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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.

Get started by: Creating a website →  | Getting a domain → Before the Internet took over, a top restaurant thrived on word of mouth. Today, with online searches shaping dining decisions, having a quality restaurant website  is key to keeping your business booming. Your restaurant's website is its digital face, essential for boosting visibility and attracting more customers.  Whether you're starting a business  in the restaurant world or have been in the business for a while, learning how to create restaurant website  is essential. You might be wondering how much does a restaurant website cost. This article breaks down all the key factors to consider when setting a budget for your website design . Ready to create your restaurant website? Get started for free with the Wix website builder  today. How much does a restaurant website cost? If you are creating a website on your own, basic restaurant websites  can cost as little as $16 per month. However, if you're exploring how to create a website with advanced features or need professional assistance from photographers, copywriters, or designers, costs can exceed $10,000. Let's examine the variables that can impact the cost of building a restaurant website. Want to learn more? Check out this course about starting your restaurant site .  10 Restaurant website costs The cost of a restaurant website can vary greatly depending on the features and services you choose for your website. It's like ordering from a restaurant menu—there are different dishes with various prices, and you have the freedom to pick and choose according to your business plan  budget and preference. Every restaurant website is unique, and the services included in web design and development for your restaurant depend on your needs, goals and preferences.  Here’s a detailed breakdown of some considerations that can influence restaurant website costs. Included in each section, we've outlined the average cost ranges to help you estimate expenses. Domain name Web hosting Website security Website builder Logo and branding eCommerce integrations SEO tools Email marketing tools Social media tools Maintenance and updates 01. Domain name Average cost range: $0-$1,000+ per year Think of your domain name  as the address of your restaurant website. It's what people will type in their browsers to find you, like " www.myrestaurant.com ." If you need inspiration, a domain name generator  can help you think of creative ideas. Use a domain name search  to check availability and purchase one from a registrar like Wix. Costs can vary based on the domain extension ( .com , .net , .org), length of registration (yearly or multi-year), website privacy  protection plan and whether it's a new or previously owned domain. Tip: Wix paid plan includes a free domain for the first year, so no need to worry about upfront domain name costs. 02. Web hosting Average cost range: $0-$250 per month Website hosting ensures your restaurant website is accessible to hungry diners anytime, anywhere. Whether they're checking out your menu pricing or making reservations, reliable hosting keeps your digital doors open for business. The cost of a hosting website  varies based on the provider, package and level of service. Some providers, like Wix, include free website hosting  as part of their website builder package. Pick a provider that caters to your restaurant's needs, offering the right features to enhance customer experience and keep your site running smoothly. 03. Website security Average cost range: $0-$200+ per year Ensuring the security of your restaurant website is like securing your restaurant's front door—a must, especially if you'll be taking orders and accepting online payments . Some providers offer basic website security measures at affordable prices, while others may charge more for advanced protection against potential cyberattacks. Being proactive in protecting your restaurant website can ultimately save you money and avoid the cost of dealing with a security breach. Tip: With Wix, website security  is already included when you create a restaurant website. Enjoy 24/7 monitoring to spot vulnerabilities and safeguard your info and visitors. 04. Website builder Average cost range: $0-$70+ A drag and drop website builder  is a software platform that lets you create and manage your restaurant website even without technical knowledge. Wix's templates are ready-made layouts that help shape your site's look and feel without the need to code every detail from scratch. Templates can be handy for nailing down your brand's visual identity while effectively organizing your site's content. Using an AI website maker  can further enhance the website building experience with the help of Wix’s unique, chat-based AI experience. Check out these totally customizable and free  restaurant website templates  to help you get started.   05. Logo and branding Average cost range: $0-$10,000+ one time fee Your restaurant's logo and branding are essential for creating a recognizable and memorable brand. Your brand identity should be cohesive throughout all of your marketing channels, including your restaurant website, social media and print materials. Depending on the complexity of your brand design, creating a memorable logo can range in cost. Consider using a restaurant logo maker  tool to achieve the perfect branding look for your restaurant website atmosphere. Learn more: What is web design? 06. eCommerce integrations Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month If your restaurant offers online ordering or reservations, you'll need to integrate restaurant and eCommerce functionality into your restaurant website. This service allows guests to make transactions directly on your site, making it convenient and efficient for both parties. Consider using apps from the Wix App Marketplace , such as DoorDash Drive for delivery with a flat fee rate, or apps for building a birthday and loyalty club to grow sales and customer lists. The cost of these features can vary depending on the provider and what type of tools you need. Tip: Wix Restaurants is made up of 3 apps—Menus, Orders and Table Reservations—and additional integrations to help you best run your restaurant. Choose a restaurant template or add Wix Restaurants to another site by adding the Wix Restaurants Orders app . 07. SEO tools Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month If you want to rank high in Google searches, so potential diners can find your restaurant's website easily, you need a search engine optimized (SEO) website. Utilize a variety of SEO tools—both free and paid, to pinpoint the best keywords, generate fresh content ideas and understand your target market  better. Wix SEO  provides a comprehensive set of tools to manage your restaurant's SEO strategy. Other tools like Ahrefs, Semrush and Keyword Everywhere can assist in finding relevant keywords for your restaurant's content. Consider starting a blog  to boost your online presence and help with the SEO efforts. 08. Email marketing tools Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month Restaurant email marketing is a powerful tool for restaurants to keep in touch with customers and promote their latest deals, menu items and cocktail trends. By utilizing email marketing tools , you can easily create professional-looking newsletters and send them to targeted lists. The cost to your restaurant website budget can range depending on the number of subscribers you have and the frequency of emails you send. 09. Social media tools Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month Social media is vital for restaurants to market themselves, helping you reach new patrons and showcase your brand. By using restaurant social media marketing tools, you can streamline your online presence by scheduling posts, analyzing data and managing multiple accounts all in one spot. The cost of these tools will depend on the scale of your social media efforts. Look for tools that not only schedule content but also monitor conversations online and analyze your data effectively. 10. Maintenance and updates Average cost range: $50-$200+ per month Once your restaurant website is up and running, it's important to regularly maintain and update it. This can include adding new menu items, updating business hours or even refreshing the design. While you can choose to handle these tasks yourself, hiring a professional web developer can save you time and ensure that your site is always functioning properly. Consider setting aside a budget for regular maintenance and updates to keep your website running smoothly. Advantages of having a restaurant website A restaurant website provides a platform for your customers to learn more about your brand, explore menu options, make reservations or place orders at their convenience. Aside from these basic features, here are some additional advantages of having a business website : Enhanced online visibility: With a restaurant website, potential diners can easily discover your establishment via search engines using keywords related to your cuisine and location. Professional image boost:  A well-designed, informative website enhances a restaurant's professionalism, building credibility and customer retention. It's ideal for presenting a cohesive brand image, incorporating the restaurant logo, branding colors and overall aesthetic. Standing out in competition: In a competitive market, a restaurant website helps your business differentiate itself and compete effectively. Today's consumers expect businesses to have websites, making them more inclined to choose a restaurant that has one. Cost-effective marketing: A website is a good way to promote your restaurant compared to traditional marketing strategies , reaching a broader audience. Additionally, a restaurant website is the perfect platform to showcase essential information like the online menu, operating hours, contact details, the head chef and positive customer reviews. Insightful analytics:  By leveraging analytics tools, you can gain valuable insights into your Wix website performance  and user behavior, empowering you to make informed decisions for your business. Using a website builder vs. professional services When it comes to creating a restaurant website, you have two primary options: you can opt to hire a professional web developer who can tailor the website to your specific needs or utilize a website builder that can offer a more cost-effective solution that allows for easier updates and maintenance. Both routes have their distinct advantages and cost considerations to weigh before making a decision on how to best represent your restaurant online. Hiring a web developer Average cost range: $500-$10,000+ one-time fee If you have specific design ideas in mind for your restaurant website and want to ensure complete customization and control over every aspect, hiring a website designer  may be the best option for you. A professional web developer can bring your vision to life and incorporate any advanced features or integrations that you require. However, this option can add to how much does a website cost and ongoing maintenance costs may also apply. Using a website builder Average cost range: $0-$70+ per month A website builder is a user-friendly, cost-effective alternative to hiring a web developer. With drag-and-drop tools and pre-designed templates, you can easily create your website without any prior coding knowledge. Additionally, many website builders provide SEO tools and integrations to build an eCommerce site , making it a one-stop-shop for all your website needs. Read more for your restaurant business How to start a restaurant business How to create a restaurant business plan 33 restaurant business ideas: Your 2024 guide The story behind the rise of Modern Bread & Bagel and the restaurant website that fueled its growth How much does a restaurant website cost FAQ I already have regular customers and business is going well. Do I still need a website? Having a website can still benefit your restaurant. A website provides a platform for new diners to discover your restaurant and learn more about it, potentially bringing in more business. It also allows for easier communication with current customers, making it convenient for them to access menu options, make reservations or place orders.  My restaurant has multiple locations. Can we list them all on one website? Yes, you can list multiple locations on one website through the use of interactive maps or individual pages for each location. This is beneficial for users who may be searching for a specific location or want to see all available options in one place. It also helps with search engine optimization (SEO) and increases online visibility for your restaurant. Is a restaurant website necessary even with a Facebook page? Having a Facebook page can be beneficial for reaching and engaging with customers, but having a website provides additional benefits. A website allows for more control over your online presence and branding, as well as providing a platform for showcasing essential information like menus, operating hours and contact details. It also allows you to reach those who may not use social media or prefer to search for businesses through search engines. Having both a Facebook page and a website can complement each other and help your restaurant reach a wider target audience . Can I add new features to my restaurant website after it’s been developed? This depends on the chosen option for building your website. If you used a website builder, you can easily add new features through their platform. However, if you hired a web developer who created a fully customized website, adding new features may require additional coding and incur extra costs. It is important to discuss this with your web developer beforehand and plan for any future changes or updates you may want for your website.  Having a clear understanding of the capabilities and limitations of your restaurant website can help you make informed decisions about its development and ongoing maintenance. How long does it take to develop a restaurant website? The time it takes to develop a restaurant website can vary depending on the complexity and features required. For example, a basic website built with a website builder may only take a few days, while a fully customized website may take several weeks or even months to complete. It is essential to discuss your timeline expectations with your web developer and factor in additional time for testing and revisions before the website is launched. Market research  and proper communication between you and your web developer can help ensure that the website is developed efficiently and meets your expectations. Does a restaurant website need to be mobile friendly? Yes, having a mobile-friendly website is crucial for any business in today’s digital age. With more and more people using their smartphones to search for and access information online, having a website that is optimized for mobile devices can greatly improve user experience and increase the chances of converting visitors into customers. It also boosts SEO rankings and helps your restaurant stay competitive in an increasingly digital market.

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.

Internet marketing is an efficient and dynamic way to give your site the audience it deserves, but where do you start? There are many avenues available these days, be it Tiktok, Instagram Reels, email marketing and more. This guide to internet marketing will break down everything that internet marketing entails, and provide tips on how to use it strategically and effectively. It can also be designed to be true to the 4 p's of marketing . Let’s say you create a website  for your business—one that you’re pretty proud of. Even if your site’s design is perfect, it doesn’t mean that it will bring in website traffic automatically. Virtually every site needs to be backed by a strong marketing strategy to yield views and sales. What is internet marketing? Internet marketing (a.k.a. online marketing) is a type of marketing that refers to activities that a business completes online in order to boost brand awareness, get more leads and increase sales. Marketing on the internet can be broken up into the following categories: Organic vs. paid marketing Organic marketing refers to activities that are free to start in terms of a monetary investment. For example, you could: Write blog posts Publish videos to YouTube Post to social media Although it’s cost efficient, organic marketing is a long-term strategy that usually requires heavy time investment and consistent marketing management , both in terms of the time spent creating content and the time it takes for your business to see results. On the other hand, paid marketing refers to promotional activities that your business pays to engage in. For instance, your business could pay to: Run sponsored ads in Google search results Partner with an influencer to promote products Advertise on marketing channels such as Facebook or other social media platforms Paid marketing is usually the fastest way to get results from marketing and to achieve greater market penetration as a result, but it requires the right amount of financial backing and a strategic creation process to target the right audiences and gain a competitive advantage . If poorly managed, paid marketing can run up your tab. Keep in mind that to continue seeing results, you’ll have to keep injecting money into your paid campaigns. That’s why it’s often best to complement your short-term paid campaigns with ongoing organic marketing. Not sure which will work best for you? Run a marketing audit to have a better idea. Inbound vs. outbound marketing Inbound marketing is a marketing approach that seeks to naturally attract people to your brand by providing value through content and personalized experiences. For example, as part of your inbound marketing strategy, you may choose to create: Blogs Podcasts Educational videos Events Infographics The purpose of this sort of content is to engage people over time, and to ultimately nurture them into loyal customers. In order for inbound marketing to be effective, it has to offer real value to visitors—whether that’s offering educational resources, helpful tools, or other content that piques your audience’s interests. Outbound marketing refers to a more traditional advertising approach that actively puts your brand in front of customers and targets a large spectrum of consumers. The aim of outbound marketing is to spread the word about your brand as much as possible to generate sales. Some examples of internet outbound marketing include: Running retargeted ads on Facebook Cold calling or cold emailing potential buyers Publishing press releases Outbound marketing is often considered a more intrusive form of marketing. So, you’ll want to be careful not to turn people away by forcing your products on them, but rather reach out to carefully selected, qualified leads who’ll be the most receptive to your offer. Internet marketing vs. digital marketing Although the terms internet marketing and digital marketing are sometimes used interchangeably, they’re not exactly the same thing. Digital marketing refers to marketing that takes place over any digital channel. So, while internet marketing is strictly done online, digital marketing can involve, for instance, TV or digital billboards. Is internet marketing replacing traditional marketing? Traditional marketing tactics generally refer to those that take place outside of the internet. For instance: Print Direct mail Phone Broadcast Outdoor ads While the goals of internet and traditional marketing are the same, today’s consumers have demonstrated a willingness to move away from the old ways of engaging with brands. That’s most likely because, when it comes to this generation of consumers, they prefer the personalization that comes along with online preference controls. For instance, users can pick and choose what types of online advertisements they pay attention to or enable browser-based ad blockers to see fewer ads. We can also see this reflected in channels like radio or TV. Many people have switched to paid streaming services instead of traditional broadcast in order to avoid lengthy advertisements that appear in the middle of their programming. According to a Deloitte survey , 40% of people in the U.S. are willing to pay $12 a month for ad-free video streaming. Within the same survey, 45% said they’d pay for a music streaming subscription if ads were removed. These numbers are even higher for younger users. Does that mean internet marketing is completely replacing traditional marketing? Not yet. Many marketers are going back to good old-fashioned marketing , embracing the benefits of traditional channels to break through the digital noise. At the same time many traditional types of marketing, like referral marketing can be used both in print and online marketing approaches. The benefits of internet marketing There are many reasons why internet marketing has grown so popular over the last decade. So, let’s start with the facts. According to the Digital 2023 Global Overview Report , 5.16 billion users—about 64% of the global population—uses the internet. They’re spending a lot of time online, too. According to the report, the average user spends: 6.5 hours online every day 3.5 hours watching broadcast and streaming content 2.5 hours on social media A little over two hours reading online and print media Over 1.5 hours listening to streaming music One hour listening to podcasts With such a big window of opportunity comes big benefits, like the ones listed below. Save money Unlike traditional marketing, which tends to cost lots of money, internet marketing tends to be more cost-effective. One reason for this is because there are many free or inexpensive marketing channels to use, such as social media, email and your website. Another reason is because it’s far easier to automate an internet marketing strategy and ongoing campaigns, instead of having to constantly recreate the wheel. Reach more consumers Nearly two-thirds of the world’s population is online . Not only that, the average user is online for roughly a quarter of their day. That being said, you’ll probably have a far greater chance of connecting with larger audiences on the internet compared with traditional marketing. Since there are fewer geographic and demographic limitations when using internet marketing, you can reach a far more extensive, diverse crowd. Target and personalize experiences more easily With internet marketing tools, targeting the right audiences is easier when compared to traditional methods, and can be done on a much more granular level - mainly through the use and tracking of marketing analytics . For instance, when running email campaigns, you can put your marketing intelligence to work and: Send relevant offers to people who filled out one of your lead generation forms, use these to build customer segments Recommend related products or discounts based on customers’ previous purchases Send out abandoned cart emails to ​​remind shoppers about products they left in their shopping cart By doing more personalized targeting and marketing, you’ll likely see greater engagement and conversions from your efforts. This translates to a better return on your investment—even more so if you spent no money to run the campaigns in the first place. Enjoy other long-term benefits of internet marketing You have a very limited amount of time to make your pitch with traditional marketing and advertising methods. By contrast, internet marketing allows you to get in front of new and existing customers time and time again, and at different stages of each customer journey . It allows you to engage with consumers at various stages of the funnel, and continuously test new messaging, formats and targeting to boost your success. Given its flexibility, internet marketing lets you achieve a range of goals: Build brand awareness Get more website traffic Attract qualified leads Nurture those leads to conversion Establish a relationship with customers Provide extra value Offer better customer service 11 different types of internet marketing used today Before you begin any online marketing, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different types that are used today. While each has its own value, effective internet marketing depends on choosing one that relates to your business, connects with your target audience, aligns with your goals and of course, is within your budget. Once you know what your options are, you’ll be able to mix and match methods that will work best for your brand. Below, we’ve broken out the most common types of internet marketing alongside examples and tips to help you make the most of each. Website creation Content marketing Social media marketing Email marketing SEO Paid advertising Sponsored marketing USG marketing AI marketing Affiliate marketing Mobile marketing 01. Website creation In many cases, the marketing you do online directs people back to your website with the hopes that they’ll become leads or customers. However, your website in and of itself is an online marketing tool. For example, on-page SEO and blogging are two types of marketing strategies that help improve brand awareness and visibility. Your website can also serve as the landing pad for more promotional types of marketing content and pages: Landing pages can be used to promote a high-ticket sales funnel—like a course, retreat or ebook. To kickstart the design of these lead generating designs, learn how to create a landing page  tailored to your business needs and use landing page builder . Online portfolios with detailed pages are ideal for creators. Having portfolio pages that show off your work, explain your creative process and highlight areas of expertise are a good way to attract leads. Ecommerce websites can include pages that promote upcoming sales or clearance events. This is particularly useful around big sales days like Black Friday when people are using search engines to find relevant sales offers. 02. Content marketing Content marketing refers to the creation of digital content. Typically, the purpose of this content is to educate, though it can also be used for entertainment. There are many types of content that can be incorporated into a business’s marketing strategy: Blogging: While it’s common to publish blog posts on owned channels , like your company's website or social media pages, guest blogging is another great way to contribute content to high-authority brands. This kind of collaboration can help you quickly build up a new brand’s reputation in the space. Videos: From 60-second explainer videos to 30-minute courses, there’s a lot that brands can do with this easy-to-digest content format. Infographics: Infographics often take a complex idea, process or set of statistics and break them down into an easy-to-follow and visualized format. Make sure to use infographic colors that fit your brand's complementary colors . Podcasts: Podcasts are a relatively lightweight type of content to produce. But bear in mind that the most successful podcasts have a unique concept, and are supported by a strong marketing plan of their own to get off the ground. 03. Social media marketing There are many ways to use social media to your advantage, including creating posts that showcase your products and services, using reels to promote upcoming sales, new products, or events—and more. Social media marketing can also be free or paid. While you can set up a professional account for free and start posting right away, many social platforms have the option of paying for professional features—like running ads, getting a verified check mark or selling goods. There are dozens of effective social media platforms available today, each with its own unique audience. Some of the most popular are: Facebook YouTube Twitter Instagram Snapchat TikTok LinkedIn Pinterest Read also: The art of cringe marketing , when being cringey is a good thing 04. Email marketing Email marketing can be quite versatile. For example, it can be use it to: Stay connected with blog subscribers by delivering content that they love Provide leads with free information to help them convert Send personalized recommendations and reminders to customers Offer exclusive discounts to loyal users Reconnect with old customers and incentivize them to come back One of the greatest benefits of email marketing is the ability to target your communication to a subscribers’ known preferences. Tailor your emails to various customer segments and use tools like Wix’s email marketing features to automate your email sends, plus track performance over time. 05. SEO Search engine optimization (SEO) is a marketing strategy that involves making enhancements to your web pages to get them ranking for specific search terms. This is a complicated practice that involves a variety of methods. On-page SEO refers to optimizations done to the content on a website. For example: Centering a page around a rankable keyword Creating the right header structure and tags Adding alternative text to images Off-page SEO refers to optimizations done online that boost a website’s search ranking. For example: Creating a Google business page Contributing content to a high-quality blog and receiving a backlink in return Promoting your content on social media to increase views and engagement According to Asaf Or Shenhav ,Outreach Specialist at Wix, "Not only can a backlink bring more traffic to your blog, but it also builds bridges of authority and credibility that elevate your online presence." Technical SEO refers to optimizations done to improve the user experience on your page. This includes: Increasing loading speeds Enhancing website security Making each page responsive When done well, SEO can increase your site’s visibility online and ultimately attract high-quality traffic to your pages. 06. Paid advertising Unlike the marketing strategies above that come with no associated fee, advertising is a 100% paid effort. While it can take months to get decent traffic to a website or to build an audience organically, paid marketing can provide instant results. Ads can be run on a variety of channels—social media, search results pages, websites, video hosting platforms and streaming services, for example. Different platforms allow for different advertising formats, including: PPC advertising requires you to pay a fee for each click that your ads receive. With this option, you can run text ads that give you priority placement in certain search results. You can also pay to place text and image ads in specialized areas—like in local maps or product searches. Sponsored posts often refer to paid ads on social media, though they can also refer to paid positions on online marketplaces like Amazon. While your ads will be marked as “sponsored” or “promoted,” they’ll otherwise look like normal social posts, helping you attract lots of eyeballs on your ads. Search engine ads , which are displayed on platforms like Google Ads , are one of the best ways to get your ads on the top of search results pages. Search ads can help to ‘prime the pump’ when you’re just starting out with SEO and could use the extra push in getting visitors to your site. Website advertising involves running ads on other third-party websites. For example, you can use Google Ads to get your content into the Google Display Network , through which your ads will be shown to relevant audiences on some of the most popular websites in the world. Tip: Facebook Ads with Wix is a great way for Wix users to boost sales, generate leads and drive website traffic. Wix’s technology uses AI to smartly target and manage campaigns. Discover the latest trends in video marketing with these video marketings statistics . 07. Sponsored marketing Another way to leverage someone else’s marketing channels for your own benefit is through sponsored marketing. We can split this type of content into two categories: sponsorships and influencer partnerships. Both involve paying an organization or an individual a fee in exchange for promoting your brand or products to their audience. Sponsorships tend to be more passive promotions. For instance, if you pay to sponsor an event, your brand logo will likely appear amongst other sponsor logos. You can pay more for greater visibility though. Influencer partnerships, on the other hand, tend to be more active. For best results, you’ll want to invest time into building genuine relationships with influencers, versus simply sending them your product and expecting them to blindly promote it. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sponsored content. Many brands choose to use the following methods: Publish sponsored content on someone else’s blog Run sponsored spots on podcasts Ask popular YouTube, Instagram and TikTok marketing channels to review products Connect with micro or macro influencers who can promote a brand or product on their social media channels Find big event marketing opportunities like online conferences that need sponsors 08. UGC marketing User-generated content (UGC) has grown in popularity in recent years, thanks, in part, to the effort that brands have made in improving the quality of their content, engaging with their followers online and providing top-notch customer service. As a result, users are creating tons of free marketing for the brands they love. UGC can come in the form of content such as: Rave reviews of a product or service in blog posts Unboxing videos posted to YouTube, TikTok and Instagram reels Social media posts where the brand is tagged and their products shown Brands can, in turn, take this content and add it to their websites as well and use it to bolster their own marketing campaigns. 09. AI marketing This type of marketing that’s fairly new, but it’s growing fast as artificial intelligence technologies advance. Brands are incorporating AI marketing into their business strategy in a variety of ways.One of the more common uses of AI involves a chatbot, which has the ability to provide timely and contextual customer support and offer personalized recommendations. AI marketing tools can also improve things on the backend of your website. For example, ChatGPT has recently received a ton of fanfare for how useful it is when it comes to doing research and writing. As another example, Wix’s AI text creator has helped website owners generate unique copy for product pages, About pages and more. In terms of performance, AI can also strengthen your website’s marketing strategy by delivering analytics, customized content and offers based on real customer data. 10. Affiliate marketing Affiliate marketing involves partnering with other businesses or individuals and offering a commission for every sale that they influence. Many times, this means that the affiliate will advertise your brand on their website or social media using an affiliate link, which brands can use to track the affiliate's performance and compensate them based on sales. Affiliate marketing is a great way to build relationships and reach new networks of potential customers. Affiliate marketing is additionally cost-effective and efficient, since you don’t need to invest your own time and money in building the right audience and setting up the campaign. Instead, you can lean on affiliates who are already established in the industry and know their target market well. 11. Mobile marketing Mobile marketing uses mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to deliver promotional messages and content directly to consumers. This kind of internet advertising includes website banner ads, push notifications and more (such as ASO marketing ). With the right strategy in place, mobile marketing helps to boost engagement and drive conversions quickly. Since most people spend an average of three hours on their mobile devices per day, mobile marketing is an effective way for reaching customers who are on the go. It’s also a great way to deliver more personalized content, allowing you to use data such as location and device preference to tailor your message. Tips for starting an internet marketing strategy of your own Because of how time-consuming marketing online can be (not to mention the cost of paid advertising), you should lay down your strategy first. Here are tips for getting started. 01. Set your internet marketing goals Determine what specific results you want to get from marketing. Use the SMART framework to help you effectively set goals that are: Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Time-bound For example: “Increase our online store’s sales by 10% within six months of the start of our marketing campaign.” Your goals can be specific to each marketing platform.You might set a goal of reaching a certain open rate with your weekly newsletter, or achieving a certain level of engagement with a social media post. 02. Establish a budget When thinking about your budget, focus on both the money and time aspect of it. Start by figuring out how much money you can realistically spend on your marketing campaign. It’s okay if you don’t end up spending that much—this is just to help you set a limit. Next, consider how much time you and your team can devote to your marketing strategy. Can you accomplish your goals within that time frame? If not, take a look at your budget and see if you have room to outsource some of that work to a writer or marketer. 03. Research your online market Go to your main competitors’ websites. Make note of the content marketing strategies that they’re implementing there. Then, see if they have external marketing channels. If they have a newsletter, subscribe to it. If they have social media pages, follow them. By watching what the competition is doing—the good and the bad—you’ll get a better idea of where to start when fleshing out your own marketing strategy. It might inspire some content ideas, too. 04. Get to know your audience While you’ve likely done plenty of research on your audience, how well do you know their preferences and behaviors when it comes to marketing? Competitive research will shed some light on this. However, further user research is warranted. For instance, you might discover that a sustainable marketing strategy appeals to your target audience. If sustainability is something that fits with your brand’s mission and values, it’s worth exploring. The goal of marketing isn’t to speak at your audience. Rather, it’s to build a relationship and to gain your audience’s trust, which means creating a marketing campaign that resonates with them on a deeper level. 05. Make sure your branding is ready to go It’s a well-known fact that consumers use multiple devices, and hop between various websites and apps all day long. As such, they expect a fluid, omnichannel experience whenever they engage with a brand. This is why it's crucial to define your branding before launching any marketing campaign. Every aspect you showcase—your logo, color scheme, visuals, messaging, and tone—should be consistently used across all marketing platforms. Make sure to include different color psychology techniques in your upcoming campaign. While brand marketing isn’t officially one of the main types of internet marketing, it’s something that every brand must address before going down that road. Branding can make or break even the most well-planned-out strategy. 06. Prepare your website for incoming traffic Even if you’ve already created a website for your brand, you should revisit it before you begin marketing. Start by examining your web design. Is it modern? Does it follow the latest trends? Read through your copy. Fix any errors you find. Make sure the messaging aligns with your campaign and its value proposition. Next, test out all the interactive components, like links, buttons and forms. Make sure everything works. The last thing you want to do is promote something on your site or in your store, only for the conversion element to fail. 07. Create a marketing plan Now that you’ve done the research and prep, you can put together your marketing plan. Start by choosing the different types of internet marketing you want to use. You don’t need to try them all out at once. Content marketing is a good place to start. Do some research on the different types of content at your disposal and choose a couple of formats that you’re excited to create. Ideally, you and your team should already have some experience working with these formats as well. Social media marketing is another good one to try . Choose one or two channels to start with and come up with some strategies for posting. Think about the right formats, messages, times of day and frequency of posting. Once you research your target audience and make a framework for your marketing activities, stay closely committed to your roadmap and pivot if needed. You should closely monitor the result to make sure your strategy is helping you reach your goals. 08. Implement your SEO If your website isn’t fully optimized yet, now is the time to implement SEO best practices. It can take a while before you see results from this—typically between six and 12 months. So the sooner you can update your keyword strategy, build an internal link structure and improve the technical elements that Google cares about (which you can find at PageSpeed Insights ), the better. SEO might not seem as big of a deal as other kinds of internet marketing. However, without SEO, you’re going to have to do a ton of hands-on marketing work outside of your site in order to drive traffic to it. A well-executed SEO strategy will drive qualified traffic to your pages, and it will do so consistently over time. 09. Kick off your internet marketing campaign With a beautifully designed and well-optimized site ready for whomever comes its way, you can officially kick things off. Refer to the plan you put together, along with your marketing goals, and get to work on implementing it. Consider creating a schedule for pre- and post-launch tasks. Your schedule should tell you exactly when to do certain things—e.g. write a post, share something on TikTok, send out your newsletter, etc.—and take a lot of the guesswork out of getting the ball rolling. 10. Use online marketing tools to automate and optimize your results There are lots of online tools that will help you monitor, analyze and automate your marketing efforts. Look for tools that help with the following: Blog management (like Wix) Branding (like the Logo Maker ) Website templates Social media management Email marketing Website analytics (like GA4 or Wix Analytics ) Search analytics and research (like Moz ) AI marketing tools to improve content (like Grammarly ) Marketing takes a lot of work, but the payoff is huge if you do it right. By taking advantage of the kinds of tools above, you can reduce how much work you have to do while also maximizing your results. 11. Monitor your results The only way to know if your marketing efforts are working is to measure your progress against your goals as well as your progress over time. Each of the platforms you use for internet marketing will provide you with insights on what you’ve done. Make sure to reference them along with powerful website analytics tools like the ones provided in your Wix dashboard. It’s beneficial to review your marketing data regularly as it will clue you into what’s working and what isn’t. There’s no sense in devoting extra time to marketing content or channels that aren’t right for your brand. Put that time and energy into something that your audience will respond positively to. How effective is internet marketing? Internet marketing can be highly effective due to its ability to reach a global audience, target specific demographics and measure results in real-time. Social media advertising on platforms like Facebook and Instagram allows businesses to target users based on their interests, age and location — leading to more personalized and effective campaigns. Search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) enable businesses to increase visibility on search engines like Google, driving organic and paid traffic to websites. Email marketing campaigns can nurture leads and maintain customer engagement with tailored content. While, influencer marketing relies on the power and influence of social media personalities to promote products — increasing brand awareness and credibility. For instance, a small business selling eco-friendly products might use targeted ads on Instagram and partner with eco-conscious influencers, resulting in increased brand visibility, website traffic and sales.

Get started by: Creating a website →  | Getting a domain → As a business owner in the age of online marketing, you're no stranger to the challenges of making the most out of the limited real estate in your social media bio section. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram impose restrictions on the number of links you can share, leaving you with the task of optimizing that small space to promote or sell your content effectively. Back in 2016, Linktree stepped onto the stage and ushered in a paradigm shift in the way social media bios could be leveraged to disseminate information, products and services. What started as a simple way of gathering multiple links in a single location has grown into a robust industry with several key players. Nowadays, no matter what type of creator you are, you can find a link in bio solution that aligns perfectly with your objectives and helps you make the most of your limited bio space. Many of these tools even integrate with your website builder , so you can connect your landing pages, online store or portfolio directly from a single link. So buckle up as we explore nine unique Linktree alternatives that might be just what you’re looking for. Want more marketing tools at your fingertips? Sign up for Wix and test drive our tools for free. 9 Linktree alternatives Hopp by Wix Linkin.bio by Later Koji Beacons Lnk.bio Milkshake Stan Shorby DotMe 01. Hopp by Wix Hopp by Wix stands out as a powerful Linktree alternative for content creators in all industries—from bloggers to business owners to influencers. With Hopp’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can easily create a fully customizable mini-website to perfectly match your website design , logo , invoices and any other branded assets you have. Beyond its impressive design potential, Hopp stands out for its robust search engine capabilities. In other words, each link you include in your link in bio page is searchable to visitors, enabling people to quickly find the content they're looking for—including products, services, coupon codes and more. Hopp also enables followers to make direct payments on your page, further streamlining the user journey and helping you land more sales. Moreover, Hopp's comprehensive analytics provide insights into link clicks, page views and other metrics, allowing you to refine your marketing strategies based on real-time data. Related reading: What is Hopp? Best link in bio tools 02. Linkin.bio by Later Later is an integrated social media management platform that offers a link in bio feature. Their Linkin.bio tool offers an interactive landing page that mirrors your Instagram feed. This creates a familiar user experience, as users jump from app to app. When users click on a specific post on your Linkin.bio page, they're immediately directed to the intended landing page. Linkin.bio also simplifies the eCommerce experience by allowing your customers to shop directly from your posts. While customization options might be limited, the tool's compatibility with Instagram's design (which makes it particularly good for your Instagram marketing strategy) and its integration with other social media management features make it a convenient choice for existing Later users. 03. Koji Koji's bio link tool is one of several mini apps designed to enhance your social media presence. It offers you the ability to add custom branding and interactivity without requiring advanced coding skills. Koji’s drag-and-drop editor is intuitive. However, its templates don’t allow for the same level of customization as some other link in bio alternatives. As far as analytics go, Koji’s link in bio tool is fully equipped to track clicks and engagement, providing insights into the performance of your bio links. This alternative is ideal for those seeking an engaging way to amplify their link in bio strategy without getting overwhelmed. It’s also a good choice if you plan on using any of Koji’s other mini apps. 04. Beacons If conversions and sales are your primary focus, Beacons could be a great option to consider. This tool stands out for its customizable bio pages with call-to-action buttons, and its integration with popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, Mailchimp and Patreon. Beacons also gives you insights into how your mini websites are performing through integrated analytics. One of the more unique features of Beacons: its "requests block" feature, which makes it easy to give personalized shoutouts and have one-on-one calls with your followers. It's important to note that while Beacons comes with a lot of advanced features like link in bio, media kits, email marketing and an online store, it's one of the pricier options with some subscriptions ranging up to $40 per month. 05. Lnk.bio With integration across various social platforms, Lnk.bio does a great job at simplifying cross-platform engagement. You can create clickable links for platforms like TikTok, YouTube, X and Facebook, ensuring seamless navigation for followers across different channels. Lnk.bio additionally offers analytics tools that provide insights into link performance. This feature allows you to monitor the effectiveness of your links by tracking click-through rates, views and overall engagement. Another unique capability is the option to schedule links to appear or disappear at specific times. This functionality is particularly valuable for time-sensitive promotions or events and spares you from the hassle of updating your link in bio page manually. While Lnk.bio offers several advantages, it's important to note that certain features, such as analytics, are currently limited to higher-tier plans, which could impact users seeking more in-depth insights into their link performance. 06. Milkshake Milkshake is a versatile website like Linktree that’s specifically tailored to the needs of Instagram users. Their product, aptly referred to as an "Insta website," allows for simple setup directly from your mobile device. While this means that it is uber-optimized for your smartphone, the inability to create or edit your bio page from a laptop or desktop might be a deterrent for some. Milkshake uses interactive cards for each piece of content, allowing users to swipe across the screen to explore various links in a visually appealing manner reminiscent of the Instagram format. Additionally, Milkshake provides you with visitor analytics and an integrated email feature. 07. Stan Stan ventures beyond the conventional link page concept, transforming your bio into a full-fledged storefront experience. Geared towards eCommerce businesses, it lets you sell products, accept meetings and book course enrollments directly from your page. This makes it an intriguing choice if you're a business aiming to simplify customer interaction and make money on Instagram (and your other online channels). While Stan is well-suited for eCommerce businesses, it could potentially feel a bit limiting for content creators with broader marketing strategies and more diverse needs. That said, Stan recently added the ability to promote courses, digital products and appointments within your link in bio page, enabling one-tap checkout across all fronts. 08. Shorby Shorby integrates three distinct tools into a single platform, creating a versatile and well-rounded Linktree alternative. This multifaceted approach includes a landing page creator for social media marketing , a link shortener and lead generation software. More notably, Shorby can deliver targeted ads to people based on how they interact with your bio page. This feature can significantly amplify conversion rates and revenue. Among Shorby's other standout attributes, its automatic updating capability is a crowd-pleaser. By seamlessly incorporating the latest blog posts and updates from an RSS feed, Shorby eliminates the need for you to constantly update your Instagram landing page by hand. This ensures that your audience sees the freshest and most relevant content. One of the priciest options on the list, Shorby offers plans ranging from $9 per month up to $99 per month, depending on the features you opt into. 09. DotMe DotMe redefines the link-in-bio experience with a sleek, customizable platform that’s perfect for creators, businesses and influencers. With its intuitive design, you can create a landing page that effortlessly aligns with your brand, incorporating elements like your logo, colors and overall aesthetic. Featuring interactive widgets and unlimited links for free, DotMe helps you showcase everything from social links to events and products in one visually engaging hub. What sets DotMe apart is its powerful analytics, giving you real-time insights into link clicks, page views and audience behaviour—helping you refine your strategy effortlessly. Looking ahead, DotMe is set to launch a media kit feature, enabling users to present their stats and portfolios professionally to attract collaborators and brands. What to look for in Linktree alternatives Here's what you should look for in a Linktree alternative: Customization options: Your brand identity is unique, so your link landing page should reflect that. Look for alternatives that offer customization options such as choosing colors, fonts and layouts that align with your brand's aesthetics. The ability to add your logo or background images can further enhance brand recognition and professionalism. Customizable search engine: Enhance user experience and navigation by choosing alternatives that offer a customizable search engine feature. This allows visitors to quickly find specific links or content within your link landing page, improving accessibility and engagement. Analytics and insights: Understanding how your audience interacts with your links is crucial for optimizing your marketing efforts. Seek alternatives that provide comprehensive analytics and insights, such as click-through rates, geographical data and device breakdowns. These insights can help you identify which links are performing well and which may need adjustments. Integration capabilities: To streamline your workflow, choose a Linktree alternative that integrates seamlessly with the platforms you use most. Whether you're active on Instagram, TikTok or other social media channels, look for alternatives that offer easy integration and compatibility. Linktree alternatives FAQ Is there a better alternative to Linktree? The short answer: it depends on what your goals are. The paid and free Linktree alternatives mentioned in this article cater to a wide range of preferences, objectives and strategies. Depending on your specific needs, you can find a tool that has more of the customization options, integrations and/or conversion-focused features that you’re looking for. How is Koji different than Linktree? Koji stands out as a solid Linktree alternative due to its ability to go beyond simple link aggregation. With Koji, you can personalize or make your bio links more interactive for your followers. While Linktree primarily serves as a link aggregator, Koji offers dynamic mini apps, allowing for a more immersive experience overall. How is Hopp different Linktree? Hopp distinguishes itself through its robust search engine, seamless eCommerce integration and unrestricted link capabilities. The user-centric experience, coupled with advanced analytics, positions Hopp as a compelling alternative for content creators and businesses seeking to optimize their bio links. Its customization capabilities make it a great option for those who want top functionality coupled with intentional, branded design. Hopp, which is mentioned in this article, is a subsidiary of Wix.

Ever wonder why some brands seem to hit your inbox every single day? Well, believe it or not, email marketing  is still one of the most lucrative and affordable types of marketing  you can use, especially if you run a retail, eCommerce and consumer goods business. These industries see an average return on investment (ROI) of $45 per dollar spent  on email marketing.  But let’s face it—creating those captivating emails is no small feat. "The majority of our users do not have the time or the experience necessary to create well-performing campaigns,” explains Antanas Strimaitis, the product manager for Wix’s email marketing product . “Those that do spend a significant amount of time creating the content." Enter Wix’s new AI email generator. According to our users, this tool is boosting their productivity and making them feel more confident in their marketing strategy . Curious to learn more? Let’s dive in. Create a website with Wix to start using the email generator today. What is the Wix AI email generator? Wix’s email generator is an OpenAI-powered tool that revolutionizes how you create emails. It crafts a full-fledged email based on your business type, preferred tone of voice and campaign objectives. It’s available to all Wix users with a premium subscription. This tool can help you emulate some of the best email marketing examples  by generating attractive email layouts suited for both desktop and mobile screens. Whether you’re creating a newsletter, a promotional offer or a business update, Wix optimizes your layout for impact and clarity.  Acting as your personal copywriter, the generator fills in the layout with compelling copy that's tailored to your instructions. This content goes beyond filler text. “Most of the users we have spoken to have told us they have used 70-85% of the generated email or that only small touches were needed,” says Antanas. Furthermore, the tool selects the most relevant images from Wix's extensive free media library, ensuring your email is both engaging and visually coherent. While you can keep adjusting your prompt until the generator gets as close to your vision as possible, you have free reign to customize it yourself in the editor.  How do I use the AI email generator? 01. Choose to generate an AI email To get started, simply navigate to the “Email Marketing” section in the Wix backend and choose the first option (“Generate AI email”) in the list of templates to get a unique email design. Alternatively, you can always start with one of the beautiful templates our designers have created and hit the “AI Emails” button in the left-hand panel of the email editor.  02. Select your intent What’s your goal for this email campaign? Perhaps it’s to promote a sale or offer a discount. Alternatively, you might be looking to welcome new subscribers or send a business update.  The first step in using Wix’s email generator is to select the “main intent” of your email. Your response will shape the email’s structure and tone. 02. Add your business information Enter your business name and describe the type of business you run. The more specific you are, the more personalized your email content will be. For instance, instead of saying you run a nonprofit, you might say it’s a nonprofit that provides legal support to low-income families. The AI will use this information to generate copy and select images that are relevant to your business.  03. Describe your email campaign This space is where you’ll dive into the specifics. You’ll have 700 characters of space (roughly the length of this article’s introduction) to discuss your objectives and what sort of information you want to include. Use this opportunity to provide as many relevant details as you can think of for AI to bring your campaign to life.  For instance, you could say, “We're launching a Memorial Day special with exclusive discounts on interior photoshoots, specifically tailored for residential real estate agents. Our goal is to reconnect with our existing clients and showcase our exceptional services.” This level of detail gives the AI the insights it needs to create an email that speaks directly to your objectives and your audience. List even the nitty-gritty details that you want it to include such as specific discount rates, booking deadlines and the dates of the sale. 04. Choose a tone of voice With Wix's AI email generator, you have the power to select from eight distinct tones of voice, ranging from enthusiastic and casual to professional and informative. This choice is pivotal in shaping how your message is perceived by your audience. Are you aiming for a light, friendly vibe to engage your community, or do you need a more formal tone that reflects professional expertise?  The tone you choose should mirror your brand's personality and the nature of the message you're conveying. Check out your existing content to get a sense of how you traditionally communicate with your audience. You’ll want to keep that tone of voice as consistent as possible throughout all your communications. 05. Generate email Once you hit “Generate Email,” the AI will get to work building your email. Within just a few seconds, you’ll receive a newly minted email, complete with a unique layout, fresh copy, engaging headers, clear descriptions and strategically positioned CTA buttons. The layout will also include a footer with social media icons and a direct link to your website. You’ll see that every part of the email, from top to bottom, is designed to engage and connect with your audience.    “The structure is so much better than what I was coming up with on my own. My last couple of emails have looked much more professional.” - Wix user Benjamin Gibbons, who founded Sponsor Jawn . 06. Adjust your prompt The generator may not hit the bullseye on the first try. Like working with a marketing agency, using the email generator is a collaborative process. You can adjust your original prompt, get more specific about your campaign goals or choose to make the email shorter or longer.  07. Tweak the layout and color scheme You aren’t just limited to content customization; you can modify the structural elements, as well. Feel free to add or remove sections, or change their arrangement to better suit your message. You can even write your own HTML code if the customization options aren’t enough.  You may also want to alter the color scheme or background to better match your brand’s aesthetic. If you’ve established a site theme with specific fonts and colors or created a brand theme in the logo maker , you can choose that theme within the email editor to apply those preferences to the email. This level of customization makes your emails visually coherent and distinctively yours. 08. Add new media The email generator's pre-selected images serve as an excellent starting point, especially for those without their own visuals. For those who do, this feature offers valuable guidance on image placement in the email layout, allowing for a blend of AI assistance and individual creativity. If you use Wix’s online store builder , you’re in luck—you can directly integrate product information into your email. This feature not only saves time but also increases accuracy, as product names, descriptions, prices, links and visuals are auto-populated. Just go to the left-hand panel, hit the “Product” button and choose the items you want to feature. From there, you can decide to hide certain information (such as the price or description), change the CTA microcopy and change the layout of the product spread. For those who don’t have visuals and the generator’s selection doesn’t quite fit your preferences, you’ve got Wix’s extensive media library at your disposal. It has a wide array of free images, graphics and videos (hot tip: video can improve  email click rates by 65% ), including selections from Unsplash. For those seeking premium options, discounted media from Shutterstock is also available. 09. Edit the copy to match your brand Your brand's unique voice and message are what set you apart. While the Wix AI email generator provides a strong starting point, personalizing the copy helps it resonate with your brand identity.  To make things even simpler, the AI text writer is built into the email editor, so you can write prompts for specific sections of content. For example, if you want to go into detail in one of the sections, you can simply tell the text writer what you want it to say and it’ll provide you with three options to choose from. “[The email generator is] really helpful because I'm a really bad speller and I'm really bad with grammar. I found it worked quite well. I always send [my emails] to my sister to proof. She said, you've got a new best friend—the AI.” - KaliKare  owner Callie B.  10. Save the email as a template If the final version of your email hits all the right notes and you envision using a similar format in the future, hit the “Save as template” button. Trust us, Future You will be grateful. By saving the email as a template, you can streamline your email marketing campaign and easily maintain a uniform look. All you’ll have to do is select new photos and use the AI text writer to fill out the copy. When you’re ready to create your next email, you’ll find your saved templates in the Email Marketing templates gallery. 11. Add recipients Rather than blasting your entire  email list , sending your email to a specific group of customers can help you maximize your email ROI and prevent people from unsubscribing. With Wix’s segments feature, you can categorize your contacts according to criteria like purchase behavior, website activity or subscription date. That way, you’re not screaming into the void but speaking directly to those who are most likely to be interested.  12. Schedule the email campaign Although the best time to send an email  varies, it’s generally a good rule to avoid sending one on weekends or in the middle of the night. The scheduling function allows you to plan your campaigns in advance, ensuring that they’ll hit your audience’s inbox at just the right time. Just create your email, set the desired date and time for it to be sent and Wix will handle the rest. 13. Set up automation Like segments, Wix designed the email automation  feature to give your business a boost while giving you a break. This highly customizable tool lets you create automated workflows for various situations, such as sending a thank-you email following a purchase or a reminder for abandoned cart items.  To automate your AI-generated email, simply choose a trigger event (like a sale or new sign-up), then define the corresponding action (such as dispatching a specific email). Doing so can help you keep in touch with your customers without lifting a finger. 14. Assess your campaign’s performance After sending out your generated email, check out Wix’s email analytics  to gauge its impact. You can monitor key metrics like site visits, order numbers and revenue that come from your email marketing campaign. This data makes it very easy to track the direct business impact coming from your email marketing channel and to evaluate its success. It's a vital step in understanding your audience's response, helping you decide whether to replicate the campaign, tweak certain elements or try a different approach next time.  Ready to launch your AI-powered campaign? Get started with the Wix AI website builder .

In the digital era, online advertising is taking on an increasingly important role. One of the most significant forms of online marketing is banner ads. These are the graphic advertisements that lead to landing pages that you might notice displayed on all sorts of websites. The question then becomes do you click or continue scrolling? A great web banner will entice a reader to click by advertising a promotion, using a great image, being informative, or all three. Before creating banner ads, you’ll need to ensure that you have a stellar website or landing page for viewers to reach after clicking the ad. To create a website , we recommend utilizing the professional tools that Wix has to offer. Once you’ve done that you can draw inspiration from your website for the design of your banner ads. This guide will take you through the best banner ad design practices and help you build a marketing strategy and create ads that demand clicks. We also include some great advertisement examples for inspiration. What are banner ads? A banner ad is an online display ad that directs traffic to a specific landing page. They appear in prominent locations on websites and can be static or dynamic. Typically banner ads can be found across the top or down the side of a web page although they occasionally appear in the middle of texts as well. Banner ads are usually used as a business promotion tool. They can build brand awareness, highlight sales or promotions, generate signups and generally bring more traffic to your website. Importantly, banner ads enable website owners to directly measure results by understanding how many people clicked on a given banner and whether the ads led to an uptick in business. Another aspect that makes banner ads appealing is how they work. Most web banners are delivered as programmatic advertising, which means ads are served to users who are most likely to be interested in the content of the ad. Algorithms match user preferences and browsing history to get the right ads in front of the right people. This is why that pair of shoes you looked at online a few times keeps sneaking onto sites where you read the news or look for recipes. This type of targeting helps increase the return on investment, or ROI , of your ad budget. By presenting your ads to already interested or likely interested parties, you are more likely to get promising results. Banner ads can function in a couple of ways depending on the service you are using to advertise. You might have a deal with a specific website, in which case you’ll likely pay a set price for your ads being on their site for a given period of time. More commonly, advertisers use platforms such as Google Display Network which enables advertisers to have their web banners displayed across many websites. These types of platforms often run on a pay per click (or PPC) basis, meaning you pay based on the clicks your ads receive. Types of banner ads Banner ads can be static or dynamic with exact specifications determined by the ad delivery system provider. Static web ads are designed as a single image that is most commonly uploaded as a JPG, GIF, or PNG to the ad network. For each different ad size that will display in a campaign, a separate piece of creative is necessary. Dynamic ads, on the other hand, adjust to responsive designs. Rather than uploading a static image or graphic, you submit a logo, images or video and text that are algorithmically combined to fit banner ad sizes as they are served. These are often referred to as responsive ads and are the default ad type on the Google Display Network. Banner ads sizes To maximize the impact and ensure that banner ads appear properly, it is important to consider size specifications before you get into the actual ad design. Different size ads will show in various locations of websites and mobile apps and not all sizes will show at equal prominence or frequency. Here are some of the main web banner sizes that are typically included in banner ad campaigns: Leaderboard : Position at the top of a page; common sizes include 728x90, 970x90 (large), 970x250 (billboard), 1920x600 (poster) Skyscraper : Vertical ads placed in the sidebar position; common sizes include 300x600, 160x600 Rectangle : The most popular ad format because it can appear almost anywhere on a web page; common sizes include 300x250 (medium rectangle), 336x280 (large), 180x150 (small) Square : May appear in the sidebar or spread throughout content; common sizes include 250x250, 200x200 (small) Mobile : Many mobile ad sizes are scaled down versions with the same aspect ratio of desktop browser specifications but because of the small size separate creative is often recommended; common sizes include 300x50, 300x100 (large mobile), 300x200 (mobile full page), 250x250 Popular ad display networks such as Google, YouTube, and Facebook use common sizing and are considered some of the best sites for online advertising . If you place ads with a specific website rather than an ad network, they may have varying specifications. Always ask for ad specs before starting a banner ad design or use a tool like an image resizer to help you. Banner ad design tips In order to ensure that your web banner ideas are competitive and enticing, we have compiled some banner ad design tips to guide you through your creation process. The key to a great banner ad design is ensuring that it stands out from surrounding content and that the design is easy to read at a glance. Generally speaking, banners should be light and have a high visual impact. They should also have a small amount of text and a direct call to action . Here are some more specific guidelines to consider when creating a banner. Start with a high-quality visual The basis for a great banner ad is the visual it is designed around. This could be an image, video, or background effect. Whichever you choose, it is vital that the visual element is high-quality with a high-resolution. A high-quality visual is: An identifiable image that’s in sharp focus Easy to understand at a glance Isn’t offensive Adheres to ethical advertising standards Directs focus to product or what ads is about Unique to your company or brand Not stretched or sized improperly; 1.91:1 (1200x628 px) or 1:1 (600x600 px) aspect ratios are most common Design with brand in mind The goal of any banner ad is to bring attention to your product, business, or brand. Ensure that your brand is represented in the creative material by designing with brand standards in mind. Consider using your logo, colors and brand voice in ads. A secondary, icon style, or wordmark version of your logo might work best for smaller ad sizes. Use standard sizes and placements Standard ad sizes exist for a reason. Unless you are placing banner ads on a specific website with unique specifications, create ads using the most common standard sizes first and then expand from there. The three most popular sizes are medium rectangle, leaderboard and mobile. Include a prominent CTA While banner ad impressions can be an important metric, nothing is more valuable than a click. A prominent call to action is one of the most surefire ways to help people see the ad and then interact with it. You can design the call to action as a button which opens the door for engagement. An effective CTA button will likely be large, stand out in color and include microcopy that instructs users on what to do next. Some good CTA examples include “learn more,” “shop now,” “sign up,” “free trial,” or “get discount” inform users on what will happen after they click the button. Use simple, easy-to-read fonts Banner ads can flicker on and off a screen in an instant. It’s therefore crucial that you use fonts that are clear and quickly legible to ensure that your message is delivered in a split-second. Sans serif fonts such as Open Sans, Lato, or Roboto are a good place to start. Opt for a medium or bold weight and avoid thin or condensed fonts that increase reading time. It is also advisable to avoid fonts smaller than 12 points. You can also consider designing a font hierarchy with two font options – one for the headline and one for all other text – to enhance readability. A best practice is to stick to one font and create hierarchy with size, a bold weight, or all caps for headlines. Keep text to a minimum Banner ads aren’t designed to handle a lot of content with an ideal ad containing less than 10 words. This means you should aim to write direct and succinct copy to help readers digest your ad instantaneously. Typically ad text should follow the rules below: Ad headlines should be less than 30 characters Ad body copy should be less than 90 characters Mobile ad copy should be less than 35 characters Use keywords Ad copy should use some of the same keywords as your website text. Similar phrasing, value propositions and taglines can help create a strong brand connection. Put ads in a box When designing an ad, put the content of the ad inside of a box or frame. A frame can make the ad easier to see directing the eyes to the right place. It also keeps design elements together in an orderly fashion. Many brands include a .5 to 1 point black or gray border on ads to establish this separation. Another option for boxing includes using a colorful background for ad content. This can create an innate boxed design without having to include a defined border or frame. Animate it Moving images are attention grabbing and easy to implement. Turn your ad image into a GIF with a subtle bit of motion to draw attention. Animations could include product images that slide to another view, a person smiling or waving, or a simple text movement or color change. You should also aim to create natural animations and avoid flashing or blinking ad designs. Flashy designs tend to look like spam and can be rejected by some ad networks. Use appropriate file formats A banner ad must be capable of loading quickly to ensure that users don’t miss it when they scroll. Use appropriate file formats sized to specification and saved in the most lightweight manner possible so that your ads are built to render at lightning speeds. Banner ad deliverables may include: JPG PNG GIF SVG HTML5 You should also consider compressing PNG or JPG files before submitting. Design a campaign Design banner ads in multiple sizes that can work together across the web as one campaign. While each ad may look a little different due to varying aspect ratios, using similar imagery and language can create a more lasting connection with users as they see ads in different places, increasing the chances of a click. Some websites will also allow you to run multiple ads on the same page at the same time for more of a blanket impression, so it is key that the ads are consistent. Consider size and scale While it is possible to adjust a leaderboard ad to the corresponding mobile size, it’s probably not the most ideal. Instead, design each ad while thinking about the viewing size, placement, and readability on each given platform. Images, video, and HTML effects have the most impact at the largest sizes. Many mobile ads however, do not include images because they are so small that they can become difficult to understand. Text and color are better visual tools when it comes to the smallest display sizes. Test multiple ads Create multiple design options for campaigns that allow you to test which designs are most effective. Look for commonalities that you can use in future campaigns and ask yourself the following questions: Do certain colors generate more clicks? What sizes are most popular for your campaigns? What CTA microcopy generates engagement? Do ads with images or videos prove more effective? Did animation increase click-through rates? Running a design test can help long-term ad campaigns perform better and give you the tools you need to develop higher-performing banner ads for your business or brand. To truly solidify your ad efforts and complement your banner ads, you might also consider learning about other types of advertising outlets and paths. You can learn the specifics of how to launch a Facebook ad campaign, how to advertise on YouTube and how to advertise on Google to start mastering the online marketing world. 9 examples of great banner ads The best banner ads stand out because they do something different. It can be due to the design, placement, message, or even timing. We’ve compiled a list of great banner ad examples to showcase some of the best practices in web banner design. 01. #MAKESMALLBIG This holiday market ad by Goldman Sachs uses a hashtag in the ad copy. This not only helps the ad stand out from others, but can also help connect campaigns across the web and help your ad gain traction. 02. Sperry This vertical banner ad excels in its simplicity. It provides an easy to understand visual, direct language that appeals to anyone needing boots, and a link to shop. 03. Comcast Business Some advertisers opt to take advantage of their banner space with great copy. With a simple background, this horizontal ad benefits from a text-only design with a CTA and logo. 04. Spanx Spanx chose to amplify a special promotion in this banner ad. They chose a fun text and a high value proposition which can drive clicks. Note the color connection between the headline and “shop now” button. 05. AdEspresso This banner utilizes a button that sells the benefit of a click which can encourage users to take more immediate action. 06. Investopedia Express Podcast This banner promoting a podcast provides understandable text hierarchy and a clear image as well as a descriptive CTA. 07. Allbirds When it comes to banner ads for products, the design should focus on the item with a simple background that doesn’t get in the way. This Allbirds banner does just that as it opts for the most basic colors and prioritizes the product over the text. 08. M&Ms This M&M ad uses a staged image which can create a more natural campaign. It also uses a light background to help the product pop. 09. Hulu With an all-text display, this Hulu ad stands out because of the contrasting colors, a strong value proposition and witty text. Looking to explore more types of advertising? Check out this guide to native advertising.

Our individual experiences vary. So much so, that it’s time to call out the notion of “normal” or “average” as the misconception it really is. After all, you might be reading this blog post in a quiet office space, comfortably positioned in front of a computer screen. But a different reader could be skimming this same piece on mobile while waiting for the airport luggage claim, exhausted after a long flight. These two reading experiences are staggeringly different, and each comes with its own needs - affecting everything from letter size to contrast and more. It gets even more diverse: a visually impaired individual is perhaps enlarging the screen for readability. And a blind person could be listening to this text as it’s read by a screen reader. The list of possible human experiences goes on. The ways in which we perceive and interact with technology are as unique as our identities, drawing on our immediate circumstances as well as our backgrounds, knowledge, and abilities. When we create products and interfaces with just one ideal user in mind (a hypothetical being who usually resembles its creators to a surprising extent), we miss out on the wide range of real life people who come in contact with our designs. That’s where web accessibility and inclusive design come into play. 7 principles of inclusive design Provide content in multiple ways Design with various situations in mind Maintain consistency and design conventions Create a simple and intuitive design Collaborate to overcome personal biases Allow tolerance for user error Test and measure What is inclusive design? Inclusive design is a methodology, intended to optimize the products we create for the full spectrum of human needs and abilities. In designing for inclusivity, designers and engineers look to provide a variety of options in which to experience the product, rather than a single, one-size-fits-all route. Inclusive design builds on the principles of UX design and accessibility - it strives to make all users feel welcome and included. By offering multiple solutions for interacting with the product, inclusive design widens the scope of people who can use it, in a way that suits their individual needs. When speaking of inclusive design, it’s important to remember that it is a process and not an end goal. An interface that caters to the needs of the entire population in every conceivable scenario is never within reach. But expanding our perception of what it means to design for web and mobile, and who it is that we’re designing for, is nevertheless a worthwhile effort, leading to continuous growth and improvement. As an Inclusive by Design company, we at Wix are committed to making the web a place for everyone, regardless of circumstance and ability. On top of complying with the WCAG 2.0 guidelines and giving our users the tools to make their website accessible , we make it a priority to deliver the best experience for all of our users worldwide. Below are the seven inclusive design principles explained, followed by a few lessons we’ve learned here at Wix: 01. Provide content in multiple ways Ensure that each of the elements on your interface can be experienced in more than one way, and that all such methods are equivalent in the value they provide. A plethora of comparable options can increase the chances of meeting the unique needs and abilities of each of your users, without compromising the quality of the content. Since making inclusivity and accessibility a company focus at Wix, we’ve begun noticing how being more deliberate in the accessible alternatives we provide can actually improve the design itself. For example, when the alt-text descriptions we wrote for images didn’t add much value to the context of the page, it helped us see that the image itself didn’t provide as much value as we intended. This resulted in a change of the page’s design, and a different choice of image, which further strengthened the page’s message and improved overall usability. In practice: Adding alt-text descriptions for images, video captions, audio descriptions, transcripts, and properly labeling field names on online forms. Actress and disability inclusion advocate Eileen Grubba’s Wix website includes detailed alt-text descriptions. 02. Design with various situations in mind Users will be browsing your product in a variety of different contexts, and your interface should accommodate that range of circumstances. For example, a first-time user could be looking for an introductory break-down of your services. An established user, however, might know exactly what they’ve come in to do, quickly performing the task while multitasking on another errand simultaneously. In practice: Popup lightboxes that segment users by behavior, such as a one-time popup for first-time visitors, or an exit popup for those just about to leave the site. Another example is dark mode, meant for a better viewing experience in low-light environments. Dark and light modes are two displays of the same interface, each catering to various user needs. 03. Maintain consistency and design conventions Users need to know what to expect when browsing your product. Aim to give them a sense of what each of their actions will result in on screen. This can be achieved by crafting a coherent interface that employs well-established design conventions. Utilize these familiar patterns to reinforce your message ands improve user experience . In practice: One well-known design convention is grayed out buttons to signify an action that’s not currently available. Use conventions such as these in your favor, and avoid confusing scenarios like a grayed out button that you’d actually like users to click. Other examples include the colors green and red that mean “yes” and “no” (respectively), and the website navigation convention of a logo leading back to the homepage. 04. Create a simple and intuitive design We do confess an unwavering love of parallax scrolling, interactive hover effects and other web design trends. But at the same time, these fads can lead to aesthetic decisions that distract from the UX design , making it less intuitive. The design of your interface should guide users to perform the task at hand. Similarly, any design features you use (from hover effects to animations) should come together in reinforcing your content, as opposed to overshadowing it for the sake of aesthetics. Inclusive design shouldn’t contradict good design. On the contrary, it can help refine it. The principles of inclusive design can keep us on track in terms of the message we want our products to deliver. In practice: There are many aspects within a website or app that can help make the design simple and intuitive. For example, website menus that are easy to access, hover effects and visual indicators to signal that an element is clickable, and collapsed elements to arrange large amounts of content in an organized manner. Employing visual hierarchy can also help prioritize the content on each page. Learn more about how to create a website with a website builder. A grayed out button is a familiar design convention, signifying an unavailable action. 05. Collaborate to overcome personal biases We all have personal biases that lead us to design for users who are most like us. To overcome these biases, it’s best to go beyond our own sense of empathy, however well-intentioned, and work closely with individuals who differ in background, as well as in physical, cognitive, and learning abilities. This sort of collaboration leads to unique insights about the product and its pain points. At Wix, we try to make sure that our teams include designers, developers, engineers and QA specialists of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. In practice: Ensure that a wide spectrum of people partake in the process, from the initial user research, to the design itself and the product’s testing stages (more on tests later). 06. Allow tolerance for user error As part of relinquishing the concept of the perfect user, it’s beneficial to remember that all users make mistakes, too. Factoring this oh-so-human truth into the design from the get-go can lead to a pleasanter, less frustrating browsing experience. Leaving room for user error means offering the chance for users to change their minds and correct their mistakes. This way, users can enjoy the benefit of knowing that their actions are never irreversible. On top of being inclusive, this approach to design also ties into the concept of calm tech , by fostering a more humane and positive relationship to the digital world. In practice: The option to undo and redo, warning messages that show up before performing a permanent action, and success or error messages that provide a clear and informative indication of status. Friendly 404 page design can also ease the tension in moments of error. A warning message before deleting a page on the Wix Editor allows users the chance to change their minds. 7. Test and measure Like any other part of the design process, the inclusivity of our products should also be checked and tested. Integrate inclusivity as one of the parameters to look into at all stages of the product development, from the UX prototyping , to the user interviews and usability testing. In practice: Make sure to check your interface for accessibility compliance, and ask yourself whether it meets all of the above mentioned criteria. Most importantly, test the product with the help of people whose needs and abilities are different from your own, and ask for feedback as to how those needs can be best met.