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  • How to build a website in a day (or less)

    Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →  Creating a website might seem like a long, complicated project and a common assumption is that it takes weeks or months of coding and design work. But what if you could learn how to build a website in just one day? Thanks to website builders, like Wix, this is entirely possible. They simplify the website creation process, letting you focus on your content and style without needing technical skills. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix's AI website builder , you can design, customize and launch a professional website in minutes. How to build a website in a day, what's the secret? Using a website builder and here's how The first step is choosing a website builder that fits your needs. There are many options available, each with different features and pricing. Now trusted by over 6.3 million subscribers  (or a total of 263 million registered users when you include free users on Wix) across 190 countries, Wix is primarily known for its user-friendly website builder and versatile business solutions. “We’re constantly developing and releasing new features to simplify the website building process so our users can focus on running their businesses,” writes Wix’s Co-founder and CEO Avishai Abrahami  about Wix’s culture of innovation. Why choose Wix to build a website in a day? Drag and drop editor AI website builder 2000+ website templates Vibe code a website There are multiple ways to build a website fast with Wix, without sacrificing functionality, website design and customization. You can also read Wix reviews  direct from users who've built a website or started a business. How to build a website in a day 5 easy steps Plan your website Choose how to build your website Add your site's content Setup your site's functionality Publish your website How to build a website in a day steps Focus area Goal for the day Plan your website Define your goal, target audience and a simple sitemap (e.g., Home, About, Contact). Spend no more than 1 hour sketching your layout and core message. Choose your website builder Pick a platform like Wix AI,  based on your technical comfort. Select your website builder and secure your domain name immediately so you don't lose it. Add your site content Upload your logo, images and write your hook (the main text that sells your idea). Use AI writing assistants to draft copy quickly so you don't get stuck on word choice. Setup its functionality Add the functionality: contact forms, social media links or a booking calendar. Test that every button works and leads to the right place. Publish your website Connect your domain, hit Publish and check the mobile version on your phone. Don't wait for perfection to publish you can edit a live site anytime. Learn more: How do people make websites so quickly 01. Plan your website Before jumping into the design, spend some time planning your website’s structure. This will save time later and keep your site organized. Think about: Purpose : What is the main goal? Selling products, sharing information, showcasing an online portfolio ? Pages : Common website pages include Home, About, Services, Blog and Contact. Content : What text, images, and videos will you include on each page? Write down a simple outline. For example: Home : Welcome message, main offer, call to action About : Your story, mission, team Services : List of services or products with descriptions Contact: Form, phone number, address Having a clear plan helps you move quickly when building a website in a day. Time to plan a website? 1-2 hours. 02. Choose how to build your website There are several fast ways to build a website. These include using an AI website builder or professionally designed pre-made website templates. You can learn how create a website with AI within minutes, leaving you more time in a day to customize it and focus on the design and individual branding. All you have to do is chat with the AI website builder about the site you want to create and it does it in minutes. Related: What does a good AI prompt look like for building websites? Or choose a website template , combined with a drag and drop editor, and with focus you should be able to create a simple website within a day. Wix's website templates, for example, are already mobile-friendly so you don't have to spend extra time figuring out how to make them workable on mobile too. However you choose to build your site, customizing it is generally what takes the most time. This includes: Changing colors to match your brand palette Uploading your logo and images Editing fonts for readability and style Adjusting layout elements like headers, footers, and menus Most website builders, like Wix, let you drag and drop elements, so you can rearrange sections easily. Keep your design clean and simple to make your site look professional. When using an AI website builder or Wix vibe, you can prompt the AI to customize your website for you. If you need to build a site in a day, these are better options than a template. These AI prompts to use with an AI website builder are a great place to start. Time to build a website? 1-6 hours 03. Choose your site's content With the structure and design of your website in place, add your content. Write clear, concise text that speaks directly to your audience. Use headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to make it easy to read. Need to do this fast? Most website builders, including Wix, now include AI text generators to speed this up. Include high-quality images that support your business and avoid generic stock photos when possible. If you don’t have your own photos, many website builders offer free image libraries. Or include AI image generators. 04. Setup your site's functionality Depending on your website’s purpose, add features that improve user experience and functionality: Contact forms for easy communication Booking systems if you offer appointments E-commerce tools for selling products online SEO settings to help your site appear in search engines Analytics to track visitor behavior Most website builders include these features or offer easy integrations. 05. Publish your website Once you're happy with your site, pressing publish is as easy as pushing a button. Literally. Then you can take the days and weeks after to let future clients, customers, friends and family review how it works, now it looks allowing you time to tweak, improve and promote it.

  • Preserving your creativity in the age of AI website building

    Build your website, your way with Wix Harmony → Creativity can look wildly different depending on who you ask. It might be a messy sketchbook of ideas, a late-night burst of writing or hours creating a website  until its look and feel is just right. But it’s always been a deeply human thing. Times have changed. Now, we’ve got AI tools that can paint, write poetry and build entire websites with just a few prompts. So, it’s natural to wonder: Does this change what it means to be creative? And does using AI mean we’re cheating? I don't think so. In fact, I believe AI has brought a whole new dimension to creativity. One where the hurdles are lower, but the ceiling is higher. One that doesn’t compromise the human touch, but unblocks our creative potential. Read also: The psychological barrier to building a website (and 6 AI tips to break it) How AI has transformed web design If you’ve dabbled in web design  lately, you’ve probably noticed the shift. AI has removed two massive barriers that used to stop great ideas in their tracks: the skills gap and the efficiency gap. In the past, having a brilliant idea for a website was only step one. Step two involved actually having the skills to bring it to life. You needed to be a developer, designer, content writer and more, all rolled into one. AI bridges that gap. You don't need to be a professional coder to get custom website features ; you just need to know how to ask for them. Then, there’s the time factor. We all have those nagging tasks at the bottom of our to-do lists, like automating emails, writing meta descriptions and formatting images. AI handles these tasks in seconds and at scale, clearing the path for us to focus on the big picture. What I’ve learned: AI doesn’t have to come at a creative cost As I’ve been working in product marketing, I’ve heard it a lot. The idea that using AI is a lazy way out or that it somehow dilutes our artistic integrity. But let’s flip that script. If you approach AI without intention or direction—if you just say “build me a bakery website” and walk away—then yes, you’re handing over your creative license. But if you view every part of the process as a chance to inject your personality, whether it’s picking colors, designing the user experience or creating the content, then AI becomes a partner, not a replacement. Having worked on our new editor, Wix Harmony , I can tell you it’s the perfect testing ground. It brings AI and manual creation together in a single hybrid website builder  (think AI-powered creation, known as “vibe coding,” with freeform drag-and-drop design). Then, at the heart of Wix Harmony is Aria, a multi-skilled Wix AI agent. You can have her create a new section, add text, pull in best-selling items, insert images and even add linked buttons, all at once. She’ll guide and carry out tasks for you, but you drive the creative choices. Related: What is Wix Harmony ? 6 tips on preserving your creativity while building a website with AI With all this in mind, here’s my take on how to get the best out of AI in web creation without losing your creative spark. 01. Brainstorm with AI Sometimes the hardest part of creating a website is just getting the gears turning. People don’t always realize it, but brainstorming is one of AI’s strongest suits. Treat your AI agent like a sounding board to riff ideas back and forth. I’ve had plenty of brainstorming sessions with Wix Harmony’s Aria, and it really helps to get your creative juices flowing. Ask for ideas for the hero image on your homepage . Its responses might inspire your site’s overall look and feel. Or, look for guardrails by asking what it considers generic. 02. Inject creativity into your prompts As they say, “garbage in, garbage out.” Giving generic instructions will only get you generic results. If you want your site to feel like you, you need to put yourself into the prompt. When thinking about AI prompts for website building , don’t just ask for "a bakery website." Ask for "a cozy, rustic bakery website that feels like your grandmother’s kitchen, using warm earth tones and playful language.” For inspiration, check out the creative detail in this prompt and the website  Wix Harmony built from it. “Create a website for an interior designer called ‘Maison Détail’ offering full-service interior design, covering residential and commercial projects. Focuses on creating spaces that reflect the client's personality and needs. Stands out with a collaborative approach and attention to detail. The visual direction is "chic". Elegant design, featuring images of stylish interiors, a neutral color palette with metallic accents and curated furniture.” 03. Add unique features to your site One of the coolest things about AI website building is being able to create the kind of custom components that used to require a professional coder. For example, for my bakery site, I want to create a fold where every time we add a new item to the menu, we have a flashing banner that says, “hot out of the oven.” Go wild with your imagination and prompt AI to create unique experiences you won’t find on every website, like countdown timers, graphs or interactive modules tailored to your brand. 04. Look for creative blind spots Sometimes we’re too close to our own work to see what’s missing. Here, you can flip the role of AI and use it as a critic. Ask it, “What’s missing from this page?” or “Is my mission statement clear to a first-time visitor?” “How could the page be made more engaging?” It might point out that your navigation is confusing or that your tone shifts weirdly in a second paragraph. Here, it’s not about letting AI create for you; it’s about using it to ensure your creative vision is landing the way you intended. 05. Always have the first and last word For me, this is the golden rule when using any AI tool. Remember, when you create a professional website  with AI, you’re the creative director. You set the vision (with the first word) and approve the final product (with the last). When you think your website is ready, take a step back and make sure your creativity is present. Read through the copy. Does it sound like you? Does it use words you would actually say? Also, trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Your intuition is something AI can’t replicate. Related: Sure, AI can design your whole website—but you give it soul 06. Use tools that give you creative control Not all AI web design tools are created equal. Some are too dependent on AI, where you press a button and get a result you can’t change. Others that take a more “vibe coding” approach don’t let you jump into the design. These can  compromise your creativity. Look for tools that let you control the output. You want a platform where you can generate a section with AI, but then dive in and tweak the colors, fonts and spacing manually. For example, an AI portfolio generator can create a ready-made portfolio section that you can fully customize to showcase your work and style. Related: 9 best AI website builders for creating professional sites in minutes The bottom line: control is everything For creators still on the fence? My final advice is to embrace AI. It’s not the thief of creativity you might think it is. And once you’re using the right tools that allow your creativity to flow, it’ll show in your work. Learn more about Wix Harmony: Why use Wix Harmony? How much does Wix Harmony cost? What does a good AI prompt look like for building websites?

  • How do people make websites so quickly? Find out the fastest way to launch

    Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → How do people make websites so quickly? Fast  website creation  comes down to no-code website builders, ready-made templates and AI tools that simplify design and remove the need for manual coding. This speed matters because it saves you time and gets your business running sooner. Learning  how to build your own website  used to require a lot of effort, but tools like  professional website builders have made the process incredibly simple for everyone. In this guide, you'll learn exactly which tools and methods let people create websites quickly. Get started with Wix’s  AI website builder . TL;DR: how do people make websites so quickly? You can build a website fast without coding or complex setups. Using no-code website builders , templates, AI tools, drag-and-drop editors , frameworks or content management systems removes common barriers. The best approach depends on your skills, the type of website you want and how much control you need. Using these methods, anyone can launch a professional site quickly. Method What it does Key benefit No-code website builders Visual interface for building pages without coding Launch fast without programming Ready-made templates Pre-designed layouts for different industries Skip wireframing and prototyping AI tools Generate design and content from text prompts Reduce hours of work to seconds Drag-and-drop website builders Move elements freely on the page Immediate visual feedback Frameworks Pre-written code libraries for developers Speed up complex development Content management systems Organize, edit and publish site content Update pages and posts easily Learn more about how to make a website fast . How do people make websites so quickly? in 6 methods People build sites fast by relying on specific tools that remove common barriers. These six methods explain exactly what speeds up the process. No-code website builders Ready-made templates AI tools Drag-and-drop website builders Frameworks Content management systems 01. No-code website builders A no-code website builder provides a visual interface to create web pages. Users can select elements from a menu and place them directly on the screen, removing the need to write complex code from scratch. These no-code platforms  often include essential features like web hosting  and domain  management, allowing you to connect your site to the internet instantly. For example, Wix offers a fast and intuitive builder that helps bring your website to life in minutes. Key features: Integrates easily with apps and tools Responsive, customizable layouts Automatic updates and maintenance Best for:  Beginners, small business owners and anyone who wants to launch a website quickly without coding skills Learn more: How to make a no-code website easily Best no-code website builders 02. Ready-made templates Ready-made website templates  provide pre-designed layouts for different industries. You can pick a design that fits your business and simply update the text and images, skipping the time-consuming wireframing and prototyping phase. Templates give your content a structured foundation and help guide visitors through your pages effortlessly. Platforms like Wix let you launch quickly using easy-to-use designer-made templates. Key features: Professionally designed layouts ready to use Easy customization of text, images and colors Structured design that guides visitor navigation Best for:  Small businesses, freelancers and anyone who wants a polished website without starting from scratch Expert tip from Yarin Singolda, PMM at Wix “With Wix, you don’t just get a template, you get a starting point that’s easy to customize so your website feels truly yours from day one.” 03. AI tools AI tools can generate both content and layouts based on simple text prompts. You describe your business or project and the software creates the design, writes copy and arranges elements automatically. This cuts hours of work down to seconds. Modern AI website builders use smart algorithms to optimize page structures and place images and text where they perform best. For example, Wix offers an AI website builder  that simplifies website creation with designer-made templates and automated content generation. Key features: Automatically generates page layouts and content Optimizes placement of text and images for performance Reduces design and writing time from hours to minutes Best for:  Busy entrepreneurs, marketers or anyone who wants to create a complete website quickly without manual design or copywriting Explore more: AI prompts for website building How does an AI website builder work What is the Wix GPT AI website builder What does a good AI prompt look like for building websites? 04. Drag-and-drop website builders Drag-and-drop  website builders let you move text boxes and images freely on your screen. You click an element and drop it exactly where you want it to appear, receiving instant visual feedback on your design choices. These visual editors connect directly to the site code in the background, so every move updates the underlying structure automatically. Key features: Real-time visual editing with instant feedback Flexible placement of elements without coding Automatically updates the site structure as you design Best for:  Beginners, designers or anyone who wants full control over layout without writing code 05. Frameworks Frameworks provide pre-written code libraries that developers can use as building blocks. Instead of typing every line of code manually, programmers combine these blocks, speeding up the development of complex web applications. These libraries contain standardized solutions for common web features and help ensure site stability and security. Advanced platforms offer robust frameworks for custom development projects. Key features: Pre-written code for faster development Standardized solutions for common web functions Ensures stability, security and scalability Best for:  Experienced developers or teams building complex or custom web applications 06. Content management systems The best content management systems  (CMS) help you organize, edit and publish your site’s content with ease. With a CMS, you can update pages, add blog posts or launch new sections quickly without technical hassle. Modern platforms like Wix offer user-friendly CMS  tools so you can keep your site fresh and focused on your ideas. Using a CMS removes common barriers and helps you build a site fast. Key features: Easy content creation and editing Quick publishing of pages, posts or new sections User-friendly interface that simplifies management Best for:  Bloggers, small business owners or anyone who wants to maintain and update a website easily Learn more: Is Wix a CMS? Website builder vs CMS Wix headless CMS What is CMS in web design? Benefits of building a website quickly Building a website fast offers multiple advantages for anyone looking to get online: Save time:  Launch your website in hours or days instead of weeks or months. Spend less time worrying about technical setup and more time sharing your ideas. Reduce costs:  Avoid expensive developers or designers for basic sites. Modern tools let you create professional layouts without breaking the budget. Test ideas quickly:  Validate business concepts, products or services without long delays. Quickly see what works and make improvements on the fly. Focus on growth:  With your site up and running, you can dedicate more energy to marketing, content creation and engaging with your audience. Adapt and iterate:  Make updates and tweaks immediately based on feedback or changing needs. Fast iteration means your site can grow with your business. Stay competitive:  Getting online quickly helps you reach potential customers before competitors, ensuring your ideas and products get noticed. Simplify workflow:  Tools like no-code builders, templates and AI help you design, add content and publish your site quickly, keeping the process smooth from start to finish. Optimize performance:  Many fast-building tools automatically produce clean code, mobile-friendly designs and SEO-friendly layouts, giving your site a strong foundation. Try Wix’s website builders to create your website quickly: Real estate website builder Non-profit website builder Salon website builder Construction website builder Vacation rental website builder Insurance agency website builder Recruitment website builder How do people make websites so quickly? FAQ What is the fastest way to create a web page? The fastest way to create a web page  involves using AI tools. You simply type a prompt and the software instantly generates both the layout and the content. It even positions elements for optimal performance, so you never have to face a blank page. Explore Wix AI tools  to create your website quickly. How can beginners build a website in one day? Beginners can create and launch a DIY website in just one day. Simply choose a template, add your content and hit publish. DIY website builders like Wix remove the steep learning curve of web design , letting you get online quickly and easily. Do I need to learn code to launch a site? You do not need to learn any programming languages to launch a functional site. No-code website builders handle all the technical requirements in the background. Wix provides the tools you need to design, publish and manage a website from one platform. Can I create a website for free? Yes, you can create a website for free using no-code website builders like Wix that offer templates, AI tools and hosting in one platform. Free plans let you design, customize and publish your site quickly without coding, making it easy to get online and test your ideas before upgrading as your needs grow.

  • The psychological barrier to building a website (and 6 AI tips to break it)

    Build your website, your way with Wix Harmony → I’ve got this very creative friend. She builds beautiful presentations in minutes. Designs social posts effortlessly. And has strong taste and clear opinions about how things should look and feel. But when it comes to her own business website , something changes. She’ll text me: “Can you just move this button for me?”  “I’m scared I’ll break something.” “I don’t know if this looks professional.” It’s easy to assume it’s a skills issue. And part of it is. Understanding how to build a website  does require making decisions—about layout, hierarchy, tone and structure. But as a UX professional, I know that’s not the whole story. Some years ago, website builders like Wix removed the technical barrier between design and code. You no longer needed to know how to program to create something professional. It was a massive breakthrough that made building a website accessible to everyone. But even after the technical barrier was lowered, another barrier remained: the psychological one. The fear of getting it wrong. The hesitation before clicking “publish.” The quiet doubt that creeps in: “Who am I to design this?” Read also: Preserving your creativity in the age of AI website building What’s different in web creation now Today, AI has completely transformed the way you build a site.  Take Aria, Wix Harmony ’s built-in AI agent, for example. With her, you don’t have to arrive confident. You can show up unsure. You can say: “I don’t know where to start.” “I’m afraid this will look unprofessional.” “I’m not good at design.” “Can you just fix this?” Aria doesn’t judge. Instead, she translates. She can generate structure and suggest a layout. She can reorganize what feels messy and polish what feels off. If something feels intimidating—she can take the first step for you. That’s the real shift. AI gives you the courage to create. So, if you’ve been stuck at that fear barrier and need a way to break through it, here are six ways to collaborate with AI and build your confidence along the way. 01. Share context and your intentions AI is incredibly capable, but it works best when it understands the “why” behind your site. Start by simply describing your business and your goals. This context helps your AI agent suggest the right tone and structure from the start. When you're ready to add sections, try articulating your goals rather than giving strict commands. For example, instead of saying “Add a gallery,” you might say: “I need a gallery midway down the homepage to showcase four of my main projects.” Giving AI more context helps it generate solutions that actually fit your specific needs. 02. Treat AI like a consultant Most people jump straight into picking fonts and colors when they start building their site, which can quickly become overwhelming. Before you design anything, try having a conversation with AI. Let it do the initial research for you. Instead of feeling pressured to know exactly what you need, ask for guidance: “What are the must-have sections for a photography portfolio ?” “What kind of color palette conveys 'trust' for a financial consultant?” This gives you a solid starting point so you aren't just guessing what looks professional. 03. Explore different options In the past, trying out three different layouts would take all afternoon. With AI, it takes seconds. So, don’t settle for the first thing it generates. For example, ask your agent to create three different versions of a section—maybe one minimalist, one bold and one image-heavy. It’s so much easier to look at three options and say, "I like the middle one," than it is to build that middle one from scratch. It lets you explore different vibes without wasting your time. 04. Set boundaries Sometimes, AI gets a little ahead of itself. It might throw in a weird gradient or an icon that just doesn't feel like you. This is where it helps to set boundaries and tell AI what to do—and what not to do. “Redesign this header, but keep it simple—without any images.” “Create a services list, but use text only. No icons, please.” “Write my About section based on the info I provide, but do it without fluff.” By narrowing down what you don't want, you help the AI understand your taste much faster. 05. Don’t be afraid to mess things up There's freedom in knowing you have a safety net. If you want to add and customize a template or create a new section from scratch, my advice is to go for it. Even if you end up with misaligned text or a layout that looks chaotic, there’s nothing lost. Simply say to AI, “Fix the design” or “Align these elements.” Think of it like having a pro step in to tidy up your rough draft, smoothing out the edges so everything looks intentional. 06. Add your own personal touch Here’s the beautiful thing about a hybrid website editor like Wix Harmony: the manual, drag-and-drop controls are still there. You never lose control. AI is fantastic for building the foundation, generating structure and making sure your site functions well on mobile. But the soul of the website comes from you. Once AI helps you past the blank page, you might find you have the confidence to step in. Swap a suggested photo for something authentic and personal. Tweak the wording of a headline. Move a button until it feels just right. Read also: How my 14-year-old son built a website that 6x’d his sales The bottom line: find your sweet spot Website building used to demand confidence upfront. Now, confidence can be built along the way. What’s important to remember is that there’s no single “right” way to use AI in web creation. Some people will let Aria generate almost everything and then lightly tweak the design. Others will manually build most of the structure and ask AI to refine details. The sweet spot is personal. It’s the place where: You feel supported, not replaced. You feel guided, not overwhelmed. You feel in control, not intimidated. An incredible website is within your reach. You just have to begin. Discover more about Wix Harmony: What is Wix Harmony? Why use Wix Harmony? How much does Wix Harmony cost? What does a good AI prompt look like for building websites?

  • Are website templates dead?

    Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix   → Let’s get one thing straight: website templates  aren’t dead. They’re far from it.  Even with the explosion of website builders (including AI website builders and vibe coders), templates are still some of the most useful tools for creating a website, whether it’s your first site or your tenth.  For me, the real  question isn’t whether templates are dead. It’s how their role is evolving. In all my years as a web designer, I’ve never seen a moment quite like this: it’s both the most exciting and confusing time in web design .  And while the old-school idea of templates might be dead, the modern version is alive and kicking. Here’s what I mean. TL;DR: Are website templates dead? Website templates aren’t dead. They’ve evolved. Modern templates combine smart layouts, ready-to-use content and AI enhancements, making them easy to customize and practical for any business. They aren’t just convenient, either. They’re central to the future of web design. The anatomy of a modern website template: 5 traits A lot of people assume templates are boring—and sometimes, that’s true. After all, even vibe-coded apps can turn out dull.  But the best modern templates do the opposite. Instead of giving you a generic-looking site, they offer a thoughtful design with strong bones.  Take Wix templates, for example. We approach them like real design projects, blending visual research with current trends and a designer’s personal touch. (We essentially try to make our templates feel as least template-y as possible.)  In general, a good website template has these traits.  01. A layout backed by research  A strong layout is the backbone of any template. Designers usually study how people navigate similar sites, what layouts work best for each industry and how the content should flow, so the structure is clear and logical for your business. This gives you a better starting point than a blank canvas because the fundamentals (the "roots" of the site) are already in place. 02. A fresh, modern look Modern templates don’t just play it safe. They draw from current design trends and user research to recommend the best color palettes, fonts and visuals for your business type. They give you something that feels both current and one-of-a-kind. 03. Built-in ideas for content A template isn’t just a framework. It’s a full creative vision. Many designers include curated content (such as hand-picked photos or AI-generated text and images) that are all shaped by a visual expert. So no matter what type of business you run, you can explore various design directions before adding your own content. 04. Industry-specific features  The best templates are built for specific business needs, with all the essential pages and features already included. For example, an online store template  comes with everything you need to showcase products and handle sales, while a portfolio template  keeps it simple with a clean gallery and a “contact me” page. That way, your template isn’t just attractive. It’s practical and ready to support your business from day one. Each template above was created with a specific type of business in mind. Click an image to take a closer look. 05. Accessibility and legal guardrails  There are strict rules for web accessibility that can be difficult for a business owner to navigate alone. Professional templates have these accessibility standards built into its DNA. They also provide a safety net for legal requirements, such as including the specific pages needed for privacy policies , reducing the risk of something going wrong during the setup process.  The difference between old-school vs. modern-day templates Old-school website templates Modern-day website templates Basic, flat structure  Advanced structure, built to support specific types of businesses Generic design  Thoughtful design, created by an expert designer and backed by industry research  Full of stock images and placeholder text Full of contextually relevant (sometimes ethically AI-generated) content that you can personalize  Hard to customize (required manually coding or design) Very easy to customize (can achieve with drag and drop, AI and other tools)  The default option if you wanted to create a website Often the preferred option, plus the source of inspiration for AI website builders and vibe coders  The hybrid reality: the end of “either-or” thinking Templates aren’t just surviving because they’re higher quality than before. The way we design has changed fundamentally. It's no longer about choosing between templates or  AI or  manual editing. Rather, templates are now part of a bigger ecosystem, where the boundaries between these tools are becoming more and more blurry.  Today, many designers are using AI to create templates faster. Meanwhile, AI systems are learning from the templates that real designers create to suggest website layouts to their users.  This leaves you with a different choice to make: Would you rather start your website journey with AI or a template?  In my opinion, a template is a great place to start for most people because it gives you a solid starting point, whereas vibe coding solutions don’t give you any starting point. You’re left staring at a completely blank canvas.  Editing a template can also feel easier than having to enter prompt after prompt to get things right. Or, if you use Wix Harmony (a first-of-its-kind hybrid solution), you can start with a template that gives you a website layout, then easily switch back and forth between AI or manual editing to get all the details just right. Try out Wix Harmony for free. 3 tips for getting the most out of a template It’s worth nothing that if you choose to use a template, these simple tricks can help to ensure that you get the most out of your selection.  Don’t judge a template by its cover :  It’s easy to be blinded by how a template looks, but I always advise digging into both the design and the content. They’re equally important. Go through and check that it has all the core sections and business functionality you need. Otherwise, you may end up needing to put in more work than you anticipated to create the user experience you envision.   Check the "rhythm" of the content: The most successful websites happen when the content and the design work together in harmony. If a template is designed to highlight three key services, but your business has 10, that specific layout might not be the right fit. It’s more efficient to find a template that already maintains the right volume of information, instead of forcing too much content into a space that wasn't built for it. The "Logo Test":  Drop your logo into the header. It’s a quick reality check to see if your branding actually fits the style you’re going for. In some cases, this test might even reveal that your logo itself needs a redesign to work in a professional online space. It’s a small step, but an important one in making sure all your design elements play nicely together. Read also: The psychological barrier to building a website (and 6 AI tips to break it) The future of templates: a new renaissance  Web templates aren’t just basic building blocks anymore. Thanks to AI, they’re living starting points that anyone can build on. It feels a bit like a modern Renaissance. Back then, art was mostly for the elite. Today, AI is democratizing design, letting more people create polished websites quickly. Templates are like the bridge between mass accessibility and creative expression. So what’s next? Will templates become fully AI-powered and personal for everyone, or will there be a split between mass-produced designs and high-end, bespoke experiences? Either way, templates aren’t just a fallback—they’re part of the foundation for faster, more creative web design.

  • Your website should speak your brand’s language—here’s how

    Ready to create your own website? Get started with Wix's website builder . You might not realize it yet, but your website is your brand in its truest form. Think about it. It’s one of the few places you dictate the narrative and vibe. On social, and even at your brick-and-mortar store, your brand is subject to a ton of external factors that are beyond your control. That’s exactly why your website needs to speak your brand’s language. Because when your site tells a cohesive story about who you are and why your customers should care, you build real trust. And that, in an overcrowded, noisy market, is like gold dust. So, how do you speak your brand language on your website? Well, it all starts with finding your voice. Ready to step up your website game? Create a website with Wix. TL;DR: how to speak your brand’s language on your website In this article, senior marketing writer and creative Liley-Beth Griffin breaks down how to make your website actually sound like your brand instead of just another generic corner of the internet. She explains how to define your brand voice and shows how clear messaging, thoughtful design and a consistent vibe can turn your website into a place where your brand language really comes to life. How to discover your brand voice You can’t speak your brand’s language if you don’t know what that language is yet. Here’s a handy three-step framework to help you find your voice. Step 1: Identify your KVP Start with your most basic brand positioning, often called your key value proposition (KVP), or why people should choose your brand over your competitors. A simple way to figure this out is to draw a Venn diagram with three circles: What your customers want What your brand does best What your competitors do best Your brand positioning should live in the sweet spot where "What your customers want" overlaps "What your brand does best"—but ideally sit outside of what your competitors are already doing well. That gap is your opportunity. Step 2: Build your message house Once you have your KVP, you need a structure to support it. That’s where your “message house” comes in—an architecture that keeps your content on track so you never stray from your story. See the blank template below. At the top of your message house is your brand’s KVP, which we’ve already defined using our Venn diagram. Underneath, we’ve got three core benefits of your product/service, with each one laddering up to your KVP. These benefits should be proof of your KVP. When choosing your brand’s core benefits, think like your audience. What are their pain points, and how does your product/service solve them? Look back at conversations you've had with customers—what do they say about how your brand fits into their daily lives? Finally, your supporting messages are real, tangible features that back up your core benefits. For example, if you run a dog grooming service and one of your core benefits is “Make grooming safe and stress-free,” your supporting messages could be that you use only hypoallergenic products and that you have certified trainers. Step 3: Define your tone Now that you know what  to say, you need to decide how  to say it. This is your tone of voice. To discover yours, ask yourself three questions:  Who is your audience, how do they talk and how do they want to be talked to?  For example, my audience might be Gen Z and “cusp” Millennials looking for an LGBTQ+-friendly tattoo parlor. They talk in a way that feels “chronically online” but always inclusive. They cringe at brands that are too try-hard. How do you want people to feel when they interact with your brand? Inspired? Safe? Seen? How would you like people to describe the vibe of your brand?   Artsy? Edgy? Authentic? When you’re done thinking about these questions, jot down three to five adjectives that define your tone of voice. It’s also helpful to list a few "Dos and Don'ts." For example: "We DO want to sound confident, we DON'T want to sound arrogant." One final note about brand voice: Remember that it’s like a human voice, shifting situationally. So, while your brand’s core persona will always be the same, your tone can (and should) be dialed up or down depending on what you’re communicating and the context. You might choose to speak in a bolder tone on your homepage  than on a returns page, where a calmer, more reassuring voice works better. No matter where your customers are on your site, they should still feel like they’re interacting with the same brand personality. Common brand voice mistakes to avoid Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to veer off track when it comes to brand voice. Before bringing your brand language to your website, it’s worth considering the common traps to avoid: Being too "try-hard" or cringey:  Nothing repels a customer faster than inauthenticity. If you use slang to sound trendy but it doesn't actually fit your brand, you risk losing credibility with your audience. Being too "salesy" and overpromising:  If every sentence feels like a pitch, you lose trust. People want connection, not a hard sell. Using jargon:  Speaking in abstractions or industry-speak is a quick way to confuse people. If a visitor reads your homepage and still doesn't know what you sell, you’ve got a problem. Mimicking competitors:  It’s tempting to look at the market leader and copy their style. But if you sound exactly like them, why would anyone choose you? Plus, you’ll never do their voice as well as they do. How to bring your brand language to your website Once your brand positioning, message house and tone of voice are in place, your copy should flow very naturally. Here’s what to consider when learning how to create a website  that speaks your brand language. Think about your visual hierarchy People usually scan headlines, so how you arrange and format your web content  matters. Make sure your biggest, boldest text conveys your most important brand messages. And don't bury your value proposition in a paragraph at the bottom of the page. Take a look at the TOMbag  website. One quick scroll through the headers and subheaders tells you everything you need to know: TOMbag is a climate-conscious company that produces reusable garbage bags for simple use. Stick around and you’ll notice that the brand has a clear and consistent brand language, too. Be disciplined in your tone Be strict with yourself when applying your tone of voice—just because you personally like a phrase doesn’t mean it fits your brand. If copywriting’s not your thing, it can be helpful to lean on AI tools like the Wix AI  text creator to generate content. You could even feed your brand positioning and tone of voice into AI and have it review your own writing to make sure it’s aligned. Related: Most AI-generated website content is generic. Here’s how to make sure yours isn’t Prioritize clarity in your content Always err on the side of clarity and consistency. Ask yourself: Does my content clearly explain the value we offer? Does it all add up to a cohesive story? The website for talent consultant Empowered Artist  does a solid job of clearly communicating who they are (a mentor/coach for independent artists), what they offer (mentorship, coaching, courses) and why it matters (helping artists navigate their business, build their brand, secure gigs). The tone throughout is authentic but authoritative. By putting her own personal brand in the spotlight, founder Jenny Langer also creates an immediate sense of trust. Go beyond just words You know how brands have a certain “vibe?” You come away from their website thinking ‘wow, this studio is doing something wild and new’ or ‘this spa will absolutely heal my soul.’ That feeling is no accident. It’s the result of your content, design, UX and website features  playing nicely together—down to the very last CTA at checkout. Let’s pretend you own a clothing line. Imagine your design philosophy revolves around raw materials, clean lines and structured shapes. To reflect this online, you could use brutalist web design  for your site’s look and feel. So you might go for a minimalist color palette accented by full-bleed photography that feels editorial. You could lean further into this function-before-form aesthetic by opting for a clean, streamlined UX where every interaction feels intentional. If you can’t find specific visuals that suit that brutalist vibe or your brand language, you can always use Wix’s built-in AI image creator to build something new in seconds. Read also: The psychological barrier to building a website (and 6 AI tips to break it) Examples of brands that get their language right If you want to see what makes a good website , let’s take a look at three examples that nail their brand language with clarity and confidence. Josh Harmon Musician and sound effects artist Josh Harmon  built a website to showcase his work and engage fans and potential brand partners. From the hand-drawn logo in the header to the conversational copy, Josh displays a brand language that’s super fun but professional. The website’s content is sprinkled with delightful little pieces of humor, like where Josh quotes testimonials by The Today Show  and Modern Drummer Magazine , before adding: “My grandma is also very proud of me.” Josh, who has amassed over 20 million followers on social media, explains why a having website is essential to his work: “A website is a powerful tool for brand building because, unlike being spread across multiple platforms, it gives people a holistic view, allowing you to present your content exactly how you want in one place.” Read about how Josh created a website that hits all the brand language notes . Byline This website for internet publication Byline  really commits to the bit brand-wise. Born from a growing nostalgia for the early web when there were more niche online communities, it hones in on a malaise for traditional journalism. Out of this niche comes its unique brand personality—irreverent, truthful, nostalgic yet Gen Z. This brand personality is felt throughout the website—from the Rolling Stone-inspired design, to the editorial copy, low-fi typeface and the old-school search bar. You can just imagine an internet culture enthusiast voluntarily bringing it up in conversation next time they’re talking to one of their own. And yes, these are exactly the brand advocates we’re after. Lennnie Another website that successfully brings us into its brand world is Lennnie , an animated blob that has amassed millions of social media followers for promoting positivity. Lennnie’s website is a direct extension of its social media brand. All the warmth and whimsy of the much-loved little guy are expressed through surrealist animations, empathetic copy and a game-like UX based on “side quests.” And this playful brand persona is conveyed site-wide while still serving as an eCommerce hub for merch, books, a podcast and link-outs to social. The lesson we can take from Lennnie is that going all-in on a unique brand persona is what turns social media followers into paying customers.  Want to start selling online? Build a free eCommerce website  with Wix. Why small brands are in a unique position You don't need a massive marketing budget to have a winning brand language on your website. In fact, small businesses often do it better than the big guys for a few reasons: You have the final say on your brand persona. The more people there are weighing in on copy and design, the more diluted a brand can get. You can get really, really niche.  You’re not a huge department store trying to be all things to all people. Once you’ve honed in on your USP and tone of voice, you can get as edgy or specific as you want.  You can evolve faster and respond to your audience in real time  (because of the previous points), especially if you’re only defining who you are now. For this reason, it’s the newly emerging micro-brands that are on the mood boards of macro-brands. No matter the size of your brand or team, there is only ever one source of truth for your persona.  And it’s laid out when you define your positioning and tone of voice. Stick to it across all your touch points, and you can’t really go wrong. As more and more AI-generated content floods the web, brands with a distinct, human point of view will go far. By investing the time now to define and speak your brand’s language, you’re building a connection that no algorithm can replicate. Read also: I built a Wix website for my mom: here's how it went Making sure your site speaks your brand language Before you jump into creating content, it helps to see the big ideas all in one place. Here’s a quick guide to creating a website that speaks your brand language and how the tactics might play out in the real world. Pro tip What Liley says Real-world example Find your sweet spot “ Your brand positioning should live in the sweet spot where ‘What your customers want’ overlaps ‘What your brand does best.’ That gap is your opportunity.” Think of a boutique coffee roaster that realizes people want flavor without fuss. Their site leans into that message—super clear and super simple, like, “We roast great beans, so you don’t have to think about it.” Build a message house “ Once you have your KVP, you need a structure to support it… an architecture that keeps your content on track so you never stray from your story.” A small skincare company uses a simple message house to keep their site tight. Every piece of content comes back to “gentle, effective basics,” so nothing on the site ever feels random or off-brand. Think like your audience “When choosing your brand’s core benefits, think like your audience. What are their pain points, and how does your product/service solve them?” A meal-prep startup focuses its site copy around “I’m busy, please just make this easier.” Every page talks like a helpful friend who gets your chaos and wants you fed. Keep things clear, not salesy “If every sentence feels like a pitch, you lose trust. People want connection, not a hard sell.” A wellness coach writes their service page like a conversation: here’s what I do, here’s how it helps, here’s how to get started. No pressure, no hype—just honest info. Use visual hierarchy wisely “Make sure your biggest, boldest text conveys your most important brand messages. And don’t bury your value proposition.” A home-cleaning service puts its core promise—“We make clean easy”—right at the top. Scroll once and instantly know exactly what they’re about. Use design + copy together “Your content, design, UX and website features [should] play nicely together—down to the very last CTA at checkout.” A minimalist clothing brand keeps everything clean and structured—photos, layout and even product descriptions. The whole site feels like stepping into their studio. Embrace your small-brand advantage “Small businesses often do it better… you can get really, really niche.” A tiny candle studio picks a super specific voice—cozy, witchy and a little dramatic. Their website feels like you walked into a magical place. People love it because it’s so unique. Speaking your brand language on your website FAQ What exactly is "brand language" for a website? Think of brand language as your company’s verbal outfit. It’s not just what you say (the information), but how you say it (the personality). Whether you’re witty, empathetic, rebellious or calm, your brand language is the distinct style of words and phrasing that makes your website sound like you, rather than a generic template. Why can't I just try to sound "professional"? You can, but "professional" can be code for "boring" or "safe," and safe doesn't stick in people's heads. If you sound exactly like every other competitor in your industry, you’re in danger of becoming invisible. A distinct brand voice is the quickest way to differentiate yourself. It shows you’re not just another faceless corporation, but a team of humans they can actually connect with. Will being too conversational make me lose credibility? Not if you do it right. There’s a huge difference between being "unprofessional" (sloppy, rude, unclear) and being "conversational" (accessible, clear, human). In fact, shedding the stiff corporate jargon usually increases trust because it shows you’re confident enough to speak plainly. Does brand voice actually affect my sales numbers? Absolutely. When a visitor lands on your site and feels like you "get" them because you're speaking their language, trust is built instantly. That emotional connection is what moves people from browsing to adding to cart. On the other hand, disconnected or robotic copy creates friction, causing potential leads to bounce because they don't feel a spark. How do I figure out what my brand voice should be?  Start by looking at your ideal clients. How do they talk? What slang do they use? What are they frustrated by? Your brand voice should bridge the gap between who you are and who they are. A great trick is to read your website copy out loud. If you stumble or feel like you’re doing a bad impression of the person behind your brand, it’s not your real voice. Should my voice sound the same on every single page? Your voice (personality) should stay the same, but your tone (emotion) can change depending on the context. For example, your personality might be cheeky and fun, which works great for your headlines and About page. But if a user is on a Payment Failed page, you should dial down the jokes and dial up the helpfulness.

  • How my 14-year-old son built a website that 6x’d his sales

    Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →  Summer break for my 14-year-old son, Kfir, started just like every other year: Minecraft, YouTube, eat, sleep, repeat.  This year, we both knew he needed something else. Maybe something that would get him off the couch and out in the world a bit. That’s when we saw an ad in a neighborhood facebook group. It was for a program where teens could learn how to make a good cup of coffee and open their own café. Kfir was into it, so we signed him up. What followed wasn’t just a lesson in starting a business , but in creating a website  that could bring in real money. Create a restaurant website  with Wix for free. The birth of The Little Barista  The “café” was called "The Little Barista." It ran a couple of days a week during the summer out of a local community center. The kids learned everything from making the menu (which changed daily) to dealing with customers, and even creating cool latte art.  The website wasn’t part of the deal, but Kfir excitedly pitched the idea to his team. After all, his dad worked at Wix. In one night, he created a simple site on Wix himself, printed the URL on their menu and eagerly launched the site...only to watch it fail.  From a website that no one visited to 6x more sales  After the first week, Kfir came to me frustrated. He checked his Wix Analytics  and saw that nobody was looking at the site. He was convinced that the whole website was useless.  So, I asked him to pull up the site and see if we could improve it together. We spent the next two hours looking through it and making some essential changes. Those changes included:  Expanding the website  from just a simple homepage  with a menu, to a website that offered online ordering with in-person pickup, plus table reservation. This also entailed adding Wix Restaurants to my son’s site, which came with all the necessary functionality and web pages . Improving the SEO,  which included tweaking the meta tags and content. We wanted the website to come up in searches for “The Little Barista” and, with a little luck, for local searches like "cafés in [neighborhood name]." (For context, my specialty is in SEO.) Making simple effective. To be clear, the website was, and still is, very minimal. We didn’t want to overcomplicate it. We just wanted it to help promote the café and make the team’s lives a little bit easier. With that in mind, the website needed to be simple to navigate and easy for the kids to manage on the backend—especially since the menu changed daily. Using Wix, we were able to achieve that.  Now, I have to give Kfir all the credit. He made all the changes himself, while I gave him tips here and there.  The end result was better than we could’ve predicted: after updating The Little Barista  website, the café earned six times more money than the previous week, and Kfir had something to be very proud of.   Read more about how to make a website  or check out the ideal website launch checklist.  What actually worked? The changes that mattered  This quick experiment taught us that the most effective changes don’t have to be fancy. These simple fixes made all the difference for The Little Barista. Online ordering When we first talked about adding online ordering to the site, Kfir smartly asked why it was necessary, if the team only accepted in-person payments. But as we talked through it—and later saw—online ordering allowed customers to conveniently place orders, whether they were sitting at the café or in their cars driving there.  Customers didn’t have to leave their chairs, and the servers and cashiers could spend their time doing other things. The kids were already juggling a ton during their shifts (serving, cleaning, making coffee) so this helped them operate more efficiently. QR codes The website allowed Kfir and his team to replace printed menus with QR codes that they could slap on each table.  This was a game changer: their menu changed all the time, depending on which pastries and ingredients were available for purchase each day, so printing menus was a pain.  People could now scan the QR codes, see the day’s menu, order, then simply wait for their drinks or pastries to be served to them at their tables. For anyone who needed help (like some of the older customers, families with little children or customers with special needs), the kids still came around in person. Simple. Word-of-mouth marketing  Another benefit of having a website  was how easy it became to share. People could easily send the website link to their friends via WhatsApp, Facebook and other community apps. When the café first opened, the team had just sent around a photo with the message, “We opened a café—come!” Most of their first visitors were family and a few friends. But once the website was live, people could check out the menu ahead of time and even see what else was happening at the center (like kids’ movies and craft stands, which the team made sure to promote). Soon, people who’d never heard of the place started showing up, and bringing their friends with them. Customers even told us that they came because they realized this wasn’t just “a cafeteria in a community center,” but a café run by teenagers. A place they could support, spend the morning and enjoy with their family. They also loved being able to reserve a seat and order ahead, directly from the website. A lesson in business that we’ll both remember For Kfir and me, this was a summer we’ll never forget.  As a father, I’m incredibly proud of the initiative Kfir took. If he hadn’t bothered to build a site in the first place, the café wouldn’t have been the success that it was.  I was also reminded that while figuring things out as an entrepreneur is exciting, getting advice from someone who’s been there or specializes in something can save a lot of headaches. Once Kfir saw the difference a few small changes could make to his website, he was thrilled—and so was I. And for anyone running a business (kid, adult, doesn’t matter): the best websites  aren’t just pretty, but actually help solve a problem. The Little Barista website made it easy for people to see what was on offer and order quickly, and the café got busy because of it. Oh, and while this was just a summer thing, the site’s still online as a reminder of what a handful of teenagers can pull off. Kfir, meanwhile, is happily back on his favorite couch, enjoying his profits and playing his video games.  Related reading: I built a Wix website for my mom: here's how it went How to choose a website builder 11 Wix templates that our designers love The psychological barrier to building a website (and 6 AI tips to break it)

  • What does a good AI prompt look like for building websites?

    Build your website, your way with Wix Harmony → Here’s something every first-time creator should know: the language of web design has changed. It’s no longer about code or complex grid systems. It’s about your own words, how you use them, and your personal taste. Take Wix Harmony, for example, our new hybrid editor where creating a website  is far from a technical chore. Instead, you simply chat with your personal AI agent, Aria, and use intuitive drag-and-drop  tools whenever you want to go DIY. You don’t need to be a prompt engineer or a design pro to succeed. You just need to know how to communicate your vision. So, if you're wondering how to build a website from scratch  using a mix of AI and manual design, let’s get down to it. Here’s my advice on creating strong prompts for Wix Harmony  to help you design the powerful website you need. Related: What is vibe coding? A complete guide 5 prompting tips for anyone using AI to build a website Prompting isn't about learning a new language; it’s about bridging the gap between the business in your head and the website on your screen. These five prompt tips for creating a new website will help you get there. 01. Share your secret sauce A common mistake first-time creators make with AI web design  is withholding the insider info only they know: the little details that set them apart, what’s unique about their offering, their specific services, their key benefits. Aria is powered by Wix's deep design expertise built from over 300 million sites—but it still can't invent what makes your business special. Here's an example of two AI prompts for website building . One is too vague to be useful, and the other is packed with the kind of secret sauce we just talked about. Prompt 1: “Make me a website for my ballet studio.” Prompt 2: "I run a ballet studio in Austin called Pointe & Grace. We offer classes for adults and kids ages 4+, from beginner to advanced. What makes us different is our small class sizes—max 10 students—and our focus on classical technique in a warm, non-intimidating environment. I need visitors to see our schedule, meet the instructors and sign up for a trial class. The business has an elegant but approachable feel.” Some additional advice here: Your prompts don’t have to be sophisticated. Feel free to use bullet points, scratch notes or half-formed thoughts. Aria is built to understand you, so forget about perfect formatting and grammar. Just get your ideas out of your head and into your prompt. Read also: 9 best AI website builders for creating professional sites in minutes 02. Move beyond “pretty” and focus on purpose A great website is about more than just its look and feel. When you prompt, give a general direction across all aspects of the site. Think about the structure you want, the layout and functionality. Do you need a multi-page setup with a dedicated blog? Does your layout need to prioritize a large gallery of your portfolio? Should the main functionality revolve around a booking system or an eCommerce store? You can get the result you want by saying something like “I want a simple one-page layout that focuses on my contact form” or “I need a complex structure that highlights my different service tiers.” 03. Iterate in conversation Remember that when you’re working with an AI agent like Aria, you’re in a conversation. That means you don’t have to craft the perfect prompt in ChatGPT or any other LLM before coming to the editor. Nor do you need to stuff everything into your first prompt. It’s just the starting point. And once you're inside the editor, it's really helpful to bounce ideas off Aria and make AI or manual adjustments as you go. You can even click on any element within the canvas, and then ask Aria to edit it, rather than having to describe where the element is. The tools are built for iteration so get the conversation flowing. 04. Be specific when something’s wrong Just like a human designer, AI performs best when the feedback is clear. If a conversation is going off track because the instructions were unclear or too broad, it’s best to rein things in. My go-to “correction prompt” is simple: be specific about what’s wrong, not just that it’s wrong. Instead of “I don't like this,” try “The layout feels too cluttered. Simplify the homepage  to focus on just the hero section and services. Keep the color palette but reduce the number of sections." Point at the problem and suggest the direction to avoid any unnecessary back-and-forth. Read also: The psychological barrier to building a website (and 6 AI tips to break it) 05. Let AI surprise you It can be tempting to try to dictate exact layouts and pixel-level details, and if that’s your thing, go for it. But the best results often come when you leave room for creative interpretation. If you feel stuck or that your final design is missing a bit of flair, ask Aria to check for creative blind spots or add some unexpected visual elements that match your brand’s energy.  Think prompts like these: “My portfolio page is missing a ‘wow’ factor. What elements or sections would you add to make this look more premium?” “My homepage feels a bit flat. Surprise me with some unexpected visual elements that match my brand.” “I've added all my content, but the site is missing something. What would you add to make it feel more engaging?" Give it a go. You might be surprised at how a fresh perspective can take a site from good to unforgettable. While you’re here: Preserving your creativity in the age of AI website building Your taste still matters most As AI in web creation continues to evolve, the gap between what you describe and what you get will keep shrinking, and the back-and-forth to get a polished result will take less time. But the truth is, while AI can generate a solid website for you, knowing whether the result actually serves your business goals—that’s human. If there’s only one takeaway from this blog article, it’s this: You don’t need to be a designer or a prompt engineer. You just need to be clear about what your business needs and willing to iterate. So, jump in, tell Aria about your business and enjoy the collaboration. Learn more about Wix Harmony: What is Wix Harmony? Why use Wix Harmony? How much does Wix Harmony cost?

  • 9 proven ways to drive traffic to your online store

    Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix eCommerce →   We've all heard the saying "just because you build it, doesn't mean they will come." There's no better example of this than when you're  building an online store . Despite pouring hours into getting your site ready for business, there's no guarantee that buyers will magically appear. Fortunately, there are many tried-and-true ways to get people clicking on your store. Crack open this quick guide to learn how to drive traffic to your online store. Get inspired by eCommerce website design ideas. Ready to start your eCommerce journey? Now’s the perfect time to bring your vision to life. With Wix eCommerce, you have the tools to build a professional online store and create a website that captivates your audience, drives traffic and boosts sales. Take the first step and explore Wix eCommerce today. Make your mark online and turn your ideas into success. But first, is your eCommerce site optimized for sales? Whether you’re just  building your eCommerce website  or have been in eCommerce for a while now, it’s always a good idea to periodically check that your site is still easy to navigate and optimized for sales. No matter how ingenious your marketing campaigns may be, a site that’s clunky or outdated can scare off customers faster than you’d think. To this end, here are several things to look out for: Organize your site with a clear structure and CTAs: Make sure shoppers can easily navigate your site and find what they’re looking for. If your product catalog isn't displayed directly on your site’s homepage, add a prominent “Shop Now” or “Start Shopping” button that leads customers to the right pages. Speak to a specific target audience: Think from your customers' shoes when you're writing your product descriptions, designing your homepage and/or setting your prices. If customers don't feel that your brand is tailored to them—chances are, they'll exit your site as quickly as they entered. Remember that photography is king: We’re living in a visual age. High-quality product photography is a must-have, allowing customers to envision themselves using your product. Aside from static product photos, include product videos and/or user-generated content that can serve as powerful social proof. Don't skimp on product details: Make sure that your product descriptions are detailed and accurate. The last thing you'll want is for customers to shy away from making a purchase because they have more questions than answers after looking at your product listings—or, if they do  make a purchase, you'll want to avoid an influx of returns due to "item not as described." Offer a seamless checkout process: An overly complex checkout process is one common cause of abandoned shopping carts online. Simplify the checkout process as much as possible while also accepting various forms of payment. By using Wix Payments, as an example, you can accept everything from major credit cards to Apple Pay to BNPL solutions, for  accepting payments online . Make sure your return policy is easy to find: More than two-thirds (67%) of shoppers want to see a return policy before they complete a purchase, according to  Invesp . Hence why you'll want to make your return policy easy to find so that shoppers can enjoy some peace of mind while they shop. Learn more:   Ecommerce website optimization What is an online store? How to make a website Just  starting your business  and getting your feet wet in eCommerce? Explore all of Wix’s helpful tools, including its eCommerce website templates , store name generator  and eCommerce website  builder.  How to drive traffic to your online store in 9 ways Once your site is ready to receive visitors, experiment with the following tactics and strategies to maximize your reach. Attract customers with a sales campaign Target your audience on Facebook Show off your business on Instagram Experiment with other social channels Lean into email marketing Optimize your site for SEO Utilize content marketing Engage influencers or brand partners Advertise on Google 01. Attract customers with a sales campaign A well-planned discount pricing strategy can draw attention without draining your wallet. The key is to find a strategy that makes your customers feel that they've gotten a good deal, while avoiding a situation where you're competing on price alone. To get you started, here are some campaign ideas that you can implement: Offer a competition or giveaway. Incentivize visitors by offering free shipping or a coupon towards their first purchase if they sign up for your mailing list. This not only entices your customers to take a chance on your brand, but also provides an avenue for you to stay in touch with them. Create a coupon for online use only.  Whether you offer a percentage or fixed amount off the final price, an "online only" coupon can draw people to your site. Extend this offer to your existing contacts and shoppers who visit your brick-and-mortar store (if applicable). You can  create a coupon  directly from Wix eCommerce, applying the coupon to a specific product or collection of products if desired. Create a sense of urgency. Whether you announce a flash sale, limited-time free shipping or a blowout holiday sale, creating a sense of urgency can get people rushing to your store. You could even add a countdown clock on your website to build excitement around an event or sale.  BOGO (buy one, get one) deals.  Incentivize shoppers to try multiple products from your store by offering a buy-one-get-one 50% off (or free) deal. BOGO campaigns are especially useful if you're trying to liquidate certain products. You can also create these directly within Wix. Note: Creating an enticing sale is only step one. Without a proper promotion plan (e.g., ads, email marketing or social promotion), you run the risk of no one seeing or hearing about your deal, so make sure to bake that into your plan as well. 02. Target your audience on Facebook  With  more than three billion monthly users , Facebook is the world's most active social channel. There are a plethora of ways to use Facebook to your advantage, including: Create a Facebook page. As a first step, set up a business page for your brand where customers can look for crucial store information. This is also a good place to publish and promote any content that links back to your website, such as a sales campaign, a blog post or a product announcement. Run Facebook ads. Create pay-per-click (PPC) Facebook ads that help you to reach new consumers with relevant interests, browsing habits and backgrounds. Choose from a variety of ads and adjust your campaign according to your business goals. If you’re looking for an easier way to manage your ads, use  Wix’s Facebook Ads  tool, which leverages AI to A/B test your ads, track sales and locate the ideal audience for you to target. Integrate Facebook shop. Let customers browse your products when they're on Facebook, then direct them to your site to check out. If you’re using Wix, you can  integrate Facebook shop with your eCommerce site  in just a few clicks. Your inventory can be managed from your site’s backend, and any updates you make to your product listings will automatically appear on your Facebook shop. 03. Show off your business on Instagram Depending on your business, Instagram can be a valuable asset for increasing traffic to your website. Use it to cultivate your brand and to give people an authentic look into your business. Kaekoo (pictured above) uses its  Instagram page  to show the face behind its brand—Kaekoo founder, Kae. The brand flaunts more than 158,000 Instagram followers, many of whom have fallen in love with Kae's creativity and personality.  Take a page from Kaekoo's book and take these steps on Instagram: Optimize your Instagram bio. Make sure your Instagram bio is optimized for your business by including a link to your store, alongside other contact info and perhaps some witty content. Use a link-in-bio tool like Hopp  to get even more mileage out of your Instagram bio and direct your followers to various pages and products within your site. Fashion retail brand Shaun Oliver has had great success directing followers to its 'Book an appointment' landing page from its Instagram bio. Utilize videos.  Your Instagram page shouldn't be a replica of your product catalog—rather, it should feature engaging content that expresses your brand's personality. As an idea, show behind-the-scenes footage that highlights your products or team members via Instagram Stories and/or Reels. If you're creating a story, use "link" stickers to direct visitors to a webpage, where they can browse your products or make a purchase. Integrate Instagram with your site.  Sync your Instagram feed with your online store so that customers can shop your products directly from Instagram. Similar to Facebook shop, this feature lets customers find the product they love on your social media channel, then click on the image in order to see more details and check out. Run Instagram ads. Target potential customers based on their preferences and online habits. Pick from a range of formats like photos, videos, carousels or Stories to create ads that align with your goals. Wix’s Facebook/Instagram Ads tool can help streamline this by using AI to create different ad variations and identify your ideal audience. Read also:  Ecommerce website examples 04. Experiment with other social channels   Branch out to other social media channels that may be appropriate for your brand. For example, if you run a fashion or beauty business, you might be eyeing TikTok—where you can hop on popular video trends, open a TikTok Shop and/or run TikTok ads (which can, in turn, be connected to your Wix product catalog ).   Or in the case of Kangaroo —a brand that specializes in 100% recyclable, heavy-duty hangers—TikTok affords an opportunity to connect with environmentally conscious shoppers. One of the brand’s earliest TikToks amassed more than 2 million views within just a few hours, leading to a surge of preorders on its website. If TikTok doesn’t match your vibe, you’ve got other channels like YouTube, Pinterest, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Threads, Reddit and X (formerly Twitter). As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to diversify your social media strategy so you’re not overly dependent on one channel, but avoid spreading yourself too thin. “By some grace of luck, I had my website already set up “and I had preorders available.” - Angus Willows, founder and CEO of Kangaroo Use tools like Wix’s AI-powered social media tools to quickly design custom videos, images and captions for various channels—and schedule things ahead of time so you’re not feeling overwhelmed. As you build up your social following, you can drive that traffic back to your website and turn their interest in your content into sales.  05. Lean into email marketing Although eCommerce email marketing may sound outdated in a world full of TikToks and heated Threads, email still boasts the highest return on investment (ROI) of all, with an average of $42 for every dollar spent . As one of the most successful ways to direct your customers to your online store, it’s worth taking seriously. The first step, of course, is to grow your email list. One way to get people to sign up for your emails is by adding a lightbox to your site that offers a discount or gift card as a reward for subscribing. You can additionally include a signup form in your site’s footer so that shoppers can opt in at any time. As you start building out your email list, think about the types of emails you want to experiment with. Do you need to automate essential emails, like order confirmations, shipping updates and abandoned cart emails? Are you looking to start a weekly or monthly newsletter? Do you want to highlight an upcoming sale or product launch? What kind of content will convince visitors to shop your products, both in the short term and long term? Learn how to set up abandoned cart emails in Wix .  As you seek the answers to these questions, keep the following tips in mind. Choose your eCommerce email platform wisely. Pick a platform that’s simple to use and lets you customize templates, easily sync contacts and track your performance. If you’re already on Wix, you can tap Wix’s AI email tools to craft and automate clever email campaigns. Alternatively, you can explore other options in the Wix App Market, such as Klaviyo , that can help you get even more out of your email marketing.    Test various subject lines.  Your subject line is arguably one of the most important elements of an email, with the power to attract or repel your customers before they've even seen the full message. Make sure you keep your subject lines short, punchy and provocative—while still keeping them relevant to the content inside. Keep written content short and sweet.  Don’t overdo it with the text. Make sure every word you write is useful and geared towards getting visitors to click on your main call-to-action (CTA).  Mix it up. Avoid inundating your email subscribers with content that's 100% promotional. Instead, send emails that offer value in the form of helpful content, inspiration or other material that'll help subscribers feel more connected to your brand. Don’t neglect your branding. Make sure to align your email images, copy, etc. with your store branding. By keeping these elements consistent across your various properties, you can create a brand that's easy to recognize, no matter where shoppers encounter it. 06. Optimize your site for SEO Your potential audience is most likely googling products like yours already. It's your job to make sure that your website appears in the first few results of these searches by implementing a smart  eCommerce SEO  strategy. To ensure that your SEO plan is effective, get familiar with critical SEO terms, like "keywords" and "metadata." Each of these elements (among others) influence your site's rankings on search engine result pages (SERPs) and help search engines discern when and how to showcase your products. Each page of your site needs to be optimized individually. That said, you can simplify your work by using  Wix's built-in SEO tools , which can recommend ways to optimize each page and even generate the metadata for you. Pair this with Wix’s AI tools for product descriptions to create fully optimized copy.  Bear in mind that even when SEO is done correctly, landing on page one of a SERP can take time, so you’ll need to be patient. You can supplement your organic efforts with paid placements, such as Google Ads. These types of ads can immediately put you at the top of SERPs while driving more traffic to strategic pages; this, in turn, can send positive signals to Google if it observes that a lot of people are finding what they’re look for on your site.  07. Utilize content marketing If you’re a newer company trying to compete with bigger brands, or if you’re trying to increase your brand recognition, content marketing might be the key to growing your website traffic. Clearly map out a content marketing strategy that identifies a specific target audience. Remember that when it comes to content, the immediate goal isn’t necessarily to get people to buy a product. Rather, you want to stimulate interest in your brand by presenting it as a trustworthy, knowledgeable player within your industry.   Some of the most common forms of content marketing include: Blogs: When you're learning  how to start a blog , it becomes pretty evident that a blog is a long-term investment. If done well, a blog can attract quality leads to your store and help you rank for keywords throughout the eCommerce customer journey. You can use your blog as a way to provide insights within your field, inspire customers to use your products or even receive backlinks from larger publications. If you need help with writing or editing content, Wix’s AI tools for blogging can lend a hand.  Videos: Create short, engaging video content that’s related to your field of expertise. You can use videos to answer frequently asked questions about your business, explain how to use your product or just provide interesting information. Infographics: What knowledge does your team hold that you can pass on to your customers? Publish key insights and stats in a visually compelling way by creating infographics. Aside from attracting potential buyers, infographics can help you earn backlinks from journalists or other publications in your field. Make sure that your infographic is well-branded, complete with your business’ logo and a URL to your site. Note: Creating high-quality content is just half the battle. The other half involves distributing your content so that it’s seen by the right people. This is where a strong email or social media marketing strategy comes into play. Use these channels to promote and repurpose your content for multiple audiences. 08. Engage influencers or brand partners Stepping out of your network into someone else’s is a great way to gain traffic for your site and reach new, relevant audiences. By working with credible influencers or brand partners in your space, you can more easily gain the trust of potential buyers. Start by researching your social platforms and looking for popular accounts related to your industry. If you’re on Instagram,  Webstagram  can help you analyze profiles related to your line of business.  After you’ve identified a few potential influencers or brand partners, reach out to them.  Get to known them at a more human level. Confirm that they’re a good match, both personality and content-wise, before negotiating business terms.  Familiarize your partners with your brand by sending them product samples, alongside enough information about your business to help them speak confidently about your products and mission. Consider passing along special discounts or gift cards that they can distribute exclusively to their followers. Or, offer a commission for every customer or order they help to attract.  You could create an affiliate marketing program to automate this process and work with a larger number of influencers. Affiliates can help you create social media content, videos and/or blog posts that link back to your site and can thereby drive traffic to your online store. 09. Advertise on Google Whereas with SEO, you garner traffic organically, Google Ads  enable you to gain traffic through paid placements. Google Ads let you target your customers by location, device, demographics and/or keywords.  Aside from providing a space to promote and link to your site, you can use ads to highlight special discounts or sales. You can additionally use Google Ads to quickly understand who’s clicking onto your ads (and therefore landing on your site) from a particular search query. You may discover that certain keywords are better than others for attracting people with an intent to shop, or that certain messaging is better at getting people to engage.  These learnings can then be applied to your organic marketing strategies. You can also use Google Ads to re-engage people who’ve visited your site before through remarketing campaigns. There are various ad types that you can choose from, including: Search ads: Text-based ads that are displayed at the top of Google search result pages Shopping ads: Ads that showcase your product at the top of Google search result pages, the Shopping tab, partner websites and Google's Display Network (note: shopping ads use product data, not keywords, to target the right people) Display ads: Ads that feature text, images, videos and/or rich media and are shared across Google's Display Network Video ads: Video ads that are displayed across YouTube Discover how Google Ads with Wix  can simplify your work by automatically connecting your Wix catalog to your ads, setting up your campaigns and more.  Drive traffic to your online store FAQ How can I drive traffic to my website for free? There are several free ways to drive traffic to any type of website , including but not limited to:  SEO: Make sure your website is search engine-friendly by using relevant keywords, improving site speed and creating quality content. This helps your store rank higher in organic search results. Social media: Post your products and special offers on platforms like Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest. Use engaging content, like behind-the-scenes videos or customer testimonials, to grab attention and drive followers directly to your site. Blogging: Writing articles related to your products or industry can bring in traffic over time. You can share tips, stories, and how-to guides that link back to your store, drawing in visitors through useful content. Referral programs: Encourage your existing customers to refer others by offering incentives like discounts or free products. Online communities: Participate in forums or groups (like Reddit, Facebook Groups or niche forums) where your customers hang out. Share your expertise and link back to your store when it’s relevant. Email marketing: If you already have a list of subscribers, sending regular newsletters with updates, new products or special offers can help drive repeat traffic to your online store. Email signatures:  Include your website link in your email signature for additional visibility. How do you reach customers digitally? To reach customers digitally, you’ll want to adopt a multichannel approach and focus on thing like:  Social media:  Establish and maintain a strong presence on relevant social media platforms, where your customers tend to discover new content. You might even want to sell directly on social platforms via TikTok Shop, Facebook Shop, etc.—or use ads to drive more people back to your site. Email marketing:  Build an email list that lets you directly communicate with your audience on an ongoing basis. Tailor your emails to engage different segments of your audience and to appeal to their varying interests. Content marketing:  Create blog posts, videos or other types of content that address your customers’ needs and interests. By offering valuable information, you build trust and stay top-of-mind, encouraging customers to return to your brand when they're ready to buy. Online advertising:  Online advertising lets you pay for targeted ads on platforms like Google, Facebook or Instagram to reach specific audiences based on their interests, location, behaviors and other factors. This ensures your ads are shown to people most likely to be interested in your products, helping you quickly increase visibility. SEO:  Tweak various elements of your website—like keywords, meta tags and content structure—to improve its visibility online. By making these adjustments, you increase the odds of potential customers finding your site via Google and other search engines.

  • Ecommerce vs. retail: How are they different and why do they matter?

    S tart selling with Wix eCommerce →   Get started with Dropshipping  today → Retail refers to the traditional method of selling goods and services to consumers through physical stores. Known as brick-and-mortar establishments, these stores offer a tangible shopping experience where customers can interact with products firsthand. On the other hand, eCommerce encompasses the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. This model allows for a broader reach as businesses can connect with customers globally without the need for a physical presence. The relevance of each model in today's business environment cannot be overstated. While traditional retailing relies on physical interaction and personal touch, eCommerce offers convenience and accessibility. Both models have their unique advantages and cater to different customer preferences. As you consider both when starting your business , it's essential to understand their roles in shaping customer experiences and driving sales in a digital age where online shopping continues to gain ground in terms of reach and sales. Ready to start your eCommerce journey? Now’s the perfect time to bring your vision to life. With Wix eCommerce, you have the tools to build a professional online store and create a website that captivates your audience, drives traffic and boosts sales. Take the first step and explore Wix eCommerce today. Make your mark online and turn your ideas into success. Ecommerce vs. retail: the brick and mortar advantage Despite the rise of online shopping, there's a significant advantage to maintaining a brick-and-mortar presence. Physical stores offer unique benefits that can enhance both business performance and customer satisfaction, leading to both sales and repeat customers. These include: Personal touch : In-store interactions allow for personalized service, which can lead to stronger customer relationships and loyalty. Immediate gratification : Customers can leave with their purchases immediately, satisfying the desire for instant ownership. Sensory experience : The ability to see, touch and try products can increase consumer confidence in their purchase decisions. While eCommerce is often highlighted for its convenience, physical stores also provide conveniences that are hard to replicate online: Location : Strategically placed stores can attract foot traffic and impulse buys. In-person support : Immediate assistance from staff can resolve issues quickly and improve the overall shopping experience. Community presence : Stores contribute to local economies and can become integral parts of communities. Related: Our website has 0 products for sale, but it's our most profitable channel Ecommerce vs. retail: the eCommerce advantage The rise of the internet has ushered in a new wave of commerce—eCommerce—that allows businesses to extend their reach far beyond local boundaries. Starting an eCommerce business opens up a world of opportunities, with advantages that traditional retail simply cannot match. Wider reach : With an online store , your business can attract customers from around the globe, not just those within a certain radius. Cost saving : Operating online can significantly reduce the overhead costs associated with physical stores, such as rent and utilities. 24/7 availability : Ecommerce platforms are always open, giving customers the freedom to shop at their convenience, any time of day or night. Learn more: eCommerce advantages and disadvantages Shopping online is not just beneficial for businesses—it's also incredibly convenient for customers: Easy access : Consumers can shop from the comfort of their own homes without traveling to a store. Create an eCommerce website to give potential customers 24/7 access to your products. Vast selection : Online stores can offer a wider array of products than physical stores due to fewer space constraints. Comparative shopping : Customers can easily compare prices and products from different vendors to find the best deals. Learn more: How to start an online store Retail vs. eCommerce and which to choose for your business Choosing the right sales model for your business—whether to invest in a brick-and-mortar store, an eCommerce platform or both—is a decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. Here's a guide to some of them to help you weigh your options and determine which works best for achieving your business goals. Target market : Consider where your customers are most likely to shop. Are they seeking the in-person experience or the convenience of online shopping? Product type : Some products, particularly those that customers prefer to see or try on, may be better suited for retail. Others can be easily sold online. Costs : Evaluate the start-up and ongoing costs associated with each model. Retail may require more significant upfront investment, while eCommerce can be more cost-effective. Market analysis : Research consumer behavior and market trends to understand where your products fit best. Competition : Look at what your competitors are doing and where you might have an advantage. Brand experience : Decide how you want customers to interact with your brand and which model best delivers that experience. Learn more: eCommerce vs brick and mortar The future of retail and eCommerce As we look ahead, the landscape of retail and eCommerce is set for continued evolution and growth. Innovations in technology and shifts in consumer behavior are likely to shape the way businesses sell and customers buy. Understanding potential trends can help you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to selling. Technological advancements : Emerging technologies like augmented reality and AI could transform the shopping experience both online and in-store. Consumer expectations : As consumers become more tech-savvy, their expectations for convenience, personalization and service will increase. Sustainability : Eco-consciousness is on the rise, potentially impacting purchasing decisions and driving demand for sustainable business practices. Ecommerce vs. retail FAQ Is Amazon considered retail or eCommerce? Amazon is primarily known as an eCommerce giant due to its vast online presence. However, with its acquisition of Whole Foods and the launch of Amazon Go stores, it also has a growing brick-and-mortar footprint. Can businesses benefit from retail and eCommerce? Yes, adopting an omnichannel approach that includes both retail and ecommerce can provide a rounded sales and customer experience, leveraging the strengths of each model.

  • Ecommerce vs. brick-and-mortar stores: pros and cons

    S tart selling with Wix eCommerce →   Get started with Dropshipping today → Retail as an industry has seen a remarkable transformation over the years and while it's always been about connecting people with products, there's been a noticeable a shift in how people shop and sell. This change has been primarily driven by the growth of eCommerce . Ecommerce, or electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods or services online. Brick-and-mortar stores are physical retail outlets which are visited in person to purchase products. Whether you're an entrepreneur starting a new business or an industry observer keen on market trends, understanding the eCommerce vs. brick-and-mortar debate is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of retail , both as a seller or consumer. Ready to start your eCommerce journey? Now’s the perfect time to bring your vision to life. With Wix eCommerce, you have the tools to build a professional online store and create a website that captivates your audience, drives traffic and boosts sales. Take the first step and explore Wix eCommerce today. Make your mark online and turn your ideas into success. Ecommerce vs. brick and mortar: pros and cons Each retail model has their own unique characteristics that shape the way they operate. Ecommerce allows businesses to sell goods and services online—reaching a global audience without geographical limitations. It's also defined by the following: Accessibility : Customers can shop anytime, anywhere as long as they have internet access. Convenience : With just a few clicks, shoppers can complete a purchase and have items delivered to their doorstep within days, if an option. Wide selection : Online stores often offer a broader range of products than physical stores due to fewer space constraints in terms of storage and warehousing. Personalization : Ecommerce platforms can provide personalized recommendations based on customer data and shopping habits. This makes for a more engaging customer experience and often higher sales. Brick-and-mortar stores are traditional retail outlets that have been around for centuries, where customers can visit to see, touch and purchase products in person. Their key characteristics include: Tangible experiences : Shoppers can physically interact with products before making a purchase. Immediate gratification : Customers can take home their purchases immediately, without waiting for delivery. Customer service : Face-to-face interactions with staff can improve customer service and build relationships. Local presence : Physical stores contribute to the local economy and community. Origins and growth of eCommerce The story of eCommerce began in the late 20th century, and it has quickly become a dominant force in the retail world. Here's a brief timeline highlighting its emergence and growth: 1970s : The concept of eCommerce was born with the advent of the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and teleshopping. 1980s : The introduction of online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon in the mid-1990s revolutionized the way people shop. 1990s : Secure online transactions became possible, leading to an increase in consumer trust and online sales. 2000s : Broadband internet became more accessible and smartphones began to change shopping habits. 2010s : Social media platforms started integrating shopping features, further expanding eCommerce reach. 2020s : Advancements in technology continue to push the boundaries of eCommerce with innovations like AI, AR and personalized shopping experiences. Related: Discover why Shaun Oliver intentionally left eCommerce off its website Ecommerce and brick-and-mortar: the main differences When comparing eCommerce and brick-and-mortar, several key factors highlight their differences. Understanding these can help you decide which retail model aligns with your business goals or shopping preferences. Convenience : Ecommerce wins on convenience, offering shopping from the comfort of your home. Brick-and-mortar requires a physical trip to the store. Reach : Online stores have a global reach, while physical stores are limited to their very specific, set geographical location. Customer experience : Brick-and-mortar stores provide a sensory experience and personal interaction, which eCommerce tries to replicate with detailed product descriptions and customer reviews. Overhead costs : ECommerce generally has lower overhead costs than brick-and-mortar, which must contend with expenses like rent and utilities. Read more:  Best eCommerce platforms Squarespace alternatives Wix vs Squarespace Is eCommerce killing brick and mortar? The question of whether eCommerce is killing brick-and-mortar stores is a hot topic. To address this, let's look at a few current trends and ecommerce statistics . Adaptation : Many brick-and-mortar stores are integrating eCommerce elements to stay competitive. Many businesses are choosing to have both an eCommerce website and physical store—it's common amongst large brands, for example, Zara and H&M. Coexistence : Statistics show that while eCommerce is growing, there's still a significant demand for in-store experiences. A CX trends survey , for example, found that 70% of US shoppers still visit a physical retail store once a week. Digital transformation : Traditional stores are undergoing digital transformation, using technology to enhance the in-store experience. So maybe it's not so much a case of eCommerce killing brick-and-mortar but rather an evolution of retail where both can coexist and complement each other. The key for traditional stores is to adapt and find ways to leverage the strengths of both models. Hybrid retail models: successes and how they work Here are some examples of businesses that have thrived by integrating both eCommerce and brick-and-mortar elements into their business models: Click-and-collect services : Retailers like Target and Walmart have successfully implemented click-and-collect services, allowing customers to order online and pick up in-store. This means consumers don't have to make it into a store and line up to pay — they can order only what they want and pick it up quickly. Show-rooming : Companies like Warby Parker offer physical showrooms for customers to try products before ordering them online. Local pop-up shops : Online-first brands occasionally open pop-up shops in high-traffic areas to increase brand visibility and offer a tangible shopping experience. This helps drum up demand for their online stores. The rise of omnichannel retail Omnichannel retail is the seamless integration of online and offline shopping experiences. It's a strategy that acknowledges the value of both eCommerce and brick and mortar, aiming to give you the best of both worlds. Here's how it benefits businesses and customers: Enhanced customer experience : Provide a consistent shopping experience across all platforms, whether in-store, online or through mobile apps. Increased sales opportunities : Reach customers through multiple channels, increasing the likelihood of purchases. Better data collection : Gather insights from various sales touchpoints to understand customer behavior and preferences. How businesses can adapt to an evolving retail environment The retail landscape is constantly shifting and businesses must adapt to stay ahead. Here are strategies for brick-and-mortar stores to incorporate eCommerce elements and vice versa: Brick-and-mortar stores Learn how to create a website : Create a user-friendly website with a website builder or join online marketplaces to reach more customers. "I built our website in less than a week. Prior to Strathcona Spirits, I worked in eCommerce and online communications, so I knew what I wanted. I didn’t want an eCommerce site that was clunky and difficult to update, where the smallest change required a developer. This was a lean startup so we wanted to have a website that we could easily update ourselves, or delegate to an employee to update, in a really simple and time-efficient way. So that's how I decided on Wix." - Andrea Shubert, co-founder of Strathcona Spirits Use social media : Engage with customers on social media platforms to drive traffic to both your physical and online stores. Offer online ordering with in-store pickup : Combine the convenience of online shopping with the immediacy of in-store pickup. Ecommerce businesses Optimize for mobile shopping : Ensure your online store is mobile-friendly, as many consumers shop on their smartphones. Consider physical touchpoints : Explore pop-up shops or partnerships with physical stores to create a tangible brand presence. Leverage local delivery services : Provide fast, local delivery options to compete with the instant gratification of in-store shopping. Read more: Shopify alternatives  Wix vs Shopify WordPress alternatives

  • How to make a website to sell products: create your online store for any stuff

    Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix eCommerce →   As online shopping keeps growing, having an online store is almost a must if you want to reach more customers and sell your products or services. An  eCommerce website  lets you sell around the clock without the costs of a physical shop. Setting up an  online store  doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. It’s easier than ever to  create a website  that helps you sell anything and keeps you ahead of eCommerce trends. This article shows you how to make a website to sell and start bringing more customers your way. Learn more: How to sell on Wix , Can I sell products with Wix? Ready to start your eCommerce journey? Now’s the perfect time to bring your vision to life. With Wix eCommerce, you have the tools to build a professional online store and create a website that captivates your audience, drives traffic and boosts sales. Take the first step and explore Wix eCommerce today. Make your mark online and turn your ideas into success. TL;DR: how to make a website to sell products Wix eCommerce makes it easy to build and grow an online store. Start by defining your product and audience, then create a user-friendly site with clear branding, smart categories and strong product pages. Add secure payment options, helpful pages like FAQ and About, and optimize for SEO and mobile. Use social media, email and content marketing to drive traffic. Keep your store updated and track performance to boost sales and stay competitive. Easy ways to improve your Wix online store Online store basics Easy eCommerce wins Show your products Use bright, clear photos from different angles. Add short videos or GIFs showing your product in use. Write honest descriptions focusing on benefits, not just features. Make buying easy Use big, visible “Add to cart” buttons. Simplify checkout by allowing guest checkout and multiple payment options. Show progress steps so buyers know how close they are to finishing. Keep it mobile-friendly Choose a Wix template optimized for mobile. Test navigation and loading speed on phones. Avoid tiny buttons and cluttered pages. Build trust Share your story on an About page with photos and genuine language. Include contact info and easy ways to reach you. Add customer reviews and social proof. Get customers back Add an email signup form with a clear benefit (discount, early access). Send occasional emails with helpful info or offers. Personalize emails with customers’ names if possible. Answer common questions Create an FAQ page answering questions about shipping, returns, sizing, payment and product care. Keep answers clear and easy to scan. Show happy buyers Request reviews and feature them on product pages. Share customer photos or testimonials on social media and your site. Respond politely to feedback, even negative. Promote your store Share your website link on social media regularly. Join local or niche groups and share helpful content, not just ads. Collaborate with small influencers or friends. Keep it updated Regularly update product photos and info. Remove or clearly mark out-of-stock items. Add new products or seasonal items to keep your store fresh and inviting. How to make a website to sell Define what you're selling and who it's for Pick a domain name and hosting provider Design your website Create clear product pages Organize your products into categories Set up payment methods Sort out your shipping  Add relevant pages Optimize your website for search engines Launch and market your website Maintain your site 01. Define what you're selling and who it's for Learning how to build a website to sell products begins with comprehending your product's purpose and target audience . By identifying the problem your product solves, understanding who your customers are and designing a website that resonates with them, you can build a website that converts visitors into customers. Conduct a product analysis Whether it's a physical product, a service or a digital download, your product should exist to solve a specific problem for your customers. This problem might be something practical, like a tool that makes a task easier, or something emotional, like a piece of art that brings joy. Once you've identified the issue, you can start thinking about how your product solves it. Define your target audience Start by thinking about the demographics of your ideal customer: age, gender, income, location, etc. Really get inside your customer's head to understand their psychographics: values, interests and motivations. The more you understand your customer, the better you can tailor your website to meet their needs. Learn more: What is dropshipping? Size up the competition In order to stay competitive in your industry, look at what other businesses in your niche are doing—both online and offline. Explore their websites and see how they present their products, who they target and what makes them stand out. This will give you an idea of the standards in your industry and how you can carve out your own path to differentiate your business. Analyze your business Make sure to analyze what you bring to the table too. Use a SWOT analysis to understand your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This lays the groundwork for defining your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)—the key value that sets your product or service apart. Whether it’s quality, innovation, pricing or service, your USP should meet your audience's needs and help your brand stand out in a competitive market. Looking for other ideas to sell online? How to sell shoes online How to sell art online How to sell furniture online How to sell car parts online How to sell crafts online How to sell party supplies online How to sell toys online How to sell photos online 02. Pick a domain name and hosting provider A carefully chosen domain name, well-designed site architecture and reliable hosting service are foundational elements when planning a website to sell. These factors influence the success of your website by affecting both user experience and search engine performance. When it comes to creating a website to sell any type of product, there are several key steps to follow: Choose a custom domain name If you had a physical storefront, you’d likely have a sign on the outside with your store’s name. Your domain name  is the digital address of your online store that users should be able to easily find online. Select a domain name that reflects your brand and is easy to remember. Avoid using hyphens and numbers and try to keep your domain name as short as possible. Try using a domain name generator to find a suitable name that isn’t already taken.  Decide on a web hosting provider Web hosting is the service that stores your website files and makes them available to your customers when they visit your website. Consider the pricing, speed, reliability and customer support of each web hosting service before making a decision. Imagine your customers are all around the world and could be shopping at any given time, so when building your eCommerce business , your website must always be available and issues need to be resolved quickly and efficiently. Ecommerce website security  is essential for both your business and your customer's safety, in order to protect sensitive information and build trust for your brand. Wix’s  free web hosting  allows you to scale your hosting as your online business grows.  03. Design your website Designing a successful website to sell products is not just about making it visually appealing, but also creating a cohesive brand identity that resonates with your intended audience and reflects your company's values. What’s arguably most important is creating a user-friendly site for customers to see products and navigate easily to make purchases, both on desktop and mobile versions.  You can go in-depth and learn how to make an eCommerce website  that will set yours apart from the competition and/or study eCommerce merchandising strategies. Logo and branding Your logo and branding are the visual representation of your business and should communicate the right message to your potential customers. To start, make a logo  that embodies your brand’s personality and message. Then, choose a color scheme and typography that complement your logo and reflect your brand’s characteristics. Use these elements consistently across your website, social media profiles and marketing materials to establish a cohesive brand identity. Templates Picking a website template can help outline the overall look and feel of your eCommerce site. Explore these customizable eCommerce website templates  to see which one suits your needs. It’s important to select a design that aligns with your brand’s personality and guides your customer through the buying experience. A template can offer a simple navigation menu and clear calls to action, so your customers find what they're looking for quickly. Website features The way that users interact with your eCommerce website can impact their buying decisions. For example, if it’s difficult to navigate or even to search for specific items, you may deter prospective sales. Focusing on user interface (UI)  will provide visitors with the best possible experience that is natural and effortless. Consider these key features that can drive conversions. Intuitive navigation : Your website navigation should be simple and user-friendly, with a homepage that quickly directs customers to products, categories and relevant information. Build a logical site structure, with drop-down menus or breadcrumbs  that highlight where customers are on the site and help reduce bounce rates. Mobile friendliness : Up to 70%  of web traffic comes from mobile devices and more online purchases are being made from mobile devices than ever before. With this in mind, ensuring that your website is optimized for mobile use is key. Consider a mobile-first website design that takes into account the limitations of smaller screens right from the start, enhancing the mobile user experience. In addition, look to responsive design that adapts to different screens, guaranteeing the best possible experience whether customers are on a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer. Check out Wix Studio  for more responsive design options.  Clear call-to-action : Include a clear call-to-action (CTA), which prompts customers to make a purchase. Your CTA should be highly visible and easily accessible. For example, you may choose to use "Buy Now" buttons, which appear after selecting a product or "Add to Cart" buttons, which are accessible on every product page. AI tools: Online stores never close, and your customer support shouldn’t either. Wix AI Site Chat  delivers real-time support that keeps customers engaged and ready to buy. Easy to set up and always on, it smooths the path to checkout so your store keeps moving, even when you’re off the clock. You can also check out the Wix AI Site Chat overview  for a deeper look at how it works. Get started with an AI-generated website  today. 04. Create clear product pages As part of your website creation process, focus attention on your product pages . A good product page is visually appealing, informative and well-organized. Product pages should contain the following information: Product name Price Category Description Images Include high-quality product photographs Customers are more likely to buy something when they see a detailed image of the product they are interested in buying. Use images that are clear and bright and show the product from multiple angles. Additionally, you may choose to include zoom features and 360-degree views, which allows customers to get a more in-depth look at the product. You can use an image resizer tool to crop and scale image shots to showcase your products.  Freya Simmone, founder of high-end fashion brand Shaun Oliver , advises: " At a luxury price point, imagery is everything. If a customer is going to spend tons of money, the first visual impression has to justify the price tag instantly." Write accurate product descriptions When writing product descriptions, think about how to help customers reach an informed decision about their purchases. Include all relevant details such as size, materials and any features that help your product stand out. Use descriptive and informative language to entice customers to complete a transaction. You can also think about specific keywords when writing product descriptions to optimize them for SEO. With strategic keywords, it will help prospective customers find your products much more easily.  Additional elements to include on product pages A clear layout and good product images are just the start. To make your product pages work harder for you, add elements that build trust, remove doubts and make it easier for people to buy. These small details can make a big difference in helping customers feel confident about clicking “add to cart.” Availability and stock info : Let buyers know if an item is in stock or running low to create urgency and manage expectations Customer reviews and ratings : Social proof helps new customers trust your product. Add a rating system and let buyers leave feedback Estimated delivery details : Show when customers can expect to receive their order, based on their location or shipping option Clear call-to-action buttons : Use buttons like “Add to cart” or “Buy now” that stand out and are easy to find Related or suggested products : Recommend similar or complementary items to encourage extra browsing or higher cart value Link to terms and policies : Add a short link or dropdown for your terms and conditions, privacy policy or return policy so customers know exactly what they’re agreeing to before they buy 05. Organize your products into categories Strong product categories make your website easier to shop. They help people find what they want quickly, improve search rankings and guide buyers toward more products they didn’t know they needed. The right structure makes your store feel organized, not overwhelming. Start with a few main categories that match the types of products you sell—like clothing, electronics, beauty or home decor. From there, build out subcategories and smaller sections that reflect how people actually browse. For example: Main category : Shoes Subcategory : Women’s shoes Smaller categories : Sneakers, sandals, boots, heels Use straightforward labels. Shoppers should know exactly what to expect from each category without having to think twice. Tips for designing strong category pages Grid layout with clean visuals : Use evenly sized product images in a grid to make your page feel balanced and easy to browse Filters that matter : Let customers sort by size, color, price or style so they don’t waste time digging through things they don’t want Badges that grab attention : Highlight sale items, new arrivals or bestsellers with simple, well-placed labels that help drive clicks Quick-access links : Add microcategory links like “sneakers” or “boots” above the product grid so people can skip straight to what they need Visible pricing and CTAs : Make sure prices and add-to-cart buttons are easy to see without needing to hover or click through Link categories throughout your site Make it easy for people to move between categories so they keep exploring instead of bouncing. When navigation feels smooth, visitors stay longer and are more likely to buy. Add your main categories to the top navigation, with dropdowns for subcategories so everything’s one click away. Keep it clean and scannable so shoppers don’t feel overwhelmed. On your homepage, feature links to popular or seasonal categories so visitors know where to start. You can also link from product pages to related categories to keep people exploring. For example, a page for running shoes might link to other athletic footwear or accessories. Breadcrumbs help people see where they are on your site and easily backtrack if needed. And if you have a footer, repeat your main categories there too—it gives people another way to keep moving without hitting a dead end. 06. Set up payment methods Since the goal is to sell your goods, finding a variety of payment methods for prospective customers to complete their purchases will help to seal the deal.  Customers are more likely to fill out their credit card information when they know that their transactions are both easy and secure. Some of the most common payment methods you can include are: Credit and debit cards Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Wallet) PayPal Wire transfer Cash on delivery Check payment Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum) Buy now, pay later services (Afterpay, Klarna) Direct debit Payment options and cost considerations When choosing payment possibilities, consider how much they cost. Each online payment system involves processing fees, which can significantly impact your revenue. Research payment providers and take into account their processing fees before you set up a payment solution for your online store. Addressing security concerns Payment systems are regularly targeted by cybercriminals. Select a payment gateway that offers its own security features, such as fraud detection and chargeback protection. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a compliance standard that you should consider when selecting payment methods. Ensuring that your payment systems are secure adds credibility to your store, increasing customer trust and improving your store's reputation, while simultaneously protecting your assets. Set up thank you pages After a successful purchase, it's important to show your customers that you appreciate their business. Setting up a thank you web page is a great way to express gratitude and also provide valuable information to customers such as payment confirmation, order numbers, shipping details and estimated delivery dates. This not only creates a positive customer experience but also provides them with the necessary information for future reference. Tackle cart abandonment Reducing cart abandonment is key to boosting sales and delivering a smooth shopping experience. Simplify your checkout process by cutting unnecessary steps to make it fast and easy to use. Let customers check out as guests, so they don’t have to create an account. Send automated cart reminder emails to gently prompt shoppers about their forgotten items, and consider adding perks like free shipping or exclusive discounts to encourage them to complete their purchase. 07. Sort out your shipping  After adding products and payment options, make sure you can deliver those goods. Determine the best shipping and delivery options for your customers and set up shipping rates, choices and policies. Understand your shipping needs Shipping preferences can vary depending on the nature of your products. For example, if you're selling perishable items like food or flowers, you'll want to invest in refrigerated shipping alternatives. Similarly, certain products require more robust packaging to ensure they arrive at their destination safely. Therefore, before setting up your shipping arrangements, factor in your product's unique needs and incorporate them into your pricing strategy. Choose a shipping carrier Go one step further and provide options for customers such as expedited shipping, tracking or insurance. Once you have these factors in mind, you can determine which shipping carriers you'll use. Popular carriers include: DHL USPS UPS FedEx Determine shipping rates These rates should be based on your shipping strategy and cover the cost of packaging, handling and delivery. It's important to have competitive rates, as customers are more likely to abandon their purchase if they see high shipping costs. Find a balance here between keeping costs reasonable for your customers and making revenue for yourself. There are several types of shipping available: Flat rates : Eliminate surprise fees for your customers and simplify your shipping process. Flat rates are great if your products are consistent in size and weight. Weight-based rates : This shipping fee automatically adjusts based on the weight, making it fair for both you and the customer. A good option if your products have varying weights. Location-based rates : This involves charging different rates for shipping determined by the destination of the product. This type of shipping rate works when you have customers in multiple locations. Local pick up : This option removes the shipping fee entirely, making the product price more attractive to customers. Perfect if your business caters to customers within a specific area. Free shipping : Use free shipping as a marketing tool if you can afford to offer it without sacrificing profitability. Offering free shipping to customers who spend a certain amount is also a good way to increase sales without losing revenue. 08. Add relevant pages Your website isn’t just a place to sell—it’s where people decide if they trust you enough to buy. Along with your product and category pages, you’ll need a few others that make shopping easier and help your brand feel real. These pages answer common questions, show you’re a legit business and keep people moving through your site. Homepage Your homepage is often the first thing visitors see, so keep it clear and focused. Highlight what you sell, what makes it worth buying and where to go next. What to include: A clear brand message and logo Featured products or bestsellers A strong CTA like “Shop now” or “Start browsing” Navigation links to main categories Testimonials or reviews Banners for sales or promotions Contact or support info Learn more : How to build a homepage About page People like to buy from people. Your About page tells your story and gives visitors a reason to connect with your brand. What to include: How and why you started the business What your brand stands for What makes your products different A quick intro to your team, if relevant Keep it short, honest and personal. Even a few lines can make a big difference. Learn more : How to write an about us page Best About us pages Contact page Let customers know how to reach you if they have a question or issue. Include: A contact form or email Business hours or response time Social links, if you’re active on them Learn more : Contact us page examples Contact form design FAQ page Answer the questions customers ask most—like shipping times, return policies or how sizing works. It saves them time and reduces support requests. Learn more : How to create an FAQ page Legal pages These help protect your business and build trust. Add links in the footer to: Terms and conditions Privacy policy Shipping and return policy 09. Optimize your website for search engines As you make your own website to sell, develop an SEO strategy for how to drive traffic to your online store . Everything from keyword research to fixing and maintaining technical issues is vital for maintaining your eCommerce SEO  efforts.  Perform keyword research Keyword research is the basic foundation of any good SEO strategy. It's essential to target keywords (the words or phrases people use to search for products or services like yours) and include them on your site. There are many tools available, such as Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs and Semrush, to help you find the right keywords. When conducting keyword research, aim to identify high-volume, low-competition keywords relevant to your site and products. This ensures that your content is more likely to rank in search results, exposing your business to more potential customers. On and off-page SEO On-page SEO refers to the optimization of content on your website. This can include adding the relevant keywords, optimizing site speed, creating appropriate metadata and creating engaging, informative content. Off-page SEO, on the other hand, includes everything beyond the website's technical aspects, such as earning backlinks to the website, social media optimization and online reviews. Both On-page and Off-page SEO practices help get your site noticed and eventually lead to better sales. Optimize for local SEO If you're running a local store or providing services in a specific area, it's essential to optimize your website for local SEO. This involves adding city or state keywords to your site, building local links and getting listed in local directories like Yelp and Google My Business. By doing this, your business is more likely to appear in search results when someone searches for local services or products like yours. Monitor your website Keep a close eye on your website’s performance to ensure your SEO efforts pay off. Regularly track key metrics like site traffic, keyword rankings and bounce rates to understand how users interact with your content. Use tools like Google Analytics or search engine reporting dashboards to identify trends and spot areas for improvement. By monitoring and making data-driven adjustments, you’ll stay competitive and keep your site effective in driving sales. 10. Launch and market your website Once you finish creating a website to sell products, it's important to market your store to potential customers. Here are some marketing strategies  to enhance your online presence and expand your customer reach. Promote on social media Set up social media accounts to promote your website, engage with your customers and keep them up-to-date with your latest products and promotions. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok allow you to reach your audience according to their interests, location and behavior. It’s also a great way to connect with your customers, learning more about their spending behaviors and interests.  You can also invite your customers to share their experiences with your products. Create a branded hashtag to make it easy for them to post photos or videos and showcase their content on your website or social media. User-generated content (UGC) builds trust, adds authenticity and provides powerful social proof to inspire new customers. Solicit customer reviews Positive reviews from satisfied customers can build your reputation and attract new ones. Encourage your customers to leave a review after purchasing a product by ensuring that your website has a review section. Respond to all reviews, whether positive or negative and show your customers that their feedback is taken seriously.  Email marketing Create an email list of both your current and prospective customers and send them newsletters, promotional emails and updates on your products and services. Emails should be visually appealing, concise and relevant to your audience. Insert call-to-action buttons and links to your website to encourage your customers to complete a purchase. Try Wix’s email marketing tool to create relevant and effective campaigns. Get creative If you want to make money online , it’s not enough to rely on the usual marketing channels. You need to show up where your audience actually spends time. The more ways you find to get seen, the more chances you have to grow your traffic and turn that into income. Here are some additional methods you can use to promote your website and attract more customers. Video marketing : Engage your audience on YouTube, Vimeo and TikTok to promote your products. Highlight the unique features of your products through product demonstrations, tutorials or customer testimonials. Influencer marketing : Collaborate with industry influencers to promote your products to their audience. These individuals have a large following on social media and can influence purchasing decisions. Affiliate marketing : Tap into the expertise and networks of affiliates to sell your products in exchange for a commission. Affiliates bring their unique marketing methods to the table, which is particularly effective for high-value or specialized items. Content marketing : Create and share a variety of content to attract and convert prospects into customers. This can include blog posts, ebooks, infographics, podcasts or webinars. Align your content closely with the products or services you offer to educate your audience, establish trust and build credibility. To level up your credibility and user experience, you could test out HubSpot's free Guide Creator tool  to quickly create step-by-step how-to guides with screenshots. These guides are perfect for explaining how to use your products/services or walking customers through common processes. The visual format makes them easy to follow and helps illustrate your expertise. 11. Maintain your site Running a successful online store goes beyond just setting it up. Customers are more likely to return to a store that meets—or even exceeds—their standards. By maintaining your site, you can provide a positive user experience and keep customers coming back. Here are some key aspects to consider: Update product descriptions : Ensure that your customers have the correct information which can aid in their purchasing decisions. Inventory stock availability : Remove out-of-stock items from your product pages or clearly mark them as sold out. Stay current with trends : Adapting to market trends can give your store a competitive edge, whether it's a trending product, a new eCommerce app or a popular design aesthetic. Add eCommerce apps or plugins : Consider tools that can help with everything from SEO optimization and email marketing to inventory management and customer service. Monitor site traffic : Gain valuable insights about your customer's behaviors and preferences to tweak your marketing strategies, SEO efforts and even product offerings. Assess site functionality : Test the entire purchase process, from adding items to your cart to making a payment, to ensure a seamless buying experience. Features of a great eCommerce website These are the features to watch out for when building a great eCommerce website: Feature Why it matters Fast performance Keeps shoppers from leaving due to slow pages Mobile-friendly design Ensures a smooth experience on any device Clear navigation Helps users find products quickly Secure checkout Builds trust and protects customer data Product visuals and descriptions Helps shoppers make informed decisions 5 tips to sell products successfully online Keep it mobile-friendly : Most online shoppers use smartphones so make sure your site looks great and works smoothly on any device. Streamline your checkout : Simplify the process and offer a guest checkout option to reduce cart abandonment. Quick and easy wins customers. Use high-quality images : Clear, professional photos of your products can boost customer trust and drive more conversions. Engage with email marketing : Start building your email list early. It's one of the best ways to share updates on new products and exclusive offers. Show off your social proof : Add customer reviews, ratings and testimonials. Shoppers trust other shoppers' opinions so make sure they're easy to see. 5 common mistakes to avoid when selling stuff online    Forgetting to optimize speed : A slow website kills sales. Compress images and make sure your hosting can handle the traffic to keep everything running smoothly. Overcomplicating navigation : Too many options can confuse people. Keep menus simple, clear and easy to follow. Ignoring SEO : Not optimizing for search engines means missing opportunities. Make sure your content, product pages and images are SEO-friendly. Skipping the "About Us" page : Don’t leave customers guessing. A great "About Us" page adds personality and builds trust. Neglecting customer support : When things go wrong, people need help fast. Make contact info easy to find and think about adding live chat for instant support. 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 to sell FAQ How can I track and analyze website performance? To track and analyze website performance, digital analytics tools are essential. Google Analytics offers in-depth statistics on visitors, helping understand customer behavior, source of traffic and popular pages. This data can help you make informed decisions to improve your website's performance. When you build a website with Wix, you’ll automatically have access to Wix analytics , which includes information on website traffic, visitor behavior, conversions and more. Should I offer discounts or promotions on my online store? Offering discounts and promotions on your online store can be a great strategy to attract customers and boost sales. Promotions can be used to clear out old inventory, encourage bulk purchases, or incentivize repeat buying. They can also be a tool for acquiring and retaining customers. You can also try out loyalty programs where customers register to your site and get exclusive discounts and deals, or better prices for spending more.  Is it important to have a mobile app for my online store? While a mobile app can enhance user experience, it's not mandatory. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, as many customers prefer browsing and shopping on their smartphones. If you decide to create an app, one of the most straight-forward options is using an app builder  to convert your existing website content into an app.  Can I sell internationally on my online store? Yes, selling internationally can be a great way to expand your business and reach a broader audience. Before diving into international sales, carefully consider the implications this can have on your business. First, you need to ensure your eCommerce platform supports international transactions and currencies. Additionally, you must understand the shipping and customs procedures for each country you plan to sell in, including costs and laws, to avoid unexpected issues. It's also vital to ensure your website is translated appropriately and consider cultural nuances in the regions you aim to serve. Lastly, you must accommodate for region-specific marketing strategies and customer service needs.  How much does it cost to make a website to sell online? The cost of making a website to sell online can vary greatly, depending on a number of factors. Everything from the website's complexity to the eCommerce platform used can impact these costs. Plus, if you design and create the site on your own or hire a professional website designer , this can also impact both cost and time. Considerations like website hosting, purchasing a domain name and investing in SEO are important for overall costs to create a website to sell. To learn more, see our guide on how much does an eCommerce website cost  to estimate your expected costs. Can I build an online store for free? Yes, it's possible to create an online store for free. With Wix, you can start your online store for free with no limited trial. Once you’re ready to sell online and accept payments for your site, upgrade to one of our business and eCommerce premium plans . What are the most profitable items to sell online? When deciding what to sell, consider factors like competition, profit margins and sourcing and production costs for your chosen products. Keep in mind that the online market is dynamic, so staying adaptable to changing consumer preferences is key for long-term success. Here are some highly profitable items to sell online: Luxury goods:  Jewelry, apparel, high-end gadgets Digital products:  Online courses, software subscriptions Health and wellness offerings:  Niche products with proven benefits Software-as-a-service (SaaS):  Tools solving specific B2B problems Subscription boxes:  Curated high-quality products or niche items

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