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By selling eco-friendly products, your eCommerce business  can demonstrate its commitment to sustainable practices while empowering consumers to help the earth in ways they may not have realized were possible. Global warming. Sustainability. Plastic pollution. Environmentally conscious consumers are starting to voice their opinions on these important topics and taking action toward a healthier planet by way of their wallets. In fact, as many as two-thirds of U.S. consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable and organic products, according to PDI Technologies . All in all, selling eco-friendly products can: Help attract new, environmentally conscious customers Improve brand recognition and customer loyalty by positioning your business as socially responsible Reduce your environmental impact and costs through waste reduction and using sustainable materials Open the door to new service offerings (e.g. resale, repair, refurbishment, etc.), which can lead to additional revenue streams In this article, we’ll explore some of the top eco-friendly products to sell, plus highlight examples of business ideas  that are already making a difference. Read Also: How to start a business , eCommerce business ideas , How to manufacture a product What are eco-friendly products? Eco-friendly refers to products that are designed and produced with the goal of having a minimal impact on the environment when used or manufactured. These products are also referred to as green, earth-friendly, or bio-friendly. Eco-friendly products are often: Made from sustainable, organic, renewable, and/or recyclable materials Designed to conserve resources like energy and water Packaged in a way that reduces waste Free of harmful chemicals or pollutants Designed to be reusable, reducing the carbon footprint for manufacturers and consumers As a business, you may not be able to offer products that fit all of the above criteria but you can choose to focus on certain factors as part of your niche or a unique selling point. For example, you could focus on products made of sustainable materials, or you could focus on curating products that are free from chemicals and pollutants. Or even consider selling only digital products . The top eco-friendly products to sell online Think of a product. Any product. Chances are, no matter what product you thought of, there is an eco-friendly version available—somewhere. According to a study by Genomatica , many consumers are interested in buying sustainable products. However, nearly half of them say that they don’t know where to find sustainable brands. Needless to say, there’s a big opportunity for your brand to make eco-friendly alternatives more accessible to consumers. Below are some high-demand, eco-friendly product and potential online business ideas  to get your creative juices flowing. Earth-friendly or ethically made household goods Sustainable or ethical fashion Recycled or upcycled products Natural and ethical personal care products Sustainably packaged consumer goods Renewable energy tech accessories and gear Reusable storage solutions Earth-friendly pet products Eco-friendly gardening products Sustainable and renewable fitness gear Eco-friendly toys and games 01. Earth-friendly or ethically made household goods When it comes to selling earth-friendly and ethical household items, the possibilities are endless. You could sell reusable kitchen items—such as water bottles, coffee cups, silicone straws, food wraps, napkins, and paper towels—that use all-natural or biodegradable materials like bamboo or hemp. Or, offer household supplies like soaps, detergents, and surface cleaners that are made from non-toxic, earthy-friendly materials. Even utilitarian and decorative household goods—like furniture, rugs, linens, and throws—can be sourced more sustainably. As an example, textile shop Kaekoo  sells beautiful, handcrafted throw pillows and home goods from around the globe. Each item is ethically created and has a story of its own. 02. Sustainable or ethical fashion The fashion industry has long been scrutinized for its carbon footprint and has responded with a slew of innovative products (swimsuits made of recycled materials, vegan yoga mats, etc.). Unfortunately, the results of these innovations are decidedly uneven—with the overall impact being almost negligible. However, this provides a unique opportunity for your business to set itself apart from the competition by being selective of the suppliers and manufacturers you partner with. Find partners who use sustainable materials like organic cotton, industrial hemp, bamboo, or wool from humanely-treated animals. Another idea: tap a print-on-demand  (POD) service like Modalyst , which offers a large selection of customizable eco-friendly products and only prints items when an order comes in. Alternatively, you could consider reselling gently used, quality, or vintage clothing like Henny Penny Vintage  does. By pledging to only sell pre-loved items, Henny Penny aims to “[give] fast fashion the middle finger.” Pro tip: Explore eCommerce website templates  to help you get started with your sustainable fashion brand. Learn more: How to find products to sell online 03. Recycled or upcycled products Clever artisans around the world are finding ways to reuse and upcycle discarded items, turning them into something beautiful. For example, Handlebend ’s founders started its business by making hand-crafted mugs for friends and family out of copper scraps. The mugs were such a hit that Handlebend soon blossomed into a successful D2C eCommerce brand. As another example, Alyssa, the self-taught jewelry crafter behind The Antlered Doe , now runs a sustainable eCommerce business making jewelry from naturally shed antlers. One-of-a-kind treasures like these can help separate your business from the competition. With the right product positioning , you can build customer loyalty and drive consumer demand for unconventionally produced products. 04. Natural, organic, and ethical personal care products Consumers are more conscious of what they put on their skin and in their bodies these days, and many are looking for products made from natural ingredients that are safe and effective. Selling personal care products that are both natural and ethically made can align your business with the socially responsible movement. You could sell a variety of natural, organic, and ethical personal care products like soaps, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, and toothpaste. As shown in the example below, make sure to align your branding with your efforts, using bold copy (“just like nature intended”) and easy-to-find filters so that visitors don’t have to look far for relevant results. 05. Sustainably packaged consumer goods With increased awareness of the impact that waste and resource depletion can have on our planet, consumers seek eco-friendly packaging alternatives. These include materials that are recycled, biodegradable, or reusable instead of traditional packaging, such as plastic or single-use paper. For example, Mananalu , founded by actor Jason Momoa, presents purified water packaged in a recyclable and reusable aluminum bottle. For every bottle consumed, Mananalu promises to remove one plastic bottle from ocean-bound waste. 06. Renewable energy tech accessories and gear Today’s devices are largely powered by electricity generated from finite and non-renewable fossil fuels, contributing to global warming and climate change. As a small business, you could offer renewable energy products like personal water filters, solar radios, geothermal cookers, rechargeable batteries, and even portable solar chargers. Or, sell smart energy monitors that allow consumers to monitor their energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint. Flower Turbines  is a great example of a company that brings together renewable energy technology and sustainability in an artistic way. The business has scaled down the concept of wind turbines for individual use in an eye-catching and colorful tulip-shaped design, which looks more like art than an alternative energy source. 07. Reusable storage solutions Reusable storage options, such as glass containers with bamboo lids, food-grade silicone containers and organic cotton or hemp shopping bags, provide sustainable alternatives to single-use, disposable packaging. By using chemical-free materials, reusable storage options promote a healthier lifestyle. Plus, they’re often more durable. In addition, reusable storage solutions deliver a more environmentally responsible option for organizing personal items, as opposed to traditional storage products that ultimately contribute to landfills, take centuries to decompose, and harm marine life if they wind up in oceans. 08. Earth-friendly pet products It’s no secret that many pet lovers view their pets as part of the family, and it’s easy to understand why pet owners only want the best for their furry house members. In this vein, you could sell earth-friendly pet products that are non-toxic and use sustainable packaging made from biodegradable or recycled materials. Earth-friendly alternatives to popular pet toys, bedding, litter, flea protection, and food could be another great addition, given that they’re frequently replenished (and can thereby generate consistent revenue). Diamond Dogs strives to reduce the impact plastic has on the environment by sourcing pet supplies that are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and sustainable from like-minded suppliers. 09. Eco-friendly gardening products More than half of U.S. households participate in gardening activities, according to research by RubyHome , increasing the demand for eco-friendly gardening supplies. After all, natural, sustainable, and nontoxic materials are safer for both the gardener and the garden. Think: organic fertilizers, natural pesticides, compost bins, and rain barrels. Garden tools made from recycled or biodegradable materials (like bamboo or wooden garden stakes, coconut coir pots, and cloth garden bags) could further enhance your catalog. 10. Sustainable and renewable fitness gear Fitness gear—like yoga mats, gym bags, water bottles, resistance bands, and athletic clothing—made from eco-friendly materials—like recycled plastic, Lyocell/TENCEL (made from eucalyptus trees), organic cotton, and bamboo—can lower your carbon footprint. Not to mention that they can satiate expectations around both style and environmental responsibility. For inspiration: Wholesaler Preloved Kilo  sells gently used, vintage sportswear (alongside other types of clothing) in an effort to keep items out of landfills. It also aims to save consumers money with its unique pay-by-weight pricing model. 11. Eco-friendly toys and games The demand for sustainable toys and games is rising across the globe and is predicted to increase 12.5% annually through 2030, according to Allied Market Research . This is thanks, in part, to social media influencers who are helping to drive interest in eco-friendly products. Eco-friendly toys and games are available in materials like recycled plastic, sustainable wood (like bamboo), and organic cotton. Eco-friendly toys and games can include anything from dolls, action figures, construction sets, games, puzzles, sports toys, and more. How to select the right eco-friendly products to sell Choosing the right eco-friendly products to sell requires more than simply picking your favorite products from the list. Rather, consider how your product decisions will impact your branding and eCommerce business plan . Determine which eco-friendly products are best aligned with your business’s overall brand, goals and target market. Things to consider: Environmental impact : Eco-friendly products can vary greatly in how they impact sustainability, energy efficiency and carbon footprint. Consider which aspects are most important to your business and its initiatives, then hone in on products that meet your selected standards. Business alignment: Consider whether the product aligns with your business’s mission, values, branding, target audience, and marketing strategy. The more aligned the product is, the greater the potential for generating a positive return on your investment. Ethics : Sustainable or natural materials don’t guarantee ethical production practices (e.g. fair wages and working conditions, responsible materials sourcing, ethical treatment of animals, etc.). For example, you may decide to focus on offering cruelty-free cosmetics and household cleaners, while prioritizing sustainable materials for clothing. Sourcing : Eco-friendly products can be sourced directly from manufacturers, dropshippers, and local suppliers, or made in-house to reduce your carbon footprint. Market trends : Use consumer reports, trade publications, and tools like Google Trends  to determine which eco-friendly products are in high demand within your industry. Packaging : Be mindful of packaging. Consumers may prefer products with eco-friendly packaging like paper, cardboard, plant materials or biodegradable polymers. But as a business, you need to weigh the benefits versus the costs and choose the products and packaging options that are most feasible. Manufacturing and distribution costs : Consider the production and distribution costs of eco-friendly products compared to that of traditional products to determine feasibility, marketplace viability, and potential cost savings. Furthermore, avoid surprises by taking a proactive approach to understanding any logistical challenges you may need to anticipate or accommodate. Product certifications : When sourcing items, consider a product’s certifications (i.e. organic, sustainably sourced, chemical-free). Certifications can assist you in selecting products that meet a certain standard. Additionally, because they are often verified by a third-party authority, certifications can add credibility and an additional selling point for your business. Government incentives and regulations : As a seller or user of sustainable products and materials, you may qualify for government incentives including tax credits, rebates, and even marketing support through government-sponsored websites. Selling products online  that are eco-friendly is not only a responsible choice for your business. It can also be profitable and help to build brand loyalty. To achieve the best results, take time to plan your product strategy carefully, complete with market analysis and product research. Use a product name generator  for more inspiration.

Get started by:  Creating an online store →  |  Getting a domain → Do you have a product or idea you’d like to turn into an online business? Today, it’s easier than ever to sell online by launching an eCommerce website . Whether you're a seasoned business owner or a budding entrepreneur, the online world offers unlimited opportunities to sell your products to a diverse and ever-growing customer base.  The key to your success is learning how to sell and market your ideas online. This article is your guide, providing step-by-step instructions to transform your online selling dream into reality. From defining your niche to starting your online store , we've got every angle covered to ensure you're equipped with the knowledge to thrive when it comes to selling online. Ready to start selling? Create an online store  with Wix. How to sell online in ten steps Choose your products Research the market and define your niche Build your online store Identify your target audience Set up shipping Set up how you get paid Use a marketplace Optimize and grow how you sell online Market your products and use social proof Offer good customer service 01. Choose your products Choosing which products to sell online can significantly impact the success of your eCommerce business  venture. It's not just about what you want to sell but what your customers want to buy. Here are some steps to guide you in making the best product choices to sell online: Align with your niche: Your products should naturally fit your niche. This alignment ensures your offerings are relevant and appealing to your target audience. Research market demand:  Research the market demand for potential products. Tools like Google Keyword Planner and SEMrush can help you understand search trends and consumer interest in different products. Forecast profit potential:  Consider the profitability of the products. This includes understanding the cost of goods, shipping expenses, and the potential retail price. Use tools like Ahrefs to analyze the profitability of similar products in your niche. Develop a unique selling proposition (USP) :  What makes your products stand out? Whether you focus on quality, price, uniqueness or customization options, your USP should resonate with your target market and be an important factor in your product selection. Consider dropshipping :  If you're hesitant to invest in inventory, consider starting a dropshipping business . This model allows you to sell products directly from suppliers without stocking them, reducing the initial investment and risk. You'll need to create a dropshipping website  to get started. Get feedback:  Before fully committing, poll friends, family, or potential customers within your target market to gauge their interest in your product or service. Social media and customer reviews can provide insights into what products are popular and what improvements or variations could be made. Monitor the responses to refine your offering. Learn more: What is eCommerce? How to sell on Wix Can I sell products on Wix? 02. Research the market and define your niche One of the first and most crucial steps to online selling is finding your sweet spot in the online marketplace – your niche. A well-defined niche helps you focus your business strategy, cater to a specific audience and stand out in a crowded marketplace. But how do you find a niche to sell online that is not only profitable but also resonates with your interests and expertise? Focus on your passion: Start with what you know and love. Your passion can be a key indicator of your niche. This alignment keeps you motivated and lends authenticity to your brand. Perform market research:  Dive deep into understanding potential customers' needs and pain points. Platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit can be goldmines for this kind of insight. Join groups and follow discussions to learn what your target audience is looking for and the problems they face. Analyze competitors:  Understanding what your competitors are doing right (or wrong) can offer valuable lessons. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to identify market gaps and low-competition areas that align with your interests. (Note: A Google Ads account is required to access the Google Keyword Planner.) Gauge profitability:  The ultimate goal is to make a profit, so it's crucial to assess the financial viability of your niche. Look for keywords with significant search volumes but lower competition, indicating a profitable niche with room for growth. Using tools to help identify your niche to sell online: Several eCommerce tools  can aid your market research by providing valuable insights into market trends, consumer behaviors and competitive landscapes. As a result, you can make better- informed decisions about your niche and target audience.  03. Build your online store There’s a lot to know about how to start a business  online and building your online store is a critical step in your journey toward selling online. The best eCommerce platforms , like Wix, make this process straightforward and accessible, even for those with no technical background.  Here’s how you can build an engaging and functional online store using Wix: Choose a website template : Wix offers a variety of online store templates . Select one that aligns with your brand and niche. These templates are visually appealing and user-friendly. Customize your website design :  Personalize your chosen template to match your brand identity. Wix's drag-and-drop website builder  makes it easy to customize layouts, add images, and change color schemes without coding. Add your products:  Upload high-quality product images, write detailed descriptions, and add prices. Wix allows you to create a detailed product catalog that is informative and easy to navigate. Optimize for SEO:  Use Wix's built-in SEO tools  to optimize your store's visibility in search engines. This includes customizing your page titles, meta descriptions and URLs. Test mobile friendliness:  Ensure that your online store is mobile-friendly. Wix templates look great on desktop and mobile devices, providing a seamless shopping experience for customers. Still, testing your website from multiple devices is always good practice to create a consistent and cohesive user experience. Select a business name : As a general rule of thumb, your business name should be memorable, catchy, and easy to spell. If you’re struggling to develop a name for your store, Wix offers a free store name generator  to spark your creativity.  Install supportive apps: Enhance your store's functionality by adding apps from the Wix App Market . 04. Identify your target audience In order to sell effectively online you'll need to tailor your online store and marketing efforts  to meet your customer’s needs. This requires you to identify and understand your target audience. In turn, you can create more effective marketing strategies, enhance customer engagement and increase the likelihood of successful sales. Here’s how you can pinpoint and connect with your ideal customers to understand how to sell online: Define demographics:  Start by defining the age, gender, location, income level, education level, and occupation of your potential customers. These demographics provide a basic understanding of who your audience is. Create customer profiles:  Delve into the lifestyle, interests, values, attitudes, and opinions of your target audience to create ideal customer profiles. This deeper understanding helps in creating more personalized marketing messages. Identify a need:  Identify your target audience's specific needs, pain points and preferences. What are they looking for in products or services in your niche? How can you solve their problems or improve their lives? 05. Set up shipping Each shipping method has different advantages and caters to different types of products and customer experiences. Choose an appropriate shipping strategy based on your type of business  model, product types, and the type of customer experience you want to create.  Flat rate shipping: A uniform shipping rate regardless of product size, weight or quantity. Ideal for similar-sized products. Free shipping: Encourages purchases by offering no shipping cost, often with conditions like minimum order value. Absorbed by the business or included in product pricing. Fixed-rate shipping: Shipping costs vary based on criteria like weight or product type, offering more cost-reflection accuracy. Real-time carrier rates: Shipping charges are based on live rates from carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS), reflecting actual costs by weight and destination. Local delivery:  A cost-effective option for significant local customer bases, using personal delivery or local couriers. International shipping: Covers global reach with higher rates and considerations for customs and import taxes, requiring clear cost and delivery time communication. Wix allows integration with various shipping providers to automate the eCommerce shipping  process, provide real-time shipping rates, and streamline order fulfillment. See our Guide to Setting Up Shipping, Delivery and Pickup  for detailed setup and configuration instructions. 06. Set up how you get paid Once you have set up your online store, it’s time to set up a reliable, efficient, seamless payment system. Wix Payments offers a streamlined card payment solution  to handle transactions smoothly no matter where your customers are located or what currency they use. For detailed setup instructions, read:   Completing your Wix Payments account setup . Wix Payments allows you to manage all transactions directly through your Wix account and can integrate with various accounting software. It supports several payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards and digital wallets, making it easier for customers to complete purchases.  Your customers' transaction data is protected with Wix's robust security measures , giving you and your customers peace of mind during transactions. Additionally, Wix's built-in fraud protection mechanisms safeguard against unauthorized transactions and reduce the risk of chargebacks. Track and manage all transactions through the dashboard. This centralized system helps you monitor sales, discounts, refunds and payouts seamlessly. 07. Use a marketplace to expand your sales channels Diversify your reach and increase revenue potential by leveraging multiple sales platforms. This allows you to tap into different customer bases and maximize your online presence allowing customers to shop your products and buy from you no matter where they are. Here are some sales channels to consider: Facebook Marketplace: With billions of users, Facebook is a vast marketplace. You can use Facebook Shop to sell directly from your page, join Facebook groups related to your niche, or use Facebook ads to target specific demographics. Learn more about how to sell on Facebook . Etsy: Ideal for handmade, vintage, and unique goods, Etsy offers a niche market with a community of engaged customers. It's particularly beneficial if your products cater to a creative or artisanal audience. Learn more about how to sell on Etsy. Amazon: As one of the largest global marketplaces, Amazon can significantly increase your product’s visibility. Utilizing Amazon's fulfillment services can also streamline your shipping and customer service processes. Learn more about how to sell on Amazon . eBay: Known for both auctions and regular sales, eBay is versatile and attracts a diverse audience. It's particularly effective for rare items, collectibles, or products that benefit from a bidding process. Learn more about how to sell on eBay. TikTok: A rapidly growing platform, TikTok is excellent for creative marketing and reaching a younger audience. Utilize TikTok's unique video format to showcase your products engagingly. Learn more about how to make money on TikTok. Instagram: With its visual focus, Instagram is perfect for showcasing products through high-quality images and stories. Instagram Shopping also allows for direct sales through the app. Learn more about how to sell on Instagram . Pinterest: Ideal for lifestyle, decor, fashion and DIY products, Pinterest helps drive traffic to your website through visually appealing pins linked to your products. YouTube : The second most visited website in the world is a great place to attract potential buyers. Learn more about how to sell on YouTube . 08. Optimize and grow how you sell online Once your online store is up and running, the focus shifts to optimization and growth to expand your online store’s success. Continuous improvement and adaptation is key to meeting the evolving needs of your customers. There are many ways to maintain a competitive edge while keeping your customers engaged and coming back for more.  Monitor performance: Regularly review your store’s performance using Wix analytics tools  or third-party tools like GA4. Track metrics, such as website traffic, conversion rates, bounce rates and customer engagement, to understand your store's strengths and areas for improvement.  Get customer feedback: Actively seek and respond to customer feedback. This not only helps in enhancing your products and services but also builds customer loyalty. Consider implementing features like customer surveys or feedback forms on your website. Monitor market trends: Stay abreast of the latest market trends and consumer behaviors. Adapting to these trends can help you remain relevant and appealing to your target audience. Search engine optimization (SEO): Optimize your website for search engines to improve visibility organically. Include relevant keywords, create quality content and ensure your site is mobile-friendly and fast-loading. Expand product lines: Consider expanding your product lines or offering complementary products. This can attract new customers and provide more options for existing customers, increasing sales and customer retention. Refine your strategy:  Regularly review and adjust your marketing strategy based on performance data and customer feedback. Experiment with different marketing tactics and channels to find what works best for your audience. Use automation:  Implement automation tools to streamline operations like inventory management, order processing and customer service. Efficient operations can reduce costs and improve customer experiences. For example, you can grow your online store with Wix AI Site Chat , which delivers real-time support that keeps customers engaged and ready to buy. Easy to set up and always on, it smooths the path to checkout so your store keeps moving, even when you’re off the clock. You can also check out the Wix AI Site Chat overview  for a deeper look at how it works. Explore new markets:  Consider expanding into new markets or demographics as your business grows. Research and test these markets before fully committing to ensure they align with your business strategy. 09. Market your products and use social proof Once you’ve built your online store, added products, and configured shipping and payment options, it’s time to start driving traffic to in order to be able to sell online profitably.  A multi-channel marketing approach is an essential step in attracting and engaging customers online. In fact, a well-crafted marketing strategy can significantly enhance your online store’s visibility and sales. Let’s take a look at some of the top ways to sell online and extend your customer reach: Social media marketing: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are potent tools for reaching and engaging with your audience. Share compelling content, interact with your followers and use targeted ads to reach potential customers. Partnerships and collaborations:  Collaborate with influencers, bloggers or other businesses to reach a wider audience. This can include sponsored content, affiliate marketing or co-branded products. Paid advertising:  Invest in paid ads on platforms like Google AdWords, Facebook and Instagram. Target ads to specific demographics, interests and behaviors, ensuring potential customers see your products. Email marketing:  Build an email list and engage subscribers with regular updates, exclusive offers and personalized content. Email marketing is a great way to nurture leads and encourage repeat business. Content marketing: Create valuable content related to your products, such as blogs, videos or infographics. This helps in SEO and establishes your brand as an authority in your niche. You can also leverage social proof to build trust and credibility with potential customers. Social proof can take many forms, such as customer reviews, testimonials, influencer endorsements or case studies, and it serves as validation that others have had positive experiences with your product or service. By showcasing positive feedback and experiences, you reassure potential buyers about the quality and reliability of your offerings. Including elements of social proof on your product pages, social media platforms or marketing campaigns can significantly influence purchasing decisions, helping to boost conversion rates and foster customer loyalty. If you’re a solo entrepreneur, you may need to start with one or two of these strategies and add more as you go. Choose the strategies that are feasible for you to maintain consistently and are most likely to reach your target audience as you start selling online. 10. Offer good customer service Providing exceptional customer service is important in successful online selling. In today's competitive marketplace, buyers have plenty of options, and the service they receive can significantly influence their purchase decision and overall customer experience. To offer outstanding customer service, make sure you respond promptly to inquiries, address concerns and resolve issues efficiently. Implementing a user-friendly FAQ section on your website can help address common questions quickly. You can also consider providing various channels for support, such as live chat, email and social media, to make it easy for customers to reach you. Offering personalized service, such as follow-ups and thank-you messages, can foster a positive relationship too. How to find products to sell online : spot hidden frustrations, explore untapped niches, and turn overlooked problems into products people actually want. Which products are most profitable to sell online? Choosing what to sell online can significantly impact your store's profitability. Some product categories consistently perform well due to high demand, good profit margins, or growing market trends. Here are some of the most profitable product categories to sell online: Beauty and personal care products: The U.S. is the revenue leader in this category, with an average profit margin of  40% . The market is projected to reach $104.74 billion by 2025 and grow at an annual rate of 2.90% (CAGR 2025-2030), showing significant potential for new businesses. Learn more about how to start a beauty business . Apparel: With an average net profit margin of 7.06% and a global industry revenue projection exceeding $1.94 trillion  by 2027, your online clothing business could present substantial returns and growth opportunities. Home decor:  Thanks to an evolving consumer focus on eco-friendly products and smart home innovations, the global home decor market is poised to reach $1.1 billion  by 2032. With an average profit margin of 20%, this sector could result in a potentially lucrative business opportunity​. Candles:   The candle industry is expected to grow to $20.10 billion by 2030, with a 6.4% annual growth. High demand among female millennials for stylish home decor offers an average profit margin of 50%. Children’s toys:  Reaching $108.29  billion in 2023, the global toy market is projected to grow to $156.96 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 4.1%. This could be a viable business opportunity with a 30% average profit margin​. Sunglasses:  With an average profit margin of 50%, the global sunglasses market is poised to reach $25.83 billion  in 2024, with a projected CAGR of 4.38% from 2023 to 2027. You could tap into this growth, fueled by increasing worldwide demand for functional and fashionable sunglasses, with significant revenue and profitability potential. Collectibles and vintage items: The collectibles market, valued at $458.2 billion  in 2022 and expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2033, offers an average profit margin of 30%, with the rarity of items significantly impacting your potential profits. Baby products:  Valued at $320.65 billion  in 2023 and an average profit margin of 40%, you can capitalize on the baby products sector’s growth at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is largely driven by a demand for high-quality, chemical-free products focused on baby health and hygiene​. Online courses:   If you like to develop courses, you could build a successful business within the online education sector. The market is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 8.20%, resulting in a projected market volume of $279.30 billion by 2029. The Wix eCommerce platform includes tools to help you create and sell your programs and courses online. Meal planning: With an average profit margin of  9.28% , your meal planning and food prep business can address various dietary needs and preferences, gaining popularity due to busy lifestyles and focusing on health and wellness​. Small electronics and accessories:  Tap into the growing market for small electronics like earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, watch and laptop accessories with profit margins ranging from 25% to 80% for sellers. Learn more: How to sell party supplies online Online products to sell: explore different types of products, from practical solutions to trending items, that people are eager to buy. What are the easiest products to sell online? Selling online starts with choosing the right things to sell, whether it's your own creations or items from suppliers. Making your own products gives you control over design, branding and marketing, offering something unique like handmade candles, custom mugs, t-shirts or digital downloads. Sourcing from suppliers is quicker and easier to start. Focus on products that are simple to ship and market for online success. Easy to market : Choose products that come with ready-to-use marketing tools. For example, a supplier might offer visuals for personalized jewelry or a demo video for a wireless electric cleaning brush, helping customers quickly connect with the product. Easy to ship : Focus on small, lightweight, durable products to keep shipping costs low and avoid damage. Items like phone cases or tote bags are ideal because they’re cost-effective and hassle-free to deliver. Widely available : Avoid stock issues by choosing products from multiple suppliers. Relying on one supplier can lead to delays or shortages. Items like custom T-shirts or coffee mugs are easy to source from different manufacturers, keeping your inventory reliable. Easy to communicate and understand : Products with a clear purpose are easier to sell. Picture fridge organizers—they instantly show their value, like creating a tidier kitchen, without the need for a lengthy explanation. Evergreen products : These sell year-round, no matter the season. Think reusable water bottles, scarves, home decor or yoga mats. Evergreen items provide steady sales and save you from constantly adjusting your marketing strategy and online store content. Where can you sell online? Choosing the right platform to sell online is key to connecting with your target audience and achieving your business goals, whether you’re building your brand or expanding your reach: Your own online store:  Create a fully branded, customized shopping experience by building your own online store. Wix makes setup simple, giving you complete control over how you present your products. This helps you establish a unique brand identity, build trust and maintain ownership of your data. Tailor your marketing strategies and deliver a seamless shopping experience that’s all yours. Marketplaces:  Reach millions of potential customers quickly with marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Etsy or Facebook Marketplace. These platforms are great for accessing a built-in audience without needing to drive traffic yourself. Each marketplace has its strengths—Etsy is perfect for handmade or vintage items, while Amazon works for almost any product. Keep in mind that fees and limited branding control can be part of the trade-off. Social media platforms:  Sell directly to your followers with tools like Instagram Shopping, Facebook Marketplace or Pinterest. Social media is ideal for visually-focused brands and connecting with customers in a more interactive way. Consistent posts and engaging content can turn your profiles into powerful sales channels, all while keeping your audience close. How to sell online with Wix Wix makes it easy for new and growing businesses to sell online. Its AI website builder  help you create an instant online store and you can start with a free plan to test your ideas. When you're ready, upgrade to a paid plan to connect a custom domain name  and access advanced eCommerce features. Wix lets you build an eCommerce website  in minutes without needing extra platforms or plugins. It even supports dropshipping and automated dropshipping options , so you can sell products without managing any inventory. Create your eCommerce site Set up your store   With Wix’s AI-powered website builder  and pre-designed website templates, you can create professional store pages in minutes. Add high-quality images, clear pricing and detailed product descriptions. Organize items into categories to make browsing easy for customers. Manage inventory , shipping, and dropshipping Track stock, set low-inventory alerts and manage product variations. Wix integrates with dropshipping apps to automatically fulfill orders from suppliers. You can also set shipping rules based on location, weight or price to simplify logistics. Accept payments securely Wix payment processing  accepts all major credit cards, PayPal and digital wallets. You can even set up recurring payments for subscriptions. All your transactions are encrypted so they're super safe. Promote and optimize   Use Wix’s marketing tools to run email campaigns, create pop-ups, offer discounts and improve SEO. Analytics show which products perform best, helping you make smarter decisions to grow revenue. Expand your reach Link your Wix store to marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy. Easily connect with social platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Manage all sales from one simple dashboard. This saves time and cuts down on complexity. Pros and cons of selling online While selling online offers numerous opportunities, it's essential to consider the advantages and challenges involved. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions and strategize effectively for your online business. Pros of selling online Global reach:  Online selling breaks geographical barriers, allowing you to reach customers worldwide. Scalability:  Ecommerce platforms allow you to scale and grow your business to handle increased demand without significantly increasing overhead costs. Lower operating costs:  Compared to physical stores, online selling typically involves lower startup and operational costs. Convenience : Ecmmerce allows for 24/7 operations, offering convenience to you and your customers. You can be always selling. Personalization and targeting:  Online platforms provide data that can be used for personalized marketing and precise targeting of your audience. Cons of selling online Intense competition:  The online marketplace is crowded, making it challenging to stand out and attract customers. Logistical challenges:  Managing shipping, handling returns and ensuring timely delivery can be complex. Customer service demands:  Providing effective online customer service requires prompt responses and can be resource-intensive. Pro tip: Help shoppers find answers by making your return policy easy to find on your website and creating a FAQ to answer commonly asked questions. Technical issues:  Running an online store requires dealing with website maintenance, cybersecurity and potential technical glitches. However, with Wix, the security and technical details are managed for you so you can focus on running your business. Dependence on digital marketing:  Ecommerce success relies heavily on digital marketing, which can be a steep learning curve for some. Tips for selling online successfully To thrive as an online seller, adopting eCommerce strategies that set your business apart and drive business growth is essential. Here are some key tips to help you succeed when it comes to selling online: Careful product selection:  Choose products that are in demand and have a good profit margin. Use market trends and customer preferences to guide your selection. Effective marketing: Utilize multiple marketing channels to reach your audiences, such as social media, SEO, influencers, email marketing and paid advertising. Tailor your marketing strategies to align with your target audience's interests and behaviors. Engaging social media presence:  Beyond using social media to market your products or services, utilize social media platforms to connect with your audience. Share engaging content regularly, interact with your followers and build long-term relationships. Excellent customer service:  To build trust and encourage repeat business, provide outstanding customer service. Respond promptly to customer queries, handle issues efficiently and actively seek feedback to improve your services. Use of analytics:  Leverage analytics tools to gain insights into your customer behavior, website performance and the effectiveness of your marketing strategies. Use this data to make informed decisions and adapt your online selling strategy for better results. Optimal website performance :  Regularly update and optimize your website for speed, ease-of-use and mobile responsiveness.  A well-optimized website attracts more visitors and improves user experience, leading to increased sales and customer loyalty.  High-quality product images:  Use clear, high-resolution images to showcase your products. Quality visuals can significantly impact customer perception and decision-making when it comes to buying online. How to sell online FAQ What's the best platform to sell online? The best platform for selling online depends on the specific market and products you choose to sell. When choosing a platform, it's important to look for one that offers a full suite of eCommerce solutions, like Wix, such as automation, newsletter, marketing, integration and security. These features can help you maximize your sales online. How can I legally sell products online? There are a few things you need to do to legally sell products online : Register your business :  If you are selling products online, you will need to register your business with the state in which you reside. This will give you the legal right to sell products and collect sales tax. Obtain a seller's permit:  A seller's permit is a license that allows you to collect sales tax from your customers. You can obtain a seller's permit from your state's Department of Revenue. Comply with all applicable laws and regulations:  There are a number of laws and regulations that govern the sale of products online. These laws vary from state to state, so it is important to research the laws in your state. Do I have to pay taxes on items I sell online? Yes, you may have to pay taxes on items you sell online. The amount of tax you owe will depend on your location and the type of products you sell. You may also need to pay income tax on the profits you make from selling products online. How to sell online from home? To sell online from home, start by choosing a platform that aligns with your products, such as eBay, Etsy or Wix. Create detailed product listings with clear descriptions and high-quality photos. Set competitive prices and consider offering discounts or promotions to attract buyers. Use social media and online communities to market your products. Implement seamless payment processing and shipping logistics. Provide excellent customer service to build trust and encourage repeat business. Continuously monitor sales and adjust strategies accordingly to optimize your online selling experience. Where can I buy products to sell online? You can source products to sell online from various places, including wholesale suppliers, manufacturers, dropshipping companies, liquidation sales and online marketplaces like Alibaba, AliExpress, DHgate and Amazon. Additionally, consider attending trade shows, networking with local businesses, or using platforms like SaleHoo or Worldwide Brands to find reliable suppliers. Conduct thorough research to ensure quality, pricing and shipping options align with your business goals. Moreover, explore niche-specific forums or social media groups to discover unique products or connect with small-scale producers. Ultimately, diversifying your sourcing channels can help maintain a competitive edge in the online marketplace. How can online sellers tap into the growing market for subscription-based products and services? The best way is by developing their own subscription business model, based on whatever product they plan to sell online. Consider the following: Creating curated monthly product boxes Offering tiered membership plans with exclusive benefits Providing automatic replenishment services for consumables Developing digital content subscriptions related to your products Implementing a "Subscribe & Save" option for repeat purchases What innovative strategies can online sellers use to recreate the tactile experience of in-store shopping? Offering augmented reality (AR) try-on features Providing detailed 360-degree product views Creating interactive product demonstrations or unboxing videos Offering virtual personal shopping appointments

Get started by:  Creating an online store →   The next best-selling product probably won’t come from a flash of genius—it’ll come from something that quietly annoys people every day. The drawer that never closes smoothly. The desk that’s always a little too cluttered. The water bottle that leaks just enough to ruin a bag. Most people shrug and move on. Entrepreneurs pay attention. Finding products that sell is about noticing what people have learned to tolerate—and turning those moments into business ideas that solve real problems. Once you’ve found a product worth pursuing, the next step is learning how to start a business and how to create a website to bring it to market. This guide walks you through how to spot hidden opportunities, validate ideas and design products that feel like they should have existed all along. Ready to start selling? Create an online store  with Wix. What makes a good product to sell online? A good product to sell online quietly makes life easier or solves a problem people didn’t even realize they had. It’s practical intuitive and instantly makes sense to the person using it, so they feel it was made just for them. The most profitable products are simple to handle ship and store. They often offer ways for people to come back for more—like add-ons, upgrades or refillable parts—so the business grows naturally. When a product genuinely improves daily life, demand sticks and you don’t have to rely on trends to keep it selling. How to find products to sell online Solve a problem or fulfill a need Focus on product niches you understand Check demand and competition Explore trending products Validate your product idea Consider storage and shipping Choose products that maximize value and revenue 01. Solve a problem or fulfill a need The best products fix problems people barely tolerate but silently face every day. Look past the obvious annoyances and spot those little frustrations that create constant, low-key stress. Catching these small issues is a big step in figuring out how to sell online . See where frustration hides Watch daily routines and break them into steps. Look for moments where users slow down, struggle or feel small but repeated irritation. Ask yourself: what tasks do people tolerate even though they are inefficient, uncomfortable or stressful? These subtle problems often reveal opportunities for products that save time, reduce stress or simplify life. Office workers deal with neck strain from laptop screens, wrist fatigue from keyboards and eye strain from poor lighting. A standard ergonomic chair improves posture but a chair with adjustable arm angles, built-in lumbar support and breathable fabric tackles multiple issues at once. Home cooks don’t hate their kitchen tools—they hate inefficiency, clutter and extra cleanup. A cutting board that doubles as a prep tray or storage container reduces steps and mental load. Scour Reddit, Quora and niche forums for repeated complaints or “I wish someone made…” statements to find unserved needs. Turn complaints into opportunities Small irritations often reveal bigger opportunities. Items that prevent recurring frustration or save time are easier to sell. For example, a cable organizer that labels cords tackles both visual clutter and confusion, a problem most generic organizers ignore. Targeting subtle pains like these sets your product apart from the competition. Physical products, digital products, subscriptions, services, dropshipping and print-on-demand products  you can sell online, with key benefits and how they work at a glance. 02. Focus on product niches you understand Really knowing a niche well helps you spot problems others might totally miss. Sure, passion is great, but truly understanding how people use things and what they really need helps you see issues coming and build solutions that actually make sense. Dig deeper into customer needs Start by observing how people interact with products and identify where current solutions fall short. Look for weaknesses in usability durability or convenience that often go unnoticed. For example fitness beginners often find that resistance bands snap or lose elasticity unevenly. Creating reinforced bands addresses these issues directly boosting user confidence and safety. Similarly pet owners often worry about their pets' anxiety boredom and safety. A slow-dispensing treat toy or an interactive puzzle can solve several of these problems at once making it more valuable and engaging for both the pet and the owner. Find small but valuable markets Look for subcategories within a niche where small, unmet needs gather. Mass-market products often miss these, but solving them creates huge value. Take home office setups, for example. They involve more than just desks and chairs—think lighting, temperature control, cable management and workflow organization. A desk organizer that doubles as a charging station or storage solution tackles multiple overlooked needs at once. Learn more: Can I sell products with Wix? 03. Check demand and competition Looking at sales rank or review count isn’t enough. To find profitable products, you need a clear method to spot gaps in the market and measure real demand. Analyze reviews and customer feedback Start by reading reviews—both good and bad—across marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy and eBay. Look for repeated complaints or workarounds customers use because products don't fully meet their needs. Pay attention to phrases like “I wish it had…” or “Why doesn’t anyone make…?” These reveal pain points competitors ignore. For example, a posture corrector may slip or pinch during use, frustrating buyers who tolerate discomfort because alternatives are limited. A kitchen gadget might be hard to clean or store, causing users to abandon it after a few uses. By addressing these issues like adding adjustable straps or modular components you create a product that feels superior and solves real problems. Look at related markets Once you've analyzed your niche, look for related audiences facing similar challenges. You can often adapt niche products for these adjacent markets, which helps reduce competition and boost potential demand. Take a yoga mat, for example. One designed for studio use could be tweaked for home users by adding space-saving features, multi-use surfaces or portability enhancements. Or think about desk organizers. While popular with office workers, they could easily be tailored for students or freelancers, solving the exact same workflow issues in a fresh new context. Check online demand for products See what people are typing into search engines and which products they can easily find. Use tools like Google Trends, Ubersuggest or Ahrefs to check how many people are looking for certain items and where there aren’t enough good options. This helps you spot where people are interested but have few choices so you can create a product they actually want. Learn more about dropshipping: What is dropshipping Dropshipping business ideas Dropshipping niches Private label dropshipping Best dropshipping website builders 04. Explore trending products Trending products often gain sudden online attention because they simplify life, offer a unique aesthetic or spark curiosity. These trends can originate in niche communities, forums or small social groups before hitting mainstream platforms like TikTok, Instagram or YouTube. By understanding the core drivers behind a trend—convenience, style or novelty—you can better distinguish products with lasting potential from those with only fleeting hype. Where to find emerging trends Monitor niche forums, Reddit threads and small Instagram communities. Enthusiasts often spot new products before the general public, giving you a head start. Use Google Trends, keyword tools and social listening to see which products people are searching for, discussing or modifying with workarounds. This shows real interest and unmet needs rather than just popularity metrics. Spot gaps in trending products Look at trending products and identify what’s missing. For example, foldable water bottles went viral for portability, leak prevention and easy cleaning. A posture corrector might trend, but adding discreet straps, breathable material or an adjustable fit solves complaints users tolerate. Track micro-trends early Small, engaged communities often spot products before they hit the mainstream. Paying attention to their discussions can highlight items that enthusiasts love but aren't widely available yet. Adopting these trends early lets you offer exclusive products, boosting interest and sales before competitors catch on. Check if a trend will last Use observations and data together to make sure you act on trends with long-term potential, not just short-lived virality. Track search volume over time, social engagement consistency and recurring questions in forums. Products that solve repeated needs, improve routines or add convenience—like compact kitchen tools or ergonomic desk accessories—keep demand beyond the first spike. Learn more about print on demand: Print on demand products How to make money with print on demand How to start a print on demand store 05. Validate your product idea Validation isn't just about getting likes or running surveys. It's about seeing how people actually use your product and spotting the disconnects between what they expect and what they get. Real-world observation reveals subtle issues that surveys or polls often miss. Watch how people use your product Watch how users interact with your prototypes or early versions. A portable desk organizer might look amazing online, but users could ignore compartments struggle to fit it on small desks or find certain features confusing. Recording these interactions or gathering structured feedback helps pinpoint usability issues and areas for improvement. When you iterate based on real behavior, you ensure the product meets actual needs, not just assumed ones. Try different product versions Try offering multiple versions with slight differences in design materials or functionality to see what resonates. For instance, different sizes colors or modular components can reveal what users truly value. Dig through user comments on forums reviews and social media for clues like “I wish it had…” or “Why isn’t there a version that…?” These insights uncover hidden desires and lower the risk of launching a product that misses the mark. Learning how to make money online ? Explore the best print on demand products  to build a store that scales effortlessly 06. Consider storage and shipping To make storage and shipping manageable, choose products that are compact, lightweight and durable. But it's not just about size—you also need to think about shape, fragility and how items fit together. Products that fold, nest or compress can save warehouse space and cut shipping costs. Small design tweaks like detachable parts or collapsible features can make packing easier and reduce damage in transit. Packaging is also crucial. Use protective materials that don’t add bulk or weight. For instance, a set of silicone baking mats can roll up tightly with minimal packaging, cutting shipping costs and storage space compared with rigid trays. Think about the unboxing experience too. Items that are simple to unpack, assemble or start using reduce frustration and returns. A compact toolset with labeled compartments that snaps together for storage saves space, ships efficiently and makes setup straightforward. Planning for storage and shipping during the design stage helps you cut costs, streamline operations and scale your online business more effectively. 07. Choose products that maximize value and revenue Profitability means picking items that keep costs low, minimize complications and let you earn more per sale. The right product choice upfront can mean the difference between thin profits and a sustainable business. Low-maintenance and durable:  Items that don't break easily or require frequent replacements cut support costs and returns. High perceived value:  Products that solve multiple problems or combine features let you charge more without adding production complexity. Opportunities for repeat revenue:  Items with consumables add-ons or modular upgrades create ongoing sales without new customer acquisition. Simple storage and handling:  Products that fit easily on shelves or in boxes cut down on warehouse and handling costs. Optimize long-term demand:  Don't chase short-lived trends. Products that stay useful over time—like versatile kitchen tools or ergonomic office accessories—hold their margins because they sell steadily without constant redesign or marketing pushes. Scalable production:  Pick products that are easy to produce in larger quantities without a huge cost increase. Standardized materials minimal assembly steps or modular designs help you scale sales while keeping unit costs low. How to sell products online with Wix Selling products online with Wix is straightforward and flexible, making it ideal for new and expanding businesses. You can start with a free plan to validate your ideas then upgrade to a paid plan to connect a custom domain name and unlock advanced eCommerce features. Wix is a strong choice because it merges an easy drag-and-drop website builder with integrated tools for payments shipping marketing and SEO, eliminating the need for multiple platforms or plugins. It also supports dropshipping so you can sell products without managing inventory yourself. Set up your store : Wix's intuitive editor and pre-designed website templates help you design professional-looking store pages fast. Add high quality images, clear pricing and detailed descriptions for each product. Organize items into categories to make browsing simple for customers. Manage inventory shipping and dropshipping : Track stock, set alerts for low inventory, and manage multiple product variations. Wix integrates with dropshipping apps, letting you automatically fulfill orders from suppliers without storing products yourself. You can also set eCommerce shipping rules based on location, weight or price, keeping logistics simple. Accept payments securely : Wix supports multiple payment options including credit cards, PayPal and other digital wallets. You can even set up recurring payments for subscription products. All transactions are encrypted to keep you and your customers safe. Learn more: What is Wix payments , eCommerce website security Promote and optimize : Wix comes with built-in marketing tools to run email campaigns, offer discounts, create pop-ups and boost your SEO. Analytics show which products perform best and help guide your strategy to grow revenue faster. Expand your reach : Connect your Wix store to marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy and social platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Sell across multiple channels while managing everything from one dashboard saving time and reducing complexity.

From start to finish, the website development process includes everything involved in how to make a website —from planning the basic website structure to developing content and customizing it for a unique look. In this guide, we'll dive into how to make a website using web development, breaking down the process into the different types and stages. We'll also offer some well-known web development tools to help you start. You can make a website with Wix without being a full-stack engineer. Code masters can create enterprise-level sites and APIs with Velo by Wix or explore the difference between Wix vs. Wix Studio . What is website development? Website development is simply the creation, build and maintenance of a website. This includes markup (the language developers use to create websites, such as HTML), coding (the programming language), network configuration and CMS (content management system). Many use "web development" to describe the actual construction of websites. It includes what you find "under the hood," or on the back end of a website, as well as any coding needed for the visible part of your website, or the "front end." 5 website development tips you should know Focus on your site's user experience : Make it easy for visitors to navigate and find what they need. This also includes developing a mobile friendly site and making sure your site loads fast. When you make a website with Wix, your images are automatically compressed to the web-friendly webp standard, SSR (server side rendering) caching is also deployed to improve your site's speed and performance. Use customizable website templates : These make it easier to build and develop a professional website fast and without any added cost or coding knowledge. Include high quality content: This can include all types of media from text, to images and video. Content should be informative, engaging and related to your site visitors. Optimize for SEO: this includes your site structure, hierarchy and navigation but also your pages and content. The Wix SEO Assistant can help with that. Choose a free website builder with reliable site infrastructure built-in : When you develop a site with Wix, for example, reliable cloud hosting is included for free, you can choose and register a domain name as part of a paid plan (and search for its availability). Wix site's also include enterprise level security, including 24/7 monitoring, SSL certificates and TLS. Web development vs. web design Web development and web design are two distinct but interconnected disciplines in the process of creating websites. Web development involves the technical implementation and functionality of a website. It encompasses the coding and programming required to bring the design to life. Web developers use technologies like HTML, CSS and JavaScript to build the user interface, while implementing back-end logic with programming languages like PHP, Python or Ruby. They may additionally tap into their familiarity with formats like XML files and JSON , which is often used for data interchange, to integrate data into the website. Web design, on the other hand, focuses on the visual aesthetics and user experience of a website. It involves crafting the layout, typography, color schemes, and overall visual appeal to create an engaging and intuitive user interface. Web designers may use tools like Photoshop, Illustrator and Figma to create mockups and find ways to improve the usability, accessibility and branding of a site. Across both fields, there are several types of AI that are changing up the game and that modern-day professionals will want to be aware of. Why is website development important? Website development is important because it allows businesses and individuals to create a presence on the internet. A website is a great way to showcase your products or services, connect with potential customers and build your brand. Here are some of the benefits of website development. Increased visibility A website makes your business or personal brand visible to potential customers all over the world. People can easily find your website by searching for keywords related to your business or interests on Google or other search engines. Credibility A well-designed website gives your business or personal brand a professional and credible image. This is important for building trust with potential customers. 24/7 availability Your website is always available, even when your business is closed. This means that potential customers can learn more about your business and make purchases at any time. Lead generation Your website can be used to generate leads by collecting contact information from visitors. This information can then be used to follow up with potential customers and promote your products or services. Sales You can sell your products or services directly through your website. This can be a great way to increase sales and reach a wider audience. The anatomy of a website for website development When learning how to develop a website, you must answer: What exactly is a website? A website is the collection of web pages which a creator writes using HTML or code (or creates using a DIY low-code, no-code platform like Wix). These web pages are stored, or hosted, on a computer server constantly connected to the internet. In order to be a fully functioning website, it must have the following: Web hosting : The locations where the website files are physically stored. Address: Just like a house or business needs an address to be found, so do websites. A website address is called the URL (Uniform Resource Locators). In order for a website to be accessed it needs a URL name. A website also has a domain name , such as wix.com. The domain name is the overall name of the website, while the URL will take you to any specific page within that website. Homepage : This is the first page welcoming people to the website. Upon landing on a homepage , people get an immediate sense of what the website is about. It also acts as a gateway to the rest of the web pages throughout the site. Design: The overall look and feel of the website through graphics, images, colors, typography, navigation, flow and experience Content: What each page in the website consists of, including text, images and videos. Navigation: The structure and order of a website. Keeping the navigation simple and straightforward helps users find information easily and quickly HTTP: HyperText Transfer Protocol is the process of translating the request to find a website online from the computer to the server. When a query or request is typed into a search engine, the HTTP is what allows the computer and server to speak the same language. Coding: In its simplest form, coding is the process of writing code in programming languages. For computers to communicate with each other, they need a shared language. Coding consists of vocabulary and grammatical rules just like any other human language—except that it's meant to be read by computers, not humans. What does a website developer do? A website developer is responsible for building and maintaining websites and web applications . They'll mainly handle things like: Coding and programming: Web developers will write the code and create the technical structure of websites, using programming languages (like HTML, CSS and Javascript) to build an interactive front end, and server-side languages (like PHP, Python or Ruby) to handle data processing and other tasks on the back end. Testing and debugging: Web developers conduct testing to ensure that the website functions correctly across different browsers, devices and screen sizes. They optimize performance and improve the user experience—using manual testing, automated testing and debugging techniques to identify and resolve issues. Collaboration : Web developers often work as part of a team, collaborating with designers, project managers and other developers to translate wireframes into code, built out functionality and more. They may communicate with clients or stakeholders, too, to understand project requirements and deliver custom projects, which can involve their public-facing sites or private environments like an organization's intranet . Site maintenance and updates : Websites require regular updates, security patches and maintenance. Web developers are responsible for monitoring the website's performance, ensuring its security and making necessary updates over time. They may also handle tasks like website backups, server maintenance and content management system (CMS) updates. Staying up-to-date : Web development is a rapidly evolving field, with new technology like AI , disrupting the industry. Web developers must keep up with these trends, best practices and other related fields—such as SEO (e.g., how to implement robots.txt files , manage web indexing or optimize content for search engine bots )—to continue delivering high-quality websites. 10 types of web development There are multiple specialties within the world of web development. Here are 10 popular types to bear in mind: Front-end development Back-end development Full-stack development Website development Desktop development Mobile development Game development Embedded development Security development Ecommerce development 01. Front-end development Front-end developers focus on what you see on a website, typically called the client-side or user-side. They are responsible for how a website looks. This includes taking into account the visual and design elements, as well as user needs and behaviors. While it might sound like this would fall under the category of web design, there is a distinction: Front-end developers are the link between web design and technology. They are responsible for translating the design and visual ideas into code. This is why many times front-end developers are heavily involved in the user experience aspect of a website build. 02. Back-end development Just as the front-end developer works on what you can see, back-end developers work on what you don’t see. These are the behind-the-scenes workers creating the systems and structures that aren’t visible to the end user but allow the application to work properly. Back-end developers are well-versed in programming languages like Python, Ruby and SQL. They work primarily with servers, operating systems, APIs and databases, as well as manage the code for security, content and site architecture. They ensure the functionality, responsiveness and speed of a website. 03. Full-stack development A full-stack developer understands both the front-end and back-end technologies of a website build. They are multi-dimensional in their expertise, bringing together all the components needed for a website build, from inception to completion. They are experts at HTML, CSS and JavaScript and are adept at navigating their way around the back-end technologies and databases. These multi-talented programmers work with graphic designers and other members of the website development team to brainstorm ideas that turn into prototypes. These prototypes ultimately result in creating the functionality and databases for the end product—a fully functioning, responsive website for the client-facing end user. 04. Website development Just as the name implies, website developers concentrate on creating websites, either from scratch via code or with a no code website builder . Typically, a website developer doesn’t create mobile applications, video games or software—but rather, focuses entirely on creating a website. A website developer can be a front-end, back-end or full stack developer. However, their main mission is building and creating websites. 05. Desktop development Whenever you download an app to your computer or mobile device, you’re downloading the software application a desktop developer created. In its simplest form, desktop development is the creation of software applications for use on computers. Desktop developers specialize in building these types of applications. And, depending on whether or not the app is for a local computer or for the web, their skillset may overlap with that of a web developer. 06. Mobile development Mobile development involves the process and procedures of creating and writing software specifically for mobile devices, such as smartphones and other hand-held devices. Because these applications operate differently than website development, a different skillset and understanding is required for this type of development. Oftentimes, mobile apps are written to take advantage of a mobile device’s unique features. 07. Game development Game developers transform game ideas into playable reality for console games (PlayStation, Xbox), PC games and mobile games. They specialize in writing code for visual elements, programming features and testing iterations until a game is ready to go to market. Game developers can cover the gamut from designing an initial concept of a game to translating visual ideas into code to collaborating with designers, producers, artists and quality control analysts. 08. Embedded development With technology ever advancing, manufacturers now include software in our everyday lives. From computer screens in refrigerators to robots that sweep the floor, embedded development is a fast-growing sector of technology. As usage of interconnected devices continues to grow, embedded developers are becoming increasingly in demand. 09. Security development Security developers work to establish the methods and procedures to keep a website from being hacked. They work as “ethical hackers” exposing any vulnerabilities or gaps in the security of an application or website. And if they do find an area of weakness, they create and develop systems to fix the issue or eradicate it altogether. 10. Ecommerce development Ecommerce development entails the creation of both the front-end and back-end of an online store. It includes creating the product pages, shopping cart, order forms, support pages and a payment gateway so people can purchase online. When building an eCommerce site, a smooth user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) is crucial for ensuring that consumers can find what they’re looking for quickly. To that end, developing an online store includes creating the right filters, search capabilities and user flow—in addition to ensuring tight security, mobile optimization, SEO and a smooth checkout experience. 4 stages of the website development process Across almost every type of web development, there are four key stages of the website development process that you'll need to understand. 01. Planning Performing research and putting a strategy together will get you on the right path to not just designing a website, but designing a website that is built to attract, engage, and convert. Start this planning process by asking the following questions: What is the goal and purpose of your website? Who is your target audience and what do you want them to do when they visit your website? What type of website will you create? (e.g. eCommerce, information, membership) What content will you included? What is the scope of your project? (e.g. pages, functionality, apps) What is your menu navigation going to look like? What’s your budget for the project? Answering these questions at the beginning of the project sets you on the right trajectory for accomplishing your overall website goals. It also helps save time in the long run helping avoid potential obstacles later on in the project. 02. Drafting Once you've planned your goals and strategy, you can create the website's overall look and flow. The drafting stage includes two steps: creating a wireframe then a site map. Create a wireframe : Once you have your goals and strategy planned, now you can begin to create the overall look and flow of the website. Creating a wireframe is akin to a builder’s blueprint. It’s simply an outline presenting the vision for what the final product could look like. It’s a rough presentation of how the content and features would be interrelated based on the scope and definition of the project. You can use a whiteboard or wireframe building tools such as Figma, Invisions, Slickplan or Mindnode. Create a sitemap : A sitemap is simply a listing of the pages featured on your website. It’s a visual diagram representing where these pages will go and clearly communicates to everyone on the team what the flow of the website will look like. To create a sitemap, you'll want to ask yourself: What individual pages do you need? What content will you feature on those pages? How can you organize these pages into categories? What is the page hierarchy? And, how will you link the pages together? Learn more: What is a hyperlink 03. Development Now that all the prep work is done, the actual development phase begins. There are different types of programming languages available for website development (as well as factors such as how AI works with development), but the most commonly used are HTML, CSS and JavaScript. HTML : Hyper-Text Markup Language has been around since the 1990s, and today, HTML5 is the latest version. While it’s used as the foundation for many websites, using HTML alone to create a site isn’t recommended simply because the site wouldn’t be attractive. CSS : Cascading Style Sheets allows for the ability to stylize color, typography and layouts in a programming language, such as HTML. While HTML is the foundation for the site, CSS declares the aesthetics of the site. Without CSS, web pages are just a listing of code and not pretty to look at. JavaScript : While CSS is what makes the aesthetics of a page look good, JavaScript adds yet another fun element: functionality. Animations, automated tasks and interactive features that heighten the user’s experience all fall under JavaScript. When it comes to the functionality of a website, there are three different types: static, dynamic and hybrid. On a static website , the content doesn’t change much. Building a static website is relatively straightforward since all the necessary information showcased on the front end itself. Static websites are typically used for businesses, portfolios or professional profiles. With a dynamic website , the content is stored in a database on the back end. This content changes based on the instructions a user gives. Dynamic content allows for more customization and personalization for the user on the front end. A hybrid website incorporates both static pages and dynamic content. In addition to writing code when creating and designing a website, you need to take into account the backend site structures. As mentioned earlier, the backend is the “behind-the-scenes” programming that enables website functionality. For example, when you upload images to your website, you store them on the backend so people can see them on the frontend of your page. Back-end development hinges on two key components: Database : Where the storing, organizing and processing of the data occurs so it’s easily retrievable from the server. Server : The hardware and software that makes up your computer. Servers send, process, and receive data requests communicating between the database and the client/browser. The browser tells the server, “I need to retrieve this information,” and the server in turn gathers that information from the database and sends it to the client. The database and server work in tandem building the foundation of every website. Many websites also use a CMS to build a dynamic website without writing code from scratch. A CMS allows website owners to quickly and easily create, modify and manage large amounts of content without having to change it on every individual page on a website. For example, website creators using Wix can open the content management system on the backend, input changes to the data and the frontend will automatically update. As browsing the internet from smartphone and tablets becomes ubiquitous, many site owners develop versions of their websites specifically for mobile or even use an app builder tool to create native iOS and Android apps that sync with their websites. Learn more tips on how to turn a website into an app . 04. Launch Once you've fully developed, tested and approved your site, you'll want to launch your website so users can find and access it. When selecting a domain name, choose one that’s memorable as well as one that best describes your business. Use Wix's free domain name generator for inspiration, whether you're looking to launch a personal site or a business site. And make sure to follow this website launch checklist to ensure that you've covered everything before you press "publish." Learn more: What is a domain name? 9 best web development tools Today there are many web development tools available making the web development lifecycle faster and easier. When selecting web development tools for your next website build, keep in mind factors such as security, cost and complexities. Here are some of the top web development tools on the market today. 01. Velo by Wix Velo is a full-stack platform that empowers website developers to quickly build, manage and deploy professional web apps. Use the WYSIWYG Editor to create a UI, then customize for the functionality you need with JavaScript and APIs from Velo or other third-parties like SendGrid, Twilio or Stripe. Built-in tools and integrations help you debug, release and monitor your app as well. 02. Typescript Microsoft created this open source programming language, which includes an appealing error-checking feature. If TypeScript detects syntax mistakes, it executes the code and produces compilation issues. 03. GitHub GitHub stores the code for your program in various programming languages and maintains track of all the modifications developers make. It makes it simple to contribute to open-source projects and helps you create a top-notch document. 04. InVision The all-in-one collaborative whiteboard, this slick web development tool offers everything you need to bring your people, tools and work together. 05. CodePen This popular online tool can be used for testing and displaying user-written program code in languages including HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Available in the community edition, CodePen has a free open-source online code editor. 06. Bootstrap Since its creation in August 2011, Bootstrap offers a front-end-focused open-source framework that developers can use to create webpages and mobile applications. Bootstrap allows developers to create websites and software that work on both iOS and Android. 07. Webstorm When you want to make your coding life easier, check out Webstorm. This integrated development environment (IDE) for JavaScript allows you to write more reliable and maintainable code. It runs dozens of code inspections while you type, giving you a heads up on any potential problems. 08. NetBeans Created as so much more than a text editor, NetBeans is an all-in-one development environment, tooling platform and application framework. This web development tool highlights source code syntactically as well as semantically, allow you to easily refactor code with its wide range of handy and powerful features. 09. IntelliJ IDEA Like WebStorm, this leading IDE makes website development a more productive and enjoyable experience. With IntelliJ IDEA you can write Java code faster with its most advanced editor that searches for possible errors and even provides improvement suggestions. Its deep knowledge of your code offers lightning fast navigation and you can collaborate with other team members without a plug-in. Difference between an element and a tag In website development, HTML elements and tags are closely related but distinct concepts. While they're often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between them. HTML element: An HTML element is a fundamental building block of a web page. It represents a distinct part of the page's content or structure, such as a paragraph, heading, image or link. Each element has a specific meaning and defines the content it contains. HTML tag: An HTML tag is the markup code that defines the start and end of an HTML element. It consists of a name enclosed in angle brackets (< >). Tags usually come in pairs, with an opening tag and a closing tag. The opening tag indicates the beginning of an element, while the closing tag marks its end. Relationship between HTML elements and tags: Tags define elements: Tags are the markers that define the boundaries of an element. They tell the browser where an element starts and ends. Elements contain content: Elements hold the actual content of the web page, such as text, images or other elements. Tags can have attributes: Tags can include attributes, which provide additional information about the element, such as its id, class or style. An HTML element is the conceptual component of a web page, while an HTML tag is the syntactical representation of that component. Tags are the code that defines and structures elements, while elements represent the actual content and meaning of the web page. How web development and SEO work together Web development and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) are two complementary disciplines that work together to create a successful website. While web development focuses on the technical aspects of building and maintaining a website, SEO concentrates on improving the website's visibility and ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). Web development's role in SEO Technical foundation: Web developers lay the foundation for SEO by ensuring the website's code is clean, well-structured and follows best practices. This includes proper use of HTML tags, semantic markup and a logical site structure. Site performance: Web developers optimize the website's performance, ensuring fast loading speeds, efficient use of resources and responsiveness across devices. This technical optimization contributes to a positive user experience and enhances SEO rankings. On-page optimization: Web developers implement on-page SEO elements, such as meta tags, title tags and header tags, to provide search engines with relevant information about the website's content. SEO's role in web development Keyword research: SEO specialists conduct keyword research to identify relevant search terms that potential users are likely to use. These keywords are then incorporated into the website's content and structure to improve its relevance and visibility in search results. Content optimization: SEO specialists guide the creation of high-quality, informative and keyword-rich content that aligns with user intent. This content not only attracts search engines but also engages users and encourages them to stay on the website. Link building: SEO specialists build backlinks from reputable websites to the target website. These backlinks act as endorsements, signaling to search engines that the website is trustworthy and authoritative, boosting its ranking. Effective collaboration between web developers and SEO specialists is essential for creating a website that's both technically sound and search engine friendly. By working together, they can ensure that the website is optimized for both users and search engines, leading to increased traffic. How to get started in web development? If you're looking to get started in website development, begin by learning *HTML, CSS and JavaScript, the fundamental technologies or languages for building websites. HTML provides the structure, CSS styles the appearance and JavaScript adds interactivity. Often a next step is then to become familiar with building a responsive website . This allows you to develop sites that fit to all types of screen sizes and devices — meaning a great user experience on a site, regardless of where they're viewing it. When first getting started consider online resources like free tutorials, coding bootcamps and platforms like Codecademy, freeCodeCam or MDN Web Docs for hands-on practice. Learn to use version control systems like Git and platforms like GitHub to manage your code and collaborate with others. With progress you can consider learning about frontend frameworks (React, Vue or Angular) and backend technologies (Node.js, Django, or Ruby on Rails). Practice by building small sites and projects to practice your skills and gradually tackle more complex ones. Join web development communities, attend meetups or contribute to open-source projects to gain experience and connect with other developers.

The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain →   When it comes to learning how to make a website , understanding the differences between a domain and a website is important in helping you choose the right domain name for your business or brand. A domain name is basically your address on the internet. It is what users type into their browser's address bar to reach your site. A website, on the other hand, is a collection of web pages that are accessible through the internet. It includes all the content, images and functionalities that users interact with when they enter the domain name or URL for that site. Buy a domain name with Wix. What is a domain? A domain is a fundamental component of your online branding and website. It serves as the unique address where users can find your website online. A domain name consists of several parts, including the top-level domain (TLD) and the second-level domain (SLD). The TLD is the suffix at the end of a domain name, such as . com, .org, or .net. The SLD is the part that comes before the TLD and usually represents your brand or business name. Learn more: TLD list What is a domain name?  For instance, if you own a business called Waggles Doggy Daycare, you might register a domain like www.wagglesdoggydaycare.com through GoDaddy or similar providers. This becomes your unique web address, allowing customers to easily find you online. When choosing a domain, prioritize one that aligns with your brand and is easy for customers to remember. A domain should reflect your business and make it simple for people to find you online. Einat Shafir, Product Manager at Wix.com Within this, the Domain Name System (DNS) plays a critical role in managing domains. It translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. This system ensures that when someone types your domain name into their browser, they are directed to your website. Buy a .com domain What is a website? A website is a collection of interconnected web pages that are accessible via the internet, providing information and services to users. Learn more: What is a website? Websites are made up of various elements, including web pages, images, videos and interactive features. Each web page is a document that can contain text, graphics and links to other pages or sites. When users enter your domain name into their browser, the browser requests the web pages from your website's server. The server then sends the requested pages back to the browser, which displays them for users to view and interact with. A website can range from a simple one-page site to complex platforms with multiple sections and functionalities. For example, an e-commerce site might include product listings, shopping carts and payment gateways. Each component works together to provide a seamless user experience. Build your site quickly with ready-made web templates or get a polished, custom look with a website designer . Domain vs website: what are the key differences? So just what are the differences between a domain and website? A domain is like the address of your house, while a website is the house itself. The domain directs users to your website, where they can access content and services. Without a domain, users would not have an easy way to find your website. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the complete web address used to access a specific page on your website. It includes the domain name along with additional path information that directs users to particular content within your site. For example, in the URL " https://www.example.com/about ," "example.com" is the domain, while "/about" specifies a particular page on your site. Learn more: Domain vs URL Third Level Domains, often known as subdomains , are prefixes added to your main domain name. They help organize different sections of your site or create separate sites under one main domain. For instance, "blog.example.com" could be a subdomain dedicated to blog content. Do I need a domain if I have a website? Yes, you need a domain to make your website accessible on the internet. Without a domain, users would not have an easy way to find or access your site. If you create a website with a website builder like Wix, you can get a customized domain name free with a paid plan. Create a free website and you get an un-customized domain. Domain vs website FAQ: Do I need a domain to have a website? Not always. You can create a website using a free subdomain provided by a website builder, but having your own domain makes your site look professional and easier to remember. Does buying a domain mean you have a website? No. Buying a domain only gives you the web address. You still need to build and host a website to display content on that domain. What is the difference between a website URL and a domain? A domain is the main address of your site, like example.com . A URL is the full web address that includes the domain plus any specific pages, like example.com/about . Who actually owns a domain? The person or organization who registers the domain owns it, but ownership is tied to registration fees and renewal. If you stop paying, the domain can be claimed by someone else. Are domain name and website name the same? Not necessarily. A domain name is your site’s address online, while a website name is the title or brand of your site. Sometimes they match, but they can be different.

Your company name is arguably a sacred part of your business. Whether you're drafting a business plan or creating a business website , you know that your business name will need to be at the center of each of these important components. With this in mind, you’ll want to protect your business name against others potentially using and misusing it. To help you determine the best way to register a business name, this guide will walk you through the process and provide you with insight into each option. Select a business name Before you can register a business name, you’ll need to come up with a solid name, which is an essential part of starting a business . While finding the right name takes some creativity and research, the process may not begin the same way for everyone. You might already know that whichever name you come up with, it has to reflect the types of products or services you offer. For example, a nail technician will most likely highlight the word nail in their business name, especially since that’s the core of their work identity. Then there are those whose businesses may be broader or expect to grow and diversify. In both cases, it’s recommended to follow these guidelines on how to name a business from scratch so that you can come up with one that checks all the right boxes. You can also explore store names to help you land on one. Here are the main factors you’ll need to consider: Use a business name generator A company name generator lets you get a head start on the naming process by automatically generating a handful of best company names for you. You can use the options as ideas and modify them to your likening. To use this tool, just type three descriptive words about your business into the search bar. Try to focus on industry-specific descriptive terms when feeding words into the generator, such as: Fitness: Try body , mind and health . Restaurant: Think fresh , market and gourmet . Craftsperson: Emphasize artisan , folk and handmade in your search. Designer: Attribute to concepts like, modern , vintage or edgy . Be original Now that you have a long list of business name ideas, use your personal preferences and professional instincts to narrow down your options. First and foremost, your business name should be original so that it can stand out against your competitors. Ideally, people will come to recognize your unique name and instantly connect it to your brand, which can help you down the road if you choose to register your business name and trademark it. Keep it simple Whichever original name you choose, your customers will need to know how to write it down or type it into a search engine. With that in mind, use a name that is easy to remember and spell. That way there won’t be any confusion or misspellings on their part, as well as by future partners and suppliers for your branded merchandise and dealings. Once you’ve decided on a choice, you may want to operate as DBA and test out the name until you make it official. When you're ready, it’s time to move on to the next step: registering your business name. How to register a business name Now that you have a strong name for your business, it’s time to make it official. Registering your business name is key to protecting your company or brand so no one else can use it. While this guide focuses on the process in the US, if you’re in another country, check with your local government agency for more details. Depending on your business structure and the state where you operate in the U.S., there are several ways to register your company name. Each method has its own purpose, so it’s important to understand the requirements and benefits before moving forward. Choose your entity name Pick a DBA name Buy a domain name Trademark your business name Register with state and local agencies Secure your social media handles 01. Selecting an entity name One method of registering a business name is by filling out the required paperwork for becoming a business entity. The entity name you choose will be the legal name of your business. You will have to sign every official document and contract under this name as required by state rules. Once you decide on what type of business you want to form, whether that’s an unincorporated business (like an LLC) or corporation, you must file registration papers with the appropriate Secretary of State’s office, a Business Bureau or a Business Agency, along with your chosen legal name. Furthermore, state laws prohibit companies from registering a name that’s already in use by another firm and from using certain phrases or words . This is why doing an entity business name search and researching the rules and regulations per state is crucial throughout the process. With that being said, corporation suffixes such as Inc or Co don’t have to feel intimidating as you build a brand. In fact, many of us can trace back our earliest and possibly most enduring encounter with entity names in nostalgic places like the cartoon Looney Tunes and its fictional Acme Corporation. Interestingly, this has left a positive connotation in terms of brand image, showing that entity names can serve to strengthen brand authority. 02. Choosing a DBA name Alternatively, you can choose a Doing Business As name, also known as a DBA. This allows you to do business as a name other than your own or entity name. It’s a good option if you’re a sole proprietor and want to register your business under a name other than your own. In the same line, corporations and LLCs may prefer to use a name that’s different than the one they filed with their legal paperwork (i.e. Fresh Foods Inc. can register their DBA as Fresh Foods). While it doesn’t provide legal protection, most local and state governments require that you register a business name in some form or another. And with a DBA, you’d also be eligible for a federal tax ID number (EIN) and can open a business bank account under it. Registering a business name as a DBA can boost your company strategy and the ways in which you conduct business. 03. Buy your domain name For some small business owners , registering a domain name for your business name is the final step of the naming process. Even if you’re in the early stages of creating a website for your new business, you should learn how to buy a domain name as soon as possible to prevent another business from acquiring it. Keep in mind, however, that registering a domain name does not replace legal name registration or trademarking, which are crucial steps to protect your business identity. A best practice is to use your business name as your domain name so that customers can easily identify and find your business online. But first, you’ll need to conduct a domain name search to make sure that yours is available. Once you’ve got your domain name , you can register it with Wix for as long as you need it, and be ready for when you connect it to your site. 04. Trademark your business name While business names are registered at a state level, when you trademark a business name you take one step further toward protecting your company mark on a national level. Let’s take a deeper dive into what that entails. Under the Lanham Act, also known as the Trademark Act of 1946 , activities such as trademark infringement, dilution of a famous mark and false advertising are prohibited by law. Any word, phrase, logo or symbol that is identified or distinguished by a trademark, such as Betty Crocker, Google or Ford, is entitled to federal judicial protection against infringement. In order to be eligible for trademark protection, your company mark must be “in use in commerce and it must be distinctive,” according to the Act. If you meet the requirements, you may file an application to trademark your business name through the United States Patent and Trademark Office , where you will need to pay a processing fee starting from $250 per class of goods and services. Before you can officially trademark a business name, double check yours against the official database by the USPTO . 05. Register a business name with state and local agencies Registering with state and local agencies helps ensure your business meets all legal requirements beyond just entity registration. Some industries like food services, healthcare or financial services may need special licenses and permits to operate. States often require businesses to register for sales tax, employer identification numbers (EIN) and other tax-related accounts if they hire employees or sell taxable goods. Check with your state’s business office and local government to confirm what’s needed to stay compliant. Skipping these registrations can lead to fines, penalties or even business closure, so staying on top of it is key. Many states also ask for annual or biennial filings to keep your business in good standing. Keeping your documents updated ensures smooth operations and avoids surprise legal issues. If you’re planning to operate in multiple states, you might need to register as a foreign entity in each state where you do business. 06. Secure social media handles Securing social media handles means claiming your business or brand's unique username on social platforms. It’s just as important as registering a domain name because it keeps your branding consistent and stops others from using your name. Before locking in your business name, check platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and TikTok to see if the handle is available. Your social media username should match your business name to make it easier for customers to find and recognize you online. If the exact name isn’t available, try adding words like “official,” “HQ” or something relevant to your industry. Reserving your handles early helps avoid brand confusion and impersonation, keeping your reputation safe. Even if you’re not ready to use social media yet, having those accounts secured means they’ll be there when you are. Consistency across platforms also builds stronger brand trust and recognition. To make things easier, use a handle checker tool to quickly find available usernames across multiple platforms. How to register a company name FAQ Can I register my name as a business name? You can register your personal name as a business name, especially if you're a sole proprietor. If you want exclusive rights to the name or plan to brand it separately, you might need to file for a DBA or trademark it. Is business registration the same as LLC? No, business registration is a broad term that covers different structures like sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations. An LLC is a specific type of business that offers limited liability protection and needs separate registration with the state. Do I need to put LLC after my company name? If your business is registered as an LLC, you usually need to include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" in your official name. This keeps things transparent and lets customers and partners know your business is a legally recognized entity. Is a DBA or LLC better? A DBA is great for businesses that want to use a different name without creating a separate legal entity. An LLC offers liability protection, so it’s the better choice if you want to separate personal and business assets while still using a DBA for branding flexibility. How to create a company name? Start by brainstorming words that reflect your brand’s mission, industry and values. Keep it simple, memorable and unique—then check domain availability and trademarks to make sure it’s secure both legally and online. Find out more about how to name a business

The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain →   Choosing and owning a domain name  is an important step in in learning how to create a website . Whether you’re starting a blog , creating a personal online portfolio  or starting a business , your domain is your unique address on the web. But have you ever thought about how much that domain is worth? Understanding the value of your domain can help in selling, buying or simply managing your online assets effectively.  This guide walks you through everything you need to know—what a domain is, how its worth is determined and how to assess its value. You’ll also learn why understanding your domain’s worth is important and how you can increase its value for the future.  New to domains? Learn the basics of  what is a domain  and  how to choose a domain name . What is a domain? A domain is the unique name that represents a  web address  on the internet. It’s what people type into their browser’s search bar to visit a website, such as yourname.com. Your domain name serves as your online calling card. It reflects your brand and can significantly influence how users perceive your business—whether it’s professional, creative or credible. If you’re looking to build a website , choosing a relevant, memorable and easy-to-spell domain plays a significant role in establishing your brand’s presence. Use a  domain name generator  if you need help coming up with an idea. Already have an idea? Check the availability with a  domain name search  tool. What is domain worth? Domain worth refers to the market value of your domain name. Like a piece of real estate, its value depends on several factors, such as demand, relevance and its overall appeal to potential buyers or users. Knowing your domain's worth matters when you're considering selling or learning how to buy a domain  or when you're strategizing for your business growth.   6 domain value factors Several factors contribute to the valuation of a domain name. It’s based on structured criteria that define its desirability and usefulness. Here are the key aspects professionals and tools evaluate when determining its worth. 01. Domain age Domains that have been around longer generally hold more value. Search engines see older domains as more credible because they've had more time to establish authority. For example, a domain registered 10 years ago is often seen as more reliable than one created last month. However, age alone doesn’t guarantee high value—it often needs to work alongside the other factors below. 02. Length and brandability Shorter domains are often more valuable because they’re easier to remember and type. A shorter domain, like Coffeebeans.com , is easier to remember and type compared to something longer like Affordablecoffeebeansstore.com . Similarly, domains that are creative, unique and meaningful, such as Starbucks.com, tend to hold higher value as they effectively represent the brand.  03. Traffic and keyword relevant Domains with steady website traffic  or strong, relevant keywords hold significant value, especially for SEO benefits. For instance, a domain centered around a popular keyword like laptopdeals.com or coffeebeans.com can attract businesses and audiences due to high search demand, making it highly desirable. 04. Domain extensions Domains with popular domain extensions  like .com  generally have higher worth due to their global recognition and trust factor. Other popular TLDs include .info , .org , . co , .net , .edu, .biz  .gov and .tv . Niche extensions like .tech can hold value, but their appeal usually depends on specific industries.  Learn more: What is a TLD ? 05. Backlink profile and history High-quality backlinks from reputable websites boost a domain's value by signaling trust and relevance to search engines. However, a clean domain history  is equally important. Domains previously used for spammy or unethical practices can suffer from a damaged reputation, reducing their value. 06. Legal and trademark issues Avoid domains that could face trademark disputes. Ensuring your domain isn’t infringing on existing trademarks is key to preserving its value and usability. You can learn how to trademark a domain name to protect yourself from any issues. How to find your domain name value Understanding your domain’s worth is all about leveraging the right tools and processes.  Look at similar domains to yours Research domains similar to yours that have been sold recently. Their selling prices can provide a strong benchmark for estimating your domain’s value.  Use a domain estimation tool Online tools and appraisal services can provide instant estimates for your domain. These tools analyze elements like search volume, backlink strength and traffic data to give you a ballpark figure. While these tools offer guidance, combining their insights with market trends is crucial. Consult a professional appraiser  For a more personalized valuation, you can also consult domain name experts or professional appraisers who specialize in online assets. They often take into account not just the technical details of your domain but its broader potential in today’s online marketplace.  Why should you check your domain’s worth? Checking the worth of your domain is like taking stock of your online portfolio. By understanding its value, you can make informed decisions about whether to hold onto it, sell it or leverage it for other opportunities.  For business owners, a valuable domain can also justify higher advertising rates or partnerships. On the flip side, if you’re planning to sell your domain, knowing its worth ensures you don’t undersell an asset that could command a much higher price.  Even if you’re holding on to your domain, understanding its value can inform your business strategy. For instance, high-value domains often require additional security layers to avoid theft or misuse.   This is also important because your domain isn’t just for your website—it’s also key to learning how to create a business email address , such as info@yourname.com or contact@yourbusiness.com. Using your domain for email and exploring professional email name ideas adds credibility and trust to your communications, setting you apart from competitors who rely on generic email providers. How to increase your domain’s worth If you want to maximize your domain value, focus on strategies that enhance its relevance, strengthen its branding  and attract the right audience. By investing time and effort into these areas, you can significantly increase its worth over time. Establish quality backlinks Search engines love domains associated with credible, high-authority websites. Building backlinks improves your site’s visibility—and by extension, its perceived value. Improve SEO rankings Focus on enhancing your website’s SEO. Target relevant keywords, optimize your content and improve user experience. Higher rankings attract more traffic, which can significantly increase your domain's worth.  Secure a strong reputation Maintain a clean online presence. Ensure your domain isn’t associated with spam or shady activities and regularly monitor any external links impacting its credibility.  Focus on building trust through ethical and high-quality practices, ensuring no past penalties impact your domain. You’ve got your domain value. Now what? Once you’ve assessed your domain’s worth and worked on improving it (if necessary), it’s time to put that insight to use. If your domain’s value exceeds expectations, selling might be a smart move. Alternatively, if the value aligns with your goals, continue using it as part of your long-term strategy. For those planning to sell, connect with credible platforms and buyers to ensure a smooth transition. Whatever your plans, viewing your domain as an asset will help you make more informed decisions. Learn how to register a domain name  to get started.  Find the domain owner and registration details for a website with a  Whois domain lookup .  How to check your domain worth FAQ How often should I check my domain’s worth? It is recommended to check your domain's worth periodically, especially if you are considering selling it. Valuations can fluctuate over time due to various factors such as market trends and changes in the industry. Checking your domain's worth every 6-12 months can give you a good understanding of its value and help inform any future decisions regarding your domain. How much does it cost to check a domain name’s value? The cost of checking a domain name’s value can vary depending on the method you choose. Some online tools offer free estimations, while professional appraisers may charge a fee for their services. It is important to do thorough research and consider the reputation and methodology of any tool or service before investing in an estimate.

Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →   Beauty marketing is a specialized type of marketin g that focuses on promoting and selling beauty products and services. It helps brands connect with their target audience, showcase their offerings and ultimately drive sales. In this article, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of what beauty marketing entails and why it's essential for the success of any beauty brand. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. Wix is all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. What is beauty marketing? At its core, beauty marketing involves creating a connection between beauty brands and consumers. It's about communicating the values, benefits and unique selling points of beauty products or services to entice potential customers. This can be achieved through various channels and marketing strategies  such as social media, content marketing, influencer partnerships and more. It’s also often an all-encompassing approach that includes product development, market research, branding and customer engagement. While also acting as the driving force behind brand awareness and customer loyalty in an industry that thrives on innovation and trends. Related: Discover how Natalie Lucas Studio lets website analytics guide its beauty marketing. 8 best beauty marketing strategies Over the years, beauty marketing strategies have evolved to include a variety of platforms and tactics. They include: Digital marketing Content marketing Social media marketing Influencer marketing Subscription boxes Hosting events and workshops Cause marketing Limited-edition collaborations 01. Digital marketing This can involve using online marketing channels to promote your beauty business . Popular digital marketing  channels include: Your own website Email marketing campaigns Search Engine Optimization and Paid search ads Digital marketing means finding your users online and then making sure you show up with a marketing resource where they are. This could mean having your website rank in the first page of search engine results for beauty related queries, or for paid google ad search terms.  02. Content marketing Creating valuable content like blog posts, tutorials and reviews is a great way to educate and engage potential customers. Starting a beauty blog  is one way to build up an engaged audience who return to your content for beauty tips and information. You can then include call-to-actions in your blog content to lead readers to your beauty product or service pages.  Video marketing  is another important part of content marketing  and can be particularly effective for a beauty business. Potential customers may love videos on makeup sessions using your products or services. You can share these on your website, or via Youtube as one example.   03. Social media marketing Social media marketing  has become indispensable in the beauty marketing industry. They offer a direct line to consumers and provide an interactive online space for you to engage with your audience, showcase your products and build a community around your beauty business idea . Social media channels like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok serve as powerful tools for beauty brands to: Showcase visual content: Beauty is visual by nature, and social media is the perfect showcase for high-quality images and videos. Engage with customers: Brands can interact directly with consumers through comments, messages and live streams. You can also engage your audience with contests that encourage them to post with a branded hashtag for a chance to win prizes. Launch new products: Social media is often the first place new products are introduced to the market.  Some examples of beauty marketing on social media are: A skincare brand might use Instagram stories to demonstrate the benefits of their new moisturizer. A makeup company could partner with influencers on TikTok to create viral challenges that feature their products. A hair care line might use Facebook Live sessions to educate customers on how to use their styling tools. 04. Influencer marketing Partnering with individuals who have a strong online following, usually via social media platforms, to promote beauty products in an authentic and relatable manner is a popular way to reach a large target audience in an authentic way. Influencers will usually be paid to use your products online, in a natural way. They may also do it in exchange for free products. Learn more about influencer marketing .   "Influencers need to be open to stick to the brand’s general brief that does include brand guidelines and a clear list of do's and don'ts. Additionally, they should submit to the brand’s representative a general outline for review and feedback before investing in creating the content." - Sarah Adam, head of marketing partnerships and influencer marketing at Wix Studio 05. Create subscription boxes Offer a curated selection of products on a subscription basis, giving customers the chance to explore new items regularly. This might include sending seasonally themed boxes and products.  06. Hosting beauty events and workshops Organize workshops, either online or in-person, to educate consumers about your products and create a community around your brand. You can organize these independently, or sponsor popular beauty events and networking events.  07. Cause marketing This might mean aligning with a charitable cause that resonates with your brand values and donating a portion of sales from specific products. 08. Develop limited-edition collaborations Partner with celebrities or influencers to create limited-edition products that generate excitement and exclusivity. If you’re a new or small business you might need to start with less high profile influencers to build your brand, then work your way and your budget, up to more influential celebrities.  How to a kickstart career in beauty marketing Embarking on a career in beauty marketing can be both exciting and rewarding. With the right approach, you can find your niche within this dynamic industry. Here's how to get started. Internships : Gain hands-on experience and industry knowledge by interning with beauty brands or marketing agencies. Education:  Enroll in beauty marketing courses that offer specialized training and insights into the industry. Networking:  Attend industry events and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. The beauty marketing field offers a variety of roles, including: Brand manager : Oversee a brand's image, product development, and marketing strategies. Social media coordinator : Manage a brand's social media presence and create engaging content. Content creator : Produce compelling content such as blog posts, videos, and tutorials that align with the brand's voice.

Build your website in minutes, try Wix for free today → This article was thoughtfully co-authored by SEO expert Adi Avraham and ASO expert Roni Bass, whose insights and expertise brought this piece to life. As your business or passion project takes off, two important terms will invariably come up—ASO and SEO. While both contribute to your online presence, they focus on different platforms and require distinct strategies. ASO is aimed at increasing your mobile app's visibility in app stores, making it easier for users to find and download. Meanwhile, SEO focuses on improving your website’s ranking in search engine results to drive organic traffic.  As a business owner, knowing the difference between ASO and SEO is essential to reaching a broader audience. This article breaks down the key differences and similarities between ASO and SEO, helping you decide which one to prioritize based on your goals. Ready to learn how to make a website ? Get started with Wix's website builder . What is app store optimization (ASO)? ASO, or app store optimization , is the process of improving your app’s visibility within app stores like Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Its primary goal is to increase the number of downloads your app receives by improving its ranking within the store’s search results. ASO involves optimizing both visible and invisible elements of your app listing, like: App title App subtitle  App description (for Android) Keyword field (for iOS) Tags (for Android) Creative assets like icons, screenshots and preview videos To truly master ASO, you must understand what app store users are searching for and with what intent—then take steps towards ensuring that your app appears for those keywords. For example, you wouldn’t want your app to rank for an unrelated keyword like “sleep app”—even though it has the highest search volume, it isn’t relevant to your business.  What is search engine optimization (SEO)? SEO is the process of making your website easier to find on search engines like Google. The aim of SEO is to drive more organic traffic to your site by getting your webpages to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs) for relevant keywords. SEO relies on two main facets: On-page SEO: Optimizing elements directly on your website, such as content, HTML structure and technical aspects like site speed. Off-page SEO: Building authority and trust for your website by acquiring backlinks, improving social signals and other external factors. SEO is key for any business that depends on its website to drive sales, gather leads or promote content. But bear in mind that search engines consider hundreds of factors, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every keyword has its own intent, competitiveness and search volume. And more recently, AI has started playing a role too with AI overviews (AIO). Plus, it’s not just about your homepage—each page needs its own optimization to rank well. Want to dive deeper? Learn the answer to " What is SEO? " and check out the best keyword research tools .  ASO vs. SEO: similarities and key differences Here’s a breakdown of how ASO and SEO differ: Ranking factors Platforms SERP features Conversion metrics Reliance on data Optimization processes Quality monitoring Cost considerations Ranking factors Similarities  Both ASO and SEO are all about using the right keywords to improve visibility—ASO does this for app stores, while SEO focuses on search engines. It’s all about picking the terms your audience is searching for. Things like content quality, user reviews and ratings also play a role. The goal is the same: make it easy for your audience to find what they’re looking for. Differences  ASO enhances your app's presence in app stores by focusing on elements like app title, descriptions and screenshots. Meanwhile, SEO increases website visibility through site structure optimization, backlinks and content targeting relevant keywords.  ASO relies heavily on visual elements like icons and video previews for downloads, while SEO emphasizes more site-wide signals, like mobile-friendliness, internal linking, topic clustering and page load speed. Platforms Similarities  Both ASO and SEO hinge on knowing individual platforms inside and out. You need to have a good grasp of the rules, algorithms and ranking factors of each platform; just like how every search engine works a little differently, each app store has its own quirks. Differences  ASO targets app stores like Apple App Store and Google Play, which focus solely on mobile apps. SEO targets search engines like Google and Bing, covering personal or professional websites, blogs and eCommerce sites. ASO's focus is on overall app quality, app titles, descriptions, keywords and visuals, while SEO prioritizes content quality and backlinks. SERP features Similarities  Both SEO and ASO aim to stand out in search results by using features that grab attention. Think about AI Overviews (AIO), People Also Ask boxes and visual stories for SEO, or app packs and top charts for ASO. The goal is the same—make your content impossible to miss. By optimizing for these features, you’re not just increasing visibility—you’re actively encouraging users to click and engage. Both strategies let you use search results to your advantage and connect with your audience more effectively. Differences  The SERP features in app stores are very different from the ones you might find on Google. For example, on Google, you have SERP features like AIO, People Also Ask, Featured Snippets, etc., which are all features that you can’t control. While you can make changes to influence your rankings, ultimately, Google decides who will show up in these places.  In app stores, the only SERP features you’ll find are called app events (an event that you can create for your app search results or for a specific timeframe). App events are available to every app owner, but aren’t relevant to every app. You have the power to decide if you’ll use app events or not. For example, Netflix can do an in-app event for a new TV show they’re releasing. In this sense, ASO gives you more control over the SERP. Conversion metrics Similarities Both ASO and SEO focus on user actions that drive business goals. Both aim to encourage valuable interactions—whether that's getting users to download an app in ASO, or prompting purchases or sign-ups on a website via SEO. These conversion metrics also provide insights into how often users engage with an app or website and how well these platforms turn visits into meaningful actions. Differences For ASO, important metrics include app downloads, which show when someone goes from viewing your app to installing it; post-download actions, like user retention; and how long people stay in your app. This is all about the app store experience.  With SEO, the focus shifts to things like clicks, sales and website sign-ups. ”Conversions” can be defined as product purchases, lead submissions or even demo requests. It all depends on what your website aims to accomplish. Reliance on data Similarities In ASO and SEO, data is important for refining your strategy and getting more visibility. More specifically, analyzing keyword data is essential for optimizing your success, whether in app stores or search engines. You must understand search volumes and what users are interested in to choose the right keywords, and to ultimately make it easier for people to find you.  Differences The scope of data available for ASO and SEO is significantly different. App stores offer insights like volume score and downloads. You can even link a user's app download to their in-app actions, such as what they did and what they purchased from your app. However, with ASO, you lack detailed keyword performance metrics; while you can easily segment traffic data by country, language and device, you can’t see which keywords drive the most traffic and downloads. This limitation makes it harder for ASO to measure the specific impact of each keyword on app performance.  On the other hand, SEO platforms provide average monthly search volumes for every keyword, as well as detailed insights into impressions, clicks and segmented traffic. This information allows SEO specialists to precisely analyze how keywords perform and adjust their strategies to improve rankings and engagement. Optimization processes Similarities ASO and SEO are ongoing processes that need constant tweaking and testing. Adjusting things like keywords, titles and descriptions can help you keep up with changing user behaviors and algorithms—and, in turn, improve visibility, engagement and conversion. Regular updates and A/B testing are key to staying competitive in the ever-shifting digital world. Differences ASO and SEO have different approaches and timelines. ASO mainly focuses on optimizing app-specific elements like icons, screenshots and videos. Within app stores, keyword and metadata updates tend to happen every four to six weeks. It’s also common practice in ASO to A/B test textual assets like title and description, as well as creative assets like app icon and preview video screenshots. While ASO focuses on adjusting visual and metadata in shorter cycles, SEO's optimization process has a wider scope, addressing both content and technical aspects for long-term growth in web visibility. Quality monitoring Similarities ASO and SEO are pretty similar when it comes to keeping an eye on quality. Both involve regularly tracking things like keyword rankings, user engagement and conversion rates so you can tweak your strategies and stay ahead as algorithms change. Differences In ASO, app owners are expected to deliver smooth user experiences by minimizing crashes and preventing “app not responding” errors. Quality is reflected in user engagement—i.e., how long people spend in the app, how often they return daily and whether the app delivers on its promises. Downloads alone aren’t a measure of quality; just because an app is downloaded frequently doesn’t mean it’s good. True quality lies in how well the app performs and retains users. In addition, uninstall rates are a measurement of quality control.  In contrast, SEO considers the structure and quality of content, along with technical aspects like page speed and mobile-friendliness. These all play a part in search rankings.  Cost considerations When it comes to deciding where to invest your resources, think about the costs associated with both ASO and SEO: ASO: When you’re working on ASO, you’ll likely use keyword research tools like AppTweak, in addition to A/B testing platforms for creative assets (although you can perform tests directly through the consoles where you manage the app, sometimes third-party tools can also provide extra insights). You may choose to pay for app store advertising for quicker results, and don’t forget that you’ll have to make regular updates to your app listings, which will require time and expertise. SEO: SEO expenses often include investments in tools like Google Analytics, Semrush or Ahrefs for keyword tracking, as well as content creation costs. Off-page SEO efforts, like link-building campaigns, may also require a financial investment. Tip:  Check out this list of free SEO tools  to help mitigate some costs, including Wix SEO. Or, go to the Wix SEO Learning Hub  for detailed tips and processes.  Factor ASO (app store optimization) SEO (search engine optimization) Platform App stores (mainly Apple App Store and Google Play) Search engines (e.g., Google, Bing and DuckDuckGo) Search target Apps and games Websites, blogs and eCommerce stores SERP features In-app events People Also Ask, videos, discussions and forums, local pack, Things to Know, images, from sources across the web, People Also Search For, featured snippet, AI overview  Ranking factors App title  Subtitle Keyword field (iOS)  App description (Android) Tags (Android) Title tags  Meta descriptions Structured data Content quality that fulfills user intent Backlinks Conversion metrics Impressions App downloads (Side note: creative assets like icons and screenshots contribute to strong impressions and downloads) Clicks Conversions (sales, signups) Data  Volume score; limited insights on keyword performance  Cannot directly measure keyword impressions or downloads and also the amount of actual searches in a month Number of average monthly searches for every keyword Detailed data on keyword impressions Clicks and traffic by device Optimization process A/B testing of creative and/or textual assets (icons, screenshots, videos) Textual assets (title, subtitle, description)  Metadata updates every four to six weeks Content optimization (titles, descriptions, headers, paragraphs, images, videos) Internal linking optimizations, updates every six months or more frequently depending on competition Focus on user reviews User reviews can influence rankings and visibility—and as an outcome, downloads   User reviews are important for credibility and social proof, but not a direct ranking factor Quality Crashes User retention Session length Engagement Click-through rates (CTR) Dwell time Page view Purchases How ASO and SEO work together Although ASO and SEO focus on different platforms, they can, in fact, complement each other. If your business has both a website and an app, combining your ASO and SEO strategies can strengthen your overall online presence. Cross-promotion: You can drive app downloads via your website by integrating calls to action (CTAs ) that direct users to app stores. Likewise, you can link back to your website from your app’s store page. Ratings and reviews: Encourage app users to leave reviews and ratings through your website to promote your app’s visibility. Positive reviews on your app page can serve as social proof on your website. Backlinks: Build backlinks to your app page from your SEO-optimized content, and vice versa, helping your app rank higher in app store search results. Multiple web entry points for the app:  Create multiple web pages for your app. For example, if you're a gym owner and you have an app that allows users to sign up to different classes, you can build web pages for yoga classes, Pilates classes, spinning classes, aerobics classes, etc. Integrated ASO and SEO strategy:  By using consistent messaging and branding across both your app and website, you ensure that your content marketing efforts support both SEO and ASO by targeting similar keywords and themes. ASO and SEO best practices Mastering ASO and SEO means optimizing keywords, content and user experience to enhance discoverability and stay competitive. Here are some best practices to keep in mind. ASO best practices Perform keyword research: Understand what users are searching for in each app store and what they’re looking to achieve. Are users looking to be entertained when they search a specific keyword? Or, are they looking for a helpful tool they can use? Optimize all metadata fields: Include the most important keywords in your app or website’s metadata. Use the most essential keywords in the title, then subtitle and finally in the keywords list/description. Keep things fresh every four to six weeks: Regular updates show that your app is actively maintained. In addition, it’s recommended to optimize your metadata to increase your rankings. Don’t optimize iOS and Android the same way: These algorithms are unique from one another and weigh different factors. Taking a blanket approach to optimization may hurt your rankings. Design attractive icons, screenshots and videos: Take it from The Advanced App Store Optimization  book—this is what converts users the most. Keep your icon simple and memorable, and use your screenshots and videos to highlight the most important features of your app. A/B test your creative assets: Test different versions to see which one drives more installs. Localize: Localize and optimize your texts and creatives for different regions to suit local preferences and cultural nuances. Pay attention to your ratings and reviews: Prompt satisfied users to leave positive reviews and address negative feedback constructively. Keep your performance high: Monitor downloads, user engagement and crashes. A well-performed app has more chances of getting ranked in the app stores. Keep an eye for algorithm updates: Be ready to adapt your ASO strategies to align with any Google Play policy updates or algorithm changes. If your app page doesn’t match the new policy, it may hurt your app’s visibility.  Pro tip:  Check out these common ASO mistakes  to avoid. SEO best practices Try testing out some of these marketing strategies  as a part of your SEO effort, so your business can improve its visibility and climb the ranks in both app stores and search engines. Perform keyword research  Identify target keywords: Tools like Google Keyword Planner , Ahrefs  and Semrush  can help you discover what people are searching for in your industry. This includes high-volume keywords, long-tail keywords  and related terms. Understand search intent: It's not just about finding the most popular keywords but understanding the intent  behind those searches. Are users looking for information, trying to make a purchase or comparing products? Tailoring your content to this intent is essential. Using keywords in the page's content: Once your keywords are identified, naturally integrate the chosen keywords into your content while maintaining readability. They should be used throughout your pages, such as the title tags, meta descriptions, headings, URLs and body content. Use Wix’s SEO features  along with built-in blogging and text creation tools to optimize your pages content. Enhance SEO title tags: Write title tags that are concise, keyword-focused and reflective of the page's content. Remember to keep it up to 60 characters max. Write engaging meta descriptions: Craft meta tags  that are compelling, include keywords and encourage users to click through from search results. Remember to keep it up to 160 characters max. You can use Wix’s AI meta tag creator  tool to streamline your efforts. Implement structured data: Structured data is a set of HTML code that helps search engines understand your content better. By adding schema markup to your site’s code, you make it easier for search engines to categorize and display your information on search results. This can amplify visibility and click-through rates. Use tools like Merkle schema generator  to create the necessary code for your site. Focus on mobile- friendliness: The majority of internet browsing—over 61% —happens on mobile devices, outpacing desktop and tablet use. Plus, Google prioritizes the mobile version of your website, making mobile-friendliness essential. Focus on providing an intuitive user experience for visitors on mobile to stay ahead. Utilize internal linking: Internal links are the links that your visitors can click on to get to another page on your site. When crafting your page's content, think about how to insert links to other relevant pages of your site so that it’s easy for visitors (and web crawlers) to find them and spend more time on your site. Optimize anchor text: Optimize your anchor text (the clickable text in a hyperlink that directs users to another page) by including keywords related to your website’s niche. For example, using “ SEO tools ” as anchor text linking to a page about SEO tools can help improve your ranking for that keyword, while also making it clear what the linked page is about. Elevate your images: This is essential for improving your website's speed, user experience and increasing your image search visibility. Two important factors are compressing images and providing relevant alt text. Compressing images: Large image files can slow down your website, leading to poor user experience and lower rankings. Aim for 80 KB to 100 KB per image for most website use cases, like product photos, blog graphics, or thumbnails. This strikes a balance between quality and performance. Tools to try: TinyPNG or Befunky . Alt text:  Read by screen readers for visually impaired users and helps search engines understand the image content. Describe the image’s content and try including keywords naturally. For example, if your page targets "vegan cake recipes," a good alt text might be "Slice of vegan chocolate cake topped with fresh strawberries.” ASO or SEO? How to make the right choice for your business The decision to prioritize ASO, SEO—or both, depends on your business model and your specific audience. When to focus on ASO If your business primarily revolves around an app , focusing on ASO is important for  increasing visibility and downloads within app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store. When your primary goal is to drive more app installs , use ASO to optimize for app store rankings and conversions. If you notice that your app is not ranking well for relevant keywords in the app store or that competitors are outranking you, it's time to focus on ASO. If your audience primarily engages with mobile devices and apps , invest more effort in ASO to ensure you capture those users directly within app stores. When to focus on SEO If you have a website as a core asset , like an eCommerce website  or a blog, SEO is essential for driving organic traffic from search engines like Google. When your goal is to increase website visits , generate leads or convert users online— focus on SEO to improve your rankings for relevant keywords and attract targeted audiences. If you aim to reach users across devices (desktop, mobile or tablet) and different touch points (blog, social media or search engines), prioritize SEO to cover all aspects of your digital strategy. When your focus is on creating content to educate, inform, solve audience problems or entertain users, and you're competing for rankings on search engines, SEO will be key. When to focus on both If your business operates through both an app and a website , be sure to prioritize both ASO and SEO simultaneously to make sure that users can find you through search engines and app stores. In addition, if you're launching a new app and a website together, creating a unified ASO and SEO strategy will get more eyes on your business and attract new customers. When your goal is to drive app downloads through your website or vice versa , aligning your ASO and SEO strategies sharpens your approach, improving user experiences and increasing conversions across both app stores and search engines.For example, a yoga studio owner with an app primarily used for class signups and check-ins could enhance its value by sharing additional resources. They could include a link within the app to provide more information, promote new deals, share yoga tips or offer courses. Another idea is to use member profile pages to share personalized updates or exclusive content. Match made in heaven: combining ASO and SEO for a holistic strategy As in many types of marketing , a unified strategy is often a winning strategy. When combined, ASO and SEO can offer even greater visibility and conversions by helping your business capture a broad audience across both channels. By understanding the unique and overlapping elements of ASO and SEO, you can make informed decisions that will increase your digital presence and ultimately grow your business.

Get started by: Creating a website →  | Getting a domain → Forum software platforms have been a staple of online communities since the early days of the internet. In spite of the earth-shattering growth of social media networks over the last decade, these platforms have remained a safe haven for those looking to connect with like-minded individuals on a more global, anonymous scale. Nowadays, the practice of how to make a website and an online forum is becoming increasingly popular among businesses, as online communities have proven to be an incredibly valuable asset. Regardless of whether you have a startup website , are a small business owner, or enterprise decision maker—to get started on your own, we recommend creating a website for free with a website builder like Wix that has a built-in, free forum software that can easily be added. Forums can serve as a way to simply bring your audience together, or as a source of feedback and inter-user support. Regardless of what purpose you aim for these types of websites to serve, one of the most gratifying results is always the strengthened sense of connection between users and your product or services. Take a look at this selection of the best forum software available and start planting the seeds of your future thriving online community . What is forum software? Forum software is a type of application that enables users to create and post messages, read and reply to messages posted by others and engage in discussions organized around specific topics or interests. These online discussion boards, also known as forums or message boards, serve as platforms for communities to exchange knowledge, share experiences and seek support. Best forum software Wix Groups phpBB vBulletin MyBB Vanilla Flarum Simple Machines Forum Discourse XenForo Invision Community 01. Wix Groups Price: Free Wix Groups allows you to build outstanding community sites without a single line of code. You can start from scratch or choose one of the platform’s professionally designed website templates . In both cases, you’ll be able to customize every aspect of your forum and complement it with additional apps either with a membership website or other type. This solution is focused on building vibrant online communities and providing powerful social features that encourage users to engage with each other and create meaningful relationships. Wix Groups takes a page from the popular social media book to provide users with personal profile pages where other members can see all their posts and follow them. Key Wix features : Built-in advanced SEO tools Customizable interface Social features Mobile-friendly platform Members and profile pages Reliable and secure web hosting 02. phpBB Price: Free phpBB is one of the oldest and most well-known free forum solutions out there. First launched in 2000, this platform is constantly updated to keep up with the latest industry trends including mobile-first indexing compliance and anti-spam capabilities. The forum’s user-friendly interface, paired with a solid administration panel and documentation, make it highly accessible even with little technical knowledge. It includes all the basic features needed on a forum software, such as user moderation, notifications, security and multi-language support. Additionally, there are hundreds of free extensions available. phpBB is open-source and self-hosted, which means that you won’t have to pay for its use but will need to invest in a robust website hosting platform. On a high-quality host, this forum software solution can handle a large number of message boards and thousands of users. Key features: Detailed documentation and video tutorials Robust messaging capabilities Built-in SEO tools Extensive management panel Responsive design and cross-browser support 03. vBulletin Price: Plans for vBulletin Cloud start at $14.99/month, vBulletin 5 Connect license requires a one-time $249 payment Broadly considered one of the best premium forum software, vBulletin has been around for over two decades. This platform provides powerful administration, security and SEO tools, and has an AI-powered engagement feature that encourages community growth. This forum software was created with large communities in mind. In addition to using machine learning and natural language processing to boost participation, vBulletin also allows users to create private forums and groups. Furthermore, it’s possible to create a blog within the platform in order to provide added value to members and strengthen the forum’s SEO performance. The platform offers both self-hosting (vBulletin 5 Connect) and cloud hosting (vBulletin Cloud) options, making it equally accessible for users with varying degrees of technical knowledge. Both versions can be set up in just 15 minutes and provide the same features. Key features: Mobile device optimization Highly customizable themes Powerful media capabilities Built-in SEO tools Task scheduler 04. MyBB Price: Free As its name suggests, MyBB allows users to make the platform their own. This powerful open-source, free forum software is fully customizable, providing ready-made templates and a theme editor to make it easy for users to achieve their design goals. Its customization capabilities are also available for end users, as they can easily adjust the way they view discussions. This solution provides all the basic features of a solid forum software, as well as several additional plugins available for those who want to take their boards a step further. Examples of these include anti-spam tools, gamification features, email blast support, and CDN capabilities. While the list of extensions offered by MyBB falls short of the variety other solutions in this list offer, its easy accessibility and modern style make it a feisty contender in the fight for the title of best forum software. Key features: Database management integration Multi-language support Complete design customization Broad range of plugins Email blasts 05. Vanilla Price: Free open-source version, business plans start at $689/month Vanilla offers both free and premium versions of its forum software. The former provides users with a self-hosting platform with basic features and community-built plugins, while the latter is a powerful cloud-based solution aimed at enterprise-level customers. Some of this forum software’s most renowned features include a wide array of marketing integrations, automatic content curation and gamification practices. These are not only aimed to support and increase user engagement but also to empower business effectiveness. Vanilla can also be used as a help desk software to create a robust ticket system for customer support efforts. The platform’s built-in knowledge base system also makes it possible for businesses to easily develop a self-service that relieves support demand. Key features: User-friendly set up process Mobile-friendly interface Social and data sharing integration Wide range of themes and plugins Auto-saving feature 06. Flarum Price: Free Despite being relatively new in the, Flarum has already made a name for itself as one of the best free forum software out there. The main reason for this lies on the core ethos upon which the solution has been built: simple, modern and fast. It’s fair to say that these values are more than present in Flarum’s platform. This new-gen forum software is easy to install and loads fast thanks to its lightweight JavaScript framework. Out of the box the platform’s user interface is modern and sleek, with a heavy focus on user experience. This elegant, simple design is complemented by smooth animations and large buttons which provide an overall professional look. But what truly makes Flarum stand out is its two-pane interface. This unique feature provides users with a flexible environment where they can participate in numerous discussions without opening a handful of different tabs. Other engagement-focused capabilities include a floating message composer, discussion-organized notifications, live cha t and user mentions. Key features: Easy forum set up User-friendly design tools Two-pane interface Advanced permission settings Comprehensive APIs 07. Simple Machines Forum Price: Free Also known simply as SMF, Simple Machines Forum is an open-source forum software built with large online communities in mind. Its interface stays clear of flashy decorations, opting instead for a clear and sober approach that gives the platform a professional look. In order to allow for optimal performance and scalability, this free forum software offers a broad variety of customizable features and plugins, along with structured code documentation. As a result, SMF’s module and system is among the most flexible in the space. Furthermore, SMF’s advanced package manager allows users to implement large-scale user modifications quickly. In just a couple clicks, you’ll be able to apply changes to large user databases. Long gone are the days when these modifications took endless hours and lines of code. Key features: Advanced security features Highly customizable extensions Supports 46 languages Paid user subscriptions Built-in SEO tools 08. Discourse Price: Free open-source version, business plans start at $100/month Discourse offers a modern take on the notion of forums. A quick look at the platform’s interface makes it evident that this open-source solution has little in common with the traditional forum structure. This, combined with a long list of available features and integrations and complete mobile optimization, have granted this solution a spot among the best forum software. One of Discourse’s most groundbreaking features is a unique user ranking system that provides experienced members with certain moderation capabilities. This results in a self-moderated community where users are rewarded for their engagement and meaningful collaborations. If you are interested in this open-source forum software and don’t know how to host a website or don’t have the resources to do so, Discourse offers a managed hosting solution for a monthly subscription starting at $100. Key features: Mobile device optimization Advanced moderation settings Business plugins and social media integrations Rich messaging tools Performance analytic tools 09. XenForo Price: $160/year XenForo is a self-hosted forum software created for businesses. The platform presents an elegant interface that can be easily customized to match the business’s brand identity. You’ll be able to change the forum layout, create your own typography style and implement your brand colors without a single line of code. There are more than 2,000 plugins available in the platform, ranging from enhanced search capabilities to premium area paywalls. Among these, one of the XenForum’s core defining features is the use of gamification to encourage user engagement. This includes social sharing, activity milestones, appreciation tools and a reward scheme. In addition to the basic yearly license, XenForo offers several premium services users can add to their forums such as a media gallery, enhanced SEO tools and advanced resource management. Extra additions can be purchased from third-party vendors. Key features: Built-in SEO User engagement rewards Robust content tools Customizable templates Wide range of add-ons 10. Invision Community Price: Plans start at $45/month Invision Community is deemed to be one of the best forum software solutions for businesses and enterprises. It combines a fully customizable interface with rich content creation tools and a comprehensive admin panel that makes it easy to set up and manage. The platform enables users to customize every aspect of their forums, down to the activity feed on a user basis. This flexibility extends to end-users as well, as they can create and manage their own online communities within the forum. Known as clubs, these areas get designated managers and can control private forums, galleries and calendars. Furthermore, Invision’s solution can be used beyond forum platforms to build fully functional and mobile-responsible support ticket systems, blogs, file-sharing networks, eCommerce sites, content management systems and more. Key features: Achievement rewards Premium clubs memberships Powerful business tools Advanced security settings Comprehensive content apps What are the benefits of using forum software? Forum software offers numerous benefits for individuals, organizations and businesses, making it a valuable tool for communication, collaboration and community building. Here are some of the key advantages of using forum software: Fostering community amongst your users and customers Forum software creates a platform for individuals with shared interests to connect, interact and form meaningful connections. It facilitates discussions, encourages sharing of knowledge and experiences and helps build a sense of belonging and community. Enhanced customer support Companies can u forum software to provide comprehensive customer support, allowing users to ask questions, seek solutions and share feedback. This direct interaction with customers helps improve product development, identify areas for improvement and enhance customer satisfaction. Effective knowledge management Forums serve as a repository of valuable information, capturing discussions, FAQs and solutions to common problems. This collective knowledge base can be easily searched and accessed by users, reducing the need for repetitive support requests and streamlining problem-solving. Brand building Active forum participation allows organizations to establish themselves as thought leaders in their respective industries. By engaging with users, providing valuable insights and addressing concerns, companies can build brand credibility and enhance their reputation. Market research Forum discussions provide valuable insights into user needs, preferences and pain points. Companies can analyze these conversations to gather market research, identify potential product improvements and develop features that align with user expectations. How to choose the right forum software Choosing the right forum software for your online community is crucial for ensuring a thriving and engaging online space. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision: Define your community's goals and needs Before diving into software options, clearly define the purpose and objectives of your online community. What do you hope to achieve? What are the specific needs of your target audience? Understanding these goals will guide your software selection. Assess your technical expertise Consider your technical capabilities or the availability of technical support. Some forum software requires more technical expertise for setup and maintenance, while others offer user-friendly interfaces and simplified management tools. Evaluate features and functionality Research and compare different forum software options based on their features and functionality. Consider essential features like user profiles, threaded discussions, moderation tools, search and navigation and integration capabilities. Consider scalability and growth Choose software that can accommodate your community's growth. Ensure the software can handle increasing user traffic, data storage requirements and potential feature expansions in the future. Review pricing and licensing options Compare pricing structures and licensing models of different software providers. Open-source software may be cost-effective but may require more technical expertise, while paid software often provides support and regular updates. Test and evaluate potential software Most forum software providers offer free trials or demo versions. Utilize these opportunities to test the software's user interface, features and compatibility with your needs. Seek community feedback Gather feedback from potential users or existing community members to understand their preferences and expectations for the forum software. Their insights can help you identify the most suitable option. Prioritize security and data protection Ensure the forum software prioritizes user data security and privacy. Check for robust security measures, data encryption and compliance with relevant data protection regulations. Consider mobile compatibility In today's mobile-first world, choose forum software that offers a responsive design and a user-friendly mobile experience. This ensures your community can access and engage with the forum on various devices. Seek support when needed Don't hesitate to seek assistance from the software provider or the online community if you encounter any technical difficulties or have questions about the software's functionality. What features should forum software offer? Forum software should offer a range of features to facilitate effective communication, collaboration and community engagement. Some essential features to look for in forum software include: Discussion threads and topics : Enable users to create and engage in discussion threads organized by topics or categories for easy navigation and focused conversations. User registration : Allow users to register accounts, create profiles and customize their information, fostering a sense of community and personalization. Moderation tools : Provide robust moderation tools for administrators and moderators to manage content, including thread locking, post deletion and user banning, ensuring a safe and respectful environment. Search functionality : Offer powerful search capabilities to help users quickly find relevant topics and posts within the forum, enhancing usability and user experience. Notification system : Implement a notification system that alerts users to new replies, mentions or updates to subscribed threads, keeping users engaged and informed about ongoing discussions. Best forum software FAQ How much does forum software cost? The cost of forum software can vary depending on the features and functionality of the software. Some forum programs are free to use, while others require a license fee. There are also many open-source forum programs available, which can be downloaded and used for free. Is it hard to create a forum website? The difficulty of creating a forum website depends on your technical expertise. If you're comfortable with coding and web development, you may be able to create a forum website yourself. However, if you're not familiar with coding, you may want to hire a professional to create the website for you. Can you make money running a forum? Yes, you can make money running a forum. There are a few different ways to monetize a forum, such as: Advertising: You can sell advertising space on your forum to businesses that want to reach your audience. Premium memberships: You can offer premium memberships that give users access to exclusive features or content. Affiliate marketing: You can promote products or services on your forum and earn a commission for each sale that is generated through your forum. The amount of money you can make from running a forum will depend on a number of factors, such as the traffic of your forum, the demographics of your audience and your ability to attract advertisers or sponsors.

You have a great idea for a new business venture. You’ve felt the bolt of inspiration, the rush of energy and you’re eager to make it work. But before you get wrapped up in those new business butterflies, you’ll need to do some careful planning to ensure you actually succeed. That’s where a business planning checklist can help. As you go from concept to company, you’ll need to answer some key questions: How much startup money will you need? Who will handle the books? How can you create a beautiful and functional website for your new brand? If you’re ready to find the answers, read on. Use this business startup checklist as your personal to-do list. Check off all of these boxes and you’ll be well on your way to kicking off a booming business. Ready to launch? Build your business website today with Wix. Your ultimate business startup checklist Flesh out your business idea Estimate your startup costs Write your business plan Find funding Choose a location Pick a business structure Select a business name Create a website Register your business with your state Get your EIN number Apply for licenses and permits Create an operational plan Get help with accounting Hire employees Obtain business insurance Spread the word 01. Flesh out your business idea The first step toward launching your company is coming up with an idea. Often, the most successful businesses are driven by a personal passion. If you're obsessed with home improvement projects, then you might start a construction or handyman business. If you spend 90% of your free time working out, then you might choose to open your own gym. Once you have your idea, you need to make sure it’s business-worthy. Find out by diving into market research. Investigate the potential market size in your niche. Research your likely competitors, and reach out to would-be customers to learn why they gravitate towards particular products or services. If you’re creating a brand-new product, develop a prototype that you can test. Then, use all of this information to determine your unique selling proposition (that is, the thing that makes your business stand out). 02. Estimate your startup costs To get your company off of the ground, you’ll need at least a little bit of startup capital. The cost to start a business will vary based on the type of company you’re opening. An online business, for example, will likely cost less than a company that requires a storefront on Main Street. When calculating your startup costs, consider your expenses for equipment, property rental (including the initial deposit), production, inventory and marketing. Add in the cost of any licenses, fees or permits you’ll need to acquire. Be sure to set aside a contingency fund for future expenses. It takes most businesses two-to-three years to turn a profit , so your savings will help you cover operational costs in the interim. 03. Write your business plan Writing a business plan is arguably the most important to-do item on your business startup checklist. It will serve as the blueprint for your company’s formation, with details about your goals, strategies and financial projections. You’ll share your business plan with investors, banks and potential partners in order to earn their trust, so it must be compelling and impactful. You can create a one-page plan that gives a quick snapshot of your business. Or, you can create a multi-page plan that dives into the details. No matter which format you choose, your business plan should include all the basics of how to start a business , including these items: Executive summary: Provide a brief overview of everything in your plan, including a summary of your business and its goals. Company description: Include your name, mission statement and goals more in detail. Products or services: Create a list of your offerings, proof of concept and pricing. Market analysis: Provide an overview of your potential market size, target audience and your competitors. Marketing and operations plan: Explain how you’ll reach your customers and grow your brand. Management and organization: Describe your company’s structure or include an organization chart. Financial projections: Outline your startup costs, sales forecasts and needed funding. Appendices: If you have anything further to add, provide materials in this section. Not sure where to begin? Use this business plan template as your guide. Your plan will be a living and breathing document, so you’ll want to review and update it regularly pre- and post-launch. 04. Find funding If you’ve followed all the steps up to this point, then you should know how much money you need to start your business. Now, it’s time to find those funds. If you already have enough money in your personal savings to get started—or if you have multiple income streams—you may not need additional startup money. No need to worry if you don’t have the cash on hand. There are plenty of ways to generate funding these days. You can explore loans and grants from organizations like the Small Business Administration , or you can secure a business loan from a local bank. Angel investors and venture capital offer two other potential funding sources, especially for startups or businesses looking to give up equity in exchange for an investment. So, too, does crowdfunding, an approach that leverages platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to collect money from individuals who want to support your new business. 05. Choose a location Every business needs a place to call home. Even if you’re thinking about how to start an online business , your company will eventually need a mailing address. Choosing the right location for your business is an important step, because it impacts your taxes, revenue and legal requirements. Understand the rules in the jurisdiction where your business will reside. If you’re starting a business that needs a physical presence, look carefully at the location of potential office and retail sites. Consider: How accessible is it for you and your employees? How close is it to your product suppliers? Is there potential for a lot of foot traffic? If you plan to lease commercial space, hiring a commercial real estate agent is a wise move. But if you don’t have your heart set on a specific location yet, then check out this list of the best states to start a business . More resources for starting a business in your state How to start a business in Michigan How to start a business in Connecticut How to start a business in South Carolina How to start a business in Tennessee How to start a business in Minnesota How to start a business in New York How to start a business in Pennsylvania How to start a business in Virginia How to start a business in Indiana How to start a business in Washington state 06. Pick a business structure Your business structure will determine how much you’ll pay in taxes and your personal liability. Most business owners will choose one of four structures: Sole proprietorship : You own the business yourself, and you assume all of its legal responsibilities. You report profits and losses on your personal tax return, and you are liable for any debts or legal issues. Partnership : Two or more people share responsibility for the business. They also share in the legal and financial obligations, and they split the profits. Each partner reports profits and losses on their individual tax returns. Corporation : Your business is a legal entity separate from its owners. Corporations pay corporate income tax on profits, and individual shareholders are usually not held liable for the company’s debts and legal obligations. Limited liability corporation (LLC) : In an LLC, the business owners operate as “members'' of the company. As the name implies, LLCs offer the limited liability protection of a corporation. In this structure, members can choose whether to be taxed as a corporation or as a “pass-through entity” to the owners’ individual tax returns. 07. Select a business name At this stage of your small business startup checklist, it’s time to start brainstorming what you want your business to be called. Choose a name that best reflects your company’s mission, vision and values. The best company names are both memorable and unique. A smart approach is to come up with a list of a dozen or so potential names. Then, start doing some research. First, check the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database to make sure that your chosen name isn’t already trademarked by another company. You should also check with the Office of the Secretary of State for the state in which your business is located to see if another business has claimed your name. Finally, conduct some thorough online searches to ensure that you can use your company name across your web and social media platforms. You can do a domain name search to see if the domain name you want to use for your website is available. Need some instant inspiration? Try Wix’s free business name generator . 08. Create a website As you move closer to your launch date, you’ll turn your focus towards marketing. If you have an online business, your website will serve as the public face of your company. If you have a brick-and-mortar business, your website will be your top online marketing channel, spreading the word about your company and enticing customers to visit your physical location. Today, website building platforms make it easier than ever to create a beautiful website. When you build a website with Wix, you’ll have access to more than 800 professionally designed templates that reflect all types of businesses. Wix’s advanced customization options allow you to modify any template to your liking, with easy-to-use drag-and-drop editing capabilities along with AI-assisted tools. With Wix, you also get free and secure web hosting, a custom domain name and email name ideas that you can turn into your business email address. What’s more, your website dashboard can truly become the one-stop-shop for all your business management needs, including online payment systems , appointment booking , advertising , email marketing , search engine optimization (SEO) , hundreds of third-party app integrations and more. Need more help with marketing and design? Check out Wix’s free business tools . 09. Register your business with your state Let’s make this official. Registering your business with your state offers many benefits, including personal liability protection, legal and trademark protection, and tax benefits. Additionally, it allows you to hire employees and gives you more access to lending and funding options. If you’re establishing a business in the U.S., your location and business structure determine the steps you’ll need to take in order to register your business. 10. Get your EIN number You must also register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS will provide you with an employer identification number , or EIN, which is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your business. An EIN allows your business to be recognized by the government when it comes to paying taxes on the state and federal levels. Furthermore, you’ll need a tax ID number to hire staff, open a business bank account and apply for any necessary business licenses or permits. There is one exception here: a sole proprietorship with no employees does not have to register with the IRS. 11. Apply for licenses and permits Identifying the type of licenses or permits you’ll need to start your business will require a little bit of legwork. That’s because the rules vary by industry, state and even municipality. Only a few businesses (such as investment advising, drug manufacturing and ground transport) require federal licenses. However, many types of companies will need state licenses, especially those that provide specific services to customers (such as accountants, real estate agents or hair stylists). If you’re starting an eCommerce business, you will also need a sales tax permit if your state collects sales tax. According to Sabrina Papini, marketing director of eCommerce and marketplaces at Avalara , failing to do this is a common compliance mistake made by business owners. "Neglecting to register for sales tax in states where your business has a tax obligation can lead to penalties, fines and audits," Papini says. "Businesses must identify their nexus, which is a connection between their operations and the taxing authority, and register accordingly." On a local level, most cities or counties require that you have a business license. This can even be true for at-home businesses. Your best bet is to check with state and local officials to make sure that you have all the official licenses and permits you need. 12. Create an operational plan There are many types of business plans , and one of the most important for startups is an operational plan. This will determine how you and your employees will conduct your day-to-day business. Your operational plan should include details on how your company will process orders, pay bills, pay taxes, maintain permits and manage internal workflows. Look for places where automation can help you get more efficient, such as task management, customer service and scheduling. Finally, start investigating the type of software you might need, including items like point-of-sale systems or customer relationship management (CRM) databases. 13. Get help with accounting Speaking of software, one of the biggest needs for almost all small businesses is some sort of automated system for financial accounting, tax management and budgeting. If you’re already a financial whiz, you may be able to handle this on your own. But for the vast majority of businesses, investing in accounting software is a serious value-add. Look for solutions that can help you manage and create balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow statements. Because businesses are required to keep financial documents on file for three years, you should seek a solution with documentation storage capabilities. If you don’t use accounting software, then be sure to work with a licensed business accountant who can help you balance the books, keep records and stay compliant. 14. Hire employees If you’re planning to build a team to help you run your company, then hiring employees is a must-do item on your business startup checklist. First, determine how many team members you’ll need and write out their roles and responsibilities. Next, establish pay rates and benefits. Depending on the size of your company and the needs of your business, you may not necessarily need full-time staff to start. Part-time employees or even freelance workers are an option you can consider. Finally, draft a job posting that covers the core responsibilities, required skills and benefits of the position. You can then advertise your open positions on career websites, local job boards, freelance platforms or social media. 15. Obtain business insurance You’ll do tons of hard work to get your company up and running. So, you’ll want to protect your investment by obtaining the right type of insurance. Some common options include: Workers’ compensation: Workers’ comp covers medical expenses and lost wages for staff members injured on the job. This is mandatory in most states if you have employees. General liability insurance: This provides coverage for third-party bodily injury, property damage and/or legal expenses resulting from an accident due to your products or services (or on your business premises). Professional liability insurance: This type of insurance covers any errors and omissions that may cause physical or financial harm to a client or customer. Business interruption insurance: This insurance plan will replace lost revenue in the event your business can’t operate due to a natural disaster or another covered loss. 16. Spread the word Once your business is up and running, you can start expanding your marketing reach. First, create social media channels and link them back to your website. Choose the social media platforms where your customers and clients are most likely to frequent. Then, invite people you know to follow your feeds and start building your audience. Your social presence will allow you to promote your brand and deliver customer service in real time. With Wix, you can connect your WhatsApp , Instagram and Facebook accounts directly to your inbox so you never miss a message. Depending on your business type, your marketing may also include online advertising, traditional advertising and public relations. Additionally, keep an eye out for regional and local events and conferences where you can connect with potential customers, clients and even investors.

Nowadays, you can’t grow a personal brand or run a business without an active social media presence. However, with so many people and brands on social media, it can be difficult to get noticed and expand your audience without sophisticated marketing strategies .  Growth doesn’t happen overnight, so it’s important to be patient and have a healthy mindset around this goal. Take it from Amber Vittoria—artist, author and Wix user—who has more than a quarter of a million followers across her social media accounts. “It took almost a decade [to grow my following on] Instagram and X—and a few years for TikTok,” Amber says.  But the value has paid off in spades. Her socials have helped to promote her paintings of gradient ribbons of color so that now, her designs have been featured on products from Adidas, Mastercard, L’Oreal Paris and H&M Home. In 2023, Amber even published her first book, These Are My Big Girl Pants: Poetry and Paintings on Womanhood .  While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to growing a social media presence, we picked Amber’s brain to get her advice on how to grow social media followers and why doing so is vital. Build a website with Wix to tap into the website builder’s array of marketing and social media tools. 11 tips on how to grow social media followers Get creative with video Partner with others Cross-promote your social media profiles Encourage user-generated content Invest in ads Stick to the schedule Be authentic Build relationships with your followers Focus on analytics Be selective about what you share Remember your “why” 01. Get creative with video TikTok has changed the game in social media marketing  when it comes to video content. Known for its bite-sized videos, TikTok has become the platform to mimic for social media giants like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X who’ve all adopted some type of short-form video. Nowadays, the appetite for video is huge: 66% of consumers report short-form video to be the most engaging type of social media content —yet video is the most underutilized format across multiple channels, according to SproutSocial .  Because producing videos can get time-consuming, Amber systematized her production to prevent it from distracting from her art. “With video being the priority on social, I film snippets of my process, edit them in the apps and post,” she says.  Fortunately, fewer consumers expect highly polished content than you might expect. Seventy-nine percent  of Millennials and Gen Zers prefer less refined, more authentic content. By embracing this lo-fi content trend , you can make the process of making videos for social media more manageable. 02. Partner with others Teaming up with other creators, influencers or brands can widen your sphere. By collaborating, you can tap into each other's follower base and offer complementary content. These types of collaborations can also boost your credibility, especially when partnering with well-known brands, helping to establish trust with followers, both existing and new. Amber is no stranger to these partnerships. Partnerships have helped her to reach niche audiences that may take an interest in her work. Her collaboration with Tilda & Moo, a baby accessory company, for instance, has introduced her art to new mothers who appreciate art in all forms—even in the form of bibs and blankets. Collaborating doesn't always mean launching a product line. It can be as simple as joining forces with a peer in your industry and sharing your joint activities through an Instagram Collab. (This particular Instagram feature lets you tag your collaborator so that one post conveniently appears in both your feed and your collaborator’s feed.) Whether you’re working on a product line or a marketing collab, Amber suggests taking a storytelling approach. “My artwork is very narrative-driven, so I like when my collaborations are as well,” she says. 03. Cross-promote your social media profiles You don’t need to reinvent the wheel on each platform—instead, develop a cross-promotion strategy to spread the wealth across your social media presence and make sure your followers on one know of your content on another.  For instance, you might post a snippet from a YouTube video on your Instagram story with a prompt directing viewers to the full video on YouTube. Alternatively, you could post behind-the-scenes pictures on X from an Instagram project, drawing your X followers to your Instagram for more content. This approach not only piques interest but also encourages followers to interact with your profiles on various platforms. If you’re looking for lower-hanging fruit, simply linking from profile to profile in the bio section of each account can help people find the content that most appeals to them. Amber places social media icons right in the header of her portfolio website  to ensure that they’re easily noticeable.  04. Encourage user-generated content (UGC) Your customers are your best advocates, so invite them to help you grow your social media audience. Amber has found that much of her website traffic comes from customers sharing her work online. To encourage user-generated content (UGC), consider these approaches: Send a postcard: For physical products, insert a postcard into your packaging that encourages customers to post a picture with your product and tag you on social media.  Create a photo spot: If your brand has a physical space, such as a store or pop-up, set up an attractive photo opportunity, like a vibrant mural. Include your social media handle to encourage tagging. Host a contest: Organize a social media contest asking participants to share a photo, video or story related to your brand with your account tagged as part of their entry. This not only engages your audience but also helps spread brand awareness through their networks. 05. Invest in ads If your social media growth isn't as fast as you'd like, consider using ads. While you don’t want to become over-reliant on ads, ads can give you a push in the right direction when you’re just getting started.  Social media platforms each offer their own distinctive advertising services. On some, like X, you can create follower campaigns that are specifically designed to drum up attention around your social profile. On others, you can choose between a variety of ad formats—like video, image and direct message—to get your content in front of more people.  It’s best to start with just one or two channels, where you can invest time into learning and experimenting with their ad services. Wix merchants can manage Instagram and Facebook ads  right from their dashboards. Wix offers automation to help you quickly create, monitor and optimize your ads around the clock.  06. Stick to the schedule According to Amber, there wasn’t a specific post that instigated a surge of new followers. “Consistently showing up is the key in my experience,” she explains. To that end, it's important to maintain a social media calendar  that fits comfortably into your daily routine. Amber limits her social media activity to one or two hours a day, ensuring it supports but doesn’t overshadow her art. “I try to keep it organic and not put too much pressure on myself,” she says. By planning and scheduling posts ahead of time, you can maintain a consistent online presence without disrupting your other tasks or responsibilities. Wix’s social media management tool allows you to schedule posts in advance. It additionally offers templates for image and video posts, as well as AI to help you write engaging captions when you’re in a creative rut.  07. Be authentic With the pressure to share online constantly, it’s easy to lose sight of your social media branding . You may find yourself posting something just for the sake of posting something. Avoid this trap. Doing this can lead to creating posts that aren't authentic to your brand.  Trendjacking  (in which a brand uses trending topics, events or memes to connect with its audience) can be a valuable way of reaching new audiences. That said, Amber says it’s important to trust your instincts when trying social media trends to remain true to your brand. When your content is authentic, it can interact with people who encounter your account and might make them more likely to follow you. “I'm not huge on following trends, but I do love experimenting with new platforms,” says Amber. “I'd say, trust your instincts. If hopping on a trend brings you joy and fulfillment, do it. If tinkering on new platforms feels too heavy of a lift, then don't. The beauty of social is that it is up to you [to decide] how you share and engage.” Learn more: What is Brat? 08. Build relationships with followers Engaging with followers isn’t just a rewarding way to stay connected with your supporters—it’s also an organic way to grow your audience. “My favorite is when folks DM me,” says Amber. “It feels more personal, and it aligns with how I behave in real life since I'm much better at chatting one-on-one versus in large group settings.” By developing relationships with followers, they’ll think of you positively and will be more likely to spread the word about your brand. They might share a screenshot of a conversation they had with you in their Stories or retweet your back-and-forth because they’re excited that you responded. Or, if they’re an active customer, they may be more likely to share about your products or services on social media after you’ve engaged with them. “Focus on those who are already following you. Give them love, and more folks will see that and follow along as well,” says Amber. “The smartest thing I've done regarding following is to not focus too much on how many people follow me but to connect with those who already take the time to look at my work and follow along with my art practice.” 09. Focus on analytics To verify that you’re creating content that engages your audience, check your social media analytics . Each platform has a native reporting feature that lets you track follower growth and see metrics like likes, comments, reach, impressions and more. Most social media platforms  require you to have a business account to access reports, so switch into this mode if you’re not using it already. Use analytics to determine when your accounts have experienced the most growth and to see which posts perform the best. Find patterns in your top-performing content, then use that to inform your content. You could also use this data to determine which posts to boost with ad money to attract new followers. 10. Be selective about what you share about yourself Oversharing can be inevitable when you’re trying to grow your social media following. Amber recommends keeping your personal and professional lives separate online to avoid burnout.  “I have slowed down on sharing everything about my life on social,” she says. “Sometimes we forget some of our relationships on social media are parasocial, and [we] approach a stranger online as if we are friends. Because of this, I try to keep my social media about my art and the parts of myself that are connected overtly to my art.” Another benefit: Keeping your content focused on a particular topic or theme will help attract the right kind of followers. It can help you stand out in front of the right people, rather than force you to try to be everything to everyone. 11. Remember your “why” Mastering how to grow social media followers comes with many benefits, but it isn’t everything. Keep your “why” in mind as you create content to stay true to your big-picture goals. Even though Amber has an impressive audience on social media, her objective isn’t to make a career out of social media influencing. Her art and writing career are her top priorities, she says.  Why should you learn how to grow social media followers? Mastering how to grow a social following is a strategic move that goes beyond personal popularity. By investing in the above strategies, you can look forward to the following benefits. Land professional opportunities Growing your online presence opens up doors to professional opportunities like paid partnerships, clients and even full-time work. For example, through a connection on X, Amber managed to land a commission from Mastercard and MLB  to design a limited-edition, animated digital ticket for the 2023 All Star Game in Seattle. Become a thought leader Having a substantial social media following positions you as an industry thought leader or expert and makes you an attractive candidate for speaking opportunities, media interviews, collaborations, industry events and more. By amplifying her social media presence , Amber made a name for herself in the art world and has been a guest on more than two dozen podcasts  and counting. Gain more customers A large social media following expands your reach, increasing your chances of meeting new customers. In a similar sense, by engaging with followers on social media, you can foster a sense of community around your brand. This can deepen your customers’ loyalty to you, or convince your online fans to become paying customers. Case in point: Amber’s social media accounts are more than just a place for her to share her work; they’re a place for her to sell it. On her Instagram, Amber has multiple calls to action for followers to purchase her work. In her link in bio , Amber links to her online store and has a CTA that encourages followers to shop her prints. Her Instagram Highlights (i.e., curated collections of Instagram Stories that she pinned to her profile) feature action-oriented titles like “Shop Book” and “Shop Prints.” Amber also advertises her art in her posts and links to her online store in her Stories. Learn more: link in bio tools Crowdsource A sizable following is like a free sounding board that you can use to gather opinions. Businesses, brands and organizations can leverage their follower bases to crowdsource feedback, helping to tailor products or services to customers’ needs. Make an impact A larger social media following allows you to amplify your message and make a broader impact. Whether you're promoting a cause, sharing valuable information or advocating for a specific issue, having a massive audience enables you to reach and influence more people. Amber uses her platform on Instagram to spread hope to others who are suffering from chronic illnesses. In a caption for a post about her piece “The Idle Shift,” she talks about her journey with migraines, allergies and anxiety and the various treatments she has tried. She hopes to reach more people who would benefit from hearing her message and feel less alone in their struggles. Diversify your revenue streams With a larger social media following, you have a higher chance of diversifying your income streams to include affiliate marketing, sponsored events, merchandise and even a new product line. Moreover, higher follower counts go hand in hand with higher earning potential. Brands are willing to pay more for partnerships when they know your content can reach a larger and more engaged audience. Stay top of mind Your activity online can help you stay atop consumers’ minds. Put simply: The more active followers you have, the more potential impact you can make. If you run a business, this ongoing visibility increases brand awareness and helps to keep your brand top of mind when followers are making purchasing decisions. Build your connections Business- and brand-building benefits aside, growing your social media following is a fantastic way to build connections and relationships online. Even though most of Amber’s freelance clients come from cold email outreach, investing time in social media is worth it for her. “I love connecting with people over my art, and social media is the best place to do that,” Amber says.