early layouting than wireframes. A wireframe is a schematic representation of a future design, and it's a convenient method for structuring your layout in an organized, yet low-fidelity manner. Wix Studio offers a few ways to jumpstart the wireframes for your new site: Open and start editing one of our wireframe templates directly on the canvas If you’re a Figma fan, use our Figma plugin to access fully-customizable templates , then seamlessly import to your Studio sites Generate wireframes customized for your project using our AI-powered visual sitemap and wireframe generator Here are a few important points to consider when wireframing: Keep your wireframes unpolished Speed and simplicity are two key attributes of wireframes. At the early stages of product design, you need to experiment and see what solutions work best for your users. Don’t spend extra time making your wireframes pixel perfect. Instead, create your layout and validate it with your target audience and stakeholders, focusing on functionality and information architecture rather than aesthetics. Create wireframes for different groups of devices Mobile, tablet and desktop are the most common types of devices that people use to browse the web. When creating wireframes, try and address all three groups to see whether your design scales well across them. When creating wireframes, try and address all three groups to see whether your design scales well across them. Learn more: How does AI work Types of AI AI tools for business Wix vs. Wix Studio Wix Studio vs. Elementor 02. Define your breakpoints Breakpoints are the building blocks of responsive design, making them a crucial step when making a responsive website. Breakpoints are the pixel values at which your design is adjusted, so that visitors always see the best possible version of your site, on any viewport size. Breakpoints are defined by CSS media queries width (min-width and max-width) and height (min-height and max-height). Those media queries determine the conditions under which specific media attributes are applied, allowing you to change styles based on the type of device or browser that renders the web content . If you’re building your website on Wix Studio, you’ll have 3 default breakpoints to start with: desktop (1,001 pixels and up), tablet (751-1,000 pixels) and mobile (350-750 pixels). You can also edit the existing breakpoints or add custom breakpoints to fit your project’s needs, code-free. While there is no universal set of breakpoints, there are a few recommendations you can follow when choosing yours: Try to maintain the least number of breakpoints possible. Since designers have to adjust content to match breakpoints, you should strive for around 3 breakpoints for the most device flexibility. The main criteria in choosing your breakpoints shouldn’t be your devices, but the content you have. Your content should determine how the layout adjusts to its container. Customize the design for every viewport Be intentional about what you show or hide at different breakpoints. For example, a common approach on mobile is to hide top-level navigation options and use hamburger menus instead. This approach helps you save more real estate on your screen and makes the experience more content-focused. At the same time, make sure not to hide any content that can detract from the user experience. Be intentional about what you show or hide at different breakpoints. 03. Design for small screens first When it comes to creating responsive layouts, most designers follow a mobile-first approach, meaning they design the content to fit a small screen size first. Create a layout that works well at the smallest breakpoint and then adjust it for larger viewports. (Don't worry if you feel limited by the mobile layout. Once you move to the desktop version, you can easily add more effects like these custom cursor examples.) Learn more: How to make a mobile friendly website Practice a content-first way of thinking When designers craft a mobile experience, they have to think about what content they want to provide users with, and in what order. The small screen size is great motivation to conduct content inventory, evaluate the content and prioritize it according to the needs of end-users. This process helps distinguish essential content from unnecessary elements that on smaller screens, can become a distraction. The content-first approach also helps create a more solid visual hierarchy. By clearly prioritizing your content and messages, you’re likely to decide what content should be viewed first, what should come up second and so on. Tip: Start with Wix free web templates to quickly create a mobile-friendly professional design Consider the physical characteristics of the device itself When you design for mobile, you don’t only design for a small screen size. You also design for a touchscreen. Both content and interactive elements should be optimized for comfortable interaction with a finger. It is possible to use media queries like orientation and aspect-ratio to define condition checks and alter the design based on the user's device. Test your design on a real device A design might look perfect on your monitor, but as soon as you start interacting with it on your smartphone, you notice some drawbacks. Define a few key scenarios of interaction such as key tasks that your users want to complete on your website, and try to complete them yourself on an actual mobile phone. Define a few key scenarios of interaction such as key tasks that your users want to complete on your website, and try to complete them yourself on an actual mobile phone. 04. Create a fluid grid A grid is a two-dimensional framework consisting of columns and rows that allows you to precisely position UI elements on a web page . Proper use of a grid in website management will help you avoid situations in which individual UI elements overlap in different screen sizes, resulting in a solid layout that’s fully responsive. Grid allows for the flexibility of creating a tailored layout for each breakpoint you've defined, so that the content and design will perfectly fit each viewport. Changing the number of columns and rows in a grid, as well as their size and spacing, can create a better layout for site visitors. The size of the columns and rows can be defined using different types of grids: Fixed (pixels): To create such a grid, you need to set the size of one of your columns or rows to a specific number of screen pixels. This grid type means that one or all of your columns or rows will maintain a fixed size across all devices. Fluid (percentages or fractions): Fluid grids automatically adjust to the available screen space, maintaining a consistent look and feel across multiple devices. Using fraction as a measuring unit makes the size of grid items proportional to each other (e.g. in a grid of 2 columns, if the fraction for the left column is set to 2, and the fraction of right one is set to 1, the left column will take up 2/3 of the available screen space). Fluid grids automatically adjust to the available screen space, maintaining a consistent look and feel across multiple devices.
- How to make a band website that showcases your sound (+ examples)
Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → If you're wondering how to make a website from scratch for your band, you're in the right place. Thanks to today’s website builder tools, including a powerful AI website builder , creating a professional-looking music website is easier than ever—even if you're more comfortable on stage than behind a screen. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step to get your band online and performance-ready. There’s more to being in a band than writing great music. You’ve got a vibe, a voice and a story that deserves a spotlight—and the best way to bring it all together is with a band website that’s as dynamic as your sound. It’s your home base: a place for fans to explore your work, promoters to book your next gig and new listeners to discover what makes your music stand out. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. Wix is all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. TL;DR: how to make a band website To make a band website, choose a website builder with tools for musicians and pick a template that matches your band’s style. Add essential pages like a homepage, about section, tour dates, music player and contact info. Upload your songs, videos and photos, connect social links and make it easy for fans to stay updated. A clean, engaging website acts as your band’s online home base and helps you showcase your music, sell merch and connect with fans and industry contacts. Features of a great band website Feature Why it matters Music player Lets fans listen to your songs directly on your site, showcasing your sound and style. Tour dates Keeps fans updated on upcoming shows and events, making it easy to plan attendance. About page Shares your band’s story and introduces members, helping visitors connect with you personally. Media gallery Displays photos and videos that show off your personality, performances and behind-the-scenes content. Contact info Provides a way for fans, press and promoters to reach you, supporting connections and opportunities. How to make a band website in 9 steps Follow these essential steps to get your band online with a website that works just as hard as you do. Choose the right website builder for your band Find a template that matches your style Create essential pages Integrate an eCommerce store Add a blog (optional) Include high-quality media Add a mailing list Optimize your band website for SEO Launch and promote your site 01. Choose the right website builder for your band Before you dive into design or content, you’ll need to pick the right platform to build your site—and that starts with a reliable website builder. The best tools give you full creative control while taking care of the technical heavy lifting, so you can focus on your music instead of mastering code. Start by checking if the builder lets you claim a custom domain name that matches your band. This becomes your permanent online address, and it's key for building credibility and brand recognition . You’ll also want to look for free website hosting options that are built into the platform. This simplifies the process and helps you avoid third-party services (no need to search for how to host a website ). Pay attention to uptime guarantees to ensure your site stays online, even during traffic spikes. Another must-have is website security —especially if you plan to sell merch, collect emails or handle bookings through your site. SSL certificates, secure payment gateways and privacy settings should come standard. With the right builder, your band website won’t just look amazing—it’ll be fast, secure and ready to grow with your career. "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 at Wix Create your perfect website today with the best website builders for musicians . 02. Find a template that matches your style Your web design sets the tone before anyone even hears your music—so choose visuals that reflect your sound, story and vibe. This is where free website templates come in. If you’re wondering what is a template , it’s essentially a pre-designed layout that you can customize to fit your brand, without needing to start from scratch (learn more about how to choose a website template ). The right band template should make it easy to plug in your content, from your logo and album art to tour dates and videos. Look for layouts that put your music front and center, with bold visuals, clear navigation and built-in media features. Most music website templates include dedicated sections for bios, gig calendars, media players, contact forms and merch. Whether you’re a solo artist or a 5-piece rock band, there's a template out there that can bring your vision to life—and evolve with you as your fanbase grows. Pro tip: Learn how to make a website mobile-friendly so that your band site looks great on both desktop and mobile. Many fans will first land on your site from their phones, especially after discovering you on social media or Spotify. "Another way to approach [web design] is to understand the type of content you have and what you want to achieve. For example, if you want a big image in the background, look for a template that provides a good starting point for that. If you want to include a lot of text in your welcome section or the second fold, choose a layout that aligns well with your content and what you want to say." - Dafna Rabin, Wix Templates design team lead Explore free music website templates: Band website template Rock band website template Country rock band website template Soul band website template Jazz band website template Holiday band website template Pop band website template Electronic music band website template Salsa band website template Show band website template EDM band website template World music band website template Classic band website template 03. Create essential pages Once you’ve l ocked in your layout, it’s time to fill your site with content that informs, engages and inspires. A great band website isn’t just about looks—it’s about structure. Understanding the key parts of a website helps you create a solid foundation your visitors can actually navigate. Start with your homepage. If you're wondering how to make a homepage , think of it as your band’s welcome mat. It should highlight who you are, what you sound like and what you want visitors to do next—whether that’s listening to a track, watching a video or buying tickets. From there, build out additional must-have pages: An About Us page to tell your origin story and introduce your members. A Contact us page with an email form, booking info or press inquiries. An FAQ page to cover common questions about your merch, shows or process. Together, these pages make up the core of a multi page website—which offers more room to grow and organize content compared to a one page website. If you’re just starting out and want to keep it simple, one page websites are fine, but as your audience grows, you’ll likely want the flexibility of multiple pages. And don’t worry if you’re not a designer. Many builders come with free web design tools to help you customize colors, fonts and structure—all while keeping your layout aligned with modern website design standards. With the right website layout, your content will feel clean, purposeful and easy to explore. Learn more: How to create the perfect EPK DJ websites Is Wix free? Do I need a website? Wix website features What is web design? 04. Integrate an eCommerce store Ready to turn your music into merch? Adding an eCommerce website section to your band site lets you sell online—from t-shirts and vinyls to digital downloads and limited-edition bundles. It’s one of the best ways to build revenue and deepen your connection with fans. Luckily, you don’t need to be a tech wizard to make it happen. A good online store builder will walk you through everything, from setting up product pages to managing payments and shipping. Look for features like inventory tracking, discount codes and mobile checkout to give your fans a seamless buying experience. Not sure where to begin? Start by learning how to make an eCommerce website with tools built into your website platform. Many website builders come with integrated eCommerce functionality, so you can manage your shop and site all in one place. Remember: your merch is more than just swag—it’s a wearable or collectible piece of your brand. Make sure your store reflects your band’s aesthetic, voice and energy, just like the rest of your site. Learn more: How much does an eCommerce website cost? Is Wix good for eCommerce? Best eCommerce website builders 05. Add a blog (optional) Think blog ging is just for writers? Think again. Starting a blog is a powerful way to tell your band’s story, connect with fans and boost your visibility in search engines. Whether you’re announcing a new tour or sharing behind-the-scenes moments, when you create a blog , you’re giving people more reasons to come back to your site. If you’re wondering what is a blog? It’s a regularly updated section of your site where you post articles, updates or media. And yes, even if you're new to this, blogging for beginners is easier than ever thanks to intuitive tools and ready-made blog post templates . Start with simple posts: tour diaries, studio updates, songwriting inspiration or album breakdowns. You can also check out blog examples from other bands to see how they engage fans and share their journey. Not sure how to start a blog or how to start a music blog specifically? Most website builders include built-in blogging features, which means you don’t need any coding knowledge to get started. Just pick from the best blogging platforms , choose one of the best blogging tools and you’re ready to hit publish. Once you're up and running, explore tips on how to grow your blog —from using social media to optimizing for search engines. The latest blogging statistics show that businesses and creators with active blogs generate more traffic and engagement over time. For bands, that means more listeners, more merch sales and more buzz. "Blogging is still relevant for building an online presence, establishing authority and demonstrating expertise on a topic. It is also great for managing a brand’s reputation, especially in markets, segments or geographies where fewer campaign resources are invested." - Giorgia Foscarini, international blogs team lead at Wix 06. Include high-quality media Your music might be audio-first, but visuals play a huge role in how fans experience your brand. That’s why adding high-quality photos, videos and graphics is essential to creating a site that feels legit and engaging. Start with the basics: upload your best live shots, promo photos and music videos. Use a clean, responsive gallery layout that lets your media shine without slowing down your site. These visuals not only add energy and personality—they also help tell your story. Don't forget your branding. Strong band logos can become as iconic as your sound. If you don’t have one yet, now’s a great time to learn how to make a band logo that fits your style. It’ll appear across your site, merch and social media, making your band instantly recognizable. Still figuring out your identity? Look through different band name ideas or sketch out some concepts inspired by your genre, backstory or vibe. A great name and logo combo can go a long way in shaping your visual direction. Pro tip: If you're looking to expand your reach or diversify income, your website visuals can also support future music business ideas —from teaching to licensing, to building your own label. Professional, high-quality media helps make those ideas feel real and achievable. If you're wondering how to start a music business , your visuals can be the first step in showcasing your vision and professionalism. "Focus on creating a name that reflects your brand identity and resonates with your target audience. Additionally, conducting thorough keyword research can help you identify relevant terms to incorporate into your business name or domain, without sacrificing originality." - Adi Avraham, SEO growth specialist at Wix Ready to get a custom logo? Use Wix’s logo maker to get started. 07. Add a mailing list Think of your mailing list as your VIP guest list. It’s one of the most direct and reliable ways to connect with your fans, promote new releases and fill seats at your next gig. Unlike social media, email lets you own your audience—no algorithm standing between you and the people who want to hear from you. You can start by adding a newsletter signup form to key spots on your site—like your homepage, footer or even as a pop-up before someone exits. With the right website builder, it’s easy to customize your form to match your branding and add it to your email marketing campaign. Once you’ve got subscribers, keep them engaged with content that hits the right note. Some ideas: Announce upcoming shows or tours Share behind-the-scenes moments or stories from the studio Drop exclusive merch or early access to tracks Send monthly roundups with fan-favorite content Pro tip: Offer a free download (like a demo or wallpaper) as an incentive for signups—it’s a simple way to grow your list while giving fans something back. Building your email list takes time, but it pays off in loyal listeners who feel like they’re part of your journey. And when you’ve got a big release or tour on the horizon? That mailing list could be your most powerful tool. 08. Optimize your band website for SEO Getting your site online is one thing—getting it found is another. That’s where SEO comes in. I know it can sound technical at first, but it’s really just about making sure the right people—whether that’s fans, promoters or talent bookers—can actually find you online. I recommend starting with one of the best website builders for SEO , so you get built-in tools like editable meta tags, clean URL s, image alt text and mobile optimization. These SEO features may sound small, but together, they give search engines the context they need to understand (and rank) your pages. Also—don’t stop at your homepage. If you’re blogging, blog SEO matters too. Focus on blog SEO , including writing descriptive titles, using keywords naturally and linking between posts and other key pages on your site. And if you’re still thinking, “Do I really need to worry about SEO right now?”—I get it. But even a little effort here can make a big difference. This isn’t about chasing algorithms. It’s about giving your music the audience it deserves. “Think of SEO as the digital version of getting your band on the main stage. When it’s done right, the people who are searching for your sound will find you—whether they’re fans, promoters or playlist curators.” - Sharon Hafuta, SEO blog editor at Wix For more tips, strategies and expert guidance, check out the Wix SEO Hub , your go-to resource for building a site that ranks. 09. Launch and promote your site Your site’s built, your content’s in place and your design is locked in. Now it’s time for the fun part— launching a new website and getting it out into the world. Before you hit “publish,” run through a quick website launch checklist to make sure everything is working as it should. Double check your links, test your contact forms, preview on mobile and make sure your media loads smoothly. First impressions count, especially when fans and industry pros are checking you out for the first time. Once you’re live, the next move is visibility. Not sure how to promote your website ? Start with your current followers—share the link on social media, add it to your bios and include it in your email signature. Build and segment a fan list so you can promote your latest shows and releases through email marketing—still one of the most effective ways to drive return visits and merch sales. If you’re on a tight budget, you can still advertise your website for free . Submit it to relevant music directories, collaborate with other artists, start a referral program for merch discounts or write blog posts that rank in search. These grassroots tactics can generate traffic without costing a dime. Launching your site marks the beginning—not the end—of your digital presence. Keep updating your content, sharing new releases and optimizing based on website performance . The more you engage with your site, the more it’ll work for you. Band website examples built on Wix Need a little inspiration before you dive into designing your own site? These real band websites made with Wix show how different artists use their websites to express their identity, connect with fans and grow their careers. Each example highlights how flexible and powerful a band website can be—whether you're booking gigs, selling merch or building a fanbase from scratch. 01. Krokus Band What makes it special: Rock nostalgia meets utility: The Krokus Band 's homepage uses old-school textures and fonts that echo the band’s legacy, while still making space for updates and merch. Tour and legacy emphasis: A dedicated discography and "Biography" section celebrate the band's history, making this site part fan hub, part museum. No-frills structure: The site gets straight to the point—music, merch, tour dates—ideal for longtime fans wanting updates without clutter. 02. The Woods Band What makes it special: Minimalist yet bold design: The Woods ' website uses full-bleed images, large typography and intentional whitespace to create a confident, modern aesthetic. Immersive branding: From the band logo to the curated press kit section, everything feels polished and PR-ready. Multimedia focus: Embedded music videos and streaming links are front and center, encouraging immediate engagement with their sound. 03. The Romantics Band What makes it special: Nostalgia meets powerhouse presence: This iconic band’s website channels The Romantics ’ legacy with a bold red-and-black palette, retro font and classic band imagery that instantly calls back their ‘80s heyday. Simple, scrollable structure: With just a few key sections—bio, tour, merch and media—the site keeps things streamlined, letting longtime fans and new listeners find what they need fast. Merch and music front and center: Streaming and shop links are easy to access, showing that while the band’s legacy looms large, they’re still active and engaging with fans in all the right ways. 04. Chris Weaver Band What makes it special: Engaging homepage experience: Chris Wever 's website visitors are greeted with a full-screen video header that immediately immerses them in the band's live performance vibe. Clear calls-to-action: Prominent buttons guide you to book the band, explore their tour schedule or shop for merch. Strong visual storytelling: Professional photos and a moody color palette give the site a cohesive, Americana-meets-rock feel that aligns with their brand. 05. Vans Warped Tour What makes it special: Archival storytelling: The Vans Warped Tour website, sponsored by the popular footwear brand, Vans, celebrates the tour’s iconic history with throwback posters, photos and press, while also getting fans excited for what's next. This site is also a powerful display of building a website for more than just a band to display music, but to sell tour tickets as well. Brand consistency: It maintains the edgy, graffiti-inspired aesthetic that defines the Warped Tour identity, seamlessly blending nostalgia with fresh updates. Nostalgic yet current navigation: Visitors can explore past lineups and moments while staying updated on the upcoming tour, making the site both a trip down memory lane and a prep hub for what’s next. The websites featured here were built with Wix and show what’s possible with real, DIY designs. They represent functional, effective and thoughtfully crafted options that help people run their businesses. Why your band needs to build a website If you're serious about your music, it's time to get serious about your online presence. Building a dedicated site isn’ t just a nice-to-have—it’s one of the smartest ways to promote your music , connect with fans and grow your career on your terms. Social media platforms can help you build buzz, but they’re limited by algorithms and ever-changing trends. A website, on the other hand, gives you full creative control. It’s a space that reflects your unique style, houses all your content and puts you in charge of the experience your visitors have. There are many types of websites out there, but for bands and musicians, the best ones are built with intention. Your site can serve as a press kit, merch store, tour calendar, blog and music player—all in one. It helps industry professionals take you seriously, and fans stay engaged beyond the scroll. And if you’re wondering how to make a business website that supports your music goals, you’re already on the right track. With the right tools, you can create a site that looks as polished as the best website designs in the music world. Bottom line? When you build your own band website, you’re not just creating a homepage—you’re setting the stage for everything that comes next. How to make a band website FAQ How do I create a website for my band? Creating a website for your band is easier than you might think. Here's how you can do it: Choose a website builder with tools designed for musicians. Pick a template that reflects your band’s style. Add essential pages, like a homepage, about section, tour dates, music player and contact info. Upload your media–think songs, videos and high-quality images. Connect social profiles and streaming links for easy access to your music. Publish and share your site with fans. With the right tools you’ll go from idea to live site in no time. Should I make a website for my band? Absolutely. A website acts as your band’s home base online. It’s where fans can find everything from your latest releases to upcoming shows. Even if you’re active on social media, a website lets you take full control of how your band is represented. Plus, it’s the perfect place for press, promoters and collaborators to connect with you. What should a band website look like? A band website should vibe with your music while staying organized and easy to use. Make sure to include the essentials: Your music: Add tracks, albums, or playlists people can listen to. Tour dates: Keep an up-to-date calendar of shows or events. Merch store: Give fans a place to snag your latest gear. Videos and photos: Show off your work and personality. About page: Share your band’s story and introduce your members. Keep the design clean and don’t forget to use colors, fonts and visuals that match your band’s energy. Do bands still have websites? Without a doubt. Social media is great for connecting with fans, but a website gives your band its own dedicated space. It’s a place where you’re in control of how you share your music, tour dates and updates. With all your band info in one spot, it’s easier for fans to stay in the loop and for industry pros to get in touch. Think of your website as your band’s basecamp in the music world.
- How to make a business portfolio that sets you up for success
Ready to showcase your best work? Start building your portfolio → A busine ss portfolio isn’t just a collection of your work—it’s your professional showcase. Whether you're starting a business or updating your brand, a well-made portfolio highlights your skills, achievements and services in a way that attracts new opportunities. Think of it as your chance to make a lasting impression and tell your story on your terms. This guide will walk you through how to create an online portfolio , from selecting the right platform to organizing your work and optimizing it for success. By the end, you’ll have a professional portfolio that reflects your skills and opens doors to new opportunities. Ready to explore how to build a website from scratch ? Get started with a website builder or try an AI website builder . With Wix’s portfolio builder, you can create a professional, eye-catching portfolio that shows your best work in just a few clicks. Wix’s customizable templates and easy-to-use tools let you present your skills with confidence–leaving a lasting impression on anyone who visits your site. What is a business portfolio? A business portfolio is a dedicated space to highlight your skills, products or services, and it serves as a bridge to connect you with potential clients, collaborators or investors. Unlike a resume, which lists qualifications and experience, an online portfolio brings your expertise to life. It includes work samples, case studies, client testimonials and visuals that help clients or employers see what you’re capable of. Done right, it builds credibility and sets you apart from others in your industry. According to Till Florian Schäfer, director of business development for Trusted Shops: "When I read reviews where others share positive experiences with a company or confirm that a product does exactly what I need, it strengthens my trust in choosing that company or deciding on a specific product." Learn more: Best portfolio websites What is a professional portfolio How to create a marketing portfolio How to make an engineering portfolio How to make a business portfolio in 10 steps Pick a domain and website host Choose a website builder and template Organize your portfolio Create a compelling homepage and About page Showcase services, products and successful projects Highlight brand identity and certifications Define your business strategy and objectives Make it easy to contact you Start an online store (optional) Optimize for SEO 01. Pick a domain and website host The first step in crea ting your portfolio is selecting a domain name and hosting service. Ideally, it should include your name or business name and, if necessary, a relevant keyword that reflects your work or expertise. A custom domain makes your site look professional and easy to remember. Take some time to brainstorm options that feel professional yet personal to truly represent you or try a domain name generator and domain name search to explore available names. You’ll also need a reliable host for your site. Free web hosting makes sure your portfolio is always accessible. Website builders like Wix provide an all-in-one solution with hosting, templates and design tools to simplify the process. Explore these portfolio name ideas to get started. 02. Choose a website builder and template A great portfolio website should be easy to navigate and visually appealing. The best portfolio website builders should allow you to focus on showcasing your talents without the hassle of complex coding or design work. Wix is a perfect example, offering a wide range of ready-made website templates that suit a variety of industries, from eCommerce website templates to portfolio templates . These templates are fully customizable, allowing you to adapt them to your unique style and brand. According to Hani Safe, product lead (Showcase) at Wix: "An outstanding portfolio is all about storytelling. It’s not just a showcase of work but a narrative that weaves together a professional’s skills, creativity, and personality. Features like dynamic presets, AI setup and beautiful templates let creators bring their stories to life, ensuring that every portfolio not only stands out for its aesthetic appeal but also tells a compelling story about the creator behind it." 03. Organize your portfolio Structure matters. Start by categorizing the work you want to showcase—this might include areas like photography, copywriting, consulting services or app design. Grouping your work by category or industry simplifies navigation and makes your site easier to explore, all while building a strong foundation for your website infrastructure . 04. Create a compelling homepage and About page Your homepage is your first impression. Use this space to introduce yourself and your business in a way that’s both professional and engaging. This is also a great opportunity to showcase what web design is at its best—clear, functional and visually compelling. Add a short summary of what you can offer, along with images or videos that represent your work. The "About" page is where you share your story—why you do what you do, your experience and what makes you unique. Keep it personal yet professional and consider adding a photo of yourself to build trust with your portfolio visitors. Learn more: About us page examples About us page tips 05. Showcase services, products and successful projects Dedicate sections to highlight the projects, services or products you offer. Describe services in clear terms that demonstrate how you can solve problems or deliver results with concrete examples to show the value you bring. For example, you can include case studies or metrics. Include success stories, testimonials and measurable results in your business portfolio. Highlighting these successes and your role in achieving them can make a lasting impression. Check out web design portfolio examples to help you understand how to incorporate these testimonials into your own portfolio. 06. Highlight brand identity and certifications Your business portfolio should r eflect your brand. Consistency plays a big role in making your portfolio professional and memorable. Create a logo , select a signature color palette and write in the same tone across all pages to reinforce your personal or professional brand. Even choosing a specific font style or layout can help create a polished look. This applies to many types of websites from personal portfolios to business sites, where consistency enhances user experience. Certifications, awards, and accolades lend additional credibility to your portfolio. Display them prominently, perhaps in a dedicated “Achievements” section or alongside relevant projects. Learn how to design a logo to master the art of branding. 07. Define your business strategy and objectives A strong business portfolio is more than just showcasing your work—t’s also an opportunity to outline your vision. What are your goals? How do you plan to grow? Connecting your past projects to your future objectives helps future clients see the direction you’re headed. Whether you’re focused on niche markets, scalability, innovation or creative impact, describing your goals makes your vision tangible and makes it more likely that you'll be able to monetize your website . 08. Make it easy to contact you A well-designed contact page is essential. Include your email, phone number and a simple contact form. The easier it is for visitors to reach you, the more likely they are to get in touch. Don’t forget to link to your social media profiles. Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter can serve as additional touchpoints for engagement. Incorporating marketing strategies into your business portfolio builds trust with visitors and increases your chances of generating new leads. 09. Start an online store (optional) If you sell products or services, consider adding an eCommerce section. This can include consulting packages or digital products such as eBooks, templates or courses. A simple, secure checkout process ensures a smooth experience for your visitors, increasing the chances of sales. Wix makes it easy to integrate an online store with your portfolio with use-friendly payment options to ensure seamless navigation for your clients. Learn more How to create an eCommerce website with an eCommerce website builder . 10. Optimize for SEO Sear ch Engine Optimization ( SEO ) helps your business portfolio rank in search results. The right website SEO strategy can help your portfolio drive more website traffic by identifying relevant keywords and terms specific to your industry and incorporating them strategically into your headings, page titles, descriptions and image alt text. Other Wix SEO tips include: Compressing images for faster load times Starting a blog with a blog maker Structuring URL s clearly Keeping web content fresh with frequent updates Why you need a business portfolio A well-made business portfolio is a powerful tool that attracts clients, landing new opportunities and establishing your credibility. With the right approach, you can create a portfolio that showcases your work and grows your business. A business website makes sure that no opportunities are missed. It provides a lasting impression that reinforces your expertise and helps you build meaningful connections. A strong business portfolio is an investment in your professional future, opening doors to new leads and expanding your reach in the industry. Business portfolio examples built on Wix 01. R Consulting Firm R Consulting Firm ’s portfolio does a fantastic job of blending professionalism with clarity. This business portfolio is clean and easy to navigate and uses consistent colors and logos throughout the site, helping to establish credibility and trust with visitors. They clearly state their value propositions with concise sections presenting their services, client testimonials and case studies. The addition of a blog enhances their authority and keeps the content fresh and engaging. 02. Wolfe Business Consulting Services Wolfe Business Consulting Service ’s portfolio highlights their business expertise with a sleek, modern design. Their easy-to-follow content paired with clear calls to action (CTAs) makes the website user-friendly and entices readers to want to learn more. The services are well-organized and prominently displayed, with an emphasis on results and success stories that speak directly to potential clients. The professional images, including a professional headshot, further enforce credibility. 03. Mega Green Solutions Mega Green Solutions ’ portfolio effectively demonstrates a personal touch while maintaining a professional feel. Their initiative for clean solutions is clear from the start—with a focus on their work highlighted throughout their site. The color scheme and fonts are consistent and easy on the eyes, helping keep the attention on the portfolio’s content. By adding client testimonials and a brief section adds trust and personalization. 04. Laguna Enchantress Laguna Enchantress ’s business portfolio stands out with its beautiful visuals, making use of large high-quality images to showcase products and services. The website design includes an intuitive layout, allowing users to quickly find the information they’re looking for. Overall, this portfolio conveys professionalism, making it a great example of how to attract attention and inquiries. 05. Alex Gibson Lighting Design Alex Gibson ’s portfolio excels by showcasing the artistry of lighting design through beautiful imagery and clear project descriptions. The use of a dark, elegant color palette complements the nature of the business, allowing the lighting design to truly stand out. The concise and impactful layout, along with an easy to navigate gallery, helps visitors easily understand the designer’s offerings. Gibson’s inclusion of contact and social media links encourages direct engagement, making it very easy for clients to reach out. How to make a business portfolio FAQ How do I create a portfolio without any business experience? If you're just starting out and don’t have business experience to draw from, focus on showcasing your existing skills, educational background and personal projects. Include examples of work you’ve done during school, internships or even on your own time. Highlight volunteer work or speculative projects that align with your intended business field, as these can demonstrate your initiative and potential. Don’t forget to include any certifications, training or accomplishments that add credibility. What is a business portfolio example? A business portfolio example might feature a freelancer’s collection of past client projects, showcasing the results they’ve delivered and the skills they’ve applied. For a consultancy, it could include case studies of successful strategies they’ve implemented for clients, complete with data and testimonials. Even startups can create portfolios by presenting products, prototypes or early achievements to show their progress. What is an example of a portfolio company? A portfolio company can refer to a startup that is part of a venture capital firm’s investment portfolio, often displayed to show the firm’s range of investments. It could also be a subsidiary that is managed by a larger parent company as part of a broader business strategy. For instance, a tech giant’s portfolio might include smaller companies they’ve acquired to expand into new markets or develop innovative solutions. What does a portfolio look like? A portfolio typically includes key sections such as an about web page to introduce yourself or your business, work examples to demonstrate your skills or accomplishments, and a contact page to make it easy to reach you. Some include optional features like eCommerce functionality for selling services or links to social media to showcase your online presence. The design of the portfolio is often clean, professional and tailored to your industry, emphasizing both usability and aesthetics to leave a strong impression.
- What is a lightbox in web design and how to create one
It’s a familiar scene: We’re calmly browsing the web, gliding from one page to another when we’re suddenly faced with a popup right across the center of our screen. Frustrating, right? But lightbox popups needn’t be frustrating at all. In fact, they can be highly beneficial in notifying users about promotions they may be interested in, or simply placing important content in the limelight. The key to creating successful lightbox popups on your website lies in mastering their timing, design and copy (more on that later). When you start your website design , take into account the advantages a lightbox can have on your business. Done right, a lightbox popup can skyrocket your company’s leads and subscription rates. This research by OptiMonk shows how BitNinja managed to increase their leads by 65%, thanks to adding a lightbox at a strategic point on their site. Imagine what that could mean in revenue. Here’s everything you need to know about lightboxes , from what they are, to inspirational examples, how to create one when learning how to make a website and more. What is a lightbox? In web design, a lightbox popup is a window overlay that appears on top of a webpage, blocking some of the content on the page. When a popup appears, the background is often dimmed and disabled, meaning that site visitors cannot interact with other content on the website. This draws attention to the lightbox itself. A lightbox can appear anywhere on the screen - in the center, or as a strip at the top, bottom or sides of the page. Lightboxes are often used to obtain potential customers’ email addresses - a great step in your email marketing efforts. This can be achieved in various ways, for example inviting visitors to subscribe to your blog , receive updates and newsletters, or get a discount on your products. Additionally, lightboxes can also be used to emphasize any important messages, such as deals, promotions or events you’re hosting. They can also be implemented to ensure site visitors don’t miss a certain image or video that you want to share with them. Learn more: What is web design? Lightbox website examples Lightboxes can come in an array of styles, from a combination of images with text, to text on a plain background, and more. To set you on the right path, here are a few spot-on lightbox examples from a selection of the best website designs : Promotion lightbox Consider treating your site visitors to a special discount when signing up, just like women’s fashion brand Triptyc London has done here. The design of their lightbox is clean, light and airy, making it extra inviting. They’ve also included an image to help grab attention and entice visitors. Mobile lightbox When designing with your mobile website in mind, you generally don’t want to bombard your site visitors with information that will distract them. In order to disrupt their browsing experience as little as possible, keep lightboxes to a minimum and go for an unobtrusive design. Slow movement brand Sunny has ensured the popup only takes up a portion of the screen and has used friendly, inviting text to complement it. Email lightbox A striking shade of yellow and a bold pattern greet you on Howl, New York ’s lightbox popup. The honest, tongue-in-cheek tone in the sentence at the bottom brings a smile to our faces, encouraging us to join their mailing list. Cookies lightbox It’s now commonplace to notify site visitors of your cookies policy. Food Algorithm have done the same on their website, utilizing a lightbox in the form of a thin strip at the top of the page. It’s unobtrusive and stylishly meshes with the rest of their design, both in terms of the website color scheme and the choice of font. Thanks to the dimming of the rest of the page, this subtle lightbox still manages to stand out. When and how to use a lightbox popup on your website Faced with notifications and popups on a regular basis, many of us seem to have developed an ability to automatically ignore them, or to simply close them straight away. To make the most out of your lightboxes, and to ensure you’re not disrupting site visitors with too much info, here are a few basic principles on how to use popups on your site: Don’t show a popup straight away. Think about it - why would visitors want to sign up to your mailing list if they don’t even know what it is that your brand does? Set the lightbox to appear once your users have spent some time browsing and are already engaged on some level. Trigger your lightbox to appear on a contextually relevant page. You can set a specific page for your lightbox to appear on. For example, if you want to invite visitors to subscribe to your blog, consider doing so when they’re on your blog page, as opposed to your homepage. If you want to offer them a discount, your lightbox could appear when they’re on your online store page. Consider adding an exit popup . These are overlays that appear just as a visitor is about to leave your site. They are seen as a powerful way of increasing conversion. They can help stop visitors from abandoning your website, by offering them a final piece of content and, hopefully, convincing them to subscribe to your mailing list. Refrain from popups when users are in the middle of a task. This will interrupt your visitors’ flow and your overall website navigation. For example, if users are in the process of scheduling an appointment on your online booking system , they don’t want to be interrupted with other information midway. Not all messages need to be in the form of a popup. While popups are great for grabbing attention, they can also be overwhelming. Minimize your use of popups by considering whether certain elements or messages can be displayed in an alternative format. For example, if you have a nonprofit website and want visitors to donate, it could be as equally effective to include a ‘Donate’ button in the menu that stays put while you scroll, like HERoines Inc. have done on their Wix site. The same goes for presenting error messages when incorrectly filling in an online form, like in the example below. In cases like these, popup warning signs are often used, but a simple message or red warning sign can also do the trick. Lightbox design and copywriting tips Keep it simple. This holds true for both the design and the wording of your popup. Your lightbox design is supposed to grab attention, so there’s no need for intricate details. Instead, opt for a clean, bold look. Ensure that the text is easily readable on the website background in terms of size and color contrast. Implement clear, to-the-point language. Make sure the message you want to put across is easily understood by going for simple words that don’t beat around the bush. Of course, you can always add a small personal nuance that reinforces your brand identity. Use visual hierarchy in your text. Pinpoint what the central message of your popup is, and then make sure it’s the most prominent item of text in your design. For example, if you want to offer your customers 10% off, this information should stand out by being larger in size and having some empty space around it. Keep aligned with the rest of your brand identity. You do want your lightbox to stand out, but not like a sore thumb. Ensure the visual language is cohesive with the rest of your website’s design, in terms of color palette, typography and general look. Make your CTA (call-to-action) button stand out. There should generally just be one button that users need to click on your popup - and that’s usually the ‘Sign Up’ button (or some other form of CTA). Make it pop out by using a dominant color that stands out against the background, or emphasize it with a border. Include clear text on your CTA. Users should instantly understand what it is they’re clicking. Depending on the context, commonly used phrases are ‘Sign Up’ or ‘Subscribe,’ but you can also add a touch of personality by going for something like ‘Keep me in the loop’ or ‘Join the fun.’ Consider adding an eye-catching image that fits your brand. Images are great for grabbing attention and enticing site visitors, as well as setting a certain tone. You can find icons that compliment the message you’re conveying, while making sure it doesn’t block or interfere with the text. How to create a lightbox There are a few simple steps involved in adding a popup on your Wix website: In the Editor , click ‘Add’ on the left-hand side. Click ‘Lightbox’. Select your favorite lightbox design out of the list of categories. Drag the lightbox element onto your page. Click ‘Set Triggers’ to start setting up your lightbox. Lastly, you can edit the text, adjust the placement of the lightbox on the screen (click the ‘Layout’ button) and customize the design (click the ‘Design’ button) to match your needs. Now you’re good to go!











