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It feels like artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere—cropping up in news stories, appearing in just about everyone’s business blog (guilty as charged) and sliding into conversations at family gatherings—and for good reason. AI is changing the way we move through the world. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, the benefits of AI are nearly limitless. You can use it to turbo-charge your marketing efforts, optimize operations and even learning how to build a website from beginning to end. But, how does AI work? Join us as we take a glimpse behind the proverbial curtain to demystify this fascinating technology. Want to use an AI website builder ? Get started with Wix's website builder today. What is AI? AI is a machine’s ability to mimic the way our brains process information. It harnesses algorithms and rules to analyze extensive datasets in order to identify patterns that serve as the foundation for its decision-making models. AI is not a single technology but rather a diverse collection of technologies and methodologies that collaborate to enhance the intelligence of machines. As you continue to integrate AI into your business processes and workflows, understanding these components can help you leverage AI more effectively. The different fields of AI, explained in plain English AI is a general concept, an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of specialized fields and techniques. It's important to note that these fields are not entirely separate but often intersect and complement each other. Here is a sampling of the different fields of AI: Machine learning (ML) The heart and (not-quite) soul of AI, ML refers to machines being able to learn on their own and improve performance over time without the need for human intervention. ML uses data as the foundation for learning. ML is how your favorite streaming service learns what you like, suggesting Rage Against The Machine when you’ve been obsessively listening to Tool all week. Deep learning (DL) A subset of ML, deep learning uses multi-layered neural networks to analyze data and perform complex tasks. Where ML is broader and refers to the broad techniques that allow machines to learn on their own, DL is a specific approach within machine learning that makes use of neural networks to complete a human-like task (like seeing, writing or creating art). Neural network Neural networks , or “artificial neural networks (ANNs),” is a component of deep learning that mimics the human brain’s data processing functionality. A neural network is made up of multiple layers of artificial neurons (called “nodes”), which are used to process all that data we keep talking about. Neural networks are complex, so we’ll break them down further, below. Natural language processing (NLP) NLP is a branch of AI that empowers machines to understand, process and mimic human language. We see this most commonly in voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Assistant, which respond appropriately when we bark orders at them (e.g., “Play ‘The Pot’ by Tool on Amazon Music”). NLP is what tells Alexa to play a song as opposed to purchasing a $400 Dutch oven. The point is this—NLP is how machines understand human commands and respond in a way that sounds natural. Computer vision (CV) Computers that can understand visual data like photos and videos are somewhat Terminatore sque but also kind of important when it comes to mimicking how humans process information. CV interprets visual data like photos and videos to make decisions. When your favorite social platform automatically tags you in your mother’s family Christmas photo, this is CV at work. Reasoning and problem solving AI systems simulate human reasoning to solve problems. The keyword here is “simulate.” As of now, computers can’t reason the way people do. Rather, they use data, algorithms and probability to make their decisions. This can manifest as a chess-playing computer strategizing its next move or ChatGPT answering a question based on how it has answered questions in the past. Perception Perception is a function of AI that’s all about interpretation. AI systems use sensors to perceive real-world scenarios and communicate insights and information to humans. It’s how your car knows to alert you when an object is too close. Autonomous cars take this to the next level, using sensors and perception to navigate and avoid obstacles. Cognitive computing Think of cognitive computing (CC) as the brainy cousin of AI. It mimics human thought processes by using algorithms and data, making decisions, predictions and providing insights. CC systems can’t replicate human thought perfectly (at least, not yet), but they’re trained to understand context in addition to content. For example, if you're chatting about "apple" in the context of tech, a cognitive system won't start rambling about fruit salad. Strong AI vs. weak AI vs. superintelligent AI Artificial Intelligence has evolved significantly since humans laid the groundwork for it in the early 1900s ( yes, it goes back that far ), but we still only have what is commonly known as Weak AI or Narrow AI. Weak AI refers to AI systems designed and trained for specific tasks or domains. These systems excel within their predefined context but lack the broad, general intelligence seen in humans. For instance, AI website builders is a form of Weak AI, as its only purpose is to help you launch a new website. ChatGPT is also a form of Weak AI because it’s only task is to generate text-based responses in natural language. On the other hand, the AI research and development community are still striving for Strong AI (a.k.a., General AI). Their expectation is that they will eventually be able to replicate human-like general intelligence with the ability to understand, learn and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks and domains. Superintelligent AI is the vision of AI that tends to give people the heebie-jeebies. The term represents a hypothetical level of AI intelligence surpassing human capabilities across all domains. It is more advanced and capable than Strong AI, and its development is purely theoretical at this point. The different levels of AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be categorized into various levels based on its capabilities and characteristics. Here are the typical levels of AI: Reactive AI Operates solely on present data, focusing on specific tasks without the ability to learn from experience. Reactive AI excels in domains like recommendation engines and spam filters but has limited capabilities. It lacks foresight and can’t adjust for or predict unexpected events. Limited memory AI This type of AI can temporarily store data from past experiences, which allows it to learn and improve over time. An example of limited memory AI in action is AlphaStar by Google. Alphastar got good at playing the strategy game StarCraft 2 by playing against itself repeatedly. A 2019 study found that it was a better chess player than 99.8% of officially ranked players. As the name suggests, limited memory AI has some, well, limitations. It requires vast amounts of data to learn simple tasks, and any changes to its training environment necessitates complete retraining. Theory of Mind AI A novel type of AI which is currently under development, Theory of Mind AI refers to a machine's ability to understand human emotions, beliefs and ways of thinking. Theory of Mind AI may one day be able to recognize human emotions which will enable it to respond and adjust to them appropriately. Sound creepy? Wait until you read about self-aware AI. Self-aware AI Self-aware AI, or conscious machines, are aware of their own internal state and the internal state of others. This AI type would be on par with human intelligence, mimicking human emotions, desires or needs. At this point, self-aware AI is fully the domain of science fiction movies and dystopian timelines. How are businesses using AI? Today, businesses actively use AI to expand their existing capabilities and streamline everything from customer service to product development . Specifically, here are ways you can leverage AI: Generative AI This subset of AI focuses on creating or generating new content, data or information rather than simply analyzing or processing existing data. Generative AI models are designed to produce novel and contextually relevant outputs, often in the form of text, images, audio or other types of content. These models can be trained to generate content that mimics human creativity and can be used in various applications. Wix's artificial design intelligence , for example, is a form of generative AI that helps to streamline the website development process. Learn more about Wix’s AI website builder . Chatbots AI chatbots use natural language processing (NLP) to understand and respond to user queries. Remember how we mentioned voice assistants like Alexa? Chatbots work in a similar way by interpreting human language queries and providing relevant answers. You can integrate customer service chatbots into your professional website, social media accounts and activated via SMS to assist your customers in real-time. In a survey of 600 business owners , customer service was the most popular application for AI, with 56% saying they currently use or plan to use the tech. Product recommendations Primarily the domain of eCommerce and retail websites, AI-generated product recommendations are an easy way to personalize your customers’ online shopping experience. These ML tools analyze the shopper’s data including user behavior, preferences and purchase history—to provide them with relevant recommendations as they browse your website or app. Predictive analytics When you give an AI lots of data like weather patterns, shopping trends and purchase behavior to process, categorize and analyze, you have a recipe for predicting trends and making forecasts. Online store owners can use predictive AI to forecast which products will be hot next season and manufacturers can predict when machinery is likely to break down. Marketing automation Marketing automation tools can analyze customer behavior, segment audiences, then use this data to make recommendations or provide insights about how to allocate your marketing spend more effectively. For example, the Wix Analytics benchmarks report offers an in-depth analysis of your site, comparing it to similar sites and providing valuable insights for improvement. Operational automation Operational automation is a set of technologies you can use to streamline and optimize repetitive, manual and time-consuming tasks within an organization. Its primary goal is to improve efficiency, reduce errors, cut costs and free up human resources for more strategic and creative work. Accessibility enhancement Accessibility enhancement AI tools are designed to improve the usability of digital content for individuals with disabilities. For instance, Wix's Accessibility Wizard provides guidance for how to make a website accessible . Wix built the tool to ensure that its users could easily create websites that are inclusive and compliant with accessibility standards.

Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →   Finding the right tools is crucial when it comes to children and website building . It's important that these tools are not only age-appropriate in terms of ability to create but also safe for children to use. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of understanding how to make a website with and tailored for your children. Whether you're a parent looking to introduce your child to the basics of web development, an educator seeking resources for classroom activities or a young aspiring developer ready to take on the challenge of building your first website, this article is for you. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. We’re all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. Why should kids learn to build websites? In today's tech-driven world, understanding the basics of web development is becoming as fundamental as reading and writing. You might wonder why children should get involved in website building at an early age, here are just some of them. To learn more about building websites for and with children, check out Wix Tomorrow . Fosters problem-solving skills Learning to build a website requires kids to think critically and solve problems as they arise. Even children can understand the fundamentals of website navigation and how to structure a website to make it easy to use. This example of decision-making, of which there are lots when creating a website, is an essential skill and can be applied to many other areas of life. Encourages creativity Website creation allows kids to express themselves through design, layout and content—all of which boosts their creative abilities. When designing a website , even if working with a website template there are plenty of options for easy customization. Choosing a color scheme and then determining the layout of pages within the site, all offer plenty of opportunity for creativity. Website building allows kids to see the results of their efforts in real time and share their creations with friends and family. Whether it's a personal blog, an online portfolio for school projects or a virtual lemonade stand, the possibilities are endless. Teaches technical skills Even when using a website builder, children can learn more about what makes it work. Just because a website can be built easily without any coding knowledge, doesn't exclude the possibility of using website creation as an opportunity to teach children about how they work. This goes hand in hand with teaching children digital literacy—encouraging them to understand how the web works and how they can use it more responsibly. Once a website is live, children can be taught how to track traffic to their site. In-built tools such as Wix Analytics make this intuitive to do. Older children and teenagers can be taught to understand key website metrics such as traffic sources, organic traffic and even some basic search engine optimization (SEO) practics. Many website builders also include SEO assistants , that can walk older children through the basics of this marketing field. Gives a competitive edge With digital literacy being so important, early exposure to web development can give children a head start in a world where technology plays a major role in almost every field and industry. By introducing children to website building, you're not just giving them a new hobby you're equipping them with skills that will serve them throughout their lives. And with platforms designed specifically for young users, getting started has never been easier or safer. Whether it empowers them to create an online student portfolio for college applications, or a powerful resume when they first start job hunting or whether they decide to go into web development or even digital marketing as a career, there are multiple examples of how early website building skills can benefit children for a long time. Website creation for kids: how to make a website If you're still thinking that creating a website is a complex task reserved for adults or tech-savvy teens we're here to change your mind. With the right guidance and tools, even children as young as 8 to 10 can design and publish their own websites. 01. Choose a child-friendly website builder Start by selecting a platform that will be easy for kids to use—look for features like easy-to-use interfaces, drag-and-drop functionality and pre-designed templates. It's also best to choose a website builder that includes web hosting and a domain name , as well as advanced security features to protect your child's site from malicious cyber attacks. Learn more: What is a .com domain? Looking to create a site in minutes? Opt for an AI website builder. This is a good option for busy educators or if your child has a very specific type of website in mind, that they want to build quickly. 02. Pick a template Website templates are the foundation of website building and they often come with pre-set designs and layouts which can be customized. Encourage your child to choose one that matches the theme or purpose of their website. For example: Pet and animal website templates Sports and fitness templates School and University website templates Online education templates 03. Customize the design Let your child's creativity shine through by allowing them to customize their templates. They can change the colors, fonts and images to make their site unique. While it might be tempting to give your input on what you think looks best, it's important to let children test and trial their own ideas. Choosing, then reviewing and editing their choices is an important learning process for children in any creative task. 04. Add content Content is key to any website. Help or teach your child how to add text, photos and videos that are relevant to their site's topic. Many website builders, like Wix, include a large bank of images of their own or from Shutterstock, for children to choose from to add to their website. If they're interested, you might also encourage your child to take their own photos or create their own videos for their site. 05. Confirm safety features Building a website can be a great way to teach your child about the importance of staying safe online—from choosing extra-safe passwords to multi-factor authentication, there are plenty of ways to show children how creating online can be fun and safe. Choose a website builder, like Wix, where all sites come with 24/7 security monitoring to protect against online attacks. 06. Publish the website Once your child is happy with their creation, it's time to publish it for the world to see. Make sure they understand that once online, anyone can view their site. You might also want to talk to them about indexing and how search engines, such as Google crawl and find websites to provide answers to searches. You can also use this as an example to show how even once published, websites can be changed and edited. It's a great way to teach children that sometimes we create something we're not completely happy with but after testing and reviewing it, we can go back and improve on it. 07. Share with friends and family Sharing their new website can be a proud moment for any child, so encourage them to share it with close friends and family members first. Remember, the goal is not just to create a website but also to enjoy the process of learning and creation. By making it fun and engaging, you'll help foster a love for technology that could last a lifetime and perhaps even influence their career path one day. How to choose the right template for a kid's website When it comes to building a website, starting with the right template can make all the difference, especially for young minds eager to bring their vision to life. Many website builders, including Wix, offer a variety of templates (in the hundreds) that are perfect for kids' projects, all designed to be both appealing and easy to use. Here's how you can help your child select the best template for their website. Consider their website's purpose Is your child creating a blog, a portfolio for their artwork or perhaps a one-page website for a school project? The content and goal of the website should guide the choice of template. Here are a few that might spark the interest of your child: Band website templates Performing artist website templates Look for fun and engaging designs Many kids are drawn to bright colors and dynamic elements, so choose templates with these features to keep them excited about their website. Remind them that they can also build on these fun designs with their own color and font choices. Prioritize editing flexibility Kids' ideas and likes change as they grow, sometimes quite quickly. With this in mind, pick a template that is easily adjustable so they can update it as their interests evolve. Then encourage your child to include multimedia elements like photos and videos to make their site more engaging. From social media feeds to contact forms, interactive widgets not only make the website more functional but also teach kids about different web components. Choose simplicity A simple layout will be easier for your child to understand and work with, it also helps visitors navigate the site more easily and is good for the site's user experience or UX. You can always add elements and functionality to the template as your child's website-building skills develop. Best practices for creating a child-friendly website Designing a website that is both appealing and suitable for children requires a careful approach. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when helping kids create their own websites, making sure that the end result is not only fun but also user-friendly and safe. Simple and clean design A clutter-free website is easier for kids to navigate. You can achieve this with clear headings and by not overcrowding the page with too many elements. For many children, this will be part of the learning process, as they understand that as with so many things, less is often more in web design too. Double-check that all content is age-appropriate All text, images and videos should be suitable for children. This includes avoiding complex language and confirming visuals are child-friendly. Intuitive navigation Large buttons, straightforward menus and clear calls to action help young users move around the site without getting lost or frustrated. They're also easier to move around and to adjust the sizing of. Optimize for different devices With kids accessing websites on various devices, you can opt for a mobile-friendly website or a responsive site . Include interactive learning tools Add quizzes, puzzles and games that are not only fun but also educational. These tools can help reinforce learning in subjects like math, science or language arts. Embed educational videos Select videos that are informative and entertaining—make sure to screen them to check they're age-appropriate and that you have permission to use them on your site. Create a blog Encourage kids to write blog posts about what they're learning—enabling them to build their literacy skills and allow them to share their knowledge with others. Learn more about how to start a blog. Offer downloadable resources Provide worksheets, eBooks or lesson plans that visitors can download from the site. By weaving educational content into the fabric of the website, you're turning it into a resource that can support a child's growth and development. It becomes more than just a platform for expression—it's a space for learning and discovery. How to use building a website to inspire a child's creativity A website can serve as a powerful platform for kids to showcase their creativity and achievements. It's a space where they can share their projects, ideas and learning milestones either with family, peers or your wider community. Here's how you can help children use their website to foster both creativity and learning: Create a portfolio Allow kids to post their artwork, writing samples or science projects. This not only celebrates their work but also encourages them to keep creating. It's also a great way to record your child's work over many years, acting as a keepsake too. Feature an About Me page Encourage kids to write about themselves, their interests and what they're learning. This helps them develop self-expression and storytelling skills. This is also a good opportunity to share with children how important it is to protect private information online and that they should never share personal information, such as their address or similar online. Website creation for kids FAQ Is it safe for children to create websites? It can be, if you use the right website builder. For example, Wix provides a safe environment for children to create websites with: Parental controls available Secure hosting and SSL certificates Privacy settings to limit public access No coding required, reducing exposure to potentially harmful scripts Kid-friendly templates and design elements Easy-to-use interface with guided creation Remember to always supervise your children's online activities and educate them about internet safety. What are some age-appropriate website builders for kids? Wix is an excellent age-appropriate website builder for kids, for the following reasons: Intuitive drag-and-drop interface No coding required Kid-friendly templates Easy-to-use design elements Secure and monitored environment Parental controls available Educational resources and tutorials Ability to create simple, visually appealing sites, or a site with AI Options to limit public access Free plan available for practice Are there educational benefits to kids creating websites? Creating websites offers numerous educational benefits for kids: Improves digital literacy, a crucial skill Develops problem-solving skills Encourages creativity and self-expression Teaches project management Boosts critical thinking abilities Fosters design skills Promotes online safety awareness Develops technical proficiency Encourages research skills Builds confidence in technology use Are there free website builders suitable for kids? Wix offers a free plan suitable for kids that gives access to its user-friendly interface, drag and drop editor, templates and hosting within a secure environment. Learn more: Is Wix free? What skills do children learn from website creation? Children learn valuable skills through website creation, some of these include: Visual design principles Content organization Digital storytelling Project management Problem-solving Creative thinking Writing and editing User experience design Digital literacy Time management Critical thinking Teamwork (for group projects) Online safety awareness Basic marketing concepts What are the best topics for kids' websites? Popular topics for kids' websites include: Hobbies and interests School projects Personal blogs Pet care and animals Sports and fitness Arts and crafts Book reviews Science experiments Environmental awareness Video game reviews Cooking and recipes Travel diaries Music and instrument learning Comic strips or storytelling Photography showcases Are there any legal considerations for kids' websites? Legal considerations for kids' websites could include: COPPA compliance (U.S.) Parental consent for under-13s Privacy policy requirements Data collection limitations Content restrictions Copyright issues (using others' content) Disclosure of affiliate links Age-appropriate advertising Terms of service agreements GDPR compliance (EU) Always consult local laws and consider professional legal advice when necessary. How can kids promote their websites safely? Kids can promote their websites safely by: Sharing with family and friends Using school networks (with permission) Joining kid-friendly online communities Creating content for social media (with parental supervision) Collaborating with classmates on projects Entering appropriate web design contests Sharing in local community groups

Local search directories are propelling small businesses online and seizing the opportunity to offer them more digital solutions. SMBs  are increasingly seeking business solutions like payment acceptance  and scheduling software  for bookings. In fact, during the pandemic, Yell (Yellow Pages UK) saw 76%  of their clients added such solutions, leading Yell to refocus their strategy altogether. I’ve worked in local search and digital media for nearly three decades, with 17 of those years spent managing the publication of Yellow Pages. I’ve seen how directories and other brands that service SMBs work day and night to provide their customers with the services and tools they really need to start a business  online. But with Google dominating the industry, especially when it comes to ads and SEO, local search directories want to explore more innovative avenues for growth while keeping their core offer intact. In this article, I will dive into an emerging trend amongst directories: offering DIY services via B2B  collaboration to support business growth. Offer a world-leading SMB website builder  to your clients. DIFM vs. DIY services Traditionally, directories have offered contact listings (name, address, phone number, website, business email ) as well as Do-It-For-Me (DIFM) services to establish such lines of communication ( web hosting , website building, etc.). DIFM is the standard in the industry, for example coordinating online advertising and digital marketing on behalf of the client. This channel, though often costly in terms of time and resources, also allows for direct upselling on products and services. But SMBs are becoming more self-reliant when it comes to marketing and tech. According to the 2024 Small Business Report  by VistaPrint and Wix, 71% of SMBs do all their marketing themselves, and 79% are confident in their marketing knowledge. And the 2024 State of the SMB Report  by Localogy finds that 90% of SMBs are using some form of SaaS, signifying a certain level of dexterity when it comes to leveraging tech platforms. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) marketing technology has emerged as a new sales channel for online directories, bringing with it the next evolution of the industry. DIY makes learning how to create a website  intuitive for SMBs, allowing them to seamlessly link their site to their business listing. The offering can be sold directly through existing marketing channels, without the need for additional overhead on sales and fulfillment. And with millions of business listings sitting in directory databases waiting to be monetized, even a 1-2% conversion rate can make a significant impact on a directory’s revenue. DIY doesn’t need to replace DIFM—it can serve as an additional sales channel. Plus, DIY users who need assistance can be redirected right back to the directory’s DIFM services, letting the two channels combine to form a cohesive loop for revenue growth. Read more: Rethinking the power of domains and B2B partnerships Offering DIY services as a directory To offer DIY services, a directory needs to form a B2B strategic partnership  with the right DIY platform. The platform must be intuitive and business-oriented, allowing any type of business to launch quickly online, accept payments and scale. The platform should be on the forefront of technology, offering AI tools, (like an AI website builder ) to make creating an online presence as smooth as possible. SMBs should also have 24/7 access to product support should they have any technical questions. It’s best if the product is already known in the industry, with a history of success with SMBs. The platform should empower SMBs to leverage all the business features they need. As Sherilynn King, Senior VP at Pages Jaunes (Yellow Pages Canada), puts it, “Our strategic partnership with [DIY web builder] Wix has strengthened our website offering, making it easy for SMBs to add on additional features including eCommerce and online booking.” Pathways from the online directory to the DIY partner product should be seamless and well-engineered as a co-branded offering . This can only be achieved by a product partner’s expert team that can develop the right APIs and integrations to create an optimal user experience. In addition to product, a DIY offer requires the right funnels, tools and tactics to grab the attention of a free SMB listing and properly convert them. The best strategic partnerships  allow you to learn from the business partner’s marketing strategies , data analysis and experienced success teams. Simply offering a functional DIY product is not enough. To nurture leads and drive revenue, a business requires best practices and dedicated support in order to identify and convert high-intent users. Read more: A proactive approach to B2B success management Many leading online directories have already chosen a partner to offer DIY website-building services as a core part of their business strategy. “We chose Wix as a partner because we believe in the Wix brand,” says King. “As Wix continues to evolve both their business and their products, we believe we can offer our customers the best website products on the market.” “I think that's the best way to future-proof your business,” she continues, “finding the right, trusted, credible partner to move forward with you.” Learn how a channel partnership  with Wix can drive growth for your business and your SMB customers.

Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix website builder →   Jewelry marketing is the process of promoting and selling jewelry to consumers. It involves a range of marketing strategies  and activities from advertising campaigns, social media engagement to in-store displays that aim to attract potential buyers and convert them into loyal customers. In this article we’ll explore some of the most popular and effective ways to market your jewelry business .  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 are the main benefits of effective jewelry marketing There are three main benefits to marketing your jewelry business and brand successfully. These include: Building brand awareness:  Introducing your brand to new audiences. Increasing sales:  Encouraging purchases either in store or online. Customer engagement :  Creating lasting relationships with customers through personalized experiences, great customer service and community building.  How jewelry marketing stands out from general marketing As a type of marketing , marketing jewelry requires a special focus with more emphasis needed on: Visual appeal:  High-quality images and presentations are crucial to showcase the jewelry and to reflect its beauty and worth.  Storytelling:  Sharing the craftsmanship and heritage behind each piece is important, as people often buy jewelry because of how it makes them feel and not because they need it.  Emotional connection:  Evoking feelings that resonate with buyers' personal stories  5 jewelry marketing strategies to explore To elevate your jewelry brand, it's vital to implement strategies that resonate with your audience and showcase your products' beauty and uniqueness. Here are five strategies to consider for an effective jewelry marketing approach. Building a website Leveraging social media Email marketing campaigns Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Influencer marketing and events 01. Building a jewelry website Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your brand. This means you’ll want to make sure it reflects the quality and style of your jewelry by: Designing it well:  Choose a site layout and color scheme that complements your pieces and your branding. If your jewelry is fun and funky, your website colors and design should reflect this. The same goes for if you sell mainly high end items.  Optimizing for user experience : Make your website’s navigation intuitive and mobile-friendly. This makes it easy for customers to navigate and buy from your site. If they get frustrated they’re more likely to leave without buying. Focus on keeping them on your website and making it easy for them to move from interest to buying.  Highlighting your collections:  Use high-resolution images and detailed descriptions. This is your opportunity to really market your jewelry in the best light. It can be harder to do this online and virtually, compared to showcasing your goods in an actual store.  Add online store  capabilities:  Make sure to include ecommerce features  on your website, so that people can buy directly from your site.  Use a website builder  and learn how to make a website  for your business. Then choose from a variety of jewelry and accessories related website templates  to get started.  Learn more about how to create a landing page.   02. Leveraging social media Social media platforms  like Pinterest and Instagram are visual-centric, making them ideal for jewelry marketing as you can use them to really show off what you’re selling. To leverage these platforms for the best social media marketing  results you’ll want to: Curate stunning visual content:  Post high-quality photos and videos of your jewelry. Be sure to include shots of your jewelry on display but also include more natural photos of it being worn by someone in the real world.  Engage with your audience:  Respond to comments, messages that you receive. People may have a lot of questions before buying jewelry online and you should do what you can to build a relationship with them, also so as to build trust.  Run targeted ad campaigns:  Most social media platforms also allow you to run paid campaigns targeting specific groups of users. This can be a good, albeit expensive way, to get your name and jewelry out there in the beginning. 03. Crafting email marketing campaigns Email marketing allows you to directly communicate with interested customers. To build successful campaigns you’ll need to plan the following: Segment your audience:  Tailor messages based on customer preferences or purchase history. This is especially important if you have jewelry inventory appealing to a wide range of customers and price ranges.  Provide exclusive offers:  Give your newsletter and email marketing subscribers access to special deals or sneak peeks at new collections. Track performance metrics: Analyze open rates, click-through rates and conversions on your email marketing campaigns. These can then show you what works, what resonates, what encourages people to buy and what can be improved.  04. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Search Engine Optimization  can improve your online visibility and attract more customers to your website by getting your website to the top of search engine result pages. While not an easy, or short process, focusing on some of the following can help improve your site’s SEO.  Local SEO:  Claim your Google My Business listing and gather local reviews. Keyword optimization : Research relevant keywords and incorporate them into your content.  Creating great content : Publish blog posts or guides related to jewelry trends or care tips. 05. Collaborating with influencers and hosting events Influencer marketing  can help your brand reach a broader audience by showcasing your jewelry to their large or engaged audiences. Often working with influencers will require you to pay them for social media posts featuring your jewelry, or they may promote your goods in exchange for free jewelry for themselves. Choose which influencers you work with carefully, make sure their audience aligns with yours.  Event marketing  works well for jewelry businesses, as nothing necessarily replaces potential customers falling in love with a piece of jewelry they can touch and try one. You can organize your own events, or attend craft fairs and other events. A good example might be partnering with a local fashion designer for their models to wear your creations at their show. Jewelry marketing best practices To ensure your jewelry marketing efforts are as dazzling as the gems you're selling, it's crucial to follow these best practices:. Consistent branding Your brand's image should be cohesive whether a customer is browsing your website, scrolling through social media or reading an email from you. Consistency includes: Logo and color scheme : Use the same logo and color palette everywhere. Tone of voice : Maintain a uniform tone that reflects your brand's personality. Messaging:  Align all marketing content with your brand's core values and message. High quality product photographs Photographs can make or break a customer's decision to buy your jewelry. To fully capture the quality and beauty of your jewelry: Use natural light:  Soft, natural light can highlight the sparkle without harsh shadows. Focus on the details : Close-up shots can showcase intricate designs and craftsmanship. Create a natural scenario : Place jewelry in lifestyle settings to help customers envision wearing it. Excellent customer service Outstanding customer service can turn a one-time buyer into a lifelong patron. To provide top-notch service make sure to:  Be responsive : Quickly reply to inquiries and resolve any issues promptly. Personalize interactions:  Address customers by name and remember their preferences. Go above and beyond:  Surprise customers with thoughtful gestures or unexpected perks. This could include gift wrapping, free gifts.  Why invest in marketing for your jewelry business? Investing in marketing is not just about spending money to win customers, it's about strategically allocating resources to grow your brand and increase your market share. Here's why it's a worthwhile endeavor even for a small business: Higher conversion rates : Targeted campaigns lead to more effective customer acquisition. Increased average order value : Effective marketing can encourage customers to purchase more. Long-term customer value:  Build lasting relationships that result in repeat sales. Establishing trust : Consistent and honest messaging builds credibility over time. This is especially important if you’re a high end jewelry seller.  Staying competitive:  by highlighting what makes your business unique, staying relevant with marketing and jewelry trends and by continuously improving your work and marketing you can stay competitive in a crowded marketplace.  Learn more: Small business marketing How to start your jewelry marketing Embarking on a jewelry marketing journey may seem challenging, especially for a new business but with the right steps, you can set the foundation for a successful campaign that resonates with your audience and boosts sales. First you’ll need to build and prepare a marketing plan . This will need to include your:  Market research:  Understand your target audience and competitors. Unique Selling Proposition (USP):  Determine what sets your jewelry apart. Business and marketing goals:  Set clear, measurable objectives for what you want to achieve. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):  These will help you measure success. Budget allocation : Decide how much you can invest in different marketing channels. Marketing campaign plans : Schedule when and how you will execute each part of your strategy.

Whether you're a seasoned company or just starting a business , effective trucking marketing strategies  can help you stand out in a crowded market. In this guide, we'll explore how marketing for trucking companies can transform the way you connect with clients. We'll look at the perfect marketing mix for a trucking company and provide insights on how trucking companies find clients.  The marketing mix for trucking companies When it comes to crafting a successful trucking marketing strategy, it's crucial to start with the basics. The marketing mix, often encapsulated by the 4 Ps —Product, Price, Place and Promotion—is a time-tested framework that can be tailored to fit the trucking industry's unique needs. Product:  In trucking, your product is the service you provide. It's essential to define what you offer clearly, whether it's long-haul freight, specialized transportation or regional deliveries. Starting a box truck business ? Your marketing strategies might well differ from someone starting a tow truck business . Knowing your services inside out helps in communicating value to your clients. Price : Competitive pricing is key in trucking. You must balance costs with profit margins while remaining attractive to customers. Consider flexible pricing strategies that can adapt to market changes and client demands. Place : This refers to how and where clients can book your services. Today, making a website is vital. Ensure that clients can find you through search engines and industry platforms or directories. Promotion : Effective promotion for trucking companies goes beyond traditional advertising. It includes digital marketing efforts  like SEO , content marketing , email campaigns  and social media strategies —all aimed at increasing visibility and attracting leads. Understanding your trucking audience and services Identifying and understanding your target audience  is a cornerstone of any effective marketing strategy, including in the trucking industry. By recognizing who needs your services and what specific problems you can solve for them, you can tailor your offerings to meet those needs precisely. Identifying the highest paying trucking niches : To maximize profitability, it's important to identify which niches are willing to pay a premium for your services. This could include specialized transport like hazardous materials, oversized loads or high-value freight. Research and understand the requirements and regulations of these niches to offer unparalleled service. Customizing services to meet client needs:  Once you've identified your target niches, customize your services to address their unique challenges. This might involve investing in specialized equipment, training staff for exceptional service delivery or offering flexible scheduling options. By aligning your services with client needs, you create a compelling value proposition  that sets you apart from competitors. 8 effective trucking marketing ideas for your business To drive growth and stay competitive here are 10 effective strategies designed to take your trucking business to the next stage. Create valuable content Use social media platforms  Implement referral programs Share positive testimonials Attend industry events Use email marketing Invest in targeted advertising Provide stellar customer service 01. Create valuable content Consider starting a blog in order to be able to share blog posts and articles that address common industry challenges and solutions. This content helps position your company as a thought leader and if optimized for Search Engine Optimization (SEO)  can also generate organic traffic to your trucking website .  Learn more about how to create a landing page.   02. Use social media platforms Engage with your current and targeted audience on social media by sharing industry news, company updates and behind-the-scenes content to build a community around your trucking brand. Your first step will be to choose to market your business on the social media platforms  where your target market can be found. This might be Facebook, which is often effective for local marketing and small business marketing strategies , Instagram or another platform.  Next, you’ll need to create content for that social media platform and audience. On Facebook this might be with clear posts about the services you offer, on Instagram it might be sharing short reels or videos of your trucking services in action.  03. Implement referral programs Encourage satisfied customers to refer new clients by offering incentives, which can be an effective way to generate new business through word-of-mouth marketing . This can work well especially for small town business ideas , like trucking, where positive referrals can generate consistent business for you.  Incentives can include money off your services if they refer someone who commits to use you, or a free gift of some sort.  04. Share positive testimonials Build on attracting repeat and new customers by showcasing positive customer reviews on your website and social media channels to build trust with potential clients. Make sure to ask for permission from customers before sharing their reviews.  05. Attend industry events Increase your visibility by participating in trucking expos, trade shows and conferences where you can network with potential clients and partners. This can be a great way to build relationships and partnerships with other trucking or related businesses who may need your services or who can help you connect with your audience.  06. Use email marketing Send out newsletters , promotions and personalized offers to keep your company top of mind with current and prospective clients.  Email marketing  can be an effective way to build a community and to sell to that network.  07. Invest in targeted advertising Use platforms like Google Ads to place targeted advertisements that reach individuals searching for trucking services. You pay to have your ad as close to the top of search results pages as possible. This can be an expensive strategy, especially long term but it can be a good way to get your trucking business out there at the start.  08. Provide stellar customer service Provide reliable service and responsive communication to create positive experiences that encourage repeat business. When it comes to trucking marketing, this is one of the most effective ways to build a profitable, stable business. It also reduces your marketing costs at the same time as you can avoid formal and paid marketing campaigns, by relying on repeat customers and their referrals too.  Strengthening your marketing with a trucking company website Today a strong online presence is non-negotiable for trucking companies aiming to attract and retain clients. A website is often the first point of contact between you and potential customers and it should be prioritized as such.  A well-designed website acts as a central hub for all your marketing activities. It's where prospects go to learn about your services, company value and industry expertise. It also plays a crucial role in lead generation and conversion. Key features of an effective trucking company website User-friendly design:  Ensure your site is easy to navigate with a clear menu structure and calls-to-action. Learn how to make a website  with a website builder  like Wix.  Mobile optimization:  With more people using mobile devices to access the web, your site must perform well on smartphones and tablets. High-quality content: Provide detailed descriptions of your services, company background and testimonials from satisfied clients. SEO features : Incorporate SEO best practices to help your site rank higher in search engine results pages. Contact information:  Make it easy for visitors to contact you with visible phone numbers, email addresses and a contact form. Use a trucking website template to build your website and get started.

As a small business owner , you have plenty to worry about. You might be doing everything from staffing to payroll to website building and so much more. Ultimately, no organization will be at their best with one person stretching themselves too thin. With so much to balance, it can be easy to lose focus on bringing in new customers and retaining existing clients. Fortunately, there’s a way to take some of that work off your plate. Enacting business automation is just one of the ways you can free up time and improve your company’s marketing effectiveness at the same time. Ready to get your business up and running online? Start making a website with Wix. Not sure where to start? Learn how to build a website  with this easy guide. What is business automation? Business automation is the use of software to perform marketing tasks and campaigns without human intervention. This can include sending out automatic email responses, moving leads through your sales funnel and creating marketing flows for specific use cases. By integrating automation into various aspects of a business, you can save time, reduce errors and focus on more strategic activities that drive business growth .  In fact, marketers report saving 25 hours per week with automation, according to a 2021 poll by Zapier . And customer service representatives, salespeople and accountants say they save up to 16 hours a week with automation. Why is small business automation important? Automation can solve several small business challenges , and ultimately save you time and money when running a business . Some benefits include: Efficiency : You can streamline repetitive tasks that don’t require critical thinking or an expert’s touch. Consistency : Ensure that tasks are performed consistently and remain on brand all the time, even across multiple locations or users. Scalability : Automation makes it easier to scale operations like follow-up emails or appointment confirmations without a proportional increase in workload. Cost-effectiveness : By reducing the need for manual labor, you can save on labor costs and reduce errors that could lead to costly mistakes. As Adam Tuttle, ActiveCampaign’s senior business activation director says: “Automations are a driving force behind creating a quality customer experience. From the moment a lead is captured, automations empowers small businesses to create consistent and engaging brand interactions with potential customers, customers and former customers.” 28 things your small business should automate  There are dozens of different types of business automation worth exploring. While you might not necessarily need to automate all of these things, implementing even just a few of these examples could save you precious time and money—whether you’ve owned a business for years or are just learning how to start a business . Abandoned cart emails User accounts Inventory management Order confirmation emails Customer feedback requests Sales pipelines Sales reporting Customer quotes Upselling and product recommendation emails Electronic signatures Follow-up emails Lead scoring Landing page creation Lead inquiries Social media scheduling Email marketing PPC campaigns A/B testing Analytics and reporting Project management Spreadsheet and databases Business operations Internal communication efforts Document management User segmentation Customer support Loyalty programs Customer data syncing Ecommerce automation 01. Abandoned cart emails Often, potential customers put items they’re looking at in their cart but don’t complete the purchase for one reason or another. An automatic abandoned cart email is a great way to personally target those customers with the specific product they’re interested in. 02. User accounts User accounts allow customers to securely store passwords and payment information, which allows for quicker transactions and makes it easier for repeat customers to return. Plus, accounts allow users to set up alerts for when a product is in stock or discounted, and more. 03. Inventory management Regardless of your scale, your customers must have the right information. That’s why implementing an inventory management system (IMS) is vital; an IMS automatically updates inventory  levels in real time, reducing the risk of overselling. 04. Order confirmation emails After each purchase, a confirmation email can be instantly sent to each buyer with specific information, like their order number, product details and a shipping code if necessary. 05. Customer feedback requests A great way to iterate on your products or improve the experience when making a website is to solicit feedback. You could send an automatic customer feedback request within a week of purchasing to invite your customers to share their honest thoughts. Example of an automated email flow (source: ActiveCampaign) Sales automation 06. Sales pipelines Manually tracking potential sales is a time-consuming process that’s prone to error. With customer relationship management (CMS) software, you can automatically track and manage leads and conversations through custom sales funnels that you created. 07. Sales reporting Another helpful CRM automation is the ability to generate sales reports automatically to monitor performance and make data-driven decisions. 08. Customer quotes If your small business deals in quotes, an equation system can automatically generate and send quotes to potential clients based on predefined criteria. 09. Upselling and product recommendation emails A personal touch is huge when it comes to sales. While email marketing might not seem personal, it can be with personalized emails suggesting related products or upgrades based on a customer’s past behaviors. Example of an automated sales email sequence (source: ActiveCampaign) Lead generation automation 10. Electronic signatures Use tools like DocuSign or DocHub to automate the process of collecting signatures on important documents. This helps you to stay organized and close deals quickly. 11. Follow-up emails Much like abandoned cart emails and order confirmation emails, you can create automated follow-up emails any time someone contacts you, confirming that their request was received. Follow-up emails can even be used as transactional emails after a customer expresses interest in a product. 12. Lead scoring If you have a lot of leads, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. A lead scoring system  will automatically score and prioritize leads based on custom parameters and their behavior and interactions with your business. This allows you to prioritize hot leads and close those sales fast. 13. Landing page creation One of the most popular ways to generate leads is to use a landing page. This can be for specific campaigns or long-term strategies like email collection. Automated tools can create and test various landing pages on your behalf. 14. Lead inquiries Chatbots and other tools that automate lead responses have been spurred on by the recent AI boom and will be a crucial asset going forward. This large-language model can give potential customers some of the key information they need, and generate leads for you at any time of the day or night. Example of a lead nurturing email sequence (source: ActiveCampaign) Marketing automation 15. Social media scheduling Schedule social media posts months in advance with social media software. This allows your company to plan out marketing initiatives and stay consistent with branding across social media channels. 16. Email marketing Use platforms like ActiveCampaign  to automate email campaigns and newsletters that consistently engage customers and allow your company to market your products at a lower cost than most marketing channels. You can also auto-segment users and leads into particular categories based on their interests or behaviors, and send them marketing communication that fits their needs. 17. PPC campaigns Take advantage of AI-powered tools offered by Google and other ad platforms to automate your PPC campaigns. Stay within your bidding and keyword parameters without having to check them daily. 18. A/B testing Automatically run and analyze tests to optimize your marketing strategies and website design. For example, you can send out an email with two different subject lines that run to 200 people each. After those 400 sends, the better-performing subject line will automatically become your only subject line. 19. Analytics and reporting An easy way to stay on top of your numbers is to set up automatic reports in whichever analytics program you use. This is ideal for weekly sales reports and reports on specific marketing campaigns. Task management automation 20. Project management Platforms like Asana or Monday centralize all tasks that need to be done for specific projects or on a daily basis. They can also perform automation, including task due date reminders, stuck task notifications and recurring task creation. 21. Spreadsheets and databases While business software  like CRM is great at collecting and organizing data, sometimes you need an old-fashioned spreadsheet to do the job. Fortunately, tools like Zapier can automate data entry updates to important sheets and other databases as sales are made or leads are generated. 22. Business operations Invoicing and payroll processing can be a huge headache. Sites like Wix, ADP and Workday make routine business much easier by automating payroll processing, storing past paychecks and automating invoices. Discover all of Wix's features , including its built-in automation tools and free invoice generator . 23. Internal communication efforts If you have several employees or locations, you can use Slack or other instant messaging services to auto-post major company announcements and other internal communication so all your employees are sure to see it. 24. Document management An asset management system is a great way to use automated systems to manage, store and retrieve business documents. Document management systems allow for automatic storage and filing so you always know where important documents are stored. CRM automation 25. User segmentation Auto-segment users and leads into particular categories based on their interests or behaviors, and send them marketing communication that fits their needs. 26. Customer support Software like Zendesk allows any customer support tickets to be automatically applied to people on your customer experience team. You can even set up rules for specific types of tasks to go to specific members of your team. 27. Loyalty programs If you have a customer loyalty system, it’s far easier to use automation to keep track of rewards as customers complete purchases—specifically because the alternative is manually keeping track of points as purchases are made. 28. Customer data syncing If you’re using several pieces of software, check to see if you can integrate your platforms with your primary CRM so that customer data is synced across all your platforms and tools. Get the Wix Loyalty Program app for free. Trends in small business automation Business automation has never been more popular, and that is not expected to change. Rather, the type of technology available to small businesses is apt to change.  We asked ActiveCampaign’s senior business activation director, Adam Tuttle, what he sees when it comes to small business automation trends to get an idea of what to expect in the future. AI and machine learning “AI and machine learning are fed by data. Marketing automation is an incredible resource for gathering data and using the data that is being collected. It is no longer only used to send emails, but rather used to gather and manage data collection in real-time. This technology is now available to small businesses and is not isolated to enterprise organizations.“ Advanced chatbots "Chatbots are incredible resources to collect information in real time and feed that data back into a marketing automation platform. This provides the marketer with more opportunities to create personalized experiences along the customer journey. “ Hyper-personalization “Personalization in 2024 goes far beyond inserting a name into an email. It looks at the culmination of actions, non-actions and first- and third-party data to build an individual profile. It also provides the opportunity to react to the data when determining the types of messaging, and when determining the content of those messages, including text, images and colors. Personalization today means creating a unique experience on every level of interaction.”

With more consumers searching and shopping on their smartphones than ever, businesses are always looking for new ways to connect with customers on-the-go. This leads to a key question—should you build an app or create a business website  with a mobile site builder? Whether you're a startup owner or manage an established business, understanding the differences between a website and mobile app is crucial in leveraging the right technology to enhance your operations and customer engagement. What is a mobile website? A mobile website is essentially a version of your regular website that is optimized for use on smartphones and tablets. It's accessible through a web browser like Chrome or Safari, meaning there's no need to download anything from an app store. Mobile websites are designed to provide a good user experience on smaller screens with touch-based navigation. Learn more about the benefits of a mobile app  for your business. What is a mobile app? In contrast, a mobile app is a software application that you download and install on your device from platforms like Apple's App Store or Google Play. Apps offer more in-depth interaction and can tap into the hardware features of the device, such as the camera or GPS. The key differences between mobile apps and websites When it comes to choosing between a mobile app and a website for your business, several key factors come into play. These differences can significantly impact user experience, accessibility and the cost associated with each platform. Functionality and user experience Mobile apps take the edge with their functionality and user experience. They're designed with the specific intent of enhancing user engagement through a more intuitive interface and smoother navigation. This is achieved by giving apps access to device hardware such as cameras, GPS and accelerometers, which can be used to create a more interactive and engaging experience. Generally, apps run faster than mobile websites as they store data locally on the device and retrieve resources from the server only when necessary. This makes them easier to interact with. However, you can design a mobile website that gives a smooth user experience. When it comes to an ecommerce website or online store , websites and apps share the same functionality when it comes to selling a product. Accessibility and offline use One of the most significant advantages of mobile apps over websites is their ability to function offline or with limited internet connectivity. Once downloaded, most apps can provide content and features without an internet connection. Websites require a stable internet connection for access, which can be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity. Cost, upgrades and maintenance The investment required for developing and maintaining a mobile app or website varies greatly depending on several factors including complexity, platform choice and functionality. Developing a mobile app typically requires a higher initial investment than creating a mobile website. Most website builders make it possible to create a website free and even paid plans are cost effective, starting from $17 a month. Both platforms require regular updates; however, updating an app can be more complex as it needs to be done across different operating systems and devices. When learning how to create a website with Wix, updates are done to your website automatically and include auto backup as well. Apps may also incur additional costs for users to download updates or new versions, whereas updates to websites are generally seamless and free for the end-user. Understanding these key differences will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option in relation to your business goals. How to choose between a website vs mobile app Choosing between a mobile website and a mobile app depends largely on your business objectives, target audience and budget. Here's how to evaluate which platform might be more beneficial for your business. When to choose a mobile website A mobile website might be the right choice if your primary goal is to reach a broad audience without the barriers of app stores and downloads. You'll need a business website in order to market and promote your business online via the mobile web and as a way to build your brand. Learn more: Small business website statistics There are other benefits too: SEO : Mobile websites are more discoverable by search engines, which can help in reaching new customers. Broad accessibility : Websites can be accessed on any device, including mobile devices and non - such as computers. Cost-effectiveness : They're generally less expensive to develop and maintain compared to mobile apps. Instant updates : Any changes you make can be instantly visible to website users without requiring them to update an app. When to choose a mobile app On the other hand, a mobile app could be advantageous if you're aiming for deeper engagement with users. Personalized experience : Apps can offer tailored content and remember user preferences for a more personalized interaction. Customer loyalty : Features like push notifications can help in retaining customers by keeping them informed and engaged. Functionality : If your service requires functionality that cannot be provided through a web browser, such as a certain type of game, an app will likely be necessary. Learn more about how to make a web app of your own . Website vs mobile app FAQ Is it better to use an app or a website? The answer depends on your business goals and customer behavior. If you need to offer complex interactions, an app might be better. However, if you aim to reach a wide audience a website is best. Do I need a mobile app if I already have a website? Not necessarily. Consider an app if it adds value beyond what your website provides. If your website meets all your customers' needs effectively, an app may not be necessary. Sometimes having both can cover all bases, with the website attracting new customers and the app increasing engagement. Decide whether an app would meet specific business needs that your website does not address. Which is more secure a mobile app or website? Both can be secure if proper security measures are in place and both can be similarly unsecured if not. How do I know if my consumers prefer an app or a website? You'll need to conduct market research or surveys to understand your customers' preferences and behaviors. Look also if your competitors use an app, website or both. Can I convert my website into an app? Yes, there are ways to adapt website content for an app. Learn h ow to turn a website into an app with this guide. Will I sell more on an app over a website? This depends on what you're selling and the behavior of your audience. In general consumers prefer to buy low ticket items on mobile and still use desktop for more expensive purchases.

Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix  → Launching a new website isn’t as simple as hitting “publish.” A successful launch requires lots of preparation, as well as a distinct strategy for getting your site in front of the right people. In this article, you will discover essential steps and strategies that will guide you through how to make a website from start to finish. From defining your goals to selecting the right website builder , this guide will provide you with the insights you need to navigate the intricacies of a website launch. Behind every modern business is a strong website. These days, whether you're establishing a brand, expanding your business or showcasing your creative endeavors, a well-designed website launch is key to making a lasting impact on your audience. Get your site up and running today— sign up for Wix for free. 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. How to launch a website like a pro Make a pre-launch plan Buy a domain name Create a sitemap Design your site Establish a content strategy Optimize your pages for SEO before you launch Test your site Set up analytics Launch and promote your site Maintain your site 01. Make a pre-launch plan Building a website from scratch is no easy feat, so it can be difficult to know where you should even begin. Before you even put pen to paper (or wireframe to web page), you need to start by creating a plan. When you map out how to plan a website , you’ll set expectations for your future website and define foundational rules that will maximize a smooth user experience. Read also: I built a Wix website for my mom—here's how it went Define your website’s purpose Whether you’re starting a blog or building an online store , chances are you’ve got a pretty good idea of what your website's purpose will be. Still, it’ll be helpful—both in the short term and in the long run—if you take a moment to jot down your thoughts on what exactly you’re hoping to achieve. What’s your driving motivation? What will it offer that other websites won’t? What emotions are you hoping to provoke? Once you've answered these questions, your purpose will start to take shape. It’ll serve as your North Star, guiding decisions about things like what sort of layout to use and what website features to include. Choose your target audience Choosing a target audience is a bit like deciding who to invite to an event—the people you invite will only show up if they feel like the event is meant for them and the event will only be a success if they show up. So, take some time to think about who you’re hoping to attract. Interview people who represent your target audience to learn about their interests, the problems that keep them up at night and where they like to spend their time. This kind of research can also involve surveys, online polls or social listening tools. The insights you gather during this process will help you develop your website around your user, structuring it in a way they’ll navigate effortlessly and filling it with content that grabs their attention. Like your website’s purpose, your target audience analysis shouldn’t just exist in your head because it’s easy to lose sight of it and it’s vital that you don’t. Make every decision with your audience in mind so you don’t accidentally make a choice that might push them away. Set your business metrics The business metrics you choose will function as signposts that tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction. You’ll use them to evaluate the effectiveness of your website at every step of the way. What does success look like to you in the context of this project? Here are a few examples of metrics you could use to monitor your website: Traffic volume: This metric measures the total number of visitors your website attracts. A healthy traffic volume indicates that your content and marketing efforts are effectively reaching a wide audience, while a decline might prompt you to explore ways to boost visibility and engagement. Conversion rate: This metric measures the percentage of visitors who take a specific desired action on your website, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter. This provides more context to your traffic numbers because traffic alone isn’t useful; you want to make sure people are actually taking action and finding what they need on your site. A high conversion rate indicates that your website is successfully convincing visitors to take action, while a low rate might prompt you to optimize your design and content to improve the user journey and encourage conversions. Returning visitors: This metric gauges the percentage of customers who return to your website after their initial visit. This is useful for determining if your user experience and content are compelling enough to encourage repeat visits. A high retention rate suggests that your website's value keeps visitors coming back for more, while a low rate might prompt you to enhance user engagement strategies. Social shares: This metric reveals how often your content is shared on social media platforms. This metric helps you assess the virality of your content and its appeal to your audience. A high share rate indicates that your content resonates with users, making them eager to spread the word. A low share rate could lead you to refine your content strategy for more shareable material. Search engine rankings: This metric measures where your website appears in search engine results for specific keywords. You’ll want to pay close attention to your rankings to determine if your SEO efforts are effective in improving visibility. Higher rankings generally equate to greater visibility, though this will also depend on keyword volume. Poor rankings might prompt you to either revisit your old content or reevaluate your SEO strategy to climb higher in search results. Customer lifetime value (CLV): This metric calculates the total value a customer brings to your business over their entire engagement period. It monitors the success of your customer retention and loyalty strategies. A high customer lifetime value indicates that your website is fostering strong, long-term relationships with customers, leading to sustained revenue. A low value could inspire you to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction initiatives. Use Wix Analytics to monitor all these metrics and more. 02. Buy a domain name When it comes to establishing your presence on the web, a domain name is your unique identifier. So, you’ll need one that reflects your website's purpose and is easy to remember. If you can, choose a domain with a .com extension since most people still perceive it as the most trustworthy . You can use Wix’s domain name generator to find one that’s suitable and the domain name checker to see if your preferred name is available, then buy it right then and there. It’s important to perform this step sooner rather than later so that no one else scoops up the name you had in mind. Learn more: Website name ideas 03. Create a sitemap If you went to a bookstore that hadn’t separated its fiction and nonfiction books and had instead grouped things by category, you’d probably have a tough time finding what you’re looking for. That’s because you’ve built a mental model—or cognitive framework for how to navigate a space—based on how a bookstore is typically arranged. You might be amused to see a guide to tea-leaf reading next to the Harry Potter books, but you’d probably still walk out empty-handed. The concept of mental maps applies to sitemaps (which are sort of like blueprints for your site’s organizational structure) as well. For that reason, it’s best to keep your structure as simple as possible and use your creativity elsewhere. The average website has the following structure: Home: The main entry point to your website. It introduces your site's purpose, provides an overview of your offerings and directs visitors to other sections. About Us: This page delves into your company's background, history, values and team members. It helps visitors understand your brand identity and the people behind it. Products/Services: Here, you showcase the products or services your business offers. Each subpage could provide detailed information about a specific product or service, including features, benefits and pricing. Blog: The blog section hosts a collection of articles or posts related to your industry, providing valuable insights, tips, news or engaging content to your audience. Contact Us: This page offers various ways for visitors to get in touch with you, including a contact form, phone number, email and possibly your physical address. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): This page addresses common queries and concerns visitors may have about your products, services or company policies. When building your sitemap, follow the “one page, one task” rule, which says that every page on your website should have one, single purpose. For example, if you design a landing page that sells a particular product, its goal would be to motivate visitors to buy it. If you have more than one goal in mind, it’s a sign that you’re better off creating a distinct page for each one. 04. Design your site Your next task is to create designs for individual web pages on your website. You can follow two approaches when creating web layouts: you can start from a plain canvas and build a website from scratch or choose a created design from a collection of templates and adjust it to your needs. We’ll take the latter route, which is a better bet for those without a web design background. Waste no time and create your site from start to finish with Wix's website builder . Select a website builder Choosing a website builder is one of the most pivotal decisions you’ll make, as it sets the foundation for the entire web design process. Here are a few things you should look for when researching website builders: User-friendliness: Look for a builder with an intuitive interface that allows you to seamlessly shape your website without a steep learning curve. Wix, for example, makes designing a website a breeze by offering a drag-and-drop builder , hundreds of customizable templates and 24/7 customer support. Performance: Your chosen builder should deliver optimal speed and smooth navigation, enhancing user experience. Make sure your site builder has the infrastructure and plan in place to ensure strong website performance so that you don't find yourself in a bind later down the road.” AI tools: Consider platforms that integrate AI capabilities for streamlined design and content creation. The best AI website builder includes things like AI text generation and image generation, as well as personalized recommendations to help you improve your site. Accessibility: Website accessibility is essential for assuring that everyone can use your site, regardless of their disabilities. Opt for a builder like Wix that simplifies the process of creating an inclusive digital environment. SEO: Search Engine Optimization is vital for visibility. Select a builder that facilitates easy integration of SEO practices. For example, Wix has a range of SEO features , including an SEO assistant and a Semrush integration. Security: Website security is non-negotiable. Ensure your chosen builder implements robust security measures to safeguard your site and user data. Integration capabilities: It’s important that the builder you choose offers a range of integration capabilities so that you can customize your site however you want. You might need eCommerce functions, ad management tools, coding features and social media management tools. Check out your builder's app market and make sure that it supports the platforms you need or will need in the future. Learn more: Wix vs. Squarespace or Wix vs. GoDaddy Choose a template The template you pick will decide how your website looks and what people think of your brand. Therefore, it’s important to choose one that aligns with your brand identity. If you're a creative agency, a template with bold visuals might capture your essence, while a clean and minimalist template could suit a professional consulting firm. It’s also helpful to look for a template that has everything or most of everything you need. Ideally, it’ll have pages for each of those you listed in your site map. Look for one with intuitive navigation. Once you’ve chosen a template, customize it with imagery, fonts and colors that match your brand. When you use one of Wix’s website templates (of which there are more than 800), you can make changes to the colors and fonts in the Site Theme section and the design will automatically update to match those changes. Define functionality Website functionality encompasses everything that a user can do on your website, including the tasks they can perform, the information they can access and the interactions they can engage in. Functionality can range from relatively simple operations, like filling out a contact form, to very complex things, like participating in a forum. Decide on your business objectives and articulate specific functional elements that you want to have on your website. At this step, you don't need to be precise on how UI elements should look; the more important thing is clearly defining the core functionality. By focusing on this foundational aspect, you set the stage for a website that not only caters to your business needs but also delivers a seamless and engaging user experience. Learn more: What makes a good website 05. Establish a content strategy Content is the reason why people visit your website. The better your content is, the more likely people are to enjoy their time and stick around. So, creating a content strategy—or a plan for creating, organizing, distributing and managing your content—is essential prior to launching your site. This plan will keep your content consistent and will streamline your process to ensure a steady flow of valuable information that keeps your audience coming back for more. Galleries, blog posts, videos, podcasts, landing pages—the list of content types goes on and on. To decide which will be most advantageous to your purposes, determine whether you’re aiming to inform, entertain, educate or sell. Then, build a content calendar that can help your post consistently and prevent last-minute rush jobs. Finalizing the content strategy before launching your new website is pivotal. Doing so ensures that all generated content adheres to the strategy, maintaining coherence and purpose throughout your website. 06. Optimize your pages for SEO before you launch SEO (search engine optimization) is the practice of optimizing content to achieve better ranking for your website in search engines. Optimizing your pages for SEO before launching your website sets the stage for better search visibility and a smoother user experience once your website is live. Start by conducting keyword research to identify the terms that your target audience is likely to search for. Integrate these keywords naturally into your content, headings and meta descriptions. Craft compelling and concise meta titles and descriptions for each page. Make sure they're clear, relevant and enticing to potential visitors. Ensure your images have descriptive alt text—not only does this improve accessibility, but it also tells search engines what the images are about. Also, pay attention to your website's structure. Well-organized and intuitive navigation helps both users and search engines easily navigate your site. Use header tags (H1, H2, etc.) to structure your content—it's like creating signposts that’ll help readers and search engines get a sense of what your site is about and getting a general sense of the topic you’re discussing. Lastly, don't forget about mobile responsiveness. With mobile users on the rise, search engines prioritize mobile-friendly websites. So, ensure your site looks and functions seamlessly across various devices. Learn more about the Wix SEO Dashboard or check out Wix’s SEO Learning Hub for more expert tips. 07. Test your site Before launching your website, it's essential to conduct several tests to ensure its functionality, usability and overall performance. Here are some crucial tests to consider: Usability: Usability testing is the process of inviting people to complete specific tasks on your website to determine how easy it is for users to interact with your website. Usability testing will help you identify areas in the user journey that aren’t working as well as they should. Functionality: One of the most frustrating things people experience when browsing the web is when interactive elements don’t function as they’re intended. Whether it’s a broken link or a form submission issue, that dysfunction can be enough to make visitors abandon your website. Functionality testing can be tedious because it involves clicking every navigational element on your site to ensure that it’s performing as intended, but there are automation tools that can help you speed up the process. Compatibility: People will visit your website from various systems and browsers, so testing your site on different browsers, devices and operating systems is a must. The minimum set of operating systems is Windows, Android and iOS. The most popular browsers you should test are Chrome (more than 60% of the market), Apple Safari (more than 20% of the market) and Microsoft Edge (more than 5% of the market). Performance: On average, people expect websites to load in two seconds or less . If yours doesn’t, they’ll leave. Therefore, you should do performance testing regularly. You can use free performance checkers like Google’s PageSpeed Insights or Wix's site speed dashboard . Mobile: In the past year, over 56% of internet users came from mobile rather than desktop. Therefore, ensuring that your website appears correctly and offers a comfortable user experience on smaller mobile screens is crucial. You can use tools like Google's mobile-friendly tester to identify parts of your design that need to be refined. First impressions: Recent studies show that people now spend an average of 54 seconds on a site . That means you have less than a minute to convince your visitors to stay. First impression testing can help you determine whether your site is making a big enough of a splash to hold visitors’ attention. Before you launch the site, invite people to check it out and share their honest feedback. 08. Set up analytics Now, it's time to set up analytics tools that can help you track the metrics you decided on in your pre-launch plan. Install your analytics tool of choice to your site builder. Or, if your builder already has built-in reports, get familiar with those reports and make sure that you're tracking everything you need to be tracking. 09. Launch and promote your site Now that you've meticulously crafted your website, it's time for the exciting moment: sharing your creation to the world. But remember, the process of launching a website doesn’t stop when you hit “Publish.” That’s when the hard work of promoting your site begins. Here are the basics of doing so: Social media: Creating a strong online presence is all about communicating with your audience and building a strong relationship with them. The best way to achieve this is to create online communities on the social media channels that your audience is most present on. Consistency in messaging and posting schedules is vital for fostering these connections. Email marketing: If you have an existing database of customers, you can create and send out branded email newsletters with valuable information to your users. You can use Wix's email marketing tool to create emails on the fly or to create automated email sequences. Advertising: Run ads on platforms like Google or Instagram that drive targeted traffic to your website or landing page. Consider setting up retargeting campaigns that help you re-engage people who've visited your site. Influencer marketing: This approach involves teaming up with social media influencers or bloggers to endorse your website. Influencers may promote your site in exchange for a commission. 10. Maintain your site Just like taking care of a well-tended garden, your website needs ongoing attention to thrive. Regular maintenance ensures that your site stays fresh, relevant and glitch-free, giving your visitors a top-notch experience. Here are a few common maintenance procedures website owners should follow: Regular backups: Schedule automated backups of your website's files so that technical issues don’t put your data at risk. Content review and updates: Regularly review and update your website's content to keep it current, accurate and relevant. This includes contact information, product descriptions, blog posts and other textual and visual elements. Regularly scan for broken links within your website and fix or remove them to improve user experience. Software updates: If you use a CMS, you need to keep it up to date to ensure optimal performance, security and compatibility. Many CMS have a built-in feature that allows you to update the system without any problems. Looking for more inspiration? Read how Roni Sagi , runner up on America's Got Talent made her website. What are some effective and creative ways to announce the launch of a website? There are many ways to launch a website into the world, once it's published. The effectiveness of each will depend on your type of site and target audience. Social media campaigns Teasers and countdowns : Build anticipation with teaser posts and countdowns. Live launch event : Host a live event on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube to unveil the website. Influencer partnerships : Collaborate with influencers relevant to your niche to spread the word. Email marketing Exclusive previews : Send out sneak peeks or early access to your email subscribers. Launch announcement : Craft a compelling email with visuals and a clear call-to-action to visit the site. Press release Media coverage : Distribute a press release to relevant media outlets and industry publications. You can pay to guarantee coverage. Interviews : Offer interviews to journalists and bloggers to discuss the website and its benefits. Interactive elements and community engagement Contests and giveaways : Organize contests or giveaways to engage your audience and encourage them to visit the site. Quizzes and polls : Create interactive content that directs users to your website for results or more information. Videos : Produce a launch video showcasing the website’s features and benefits. Forums and groups : Announce the launch in relevant online communities, forums, and social media groups. Webinars and workshops : Host webinars or workshops to demonstrate the website’s functionality and engage with potential users. Cross-promotions : Partner with other businesses or websites for cross-promotional opportunities. Affiliate programs : Set up an affiliate program to incentivize others to promote your website. Events and meetups : Announce the launch at industry events, meetups or conferences. How to launch a new website FAQ How do I introduce a new website? Announce your new website to your audience using your existing channels like social media, email newsletters or blog posts. Highlight its purpose, key features and how it benefits them. Share teasers before the launch to build excitement, and follow up with clear calls to action—like exploring features or signing up for exclusive content. To reach even more people, consider using paid ads or collaborating with others to bring more visitors to your site. How much does it cost to launch a website? The cost of launching a website can vary widely depending on the platform, features and design complexity. Basic websites can start at under $20 per month, but adding custom domains, premium features or eCommerce tools may raise the cost. Hiring a professional designer or developer for a custom site can increase expenses significantly. Plan your budget by considering both upfront costs, like domain registration, and ongoing costs, such as hosting and marketing. Can I launch my website for free? Yes, many website builders, including Wix, offer free plans that allow you to create and launch a basic site. However, free plans generally include platform-branded domain names and ads, which may not be ideal for professional use. To remove branding and access features like custom domains or analytics tools, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan. Free options are great for trying out a platform, but upgrading can offer long-term benefits for your brand.

Perhaps 80% of your content marketing sales come from 20% of your content, or one in five of your social media campaigns drastically outperformed the rest. This isn’t new, and there’s a name for the phenomenon: the Pareto Principle . The Pareto Principle states that for the majority of outcomes, roughly 80% of results derive from 20% of efforts. The term was coined by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto in 1896 to describe an 80-20 split pattern occurring all around him. Specifically, he observed that 80% of wealth in Italy was owned by only 20% of the population, and merely 20% of his pea pods bore 80% of the peas. Thinking it to be a coincidence, he conducted surveys across other countries and was shocked to discover the same distribution. In 1930, Joseph Juran , the leading voice in operations management at the time, applied the Pareto Principle to demonstrate that 80% of product defects were caused by 20% of the problems in production methods. Moreover, 20% of factories caused 80% of total defects, and within those factories 80% of the issues stemmed from just 20% of the workstations. By pointing to what he called “the vital few and the useful many,” Juran used the 80-20 rule to isolate and address areas of inefficiency, and came to be known as the father of quality improvement. The Pareto Principle is surprisingly applicable to content marketing, too. It permeates business, web design , making a website , customer journeys and conversion rate optimization the same way it did for the plants in Pareto’s garden and the factories in the ‘30s. That’s all to say that the Pareto Principle can guide your content strategy. When small tweaks make large differences, the key is to identify those leverage points and forge a plan to put them to use. Learn more about how to create a website . How to use the Pareto Principle to improve your content KPIs Focus on what performs the best Optimize for website conversions Enrich your content and reach new audiences 01. Focus on what performs the best Aim to spend 80% of your content creation efforts on topics and formats you know work and 20% of your time experimenting. You’ll learn more about what works (and what doesn’t) without isolating your core audience. A general rule of thumb for social media is that 80% of your social media posts should be educational and only 20% should be self-promotional. In other words, four of every five posts should lead with insights, and only the fifth post should include content like coupons, sales, demos, team headshots and media coverage. This helps brands establish their thought leadership without being spammy. From there, determine which posts drive the top 20% of engagement you receive, and spend the majority of your marketing budget on those pieces specifically. This is where the Pareto Principle can maximize your return on investment in content marketing by allocating your funds to the posts that perform the best. 02. Optimize for website conversions Take a look at your web analytics , and you’ll likely find that roughly 20% of their pages attract 80% of their overall traffic. Optimize the way traffic flows through your website to increase conversions, facilitate better engagement and accelerate business growth as a whole. On homepages, one of the simplest ways to maximize conversions with minimal effort is to add a pop-up to your site. This is the essence of the Pareto Principle at work: 20% effort for 80% gain. Strong popup forms offer ‘quick-wins’ (such as a downloadable ebook or template) and seamless navigability so users know the total number of steps as well as what step they’re currently on. 03. Enrich your content and reach new audiences Take the same approach with your blog as you would your website and social media. Audit blog posts to identify the top 20% performing content. What do they have in common? You can do the same with your audience: who are the top 20% most engaged readers? Continue to create the type of content that performs well and that top fans want to see. If writing isn’t your speciality, you can work with a ghostwriter or freelance writers, but make sure you hit that sweet spot between business needs and reader expectations. On that note, blogs do little to move the needle for a business if no one reads them. If you’re putting in a ton of effort without seeing many results, you need to spend less time creating and more time promoting. Test out an 80% promoting, 20% creating split and see what happens. Looking to to start a blog ? Create a blog with the Wix blog maker.

LinkedIn is known for connecting professionals all over the world. But while many people associate it with finding new positions and advancing one’s career, LinkedIn also offers a valuable networking space for several types of businesses and brands. Professional freelancers, digital creatives, recently established companies and even performing artists can use LinkedIn marketing to promote their services to a different audience than is available on other social networks. The key is to take a smart marketing strategy in approaching it. Looking for a website builder with built-in marketing and business solutions? Create a website with Wix. What is LinkedIn marketing? LinkedIn marketing is a powerful social media tool that can help businesses of all sizes connect with potential customers, partners and employees. It works by leveraging the platform's vast business-oriented network of professionals to reach your target audience. When you create and share content on LinkedIn, it is seen not only by your connections but also by their network - known as “2nd connections”. This can help you increase brand awareness and reach new potential customers who have already shown interest in similar topics or thought leaders. In order to be successful with LinkedIn marketing, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your customers and what they are looking for. You will also need to create relevant content, engage with other people in your professional sphere and run ads that are targeted to the right people. 10 LinkedIn marketing strategies Here are 10 great tips to help you get more traction on LinkedIn, most of them free: Create a company page Highlight your business on your own profile Update frequently Use great visuals Start a group Participate in other groups Get employees and partners on board Write smart Interact Take LinkedIn seriously 01. Create a company page Unlike personal profiles, LinkedIn company pages are set up to better represent a brand or organization. Even if you run a small operation, using a company page and connecting it with your own profile is a good move. It allows you to post updates and add information that comes across much better from a brand name than from an individual.  Check out the  Wix company page  for inspiration or, if you’re ready, you can start your own company page  right here . 02. Highlight your business on your own profile Personal profiles are still a powerful tool on LinkedIn. They give you the opportunity to present yourself as the individual behind the brand and build a professional reputation. Make sure your profile details the activities of your business and links to all the important pages: your business website , other social accounts and so forth. Pro tip: You can use a link in bio tool like Hopp by Wix in order to direct users towards your business website, social media channels and other online assets all from one designated URL. 03. Update frequently Through your company page, you can post news and update your professional community on the recent developments of your company. It’s important to use this option frequently and strategically. Relevant updates that you should consider include recently completed projects, news coverage, creative tips, new features or products and anything that shows your business as an active and serious operation. Don't forget to invest in knowledge-sharing, notes Wix CMO Omer Shai. "[In the past, the attitude used to be like] ‘it's my secret, I don't want others to copy,'" he says. "Today, we know that it's much more difficult to copy what we’re doing…[and we’re all incentivized to] keep the content real and honest.” Learn more from Omer's 16 years of marketing mastery . 04. Use great visuals Every type of visual content that you upload to LinkedIn should be high quality – from the company logo to your own profile image. LinkedIn is not a very visual network, so it’s important that the little freedom you have with images is taken advantage of cleverly. For instance, when you post updates, you can actually edit the images that are shown with it to make sure that they truly capture your audience’s attention. 05. Start a group A great social feature on LinkedIn is the ability to start a group that revolves around a specific interest. If you can connect your business to a general topic that engages people, you can set up a group, stir a discussion and make sure members know about your business or latest project. 06. Participate in other groups Creating your own community is not enough in the social media world - you need to be active in existing communities and interact with other users. The idea here is not to spam groups with posts about your business activity, but rather to engage in an actual conversation that creates real ties with like minded professionals. This also helps you gather more LinkedIn followers . 07. Get employees and partners on board If you work in a team environment or cooperate often with other professionals, you can get a lot more attention by involving these people in your LinkedIn activities. If strangers see that your company page is followed by professionals with skills and experience, your credibility immediately becomes more solid. 08. Write smart Think of the content you post on LinkedIn just as you would treat your company website or blog. The texts you add to your company summary section, to news updates or to your own personal profile need to be targeted and optimized. Two important points here are using keywords that emphasize your specialty, and writing clever and brief content that shows you’re an expert in your field. 09. Interact Despite the more professional focus, LinkedIn is still a social network. To succeed here, you need to be a social player that engages with people. The good thing about LinkedIn is that it helps you interact with the right people by showing you circles of connectivity. Browse through profiles of your connections and see who they’re involved with. You might discover a valuable lead. 10. Take LinkedIn seriously Like any other marketing channel or type of marketing , LinkedIn marketing will work well for you if you take it seriously and put in the effort to understand how it can best work for you. Because it’s not a network “for the masses,” many people tend to use LinkedIn haphazardly. If you want to see real results, you should incorporate LinkedIn into your broader social media marketing strategy . Stay up to date on LinkedIn news, learn about the features and tools, and browse through company pages and personal profiles to see how others put LinkedIn to good use. Is it worth marketing on LinkedIn? LinkedIn is a valuable platform for businesses of all sizes to market their products and services. If you’re looking to reach a targeted audience of professionals, this is a great place to start. There are many reasons why it’s worth marketing on LinkedIn, including: Targeted audience: LinkedIn’s average user base consists of highly-educated and business-minded individuals. This makes it a great platform to reach your target audience, whether you are a B2B or B2C company. Precise targeting: The platform offers a variety of targeting options so you can reach your ideal user persona with your marketing messages. You can target by job title, industry, seniority level and company size. High-quality leads: LinkedIn users are actively looking for new opportunities, which means they are more likely to be interested in your products or services. Furthermore, it also provides a great platform for gaining new contacts through lead generation forms and sponsored content. Thought leadership positioning: By creating and sharing high-quality content on LinkedIn, you can position yourself as a thought leader in your industry. This can help you build credibility and trust with potential customers. Brand awareness: LinkedIn offers a powerful platform to increase brand awareness among your target audience. Through LinkedIn ads and shared content, your brand will be seen by a large number of potential customers who are not yet familiar with your offering. Learn more about creating a LinkedIn business page .

As a new small business owner , you’ll certainly be faced with a plethora of tasks. Whether you create a website , market to your customers or manage your accounting—the last task might be the most daunting of them all. It’s easy to imagine why when you think of all of the responsibilities that come with it. I’m here to show you there’s no need to fear. The following guide makes small business accounting easy to understand, regardless of your prior knowledge (or lack thereof). Below, I will walk through the basics of accounting, from opening up a bank account to keeping track of your earnings and expenses to staying organized and more. And even if you do decide to hire an accountant to manage all of this for you, it’s still crucial that you understand the basics yourself. Doing so will allow you to determine how your company can grow and prosper, starting today. What is small business accounting? But first, what is accounting? Accounting is one of the most important elements to running a successful business - on top of being a legal obligation. It can be defined as the process of tracking, measuring, and analyzing your financial information in order to understand the ins and outs of your business - from where your money is going to who has control over it, and other pertinent materials. How to do accounting for your small business Open up a business bank account Keep track of every transaction Create the proper financial statements Set up payroll services Understand taxes Evaluate your business’ success over time Consider hiring a professional Be organized and updated 01. Open up a business bank account After legally registering your business with an official name, this is the next important step. (And if you don't have a business name yet, it's time to set one in place. Consider using the Wix Business Name Generator to help you create yours.) LLCs, partnerships, and corporations are legally required to have a separate bank account for business. On the contrary, sole proprietors are not, but it’s definitely recommended. When you start a business , it’s a smart idea to separate your personal life from your business life. Doing so will allow you to easily keep track of your expenses and income, which will make filing taxes and your other records a clean and easy feat. Following this procedure also enables you to get a business credit card as well as put away money for your tax withholding (more on this below). Before you open a bank account, make sure to do some research about all of the different options. Compare fee structures, savings opportunities, and other factors specific to your type of business . Then finally, check with your most advantageous bank option which documents you’ll be required to present at your initial account opening appointment. This could be anything from your registration documents, to license, business name, and more. 02. Keep track of every transaction In order to keep track of your finances, having a daily record of your transactions is crucial. This is done through a process known as bookkeeping , which is recording your purchases, sales, receipts and payments on a day-to-day basis. While doing so, categorize each transaction into related buckets that are part of the overall income statement and balance sheet for the month. For American-based businesses, the time to record each transaction depends on which accounting method you use: cash or accrual. If you use the cash method , record revenues at the time cash is received and expenses when cash is paid. If you use the accrual method , record revenues when they are earned (even if the cash has yet to be received), and expenses concurrently. Another outcome of bookkeeping is being able to perform a monthly bank reconciliation. This is the process of making sure that everything you’ve recorded in your records as cash in a given month matches your bank statement, and that the total is the same. If not, you will need to adjust them accordingly. Many software solutions are available to help you speed up and partially automate the bookkeeping process, such as Intuit Quickbooks , Expensify , and Xero . Zoom in on your expenses: Out of all the transactions, expenses need specific attention. This is because the IRS requires that you keep a record of your receipts for anything over $75 - although it’s strongly recommended that you hold onto all of your receipts. Applications and websites like Shoeboxed and Wave allow you to organize all of this electronically. When organizing your expenses, place them into particular categories in order to receive the best benefit on tax write-offs and credits. These include meals, entertainment, travel, vehicle, and gifts. Another category is home office, as in if you use a portion of your home as an office, you’ll be able to benefit personally by saving money on utilities, bills and transportation. 03. Create the proper financial statements Bookkeeping will allow you to track your revenues and expenses daily, but it’s only a small part of the entire accounting process. Accounting also involves interpreting those numbers in order to receive investments, grow your business, and have better knowledge of how you’re spending your money. Brace yourself, because you’ll need to prepare financial statements. Financial statements include your balance sheet, income statement (also known as your profit and loss statement), and statement of cash flows: Balance sheet: A balance sheet includes your companies balances at a specific time for assets (ex. patents and machinery), liabilities (ex. loans), and equity (ex. stocks). As you’ll add to each of these components, it’s important that this statement always balances (hence, the name) according to the following equation: Assets - Liabilities = Equity Income statement : This is a summary of your income and losses recorded over a period of time (monthly, quarterly, or annually). It’s commonly presented in two categories: Profit (revenues and gains), and losses (expenses and losses). When you subtract your losses from your profit, you’ll end up with a net income /loss. From this statement, you’ll be able to easily calculate your gross margin, which will enable you to see how much you’re earning after your biggest expenses per product or service. In the equation below, cost of goods sold includes all the expenses directly related to getting your product or service ready for market: Gross Margin = (Total Earnings - Cost of Goods Sold) / Total Earnings Statement of cash flows : Many small businesses run out of cash because they do not properly track it. A cash flow statement enables you to have more control and knowledge over your cash coming in and out by showing how changes from the previous two financial statements affect your cash. In order to create one, you’ll need to split your cash into three buckets: Operating, investing, and financing. It will also need to factor in things such as sunk costs . 04. Set up payroll services If you plan on hiring employees and/or independent contractors (freelancers), you’ll need to establish a plan for paying them a salary, benefits, and withholding the proper taxes. And this is also the case for running a one-person show, as you’ll be the sole independent contractor. To do so, set up a schedule of when payroll will go out, how much you’re paying each person (including yourself), and make sure to file the correct paperwork. In the U.S., for example, most freelancers file form ‘1099s.’ 05. Understand taxes Taxes are financial charges that businesses and individuals must pay to the government to fund public expenditures. A breakdown of some of the most important small business taxes will help you understand this better: Income taxes: For most small businesses, you’ll claim taxes on your personal tax return. This is the case in the U.S. unless you file as a corporation. Corporations are the only business structures which are taxed separately from their owners. So, if you aren’t a corporation, it’s very important for legal reasons that you withhold taxes from your income in order to be able to pay them when required (typically on a quarterly basis). Sales tax : For each item or services you sell, it’s your responsibility to charge your customers the appropriate percent of sales tax based on your place of establishment. Then, you’ll need to keep track of those collections and submit them to the IRS in a timely manner. Import taxes : These are what you will pay if you’re selling goods purchased from other countries. Here’s a helpful tool to calculate import taxes . Overall, tax obligations are highly specific to your business and are a very complex process. To make sure that you’re doing it properly, you can begin by reading up on the many IRS tax topics for small businesses here. Afterwards, you may either file yourself or decide that it’s more beneficial for your time and current tax knowledge to hire a tax accountant to prepare your tax returns for you. 06. Evaluate your business’ success over time With the knowledge of these financial statements and processes relating to your company, you'll be able to have a much more fluid understanding of every component that goes into your business’ performance. While noticing patterns and spikes, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about where you’ll spend your money in the future. For example, if you manage your own online store, a small choice you might make is switching vendors to a less expensive one after seeing how much you’ve been overpaying. A bigger choice is to create financial projections, then base your investments and use of resources like retained earnings off of those goals. All in all, keeping a close eye on your business’ wallet will allow you to lead your organization more efficiently. 07. Consider hiring a professional By getting your feet wet here, you may also decide that you don’t want to go for a fully immersive swim. It could be that your business is growing and doing your own accounting isn’t the most efficient use of your time. Instead, you could hire someone else to do it for you, such as an accountant, bookkeeper, or CPA. A CPA is a certified public accountant who has passed rigorous exams to prove their knowledge of financial statements, taxes, and advisory services. Hiring a helping hand can do wonders for you, from saving you money and time doing taxes, to helping improve your chances of receiving funding and loans from investors and banks. It’s possible to hire someone part time, such as during tax season, or full time to work across all of your needs (chief financial officer, accountant and bookkeeper). Depending on your budget and the complexity of your business, costs and necessities of these will vary. 08. Be organized and updated Whether you decide to hire outside help or not, it’s important that you understand your part in this big responsibility. Even with a hired accountant, you’ll still need to organize your time and resources appropriately. Provide the proper receipts and go over your books regularly. Do so by setting aside an allocated amount of time to tend to this every week or month in order to make it a priority. Also, you’ll need to decide on how you’ll get paid by customers. Do you accept cash, credit cards, or something else? And will you require a payment deadline of two weeks or 30 days, etc.? Stick to an agreement and follow-up on invoices to ensure that payments will be received. Small business accounting software To make your life easier, Wix allows you to create both invoices and price quotes from your website's dashboard so that you can collect payments from your customers in just one click. Alternatively, you can create invoices using Wix’s free invoice generator . These tools will help you keep your finances organized and make it easier when it comes to tax reports and other accounting needs. On top of doing the work, stay updated on the constantly evolving financial trends and laws that will affect your business. You can check authorized, government websites like the IRS for this information. Overall, with these steps you’ll certainly be prepared to take ownership over your accounting needs. After all, you’ve already set up your own business, which means that you are both motivated and capable of doing so much more. Explore accounting website templates to get started. By Jennifer Kaplan Community Writer

Every great business starts with a plan. It’s your roadmap to success that helps turn ideas into action, secure funding and stay ahead of the competition. Writing one doesn’t have to be complicated—think of it as telling your business story in a way that excites investors and keeps you focused. A clear template makes it easier, guiding you through key sections like market research, financial projections and growth strategies. Pair it with a strong business website  to share your vision, attract clients and build trust. Ready to bring your business idea to life? Here’s how to break it down in seven simple steps. Ready to launch your business? Create a website today. What is a business plan? A business plan is used by small business owners and entrepreneurs when starting a new business venture. It’s a strategic document that outlines the goals, objectives and strategies of your new or expanding business, including the company's vision, target market, financial projections and operational plans. A business plan can attract potential partners, convince investors and banks to help you raise capital, and serve as a resource for future growth. Most importantly, you’ll be able to use your business plan as a roadmap for how to structure, operate and manage your new venture, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, a partnership or something larger. Who needs a business plan? Every business owner needs a business plan. They’re an essential tool for any person or entity interested in starting a business . There are many benefits, including: Defining your business idea Clarifying the market and competitive landscape Outlining your marketing strategy Stating your value proposition Identifying/anticipating potential risks Seeking investments from banks and other sources Setting benchmarks, goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) A business plan also gives you a way to assess the viability of a business before investing too much time or money into it. While all business involves risk, taking the time to create a plan can help mitigate fallout and avoid potentially costly mistakes. When creating a business plan, it's important to establish your business goals up front and be prepared to spend time researching the market, performing a competitor analysis and understanding your target market . How to write a business plan in 7 steps In terms of types of business plans , there are two main formats to choose from: traditional and lean. Here we'll rundown the most traditional plan first, while touching on how to write a more lean business plan for a startup. A traditional business plan includes every detail and component that defines a business and contributes to its success. It's typically a sizable document of about 30 to 50 pages. Here are the steps to creating one. Executive summary Company description Market analysis Organization and management Service or product line Marketing and sales strategies Financial projections and funding requests 01. Executive summary Your executive summary should contain a high-level overview of everything included in the plan. It generally provides a short explanation of your business and its goals (e.g., your elevator pitch ). Many authors like to write this section last after fleshing out the sections below. 02. Company description A company description should include essential details like your business name, the names of your founders, your locations and your company’s mission statement . Briefly describe your core services (or products if you’re writing an eCommerce business plan ), but don't go into too much detail since you’ll elaborate on this in the service/product section. Wix offers some helpful mission statement examples if you get stuck. It’s also a good idea to create a vision statement . While your mission statement clarifies your company’s purpose, a vision statement outlines what you want your company to achieve over time. 03. Market analysis One of the most extensive sections of the business plan, this section requires that you conduct market research and write your conclusions. Include findings for the following: industry background, a SWOT analysis , barriers/obstacles, target market and your business differentiators. 04. Organization and management This is where you outline how your business is structured and who's in charge, including founders, executive team members, board members, employees and key stakeholders. To this end, it can be helpful to create a visual layout (e.g., org chart) to illustrate your company structure. 05. Service or product line Create a detailed list of your current and future products and services. If you’re still working on your idea, create a concept statement to describe your idea or product. You should also include a proof of concept (POC), which demonstrates the feasibility of your idea. Wherever applicable, include diagrams, product images and other visual components to illustrate the product life cycle. 06. Marketing and sales strategies Detail how your business idea translates into selling and delivering your offerings to potential customers. You can start by outlining your brand identity, which includes the colors and fonts you plan to use, your marketing and advertising strategy, and details about planned consumer touchpoints (like your website, mobile app or physical storefront). 07. Financial projections and funding requests Include financial statements, such as a balance sheet, profit-and-loss statement (P&L), cash flow statement and break-even analysis. It's not uncommon for a business plan to include multiple pages of financial projections and information. You’ll also want to mention how much funding you seek and what you plan to do with it. If you’ve already secured funding, provide details about your investments. Lean startup business plan format A lean startup business plan—also referred to as a “lean canvas”—is presented as a problem/solution framework that provides a high-level description of your business idea. A lean plan is a single-page document that provides a basic overview of the most essential aspects of your business. It’s a good way to dip a toe into business planning since it doesn't require the same level of detail as a traditional plan. This includes: Problem: What problem does your product or service solve, or what need does it fulfill? Solution: How do you intend to solve it? Unique value proposition (UVP): Why should people use your product or service versus someone else’s? Unfair advantage: What do you have that other companies don’t? Customers: Who are your ideal customers? Channels: How will those customers find you? Key metrics: How do you define success? How will you track and measure it? Revenue streams: How will your business make money? Cost structure: What will you spend money on (fixed and variable costs)? Sample business plan for a small business Want to see what a business plan should look like? We've put together this sample plan, for a beauty business to show you. Executive summary Our beauty studio, aims to establish a luxury beauty salon in a prime location, offering a range of premium beauty services and products to cater to upscale clientele. With a focus on exceptional customer service, professional expertise and a relaxing atmosphere, ABC Beauty Studio seeks to become a top destination for people seeking high-quality treatments and personalized care. Company description Our beauty studio will be a full-service salon offering a variety of beauty services, including skincare treatments, hair styling, makeup services and nail care. Our team of experienced beauty professionals will provide customized solutions to meet each client's unique needs and preferences. The salon will feature a modern and elegant design to create a luxurious and tranquil environment for clients to relax and rejuvenate. Market analysis The beauty industry is a thriving market with a growing demand for quality beauty services and products. The target market for our beauty studio includes affluent individuals who value premium beauty experiences and are willing to invest in high-end treatments. The salon's strategic location in a busy shopping district with high foot traffic and visibility will help attract a steady flow of clientele. Organization and management ABC Beauty Studio will be led by a team of seasoned beauty professionals with expertise in various areas of the industry, including skincare, haircare, makeup, and business management. The management team will focus on delivering exceptional service, fostering a positive work culture, and implementing effective operational strategies to ensure the salon's success. Service or product line Our service line will include facial treatments, haircuts and styling, bridal makeup, manicures and pedicures, waxing services and retail products from top beauty brands. We will also offer personalized beauty consultations to help clients create customized beauty routines and achieve their desired look. Marketing and sales strategies Our beauty studio will implement a multi-faceted marketing approach, including social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, local advertising and promotional events to build brand awareness and attract new clients. We'll also focus on building customer loyalty through loyalty programs, referral incentives, and exclusive promotions. Financial projections and funding requests Initial funding of $200,000 is sought to cover start-up costs, including leasehold improvements, equipment purchases, inventory, marketing expenses, and working capital. Financial projections indicate a steady revenue growth over the first three years, with a focus on achieving profitability by the end of year 2. Sales are forecasted to increase through the expansion of services, repeat business, and targeted marketing initiatives. Continued funding may be required for future growth and expansion plans, including additional locations and service offerings. Download Wix’s free business plan template Creating a successful business plan is no easy feat. That’s why we’ve put together a simple, customizable, and free-to-download business plan template that takes the guesswork out of getting started. Use it to create a new business plan or to refresh an existing one. What are the main benefits of writing a business plan? Writing a business plan offers a range of benefits that can significantly impact the success and sustainability of a business. Here are the main advantages of creating a well-thought-out one: Clarity and focus: A business plan helps clarify your company's mission, vision, goals, and strategies, providing a clear roadmap for your business's direction and focus. This can be what takes your business idea from just an idea, to an actual business so it's important. Strategic planning : It enables the identification of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis), allowing for informed decision-making, effective resource allocation and proactive risk management. When running a business, the more prepared you are for any eventuality, the more successful you're likely to be long term — a business plan helps you plot the potential risks or downturns. Goal setting: Writing a business plan helps set measurable objectives, timelines, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and evaluate the business's performance against targets. Communication and alignment: A business plan serves as a communication tool to share the company's vision, objectives, and strategies with stakeholders, employees, investors and partners, ensuring alignment and shared understanding. Attracting funding and investment : Investors, lenders and potential partners often require a detailed business plan to assess the viability, potential return on investment, and growth prospects of the business. Continuous improvement: Regularly reviewing and updating the business plan facilitates ongoing evaluation, adjustment and improvement of strategies, operations, and goals to adapt to changing market conditions and drive long-term success. Tips for filling out your business plan The hardest part of a journey is always the first step, or so the saying goes. Filling out your business plan can be daunting, using a template helps and we would always recommend doing that. Remember also, these are best practices—they’re not rules. Do what works for you. The main thing to remember is that these tips can help you move more easily through the planning process, so that you can advance onto the next (exciting) step, which is launching your business. Consider your goals What's the purpose of your business? Are you looking to expand, launch a new product line or fund a specific project? Identifying your goals helps you prioritize important information in your business plan. Fill out what you can You may already have a vague—or specific—idea of what you want your business to achieve. Go through each section of the template and fill out what you can. We suggest leaving the executive summary blank for now, since it'll be the last thing you write. At the same time be realistic, even though this document is meant to serve as a marketing tool for potential investors, don't exaggerate any numbers or make any false promises. Dig into the research Nothing's more motivating than getting some intel about your competitors and your market. If you're truly stuck, a little research can help motivate you and provide valuable insight about what direction to take your business. For example, if you plan to start a landscaping business, learn about the specific pricing offered in your area so that you can differentiate your services and potentially offer better options. Get help from others Bouncing your ideas off a friend, mentor or advisor is a great way to get feedback and discover approaches or products to incorporate into your plan. Your network can also give you valuable insight about the industry or even about potential customers. Plus, it's nice to be able to talk through the challenges with someone who understands you and your vision. Revise and review your business plan Once complete, step back from your plan and let it "cook." In a day or two, review your plan and make sure that everything is current. Have other people review it too, since having another set of eyes can help identify areas that may be lacking detail or need further explanation. Once you’ve completed your business plan template, it can become a meaningful resource for developing your mission statement, writing business proposals and planning how to move forward with the marketing, distribution and growth of your products and services. After launch, you can also analyze your value chain to identify key factors that create value for your customers and maximum profitability for you. This can help you develop a more effective business plan that considers the entire value chain, from research and development to sales and customer support. Pro tip:   If you're opening an online store, your free eCommerce hosting  on Wix  is automatically set up when you publish your site—no installation needed—and supports successful online stores of every size. Business plan template FAQ What is the easiest way to write a business plan? The easiest way to write a business plan is to utilize a template. Templates provide a structured format and guide you through each section, simplifying the process of creating a comprehensive plan. How long should a business plan be? A business plan should cover the essentials but stay concise to keep readers interested. For small businesses and startups, 10-15 pages usually do the trick, while more complex ventures might need 20-30 pages. Is there a template for how to write a business plan? Yes. Use Wix’s free business plan template and simply fill in the blanks to customize it to your unique needs. Wix’s business plan template includes seven essential sections, such as an executive summary, market analysis, financial projects and more. What are the 7 essential parts of a business plan? Executive summary Company description Market analysis Organization and management Service or product line Marketing and sales Financial projections and funding requests Who can help me write a business plan? Get help with your business plan from small business consultants, professional writers or groups like the SBA and SCORE mentors. Business coaches and accountants can also guide you, especially with financial planning. Prefer a DIY approach? Templates and AI tools make it easier to cover all the key sections.