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- 19 exciting business ideas for teens to start their own business
Your business ideas deserve a website, secure your domain to begin → Starting a business as a teenager is an exciting and empowering endeavor. However, it all begins with a critical step, the choice of the right business idea . Your business idea is not merely the foundation upon which your venture is built, it's also the cornerstone of your brand and reputation as a teen entrepreneur. In light of this, we’ve put together 19 teen business ideas, including why selecting the perfect one is so important. We'll uncover how your chosen business idea can shape not only how you are perceived in the entrepreneurial landscape but also how it paves the way for the future success of your enterprise. Got a business idea? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. What makes a business idea a good one for a teenager? A good business idea for teens possesses several key qualities that make it feasible and suitable for this age group. Interest and passion : A business idea that aligns with a teenager's interests and passions is more likely to be enjoyable and sustainable. When you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work and this is especially true for younger entrepreneurs. Low startup costs: Business ideas that require minimal initial investment or can be started with personal savings are ideal for teenagers who may have limited access to capital. So look for opportunities that don't require significant financial resources. Flexible schedule: A business that allows flexibility in terms of working hours is important for teenagers who need to balance their business with school, extracurricular activities and personal life. Learn more: Side business ideas , How to make money as a student Learning opportunities : A good business idea should provide valuable learning experiences. It should enable teenagers to acquire new skills, whether in marketing, finance, customer service or problem-solving. Sometimes the learning of these new skills might be more impactful on a teen's future than the profitability or success of the business itself. Local niche : Consider business ideas that address a local or niche market need. Understanding the specific needs of your community can be an advantage. For example, in a community with a lot of young children, a babysitting business might be a good fit for a teen. Low risk: Choose ideas with manageable risks. Teenagers often have less financial cushion to fall back on, so businesses with lower risk profiles are preferred. Legal and regulatory compliance: Ensure that the business idea complies with legal requirements and regulations, particularly any age-related restrictions for young entrepreneurs. Parents or guardians helping their teen to set up a business should check the local state and federal laws and regulations, or consult with a business expert or attorney. Learn more: Best businesses to start with little money , How to make money as a teenager 19 business ideas for teens to start today Looking to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey as a teenager? We've curated a list of 19 exciting business ideas that are not only age-appropriate but also can help you earn some extra cash while gaining valuable skills and experience. From tutoring and pet care to digital marketing and event planning, there's something here for every ambitious teen to start today (A lot of these are also great business ideas for students too. ) Tutoring Babysitting Gardening and lawn care Car washing Dog walking and pet sitting Handyman services Photography Crafts and homemade goods Baking Personal shopping Digital marketing services Reselling vintage or secondhand items Event planning Graphic design Music Lessons Fitness Coaching Blogging Home organizer Cleaning services 01. Tutoring Offering tutoring services in subjects you excel at, whether it's math, science, languages, or other academic areas is a great business to start. You can start small, from your home or your student's home. Tutoring can also be done online, allowing you to target students all over the country or world. Learn more about how to start a tutoring business . 02. Babysitting If you live in a community with large numbers of children, chances are the demand for babysitting services is high. This might include taking care of children once they’ve finished school, until their parents finish work, or in the evenings and weekends. If you plan to start a babysitting business, it’s advisable to take first aid classes designed for the care of babies and children. Babysitting is also one of several great small town business ideas . 03. Gardening and lawn care Live in a neighborhood of private houses with lawns? You can start a lawn care business that includes lawn mowing, gardening, landscaping or yard cleanup services around you. Consider practicing on your own lawn first. 04. Car washing Setting up a car washing service , either at your home or at the homes of potential customers is a great business idea for a kid or teen. You don’t need much to get started, perhaps some buckets, cleaning clothes and soap for cars. It’s also a great business idea for weekends. 05. Dog walking and pet sitting Starting a dog walking business , or pet sitting one, for busy pet owners in your area is a great teen-focused business idea. Dog walking is a business idea that you can make happen in between school hours and at weekends, it also requires no setup costs. For pet sitting, if you love animals, this is a great way to get into entrepreneurship and generally involves taking care of pets in their own homes, while their owners are away. If you have experience of having taken care of pets at home, even better. Check out these other weekend side hustles. 06. Handyman services One great business idea for a teen is starting a handyman business offering basic handyman services like small repairs, painting, or assembling furniture. These services might be in demand from elderly customers in your household or others who are not able to perform simple handyman skills for themselves. To get started you’ll most likely need a comprehensive toolbox and basic painting supplies. 07. Photography If you’re a teen with photography skills, you can offer photography services for events like birthdays, family gatherings, or portraits and start your own photography business . Practicing taking photos at your own family events is a great way to build your skills and gather photos to create a portfolio of your own, in order to market and service your business. 08. Crafts and handmade goods If you consider yourself a creative teen, why not start selling crafts online ? You create and sell handmade crafts or goods on platforms like Etsy at local craft fairs, or through your own website. Whether it's knitting, needlepoint, making homemade clothes, pottery, or something else, starting a craft business as a teen is a great way to turn a passion or hobby into a business. Learn more: Unique business ideas , Craft business ideas , How to sell online 09. Baking For teens who like to bake, baking and selling homemade treats and cakes can be a great way to start a baking business . To start small, you can bake and sell from your home but just be mindful that if your business scales you might need to find a larger location. There can be state and federal regulations when selling baked goods and food, so make sure to adhere to those. Baking business ideas for teens include cakes for birthdays and special occasions or events, decorated cookies and cupcakes. Learn more: Home-based business ideas 10. Personal shopping or stylist services Do others often compliment you on your style, do you love shopping and dressing others? One potential business idea for a clothes-focused teen is personal shopping or styling. You can offer services assisting others in shopping for clothing and accessories and provide styling tips by starting a blog . 11. Digital marketing services A potential business idea for a teen is starting a marketing business . This might involve helping local businesses with their digital marketing efforts, such as managing social media accounts or creating websites . Maybe there is someone in your family with a business who needs help managing their social media accounts, who you could build your skills up on and use to showcase to other potential clients how you can help their marketing efforts. Learn more: Online business ideas 12. Reselling vintage or secondhand items As a teen, you could consider selling vintage clothing . You can consider sourcing and reselling vintage or second-hand clothing, collectibles or furniture online. Start with your own home, or amongst extended family members, to see what they might be happy for you to sell on. Then you can check out second-hand stores or fairs around your area to find things to sell online. 13. Event planning A fun teen business idea is starting a party planning business . This could involve helping to plan and coordinate events such as birthday parties, holiday events and even post-prom celebrations. Perhaps you already help plan family events, or parties for friends and starting an event planning venture is just another step forward. You could help with just designs and concepts, or the actual setup of each event itself. 14. Graphic design If you're skilled in graphic design, one potential business idea for a teen is offering your services for creating logos, flyers, or social media graphics. If you’re looking to use this business idea to start your business, it’s worth creating a graphic design portfolio , in order to showcase examples of your work to attract new clients. 15. Music lessons For music-orientated teens, a great business idea could be offering music lessons either online, from home, or at a student's house. Focus on lessons for the areas of music you know or excel in, whether that's the piano, guitar, drums, or singing. With music lessons, you can choose to take on just a few students or build up a busy business with many more. 16. Fitness coaching One potential business idea for teens who are fit and active and love to exercise is fitness coaching -or making money as a personal trainer . Offer fitness coaching sessions or create workout plans for clients looking to stay active and healthy. You can start a fitness business from home, at the local park, online, or anywhere with space for exercise sessions. 17. Blogging A great and easy-to-start business idea for teens who love to create and write is blogging. All you need is a computer, a website, an internet connection and something to write about. Once you start writing and publishing the key is to promote and monetize your blog, turning it into a business based on your writing and opinions. You can also consider writing blog content for companies who need it. Tip: Use a blog maker to easily go live with your blog. 18. Home organizer One business idea for teens, with little to zero startup costs, is working as a home organizer. This entails helping people to organize their clothes, books and other personal effects for a tidier, more organized home. You can also take this service a step further by offering to help your client organize and run a yard sale to clear any unwanted clutter. 19. Cleaning services If you’re a teen who isn’t afraid of hard work and helping others, starting a cleaning business could be the best teen-focused business idea to get your venture started. You won’t need a lot of supplies to get started, apart from basic cleaning ones and you can start off building your business amongst family and friends. Learn more: Cleaning business ideas Can teenagers start their own business? Teenagers can start their own businesses and in most states, age is not a barrier to entrepreneurship. In fact, several successful entrepreneurs began their journeys as teenagers - Mike Mittredge of Yankee Candles was just 16 when he got his business started (learn how to start a candle business of your own) and Mark Zuckerberg was just 19 when he founded Facebook (now Meta). How to start a business as a teen? Starting a business as a teenager is an exciting venture and it's entirely possible with the right approach and determination. Here are some necessary steps to consider starting a business the right way. Identify your interests and decide on your business idea Start by identifying your interests and passions. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? What problems do you see around you that you could solve with a business idea? Do market research Research your chosen business idea thoroughly. Understand your target audience, competition and market trends. This will help you refine your concept and identify potential challenges. Create a business plan Develop a business plan outlining your idea, goals, strategies and financial projections. A business plan is crucial for clarifying your vision and attracting potential investors or lenders. Check out these best small website builders to get started. Here are some examples of business plans to create How to create a bakery business plan How to create a party planning business plan How to create a photographer business plan How to create a car wash business plan How to create a cleaning business plan How to create a dog walking business plan How to write a tutoring business plan How to create a DJ business plan Register and license your business Depending on your location and the type of business, there may be legal requirements to consider, such as registering your business, obtaining licenses or complying with zoning regulations. Research the legalities in your area for starting a business and the different types, be it an LLC or eCommerce model. Understand the legal and tax obligations associated with your business in your state. It's essential to keep accurate records and meet your tax obligations, you may need to consult with a professional tax lawyer in order to do this properly. Finance your business Determine how you will finance your business if any at all. Teen business owners often have limited access to capital, so consider starting small or exploring options like savings, crowdfunding or seeking financial support from family and friends Create a brand and website Create a strong brand identity by establishing an online presence. Build a business website and use social media platforms to promote your business. Market your business Develop a marketing strategy to reach your target audience. You can use social media, email marketing, content marketing and other online and offline channels to promote your business. Network and seek mentorship Connect with other entrepreneurs, mentors and organizations that support young business owners. This networking can provide guidance, advice and potential partnerships. Don't hesitate to seek guidance and support from adults, mentors and organizations that assist young entrepreneurs. They can provide valuable insights and resources. What's a good business idea for teens aged 11-15? A good business idea for this age group should align with the teen's interests and passions. This not only makes the venture more enjoyable but also increases the likelihood of success. Consider business ideas that are feasible for a young entrepreneur. This might involve minimal investment, simple operations and tasks that can be easily managed with school commitments. Focus on business ideas that cater to the local community. This could involve services or products that neighbors or family friends would be interested in. Look for opportunities that allow for skill development. Whether it's learning how to manage money, market a product, or provide a service, the experience should be educational. Ensure that the business idea has the support and supervision of parents or guardians. Legal and safety considerations are crucial at this age. Opt for a business idea that offers flexibility in terms of time commitment. School and extracurricular activities should remain the top priority. Some good options for this age group include: dog walking, lawn care and landscaping and blogging. What's a good business idea for teens aged 16-19? Consider teen business ideas that address a specific problem or need. This age group is often better equipped to identify and tackle real-world issues. Encourage ideas that foster independence and responsibility. Teens in this age range are usually more capable of handling tasks like managing finances, marketing, and customer interactions. Explore business ideas that leverage technology. Teens in this age group are typically more tech-savvy and can capitalize on online platforms, social media or eCommerce . Look for business ideas that provide networking opportunities. This could involve collaborating with other young entrepreneurs, participating in industry events, or connecting with mentors. Consider business ideas that align with potential career interests. This age group may use their business ventures as a way to explore future career paths or gain relevant experience for college applications. Think about ideas that have the potential for financial growth. Teens in this age group may be thinking about saving for college or gaining financial independence. Some good options for this age group include: website design and management, social media account management, selling handmade crafts online, building eCommerce websites , or dropshipping . Business ideas for teens and young adults FAQ What skills can teens learn from starting a business? Communication skills: Learn to effectively convey ideas and negotiate. Financial literacy: Understand budgeting, pricing, and basic financial management. Problem-solving: Develop the ability to find solutions to challenges. Creativity: Cultivate creative thinking for business ideas and marketing strategies. Customer service: Learn to interact positively with customers. How can teens balance school and business commitments? Time management: Create a schedule that allocates time for both school and business activities. Set realistic goals: Establish achievable business goals that won't overwhelm your academic responsibilities. Prioritize tasks: Identify high-priority tasks and focus on them first. Seek support: Communicate with parents, teachers, and peers about your commitments to ensure a support system. Can teens aged 11-15 start a business? Yes, it's possible for someone aged 11-15 to start a business. Age is not necessarily a barrier to entrepreneurship and there have been successful young entrepreneurs who started businesses at a young age. However, there are some considerations and limitations: 1. Legal requirements: Depending on your location, there may be legal restrictions on starting a business at a young age. You may need parental consent or supervision, and certain types of businesses may have age restrictions. 2. Financial constraints: As a young entrepreneur, you may face limitations in terms of financial resources. You might need to start with a small-scale business that doesn't require significant capital. 3. Education balance: It's important to balance your entrepreneurial pursuits with your education. Ensure that starting a business doesn't negatively impact your schoolwork or other responsibilities. 4. Support system: Having the support of your parents, guardians, or mentors can be crucial. They can provide guidance, help navigate legal requirements, and offer emotional support. 5. Simple ideas: Consider starting with a simple business idea that matches your skills and resources. This could be a small service, such as dog walking, lawn care, or tutoring. 6. Online platforms: The internet provides various opportunities for young entrepreneurs. You can start an online business, such as creating and selling digital products, offering freelance services, or starting a blog or YouTube channel. 7. Learning opportunities: Use the experience as a learning opportunity. Even if the business doesn't become a massive success, the skills and lessons you gain can be valuable for your future endeavors. What are some good online business ideas for teens to start? There are lots of online business ideas that work for teens — online business ideas are good in general for teenagers because they can be started from home and can easily fit around school and other commitments. Some good ones include: Blogging Tutoring Podcasting Digital products Gaming channel What are some unique business ideas for tech-savvy teens? Some unique business ideas for tech-savvy teens: 1. App development 2. Social media management 3. 3D printing services 4. Drone photography/videography 5. Virtual reality experiences 6. Tech tutoring for seniors 7. Website design 8. Cybersecurity consulting Can teens form partnerships or hire employees? Teens can form partnerships, often with parental consent. Hiring employees is more complex due to legal restrictions. Teens should: 1. Consult the local labor laws 2. Consider informal partnerships or collaborations 3. Explore internships or apprenticeships 4. Seek parental/guardian guidance and approval How can parents support teen entrepreneurs? Parents can support teen entrepreneurs by offering guidance and mentorship, helping with legal and financial aspects of the business, providing startup funds or resources, encouraging networking opportunities, teaching time management, providing emotional support, helping set realistic goals, modeling basic business skills, celebrating successes. What are some seasonal business ideas for teens? Seasonal business ideas for teens might include: 1. Summer lawn care/landscaping 2. Holiday gift wrapping 3. Snow removal in winter 4. Back-to-school supply kits 5. Valentine's Day card/gift delivery 6. Halloween costume rentals/makeup 7. Spring cleaning services 8. Summer car wash/detailing How can teens find mentors or resources for their business? Teens can find mentors and resources by: 1. Joining local business groups 2. Attending entrepreneurship workshops 3. Connecting with school business teachers 4. Using online platforms like SCORE 5. Networking at community events 6. Reaching out to successful local entrepreneurs 7. Exploring youth business programs Explore more business ideas Beauty business ideas Reselling business ideas DIY business ideas Clothing business ideas Business ideas for couples Family business ideas B2B business ideas Scalable business ideas Recession-proof business ideas Rental business ideas Kidswear business ideas Dropshipping business ideas Business ideas for teachers eCommerce business ideas Part-time business ideas
- 44 small business ideas you can start today
Your business ideas deserve a website, secure your domain to begin → Ready to launch a new business ? You need the right idea to get started. Whether you want something practical or unique, there are plenty of small business concepts to explore. A home-based business, online retail , app development, a coaching firm or social media marketing are some of the best ways to build a career on your own terms. Freelancers can tap into the passion economy by offering services they enjoy, while consultants help others make smarter decisions. Technology takes the hassle out of starting an online business or setting up an eCommerce website . Try dropshipping or print-on-demand to launch your online store fast. Check out ways to make money with AI or sell trending products to stay ahead. Got a business idea? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. TL;DR; small business ideas This guide explores a wide range of business ideas , from blogging, podcasting and YouTube to services like cleaning, bookkeeping and coaching. It also covers online models, plus home-based options like jewelry making, tutoring, baking and virtual interior design. Each idea includes what it takes to get started, how to reach clients and ways to grow. You’ll also find what makes a business idea strong—solving real problems, meeting demand, standing out and being simple enough to scale. Popular business ideas by type Types of business ideas Examples Skills and startup costs Online businesses Blogging, YouTube, podcasting, dropshipping, print-on-demand, affiliate marketing, ecommerce store Low to medium cost. Content creation, digital marketing or sales. Service-based Bookkeeping, coaching, cleaning services, tutoring, virtual assistant, event planning Mostly low cost. Organization, communication or specialized knowledge. Creative & handmade Jewelry making, baking, crafts, art commissions, photography, candle making Medium cost. Creative skills, supplies, basic marketing. Tech-focused Web design, app development, SEO consulting, IT support, cybersecurity services Medium to high cost. Technical expertise, software tools, problem-solving. AI businesses AI content generation, AI chatbot setup for businesses, AI art and design, AI tutoring tools Low to medium cost. Knowledge of AI tools, prompt engineering, creativity. Food & hospitality Personal chef, catering, food truck, meal prep services, small bakery Medium cost. Cooking skills, licenses, equipment. Health & wellness Fitness coaching, yoga instructor, massage therapy, nutrition consulting, wellness blogging Low to medium cost. Certifications or training, client relationship skills. Education & training Online courses, language tutoring, homeschooling support, kids’ activity programs Low to medium cost. Teaching skills, subject expertise. Local & home-based Pet sitting, lawn care, babysitting, handyman services, house painting Low to medium cost. Physical skills, reliability, equipment. Green & eco-friendly Eco-cleaning products, sustainable fashion, recycling services, zero-waste shop Medium cost. Eco knowledge, sourcing sustainable materials, marketing. Best business ideas Popular small business ideas Blogger Web designer Ecommerce retailer SEO consultant App developer Podcaster YouTuber Produce an audiobook Virtual assistant Social media manager 01. Blogger The vast blogging world means anyone with a passion or expertise to share can do so by simply starting a blog with a blog maker . As a blogger, you’ll need to find a niche to work with a clear purpose and create content for the right audience. Say food and cooking are always on your mind. Express yourself to other like-minded people while developing your craft and start a food blog. Once you’ve started your content creation and published some posts and can track a substantial following, you may wonder how to make money blogging. Some ways to monetize your blog include working with an affiliate marketing program or selling merchandise on your site. This is also what makes blogging a very scalable business idea . Learn more: How to make money as a travel blogger How to make money as a travel agent 02. Web designer If you’re equally creative as you are technical, then web design could be an effective business idea. Web designers plan, create and style website layouts. You can find freelance work either by soliciting companies or web design agencies, or by using a site like Wix marketplace . Run your own clientele of individuals and small businesses from home or anywhere with internet access. If working from home interests you, check out some business ideas for stay-at-home moms and our guide on how to make money from home . 03. Ecommerce retailer Are you an avid collector or creator of special things? Now is the time to turn items in your home closet or shelves into profit with this profitable eCommerce business idea . You can open an online store and start selling products, accepting secure online payments and managing order fulfillment, while making money as an entrepreneur . 04. SEO consultant Search engine optimization (SEO) is a practice all online businesses should know, as it affects whether a brand or business gets organic website traffic. As an SEO consultant, you’ll create a keyword ranking strategy for your clients and create online visibility that generates more leads. 05. App developer More than five billion people use smartphones worldwide . Consider app development as a viable business idea. As long as you have a great idea for an app, you can join forces with an experienced developer to build it. That said, before you begin investing time and money into your app, make sure to research the market and user demand for it. 06. Podcaster Podcasting is one of the most popular business ideas in recent years, according to Pew Research . The format is one of the best businesses to start with little money and lets you showcase your expertise on your choice of topics. Once you’ve recorded your interviews or conversations, you’ll want to edit your audio before publishing each new episode on a podcast-hosting site . Then you can think about monetizing your podcast by running ads throughout your show. Looking for more creative business ideas? Be inspired by: How to make money as a singer How to make money as musician 07. YouTuber Starting a YouTube channel has proven itself as one of the most lucrative online business ideas so far. YouTubers make fortunes raking up millions of views and subscribers. If you dream of becoming a successful YouTuber, remember: Good content comes from having fun, so be yourself. Start by defining what type of content you’ll offer your channel’s viewers. It can be anything from gaming to comedy, delivered in formats ranging from commentary to tutorials. " People don't want to be sold to, they want to get something for their time and attention – entertainment, inspiration, information, there's a lot of ways to give your viewer value. TikTok and YouTube Shorts are a great opportunity for creators who have something valuable to share – these are effectively the places where anyone can produce and host their own talk show, mini reality show, or even more narrative-driven content." Lindsay Thomson, Head of social media for Wix 08. Produce an audiobook Dear book lovers and self-publishers, you might have found the perfect business idea in producing an audiobook. Many readers now prefer audiobooks to visual book formats. Recording your own audiobook does not have to be expensive. You can record it yourself or pay for production. Either way, make sure you record high-quality audio files and find an audiobook distributor that sells to your target audience. 09. Virtual assistant If you’re trying to come up with a business idea , are highly organized and enjoy a balanced lifestyle, you may want to become a virtual assistant. You can support other businesses or entrepreneurs remotely and deal with an array of daily tasks, like content creation, bookkeeping, social media and emailing. 10. Social media manager As a social media manager, you'll oversee how a company interacts and engages with the public. Depending on the company’s goals, this may mean increasing brand awareness via social media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Your duties will likely include researching social media trends, incorporating them into a digital marketing strategy and setting key performance indicators (KPIs) for all social campaigns. You'll probably also have to manage influencer marketing efforts. Low-cost small business ideas 11. Professional organizer 12. House cleaner 13. Pet sitter 14. Translator 15. Child care provider 16. Home caregiver 17. Music teacher 18. Doula 19, Event planner 20. Personal chef 21. Photographer 22. Freelance graphic designer 23. Copywriter 24. Fitness trainer 25. Massage therapist 26. Bookkeeper 27. Life coach 28. Meal delivery service 11. Professional organizer If tidying and decluttering is not only your personal mantra, but you can also help others see the big picture amid the madness, then consider becoming a professional organizer. You’ll help each of your clients invest in themselves, using your services to transform old habits into more efficient ones. When it’s time to promote your business, you can show off before and after images of your work on your service website . 12. House cleaner When it comes to cleaning a home, the key is to roll up your sleeves and get straight to work. However, seeing this plan through seems to get harder every week for those who can’t deeply clean their kitchens and bathrooms due to time constraints. As a professional cleaner, you’ll bring all your creative hacks and effective tips to clients and leave them feeling happier about their households. Once you start a service business , you can begin accepting bookings and payments via online scheduling software . House cleaning tends to be a great recession-proof business idea , as cleaning as a service is always in demand and considered a necessity. It's also often popular as a business idea for students as it can be arranged around a busy college schedule. 13. Pet sitter The number of U.S. households that own pets is in the millions, according to the APPA National Pet Owners Survey . If you’re an animal lover, a pet-sitting service could be the right home-based business idea for you. Pet owners away on vacation or working long hours in the office will rely on you to care for their pets—whether that’s walking them multiple times a day or playing fetch in the park. You can start advertising your pet care side hustle to neighbors, friends and family. Make sure to keep an organized schedule to track each new booking. As your business grows, you may need to hire extra help. Got a teen looking for work? Pet sitting is a great business idea for teens to earn money, learn a sense of responsibility and get bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. 14. Translator Do you speak other languages fluently? Marketing your translation services is easier than ever. First, create an online resume and post it on job boards or reach out to established translating companies and institutions. If you can fill a niche, such as medical or legal translations, you’ll have a better chance of finding and working for your target clients. 15. Child care provider In recent years, child care and how it relates to the economy has become a hotly debated topic—not just among parents, but in society as a whole. The childcare industry is now open to many new qualified candidates who can not only gain a stable income source of income, but also fulfillment in this essential sector. This can also be a great family business idea . 16. Home caregiver Serving as a home caregiver can be a rewarding experience. You help older people, veterans and those living with a disability carry out their day-to-day activities. Additionally, if you want to advance your caregiving career, you can enroll in medical certification training to boost your credentials and potential earnings. Keep in mind that the work becomes physically and emotionally demanding over time. When you’re ready to make this business idea actionable, read some caregiving tips to reduce burnout. This can also work as a business idea for couples wanting to work together. 17. Music teacher This small business idea not only requires musical talent, but also teaching skills. You will most likely need a teaching certificate to work at a school or university. But if you’d like to teach music independently, research what qualifications you’d need and compare the going rates for private and group music lessons, online and off. With advancements in educational tech, there are now also options to take even music teaching online. Are you a teacher looking to start a business? Check out these business ideas for teachers . 18. Doula Doulas professionally train to help expectant mothers during their pregnancy, from the first trimester to the delivery. These highly educated and informed professionals provide their clients with invaluable emotional support as well. To become a doula, you must take a few essential steps: First, take a certification training course. Second, have a basic marketing strategy to connect with clients and build experience. This may include placing ads or creating a business card for potential clients. 19. Event planner Event planning lets you meet new people and sharpen your negotiation and communication skills—with the majority of day-to-day work taking place in your home office. Planners often start working in one part of the special event industry, such as catering, entertainment, or styling. These self-starters can multitask, think creatively, and solve problems under pressure. This is also a great small town business idea . 20. Personal chef As more people outsource their meals with food delivery and curbside pick-ups, the demand for culinary services continues to rise, making it a good mobile business idea . A personal chef business will give you more autonomy and independence than working in a restaurant kitchen. You can also experiment with different cuisines as you maintain an ever-changing menu based on your clients’ wants and dietary needs. Be inspired by these food business ideas . 21. Photographer If you like attending weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs and birthdays and have some photography experience, consider starting a photography business. Or if session photography is more your thing, turn your home space into a small studio and offer headshots for local actors and other professionals. In this case, you’ll want to invest in extra lighting and a high-quality photo printer. While purchasing the right equipment helps you establish some credibility right away, don’t forget to put in the hours to create a portfolio that speaks for itself. In that case, you can make a free photography portfolio website to establish your business in a few steps. 22. Freelance graphic designer What is freelancing but a way to gain freedom in what you do and how you do it? That said, you’ll also need to search for your next opportunity. Thanks to online marketplaces for designers , you can now connect instantly with potential clients and get hired. 23. Copywriter This business idea requires strong writing skills and creativity. Copywriting uses words to inspire people to take the next step and buy a company’s product or service. 24. Fitness trainer Exercise is good for the mind, body and soul. As a fitness trainer, you will reinforce this motto to your clientele and help them strengthen their bodies and boost their confidence. You may also want to create a fitness website . Having a strong online presence can help manage your day-to-day operations and offer consultations, fast bookings, easy payment options to your clients, as well as a direct channel to communicate with you. 25. Massage therapist Massage therapy is not only a rewarding way to help others, but is also an in-demand business idea, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . In some U.S. states, you’ll have to demonstrate a completed 500 hours of massage therapy courses and hold a certification or licensing before opening a business. Check your local government website for more information. 26. Bookkeeper Small business owners hire bookkeepers to help them complete financial tasks like data entry, bank reconciliation and monthly reports. This line of work is always in demand, and starting a business to provide bookkeeping services for other business owners can be a very profitable idea. This can also be considered a B2B business idea . 27. Life coach Life coaching has been around since the early 1970s , but the methods continually evolve. Today, you can offer your expertise and experience in areas such as business, dating, fitness, finance and health. By understanding what your client wants, you can empower them to reach their goals. In this vein, learn more about how to make money as a therapist or coach. 28. Meal delivery service Often based out of a private home or rented kitchen, meal delivery services offer a great business opportunity for those looking to offer quality, accessible and convenient food options in their community. As people choose to stay home and avoid commuting, the demand for services offering easy online ordering and fast delivery continues to surge. Profitable small business ideas 29. Dropshipping business owner 30. Print on demand business owner 31. Create digital products 32. Affiliate marketer 33. Webinar host 34. Ride-sharing driver 29. Dropshipping business owner Dropshipping is a great way to start a business on a budget. This retail fulfillment business doesn’t require upfront inventory. Instead, you collect orders, forward them to your suppliers and then they ship directly to your customers. All you have to do is market and sell your products on your eCommerce website or build a dropshipping website . Clothing, for example, is a popular dropshipping business idea . You can specialize even further, into kidswear for example. Check out these kidswear business ideas or these clothing business ideas for more inspiration with your dropshipping business idea. 30. Print-on-demand business owner Running a print-on-demand business means you design your items and then work with a supplier who prints them on blank items, such as t-shirts, mugs and tote bags. Once you have an idea of things to make and sell , open a website and showcase your merchandise. 31. Create digital products Another good online business idea is to create and sell digital products like ebooks, online courses, downloadable templates, software and even audio recordings. First, you’ll want to see if there’s a market for your digital product idea. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback—from family, friends, social followings and even relevant online forums before getting started with this form of self-publishing. Once you've found your niche, you can also try to sell subscriptions to your digital content. 32. Affiliate marketer With a growing online audience behind you and your content, you may want to look into affiliate marketing . As an affiliate marketer, you market another business’s products, services or brand in your content. Each time someone makes a purchase through your affiliate referral link, you earn a commission. When choosing an affiliate program, look for one that aligns with your audience, topics and values. Start by checking out popular marketing platforms like ShareASale and the Wix Affiliate Program . 33. Webinar host To start a webinar business, first focus on an expertise that will draw in a significant crowd. Then you can plan and create paid webinars around topics, inviting influential guests to speak on the panels. 34. Ride-sharing driver Whether you’re looking to earn more cash on the side (see our guide on side business ideas ) or become your own boss, consider becoming a ride-share driver. All you need to start with Lyft or Uber in the United States is a valid driver's license, a car and insurance. Small business ideas you can start from home 35. Crafting and selling jewelry 36. Handmade soap or skincare product creator 37. Online language tutor 38. Custom t-shirt designer 39. Voice-over actor 40. Home-based bakery 41. Personalized gift maker 42. Online personal shopper/stylist 43. Online notary services 44. Virtual interior designer 35. Crafting and selling jewelry Starting a jewelry business from home is simple. You can find materials online or locally to create custom pieces that match trends or cater to specific niches. Platforms like Etsy help you showcase your work and social media makes it easy to connect with customers. Success comes down to quality craftsmanship, unique designs and smart marketing to reach your audience. 36. Handmade soap or skincare product creator Handmade soaps are popular for their natural ingredients and personal feel. Playing around with scents, textures and ingredients lets you create beauty products for different needs or preferences. Starting a skincare business and selling online through your site or other platforms helps you reach more customers, especially if you offer custom options. Sharing the benefits of your ingredients and what makes your products special on beauty blog can help your business stand out. 37. Online language tutor Teaching languages online is a great way to connect with students worldwide. Whether it’s English or another language you’re fluent in, platforms like iTalki and Preply make it easy to find clients. Offering personalized lessons for different age groups or skill levels and flexible scheduling can help attract more students. Using social media or a personal website is a good way to promote your tutoring business . 38. Custom t-shirt designer Print-on-demand services like Printful or Teespring let you focus on creating designs without dealing with inventory. Targeting niche markets like fandoms, causes or hobbies can help your products stand out. Think gamer communities, eco-conscious shoppers or fitness enthusiasts. By focusing on specific interests you can connect with your audience in a more meaningful way. Social platforms are perfect for showcasing your t-shirt business designs and building a following. 39. Voice-over actor Voice-over work is booming in industries like gaming, audiobooks, e-learning and advertising. Start by building a portfolio and demo reel, then list your services on freelance platforms or voice-over websites. Setting up a home studio with quality recording equipment is key to producing professional sound. With consistent quality and good networking, you can grow a solid client base. 40. Home-based bakery Starting a home bakery doesn’t need much equipment to get going. Focusing on unique flavors, custom cakes or event catering can help set you apart. Prioritize great quality and offer local delivery to build a solid reputation. Share your creations on Instagram and think about partnering with food delivery apps or selling at local markets to reach more customers. 41. Personalized gift maker Personalized gifts like custom portraits, engraved jewelry or monogrammed decor are always popular. People love meaningful and unique items, and you can easily tap into this market by selling on Etsy or your own website. Adding customization options like names, dates or messages gives your products a personal touch that customers appreciate. 42. Online personal shopper/stylist An online personal shopper or stylist helps clients find clothes and accessories that suit their style, body type and preferences, all without leaving home. You can offer customized shopping experiences, put together wardrobe suggestions or even shop for special events like weddings or vacations. Social media or your own website is a great way to attract clients. Adding virtual consultations or styling tips through video calls makes your service more personal. To succeed, you'll need a good grasp of fashion trends and strong communication skills to keep your clients happy. 43. Online notary services If you're certified in your state, offering online notary services is a flexible business idea. With more people needing documents notarized for real estate, legal or financial transactions, demand is growing. You can provide quick and reliable notarization through video calls and market your services locally or on online platforms. 44. Virtual interior designer Virtual interior designers help clients refresh their spaces by offering online consultations, creating mood boards and suggesting products. Adding AR tools to your services can make it easier for clients to visualize your designs and see 3D models in real time. This makes the process more engaging and interactive. A solid interior design portfolio is important. It shows what you can do and helps potential clients see your skills. By sharing your best work, you make it easier to connect with people. Explore these interior design portfolio ideas for inspiration. What are good business ideas? A great business idea solves real problems people need help with and are willing to pay for. The best ideas balance passion, practicality and profitability. They bring value to customers and stand out in a busy market. To succeed, your idea should be relevant, doable and sustainable—something that meets customer needs while offering a fresh perspective or unique advantage over competitors. Before jumping in, check if there's real demand in your market and a clear way to stand out. Having passion and experience in your field can keep you motivated and help you navigate challenges. Instead of chasing short-lived trends, focus on ideas with lasting power, growth potential and room to adapt over time. A great business idea is one that creates impact, lasts and gets you excited to make it happen. Here’s what makes a business idea truly good: It solves a real problem: Great businesses start by fixing something frustrating, inconvenient or inefficient. If people are complaining about it, there’s a chance to step in and make it better. People are already looking for it : The best ideas meet an existing demand. Do some research to see if people are searching for solutions your idea offers. It stands out : Your idea should offer something different and better than what’s currently out there. This could be in quality, price, speed or convenience. It’s simple to explain : If your idea is too complex to sum up in a couple of sentences, it might be time to simplify. The best ideas are clear and easy to understand. You can start small and grow : Look for ideas that can launch with minimal investment and scale over time. Test the waters with a smaller version before going all in. It fits your strengths : Successful businesses are often built by people who know the industry, have the right skills or bring a fresh perspective. Play to what you’re good at. It’s financially sound : Passion matters, but a business also needs to make money. Be realistic about pricing, costs and how you’ll turn a profit. It encourages repeat customers : The best businesses don’t rely on one-time sales. Think about ideas that bring customers back again and again, like subscriptions or regularly needed products. It has long-term potential : A strong idea isn’t tied to short-lived fads. Think about how it could grow and adapt as customer needs evolve over time. It’s flexible : Markets change fast, so your idea should have room to grow, pivot or move in a new direction if needed. It inspires buzz : If your idea excites people, they’ll talk about it. Businesses that naturally encourage word-of-mouth are a big win. It’s straightforward to launch : Avoid ideas that require huge funding, years of development or overly complicated setups before you can get started. A clear, achievable launch plan is key. It aligns with shifting consumer habits : Pay attention to trends in how people shop, work and live. Ideas that tap into growing changes like remote work, sustainability or convenience have a better shot at succeeding. It connects emotionally : Businesses that spark emotions—excitement, nostalgia or a sense of belonging—build loyal customers. If your idea makes people feel something, they’re more likely to support it. How to come up with business ideas Start by spotting problems in everyday life—things that frustrate people or could be done better. Look at trends, explore growing industries, and find gaps in existing products or services. Brainstorm based on what you’re good at and what excites you. If you’re organized, starting a professional decluttering service could be a great option. If social media is your thing, you could help small businesses grow their reach. Pay attention to what people are talking about—what they’re struggling with, what’s popular, and where needs aren’t being met. Test your ideas on a small scale. Start a social media page, create a simple landing page, or offer your service for free to a few people to see if there’s real interest. Talk to potential customers, join communities, and research what competitors are doing. Some of the best ideas come from improving existing businesses instead of starting from scratch. Stay flexible—great opportunities often come from industries shifting or new tech emerging. Testing your business idea It’s important to do your research and testing before committing to any specific business idea. Market research can give you an idea of the potential for success given the current business climate and customer demand. You should also test out different business models, pricing strategies, and marketing strategies to see which works best. It's also a good idea to conduct full competitor research before choosing your idea, so you understand what you're competing with but also so you can understand how to do things, better and differently. Once you have a business concept in mind, it’s important to create a business plan outlining your goals and objectives. This will give investors an idea of what you are trying to accomplish, as well as help you stay organized and on track with the business development process. Additionally, testing out different business ideas can also help you decide which one may be best for your business. How to start a small business with your idea Now that you have an idea of what type of business to pursue, here are three quick tips on getting your online small business off the ground. If you want more in-depth information, read our complete guide on how to start a business . 01. Refine your business idea Before you release your business idea into the world perfect it. Take a step back to really think about the reasons behind your choice. Ask yourself, “ Why is this business idea important to me?” and “Will it be important to someone else?” Create a proof of concept to determie the feasibility of your business idea, whether it's a rental business idea or something else, and test it out with surveys or interviews with members of your target market. 02. Choose a business name Once you've decided on your business idea, choosing a business name is an important part of getting started with your venture. Think about the type of business you're starting, how you want to kickstart your brand messaging and get creative. Tip: Need help finding a business name for your new venture? Use a small business name generator for inspiration. 03. Write out your business plan When starting a business, an organized business plan must lead the way. Use a business plan template to define a roadmap for your company’s structure, business model, financial analysis and management. While business plans can differ, all include an executive summary, expected investment, mission statement, market analysis and financial projections. 04. Create a business website Having a business website is a major advantage for you, your brand and your customers. To begin creating yours, you’ll want to choose a business website template and customize it to fit your specific needs. Then, you’ll have to pick a free web hosting platform and connect it to a registered domain . Finally, you’ll want to optimize your website for search engines to increase organic web traffic. You can hire a search engine optimization (SEO) consultant to help you with your strategy. You can also browse bakery website examples for inspiration. 05. Register your business To do this you need to check the laws and regulations in your country or U.S. state depending on whether you plan to start an LLC or not. You can read more about how to register your business with our guide. Small business ideas FAQ What is the most successful small business? Successful small businesses thrive by tapping into high-demand markets and keeping up with trends. Popular options include eCommerce stores, home services like cleaning or handyman work, digital marketing agencies, unique food businesses like bakeries or food trucks and online courses or coaching programs. Can you run a successful business with no experience? You can start a successful business without experience by beginning small and focusing on industries that need minimal expertise, like freelancing, reselling or offering cleaning services or pet care. Pick something that aligns with your interests or skills and use free resources like tutorials or courses to learn basics such as marketing and budgeting. How do I know if my business idea is viable? To determine if your business idea is viable you'll need to: 1. Conduct market research to assess demand 2. Analyze your target audience and competition 3. Create a detailed business plan 4. Estimate startup costs and potential revenue 5. Test your idea with a minimum viable product (MVP) 6. Seek feedback from potential customers 7. Evaluate your personal skills and resources 8. Consider the scalability of your idea 9. Assess the regulatory environment 10. Consult with mentors or industry experts What industries or markets are currently trending for small businesses? Some trending small business ideas include: E-commerce: 14.2% industry growth in 2021 Health tech : the market is projected to grow to market volume of US$258.30bn by 2029. Sustainable products: 78% of consumers prefer eco-friendly goods How can I find funding for my small business idea? To secure funding for your small business idea consider: Using personal savings or assets Seeking loans from banks or credit unions Applying for SBA loans or grants Trying out crowdfunding platforms Pitching to angel investors or venture capitalists Considering peer-to-peer lending Looking into micro loans Investigating local business grant programs Explore more business ideas Part-time business ideas Craft business ideas Beauty business ideas Reselling business ideas DIY business ideas
- I want to buy a domain name: do this first
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain → Your perfect domain is out there—but so is a sea of taken names, hidden fees and confusing registrars. One wrong step and you could lose your brand, waste money or spend weeks hunting for a name no one remembers. Let’s cut through the noise and get your domain right from the start. TL;DR: I want to buy a domain name This guide helps you choose a domain name that fits your brand, secure it with a trusted registrar, connect it to your website and email and keep it safe for the future. Here's what you'll learn: How to set your domain goals. How to pick a reliable registrar and TLD. Tips for brainstorming and choosing a memorable domain name. How to register your domain securely. How to link it to your website, email and social media. Strategies to protect your domain long-term. Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place—custom website, business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. I want to buy a domain. What should I do first? Decide your domain goals Choose a domain registrar Choose your domain name Choose your domain extension (TLD) Register your domain name What to do after buying your domain 01. Decide your domain goals Before you jump to buy a domain name , think about its purpose. Your goals will define the domain type you pick, the extension you choose, how you brand it and build a website . For example: Business website: If you're opening a boutique or consultancy, your domain should reflect your brand name, be easy to spell and feel professional—like LunaDesigns.com or BrightPathConsulting.com . Blog or personal project: You might get more creative with a fun memorable name—like CoffeeAndCode.com or WanderWithMe.net . E-commerce store: Think about keywords that describe your products so people can find you easily—like EcoGearShop.com or TinyTotsToys.com . Portfolio or side hustle: Short memorable domains work best—like AlexWrites.com or PixelBloom.com . Knowing your goal also helps you decide if you need multiple domains. For instance you might register yourbrand.com for the main site and a few variations like yourbrand.store or common misspellings to protect your brand. 02. Choose a domain registrar Choosing the right domain registrar means considering its reputation, pricing and included features. Go for a well-established ICANN-accredited domain registrar like Wix. Look for value-added services such as WHOIS lookup , privacy protection (free with Wix) DNS management and email forwarding. You'll want to make sure your registrar offers an intuitive dashboard for managing domains and supports your desired top-level domain TLD . Depending on your type of brand and business you might also want to check your registrar offers a variety of TLD's. Learn more: What is a domain registrar (and why do you need one) Comparison of free vs paid domain services When buying a domain name you might notice some registrars offer free domains often bundled with website builders or hosting plans. Free domains can be appealing if you’re starting small or testing an idea but they usually come with limitations. You might have restricted DNS control limited privacy protection or subtle branding from the provider on your domain. Paid domain services give you more control and flexibility. You can fully manage DNS settings enable privacy protection and retain complete ownership of your domain name. Paid domains often look more professional and make it easier to transfer your domain if you ever switch registrars. Learn more: Best domain name registrars Customer support reliability for your domain When you're managing a domain name, reliable support is crucial. Technical issues can pop up, like registration errors, DNS misconfigurations or transfer delays. With responsive support, these problems get sorted fast, saving you time and preventing website downtime. Look for registrars offering live chat, phone support and email support, plus detailed help centers or tutorials. Always check reviews to gauge support quality. Some registrars offer 24/7 help, while others operate only during limited hours. Picking a registrar with dependable support means if your domain hits a snag, you can fix it quickly. Learn more: Is Wix a domain registrar? Hidden costs to watch for when buying a domain name While the initial price for a domain name might seem low watch out for hidden costs that can pop up later. Renewal fees are often higher than the first-year price and services like privacy protection email or domain transfers can add to the bill. Some registrars also sneak in extra charges like ICANN fees or setup costs that can surprise you. To avoid these unexpected expenses compare the total cost over several years not just the introductory price. Always read the fine print to understand what’s included. If you’re planning to bundle with hosting or email, choose a registrar that offers reliable integration with these services — with Wix, for example, web hosting comes with every website you create. Learn more: Does Wix have email too? 03. Choose your domain name Your domain name is the first thing people see, so it needs to be clear, memorable and a good fit for your brand. A few basic tips for doing this: Your name should be simple and memorable Make sure it can reflect your brand long term It should be short, where possible Remember to avoid cultural sensitivities Start by listing words that describe your business, products or style. Try combining words, using rhymes or keeping it short and catchy. Learn more: How to buy a domain name When choosing a domain, prioritize one that aligns with your brand and is easy for customers to remember. A domain should reflect your business and make it simple for people to find you online. Einat Shafir, product manager at Wix When your ideal domain is taken Check if your domain name is available using a domain name search tool . If your first pick is already taken, don’t sweat it. Say you sell eco-friendly bags and GreenCarry.com is gone. You could add a word like get , shop or my ( GetGreenCarry.com ), try a different extension like .store or .co or even tweak the spelling so it's still easy to type ( EkoTote.com ). You could also see if the current owner is willing to sell it. Lots of domains are owned but not used, and some people are happy to negotiate a price. Find their contact info with a WHOIS lookup or domain broker service. Be aware that some domains, especially short or popular ones, can be pricey. But it's worth a shot if the name is perfect for your brand. Even if you don't buy it, just reaching out might spark new ideas for similar names or other available options. You can also learn more in our guide to how to choose a domain name , or see what 23 business owners consider their worst domain naming mistakes . 04. Choose your domain extension (TLD) A domain extension, or TLD (like .com domain , .net or, .store), might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference. The trusty .com is familiar and trusted by most visitors, making it often the safest choice for a business or professional website. But don't count out newer or niche extensions. They can work really well, especially if they clearly describe what your site is all about. For instance, a store could use .shop, a tech startup might try .io and a creative portfolio could go for .design. TLDs can also have subtle SEO and branding effects. While search engines treat all TLDs similarly, people are more likely to trust and remember certain extensions, which can improve clicks and recognition. Niche or country-specific extensions, like .co.uk or .ca, can signal your focus area to your audience. Learn more: .ORG vs .COM vs .NET What is .ai domain Can you buy a domain name forever? 05. Register your domain name Once you find an available domain with your chosen domain registrar, add it to your cart. During the checkout process, you’ll be prompted to enter your contact information, which is needed for WHOIS registration. Learn more: How to register a domain name Choose your registration term, the standard is usually one year, though multi-year options are available and you should consider turning on auto-renewal to avoid accidental expiration of your domain. Submit your payment securely and confirm your registration. If you have a paid Wix account, your domain name will be free and there's no payment necessary. After purchasing, you’ll receive an email confirmation and you may need to verify your contact email. Once verified, the domain is yours and can be connected to your website or reserved for future use. If you build a website with Wix connection to your website is automatic once your domain name is registered. Learn more: What's the easiest way to get a domain? 06. What to do after buying your domain Buying your domain is just the first step—now it’s time to put it to work. Start by connecting it to your website so visitors can find you. If you’re using a website builder like Wix it usually happens automatically. If not, you’ll need to update your DNS settings—don’t worry, most registrars have step-by-step guides. Set up a professional email with your domain and link your domain to your social media. Once everything's connected, think about protecting your domain long-term. Turn on auto-renewal so you don't lose it by accident and enable WHOIS privacy to keep your contact info safe. Consider buying common misspellings or alternative extensions to stop competitors from snatching them. Keep your login info secure and update passwords regularly. New domain checkup: Get connected: Point your domain to your website. Professional email: Set up emails like you@yourbrand.com . Social media links: Update your profiles with your new domain. Auto-renew: Turn this on. You don't want to accidentally lose your domain simply because you forgot to renew. Privacy protection: Use WHOIS protection to keep your personal details private. Secure alternatives: Register common misspellings or other domain extensions. Protect your login: Use strong passwords and update them regularly. How do I buy a domain name from Wix? Buying and managing your domain is a breeze with Wix. Right from the start, you get instant domain name search results and an AI-powered generator to help you find names that suit your brand industry or style. Once you’ve found a winner, Wix offers quick domain registration with a wide range of domain extensions for any industry or geo. To buy a domain name from Wix, follow these steps: Go to Domains in your Wix account, or start here Click on 'Get a New Domain' Enter your chosen domain name and extension in the search field, then click 'Search' If the domain is available, confirm you want it Select your registration period (1-3 years) Enter your contact information If necessary, choose your privacy and security options Select your payment method and submit your purchase. If you have a paid Wix account, your domain name will be free. When you build your site on Wix, your domain connects automatically to secure scalable web hosting. No extra setup needed. You can also create a professional inbox with Google Workspace business email, all tied directly to your domain. Everything stays in one place, saving you time reducing typical domain confusion and making getting online feel a lot simpler. I want to buy a domain name FAQ Which is the best site to buy a domain? The best place is a domain registrar, like Wix, that’s ICANN-accredited, transparent with pricing and easy to manage. Domain registrars like Wix are popular because they bundle privacy, support and simple dashboards. Choose the one that fits how you plan to build and manage your site. Do I need an LLC for a domain? No, you don’t need an LLC to buy a domain name. Anyone can register one with basic contact details. But if you already run a business, registering under your LLC keeps your brand ownership cleaner and avoids mixing personal and business info. How do I permanently buy a domain name? You cant buy a domain permanently but you can keep it as long as you renew it. Most registrars let you register for up to 10 years at a time and offer auto-renewal so you never lose it. Owning the domain long-term is simply about staying on top of renewals. How to get a 100% free domain name? Some website builders or hosting plans offer a free domain for the first year. But you'll still have to pay for the service itself. Completely free domains with standard extensions like .com don't really exist and "free" TLDs can look unprofessional. How long does it take to register a domain? Domain registration is almost instant. You search, choose your name, pay and it’s yours within minutes. DNS changes might take a little longer to update but the domain is activated right away. Can I change my domain later? You can buy a new domain anytime and connect it to your website. Just remember you'll need to update links, emails and SEO settings, so it's smart to choose carefully upfront. You don’t "edit" a domain — you replace it with a new one. What happens if I forget to renew my domain? Typically, your domain enters a grace period where you can still restore it. If you wait too long it can enter auction or be released back to the public. Turning on auto-renew is the easiest way to avoid losing it. Can I buy a domain anonymously? Yes, if your registrar provides WHOIS privacy. This feature keeps your personal details out of public databases and many registrars offer it for free. You'll still share your real information privately for verification. Are premium domains worth buying? Premium domains can be worth it if the name has strong branding power, trust or search value. They’re often short, recognizable and easier for customers to remember. Just weigh the cost against how important that exact name is to your brand’s growth.
- How to buy a domain name (+ tips if it’s taken)
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain → Your domain name is one of the first decisions that sticks with your website long term. Pick the wrong one and you’re dealing with awkward names, trust issues or costly changes later. With taken domains, confusing prices and too many extensions to choose from, it’s easy to feel stuck before you even start. This guide will help you buy a domain name with clarity and confidence so you don’t regret your choice after launch. TL;DR: How to buy a domain name To buy a domain name, start by choosing a trusted registrar and searching for names that fit your brand. You'll learn how to check availability, pick the right extension and explore alternatives or negotiate if your ideal name is taken. The guide also covers verifying ownership, protecting your domain with privacy and security features, managing renewals and understanding pricing, registrar fees and bundled services so you can make a confident, informed choice before creating a website . Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. You’ll learn how to: Choose a domain name that’s memorable, trustworthy and built to last Find and register a domain through a reliable registrar Check availability and handle cases where your ideal domain is taken Pick the right domain extension for your website goals Understand domain pricing, including registrar fees, promotions and renewal costs Protect, manage and renew your domain over time Safely buy an already owned domain and avoid common mistakes What is a domain name? A domain name is your website's unique address on the internet, similar to a business's physical address. It's what users type into their browser to find your site. Typically, it has two parts: the name and the extension (or top-level domain, TLD). For example, in the URL "www.example.com", "example" is the name and " .com " is the extension. Learn more about what is a domain name and how does it work. How domain ownership works When you buy a domain name, you’re not purchasing it forever. You’re renting the rights to use it for a set period—usually one to ten years—through a domain registrar. As long as you keep renewing it, the domain stays yours to use. Behind the scenes, domain registries control each extension like .com or .net while registrars handle the signup and renewal process for you. This setup keeps the system organized and consistent worldwide. That’s why renewals are so important. If a domain expires and isn’t renewed on time, it can enter a grace period then be released back to the public. Keeping your registration details accurate and your renewal active protects your name long term and avoids costly recovery later. Buying a domain name starts with choosing a reliable registrar, searching for available names and picking one that fits your brand. Once you find the right domain, you complete the registration by providing your contact info and payment then set up privacy and security options. After purchase, you can connect it to your website and start using it right away. How to buy a domain name in 7 steps Choose a reliable domain registrar Brainstorm your domain name Check domain name availability Purchase and register your domain name Verify ownership of your domain Protect your domain Manage and renew your domain 01. Choose a reliable domain registrar A domain registrar is a company that manages the registration of domain names on behalf of individuals or businesses. While the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) manages all domains worldwide, a registrar deals with ICANN on your behalf. When choosing among the best domain registrars , consider these factors: Domain pricing : Compare the costs of different registrars, including the initial registration fee, renewal rates and any additional charges for services such as domain privacy protection. Customer support: Opt for a registrar that offers robust customer support, including various means of contact like live chat, email or phone and ensure their availability matches your needs. Management tools: Look for registrars that provide a comprehensive suite of domain management tools, including easy DNS management, transfer locks and bulk editing capabilities. Add-ons: Some registrars offer additional services, such as email hosting, SSL certificates and website building tools, which can be convenient if you want to manage everything in one place. Learn more: Does Wix have email for my business? Transfer policies: Check the registrar’s policy for transferring your domain to another registrar. Ensure it’s straightforward and doesn’t come with excessive costs or delays. Security features: Choose a registrar that provides website security features like two-factor authentication, domain locking and professional monitoring to protect your domain from unauthorized transfers or attacks. Learn more about how you can secure a domain name . Registration period: Determine how long you can register your domain name for. Some may provide discounts for longer registration periods, while others might automatically renew your domain annually. When choosing a domain registrar, look for a provider with a strong reputation and transparent pricing including renewal rates. Consider the features and tools they offer, the range of TLDs available and the quality of customer support. Bundled services and easy integration with website builders or email can make managing your domain smoother and more convenient. For a premium domain name, you might want to consider using a domain broker . However most businesses will be able to seamlessly choose and register a domain name with a domain registrar like Wix. Learn more: What's the easiest way to get a domain? Is Wix good for business email? Answering 12 web domain-related questions you’re probably too shy to ask 02. Brainstorm your domain name According to Cary Byrd, the Founder of CinchLocal: Run the "mom test"—if you tell your domain to someone's mom over a noisy phone connection, can she spell it correctly and remember it an hour later? If not, keep looking. Your domain will be spoken aloud more often than you think. Your domain name is a huge part of your brand. It should be memorable, reflect what you do and connect with your audience. Consider these tips when choosing a domain name : Make it relevant: Your domain name should reflect your brand and what you do. Avoid using vague or misleading names that may confuse visitors. Keep it short and simple: A shorter name is easier to remember, type and share. It also reduces the risk of spelling errors. Include keywords: Consider incorporating relevant keywords in your domain name to improve search engine optimization (SEO). Avoid numbers and hyphens: These can make a domain name harder to remember, appear spammy and increase the chances of typos. Use a domain name generator : If you're struggling to come up with ideas, this tool can spark creativity based on your inputted keywords and preferences, helping you find a name that fits your brand and is available for registration. You can learn more about how to check if a domain name is available with our guide. Domain extensions There is a vast array of domain extensions available, each serving different purposes and audiences. Choosing the right domain extension can enhance credibility and relevance, making it easier for users to identify the nature of your website at a glance. Here are most common types of domains available: Generic top-level domain (gTLD) : These are the most common and include extensions such as .org, .com and .net as well as .co and .info . They can be used for virtually any website. Country code top-level domain (ccTLD) : These are specific to a country or geographical region, such as .nl for the Netherlands and .ca for Canada. Sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) : Designed for specific entities. For example, .edu for educational institutions and .gov for government organizations. New top-level domain (ngTLD ) : These are more specific gTLDs that cater to various industries or interests, such as .biz for businesses and .photography for photographers. One extension growing in popularity is .ai , originally the country code for Anguilla, but widely adopted by companies and startups in the artificial intelligence space. If you're building a tech-forward brand or targeting a developer or investor audience, .ai can signal innovation and expertise. For more in-depth examples, check out the most popular domain extensions and learn more about what a TLD is . 03. Check domain name availability Once you've narrowed down a few potential domain names, it's time to check their availability. You'll want to ensure the name you choose is not already registered by another individual or business. Looking to understand how to find a domain name owner ? Check out our guide. Use a domain name search tool where you can enter your desired domain name and see if it’s available. If your desired name is unavailable, the tool will come up with additional ideas. Find the domain owner and registration details for a website with a Whois domain lookup . 04. Purchase and register your domain name Once you've confirmed the availability of your desired domain name, it's time to purchase and register it through your chosen registrar. The process usually involves creating an account, entering your contact and payment information and choosing a registration period. Be sure to double-check all the details before finalizing the purchase. Once completed, you'll officially own the rights to your new domain name. To register a domain name , find a registrar you trust and search for your desired name. Choose an extension then review the costs and any extras like privacy or business email . Complete the purchase with your contact and payment information. Verify your ownership through the confirmation email and connect the domain to your site. Make sure to turn on security features and auto-renewal to keep it active and protected. Here’s how to register a domain name with Wix: Visit the domain registrar. Enter your desired domain name and click Search . If the name is available, click Get It to continue. If not, explore additional suggestions or enter a different option in the search bar. Once you find a suitable domain name, click Get It . Choose whether to register for one, two or three years. Longer registration periods save you more money annually. After making your selection, click Continue and proceed to checkout. Connect the domain name to your site and share it with your intended audience, whether it's friends, family or a specific online community. Expert tip from Ofir Gvili, domains PMM at Wix: “Think of your domain as the headline of your brand. It’s often the very first thing people see, even before they land on your website. A strong domain builds trust instantly and sets the tone for your entire online presence.” 05. Verify ownership of your domain After registering your domain, it’s important to verify that you are the rightful owner. This step helps officially link your new domain to your account and ensures no one else can claim or access it. Most domain registrars require this verification as part of the process, and acting quickly will help you avoid delays in activating your domain. Why this step matters: Verifying ownership not only secures your domain but also complies with regulations, such as those outlined by ICANN (the organization that oversees domain registrations). Without verification, your domain might become inactive or remain unlinked to your account. How to verify ownership: Check the email address associated with your registrar account. Look for an email with a verification link. Click the link and follow any instructions provided. This might involve logging into your account or confirming specific details. Complete the verification within the required timeframe. Many registrars allow a grace period, but if the verification isn’t completed on time, your registration may be suspended. Wix makes domain transfer easy, with free SSL, reliable hosting, privacy options and 24/7 support. 06. Protect your domain name Once you've registered your domain, it's crucial to protect it from potential threats. Your registrar may offer additional services, such as domain locking and professional monitoring, to ensure your domain is secure. It's also essential to regularly review and update your contact information to avoid losing ownership of your domain due to expired or incorrect details. Recent updates from ICANN, the organization that oversees domain registrations, make this step even more important. As of August 2025, new rules standardize how registrars manage registration data to improve accuracy and privacy . One key change affects who legally owns a domain: if a business name appears in the “Organization” field during registration, that business—not the individual who registered it—is recognized as the owner. Reviewing your details ensures your domain stays under the right name and prevents future disputes. Consider implementing the following measures: Enable domain privacy protection: This feature keeps your personal information hidden from the WHOIS public databases, reducing the risk of identity theft and unsolicited emails.. Keep contact information up-to-date: Ensure your registrar has your current email address on file so they can reach out regarding any issues or important updates. Turn on auto-renewal to prevent your domain from expiring and being released to someone else. 07. Manage and renew your domain Once your domain is set up, maintaining it is just as important as registering it. Proper domain management ensures your website stays secure, active and easy for your audience to find. Staying on top of renewals also prevents the risk of losing your domain due to expiration. Tips for managing your domain: Enable auto-renewal before domain expiration : Enable auto-renewal to avoid accidentally letting your domain registration expire. Losing ownership of a domain can be costly to retrieve and damage your online presence. Learn more about domain lifecycles . Set reminders: If you prefer to handle renewals manually, create a reminder to renew your domain well before the expiration date. Missing this step could result in extra fees or, worse, losing the domain altogether. Review your domain's settings: Spend some time reviewing your domain’s settings to check for any unnecessary add-ons or security upgrades that you might need to enable. Keeping everything organized and current will allow you to focus on your website instead of worrying about the technical details. It's common to ask can I buy a domain name permanently? We explain why that isn't an option and how to use a domain long term. Step What to do Choose a reliable domain registrar Start with a trusted provider like Wix that offers security, transparency and easy setup Brainstorm your domain name Think about keywords, your brand identity and names that are short and memorable Check domain name availability Use a domain search tool to see what’s available and explore similar options Purchase and register your domain name Buy your domain through your registrar and register it under your name or business Verify ownership of your domain Confirm your domain is officially registered and associated with your contact details Protect your domain Add privacy protection and consider locking the domain to prevent unauthorized changes Manage and renew your domain Set up auto-renewal and keep your info current to avoid losing your domain Learn more: what is domain protection? How much does a domain name cost? While you can get a free domain , buying one might be a better choice. Free domains include the registrar's prefix, making them suitable for temporary sites or initial online presence. However, to make your website stand out professionally and grow with your brand, invest in a domain name. The cost of a domain varies depending on a few factors: Standard domains : An unregistered .com, .net or .org typically costs between $10–$20 per year. Promotional first-year rates can be lower, but always check the renewal price, as it may increase in later years. Premium domains : Short, brandable names are in high demand and can sell for hundreds, thousands or even millions of dollars. Free domains : Some website builders or hosting platforms include a free domain for the first year when you purchase a plan. Domain prices depend on a few things . Popular extensions usually cost more while specialty or country-specific ones vary. Short memorable or keyword-rich names also tend to have higher prices. The length of your registration your region aftermarket availability and any extras the registrar includes like privacy or email services also affect the final cost. Understanding domain pricing Domain prices vary based on the type and popularity of the extension: Generic top-level domains (gTLDs): These include .com, .org, .net and similar. Popular names, especially short or brandable .coms, tend to be more expensive due to high demand. Less common gTLDs like .info or .co are usually cheaper. Industry-specific or new gTLDs (ngTLDs): Extensions like .tech, .photography or .shop might have a higher price tag than standard gTLDs but they do a great job of making your brand clear and memorable. Country code domains (ccTLDs): Domains tied to a country like .uk, .ca or .de vary in price based on local rules, demand and registration requirements. Some are highly affordable while others come with a premium price tag. Premium domains: These domains have high commercial value because they’re short, memorable or keyword-rich. They can sell for hundreds, thousands or even millions regardless of the extension. Promotions and first-year deals Many registrars will hook you with a sweet first-year deal. It’s tempting to grab a domain for just a few bucks but be sure to check the renewal price. It can sometimes be a lot higher than the initial cost. Before you commit make sure you know the full price so you can budget for the long run and avoid any surprises when your renewal comes up. Registrar fees Registrars don’t all charge the same amount. Some add markups to the base price or include extra fees for services like WHOIS privacy or DNS management. It's good to understand how your registrar sets prices so you can avoid hidden fees and pick a provider that’s transparent and fair. Domain services included with Wix When you buy a domain through Wix your domain is automatically connected to Wix name servers. You get to choose private registration to keep your contact info hidden and add DNSSEC for extra security against cyberattacks. You can also manage everything like renewals and privacy settings right from your account plus create custom business email addresses. The price of a Wix domain depends on a few things: The extension you choose (for example, .org or .net domains vs .info ) Your local currency The number of years you register for If you add privacy protection Your local tax or VAT laws To give you an idea of what to expect you can read more about how much a domain name costs in detail. The good news is that selected yearly or multi-year Premium or Studio paid plans come with a domain voucher for the first year. This adds extra value and makes getting started even easier. Expert tip from Ofir Gvili, domains PMM at Wix: “Domain pricing isn’t just about finding the lowest number, it’s about understanding the value behind it. With Wix, your domain comes with instant reliability, easy management and smooth integration with your site. That means you’re not only paying for a name, you’re investing in a stress-free experience that helps your brand look polished and professional from the start.” Learn why some business owners are wiling to pay $100+ a year for a premium domain . How to buy a domain name that is already owned There may be instances where you want to purchase a domain name that is already registered by someone else. In such cases, you can try reaching out to the current owner and negotiating a price for them to transfer ownership of the domain to you. It's important to note that purchasing a registered domain may be more expensive than registering a new one. However, it can be worth it if the domain name aligns with your brand and has established traffic or revenue potential. It's also essential to ensure all legal aspects of the transaction are covered to avoid any disputes in the future. Here are the steps to complete a purchase. 01. Discover the current use of the domain Before reaching out to the current owner, it's essential to understand how they are using your desired domain. This can give you an idea of its value and potential for your own website. You can check this by entering the domain name into a browser and seeing what appears. If the domain is connected to an active website, the owner might not want to sell it. The best chance to secure a web address is when it points to a placeholder site on a parked domain. Domain flipping is common, with resellers often buying parked domains to resell them for profit. These sellers are generally easier to negotiate with as they're not attached to the domain. 02. Determine a fair price Before making an offer, research the domain's market value to avoid overpaying. Consider the following factors: Domain history : Older domains are usually more valuable as they have higher credibility and may rank better on search engines. Relevance and popularity: Short, specific and memorable names tend to be worth more than longer or obscure ones. Traffic and revenue potential: If a website is generating significant traffic or profit, it will likely have a higher price tag. 03. Contact the domain owner You can find the contact information of a domain owner through the WHOIS database, which contains public records of registered domain names. The owner may also have provided their contact details on their website or social media profiles. Once you have the contact information, reach out with a polite and professional email expressing your interest in purchasing the domain. Another option is to use a domain broker to facilitate the purchase on your behalf. 04. Complete the sale using escrow services To ensure a safe and secure transaction, consider using an escrow service to facilitate the sale. This service verifies your payment and ensures the seller transfers the domain before releasing funds, protecting both the buyer and seller from potential scams or issues. 05. Complete the transfer of ownership Once the purchase is complete, the current owner will initiate a process called domain transfer. This involves releasing the domain from their account and providing you with authorization codes or access credentials. Once you have these details, you can proceed with registering the domain through your chosen registrar to officially own and manage your new web address . Important tips for buying a domain name When it comes to securing the perfect domain name for your website, a few smart choices can make all the difference. Here are some key factors to keep in mind before hitting "buy": Pick the right domain extension : You’re probably familiar with ".com" domains—they’re popular for a reason. But depending on your website’s purpose, extensions like ".net" or ".org" might fit just as well. If you’re feeling creative, newer extensions can also help define your brand in a unique way. Protect your privacy : Some registrars offer WHOIS privacy protection, which can keep your personal contact details out of the public database. It’s a small investment that adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind. Keep it short and memorable : A shorter domain name is easier for people to type, remember and share. Avoid complicated words or long strings of text—they’ll only cause headaches for your visitors. Use relevant keywords : If it makes sense, consider including keywords that reflect your business or site’s focus. Not only can it help with search engines, but it also gives visitors an idea of what to expect before they even click. Learn more: What is domain authority Wix’s domain experts This article was created by Wix’s in-house domain experts, with years of experience helping people choose, register and secure the perfect domains for their businesses and online projects. The guidance, tips and best practices shared here come directly from real Wix projects, so you can be confident they’ll help you find a domain that represents your brand, stays secure and supports your long-term goals. At Wix, we’ve guided millions of entrepreneurs, creators and small business owners in establishing a strong online presence. Our team keeps up with the latest in domain management, security and branding, making sure the advice you get is practical and backed by proven results. A Wix domain gives you a secure hassle-free start. It includes a free SSL certificate, automatic SEO-friendly URLs and easy management of subdomains and redirects. You can set up custom business emails, transfer your domain smoothly and handle renewals and settings all from your account with a free domain for the first year on select plans. Claim your perfect domain. More on how to manage your domain How to get a free domain name How to change a domain name How to transfer a domain name How to buy a domain name FAQ What do I do once I have bought my domain name? Once you have successfully purchased your domain name, you will need to connect it to a hosting website . This involves setting up DNS records and pointing your domain to the correct web server . Your chosen registrar should provide instructions on how to do this or you can seek help from a web developer or technical support team. Learn more: Web host vs domain registrar . How soon can I use a domain name? After purchasing a domain name, it may take up to 48 hours for it to become active and accessible to the public. This is due to the time it takes for DNS changes to propagate globally. Can I change my domain name after purchasing? In most cases, once a domain is registered and purchased, it cannot be changed. You would need to purchase a new domain and redirect domain traffic from the old one if you wish to change your website's address. Is there a limit on how many domains I can buy? There is no specific limit on how many domains an individual or business can own. However, excessive purchases of multiple domains may result in additional fees and maintenance costs. It's recommended to only purchase the domains you need for your brand or business. Does the country I live in affect my domain name? Yes, the country you live in can affect your domain name as some country-specific extensions may only be available to individuals or businesses located within that country. For example, .mx is only available for residents and companies in Mexico. It's essential to research which extensions are available in your country before purchasing a domain. Additionally, some countries have specific regulations or restrictions on certain domain names, so it's important to familiarize yourself with these laws before making a purchase. You can also use this information to tailor your domain name to reach your target audience effectively. Can I buy a domain name without hosting? Yes, you can buy a domain name without hosting. However, your website will not be accessible to the public until it is connected to a hosting service or website builder . It's recommended to have both a domain name and hosting in order to have a fully functional website. You can purchase hosting through your chosen registrar or choose a separate hosting provider. How can I buy a domain name permanently? In general, domain names are purchased for a set period of time and will need to be renewed before the domain expiration date. However, some registrars offer the option to purchase a domain name for a longer duration, such as 10 years. When should I buy a domain name? It's best to purchase a domain name as soon as you have decided on your brand or business name. This ensures that the domain is available and prevents someone else from purchasing it before you do. Additionally, buying a domain early allows you to start building your online presence and establishing your brand. Can I transfer my domain name? Yes, you can transfer your domain name to a different registrar at any time. This may be necessary if you change hosting providers or want to manage all your domains under one account. The process for transferring a domain varies between registrars and typically involves obtaining an authorization code from the current registrar and initiating the transfer with the new one. It's important to note that some registrars may charge a fee for transferring your domain. Can I buy a domain name from a web host? Yes, many web hosting services also offer domain registration services. This can be convenient if you are purchasing both a domain name and hosting for your website. However, it's important to research the prices and features offered by different registrars before making a decision to ensure you get the best deal for your needs. Additionally, consider how easy it is to transfer your domain if you decide to switch hosting providers in the future. How do I buy a domain name for business emails? To get started with how to create a business email , the first step is purchasing a domain name that aligns with your brand. Choose a reliable domain registrar, search for your desired domain and complete the registration. Once you have your domain, you can set up professional email addresses like info@yourbusiness.com or sales@yourbusiness.com. This is also a great time to explore unique email name ideas that represent your team roles or company values, helping to create a cohesive and professional identity.
- Can you buy a domain name forever? All you need to know about domain ownership
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain → If you're wondering 'Can you buy a domain name forever?', the short answer is no—but also, sort of yes. Say you’ve just come up with the perfect, catchy, memorable name for your website. Naturally, you want to lock it down so no one else can snag it. But realistically, can you buy a domain name forever? Technically, when you create a website , you can’t buy a domain name outright in the same way you buy a house or a pair of shoes. It’s more like a lease. However, with the right strategy and auto-renewals, you can essentially keep that domain for as long as you want (or as long as the internet exists). In this article, we’ll break down exactly how domain registration works, why "forever" isn’t really an option and the smart ways to make sure your domain stays yours for the long haul. Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. TL;DR: can you buy a domain name forever? Short on time? Here’s what you need to know about keeping your domain name for the long term: Feature The reality Ownership You rent the domain from a registrar; you don’t own it permanently. Max registration Most domains can be registered for up to 10 years at a time. "Forever" plans Some registrars offer "lifetime" deals, but in practice they just automate renewals for you. The solution Set up auto-renewal and keep your payment info updated. Risk factor If you miss a renewal payment, your domain could go back on the open market. What is a domain name? Think of a domain name as your address on the internet. If your website is your house, the domain name is the street address people type into their GPS (or browser) to find you. For example, wix.com is a domain name. Behind the scenes, computers use complex strings of numbers called IP addresses to communicate. But because humans aren't great at remembering strings like 192.0.2.1 , we use domain names instead. When you "buy" a domain, you are registering that specific address with an organization called ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). They manage the central database of all web addresses. You pay a registrar (like Wix) to reserve that name for a specific period, usually between one and ten years. Learn more: Why do I need a domain name? How to choose a domain name How much does a domain name cost How to check if a domain name is available Benefits of holding on to the same domain name While you can’t technically buy it forever in one transaction, keeping the same domain for decades is incredibly valuable. Stability matters for a number of reasons: 01. Builds brand authority If you change your business name or URL every few years, it’s hard for customers to trust you. A long-standing domain signals that you are established and reliable. It’s a stamp of legitimacy that tells visitors, "I'm here to stay." “If we were a smaller company, we probably would have been encouraged to look for a new domain, but the costs of change and potential traffic loss weren't worth it. The value of our domain is purely from the branding perspective. We could move the whole content, redirect all the SEO value and links we have, but the branding is what makes the domain name important to us.” - Kacper Rafalski, Demand Generation Team Leader at Netguru Learn more: what is domain authority? 02. Strengthens SEO rankings Search engines like Google tend to trust older domains that have a history of good content and steady traffic. If you switch domains, you essentially reset the clock on your SEO efforts, losing the "juice" you built up over the years. Sticking with one URL helps you climb the search results and stay there. You may also be interested in: Is .shop a good domain? How to get a .org domain 03. Consistent traffic Direct traffic, i.e. people typing your URL directly into their browser, is gold. If you’ve printed your URL on business cards, shared it on social media or have it linked on other websites, changing it means all those potential visitors hit a "404 Error" page. Keeping your domain ensures you catch every single visitor. Learn more: what is a URL? Can you buy a domain name forever? Common challenges explained Since true "forever" ownership doesn't exist, you need to be aware of the hurdles that could cause you to lose your domain: Expired credit cards This is the number one reason people lose their domains. You register a domain for five years, forget about it, and in that time, your credit card expires. When the renewal date hits, the payment fails and the domain eventually drops back into the public pool. Learn more about domain expiration . Registrar bankruptcy It’s rare, but it happens. If the company you registered your domain with goes out of business, complications can arise. Usually, ICANN steps in to transfer domains to a new registrar, but it can be a headache you don’t want to deal with. Learn more: how to transfer a domain . Missing renewal emails Registrars send plenty of warnings before a domain expires. But if you used an old email address you no longer check, or if those emails go to spam, you might miss the memo entirely. You may also be interested in: Dropped domains Parked domains Examples of domain names with longevity Most domain names are only registered for one year at a time, with 60% of .com domains lasting no more than one year before expiration or renewal. Moreover, under current policies, the maximum registration period for any domain is 10 years at a time before it must be renewed again. However, some domains have been around almost as long as the public internet itself. These examples prove that while you can't buy "forever," you can certainly hold on for a lifetime. Symbolics.com: Registered in March 1985, this was the very first .com domain ever registered. It is still active today. IBM.com: Also registered in 1986, showing that big brands understood the value of digital real estate early on. Wix.com: We’ve held onto our domain since 2006, building a reputation and authority that helps millions of users create their own sites today. These sites prove that with simple management, a lease can effectively become permanent ownership. Learn more about the domain lifecycle . Can you buy a domain name forever? Let's find out Ready to secure your name for the long haul? Here is the step-by-step game plan to get as close to "forever" as possible. Choose a reliable registrar Max out your registration period Turn on auto-renew Keep your contact info current Add a backup payment method 01. Choose a reliable registrar Start with a trustworthy registrar that is accredited by ICANN. You want a company with a solid track record, good support and transparent pricing. Wix offers easy domain name search and registration, making it simple to find and lock down your ideal name. Learn more: how to choose a domain registrar . 02. Max out your registration period Most registrars allow you to register a domain for up to 10 years at a time. If you are serious about this business, don’t go year-to-year. Pay for the full decade upfront. It saves you the hassle of annual renewals and locks in the price. “Changing domains down the road can be costly and confusing, so it pays to choose thoughtfully from the start. A well-chosen name grows with you, making every step of your brand journey feel consistent.” - Ofir Gvili, Domains PMM at Wix 03. Turn on auto-renew This is non-negotiable. Go into your account settings and ensure "Auto-Renew" is toggled on. This grants permission for the registrar to charge your card automatically when the time comes. Learn more about best domain registrars . 04. Keep your contact info current Make a calendar reminder to check your domain settings once a year. Ensure your email address and phone number are up to date so you receive renewal notifications. 05. Add a backup payment method Don’t rely on a single card. Add a secondary credit card or PayPal account to your file. If your primary card fails, the system can try the backup, saving your domain from accidental expiration. You may also be interested in: What is domain protection? Domain flipping Domain history How to buy a domain name that lasts with Wix When you buy a domain name with Wix, you get a simple, secure foundation for your online presence from day one. Wix simplifies domain registration for your business, making it easy to find, register and manage your domain in one place. With secure domain registration backed by SSL certification, your site and visitors are protected from the moment you go live. Plus, Wix offers quick domain registration, so you can lock in your web address fast and focus on building, growing and protecting your website with confidence. Learn more: How to get an SSL certificate How much does an SSL certificate cost? Can you buy a domain name forever FAQ Can I buy a domain name permanently? No, you cannot buy a domain permanently in a single transaction. The domain name system works on a renewal basis, similar to renting an apartment. However, you can renew it indefinitely. As long as you keep paying the renewal fee, the domain is yours. What happens if I forget to renew my domain? If you miss the renewal, your domain enters a "grace period" (usually about 30 days) where you can still renew it without penalty. After that, it may enter a "redemption period" where retrieving it costs extra. If you still don't act, the domain is released back to the public, and anyone else can register it. Are there "lifetime" domain registration services? Some companies market "lifetime" domain registration. Be cautious with these. Usually, you pay a large upfront fee, and the company promises to handle the annual renewals for you. The risk is that if the company shuts down, your "lifetime" deal disappears with them. It is generally safer to manage the renewals yourself through a reputable registrar.
- How to create a professional website: step-by-step guide
Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → A professional website can simultaneously operate as a marketing tool, a store platform, a display of talent, a communication channel, and an engine for branding. Essentially, it opens up the entire world to you and your business, giving you a unique platform to accomplish nearly anything. In this post, we will provide a step-by-step guide explaining how to make a Wix website and walk you through the technicalities and details of building your own professional site, which may differ from building a personal site. We will also focus on branding and marketing essentials to guarantee your site is as effective as it is beautiful. Or get started by understanding more about creating a website with AI from these best AI website builders . How to create a professional website Strategize your brand Master the web design Prioritize website usability Optimize for search engines Professionalize your site Optimize for mobile Launch a content marketing plan Test and maintain your professional website 01. Strategize your brand Start with outlining a clear and consistent brand strategy that will impact each touchstone of your site, from the overall website purpose to the guiding visual philosophy and tone of voice. All of these should become clear as you pursue the following: Identify your target market : Who are they? Which demographic groups do they belong to? What do they like to do? How do your target audience see themselves? How will your business or website influence their lives? Research your competitors : Do some market research to get a feel on what the competition is doing, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and how you can carve a niche for yourself in the field. Define your brand identity : If you had to describe your brand in three words, what would they be? What is the vision that motivates your brand? Think of your brand’s personality and extract from it tangible traits like brand colors, vocabulary and style. Prepare consistent branding material : Now it’s time to get practical and prepare the materials that will soon be featured on your site and across your other branding assets. Make sure to create your own logo , as well as images, slogans, videos, textual content and more. These elements should all correspond to your brand identity and serve your branding strategy. Learn more: Website name ideas 02. Master the web design From choosing the right website color scheme to crafting the right layout for your site, you have to take into account many aspects of professional website design . If you already know how to build a website from scratc h and have some previous experience, you can build your site starting from a blank website template , deciding whether you want to create a static website or a dynamic one. If you're worried about how long it takes to build a website , and want to save some time, you can also create a professional website with Wix's HTML website creator in the following three steps: Choose a template or start with AI : Using a website builder with What You See is What You Get (WYSIWYG) software, like Wix, you don't need any code to create your site—it's already built into the interface. The platform provides customers with customizable website templates as a solid foundation for designing their sites from scratch. There is a vast selection of professional website templates for a range of themes, styles and purposes. Whether you’re creating a personal website , using an online store builder or any other type of site, find the template that best suits your vision. Ideally, the one you pick will already be structured according to your needs and in line with your business goals (Learn more about starting a business ). Alternatively, you can let Wix's AI website maker design your site for you, and then customize it later on. This means you don't need to be well-versed in HTML , CSS or other web development lingo. Simply chat with AI and let Wix's artificial design intelligence work its magic. Learn more about how to create a website with AI . If you are an expert, check out Wix Studio for features such as responsive AI and a web creation platform built for agencies. Customize your template : It’s time to turn it into your very own site by customizing and editing. Add in all your content, including text, videos, links and images. Wix recommends using JPEG, PNG and GIF files for images to ensure they appear their best on your site. Next, refine the design using the editor's site and theme design to easily align your site design with your brand. Customization can be as basic or as elaborate as you want it to be. For inspiration, take a look at this selection of striking Wix websites , created from three different templates. Notice how the original simple website templates have been adapted to result in unique, individually-designed sites. Read also: I built a Wix website for my mom—here's how it went "Once you pick the right layout or the right template for you, I think it's really important to first make sure you customize all the content." - Dafna Rabin, Wix Template Design team lead Tweak the look : There is much more to creating a website than just choosing the best fonts, colors and images. You can incorporate a variety of media features to enhance your overall aesthetic. Try adding background videos or animation to your website design for added movement, or parallax scrolling to craft a sense of depth. But, be careful not to fall into the trap of overdesigning , too. Waste no time and create your site from start to finish with Wix's website builder . 03. Prioritize website usability Your website needs to catch the eye of any potential customer but to ensure that visitors will keep browsing, you must also provide a positive user experience. A beautiful website that does not function properly will not get you far. As you create a professional website, pay attention to these important points: Navigation flow : For optimal website navigation, make sure the site structure is clear and intuitive. Visitors should be able to easily navigate between pages and subpages using the main menu or internal links. "When it comes to making a website it's worth considering building a plan for all your website pages from the start of the process. This means creating a clear website plan that includes your planned and potential future pages. This allows you to then build a url structure for your site that is clean and consistent. This in turn can also mean you avoid having to make fixes to your url structure later, with redirects and manually having to update our change your internal linking." - Nitsan Eiges, Technical SEO team lead at Wix Content hierarchy : Hierarchy is one of the seven principles of design, which is why you should pay extra attention to it. Your aim is to guide visitors through your site in the order that best suits your interest. When thinking through how to plan a website , make sure that the most crucial layout elements are the most prominent. Reflect this hierarchy in your design, emphasizing the most important elements through size, color and placement on the page. For example, if you want people to subscribe to your service, make sure your ‘Subscribe’ button stands out on the page. This landing page explaining how to create a blog with a blog creator, clearly demonstrates content hierarchy done right, with large headers and eye-catching buttons. Calls-to-action : CTAs are the short messages that invite site visitors to take direct action. They can encourage visitors to “Register Free,” “Get Yours Today” or “Subscribe.” In short, they tell the visitors explicitly what you want them to do and make it easy for them to trust what will happen after clicking a button. Readability : Readability is a basic principle in typography. Make sure to use clear fonts and comfortable font sizes, that your text colors contrast well with the background colors, and that you have enough empty space (whitespace) around your written content. Check out our guide for more details on how to make website accessible . Footer : The bottom part of your site is known as the website footer (the top is the header). Footers are not immediately visible to site visitors, but they can be used in a number of ways to enhance usability. Consider adding your contact information to the footer, including buttons linking to social media channels and your privacy policy . You could also display a simplified site map that links to all your pages, as well as a brief explanation of who you are, or a site disclaimer text. Learn more: What makes a good website , website vs. CMS , Homepage design examples 04. Optimize for search engines Getting your site to rank prominently on search results is one of the most valuable ways to increase your traffic. This is why it’s so important to prioritize search engine optimization ( SEO ) in the early stages of creating your professional website. A key part of online marketing, SEO is a science in its own right. Its key elements are: Keyword research : Put yourself in the shoes of your potential site visitor or client. Which questions or phrases might they search for on Google that could lead them to your website? The keywords within their search queries will guide your SEO strategy. Using keyword research tools, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on which keywords you should be targeting. This can also be helpful for choosing a domain name that's relevant and searchable. Text : Every piece of text on your website, from your menu to your FAQ page, blog, footer or bio section, should be written with SEO in mind. While there are many SEO tips to boost your website, the general idea is to find subtle and elegant ways to integrate your keywords into your site’s textual content without compromising on quality. Search engine crawlers are smart, and they could down-rank you if they think you sound too much like an ad. Meta tags : Search engines like Google read your metadata. It’s up to you to control what it is that they see and how they present your site in search results. It is well worth it to take the time to add custom meta tags to your site with the goal of optimizing your content and helping search engines understand what your pages contain. Alt text : Images also play a prominent role in your SEO efforts. Every image that you upload to your website should have alt text (short for alternative text) added to it. Alt text is a very short line that explains to search engines what the image depicts. In turn, this allows your images to be ‘found’ in search results, which is why it’s important to write SEO-friendly alt text for all your images. Link building : Broadly put, your ranking on search engine results is likely to improve if you have other websites linking to your site. You can start by submitting your professional website to directories, making sure that all your social media profiles link to your site, and encouraging site visitors to share your content as well. Keep in mind that SEO is a long-term process that does not end once your website launches. You will need to continue to refine it as you go along in order to achieve sustainable results. "Don't be afraid to start small with your SEO content strategy. Focus on basic on-page optimizations and best practices, such as keywords in headings, first. Once you're sure your audience can be found on organic search, you can start planning a more advanced content strategy, involving clustering and advanced SEO techniques." - Rebecca Tomasis, Blog SEO team lead at Wix 05. Professionalize your website In addition to acting as the online face of your business or service, you should ask yourself how your website can further enhance your professional success. Depending on your industry or field, your site could be offering a number of features that will make it more appealing to your target market: Scheduling software : This is an ideal solution for managing appointments online and helps you take bookings and get payments more efficiently, as well as showcase your services in their best light. Online store : It’s never been easier to create and manage an eCommerce website, which includes professional features such as advanced marketing tools, secure online payments and multiple sales channels. You can start building your website from scratch or pick one of these online store templates . Fitness website : As you build a fitness business, you need an all-in-one solution with gym management software, online booking and payments, and convenient staff and scheduling options. Music portfolio website : Sell your music directly on your website with Wix, and keep 100% of the profits. You will also be able to expand your audience while maintaining total creative freedom. Essential apps : The Wix App Market holds a large selection of apps that will help you fulfill your website’s potential to the max. Consider, for instance, a tool to track your visitor analytics , a countdown timer to help increase your sales, and sophisticated text animation to impress your visitors. Read more: Check out Josh Harmon's professional website . 06. Optimize for mobile Making sure your website functions just as well on mobile as it does on desktop is crucial in this day and age. In fact, mobile usage stats indicate that mobile devices account for over 50% of web page views worldwide . Not only that, but since Google implemented mobile-first indexing, websites are ranked on search results predominantly by their mobile versions. Clearly, it’s worth investing your time in optimizing your mobile website . When you create a professional website with Wix, the mobile editor automatically converts your desktop design into a mobile-friendly site. You can then adjust the layout and design to suit mobile devices, paying particular attention to readability, text sizing and navigation. You can even make your website an app for users to download to their smartphones. For users who are looking for full control over breakpoints, Wix Studio is an advanced creation platform built exclusively for designers and agencies. It combines cutting-edge, responsive design with intuitive drag-and-drop on a flexible new canvas. This gives you absolute design control, so you can design your site at any viewport size. You can also create a responsive website. 07. Launch a content marketing plan Once your professional website goes live, you will see that the main challenge shifts to attracting and maintaining visitors. You can prepare for this task by developing a content marketing strategy, or the nuts and bolts of creating, publishing and promoting content that builds brand loyalty and trust. Here are a few ways to launch a content marketing plan: Make newsletters : Marketing emails, like a newsletter, can generate traffic using relevant and enticing content that makes a reader want to click. You can make your own successful email marketing campaign with Wix using fully customizable layouts, marketing automation tools, easy-to-read stats tracking, and more. Start a blog : There are many reasons why blogging is well worth your time and effort. Besides the fact that you can use it to monetize a website , having a blog can positively impact your site’s traffic. By covering a wide array of topics, you can draw in more readers and in turn more users to your product or service. Blog articles can also be repurposed and shared on social media. Add other compelling content: Expand your site’s appeal with engaging formats like infographics, white papers or case studies. Infographics can share complex ideas visually, while white papers and case studies establish credibility in your industry. Combining these diverse content types builds a richer experience for your audience while helping your business stand out. Content-wise, having your own blog will let you communicate your message and ideas in a more personal tone, as well as demonstrate your level of professionalism in your field. "I can definitely say that blogging is not only relevant nowadays, it's crucial. It's the perfect opportunity for us to build trust and authority with our users. Some people consider blogging only as a nice piece of content, but I think that it goes beyond this. It's a relationship that you're building with your readers where you can share with them—useful tips (they can apply to themselves) quotes from experts your experience on a given topic (which will show them your level of expertise on specific topics)."- Clemence Arthur, International SEO manager at Wix Social media is another great way to reach a wider audience. When you update your website, you can share the news on your social media channels. However, don't just promote your website. Engage with your audience in a genuine way, too. 08. Test and maintain your professional website As your professional website grows traffic and attracts more site visitors, you’ll need it running like a well-oiled machine. While website maintenance can feel like a big chore, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are some easy steps you can take to stay on top of your site with little investment. These include updating your content, like on your contact form, responding to customer reviews, checking online inventory and removing broken links or updating your privacy policy . Maintaining helps keep your audience engaged and your site looking professional. Test your site frequently to ensure all links, forms and features function seamlessly across different browsers and devices. Identifying technical issues early allows you to fix them before they impact user experience, helping your site maintain a polished and reliable image. Equally important is to keep your platform and plugins updated. Outdated software can pose serious security risks and slow down performance. Scheduling regular updates ensures your site is protected, operating at peak efficiency and meeting the latest web standards. Use website analytics to gain valuable insights into how visitors interact with your site. This data reveals opportunities to improve user experience, optimize engagement and boost conversions, helping your site reach its full potential. It's also important to check your software and add-ons for updates at least monthly. Outdated software can be a security risk, even if you have strong website security measures in place. Tip: Need a catchy title for your website's domain or subdomain ? Use a website name generator for inspiration and ideas. When it comes to creating a professional website you'll want to make sure you use a website builder, whether do it yourself or headless, that comes with advanced website infrastructure. This means with web hosting provided automatically, the chance to choose and connect a domain name and security that delivers 24/7 monitoring. . Related reading : Learn how Roni Sagi , runner up from America's Got Talent made her site. How to create a professional website FAQ Can I build my own professional website? Yes. All you need to do is choose a website builder, like Wix, find the right professional website templates and get creating. With Wix, your web hosting and web security are taken care of, so you can focus on the design and content of your site. Learn more about the advantages of Wix in this comparison guide: Wix vs Squarespace . Can I create a professional website for free? Absolutely. With Wix you can build a site for free or choose a premium package for more functionality. Learn more about is Wix really free ? How much does it cost to build a professional website? The cost of creating a website varies, depending on if you choose to work with a web developer and designer, or if you choose to use a CMS and build it yourself. You can create a professional website for free, or choose from a premium package that will include your domain name and other features. How can I create a professional website as a beginner? As a beginner you'll want to make sure you choose the right website builder to get you started with making your professional site. Opt for a platform that allows you to quickly and easily create a site, and which will allow your site to grow and scale with your professional career or business. As a beginner creating a site its always a good idea to work first with templates for your site pages. What is a personal professional website? A personal professional website is an online site where individuals showcase their skills, achievements and work experience. It serves as a dynamic digital resume, allowing users to display portfolios, highlight expertise and provide contact information. This centralized online hub enables personal branding, making it easier for employers, clients or collaborators to learn about one's professional background and accomplishments. It often includes a bio, portfolio section, resume and contact details for networking and career opportunities. How to spot a professional website? A professional website is characterized by a clean, modern design with intuitive navigation. High-quality visuals and well-organized content enhance user experience. The site loads quickly, and the URL is secure (https://). Contact information and a clear call-to-action are easily accessible. Professional websites prioritize functionality, showcase a cohesive brand identity and credibility with error-free content and attention to detail. Why should I create a professional website? Creating a professional website gives you a strong online presence, which builds your credibility and visibility. A website provides a centralized hub for potential employers or clients to learn about you, fostering networking opportunities. It also allows you to control your personal brand, express your unique identity and allow for easy communication. A professional website is a crucial tool for career advancement and personal branding in an age where everything and everyone is online. How to make a professional website in just 10 minutes? You can create a professional website quickly with Wix’s intuitive drag-and-drop website builder . Choose a template from the extensive library that fits your business needs, then customize it with your text, images and branding. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to arrange elements and get your site online in minutes. Wix empowers you to build a fast, professional and polished online presence—no technical skills required. How can I make my website look professional? To make your website look professional, focus on a clean and consistent design with a cohesive color scheme and typography. Use high-quality images and organize your content so it's simple to navigate. Additionally, make sure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly, as these factors make a big difference in building trust and leaving a strong impression.
- How to make a business website, with expert insight
Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → Every great business idea deserves—and requires—a great business website. And while there was a time when learning how to build a website was a complex, time consuming and expensive process, those days are long behind us. Now, website creation is accessible to everyone, no matter how tech savvy (or tech averse) you might be. With an intuitive, user-friendly website builder like Wix, anyone can learn how to make a business website complete with fully customizable features, AI tools, enterprise-grade security and built-in options for managing and growing your business. All it takes is 10 simple steps. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. We’re all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. TL;DR: how to make a business website You can build a complete, professional business website with Wix in 10 simple steps—no coding needed. Start with one of 2,000+ customizable templates, get free secure hosting and connect your domain. Add essential pages like Home, About, Contact and Store, then fill them with content that works—blogs, testimonials and visuals. Make your site mobile-friendly, easy to navigate and optimized for SEO. Use built-in tools like AI text, CRM, analytics, email marketing and social integrations to grow your business. Try a one-page site or dedicated landing page if you're just starting out, and experiment with AI features to speed up the process. Add legal pages like a privacy policy and keep things fresh with regular updates so your site stays relevant, trustworthy and ready to scale. Types of business websites and what they need Type of website & examples Key pages and features to include Basic website features (included in all sites) Homepage, About page, Contact page, Privacy policy, Terms and conditions, Calls to action (CTAs), SEO basics, Mobile-friendly design, Social media links Service business (consultants, lawyers, coaches, freelancers) Services page, Testimonials, Online booking or inquiry form, CRM or lead capture forms Online store / eCommerce (retail shops, boutiques, handmade goods sellers) Shop and product pages, Cart and checkout, Payment options, Return and refund policy, Inventory management, Customer reviews Local business (restaurants, salons, gyms, repair shops) Menu or Services page, Map and phone number on Contact page, Online booking or reservation system, Testimonials Portfolio or creative professional (photographers, designers, artists, writers) Portfolio or work samples, Blog (optional), Newsletter signup, Testimonials Blog or content site (personal bloggers, industry news, influencers) Blog page, Categories and tags for posts, Newsletter signup, Comment system Nonprofit or community organization (charities, clubs, advocacy groups) Mission and values page, Events page, Volunteer or donation page, Donation/payment options How to make a business website in 10 steps Pick a business website template Choose a web host and domain name Optimize for SEO Focus on the user experience Build relevant pages Fill your site with rich content Implement a strong CRM Include a privacy policy Promote your site Track web performance 01. Pick a business website template Start by taking a look through our top picks for some of the best business websites and best business website examples . This will give you some inspiration ahead of creating your own. If you’re just starting a business , Wix offers hundreds of professionally designed, fully customizable business website templates based on industry research, from finance to farming and everything in between. (There’s a reason it’s lauded as one of the best website builders for small businesses .) Choose a template that works for your business As you set out to choose a template, browse through the different categories to find the best match for your business goals and personality. It could be a tech startup site, a construction company website or something else entirely—but the look and feel should match your style. Think modern, minimal, bold or even retro. Also consider what pages and features your business needs most. Dafna Rabin, template design team lead with Wix, suggests making this your first step. Next, Dafna suggests thinking about the kind of content you plan to add to your site and choosing a template that supports it. Are you planning to write a blog? Do you want a big image or video at the top of your homepage? The story your content tells about your business should shape the layout you go with. Create your site from start to finish with Wix's website builder . “Think about the flow of the content and the story that you want to tell your users,” Dafna recommends. “What is the first thing they see? What is the second? What is the main call to action (CTA) that you need on your website? What is the most important information that you want your users to see?” Finally, your template should accurately reflect your brand. “Make sure you fit the website to your brand colors and that your logo is well positioned,” Rabin advises. Learn more: Website vs CMS 02. Choose a web host and domain name To get online, you need a web hosting provider for others to discover your website. If you’re looking for the best website hosting for small businesses , Wix offers free web hosting that’s protected and reliable, with 24/7 security monitoring and integrated SSL certificates to keep customers safe. It also boosts an impressive 99.9% uptime, meaning your site will stay up and running on secure and stable networks. Next, you’ll need to get a domain name , also known as your website address, and connect it to your hosting provider. Selecting a strong domain name will add credibility to your business site and provide visibility for your brand. Ideally, it should match your business name for consistency. If you’re stuck on the naming front, try Wix’s free Business Name Generator and domain name search tool to see what’s available. Need help finding a catchy title for your domain name? Use Wix domain name generator for inspiration and ideas that will help your business site stand out. Best practices when picking a domain name: Make it easy to pronounce and spell : Your domain name should be easily shareable and understandable. Keep it brief : Shorter names are user-friendly and easier to remember. Typing a lengthy name into the address bar is more susceptible to typos than a short name. Be unique and consistent : You want to stand out against the crowd. It’s also a good idea to keep your domain name in line with your brand, paving the way for a cohesive online presence. Avoid numbers and hyphens : These are often too confusing (is it 5 or five?) or difficult to remember. Hyphens, in particular, are easy to misplace when typing. Consider what domain extension you want to use: .de domain .xyz domain .co domain .store domain .info domain Build your business website today with Wix. 03. Optimize for SEO SEO, or search engine optimization, helps your website show up when people search for things related to your business. As Rebecca Tomasis, SEO expert for Wix Blogs, puts it: “The higher you rank in search, and the more keywords you rank for—the greater your visibility, traffic and potential for conversions or sales.” You don’t need to know everything right away, but you can start with a few basic strategies to help your site get found on Google: Find relevant keywords : You’ll need to do keyword research to better understand what your potential customers search for—the exact phrases or words they use to find specific products, services and solutions. Implementing these keywords naturally on your website, from the page heading and content to the image alt text, will help improve your rank in relevant search results. "Make sure your content is helpful and answers the intent behind the search term as directly and as clearly as possible," advises Rebecca. Improve your website performance : Website performance impacts your site’s position on search engine results. Your web pages should fully load or display in both desktop and mobile browsers in one to two seconds. Some ways to improve your website performance include uploading correct image sizes, for example, using JPEG files over PNG, and avoiding overloading your web pages with content. Add a meta description : This is the short summary of your website that appears below your URL in search results or social shares. Having strong, keyword-optimized meta description copy can enhance your website’s click-through rate, boosting your chances of ranking higher in search engine results. There are a number of robust Wix SEO tools you can use to start optimizing your website right out of the box, including customized structured data markup, a flexible URL redirect manager and integration with Google Search Console and Semrush. 04. Focus on the user experience An effective website design will influence how your customers perceive you and your brand. Moreover, creating a good user experience can help your visitors feel satisfied with your business and can positively affect your website’s traffic, conversion and bounce rates. When you're done editing your website, check how it feels live. “You need to check it in the browser; check how it looks and scrolls,” says Dafna. “Check it on mobile (which a lot of times people forget to do). Check it in other screen resolutions and make sure everything is visible, everything is accessible and people can read it.” Mobile devices account for more than half of web traffic worldwide , so it you’ll definitely want to consider how visitors view this version of your site. Wix’s mobile editor will show you how your site design looks on mobile view so you can optimize your pages accordingly. Additionally, you’ll want to pay attention to the following: Navigation menu : Website navigation can make or break a user’s experience. To optimize navigation and satisfy visitors, choose the right menu for your audience and site. A classic menu sits at the top of every page (the site’s header), while mobile navigation design often uses a hamburger icon as a mobile menu to keep things clean and easy to tap on smaller screens. Calls to action (CTA) : A CTA button is an element with the goal of getting people to take a certain action, such as “contact,” “buy,” “subscribe” or “submit.” An effective CTA depends on the text, color, size, shape and even placement on your site, all of which entice a user to click and move towards making a purchase or filling a contact form. For help writing CTAs that get clicks and choosing the right style for your button, check out how to write a CTA that converts . You can also see real CTA examples to find what fits your site best. Social media links : The social media icons or links displayed on your site can affect the user experience. You can add X (formerly Twitter), Facebook or Instagram icons in your copy to help visitors further engage with your business. Place them prominently in headers and footers as reminders to visitors, or integrate live social media feeds. Additionally, you can implement a social bar to your site, linking visitors directly to any of your social channels. If you need additional features and functionality, the Wix App Market offers hundreds of solutions for third-party integrations for your business. And, if you need different—or more—visual assets, you don’t have to turn farther than your Wix site editor. “We have this huge content library that you can go to and find thousands of assets: images, videos, stickers, icons, everything you need for many different types of businesses and industries,” Dafna notes. And, all assets are available in resolutions that work across multiple screens. Wix user spotlight : Serving people throughout North and South Carolina, The Law Office of David McWilliam specializes in family law, estate planning and mediation. The firm’s website features a clean, user-friendly design with clear navigation and call-to-action buttons that are easy to read and find. 05. Build relevant pages In learning how to create a website , you’ll discover that having multiple pages is a must for your business. This allows you to cover a broad range of content, products or services and nearly every nut and bolt of your venture. Consider these essential pages when deciding what to include on a business website: Homepage : Think of your homepage like the front door to your business—it should be clear, welcoming and give people a reason to stick around. Use strong visuals, easy-to-read text and simple navigation. Add call to action buttons in the right spots to help visitors know what to do next, like explore your services or get in touch. Be inspired by these homepage examples About : People want to know who they’re doing business with. Use your About page to share your story—what you do, what sets you apart and why it matters. Include your values, mission and a bit about your background. If you run a small business, adding a short professional bio can also help build trust. Not sure where to begin? Wix's AI text generator can create an "About" page for you in seconds. Our guide to how to write a bio can also help. Contact : A contact page is the best way for potential customers to get in touch with you. This page should include all your contact information, such as location, business phone number , social media links, business email address and a short contact form. Learn more: Does Wix have email for my business? Online store : With online sales on the rise , it has become essential for many businesses to adapt to an eCommerce model. Building an online store comes with several benefits, as advanced web tools can help you manage and scale your small business. These include everything from managing order fulfillment and creating a customized checkout experience for customers to accepting payments . Once you’ve decided how to make your eCommerce site , you’ll be able to streamline all your operations from a single powerful dashboard—on desktop and mobile. Bookings page : If you’re a service provider, you know that extending convenience and efficiency to potential clients is a crucial part of your business. Adding an online scheduling software to your site will allow you to seamlessly accept bookings and payments. An all-in-one booking solution lets you manage your calendars for clients and staff, plus sell membership plans, subscriptions and open trial sessions. It also allows you to host sessions via Zoom, enabling you to reach larger audiences and build your clientele. Legal pages : As a business website you'll need to include several important pages on your site. You should also check in the country your business is registered in to make sure you're not missing anything you should have. You'll need a privacy policy page (explaining how you collect, use and protect user data on your site), a terms and conditions page, a page or section on your privacy page concerning your cookie policy and how you use cookies on your site, a disclaimer limiting your liability, a GDPR compliance statement (if you have or target EU customers), a copyright notice and clear contact information. All legal pages should be easily accessible and written in clear, understandable language. Wix user spotlight : Next Door Alliance offers comprehensive customer support and administrative services for businesses, including reputation management, human resources, quality control and more. NDA’s business website features a top navigation with key pages of interest: "Home," "About NDA," "Our Services," "Our Vision," "Contact" and "Career Opportunities." From this navigation, potential clients can learn valuable information about the company’s history, experience and offerings. 06. Fill your site with rich content Having quality, fresh content on your website not only encourages visitors to return to you, but also signals to search engines that your site includes up-to-date information. As you start thinking about incorporating or writing website content that drives traffic and engages your target market, consider these forms of content on your website: Blog Many businesses create business blogs, providing insights into their field of expertise and sharing content with their clients. Bloggers write and post articles—dedicated to specific subject matter—that often serve as a platform for active online discussions. You’ll want to prioritize and choose relevant blog post topics that resonate with your audience and can establish you as a voice in your industry. Compelling blog content can also draw new audiences to your brand. For example, if you make and sell wine, a blog post about “How to store wine at home” can capture new audiences and introduce your brand in the process. Wondering how to make a blog ? Wix has got you covered with hundreds of blog templates , built-in SEO features and marketing tools that will allow you to scale your content, your brand and your business. Give the Wix blog maker a spin to see for yourself. Testimonials Testimonials usually come from customers, peers or anyone who has benefited from your offerings or work. Incorporating testimonials into your website helps boost your business’s credibility and build trust among clients. This is crucial, since potential clients can assess if you will meet their needs based upon others’ experiences. With different testimonials out there, most businesses use customer quotes as they’re easy to obtain. Just ask a customer directly for one. You can place testimonials in just about any section of your website, including the home page, product or service page, or even a dedicated testimonial page. Here are some tips to help you plan your content: Engage with customers to identify relevant topics: Talk directly to your customers and pay attention to their questions, feedback and concerns. Observe social media platforms to uncover trending topics and discussions relevant to your industry, then craft content that addresses these interests. Answer common search questions: Think about the questions your audience is likely typing into search engines. Create content that provides direct, helpful answers and positions your website as an expert resource they can rely on. Collaborate with industry experts: Partner with professionals in your field to generate guest content or share fresh insights. This not only boosts credibility but introduces your business to a broader audience through the expert’s connections. Use analytics to fine-tune your strategy: Monitor your content’s performance using analytics tools. Pay attention to metrics like visitor engagement, time spent on pages and conversion rates to identify what’s working and where adjustments are needed. Target evergreen and trend-driven content: Focus on a mix of lasting topics that provide continuous value and trendy subjects that attract immediate attention. This balance keeps your audience engaged, whether they’re seeking timeless advice or up-to-date industry news. Wix user spotlight : Registered dietician Nathalie Rhone owns and operates Nutrition by Nathalie throughout the Greenwich, Connecticut and New York City areas, offering everything from refrigerator makeovers to functional lab testing. Nathalie’s blog adds engaging content to her website by sharing healthy recipes and photos, while her “Success Stories” page features client testimonials praising her services. 07. Implement a strong CRM Once you realize that your business needs a website , you’ll also discover that you need solid customer relationship management (CRM) to build long-term rapport and capture more leads. Once connected to your website, a CRM provides you with marketing and sales force automation, as well as customer contact and project management. Wix offers a complete, powerful and free CRM software that can be easily integrated with your website. The tool includes a wide range of advanced features, such as forms to collect key contact details like emails, leads and testimonials. You might also want to consider using AI agents to improve how you run your business through your website. Wix's AI Custom Agent is a no-code platform that lets you create personalized AI assistants aka agents without technical expertise. Your custom agent will work autonomously to drive growth and can be built to automatically send targeted coupon codes to win back inactive customers or to monitor inventory levels to prevent stockouts or it can be built to implement dynamic pricing for underperforming products. You can setup an AI agent tailored to your business requirements and free yourself to focus on strategic decisions while your digital assistant handles routine but critical tasks. 08. Include a privacy policy Many countries around the world require businesses to disclose how they collect, handle and process visitor data. In turn, users have become more protective of their personal data and concerned about how companies use it. As a result, it’s crucial that you write a privacy policy for your website explaining how and why you gather visitor information. This transparent, upfront communication will establish trust with your users. You can also install a permission banner for cookies. 09. Promote your business site After you build a business website, you’ll notice that you’ve also created a hub of all your digital marketing efforts. You can use your site to increase your business’s exposure to prospective clients by applying a couple of these low-investment and effective marketing strategies: Email marketing : This targeted communication generates conversions and develops relationships with customers. Additional benefits include building engagement with your brand, driving traffic to your site and promoting your business. A robust email marketing service, like the one from Wix, allows you to create and send various types of email campaigns and customize them for your target audience. A Hubspot study in 2024 found that 43% of marketers believe email brings the highest ROI from their efforts with the medium. Social media marketing : Today, many businesses leverage the power of social media and reach out to mass audiences from across the world through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest and X. With social media marketing, you can regularly promote and share content around your business in the form of live streaming, user generated content, stories or posting in specific groups. What’s more, you can create and manage both Facebook and Instagram Ads from your Wix eCommerce dashboard. The same Hubspot study found that 63% of marketers believe that social media drives the highest ROI on their marketing efforts. 10. Track web performance To fully understand your site’s performance, turn to web analytics tools and dive deeper into your site’s traffic trends. Visitor behavior can clue you into where your users come from, how they got to your site and which pages they stay on for longer periods of time. Wix Analytics is a useful tool for gleaning these insights, providing an in-depth look into your site’s traffic trends, content performance and visitor behavior. Once you have a better understanding of your visitors—first time or returning—you can make data-driven decisions on what your site needs in order to improve overall performance. How AI can speed up building your business website Many website builders now include AI assistants that ask you a few questions about your business and automatically create a website layout, color scheme and even write some of the content for you. For example, a small florist could answer questions about their style, services and favorite colors then get a ready-made website to customize instead of starting from scratch. Beyond design, AI can help generate blog posts, product descriptions, social media captions and more, saving hours of writing and brainstorming. Imagine a personal trainer using AI to quickly create workout program descriptions or a craft shop owner generating unique product listings without struggling over every word. If you want to test the waters, start by trying an AI-powered website builder or content generators and see how much easier it makes your launch. AI won’t replace your unique touch but it’s a powerful helper that can get your site live faster and with less hassle. Learn more : How to create a website with AI Landing page vs full business website: Which one should you choose? Not every business needs a full website with multiple pages. Sometimes, a landing page is all you need. A landing page is a simple single page designed to focus on one goal like collecting email addresses, promoting a new product or driving sign-ups for an event. For example, if you’re launching a new fitness coaching program and want to gather interested clients quickly, a landing page with a clear offer and signup form can do the job. It’s fast to build, easy to update and great for testing ideas without investing too much time or money upfront. On the other hand, a full website is better for businesses that need space to tell their story, showcase services, share customer reviews or run a blog. Think of a bakery that wants to show its menu, share baking tips and sell cakes online—that requires multiple pages to cover everything well. If your goal is long-term growth, SEO visibility and building trust with visitors, a full website is the way to go. For many small businesses, starting with a landing page and upgrading later works well. Learn more : Landing page vs website How to create a landing page Best landing page builders Can a one-page website work for my business? Yes, a single-page website can be a powerful and simple way to get online—especially if you want to keep things straightforward. These sites present all the key info visitors need on one scrollable page. For example, a freelance photographer might use a one-page site with a strong headline, a gallery of photos, client testimonials and a contact form. The key to a successful one-page website is to organize your content well and use anchor links so visitors can jump smoothly between sections like About, Services and Contact. This type of site works best for businesses or personal brands with a clear, focused message such as consultants, artists or small cafes with a simple menu. One-page sites aren’t perfect for businesses with lots of products or complex services but if your offering is simple and your goal is to get visitors to take one main action, this can be a smart, budget-friendly choice. Learn more : Website vs. one-page website How to create a one-page website Best one-page website builders One-page website examples How much does it cost to make a business website? The cost of making a business website can vary a lot depending on your needs and who builds it. If you use a website builder like Wix, you can get started for free or with a low monthly fee to cover your domain, hosting and premium features. This option works great if you want to build the site yourself using templates and drag-and-drop tools. It’s affordable and lets you scale your site as your business grows. If you hire a professional web designer or developer, costs can jump from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. This investment makes sense for businesses that want a fully custom look, complex features like online stores, booking systems or membership areas. Learn more: How much does a website cost? What are some emerging website design trends for businesses? Website design trends are constantly evolving, and businesses that stay ahead can create a stronger connection with their audience. One emerging trend is minimalist design with bold visuals. Clean layouts with plenty of white space help users focus on your content, while striking images or videos make a lasting impression. This combination keeps websites modern, professional and easy to navigate. Another growing trend is interactive and immersive experiences. Elements like micro-animations, scroll-triggered effects and interactive product showcases make browsing more engaging. These features help your visitors feel more connected to your brand and encourage them to spend more time exploring your website. Personalization and AI-driven content are also becoming essential for businesses. By tailoring recommendations, content or even navigation based on user behavior, websites feel more relevant and useful to each visitor. Combined with mobile-first design, fast loading times and accessibility best practices, these trends help businesses create websites that are not only visually appealing but also deliver a seamless and memorable user experience. How to build a business website FAQ How long does it take to create a business website? A simple website can be created in a few hours, while a more complex website may take several weeks or even months to complete. If you're building the website yourself, you can expect to spend at least a few hours on the design and layout. You also need to create content for your website, which can take some time, especially if you are writing all of the content yourself. Learn more: Small business website statistics How do I choose the right business website template? When choosing a website template, it's important to consider the following factors: The type of business you have The target audience for your website The overall style and tone you want to convey The features and functionality you need It's also important to choose a template that is responsive, meaning it will look good and function well on all devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. What should you include on your business website? The specific content of your business website will vary depending on the type of business you have. However, there are some general elements that all business websites should include: A homepage that introduces your business and what it does A contact page where visitors can get in touch with you About page that tells visitors more about your business and its team Services page that lists the services you offer Portfolio page that showcases your work Blog page where you can publish articles and other content related to your business You may also want to include additional pages on your website, such as an FAQ page, a pricing page or a careers page. How much does a business website cost? The cost of a website can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size and complexity of the website, the features you need and who you hire to build the website. If you make the website yourself, that will cost less than hiring a web designer or developer. Do businesses really need a website? Yes, businesses really need a website in today's digital world. A website is a valuable marketing tool that can help businesses to reach new customers, increase sales and build a strong brand identity. Here are some of the benefits of having a website for your business: Increased visibility: A website makes your business visible to potential customers all over the world. People can easily find your website by searching for keywords related to your business on Google or other search engines. Credibility: A well-designed website gives your business a professional and credible image. This is important for building trust with potential customers. 24/7 availability: Your website is always available, even when your business is closed. This means that potential customers can learn more about your business and make purchases at any time. Lead generation: Your website can be used to generate leads by collecting contact information from visitors. This information can then be used to follow up with potential customers and promote your products or services. Sales: You can sell your products or services directly through your website. This can be a great way to increase sales and reach a wider audience. How do I create a free website for my small business? Creating a free website for your business is simpler than you might think, especially with platforms like Wix. Wix offers a user-friendly interface where you can select from a variety of templates, customize them to your liking and add your business content. Even if you're not tech-savvy, you can navigate the platform easily. How easy is making a website for my business? It will depend on what you need your business for. If it's to represent your business online or to serve as a marketing asset, you can get started by creating a website with Wix from a selection of pre-designed templates which is relatively easy. If you need a website to sell for your business, best to choose an ecommerce website builder and how easy it will be will depend on which platform you choose and how advanced you need your business website to be. Should I build a business website myself or hire a professional? Consider these points when deciding: DIY with Wix: User-friendly drag-and-drop editor Numerous customizable templates Lower cost Suitable for most sites Hire a professional: - Time-saving for you What's the best platform or CMS for building a business website? Wix is an excellent platform for building a business website and here's why: User-friendly drag-and-drop interface 800+ customizable templates for various industries Mobile-responsive designs Built-in SEO tools E-commerce capabilities App market for extended functionality Secure hosting and SSL certificate included Regular updates and new features 24/7 customer support Scalable plans for growing businesses What content should I include on my business website? Essential content for a business website can include: Clear homepage with value proposition "About Us" page detailing company history and mission Products/Services pages with descriptions and pricing Contact information and form Customer testimonials or case studies FAQ sections Blog for industry insights Team/Staff profiles Privacy policy and terms of service Call-to-action buttons throughout How can I make my website secure? To secure your Wix website you don't need to do anything initially due to it's enterprise grade security infrastructure which includes enabled HTTPS with free SSL certificate and auto backups, as well as 24/7 security monitoring. You can help your site security by implementing strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, limiting admin access and monitoring your site. How often should I update my business website? Regularly updating your business website is crucial, here's how you can go about doing it: Review content monthly for accuracy Update product/service information immediately when changes occur Add new blog posts weekly or bi-weekly Refresh design elements annually or in line with new branding efforts Update team/staff information as needed Check for broken links monthly Update testimonials/case studies quarterly Revise FAQs as new questions arise Seasonal updates for promotions/events
- How to make a website for a school project
Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → Having a website for your school project can take things up a notch from the usual posters or plain old reports. With a website, you can bring your ideas to life, add cool interactive features and engage your audience. Think of it as turning your project into an experience—whether it’s an online portfolio, a digital science fair exhibit or even a virtual art showcase. And the best part? Using a website builder makes it super easy to create and customize your site, even if you don't have the technical skills. With that in mind, we'll show you how to create a website for a school project that looks great and helps you show off your work in the coolest way possible. Learn more: How to create a website fast 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. Types of school project websites The best school websites can showcase anything from artwork to upcoming events—the possibilities are endless. Here are some types of websites you can use to make your project stand out: Online portfolios of student work: Create an online portfolio where you can display your best work to teachers, peers and even parents. This can include written pieces, artwork, coding projects or presentations. Learn more about how to make a portfolio for college. Science fair projects: Outline your hypothesis, document your experiments, share research and showcase the results of your science project. Add videos, photos and interactive elements to make complex concepts easier to understand. Art projects: Build a virtual art gallery to display paintings, drawings, sculptures or digital art. You can curate your own collections, explain artistic processes and gather feedback through comments. School newspapers/magazines: Transform your school newspaper or magazine into an engaging online platform. Publish articles, editorials, interviews and multimedia content to keep your school community informed and entertained. Historical projects: Develop a website that dives deep into historical events. To create an immersive learning experience, you can include timelines, images, primary sources and even multimedia presentations. Upcoming school events: Use a website to spread the word about a school play, sports day, fundraiser or concert. Add details like event schedules, ticket sales, contact information and highlights from past events to drive excitement. Field trips: Turn your field trip experience into a compelling story by documenting the journey on your website. Include photos, videos, student reflections and fun facts to keep memories alive and share what you learned. Learn more: What do I need to make a website? How to design a website for a school project 1. Select a project topic and gather resources 2. Select a domain name and hosting platform 3. Choose a school website builder and template 4. Plan your school project website layout 5. Design your professional school project website 6. Create engaging content 7. Test and launch your school project website 8. Maintain and update your school project website 01. Select a project topic and gather resources Kick things off by choosing a topic that excites you and fits the goals of your school project. Once you’ve settled on a topic, gather all the relevant resources that will bring your website to life. These include articles, videos, images and anything else that fits. Organize your materials well so you can easily refer back to them as you build your site. Remember, the more engaging and credible your resources are, the better your website will be. 02. Select a domain name and hosting platform Next up, you need to choose a domain name that's easy to remember and fits your project. A domain name is like your web address on the internet. It should reflect what your project is about. Take some time to do a domain name search to find something unique. Once you’ve nailed down your domain, it’s time to pick a hosting platform. This is where all your website content will live. For students, keeping things simple and cost-effective is crucial, so you might want to check out options like Wix. Wix offers free web hosting , making it easy to create, customize and showcase your project website without breaking the bank. 03. Choose a school website builder and template Picking the right site builder is the key to making your school project website stand out. Look for a builder that offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of school project templates to give you a head start. Customizable templates can save you loads of time and instantly give your website a polished, professional vibe. If you’re looking for a builder that's intuitive and easy to use, you might want to give Wix a try. With Wix’s AI website builder , you can create a personalized site in minutes. Just chat with the AI tool to transform your project idea into a custom website right before your eyes. Learn more: Best personal website builders 04. Plan your school project website layout With the basics in place, take a moment to sketch out how you want your website to look. Think about the pages or sections you’ll need—maybe a homepage, a main content area and a resource page. Be inspired by these homepage examples Also, think about the user experience. Picture how someone would click through your site—what’s the first thing they should see? Where do they go next? This will help you jot down ideas for where to add headings, menus and content to keep things engaging. 05. Design your professional school project website Here comes the fun part—designing your website. Start by choosing a website title that grabs attention and reflects your project’s focus. From there, think about each web page and how it will contribute to your overall message. Aim for a clean, consistent design that’s visually appealing and easy to navigate. Use simple menus, logical links and a layout that guides visitors naturally through your content. During this stage of website development , you’ll want to focus on details like the color scheme, fonts and imagery to make your website unique. Keep things engaging but not too cluttered. The goal is to create a school website that tells your story clearly and keeps visitors hooked. Learn more: What is web design ? 06. Create engaging content Now that you've designed your website, it’s time to spice it up with content. Think about what holds your target audience’s attention. Is it captivating images, fun videos or cool interactive features that invite them to explore and engage? Whatever the case, focus on making your web content clear, relatable and relevant to your topic. You can add a mix of visuals, fun facts and personal insights to keep visitors coming back for more. Remember, the better your content, the more it will draw in visitors and boost website traffic . “Keep in mind that the menu is the map of your website. By adding the right pages to your menu, in the right order, it can be the heart of your website’s success.” Adi Huri, Product Manager at WOW for Wix 07. Test and launch your school project website Before you hit the “go live” button, give your website a good test run. Click through every page, double-check that links work and make sure images and videos display correctly. If you have any interactive features, give those a try, too. It’s also a good idea to preview your site on different devices to check that it’s user-friendly on both desktop and mobile. You can also ask a friend, teacher or classmate to browse through your website and give feedback—they might catch something you missed. Once you’re confident everything’s in good shape, launch your website and showcase your work to the world. 08. Maintain and update your school project website The website creation process is just the start—you need to keep your site fresh and relevant to hold your audience’s attention. Regular updates are a big part of good website management . So, add new content and make subtle tweaks to keep things looking current. Also, keep an eye on your website infrastructure . Make sure there are no broken links, images continue to display properly and any interactive features still function well. That way, your website remains fun to explore and gives visitors a smooth experience every time they drop by. Start with easy-to-use free website themes or a professional website designer to create a site that looks great and works smoothly. School project website examples: Why Wix is the best website builder for school projects Let’s now look at some personal website examples built on Wix to give you an idea of how to make a personal website for your school project that stands out. Learn more: How to make a resume website Ms. Smith's History Class Ms. Smith's History Class is your go-to website for all things history. It makes history more fun and helps students stay on track with features like lesson plans, historical timelines, multimedia resources and assignments. Ms. Smith uses this platform to connect with students beyond the classroom so learning can be both accessible and interactive. Ashley Jones Ashley Jones ’ portfolio website showcases her creativity and hard work. It features a mix of writing samples, visual projects and other cool stuff that show off Ashley’s skills and dedication. The site is super easy to navigate, giving visitors a great look at what Ashley’s all about and the projects she’s been working on. Procrastination Solutions Procrastination Solutions tackles a topic many of us know too well—putting things off. The website dives into why students procrastinate and provides practical tips and tools to break the cycle. It has engaging content, survey results and relatable examples to help visitors understand their habits and find ways to be more productive. Other types of websites to create How to make a winery website How to make an art portfolio How to make an auto repair website How to make a bakery website How to make a booking website How to make a car dealership website How to make a car rental website How to make a car wash website How to make a carpenter website How to make a church website How to make a coaching website How to make a construction website How to make a consulting website How to make a dog breeder website How to make a donation website How to make an electrician website How to make a fashion website How to make a finance website How to make a florist website How to make a furniture website How to make a gaming website How to make a handyman website How to make an interior design website How to make a landscaping website How to make a laundromat website How to make a locksmith website How to make a medical website How to make a pet business website How to make a website for a school project FAQ Can I make a website for a school project? Absolutely. Creating a website for a school project is a great way to present information creatively and showcase your tech skills. With free website builders , you can design a professional-looking site without coding experience. Many platforms also offer templates that are perfect for student projects. Do I need to know how to code to make a school project website? No. Website builders like Wix let you create a website without coding. You can use templates, drag-and-drop editors or pre-built themes to make your site look polished. Do I need a domain name for a school project website? Not necessarily. You can use a free subdomain provided by the website builder. If you want a more professional look, you can register a custom domain. Can I include multimedia like videos or slides? Yes. Most website builders let you embed videos, slideshows, images and other media to make your project interactive and engaging. How do I make my school project website look good? Choose a clean template, organize your content clearly and use images or graphics to support your points. Keep colors and fonts consistent for a professional look. How to create a website for students? To create a student-focused website: Define its purpose : Is it for sharing notes, organizing assignments or showcasing student work? Use an intuitive builder : Platforms like Wix are great for beginners. Include interactive features : Add sections like a blog, quiz forms or video embeds to make the site engaging. Keep it simple : Use clear navigation and easy-to-read fonts to ensure accessibility. How do you write content for a school website? Writing for a school website involves clarity and organization: Start with a purpose : Clearly state the goal of the website, such as informing, educating or engaging users. Break content into sections : Include pages like "About the Project," "Research" and "Conclusion." Use concise language : Avoid long paragraphs and focus on bullet points or short explanations. Make it visual : Use images, infographics and videos to complement the text. Proofread : Make sure there are no typos or errors before publishing. How to create a website for a school project? To create a website for your school project: Choose a website builder : Pick a platform like Wix, Weebly, or Google Sites. Select a template : Look for a design that matches the theme of your project. Plan your content : Decide on the pages you need (e.g., introduction, research, findings and conclusion). Customize the site : Add text, images, videos and any relevant data. Publish and share : Once you're happy with the design, publish your site and share the link with your teacher and classmates. Can ChatGPT create a website? ChatGPT can’t build a website directly, but it can help you plan one, write content, suggest layouts, generate code snippets and guide you through using website builders. You still need a platform or developer to turn the ideas into a live site.
- How to make a website for your laundromat business in 9 steps
Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → Many laundromat businesses are struggling with low foot traffic and looking for ways to increase reach. The new window storefront of your business is now your online business website . Imagine a steady stream of new customers finding your laundromat with a simple online search. With the online laundry market set to grow at a 35.7% CAGR by 2030 , now is the perfect time to attract more customers through your website. Without this type of website , you miss out on potential clients who prefer the convenience of online information. Laundromat websites often just include basic information such as location, hours of operation and available services, but they fail to create a connection with potential customers. This article will walk you through how to build a website to help your laundromat stand out and attract more 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. 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. What is a laundromat business website? A laundromat business website serves as an online presence for your business and allows you to connect with customers beyond your physical location. It provides important information such as location, contact information and services offered. However, a great laundromat website goes beyond just basic information. It should also: Increase visibility: Today, people turn to the internet to find businesses and services. Having a website allows you to be visible online and reach more potential customers. Provide 24/7 availability: A website is accessible 24/7, allowing potential customers to learn about your business at any time. This convenience can ultimately lead to increased foot traffic. Build trust and credibility: A professional and well-designed website can build trust with potential customers and establish your business as a credible and reliable option. Ready to upgrade your laundry business online presence? Build a website for free with AI today. How to make a website for your laundromat business in 9 steps Select a domain name and host Pick a website builder and template Customize your laundromat website design Design a compelling homepage Create about and contact pages Include reviews and testimonials Incorporate online booking and payment Optimize for SEO Promote your laundromat website 01. Select a domain name and host Your domain name is your laundromat business website's unique identity, so it’s essential to choose a memorable and relevant name for your finance website. Consider using keywords related to your niche to make it easier for users to find you through search engines. When choosing your domain name, keep these tips in mind: Keep it short and easy to remember Avoid numbers or special characters Use your name or company name Use keywords related to animation Perform a domain search to check for availability Choose reputable domain extensions such as .com or .net to boost credibility For inspiration, use a domain name generator New to domains? Learn more about what is a domain and its role in your website’s appearance. Reliable hosting is the foundation of a successful website. By partnering with a trustworthy hosting website , you ensure that your digital doors are always open and inviting. This means that visitors can access your website at any time. Here are some key considerations when selecting a hosting provider: Web server speed : Ensures fast loading times for your website Uptime guarantees : High uptime percentages minimize website downtime and maintain site reliability . Security features : Website security measures protect your website privacy and visitor data. Scalability options : Allows your website to grow and handle increased traffic over time. Tip: When you build a website with Wix, you’ll get free website hosting . Read also: Web hosting costs 02. Pick a website builder and template A website builder , like Wix, is perfect for business owners wondering how to make a business website with user-friendly tools and templates. No coding skills needed, saving you time and effort. Perfect for enhancing your laundromat's online presence. Learn more about some of the best AI website builders . Consider how your customers will interact with your website. Will customers want to see a list of your laundry services? Will they need to contact you immediately to use your laundromat? By using pre-made website templates , you can customize them to suit the needs of your business and your clients. Learn more: How to vibe code a website Common website creation mistakes Consider these tips when choosing a website template: Simple site navigation : No matter the range of services you offer, you want your customers to effortlessly find the laundry solutions they need. Organize your services, use easy-to-understand labels and provide a search bar to make it easier for visitors to find what they're looking for. Mobile friendly capabilities: - A well-formatted and appealing mobile view enhances the user experience, making it delightful to browse through your laundromat's services and promotions. With customers looking for convenient laundry solutions on the go, it's crucial that your website looks great on both mobile devices and desktops. Ensuring easy mobile access allows you to reach and retain more clients, broadening your customer base and keeping them engaged with your latest offerings. Expert tip from Sharon Hafuta, SEO blog editor at Wix “Choosing the right website builder isn’t just about comparing specs—it’s about understanding how it actually feels to use. We tested each platform the way a real user would: building pages, booking appointments, customizing templates and navigating setup tools. It’s the only way to truly see which builders deliver value beyond the sales pitch.” Learn more: What do I need to make a website? 03. Customize your laundromat website design Your website design should accurately reflect your brand's image and style. Utilize the customization options provided by your website builder to add unique elements such as a logo, laundromat slogan , brand colors and visuals that align with your brand aesthetic. To make your laundry website visually appealing, consider the following web design elements to focus on: Color scheme: Colors evoke emotions, so it's essential to choose a website color palette that creates a mood aligning with the message you want to convey. For a laundromat website, consider using clean and fresh colors like blues and whites to evoke a sense of cleanliness and reliability. Use these colors consistently across your website's elements, like headings, buttons and backgrounds. Layout: Craft a website layout that reflects your laundromat's personality. For example, modern laundromats might choose clean, minimalist designs, while family-friendly laundromats could prefer layouts with warm, inviting colors. This approach ensures your laundromat's unique character shines through, engaging your audience with a design that speaks directly to them. Logo : Your logo is the visual representation of your brand and it should be prominently displayed on your website. Make sure to use a high-quality version of your logo for clear visibility. If you don't have a logo yet, consider hiring a website designer or learn how to design a logo using a logo maker tool. Typography: Selecting the right typography can make a significant impact on your website's overall appearance. A bolded font will have a stronger presence, for example. Best fonts for websites are easy to read and align with your brand image. You can also use different font styles for headings, body text and call-to-action buttons to create visual interest. High quality images : Use high-quality images to showcase your laundromat's services and clean, well-maintained facilities. This not only makes your website visually appealing but also gives customers a better idea of what to expect when they visit in person. Try using professional photographs or investing in a photography session. Alternatively, you can use high-resolution stock photos for free. Expert tip from Yaya Aaronsohn, head of Brand Maker at Wix "Each combination of design elements has the potential to evoke specific emotions, convey subtle messages and leave a lasting impression on viewers. From the choice of font to the selection of colors and the incorporation of graphic elements, every detail plays a crucial role in shaping the overall identity of a brand." Learn more: What is web design? 04. Design a compelling homepage Your homepage is the first impression your customers will have of your laundromat online and it should be designed to capture their attention. A homepage can effectively communicate your brand message and entice visitors to explore further. Put all of the main information on the homepage rather than burying important services deeper in the site. Making homepages that stand out involves incorporating these elements: Banner and image: Use this space to showcase imagery from your laundromat, a clever statement about your commitment to excellent service or advertise a special deal or promotion. It can be a short video, too. Having a video background on your website not only makes it more engaging but can convey your business story and goals all in one panel or screen. Services: Display your laundromat's services clearly and concisely. Use icons, headings and descriptions to make it easy for customers to understand what you offer. The more time you require your visitor to spend looking for answers, the more likely they are to give up and leave your website, potentially costing you business. CTA buttons : Use clear call-to-action (CTA) buttons like "Sign up now" or "Book an machine" to encourage visitors to take action. Make sure they are prominently displayed on your homepage and easy to find. Locations and hours : People often choose a laundromat based on its convenience. Typically, they look for a location that's close to them and this search is usually done online. Help your customers find your laundromat easily by including a map with your locations and operating hours. Special promotions or discounts : Treat your website like a lead generator and promote any special offers or discounts. This can help attract new customers and incentivize existing customers to continue using your services. Contact information: Make it easy for customers to contact you by including your email, phone number and address on the homepage. This also adds credibility to your business by showing that you are easily accessible. Social proof : Display positive reviews from satisfied customers or feature any awards or certifications you may have received. This builds trust with potential customers and shows them why they should choose your laundromat over others. Expert tip from Idan Cohen SEO Growth Specialist at Wix.com "A strong online presence is essential for small businesses. It enables reaching diverse audiences beyond geographical boundaries, enhancing brand recognition and opening up new revenue streams. Embracing digital platforms levels the playing field, allowing small businesses to compete more effectively in a competitive marketplace." 05. Create about and contact pages Aside from the homepage, there are two essential web pages that every laundromat business website should have: an about page and a contact page. These pages provide visitors with more information about your laundromat and how to get in touch with you. About page This page should include information about your laundromat's history, mission and values and team members. It's an opportunity to tell the story of your business and connect with potential customers on a personal level. You can also use this space to showcase any community involvement or partnerships. For layout and content ideas, explore about us page examples to see how successful businesses share their stories and build customer trust. Consider including the following: Tell your story : Share the history of your laundromat, how it started and what inspired you to open it. People tend to support businesses with a unique backstory. Showcase your values : Share your business's values and principles, which will help customers get a better sense of who you are as a business owner. This also shows that you care about more than just profits. Staff bios : Introduce visitors to the team behind your laundromat and highlight their key roles in ensuring excellent customer service. Adding personal touches like photos can make visitors feel more connected to your business. Contact page The contact page is where visitors can find all the necessary information to get in touch with you. The easier it is for customers to contact you, the more likely you are to build relationships and foster customer loyalty. Make sure this page is easy to navigate and that all the information is up-to-date. You can also explore contact us page examples for inspiration on layout, design and how to present your contact information clearly and professionally. Here are some important details to include: Contact details : Similar to the homepage, ensure that all necessary contact information is easy to find on this page, including a business email , business phone number and address. Contact form : Provide an online form for visitors to fill out if they prefer not to use traditional contact methods. This also makes it easier for you to track inquiries and respond efficiently. Live chat : Consider adding a live chat feature to your website so that customers can get real-time assistance with any questions or concerns they may have. This also adds a personal touch and shows that you value their experience. FAQs : Including frequently asked questions on your contact page can help customers find answers quickly without having to reach out directly. This saves you time and effort in responding to common inquiries. 06. Include reviews and testimonials Social proof is one of the various marketing strategies to attract customers. When people see that your current customers are happy with your services, they are more likely to do business with you. Therefore, it's important to include reviews and testimonials on your website. Here are some ways to include reviews and testimonials on your website: Testimonial section : Create a dedicated section on your homepage or about page to showcase positive comments from satisfied customers. This adds credibility to your business and allows visitors to see what others have experienced at your laundromat. Integrate with review sites : Consider integrating with popular review sites like Yelp or Google My Business, which will allow customers to leave reviews directly on those platforms. You can then display these reviews on your website using widgets or embed codes. Include on service pages : If you have a separate page for each of your services, consider adding reviews and testimonials specific to that service. This can help visitors understand the benefits of each service and make informed decisions when choosing which one to use. 07. Incorporate online booking and payment options Implement an online scheduling tool to assist with booking pickups or in-store orders, adding an extra touch of convenience for your customers. These systems allow customers to reserve and pay for services at any time, from anywhere. This feature also reduces the burden on your staff, as they don't need to manage reservations manually. Offering online payment processing and booking options on your website can set you apart from other laundromats and make the customer experience more seamless. It can allow them to reserve specific time slots for using your machines or availing themselves of services like wash and fold. Additional integrations can be added to your site to improve website user experience . For example, you could integrate with popular payment platforms like PayPal or Venmo to offer customers more options for paying online. Explore the Wix App Marketplace for tools like a loyalty program or referral system to incentivize customers to return and bring in new business. The cost of these features can vary depending on the provider and what type of tools you use. 08. Optimize for SEO Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a critical aspect of any website, including laundromat business websites. Optimizing your website with SEO features can help improve your search engine ranking and make it easier for potential customers to find you online. Here are some ways to optimize your website for SEO: Keyword research : Identify relevant keywords related to laundromats in your area and incorporate them into your website's content, titles and meta descriptions. Local listings : Register your business with local directories like Google My Business, Yelp and Yellow Pages. This will improve your chances of showing up on local search results. Regularly update content : Keep your website updated with fresh content, such as blog posts or promotions, to show search engines that your website is active and relevant. 09. Promote your laundromat website Now that your laundromat's website is up and running, it's time to start promoting it to potential customers. Engaging with your local community through social media, newsletters and other interactive features can foster brand loyalty and customer engagement. Here are a few ways to drive traffic and increase sales as part of your website launch checklist : Social media marketing : Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to showcase your business and services. Share photos of your laundromat, staff members and satisfied customers to create buzz around your business. Email marketing campaigns : Build an email list of current and potential customers and send out newsletters or promotions regularly. Email marketing helps keep your business top-of-mind for existing customers while also attracting new ones. Collaborations : Partner with other businesses in your local area, such as dry cleaners or apartment complexes, to cross-promote each other's services. Google Ads : Consider investing in Google Ads to reach potential customers who are actively searching for laundromats in your area. This can help drive targeted traffic to your website and increase conversions. Word of mouth : Encourage satisfied customers to spread the word about your business to their family and friends. This is a powerful form of marketing that can bring in new business through personal recommendations. Start a blog : Consider starting a blog on your website where you can share tips, industry news and other helpful information related to laundry. This can help establish your business as an authority in the space and attract more visitors to your website. What makes a great laundromat website? A great laundromat website does more than just list your services. It helps customers find you, understand your offerings and take action easily. By focusing on a few key features, you can create a website that’s user-friendly, mobile-ready and optimized for search engines, attracting more customers and encouraging repeat visits. Here are the five essential features every laundromat website should include. Feature Why it works Service & pricing details Lets visitors immediately see what services you offer and how much they cost, reducing friction. Include wash/dry options, pricing and any specials or promotions. Location & hours Helps customers find your laundromat quickly and plan their visit. Include addresses, operating hours and an interactive map. Responsive design Ensures your website works perfectly on mobile, tablet and desktop, improving user experience and SEO. Mobile users should see content clearly and navigate easily. Online booking & reservations Makes it convenient for customers to reserve machines, drop-off services or pickups. Include “Reserve a machine” or “Schedule a pickup” buttons. SEO optimization Improves your visibility in search engines to attract local customers. Include keywords like “laundromat near me,” “self-service laundry” or “wash and fold services.” Laundromat business websites to inspire you We’ve compiled some Wix built laundromat business websites for you to serve as inspiration for website ideas when you decide to make one. Laundry Zone Laundry Zone features a live chat option on the homepage for immediate assistance, significantly enhancing customer support. The inclusion of the FasCard loyalty program, incentivizes repeat visits through discounts and special offers. Additionally, the site highlights various onsite amenities designed to make each visit more enjoyable and convenient. This well-rounded approach demonstrates how a laundromat can effectively cater to its customers' needs and preferences through a thoughtfully designed online presence. Ghost Laundry Ghost Laundry provides clear and straightforward instructions on how to place an order right on the homepage. The site’s streamlined design ensures that even first-time users can navigate the ordering process with ease, eliminating any guesswork. This focus on simplicity and efficiency reflects Ghost Laundry's commitment to providing a seamless laundry experience, empowering customers to manage their laundry needs confidently and conveniently. Dalton Laundry Dalton Laundry homepage showcases real customer testimonials, providing social proof that builds trust and highlights the quality of their services. Strong CTAs strategically placed throughout the site guide visitors to schedule a pickup, explore service options or join the loyalty program. This combination of authentic feedback and clear, persuasive CTAs ensures that potential customers are not only informed but motivated to take immediate action. Other types of websites to create How to make an art portfolio How to make an auto repair website How to make a bakery website How to make a booking website How to make a car dealership website How to make a car rental website How to make a car wash website How to make a carpenter website How to make a church website How to make a coaching website How to make a construction website How to make a consulting website How to make a dog breeder website How to make a donation website How to make an electrician website How to make a fashion website How to make a finance website How to make a florist website How to make a furniture website How to make a gaming website How to make a handyman website How to make an interior design website How to make a landscaping website How to make a locksmith website How to make a medical website How to make a pet business website How to make a plumbing website How to make a real estate website How to make a sports website How to make a subscription website How to make a taxi service website How to make a toy website How to make a trucking website How to make a vacation rental website How to make a veterinary website How to make a website for bookkeeping How to make a dance studio website How to make a cleaning website How to make a website for your laundromat business FAQ Do laundromats need websites? Having a website is not a requirement for running a laundromat business, but it can be beneficial in many ways. A website can help attract new customers, improve customer loyalty and streamline your operations by allowing online bookings and payments. Can I edit my laundromat website after it's live? Yes, you can easily edit your website even after it's live. With a drag-and-drop website builder like Wix, you can make changes to your website's design and content at any time without needing coding skills. How much does it cost to make a laundromat website? The cost of building a laundromat website can vary depending on the platform or website designer you choose and the features you want to include. You can use an HTML website maker starting at just $10 per month or decide to hire a web designer for a more custom approach ranging from $500 to several thousand dollars, it's all about finding the right fit for your business and budget. It's important to consider your budget and what features are essential for your business before deciding on a cost-effective option. Additionally, ongoing costs such as domain registration and hosting should also be factored in. How do I market my laundry business? Aside from creating a website, there are other ways to market your laundry business. Some effective strategies include creating social media accounts, offering promotions or discounts, partnering with local businesses for cross-promotion opportunities and providing excellent customer service to encourage word-of-mouth referrals. You can also consider investing in online advertising through platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads. How can I track the effectiveness of my laundry website? Tracking user engagement and web analytics will help you understand user behavior and where the users’ are losing interest. Your Wix site comes with Wix Analytics to track consumer behavior and drive sales and you can Google analytics for additional insights. Is it important to include pricing information on the website? Include pricing on washers and dryers to set clear customer expectations. Also, list available payment options like cash, coins, credit card and Apple Pay. This transparency helps customers feel informed and ready. Do I need to update my website regularly? Yes, regular updates keep your website relevant and engaging for customers. You can update with new services, promotions or blog posts about laundry tips and tricks. Consistency in posting content also helps with search engine rankings. Overall, keeping your website up-to-date shows that you are a reputable and active business.
- The essentials of mobile navigation design
Learning how to create a website that works beautifully on desktop and mobile or planning to build your own app? Giving users a smooth mobile browsing experience opens up new opportunities for your brand. Mobile navigation is how users move through and interact with a site or app on any mobile device. It’s key for delivering a seamless UX design and can greatly impact the success of your site or app. Whether you’re designing from scratch or using a mobile website builder , the navigation style you choose plays a big role in your site's usability. In this article, we’ll explain what mobile navigation is and share popular navigation patterns with tips to make them user-friendly. Want to turn your website into an app? Check out Wix’s Branded App to build your own. What is mobile navigation? When browsing on mobile, website navigation is at the heart of the user experience. Mobile navigation is what informs and guides visitors through the app or mobile site and includes features such as breadcrumbs and anchor links. Compared to desktop navigation, mobile navigation tends to have more challenges because of the space constraints. Since the increase in mobile usage, UX and UI designers have turned mobile navigation into something of an art form by performing UX research and testing different mobile patterns over the years. Both mobile website navigation and mobile app navigation are part of this conversation, investigating how users behave with mobile devices to better understand the most efficient ways to deliver content on a smaller scale. Good mobile navigation is not only about finding the quickest way for users to get from point A to point B. It facilitates a logical user journey, prevents user frustration and allows them to discover more about your brand and product via your mobile site or app. 5 basic mobile navigation patterns Understanding the most commonly used mobile navigation patterns and website menus is a great first step to making an app or mobile website that will satisfy users. Below, we’ve included insights from Or Gertman, the mobile apps editor for Wix’s Branded App, who sheds light on how these six mobile navigation patterns below benefit users when they interact with your app or website’s user interface. Best for mobile websites and mega-apps: Hamburger menu By now, the three horizontal lines that make up the classic hamburger menu are ubiquitous in the world of mobile website design. The small icon hides the menu until the user clicks on it. “It’s a very popular navigation pattern for mobile user interfaces,” said Gertman. “But the hamburger menu is more common on mobile web design than mobile apps.” Because the hamburger icon hides the menu from the homepage , the designer can offer more menu items or make the titles longer without crowding the page. “Most of the time, you would use a hamburger menu because it has more information,” said Gertman. “For example, if you choose bottom navigation you’ll be limited to five items since it’s really small and needs to be more focused.” Best for simplifying the user journey: Tab bar “The tab bar is the most common navigation pattern seen in mobile apps today, and it can really fit all types,” said Gertman. Located at the bottom of the screen, it’s a more design-oriented navigation pattern that’s easily discoverable. Typically, a tab bar includes icons that provide direct access navigation items. Its interactive nature and position in the thumb zone make it an especially comfortable navigation pattern. In contrast to hamburger menus, the tab bar presents more limitations in terms of the number of items you can display. “Since the guidelines for operation systems allow you to include a maximum of five items at once time, as the owner, you’ll need to choose the most important things to display on the primary navigation,” said Gertman. “Anything else can be used in secondary navigation.” But having a smaller menu is not necessarily a bad thing from the UX perspective. “With a smaller menu and fewer options, it’s much easier for the user to navigate around an app with a tab bar because it provides more focus,” said Gertman. Best for text-heavy apps and mobile sites: Grid-based navigation Grid-based navigation is a full-screen mobile pattern that includes most menu items directly on the homescreen of a mobile app. Gertman explains, “Similar to the hamburger menu, you can fit as many items as you want using grid-based navigation, so it’s versatile and there are a lot of options when it comes to design.” Resembling the mobile navigation patterns of iPhones and Androids, it’s a user interface many of us are familiar with. But as Gertman points out, it’s becoming more out of fashion. “Over time, we realize that the user experience is better when there’s more focus,” he explained. “The types of users that want this layout are browsing educational or community apps and sites with lots of reading content.” Best for secondary navigation features: Drawer navigation Like the name implies, drawer navigation is a mobile navigation pattern where the majority of navigational content is included behind a tab or sidebar menu . Using a similar concept as the hamburger menu, a navigation drawer can hide many menu items. Although the menu items are hidden, the navigation system won’t function well without clear organization. “If you have a lot of content you want to include in a drawer, you need to make sure it’s organized and separated into categories so the user can find what they’re looking for in the plethora of options.” Best for optimized space utilization: dropdown menus Dropdown menus offer another versatile approach to mobile navigation. With a simple tap, users can expand a list of options, making it easy to discover more without cluttering the interface. Dropdowns are particularly useful for forms or when you need to offer a range of choices without overwhelming the user. Just remember to make your dropdown options large enough to be easily tapped on a mobile screen, ensuring a user-friendly experience. Best web design practices to enhance mobile navigation Here are a few best practices to keep in mind when designing mobile navigation: Make sure your content is legible With the limitations of a small mobile screen, it’s important to ensure users will have an easy time reading your content. Pay attention to font sizes and styles that may overwhelm the eyes when packed onto a small screen and reduce the amount of written content wherever possible. Include essential items in your navigation menu If you’re using a mobile navigation pattern that limits the number of menu items you can include, think strategically about including only the most essential pages for users. Although grid-based and hamburger menu mobile navigation allows for more options, you should still be cognizant about overloading them. Use gesture-based navigation to engage viewers Gesture-based navigation refers to the use of gestures to control and navigate the user interface of a mobile site or app. You can use it to enhance your navigation pattern, allowing users to perform actions on their device such as swiping left or right, moving between screens or pinching and expanding their fingers to zoom in and out. Oftentimes, gesture interaction provides a more natural and intuitive way of interacting with electronic devices. Use floating action buttons A floating action button (FAB) is a circular button displayed on top of a user interface, which triggers the primary action when pressed. Designers typically place it in the corner of a screen and make it prominent to attract the user's attention. FABs provide quick and easy access to essential features such as a navigation drawer. Apply one-hand navigation principles One-hand navigation enables users to perform common tasks on a mobile device using only one hand. Here are a few key principles of one-hand navigation: Keep the most frequently used elements within the thumb zone Use gestures like swiping instead of buttons Provide visual cues to guide the user's hand Enable users to customize the layout to their preferences Best UI tools for facilitating mobile navigation Mobile navigation tools offer a wide range of features to make it easy to design and prototype mobile app user interfaces. Here are a few of the best mobile navigation tools for beginners: Material Design Material Design is a design system that Google developed. It provides a set of guidelines for the design and development of user interfaces. One of the key goals of Material Design is to provide a consistent user experience across different platforms and devices. It can be extremely helpful in the context of mobile navigation UI. Justinmind Justinmind is a prototyping tool that you can use to create interactive wireframes and prototypes for websites and mobile applications. It’s helpful for designing mobile navigation because it allows you to create and test different flows and layouts for their mobile apps. Adobe XD Adobe XD is a powerful, user-friendly tool for designing the navigation of mobile apps. You can use it to create wireframes and mockups of app ideas quickly and test them out with real-time prototyping. This allows you to see how your designs will look and feel on a mobile device and make any necessary adjustments before the app is built. Ready to get started? Make your own website and bring your ideas to life. Mobile navigation design FAQ What are the best practices for mobile navigation menu? Keep menus simple and limit the number of items to avoid clutter. Use clear labels, recognizable icons and a sticky or bottom navigation bar for easy access. Make sure tap targets are big enough for touchscreens and test responsiveness on all devices. What are the common navigation buttons? Home, back and menu buttons are key for smooth navigation. Other popular buttons include search, cart, user profile and social media links. Many mobile sites also use a hamburger menu to save space while keeping options easy to access. What is the navigation bar in mobile? The navigation bar is a set of buttons or links usually found at the top or bottom of a mobile site or app that helps users move between key sections. It often features icons like home, search and account settings, making navigation quick and easy. What is the difference between navigation and browsing? Navigation helps users move through a website in a structured way using menus and links, while browsing is more about exploring and following curiosity. Good navigation takes users straight to what they need, while browsing opens up opportunities for discovery. How to make a mobile website easy to navigate? Use a clean layout with a clear hierarchy and intuitive menus. Optimize for touch by spacing out buttons and keeping important links within easy reach. Try a mobile website builder to create a responsive design that works seamlessly on any screen size.
- How to make a therapist website: A complete guide to growing your private practice
Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → If you’re wondering how to make a therapist website, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. In the past, growing a therapy practice relied on word-of-mouth, in-person connections and traditional advertising. Today, having a professional therapy website can make a big difference and using the right website builder makes it easy to create a site that works for you. This article will show you how to build a website from scratch for your private practice with helpful tips, benefits and inspiring examples of a great therapist website. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. Wix is all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. TL;DR: How to create a therapy website Your website is often the first step in building trust with potential clients—and the right one can help your practice grow in a thoughtful, sustainable way. This guide covers everything you need to create a therapist website that feels approachable, professional and aligned with the way you work. From choosing the right layout and writing a warm, clear bio to adding contact forms and booking tools, each step is built to support both your business goals and client needs. You’ll also get tips on SEO, accessibility and creating content that helps visitors feel informed and at ease. Top features of a great therapist website Feature What it does Warm, clear bio Helps visitors get to know your background, approach and credentials Service descriptions Outlines what you offer and who you work with in a clear, inclusive way Online booking Makes it easy for clients to schedule sessions without back-and-forth emails Contact form Offers a private, low-pressure way for potential clients to reach out Clean, calming design Sets the tone and helps visitors feel comfortable navigating your site Mobile-friendly layout Ensures the site works well on any device SEO basics Helps your site show up when people search for therapy in your area Client resources Shares helpful articles, links or info that supports visitors right away Privacy and accessibility Builds trust by keeping your site secure and easy for everyone to use Custom domain Makes your site feel professional and easy to share How to create a therapy website in 9 steps Learning how to make a website might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s easier to achieve than you think. Your best bet is to use a website builder, which will make the process a whole lot easier, quicker and less frustrating—especially if you lack design experience. If you’re as convinced as we are that a therapy website will benefit your practice, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ll outline how to create a therapy website in 9 steps. Plan your private practice website Choose a therapy website builder Pick a domain name that sticks Find a website template Start customizing your website design Add the right pages, tools and content Make sure your site is mobile-friendly Pay attention to web accessibility Review and publish 01. Plan your therapy practice website Similar to building a business p lan for a private company , a website is easier to manifest when you have an organized vision. Outline a plan for your therapy website design project, making sure it's adaptable for changes along the way. The point of this exercise is to hone in practical elements that will help you work efficiently—but it’s also to start considering which parts of a website you’ll need. At this stage, set your intentions on the following: Clear goals: spell it out—why are you creating a therapist website to begin with? Do your goals include landing new clients? Will it build your reputation as an expert in the health and wellness world? Clear website goals result in better content and design decisions, while kick starting the right intentions for your marketing strategy, too. A defined audience: think about who you’d like to attract. With some audience research, you’ll find that the most likely visitors to a therapy website include individuals seeking therapy, caregivers, researchers or your already existing clients. While young adults are the most likely users, your website should cater to a wide demographic, prioritizing the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in the industry. A feasible budget: take time to research how much a website costs , and what percentage of your business’s budget you can spend on it. The overall costs of having a website depend on many factors, including start-up costs like a website builder and tools you’ll need to grow in the future. 02. Choose a therapy website builder A great website bu ilder is the key to a smooth design process. And luckily for us, there’s no lack of tools available—from the best AI website builders to modern drag-and-drop platforms that make it possible to manage aspects of website development on our own. It’s important to find a software that meets your design and business needs, while giving resources and to feel confident in your private practice’s long-term growth. When choosing a tool to build your therapy website design, look out for the following qualities and features: Reliable web hosting: web hosting is one of the most essential parts of your online presence and the functionality of your website infrastructure . This is the service that provides the technology to store and deliver your website’s content to audiences online. User friendly functionality: whether you prefer to sit with an AI website builder , customize website templates or start a design from scratch, drag-and-drop style—find a platform that speaks to your level of user-friendliness. Affordable payment plans: many platforms provide a free trial period, which is a great way to test the software. From there, it's common to find tiered paid plans that give you access to more tools and features. Options like Wix Premium plans leave room for growth, while guaranteeing hosting, security and other helpful resources. Customer support: no matter what platform you use, you’ll inevitably need customer support. For that reason, check what options each platform offers. While some plans promise timely 24/7 care, others rely on AI chatbots and email to assist customers. 03. Pick a domain name that will stick Do main names are so ubiquitous these days, they’re often taken for granted. But choosing the right domain name is arguably one of the most important steps of website creation. It’s not only a critical part of your si te’s functionality, but a name online audiences will associate with your therapy brand. Since it’s your web address, pick a domain name that sticks. A good start is to include your business name, evergreen terms like “therapy,” or specific words like your specialization or location. Your top-level domain (TLD), refers to the tail end of your web address—for example, the .com in Wix.com . Some good ideas for therapy website TLDs include: .com, .org, .therapy, .clinic, or .health. Pro tip: In some cases, the domain name you want is already taken. To check the status of your domain, use a tool like domain name search or a domain name generator for alternative ideas. 04. Find a website template Therapist templates are, by far, one of the best advantages of the therapy website builders we mentioned above. In your search for the perfect template, you can usually test out the options to see what each one looks like live. But, how to choose a website template that’s right for your practice? As you look for an appropriate design, keep your original goals and needs in mind. Most platforms provide templates that cater to specific industries, including health and wellness websites . The benefit of industry-specific templates is that they’re set up with the right foundations, like useful tools and features that can help you reach your goals. For therapy and private practice websites, simple website templates that prioritize user experience are a good option, too. By employing straightforward layouts and user-friendly features, a simple therapist website template gives your website content a professional edge from the start. Learn more: How to make a Wix website 05. Start customizing your website design Start customizing your website design by editing your template’s aesthetic. Here, we’re talking about basic changes to the template so it visually reflects your therapy practice, such as changing the background, choosing a color scheme, finding an appropriate font and uploading your logo. At this stage, use your branding as a guide. From a psychology logo and color scheme, to font choices and imagery styles—your practice’s branding acts as a starting point for a customized therapy website design. Learn more: Branding tools Best fonts for websites Website color schemes Yaya Aaronsohn, head of Brand Maker at Wix: "Each combination of design elements has the potential to evoke specific emotions, convey subtle messages and leave a lasting impression on viewers. From the choice of font to the selection of colors and the incorporation of graphic elements, every detail plays a crucial role in shaping the overall identity of a brand." 06. Add the right pages, tools and content Whether you choose a multi-page website vs single page website , every web page serves a specific purpose. So does each piece of website content on your site. Once you’ve started customizing the visual aspects of your site’s design, it’s time to add content that will tell visitors everything they need to know about your therapy practice. If you’re starting with a template, you’ll already have a map to guide you during this process. Here are some of the most useful pages and web content to add to your therapy website design: An informative homepage: this is the first encounter visitors will have with your site, and for many of them, with your practice altogether. A homepage should include informative and captivating content to introduce your business and encourage visitors to use your site. Website navigation menu: when adding content to the navigation bar, remember that less is more. Your menu shouldn’t overwhelm visitors with too many pages and sections to choose from. Try to display the options users are most likely to need—such as your services, contact or an About Us page. Services page: this is the place to list the types of therapy services that you provide along with details like the length of each session and costs. For visitors who are new to therapy and don’t know exactly what type they’re seeking, you should include descriptions of what each service entails and how your staff approaches their practice. About Us page: an About Us page gives you a chance to shed more light on your practice. This page includes a professional bio, headshots and more details about your background, mission and values as a therapist. It’s also typical to add a “meet the team” section, which is a great way to introduce the therapists on your staff and what they specialize in. Scheduling software: make life easier for your patients by adding online bookings software, providing them with tools like a calendar of availability, scheduling confirmations and payments to complete these actions from your site. Online forms: another way your website can assist new clients is by adding online intake forms to fill out from the comfort of their own home. Remember, if you’re collecting personal health information, such as a patient’s medical history, you’ll need a HIPAA solution on your website. Learn how to make a website HIPAA compliant . Contact and location details: visitors will want to know how to reach your practice if they have questions. Putting contact details on your site is a standard web design practice, and it's an easy way to support users. On top of a business email and phone number, this section should include all of your office locations and even a Google Map with directions. Imagery: website imagery is part of what distinguishes your practice. Although you may not know exactly where to place it yet—you can already start uploading your site’s media into the content manager. Learn more about how to choose website images . 07. Make sure your site is mobile-friendly Ar ound 58% of global internet traffic comes from users on mobile devices. There’s no way around it—the success of your website depends on mobile optimization. Luckily, you don’t need to build an entirely separate mobile website. Website builders understand the importance of this trend, and employ technology to simplify the process. When it comes to mobile website design with Wix, your content will be automatically adjusted for mobile optimization as you go. You’ll also have access to the mobile editor, so you can fine-tune the design. At this stage, there are a few key elements you may want to look out for on your own: Minimizing content quantity so that it fits perfectly on smaller screens. Rearranging your visuals to fit a mobile layout. Considering standard mobile design elements, like a hamburger menu or clickable phone number, for example. These are condense d features that are better suited for finger scrolling. 08. Pay attention to web accessibility Web accessibility is the practice that ensures there are no barriers preventing people with disabilities from interacting with your therapy websit e. With one in four adults in the U.S. affected by physical, cognitive or situational disabilities, it's an incredibly important step in inclusive web design—not to mention, it's the law in many areas of the world. Every day, we learn new things about how to make a website accessible and improve our practices for those who need them. With website builders like Wix, te mplates are designed with basic web accessibility features in mind to help our users. Still, here are some simple ways you can promote this practice on your own: Including alt-text in your images Paying attention to color contrasts Using fonts that are easy to read Providing transcripts on video content 09. Review and publish You’re just about set to launch your new website like a pro . But before pressing “publish,” it’s important to do a thorough review of your site. We recommend using our website launch checklist for this step. This way, you’ll have some guidance on what tasks to attend to before, during and after your website goes liv e. It's also a good idea to send a preview of your therapy website to a handful of trusted individuals who can test it out. At this point, you should look out for design glitches and grammatical errors, while gaining feedback on the user experience. Does everything load on your site? How was the website speed? Was it easy to navigate? When you're satisfied with the results, publish your therapy website and share it with the world. Re member, website management is an ongoing process that requires you to periodically test how it looks and functions. For example, you’ll want to check in on page speed insights , update your content consistently and ensure no links or media are broken. Why are therapist websites important? So, what is a healthcare website , and why can it help you run a more successful private practice? It might not feel like a priority on your to-do list, but investing in a website for your therapy practice will strengthen every aspect of business over time. Recently we’ve seen that over 55% of therapy patients are willing to hold their sessions online. And even if clients prefer to meet in-person, most of them will use the internet for preliminary research when seeking the right practice. Alongside that, there’s a growing awareness surrounding mental health that’s led many individuals to seek digital resources, learning more about wellness on a regular basis—from everyday tips, like managing stress to support for how to cope with a diagnosis. A website is a great tool for growing the business side of your practice online, and as you’ll see, the benefits of a website are also there t o improve your practice. Credibility to market Your website is like a digital business card, but better. It gives you a platform to introduce yourself and the chance to build credibility with a wide audience. Therapy practices today are inclined to use online marketing, and take advantage of platforms like blogs, vlogs and social media to promote their unique expertise. Your site is an incredible way to establish yourself as a go-to resource, driving demand for one-on-one sessions. Potential for new clients For many therapy seekers—whether it's their first time seeking counseling or not—the first step in finding a new therapist is to look online for recommendations. A therapy website’s search engine optimization (SEO) potential puts it in the running for top spots in results for search engines like Google. Website SEO , combined with other digital marketing practices, brings more visibility to your practice that can ultimately attract new clients. Improve customer satisfaction Nothing compares to the satisfaction clients feel after a therapy session, but there are important factors that your customers value outside of this framework, too. At the end of the day, they seek all-around professionalism, which means easy appointment bookings, clear communication, timely scheduling and more. Therapy websites offer the tools to manage these processes in more streamlined ways. Using tools like booking software and payment solutions can take your practice to new levels of professionalism, satisfying your clients with more efficient communications, interactions and processes. Engage your community The work you and your clients do together can extend deeper into their daily lives. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be available 24/7—but your online resources can be. By providing engaging therapy-related content on your website, including video tutorials, blogs, forums or other online tools, your practice can create a supportive community for clients to engage with during their personal growth journey. Learn more: What is a website? Website design for therapists: a brief intro Befo re we dive into the specifics of website design for therapists, you might be asking yourself, what makes a good website in general? Good web design balances form and function, inviting visitors to explore its content, services and tools. With a clear purpose in mind, your therapy website should appeal to a diverse audience, aiming for a trifecta of attractiveness, functionality and user friendliness. When it comes private practice and therapy websites, here are some key website features to include in your blueprint: Professional visual elements Tip number one: don’t overdo it with your therapy site’s visuals. Remember that therapy website design must be visually appealing to a wide audience. Unlike some of the best portfolio examples , which use surprising creative elements to foster personal expression, or popular online stores, who hone in on trends to stand out with young audiences—therapy website design should aim to be more neutral, and unquestionably professional. Learn more: How to design a logo Logo psychology What is web design? Informative and trust-building content What kind of information do potential clients need to know before they book an appointment with you? Your therapy website should get straight-to-the-point with practical details, such as contact information, location, insurance coverage or types of therapy services available. Easy-to-use website navigation Website navigation , made up of your site’s website menu and internal linking, is a major factor when it comes to the user experience. Navigation elements are visible on your website, highlighting essential pages and sections, so visitors can find the content they want or need easily. Practical tools for your clients Therapy websites can make use of practical tools that help both your clients and your practice. For example, online scheduling has never been easier—why not give visitors this convenient feature? Other examples of savvy website tools include online forms , payment solutions, membership portals, AI chatbots and more. HIPAA compliance One of the unique criteria for how to make a healthcare website is that it needs to be compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). In many cases, therapy websites fall under this category. This is a law that protects the privacy of your patients’ health information and gives them certain rights—for example, the ability to request their records or make any corrections to the information. Since this act sets the standards for protecting sensitive patient data private health clinics must stick to these regulations to ensure patient confidentiality. SEO best practices for websites for therapists When thinking about how to make money as a therapist , your website is definitely a great way to increase your clientele and book more sessions. But creating and publishing a therapy website is just one step—in order to grow a business in the digital realm, you’ve got to bring more traffic. There are plenty of healthcare marketing methods to increase the number of visitors to your site. One of these includes SEO. SEO is the practice of optimizing web content, using strategies that will increase your site’s potential to rank for top results on search engine s like Google. There are some minimal best practices you can implement from the start to give your site the effective SEO foundations. Here’s what we recommend: Start with on-page SEO: identify therapy-related keywords and use them strategically throughout your site. For example, general therapy keywords like “therapy services,” “online therapy” or “couples counseling” or more service-specific and audience-specific terms, like “cognitive behavioral therapy,” “addiction therapy” or “therapy for women.” Use relevant keywords within your site’s website headers , and implement them in descriptive sections on your web pages. Do your best to use keywords in a way that’s natural and amplifies your site’s written content. Work on back-end SEO: with a similar keyword research strategy at hand, back-end SEO is the process of filling out your site’s metadata with optimized terms. This includes concise meta tags and descriptions on each page and adding alt-text to images. By the way, back-end SEO can also be vamped up by improving page-speed and making sure your site has an SSL certificate for security. Focus on local SEO: there’s even more SEO potential through local search. Think about it—many future clients may find your therapy site by simply looking up “therapist near me.” To hone in on local web traffic, we recommend setting up a Google My Business Profile to improve the overall visibility of your practice. You should also add location-based keywords to web content, including terms like “counseling in [City/State] or “local mental health services.” Start a blog or podcast: starting a blog is the perfect place to host educational tools, which are compelling ways to build supportive relationships with clients. Include topics that interest your audience, such as effects of therapy, common mental health issues or niche topics like the relationship between personal training and mental health. When you learn how to start a blog , you’ll see that it’s not only an engaging resource for visitors, but great blog SEO practice that can bring traffic to your site. Examples of the best therapy websites Now that you’ve learned the steps to create a therapy website design of your own, you can look through examples of therapist websites that were made using our website builder. Below, we’ve highlighted five therapy website examples for you to learn from, giving you visual inspiration and ideas for creative ways to use Wix . 01. Gavett Burch Gavette Burch ’s therapy website draws visitors in with a simple website design and a calming use of colors and imagery. Throughout the site, an encouraging written tone is used to build trust with potential clients and to highlight the values of the therapy process. We especially love the “Meet Your Therapist” section, where Burch introduces herself and her specialty as a family therapist, while including a section titled “What to look for in a therapist.” 02. The Wellness Promising a “safe place to be heard,” The Wellness communicates their goals clearly to visitors entering their site. The calming color theme is paired with professional imagery, including headshots of their team and photographs that represent personal growth. One last take away from this example is the strategic use of CTAs. Short and catchy CTAs, like “Call Now” and “Book Online” are placed throughout the site, helping visitors kickstart communication or schedule an appointment. 03. Solitude Counseling Services This one-page website for Solitude Counseling Services is a great design choice, serving visitors with concise details and helpful tools. The user-friendly site uses calming imagery and media, and an encouraging written tone to build trust with visitors. The thoughtful content is amplified even more through Richard’s introduction, which teaches us more about his caring approach to therapy. Key takeaways about therapy websites A therapy website is well worth the investment, and by following this guide with the right tools, it's possible for you to create on your own. If you’re interested in learning more about our website builder and how it can help you in this process, check out our guide, What is Wix . How to make a therapist website FAQ What should a therapy website include? A therapy website should include: Homepage: brief overview of your practice and services. About page: your qualifications, experience and therapeutic approach. Services pages: details about the types of therapy you offer. Blog: educational content on mental health topics. Contact page: phone number, email, location and a contact form. FAQs: common questions about your practice and therapy process. How can I make my therapy website stand out? To make your therapy website stand out, focus on: Unique branding Engaging content Easy navigation Personal touch SEO optimization How can clients book appointments on my website? You can integrate an online booking system into your therapy website using tools like Wix Bookings . This allows clients to schedule appointments directly from your site, simplifying the process and enhancing convenience for both you and your clients.
- Mobile-first vs responsive design: all you need to know
Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → In 2024, more than 63.38% of internet traffic was on mobile–and that number is only growing. On top of that, mobile accounts for more than half of all web traffic, with an even larger share in mobile-first markets such as Asia and Africa. What does this mean when learning how to design a website ? These days, a site that looks beautiful on desktop isn’t enough. To account for all the traffic that comes through phones and tablets, your site needs to be mobile-friendly –and that means you’ll need to know the difference between mobile versus responsive web design . Among professional designers, these are the two main approaches for improving mobile UX. Contrary to what some may think, mobile and responsive design are not synonymous. Instead, they each come with a unique set of strategies and advantages. To help you optimize your site’s mobile UX, we’re going to break down the differences between mobile-first versus responsive. We’ll also go over the benefits of each to help you determine the best UX strategy for your next project. Start creating with Wix’s website builder today. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. Wix is all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. What is responsive web design? Responsive web design is a design approach that makes web pages render well across various devices and screen sizes. Responsive sites detect the device users are browsing from and then automatically adjust the website layout to conform to their device’s viewport. The result is that visitors have a smooth experience navigating your site, regardless of the type or size of their device. Designing a responsive site is particularly crucial for improving the mobile user experience. A responsive mobile site minimizes the need for users to zoom, pan, or scroll. This can be achieved using advanced breakpoint control and resizing images using CSS. (Note that this is different from adaptive design, which uses static designs to match the width of the browser). Having a responsive website is an effective way to ensure a positive mobile browsing experience for your site visitors. (To make a responsive website yourself, get started with these fully customizable responsive templates .) Learn more: Adaptive vs responsive design What is web design ? A fully responsive Wix Studio website that adjusts for different breakpoints. What is mobile-first web design and how is it different from a responsive website? Learning how to build a website from scratch that's responsive doesn’t automatically make it mobile-first. In fact, there are several distinguishing features of mobile-first versus responsive design. Mobile-first design is a technical strategy in which the original design is created with mobile devices in mind, often beginning with the smallest screen sizes. This approach is based on the concept of progressive advancement, meaning that the designer starts by creating for mobile screens and then afterward adapts the content for larger sizes. It’s worth noting that mobile first and responsive design aren’t mutually exclusive, either. Mobile-first design is always responsive, since its layout will always adapt to the device someone is browsing from. In contrast, a responsive site is not always mobile-first. Here’s another way to look at it: a responsive site is reactive –it shifts content to fit different device sizes, but it doesn’t necessarily prioritize the user experience on those devices. Mobile-first design, on the other hand, is a proactive approach to improving mobile UX and prioritizes the mobile experience. This proactive strategy involves keeping content lean and to-the-point, as well as giving your site clear visible hierarchy conducive to scrolling on long, narrow screens. This also involves minimizing visual clutter so as not to confuse or overwhelm the user on a small screen. Mobile-first website design tips include slimming down bulky chunks of content, using tap targets, and an expandable hamburger menu to simplify the navigation bar, and enlarging fonts for easy readability. Pro tip: If you're just starting, a web design tutorial can help you apply these concepts to your website. Layout variations of the same website, adjusted for different breakpoints. Responsive versus mobile-first design: Which should you design? Now that you know the difference between mobile versus responsive design, you’ll need to decide which approach is best for your next project. Keep in mind that mobile-first design is always responsive, so it’s no question that you need to start with a responsive website either way. Whether you opt to add a mobile-first approach on top of that is up to you. To help you determine the best strategy for your site, let’s take a look at the benefits of each approach. An at-a-glance guide to responsive vs. mobile-first design. Responsive web design benefits Responsive design isn't just another web design trend . T here are several advantages of a responsive design approach, both for your audience and for you as a designer: 01. Attracts a wide audience You can expect people to access your site from a variety of device types, whether that’s desktop, mobile, or tablet. Responsive web design offers cross-browser compatibility and ensures that your website will accommodate visitors regardless of the type or size of their device. 02. Offers efficient design and maintenance With a responsive website, making a change in content and design carries over to every possible rendition of your site. Whether you’re altering the text, adding an image, or even doing a full rebrand, those changes will automatically be implemented on your site’s desktop and mobile versions. 03. Gives you a consistent brand image You wouldn’t want your brand image to be dependent on the type of device people are using. A responsive site ensures that the mobile version of your site isn’t cumbersome or awkwardly formatted, but instead offers the same great UX as the desktop version. Overall, you’ll be able to achieve the same look and feel across any device. 04. Strengthens your SEO Google’s mobile-friendly update back in 2015 forever changed the search giant’s algorithm. Mobile-friendly pages automatically get a boost in SEO, ranking higher on Google, while those that weren’t mobile-friendly now get penalized. This alone signifies that it’s no longer enough to have a beautiful desktop site. For your site to rank in search engine results, it needs to readily adapt to the mobile screen. 05. Improves your conversion rate If you’ve ever clicked away from a site with poor UX, you know why website design is important in engaging visitors and influencing their perception of your brand. People scanning the web don’t want to work hard for their content; if your site isn’t compatible with their device, they’ll quickly leave your page for a competitor’s. Having a responsive mobile site reduces bounce rate, encourages visitors to spend time browsing, and improves your conversion rate as a result. Explore best website designs and portfolio website examples for responsive design inspiration. Mobile-first web design benefits The mobile-first approach is, arguably, the future of web design. Adopting this approach for your responsive website is the best thing you can do to ensure a positive browsing experience for your visitors. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of going mobile-first : 01. Captures more website traffic According to Global Web Index , more than half of Gen Z say that their phones are their most important internet devices. On top of that, one in five adults only use the internet through a mobile device, according to data from Pew Research Center . When you consider that mobile–and not desktop–is the default browsing tool for a good chunk of the population, designing from a mobile-first standpoint is a natural way to cater to your target audience. 02. Encourages user engagement Nearly 80% of people in the US spend at least 3 hours on their phones daily. Perhaps, that’s because mobile devices are readily accessible on-the-go and are more conducive to casual browsing. Having a mobile-first website is a great opportunity to engage users seeking information or entertainment on the web, particularly if you offer features like a compelling blog or interesting forum. 03. Helps you generate leads from social media If you consider social media an important tool for getting traffic and clicks, having a mobile-first design is a must. Research shows that 83% of social media usage happens on mobile devices , meaning that people who click on a social campaign are likely to arrive at the mobile version on your site. A mobile-first design will give them a smooth and pleasant user experience, leaving them with a positive first impression of your brand. 04. Gives you insight into high-priority content With a mobile-first approach, you need to pare down the site content to only the most important elements. Since a small screen has limited real estate, you’ll need to pick and choose which information to include. This helps you eliminate fluff and make your website clean and concise. This leaner approach to design is a helpful way to not only optimize your mobile site, but also to refine your own skills as a web designer. Mobile-first vs responsive design FAQ How does responsive design improve website accessibility? Responsive design ensures your website works well on any screen size or device, including desktops, tablets and smartphones. This approach allows content, images and interactive elements to adjust automatically, making your site accessible to users with different devices, screen resolutions and browsing environments. It also improves usability for people with varying needs, creating a more inclusive and engaging experience. What are some examples of effective mobile-first layouts? Effective mobile-first layouts often feature single-column content, large tap targets, simple menus and fast-loading images that make browsing easy on smaller screens. Additional elements include clear headings, concise text blocks and visually prioritized content that guides users through the page. These design choices ensure smooth navigation, quick access to important information and a positive user experience across devices. How can I test if my portfolio website is mobile-first? You can test whether your portfolio website is mobile-first using device emulators, responsive design testing tools and Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test. Check how your layout, images and navigation adapt to different screen sizes and orientations. Pay attention to usability factors like font size, touch targets and load speed, as these elements determine whether your portfolio provides a seamless, mobile-optimized experience for visitors.











