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- What is affiliate marketing and how to get started in 2025?
Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → Affiliate marketing is one way to ensure the money is coming in, even while you’re away from your computer. Whether you create a website , make YouTube videos or build an audience on social media, you can use affiliate marketing to monetize your content. With affiliate marketing spending projected to reach $12 billion in 2025 , it’s clear that this strategy is gaining serious momentum and continues to be a lucrative option for creators and businesses alike. This introductory guide to affiliate marketing will teach you everything you need to know to get started, from its benefits to affiliate marketing trends, examples and best practices from Wix users. What is affiliate marketing? How does affiliate marketing work? How do affiliate marketers get paid? Types of affiliate marketing Pros and cons of affiliate marketing How to start affiliate marketing Tracking affiliate marketing efforts Affiliate marketing programs examples Affiliate marketing strategies and tips Affiliate marketing examples Affiliate marketing trends Affiliate Marketing FAQ Start building your online presence with Wix . What is affiliate marketing? Affiliate marketing is a form of digital marketing when one party earns a commission from marketing another company's products. This party—called the affiliate—searches for a brand partner who promotes their products on their social media accounts, blog or other platforms, making a profit from each sale. Companies then provide affiliates with a unique link—called, unsurprisingly, an affiliate link. That way, they can track the affiliate's performance and compensate them based on sales. How does affiliate marketing work? To better understand how this type of marketing works, you'll need to know about the three major players involved: sellers, affiliates and consumers. Together, these three parties make up the affiliate marketing ecosystem. Sellers The seller is the company that makes or provides the product. This could be a nationwide franchise like Best Buy or a small independent shop. The number of sellers is constantly growing. In a recent Rakuten survey, 80% of brands said they ran an affiliate program as part of their brand marketing efforts. Affiliates Most people get involved in affiliate marketing by becoming an affiliate. The affiliate, also known as the publisher, promotes the seller's products on their own platforms, such as a personal blog or social media page. Consumers These are the buyers of the product. When they make a purchase when clicking on the affiliate link, the affiliate earns a commission on the sale. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. Wix is all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. How do affiliate marketers get paid? Affiliate marketers have a few different ways to get paid. While pay per sale is the standard practice, it’s helpful to be familiar with the other methods too: Pay per sale This is the most common way affiliate marketers earn money and used by 80% of programs. Consumers must buy the product after clicking the affiliate link, and the affiliate receives a percentage of the sale price. Pay per lead While less common, the seller may also pay the affiliate to generate leads rather than make sales. In this case, the affiliate must persuade the consumer to complete actions such as filling out a contact form or signing up for a free trial. Pay per click Another unusual method is for the affiliate to earn money when consumers click on their link—regardless of whether they convert to a lead or make a purchase. Since clicks can be frauded, fewer affiliate programs compensate for that method. Types of affiliate marketing There are several main types of affiliate marketing, and the one you choose will depend on your niche and available resources. So alongside pay per click, pay per sale and pay per lead which we've discussed above, the following are also recognized methods of affiliate marketing that might be worth considering: Cost per action (CPA) CPA affiliate marketing is similar to pay per lead affiliate marketing, but the commission is paid for a specific action that takes place before a potential user becomes an actual lead, such as filling out a form or downloading an app. The affiliate only gets paid if the action is completed. Two-tier In this type of affiliate marketing, affiliates earn a commission not only for the sales they generate but also for the sales made by the affiliates they refer to the program. So there are two layers of potential payment. Influencer marketing Influencers are individuals with a large following on social media who promote products or services to their audience. In influencer marketing, the influencer receives a commission for any sales made through their unique affiliate link. This is a type of affiliate marketing that has really grown in popularity recently and is often tied up with mass marketing , due to its potential large reach. Learn more about influencer marketing . Earnings per click (EPC) This metric measures the average earnings for every click generated by an affiliate link. It’s a key indicator of how much revenue an affiliate can expect to make for each click they generate. EPC is especially useful for affiliates deciding which programs or campaigns are most profitable, as it reveals how effectively clicks are turning into revenue. Higher EPC rates often reflect a program with high conversion rates and commissions, making it more attractive for affiliates. Pros of affiliate marketing There are several benefits to becoming an affiliate marketer: Low risk: Joining an affiliate marketing program is free, so you don't need to invest to start. This makes it a good potential small business marketing idea. Passive income: Once you add the affiliate link to your post, you can earn from the sales without much extra effort. No customer support: When customers have queries or complaints, the company—and not you—will be responsible for resolving their issues. Flexible work schedule: Rather than sticking to a traditional schedule, you can work as an affiliate marketer on your own time. Minimal business costs: You don’t need standard business infrastructure to become an affiliate marketer; all you need is a laptop and an internet connection. And there are several benefits for businesses, too: Access to a wider audience: Affiliate networks connect businesses to vast audiences they might not reach on their own, helping expand their customer base. Reduced marketing costs: Affiliates only earn after delivering results, which keeps marketing expenses low and performance-focused. Increased brand awareness and sales: Affiliates amplify your brand's visibility while driving more purchases through their platforms. Measurable results: Affiliate marketing offers clear tracking tools to evaluate ROI and improve campaigns effectively. Built-in credibility: Consumers trust recommendations from affiliates, giving your brand an extra layer of authenticity. Cons of affiliate marketing Affiliate marketing is a great way to make money online, but it's important to be aware of the cons before you get started too. Here are some of the biggest drawbacks: High competition: Affiliate marketing is a popular way to make money online, so there's a lot of competition. It can be difficult to stand out from the crowd and get noticed by potential customers. Low conversion rates: Even if you're able to drive a lot of traffic to your affiliate links, there's no guarantee that people will actually click on them and make a purchase. Conversion rates vary depending on the niche and product, but they're typically quite low.| No control over the product or merchant: As an affiliate, you're promoting other people's products and services. This means that you have no control over the quality of the product, the customer service or the branding. If the merchant has a bad reputation, it could reflect poorly on you and your business. Unreliable payouts: Some merchants are known for being slow to pay their affiliates, or for not paying them at all. This can be a major headache, especially if you're relying on affiliate income to make a living. Requires a lot of time and effort: Affiliate marketing is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time and effort to build a successful affiliate marketing business. You need to research products and merchants, create high-quality content and drive traffic to your website. Types of affiliates Curious about who’s behind the scenes driving affiliate success? Here’s a look at the different types of affiliates and how they work their magic. Bloggers Bloggers have a knack for crafting content that clicks with their readers. By writing thoughtful reviews and sharing their firsthand experiences with products or services, they give their audience valuable insight while steering them toward a potential purchase. Thanks to their ability to climb the search rankings organically, bloggers are great at driving traffic straight to a seller’s site. Influencers Influencers are the ultimate trendsetters, and people trust their opinions. With loyal followers tuned into every post, influencers can effortlessly promote products on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Whether through an engaging review, a live video hangout or eye-popping posts, influencers bring energy and authenticity to the products they promote. And their reward? A slice of the profits from their efforts. YouTubers YouTubers take affiliate marketing to the next level. They create captivating video content such as unboxings, tutorials or in-depth product reviews that not only entertain but also inform. Throw in an affiliate link in the video description, and their audience has a convenient way to shop while the creator earns a commission. Social media users From Pinterest pins to Facebook posts, social media users have plenty of ways to share products they love. Whether through a simple post, an engaging story or a quick link drop, they tap into niche communities and help brands reach audiences that matter most to them. Website owners Websites are like affiliate marketing powerhouses. Media sites with tons of traffic often run banners or feature affiliate products that catch the eyes of their visitors. For niche markets, microsites are golden. These focused mini-websites home in on specific audiences, boosting conversions with clear and direct calls to action. Email marketers Emails might be old-school, but they’ve still got game. Affiliates who run smart email campaigns use their subscriber lists to share product promotions and sneaky-good deals. Some build their lists over time, crafting personalized emails that lead to clicks and ultimately sales. How to start affiliate marketing Now that you have some general knowledge about affiliate marketing, here’s a step-by-step overview of how to get started: 01. Select a platform You can run affiliate marketing on most platforms or social media channels. Instagram is a popular option, but using your blog or YouTube channel tends to yield the most effective results. Instagram doesn't allow users to add clickable links in their posts (only Stories), making it more difficult to direct people to affiliate links. However, with the help of a link in bio tool like Hopp by Wix you can link to an affiliate link as well as other online assets from your bio from one designated URL. Blogging: If you’re interested in layering on affiliate marketing to your marketing strategy, creating a blog is simple and free of charge. You can monetize your blog by incorporating affiliate links into your articles in ways that are genuinely helpful to your readers. For example, if your post is about baking a cake, you might include a link to buy your favorite kitchen mixer. YouTube: Affiliate marketing is a proven way to make money on YouTube. If you choose this as your main platform, you’ll need to smoothly incorporate branded products into your videos. Some YouTubers opt to create videos focused around a particular product or brand, while others feature the product as part of a broader theme. Instagram: Instagram doesn’t offer you the same ability to add links in posts or Reels, so the platform isn’t as effective in converting your audience. Nonetheless, it’s a common choice that yields profit for some. If you go this route, post content that features the product and include a link in your bio or Story. Regardless of which option you prefer, it's a good idea to post across various platforms so that you can cross-promote your content and expand your reach. This will also give you an understanding of which content works best for you, helping you optimize your promotional efforts. Learn more: How to make a website 02. Find your niche The web is full of competition. YouTube alone has over 37 million different channels , while Instagram boasts over one billion active users . Meanwhile, there are over 600 million blogs —and these numbers are only growing. For this reason, stand out by centering your posts around a specific category—for instance, you might opt for plant-based fast food dupes rather than simply cooking or rock climbing tourism in the Southwest rather than just the outdoors. If your blog niche idea is too broad, the competition will be high and it will be much harder for your target audience to find your content. Learn more: How to start a business 03. Build an audience After determining your preferred platform and niche, you’ll need to build a fan base to gain exposure. Whether you focus on growing your Instagram account or becoming a successful YouTuber, having a dedicated audience will increase the likelihood some will click on your affiliate links. These strategies will help you to draw attention to your posts: SEO : Short for search engine optimization, SEO is the process of strategically adjusting your content to rank high on Google and other search engines. When your blog or YouTube channel appears as a top search result, users are more likely to click on the link and navigate to your page. PPC: Another way to appear as a top result on search engines and gain more website traffic is to invest in PPC (pay-per-click) advertising. Keep in mind that the amount you spend on ads might be more than what you make from affiliate marketing. Email marketing: If you already have email subscribers through your website, send out newsletters pointing your audience toward your content. You can also add affiliate links directly to your email blasts. Social media marketing : Run cross promotions to gain further exposure. Spread the word about your YouTube channel, blog or Instagram account on your other social media platforms and channels. 04. Connect with affiliate partners and programs Once you establish your platforms and develop a following, it’s time to start looking for affiliate marketing opportunities. There are two main ways you can find brands to promote: Join an affiliate marketing program: The easiest way to connect with brands is by joining an affiliate program . While there are various programs out there, you can peruse the most popular below . Reach out to brands yourself: If you have a particular brand or product you’d love to promote, you can also reach out to companies on your own. Be sure to emphasize how they will benefit from the collaboration. You’ll need to explain why reaching your audience can bring them new customers. 05. Create affiliate content with tracking links Sellers will provide you with an affiliate link to embed in your content. Rather than promote the products directly, try to make them fit naturally within your content. By incorporating the promotion into a larger, more engaging story, you’ll be able to gently guide your audience toward making a purchase. To illustrate, lifestyle blogger Simply Tabitha , writes blog guides about topics such as baby toy reviews. In My Review of The Lalo Play Kit article, she added a link to the product at the end of the post. Tabitha writes, “ Check it out—you can save $50 when you get the kit.” Her affiliate link is trackable with an Urchin Tracking Module (UTM) that looks like this: “ https://www.meetlalo.com/products/the-play-kit?utm_source=tabitha&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=review_post ” Thanks to this unique URL, the toy company Lalo will know the website traffic and purchases that came from Tabitha and compensate her accordingly. Here are some examples of effective affiliate content: A list of product recommendations, either in the form of a YouTube video or blog post, with promoted items included as suggestions. A YouTube tutorial showing your audience how to use a series of products, including the one you're promoting. A webinar in which you teach viewers how to perform a certain task, with a relevant product recommendation included in the presentation. A blog post offering tips or how-to advice, with a suggestion incorporating the promoted product. An Instagram Reel or photo showing you using the product. As you get started as an affiliate marketer, experiment with various strategies to learn which ones reach the biggest audience and generate the most profit. 06. Get clicks By now, you should have an idea of all the key affiliate marketing ingredients: a strategic platform and niche, a dedicated audience, brand partners and, of course, great content. The only thing left is to convince consumers to click on your affiliate links. You'll need to place your links within the appropriate context to gain clicks. Think about it: if the name of a product appears out of the blue, no one will be persuaded to click on the link. However, if you tell a story of how a product improved your life or helped you resolve a problem, your audience will be more compelled to click on it and make a purchase. You should also optimize the link placements. If you add the link to a blog post, place the link at the beginning and end of your article in the form of a compelling CTA (call-to-action). You should also make sure the link visually stands out on the page by making it a different color, adding a CTA button, or using a banner ad. Tracking affiliate marketing efforts Regardless of which method you choose, it's important to track your affiliate marketing campaigns so that you can see how well they are performing and make necessary adjustments. By tracking your results, you can identify which campaigns are most successful. Tracking is also a way to show your brand partner that your efforts are working. If you're being held to specific KPIs by a brand or partner, you'll need to show you're meeting them via tracking data. Use an affiliate tracking platform: There are a number of affiliate tracking platforms available, such as ClickBank, CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction), and Awin. These platforms provide you with a variety of tools to track your affiliate marketing campaigns, including link tracking, conversion tracking, and reporting. Use Google Analytics 4: Google Analytics is a free analytics platform that can be used to track a variety of website traffic data, including affiliate traffic. To track affiliate traffic in Google Analytics 4, you'll need to create a UTM (Urchin Tracking Module) parameter for your affiliate utm links . Use your own tracking system: If you're comfortable with coding, you can create your own tracking system. This can be a good option if you need more flexibility or if you want to track data that is not available through other tracking methods. Key affiliate marketing metrics to track Clicks: This is the number of times people have clicked on your affiliate links. Conversions: This is the number of people who have taken a desired action, such as making a purchase, after clicking on your affiliate links. Commissions: This is the amount of money you've earned from your campaigns. Conversion rate: This is the percentage of people who click on your affiliate links and take an action. Cost per conversion: This is the amount of money you spend on your affiliate marketing campaigns for every conversion you generate. Affiliate marketing programs examples While there are various programs out there, the most popular include: Amazon Associates - perhaps the most known of all the affiliate programs. It offers a wide variety of products to promote, and the commission rates are typically good. CJ Affiliate - This is a well-established affiliate network with a large number of merchants. It offers competitive commission rates and a variety of tracking tools. ShareASale - This is another large affiliate network with a wide variety of products and services to promote. It offers a variety of commission rates and payout terms, so you can find a program that works for you. Rakuten - This affiliate network offers a variety of products and services from well-known brands as well as a cash back system. It offers competitive commission rates and a user-friendly interface. Awin - This fast growing affiliate marketing program is known for its high-quality merchants and competitive commission rates. It offers a variety of tracking tools and reporting features. eBay Partner Network - The eBay Partner Network is another popular affiliate marketing program for promoting products on eBay. Affiliates can earn commissions on sales of new and used items. Etsy - Etsy runs an affiliate program that allows individuals and websites to promote products listed on Etsy in exchange for a commission on sales generated through their referral links. Participants in the Etsy affiliate program are often known as Etsy affiliates. They can earn commissions when users they refer make purchases on Etsy. You can also become a Wix affiliate and earn commissions driving traffic to Wix. Affiliate marketing strategies and tips When you begin your affiliate marketing journey, keep these tips in mind to maximize your success: Choose sellers with high conversion rates: Before you collaborate with a seller, take a moment to research them. Don’t waste your time marketing a low-demand product. If you promote a high converting brand, the more chances your audience will buy—and the more you’ll earn as a result. Check out the brand’s online reviews, ratings and social media accounts to see if their customers have a strong online presence. This can be a good indicator the brand is in popular demand. Promote products you believe in: Only market products you can sincerely recommend to your audience. You’ll offer genuine value to your followers while making your personal brand credible and reliable. Stay up-to-date with trends: Whether your niche is fashion, technology or travel, keeping tabs on the latest industry trends can help you promote the most competitive products with the highest consumer demand. See which topics and themes are center stage by reading publications and following industry leaders on social media. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket: You don’t want your entire strategy to rely on a single seller’s website, landing pages and conversion rate. Instead, maximize your chances of success by promoting products from various merchants. Test and optimize: Continually adapt your different marketing strategies to determine which methods yield the most profit. Should you expand your blogging efforts? Redesign your landing pages ? Target your audience with email marketing? Play around with different promotional strategies to determine which ones work best for you. Affiliate marketing examples Gain inspiration for what’s possible with affiliate marketing through these Wix user examples we loved: Seasons in Colour Seasons in Colour's website is dedicated to luxury home accessories. The brand bakes in their affiliate marketing well using the Pro Gallery to showcase the beautiful items for sale. By disclosing “all links provided are affiliate links,” they’re building trust with website visitors. Lizzy Hadfield Influencer Lizzy Hadfield uses her website as her home base. In addition, she takes advantage of YouTube to promote her affiliate links. Examine her Outfits For Cold Weather video as an example: She uses storytelling and candid video filming to come across as a trusted friend. Her approach is recommending products as opposed to modeling them as an ad. Accompanying the video, her description reads, “This video contains sponsorship with Monica Vinader, 20% discount is added automatically if you use these links.” Baileyjst Baileyjst follows the best practices for influ via affiliate marketing. To demonstrate, in this Instagram Reel , Stanworth tags ScoopClothing and prompts her 50K+ followers to use her unique affiliate code to purchase the clothes. Her video marketing content is not just trendy and visually appealing, but also educational, keeping her audience's attention. Affiliate marketing trends As more business is conducted online, and many creators are getting into li. Statista estimates affiliate marketing spending will reach $8.2 billion in 2022 . Here are booming marketing trends to embrace: Live shopping More affiliate marketing will take place through live steam shopping, where streaming video is utilized to sell to a live audience in real-time. L’Oreal is one example of a brand hosting shoppable live streams featuring celebrities and influencers doing makeup tutorials and skincare routines. The streams also include various discounts and giveaways on top of the free shipping for orders made on the same day. Micro and nano influencers take center stage Brands will work with more affiliates and creators with a smaller follower count, yet high expertise in a niche. This opens more opportunities for new creators to earn commission and work with affiliates. For instance, micro influencers Olivia and Laura took part in jewelry brand Mejuri’s affiliate program in this partner post . AI and automation make an impact Technology advancements and artificial intelligence (AI) will automate, optimize and make affiliate marketing more efficient. Affiliate marketers will use improved technology like Scaleo, MailChimp and Referral-AI to analyze consumer behaviors faster than ever before. AI and affiliate marketing AI is shaking up affiliate marketing in the best way, making it smarter and more effective. With the power of machine learning, AI helps you find the perfect audience for your promotions by analyzing tons of data and user behavior. It also gives your campaigns that personal touch, offering tailor-made content and product recommendations designed to connect with individual users. On top of that, AI gives you an edge with predictive analytics, helping you spot trends and make informed decisions about which products or services to back. With tools like chatbots, AI even steps in to improve the customer experience, answering questions and offering support while shoppers are deciding what to buy. AI doesn’t just save time - it gets more done. From crafting product descriptions to writing reviews, AI tools make it simple to create amazing content faster. For affiliates who adopt these tools, campaigns become more data-driven, engaging and ready to win over audiences. Affiliate Marketing FAQ How to start affiliate marketing as a beginner? There are a number of steps to start with when making the decision to give affiliate marketing a go - find a niche, research and seek out affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, create a website, create content and generate traffic to your site, monitor how your affiliate marketing is going so you can understand its progress and tweak it. How to go start affiliate marketing with no money? First of all choose free platforms to build your content on, this could be Youtube, or a free website builder, like Wix. There are free affiliate programs out there, research for them within your niche and sign yourself up. Drive free traffic to your affiliate links, whether through SEO, referrals or social media interest. The higher quality your content, the easier it is to distribute it for free. Affiliate marketing programs to get started with? If you're looking for a well-known and high paying program, check out some of the following: Travel: Expedia, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Hotels.com, Education and personal development: Udemy, Coursera, edX, Skillshare, Technology: Apple, Microsoft, Dell, HP. Just remember that in general the higher paying a program, the more competitive it's likely to be. What does an affiliate marketer do? An affiliate marketer promotes other people's products or services in exchange for a commission on sales. Affiliate marketers typically have a website or blog where they write about the products or services they promote, or they may use social media or email marketing to reach their audience. How do I become an affiliate marketer? To become an affiliate marketer, you need to create an account with an affiliate network. Affiliate networks connect merchants with affiliate marketers. Once you have an account, you can browse the affiliate network's marketplace for products and services to promote. Once you find a product or service you want to promote, you can apply to join the merchant's affiliate program. How much do Amazon affiliates make? Amazon affiliates earn a commission on sales that they generate for Amazon. The commission rate varies depending on the product category, but it typically ranges from 4% to 10%. Amazon affiliates can also earn bonuses for generating a high volume of sales. Is affiliate marketing worth it? Affiliate marketing can be a great way to make money online, but it's important to be realistic about your expectations. It takes time and effort to build a successful affiliate marketing business. But if you're willing to put in the work, the rewards can be significant. What is the difference between affiliate marketing and multi-level marketing (MLM)? Affiliate marketing and MLM are both commission-based, but they operate differently. MLM involves selling products and recruiting others into a distributor’s "downline," where earnings come from personal sales and those of recruits. Affiliate marketing skips recruitment and focuses purely on earning commissions by promoting products or services to an audience. What is the difference between affiliate marketing and referral marketing? Affiliate marketing and referral marketing share similarities but differ in focus. Referral marketing relies on existing customers recommending products to friends for rewards, emphasizing personal connections. Affiliate marketing is broader, with individuals promoting products through blogs, social media or email to reach wider audiences and drive more sales. How does affiliate marketing overlap with other types of marketing? Affiliate marketing often works with strategies like online advertising and content marketing . Affiliates may use ads to drive traffic to their links or learn how to make a blog and videos to explain products. Combining these approaches helps affiliates boost exposure, attract clicks and increase conversions.
- What is content marketing and why you need it
Whether you create a blog for your website, post helpful tutorials on YouTube, or write eBooks and guides, you too can use content marketing to grow your brand. Here’s a complete explanation of content marketing and how to do it right, as well as some examples and tips to guide your own content marketing journey. What is content marketing? Content marketing is a type of marketing strategy that involves creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and engaging content in order to attract a targeted audience and encourage them to buy. It is also often referred to as a digital marketing strategy, as much of content marketing is now created and shared online. This form of marketing doesn’t explicitly promote a brand but, instead, stimulates consumer interest in its product or service. The idea is that the more value you offer consumers in the form of expert knowledge, the more you’ll entice them to purchase your product. The origins of content marketing are not set in stone but there are some claimed examples that are now labelled as some of the first examples of content marketing. Retroactively the earliest examples of content marketing include: 1732, none other than Benjamin Franklin printed his Issuance of Poor Richard's Almanack to promote his printing business. 1888, Johnson & Johnson published a guide for Doctors using bandages called 'Modern Methods of Antiseptic Wound Treatment. 1904, Jell-O salespeople distributed a free cookbook in which their product was used in versatile ways—sales soared for the company as a result. Learn more: Blogging vs. content marketing Benefits of content marketing Showcases your company’s knowledge, expertise, and authority in the industry. Establishes your credibility, helping you gain consumer trust. Builds brand awareness and brand visibility by placing your brand across the web. Improves brand health. Helps diversify your user base and readership. Boosts your website’s SEO so you can get found by new customers. Engages existing customers so that they buy again. Promotes your website for free. As the customer mindset has changed over the years, marketing strategies have also evolved. With the internet at our fingertips, people have become better informed about the quality and value of the things they spend their money on. They’ve also become more demanding; they want their issues resolved fast, and they want the right products to do it. Many customers see straight through pushy sales pitches and disruptive online ads, but they can be persuaded with informative and genuinely helpful content. That’s where content marketing comes in. Good content—such as blog posts, informational videos, and more—are used to nurture buyers into making a purchase, gently guiding them toward the right solution for their needs. This is true whether your focus is on local marketing or global. How effective is content marketing? So we laid out the benefits, but how effective is content marketing really? Well, here's a few examples to lay it out. According to a recent Semrush study : 78% of those who believe their content marketing was very successful in 2021 had a documented content marketing strategy 73% of companies that spend from 10% to 70% of their total marketing budget on content marketing were very successful Other content marketing wins include: 67% of marketers report that content marketing generates demand or leads which is an increase on the previous year. With 72% of marketers saying that content marketing helps to educate the audience and 63% see that it helps build loyalty with existing clients. 81% of marketers believe content marketing is a crucial part of their overall marketing strategy. Content marketing can generate up to three times more leads than outbound marketing and cost less. Check out more content marketing tips here . Types of content marketing There are many different types of content you can create as part of your marketing strategy, including: Blog posts : Articles published on your website’s blog. Offsite articles : Articles written for publications and blogs outside your own website. Videos : Short filmed content posted on your business’s YouTube channel or embedded on your own website. Podcasts : Auditory content offering useful information, guidance, or tips. Infographics : Explanatory visuals that use a mix of images, statistics, and charts. User-generated content: Content such as videos, images, and more created by users and then shared or endorsed by brands. Case studies: Up-close examinations of your customers, often taking the form of blog posts, that tell success stories about them using your product. eBooks: Online books, typically packaged as downloadable PDF documents, with in-depth information or guidance about your industry. White papers: In-depth, high-level reports about a specific topic, similar to a research paper. Webinars: Online video presentations, often live-streamed. Creating a webinar that allow viewers to participate will enhance engagement by allowing them to ask questions in real-time. Slide decks: Slide presentations that offer information, guidance, or tips. Templates: Fill-in-the-blank templates related to your product or service. If that sounds like a lot, don’t feel overwhelmed. You don’t need to create all these different content types from the get-go (and these days, there are also some 'shortcuts' you can take with AI tools like Gemini ). Start with just one to build your foundation, and then branch out into other formats that suit your particular audience and niche. By employing a strategic combination of these different content types, you’ll be able to reach and engage a great number of prospective customers. Recent years have also seen the rise of digital content marketing. This essentially refers to any type or form of content marketing that can be distributed in digital form, or online. A blog, for example, is a form of digital content marketing. Within this also is the growing importance of mobile marketing . Discover the latest trends in video marketing with these video marketings statistics . Wix looks forward at content marketing trends for 2023 Content marketing examples Now that you know why content marketing is such a powerful online marketing tool , let’s dive into some real-life content ideas to help inform your own effective strategy that will not be confused by anyone as clickbait. 01. River Pools and Spas Our first content marketing example is River Pools and Spas. It’s an independent pool company, yet its content strategy is one of the most famous in digital marketing history. As a last ditch effort to save their business during the 2008 recession, owner Marc Sheridan and his team dived into blogging. Their goal was to become the best teachers in the world about the industry by growing their blog with posts that answered every possible customer question. Eventually, they combined blogging with other forms of content, too, such as instructional YouTube videos. Ultimately, their content marketing strategy succeeded: it attracted a huge influx of customers, and saved the company as a result. The content marketing lesson here is to focus on your customer, not yourself. Aim to be a teacher, providing both written and visual content that leaves your audience feeling like they’ve learned something new. 02. HubSpot One of the leaders in the field of content marketing is digital marketing platform HubSpot. Like River Pools and Spas, the company offers a vast array of blog posts on nearly every possible question their target audience might have. Not only do these include topics specific to digital marketing, but they also include other business and sales tips relevant to their target audience. These blog posts are supplemented with longer eBooks, which hone in on specific topics to provide in-depth informational content to their audience. In addition to its wide array of written content, the company offers a service called the HubSpot Academy, with free online courses about content marketing, SEO, inbound marketing, and more. These video courses take the form of mini-series, encouraging their audience to continually engage and come back for more. Together, these elements have proven to be a highly effective way for the company to build a base of dedicated fans and monetize their blog. 03. John Deere First published in 1895, The Furrow , a print magazine created by agricultural manufacturing company John Deere, is sometimes referred to as the oldest example of content marketing. Even back then, the magazine operated on the same principles as contemporary content marketing: to help customers resolve their issues while highlighting their industry expertise. Today, The Furrow continues to be at the core of John Deere’s content marketing strategy and is available online. The publication reads less like a series of marketing posts and more like a reputable magazine, with stories about farming and agriculture that take the form of engaging narratives. Notably, the magazine uses stunning photography to draw users into the brand. Far from being overtly promotional, the articles instead serve to deepen the connection with their audience, transforming a large manufacturing company into a relatable, more human brand. 04. Blendtec How much content can you really create about blenders? Generating a large amount of content can be tricky if your product is very specific, but Blendtec pulls it off with creativity. The blender company’s eCommerce website is full of recipes, presented in the form of video tutorials. The videos aren’t limited to smoothie recipes, either; the company also shows more advanced recipes for soups, nut butters, and more. In doing so, they’re able to engage their readers with unique and unexpected content, while sending the message that their product’s capabilities exceed those of a standard home blender. Even more impressively, the Blendtec brand has become a successful YouTuber. In contrast to the serious recipe suggestions present on its website, the company’s “Will It Blend?” videos wow users with their goofiness and audacity. Among its most popular clips are the blending of an iPad (boasting 12 million views) and the blending of glow sticks. These videos aren’t genuinely educational, but they serve a different kind of purpose; they succeed in establishing Blendtec as a funny, likable company with a memorable brand identity and an evidently effective product. 05. GoPro For its content marketing strategy, GoPro shows us another type of visual content. Rather than engaging its audience through humor, GoPro grabs our attention with high-quality, user-generated video content filmed with—you guessed it—the GoPro action camera. They post this content front and center as part of their website’s homepage design, so that it’s instantly visible to all site visitors. Similar videos also comprise the bulk of their social media marketing strategy, with GoPro content posted across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Far from traditional, GoPro’s content takes advantage of today’s video trends. We’re taken on a journey through the eyes of the customer as they surf the waves of the Pacific, float down the Mekong, and snowboard in the Alps. We’re all a little jealous of their adventures—and many viewers may find it tempting to replicate those experiences by getting a GoPro of their own. Not only does the company’s content strategy entice new customers, but it also encourages existing customers to engage with the brand. They hold competitions for user-generated content, rewarding the winners with cash awards and increased online exposure. This deepens users’ relationship with the brand and helps the company build a loyal and dedicated customer base. 06. Trader Joe’s Many grocery stores overlook their content marketing strategy, but that’s certainly not the case for American supermarket chain Trader Joe’s. The company effectively markets itself using a combination of different content formats. They provide recipes on their website, a monthly newsletter available both online and in print, and, of course, plenty of mouthwatering food photography. In addition to attracting and retaining customers, the company’s content strategy is critical to their branding. The tone, language, and visual style present in both their online and print content forms the core of the supermarket’s brand image. The content’s hand-drawn illustrations and vibrant brand colors, combined with cheeky, off-beat language (their newsletter, for instance, is called the “Fearless Flyer”) makes the brand feel casual, comical, and relatable. 07. Ben and Jerry’s Speaking of food, Ben and Jerry’s serves up some pretty sweet content marketing examples. Their visual branding has a 1960s aesthetic, and their content bolsters this image with topical blog posts about fair trade products, gender equality, and more. Their website also gives an in-depth explanation of their process for sourcing and making their ice cream, highlighting their brand values of social responsibility and transparency. The bulk of their content aims for maximum user engagement. One post encourages readers to create their own flavor, attributing popular creations like Cherry Garcia and Chubby Hubby to their fans. The ice cream company also predominantly features quizzes to make their brand feel personal and fun, such as “Love or Ice Cream?” and “Which Dough Chunk Are You?” By inviting people to participate in their brand, the company’s content strategy helps them form a close-knit community of loyal fans. 08. Wix This should come as no surprise—we’re quite proud of our own content marketing strategy. We use the Wix Blog as a way to connect with users and help them with all their professional needs, from website design to small business marketing tips and more. Our goal? To understand exactly what customers want to know, and to share strategies, ideas, and inspiration that will help them achieve success. It's all about tapping into the ethos, pathos and logos of writing. How to optimize your content marketing strategy While these content marketing examples are all very different from one another in terms of strategy and content type, they do have one thing in common: meticulous optimization. Creating the most effective content strategy possible requires going beyond producing great content, i.e., a full funnel content strategy for your brand . You also need to keep your audience, competitors, and overall marketing plan in mind. Here are some tips to ensure your content is at its best: Create buyer personas Before you even begin to produce content, you’ll need to conduct market research. Think about who your target audience is so that you can engage them by directly speaking to their wants and needs. This is a critical part of any copywriting strategy, whether you're creating marketing copy, email newsletters or long-form blog posts. Start by creating buyer personas, or fictional representations of your ideal customers. Ask yourself questions such as “How old are they?” and “What are their interests and hobbies?” If you’re a B2B software company, that fictional customer might be a middle-aged, high-level company exec. If you’re a trendy handbag designer, on the other hand, your buyer persona might be a young fashionista. Understand the buyer’s journey Part of resonating with your audience is creating a content marketing plan that correlates with particular phases of the buyer’s journey. The buyer’s journey is the process customers go through when researching, considering, and eventually purchasing a product or service. This journey consists of three main stages: The awareness stage , in which a customer becomes aware they have a problem. The consideration stage , in which the customer identifies that problem and researches how to resolve it. The decision stage , in which the buyer determines a solution. When your content marketing efforts directly address your audiences’ questions at each particular stage, you can better guide customers through the marketing funnel. Your goal is that by the end of this journey, users will realize that your product is the solution they’ve been searching for. Research your competitors As part of laying the groundwork for effective content, you’ll also want to do a SWOT analysis of your competitors. By researching your industry competition, you can create content that not only covers a similar range of topics, but that also surpasses that of your competitors in terms of depth and customer value. Begin by taking a look at your competitors’ websites, blogs, types of infographics and social media platforms, and then build your inspiration from their existing content pieces. Think about what they did well—and what they didn’t—and use that knowledge to inform your own content marketing plan. Improve your SEO Content marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) are two sides of the same coin. SEO determines how your content is ranked in search engines—that is, whether it’s listed as the first, second, third, or 100th result in Google, Bing, and others. The higher your content ranks, the more potential customers will click on it and read it. To ensure that your blog posts and other content rank high for SEO, write with specific keywords in mind. You’ll need to conduct keyword research in order to know which keywords are most likely to push you to the top of the search engine results page. Be sure to pay particular attention to long tail keywords. Even after your content is published, you should continue to update your content regularly to keep it ranking high. These SEO tips for bloggers can help guide you. Create a content marketing calendar As you expand your body of content, you might find it’s hard to keep track of all your different work. To ensure your content strategy is organized and well-planned, create a monthly editorial calendar for your blog, as well as a social media calendar, that display the publishing date of each piece, its topic and title, and any additional details of your choice. This will help ensure that you publish on a consistent basis and that your content stays varied, interesting, and fresh. It will also give you a bigger picture view of your content marketing plan as a whole. As you seek to expand your brand, you can rely on content marketing as a powerful tool. By creating strategic, optimized content that ranks above your competitors’ and resonates deeply with your audience, you’ll be able to drive high-quality traffic to your website, and obtain happy customers as a result. Diversify your distribution channels There are many ways to distribute content, and the same piece of content can be shared and repurposed to fit different distribution channels and audiences. Social media platforms are an effective way to drive traffic and reach a larger audience. Content marketers should leverage social media to share content, engage with customers, and build relationships with potential leads. Track and measure results It's important for everyone involved in content marketing to measure the results of content marketing campaigns in order to understand which content strategies are working and which need improvement. This will help you continuously optimize your individual pieces of content, as well as your broader content strategies for maximum success. Some popular content marketing analytics include: Brand visibility Brand health metrics Diversified user base Conversions and sales Engagement metrics Traffic What is a content marketing manager? A content marketing manager is responsible for developing and executing a content marketing strategy. They oversee the creation (such as whether or not to use AI content generators or AI writing tools ) and distribution of content that's designed to connect with a defined audience. Their main goal is to produce valuable and relevant content that supports the company's marketing goals and drives engagement. In addition to planning and creating content, a content marketing manager will also usually manage a team of content creators, analyze content performance, and adjust their content strategy as needed to improve results. They'll work closely with other members of the marketing team, including designers, copywriters, and social media specialists, to ensure all content is on-brand and effective.
- What is a drip campaign and how to create your own
If you want to make a splash in your industry, you’ll need a marketing strategy that nurtures your audience over time. That’s where drip marketing comes in. With a name that brings to mind the tranquility of falling raindrops, a drip campaign is a series of emails scheduled over the course of several days. This strategy tends to generate more engagement - and drive more conversions - than standard email marketing. You can get started with drip marketing using this helpful email marketing service . Here’s a comprehensive overview of the process - including examples of different types of drip campaigns and step-by-step instructions for crafting your own. What is a drip campaign? A drip campaign is a form of email automation that is most commonly used for email marketing . By this method, a series of pre-written, pre-scheduled emails is sent to your contacts over an extended period. The timing of each email in the campaign is based on predefined triggers. For example, you might schedule a particular email to be sent to users after they subscribe, and a second one 3 days after that. This way, you deliver your message in gradual “drips,” adapting your communication strategy to your audience’s behavior. There are several benefits to sending drip campaigns. First, they help you gently nurture your contacts over time, building interest progressively rather than overwhelming them with an aggressive campaign. Since drip emails are targeted and personalized, they tend to be more compelling to users than a single email blast . Ultimately, this technique can lead to fewer unsubscribes and an increased conversion rate. Second, drip emails boosts engagement by keeping your business at the forefront of your audience’s minds. They serve as an ongoing conversation about your brand, establishing trust over time and gently guiding them through the sales funnel. What drip marketing platform should you use? The most convenient way to create drip emails is to do so when you create your own website . That way, you’ll be able to keep all the information about your business - from site data to email marketing campaigns - organized on a single platform. To get started, navigate to Business Tools in the sidebar menu of your Wix dashboard. From there, hover over Customer Management, and then click Automations. Using the Multistep Automations feature, you’ll be able to create a sequence of up to 10 highly targeted email drips based on a single trigger. What are the different types of email drip campaigns? You’ll find that automated email sequences are useful in a variety of scenarios, whether you’re following up with a customer after a subscription or getting them to purchase the items in their shopping cart. Here are examples of the types of drip campaigns you can create: Welcome emails: Create automated welcome emails when a new person signs up, subscribes, or requests a free trial. Let them know you’re glad to meet them, and introduce your company’s products and insights to build a strong first impression of your brand. Lead nurturing campaigns: Write a series of lead nurturing emails that, over time, convinces prospective customers to buy. This can include educating users about your industry, or offering them free trials and consultations. As you move people further down the marketing funnel, consider ways to onboard them to your product, such as getting them to sign up for a webinar or download your app. User engagement campaigns: Craft messages that invite users to return to your site. For example, you might want to send a “We miss you” email to subscribers that haven’t interacted with your brand in awhile, or a “You might also like” email that entices them to browse more of your offerings. Abandoned shopping cart emails: Build email campaigns that re-engage customers, particularly those with full shopping carts who still haven’t checked out. Cart abandonment is a huge problem - in fact, the average rate is approaching 80% - and drip emails can reignite the purchasing process. To close sales, target those shoppers with a series of powerful automated prompts that pulls them back in. Renewal emails: Send renewal reminders to customers if your product operates on a subscription basis. If the renewal is automatic, notify users that their account will be charged with a pre-written automated email. Otherwise, alert them that their subscription is about to run out, and create a drip campaign that prompts users to sign up again for your service. Confirmation emails: Create a confirmation drip that not only thanks customers for their purchases, but that also generates continued engagement. After sending the thank you email, for example, consider re-engaging them with drip emails that promote new product features or accessories. Step-by-step tutorials: Create a series of bite-sized educational courses to share your expertise and generate traffic to your site. By offering subscribers a comprehensive set of drips - rather than a sequence of unrelated emails - you can build interest and engagement in your brand. Try repackaging blog content into a multi-part email crash course, whether it’s a quick SEO tutorial or a series of social media marketing tips. How to set up a drip campaign Ready to create an email drip campaign of your own? Here’s how to get started: Identify your main goal Determine your target audience Plan the campaign Create compelling content Start the campaign Refine your strategy 01. Identify your main goal Perhaps you’re eager to obtain new leads, or maybe you’d like to generate buzz around your brand. Whatever you’re aiming for, it’s important that you have a clear goal in mind as you craft your drip campaigns. To define your goal, think about what you’d like your audience to do by the end of the drip campaign. Do you want them to buy a product? Sign up for a free trial? Re-engage with your site? If you’re having trouble deciding on a specific goal, try seeing whether any of the following resonate with you: Promote a product Make sales Build brand awareness Boost engagement Drive sign-ups or registrations Once you’ve selected your goal, write it down. This will serve as the roadmap for your entire drip campaign. 02. Determine your target audience Email marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all; instead, you’ll find yourself more consistently achieving your goals if your messages feel personal and relevant to your readers. With that in mind, you’ll need to craft different emails for specific subsets of your target market. The process - called market segmentation - involves dividing your audience into different customer types based on their shared features. These characteristics can range from anything from their demographic data to their behavior on your site to their purchasing history. Based on this information, you’ll want to create triggers that determine which campaigns you’ll send to which people. For example, you might create a trigger for abandoned shopping carts. In that case, your segment could be people who haven’t returned to their shopping carts in 24 hours or more. You’d then create a drip email campaign specifically for this segment, with the goal of closing the sale. Another trigger might be a new subscription to your company newsletter . Here, you’d create a segment for new subscribers. You’d then send a drip of welcome emails to people who fall under that category. 03. Plan the campaign At this point, you should know what your goal is in sending your drip emails, and which groups of people you’ll be sending them to. But how many drips should you create? And how often should you send them? On the one hand, you want to keep your audience interested and engaged. On the other hand, you don’t want to annoy them with too much content. Effective email drip campaigns vary from 4 to 10 emails, with a space of 3 days to 2 weeks between messages. You may want to leave a gap of just 3-4 days between your first few emails so that you can engage with users immediately after the trigger. After that, space out your emails further to avoid overwhelming your contacts. Keep in mind that while there are a few best practices, there are no magic numbers. After you send out your first few drip campaigns, analyze your data and adapt the quantity and timing of your emails until you hit the sweet spot. 04. Create compelling content So you’ve defined your goals, determined the segments and triggers, and planned the timing and spacing of your drip emails. Now, you’ll need to dive into the content itself. As you write the emails, aim for a message that’s helpful, interesting, and drives readers toward your desired action. Here are some email marketing tips for creating powerful content: Use strong subject lines: The first step toward a successful drip marketing campaign is getting people to open the message. If you’re feeling stuck, take a look at these tips on how to write an engaging subject line . Make it personal: People are more interested and engaged when they feel that your emails are meant for them . Use your audience segments to determine which messages and promotions will attract different groups. Then, tailor your drip campaigns accordingly. Use a consistent brand voice: Brands, like people, have personalities. Help your contacts get to know - and love - your business by building a memorable brand identity. You can do this by adopting a particular way of speaking or tone of voice in your emails, whether it’s humorous and fun, professional and authoritative, or something in between. Keep it concise: Don’t overwhelm your subscribers with a deluge of new information or big blocks of text. Keep your message short and sweet - with plenty of white space - to make them easily digestible and increase the likelihood of people reading them. Focus on value: Don’t simply use your emails to explain the details of your business or the features of your offering. Instead, focus on how your product or service benefits users. Create a sense of urgency: Make users feel that their next action can’t wait. You can do this by offering exclusive deals with deadlines, such as a coupon code that expires in one week. Include a CTA: Each of your emails should include a call-to-action that guides readers toward your ultimate goal. This should be presented as a prominent button with direct, action-oriented language such as “Start now,” “Download,” or “Sign up.” Build anticipation: Conclude your emails by getting readers excited for more. Include a “P.S.” to drop hints about an upcoming holiday sale, user contest, brand new e-book and more. 05. Start the campaign Once you’ve created your emails and finalized your strategy, it’s time to send them to your audience. Because the process is automated, all you need to do is set the initial trigger (e.g., a subscription to your newsletter) and specify the number of days between the emails that follow. You can do this directly through the Automations Dashboard of your Wix website. 06. Refine your strategy Just like every good marketing campaign, you should continually adapt your strategy to optimize the results. If you’re not meeting your goal, you may find you need to edit the audience segments, readjust the messages, or alter the timing of your emails. Using your email marketing tool , take a close look at your email marketing KPIs . If the open rates are low, for example, try cleaning up your email list or rewriting your subject lines. If conversions are low, try creating more compelling CTAs that entice your audience to click. The bottom line is to analyze the results of your campaign so that you can continually improve with each new iteration. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What are the main benefits of a drip campaign? Automation, personalization, the nurturing of leads over the long term, potentially increased conversions and higher customer engagement are just some of the key benefits. How do I track and improve my drip campaign? Start by tracking and analyzing key metrics of drip campaigns such as: open and click through rates, conversion rates and ROI. Also consider using techniques such as A/B testing and segmentation to test different versions of your campaigns. What are some important best practices for running a drip campaign? Segment, segment, and segment your email list. It's the only way to make sure you're reaching the right audience with the right content for them. Personalize emails, it works. Don't be afraid to keep testing and optimizing the emails that you send, combine what works from multiple tests and keep trying. Always track your campaign data and use it to make the next one better. Don't overwhelm your email list with content, stay true to your brand and your messaging.
- 25 website typography examples to draw inspiration from
As an essential element of website design , typography can be both beautiful and functional. When used correctly, it can enhance a site’s aesthetic and user experience. The fonts and styles you feature not only affect the branding and accessibility of your site, but they also determine how visitors engage with your content. This article explores 25 outstanding website typography examples and offers tips for how to incorporate them into your own website creation process. What is web typography? 25 impressive web typography examples 5 expert tips for using typography on your website What is web typography? Typography is the art of strategically selecting, sizing, kerning, styling and arranging typefaces to make text easy and engaging to read (see easiest font to read ). Designers also use typography to convey emotions and strengthen the message of the words themselves. In web design , typography plays a crucial role in shaping the way we perceive and understand written language. And it’s a lot easier to get wrong than you might think. In 2021, Twitter pushed out a redesign of its app that included the use of an original font. While the makeover might have seemed minimal at first glance, many users—especially those with visual or processing impairments—said they found it uncomfortable to read. On top of being a critical aspect of your brand identity, typography can also affect important factors that affect your site’s speed, functionality and accessibility. Because of this, it’s always important to balance your web typography’s visual impact with readable, web-safe fonts. 25 awesome web typography examples To get an idea of what effective font design looks like, check out these 25 typography examples. We’ll discuss the specific qualities that make each of these typography examples work on the web and how they elevate the website’s branding. As you explore, keep in mind that you can add fonts to Wix if you see any you think would be a good fit for your website. Joasia Fidler-Wieruszewska Ryan Haskins Andrada Has Laura Zarate Wendy Ju The Robin Collective Blink My Brain Pink Chili Dale Alegria Macarena 33 Letters for Ukraine Word Tonic Community Derek McKechnie Magic Johns Agence Digi Offf Barcelona Dana Barkay Shiny Individual Slug Club Kombucha Campfire Coffee Co. Mr. Itamar OK Drugs Vanessa McKeown Plantbased Dough Lisa Kuroiwa Tiffany Cruz 01. Joasia Fidler-Wieruszewska Joasia Fidler-Wieruszewska’s portfolio website has fresh and clean vibes, using strong visual hierarchy to strengthen the composition of its typography. Using a combination of an ornate serif font and a simple sans-serif font, the graphic designer allows the diversity of style to draw visitors’ attention onto her site’s content. Fidler-Wieruszewsk's skillfully applies white space to frame her texts, encouraging focus and readability. 02. Ryan Haskins Brutalist websites are all the rage—they’re even at the top of our 2023 web trends list. To hone in on the over-the-top design approach, Haskins uses a mix-match of font styles that creates a strong visual impact. Most importantly, he carefully integrates the plethora of styles to give his site a contemporary edge without overwhelming visitors. Although there are at least 10 different fonts used throughout his site, Haskins is sure to use a clean sans-serif font where readability matters. 03. Andrada Has If we could summarize Andrada Has’s use of typography in three words, we’d choose: elegant, eye-catching and dynamic. She employs plenty of white space and pops of color to ensure that her experimental mish-mash of font styles doesn’t confuse visitors. She even manages to use different font styles within individual words without introducing readability issues. 04. Laura Zarate Laura Zarate’s typography is quite minimalistic—but that doesn’t take away from the mesmerizing qualities inherent in her site’s modern composition. Instead, using clean fonts in different sizes and weights on her site creates a strong foundation that maximizes readability. Zarate further conveys the tone of her brand’s sophisticated personality by pairing her strong typography with a mesh gradient background. 05. Wendy Ju Combining easy-to-read fonts such as Avenir Next with animation, Wendy Ju creates a delicate typography design that makes a big impact. Certain words throughout her site are highlighted using bright hues and hover effects. This extra layer of visual interest facilitates a more interactive user experience that stands out. 06. The Robin Collective The Robin Collective website features a whimsical use of typography that reflects the creative nature of the brand. With the clean sans-serif copy balancing out the quirky script site title, they convey their light-hearted but professional approach. By paying careful attention to their font choices and implementing strong color contrasts, The Robin Collective successfully balances their playful brand personality with an enjoyable user experience. 07. Blink My Brain Although Blink My Brain’s site is currently under construction, the artist’s captivating use of typography leaves visitors wanting more. Using a pairing of futuristic metallic fonts with handwritten typography establishes a familiar tone. Although it’s minimal, Blink My Brain’s landing page already hints to visitors that this designer’s got a knack for trendy font styles. The sneak peek of his talents is one that visitors are sure to remember. 08. Pink Chili Pink Chili is a marketing agency with a special focus on helping businesses connect with Gen Z. True to its generation’s character, the site is full of trendy elements. Because the site is copy-heavy with little imagery, their clever use of typography is key. Above the fold, the brand name—cast in a chunky, cherry-red serif—takes center stage. By paying careful attention to details such as font size, kerning and color, the agency prioritizes user experience without sacrificing their branding. 09. Dale Alegria Macarena “Branding for Humans” is Macarena’s modus operandi. Indeed, his choice of typography has a humanizing, tangible effect. The style of the title font is reminiscent of poster design typography and is definitely suitable for conveying a strong message with a strong personality. Balancing this decorative text, Macarena uses a condensed sans-serif font to communicate important details. The boldness of these contrasting fonts gives the composition a fun and energetic feel. 10. 33 Letters for Ukraine 33 Letters for Ukraine is a project started by three Polish entrepreneurs in 2022, inviting 30 international designers to interpret the Cyrillic alphabet over the course of 33 days. The site’s designers have the extra challenge of showcasing typography as a work of art while using descriptive fonts that reflect the heart of the unique project. To do this, they’ve used a combination of Menorah Grotesk by Ivan Tsanko & Kyiv Type by Dmytro Rastvortsev . Both of these fonts have a decorative, cyrillic touch but remain readable. The entrepreneurs achieved a uniformity that perfectly matches the project’s character. 11. Word Tonic Community It’s no surprise this website’s typography is brimming with trendiness—Word Tonic is, after all, a brand marketing themselves as exclusively Gen Z. To attract audiences that are equally en vogue, Word Tonic uses website fonts which reflect on the group’s cheeky, trendy vibe. At the same time, the community site needs to establish its professional goals and ensure their text is readable. For this, they pair the playful decorative fonts of the site headers with a modern sans-serif font, outlining their goals and services for interested visitors. 12. Derek McKechnie We love that Derek McKechnie uses a “more is more” influence to re-think the layout of his own typography and create an exciting atmosphere for visitors. Especially noteworthy is the animated line work McKechnie uses to outline his section of “Projects.” The composition uses typography in a unique way that is both stylish and effective while the clean sans serif fonts allows visitors to easily identify each item on McKechnie’s site. 13. Magic Johns Magic John’s proves how much personality you can reflect in your website’s typography. The homepage title uses a colorful and retro typography design to set the tone for the brand. The site designer layered a cartoonish cursive font over a bold outline font. This, combined with the contrasting color scheme of royal blue, bright red and pink communicates to visitors that this isn’t your average pizza shop. 14. Agence Digi When we talk about great typography, there’s often a laser focus on unique font choices and pairings. What makes Agence Digi’s typography so effective—in ways that you don’t often see on other websites—is its color and animation. Movement draws in readers, creating quick movements on the homepage that are completely engaging. While playing around with these animated effects, along with textures, gradients and 3D lettering, Agence Digi ensures their content is readable by using capitalization and unembellished fonts. 15. OFFF Barcelona As a community of online and offline designers, OFFF Barcelona’s website needs to appeal to the high expectations of the professionals in their network. To do this, the site’s trendy typography composition plays a big role. Using a minimalist font stretched from corner-to-corner, the homepage succeeds is bold and highly stylized. In addition, horizontal scrolling effects are applied sparingly throughout the site, adding a sophisticated touch to the background of the text that keeps visitors on the page. 16. Dana Barkay Since font design and lettering are two of Dana Barkay’s specialties, it's no surprise that the visual designer uses her site to show off her talents (including the use of her very own font design, Gofont ). Barkay balances her unusual website typography with visual hierarchy by dividing sections of written content into a grid. Animated scroll effects bring the typography of Barkay’s site to life, creating a dynamic experience that draws visitors in and encourages them to explore. 17. Shiny Individual Shiny Individual’s use of typography is the perfect example of how the right fonts can set the tone for your brand. In the case of Shiny Individual, their site incorporates sophisticated typography to reflect the cool and refined qualities of the jewelry brand. The fonts vary in size, weight and style to help guide visitors navigate the page, and sticking to black text used throughout draws attention to important elements. 18. Slug Club Kombucha Slug Club Kombucha greets site visitors with a stylized font in an attention-grabbing neon color. Large, colorful and appealing, the site’s headline makes a memorable impact while still being easy to read, thanks to the contrast of a white website background. In general, the site is a great example of the role color plays in web typography. Bright tones create a vibrant design, creating a contrast with the black fonts to enhance readability. 19. Camp Fire Coffee There are a couple of reasons why Campfire Coffee’s typography is so well done. For starters, each font has a minimalistic design, is well-spaced and easy to read. Secondly, the logo typography is a good example of how to choose a font that aligns with the brand’s product. The rugged, burned look of the text perfectly communicates the mission of the brand. 20. Mr. Itamar Mr. Itamar’s website typography was carefully chosen to create a playful, aesthetically pleasing experience that keeps visitors interested. Rather than having all text appear at once when a new section loads onto the page, this site uses smooth animation to stagger the timing of individual letters or words for an organic transition. 21. OK Drugs Ok Drugs’s typography is a great example of how to make two wildly different fonts look harmonious next to one another. The seventies-inspired header font is balanced out by a sans-serif font that has just enough flare to give the site some character without overwhelming the reader. OK Drugs takes font sizes into account, using large texts in headings or CTAs to attract attention and help visitors find what they’re looking for, while using smaller text for body copy that’s legible and uncluttered. 22. Vanessa McKeown Vanessa McKeown’s online portfolio is full of product photography that uses bright backgrounds with unique, even surreal contexts. It’s fitting that her website design reflects this eccentric style. Since McKeown’s work relies heavily on visual communication, her website makes the minimal typography count, infusing trendy pop vibes with bright bubble letters and a neon-inspired navigation menu. 23. Plant Based Dough PBDC’s typography is another perfect example of how to pair a readable, standard font with a handwritten display font. The chunky, fun lettering makes it easy for customers to scroll through each page and get a high-level overview of what it’s about. The simple sans-serif font then streamlines the reading experience for them. 24. Lisa Kuroiwa Classy, catchy and elegant, Lisa Kroiwa’s graphic design portfolio showcases her acute attention to detail. The typography itself is minimal, but the site’s design is amplified using an interesting and cohesive composition of the text. Kuroiwa carefully applies space to each page—sections are evenly spaced so that readers can easily follow along and find what they need quickly. 25. Tiffany Cruz Cruz’s portfolio website is professional—and her typography makes it a lot of fun to browse, too. While the serif font is clean and readable, it contains interesting bends and angles that make the text stand out. Cruz does a great job at pairing her typography with colorful backgrounds, vector graphics and animation. Additionally, the text used in her CTAs and buttons appear in bright colors, drawing attention to clickable elements. 5 expert tips for using typography in web design Now that we’ve gained inspiration from the web typography examples above, keep in mind the following tips when you design a site of your own. Align typography with your brand identity Use a minimum of three fonts site-wide Use standard, web safe fonts when possible Create harmonious font pairings Pay attention to color contrast and font size 01. Align typography with your brand identity A lot of time goes into developing your brand identity—crafting a logo design, color scheme, fonts and imagery that strengthen the message your brand wants to convey. That’s why, when choosing the best fonts for your website , you should pay attention to the associations fonts will create with your brand. Find fonts (and font designers) whose vibes match your brand. This will enable you to choose fonts that fit best with your overall branding. 2. Use a minimum of three fonts site-wide Visual balance is a key component of successful web design. When it comes to typography, this can also apply when choosing the number of fonts to use. In most of the best web typography examples we looked at above, they used no more than three fonts. To strike a balance between different font styles in a way that won’t overwhelm or distract visitors, design experts generally recommend sticking to three harmonious fonts: One font for display—such as your brand name, logo or hero image text. One primary font for headlines. One secondary font for paragraphs and other descriptive text. If you minimize the number of on your website, visitors’ eyes won’t constantly be adjusting to the new fonts they encounter. At the same time, variety can create a dynamic experience that keeps visitors engaged. 3. Use standard, web safe fonts when possible There are a couple of reasons why you might want to opt for a font included in your website builder, rather than one that you have to purchase and download from a third-party font foundry. For starters, there’s the compatibility issue to think about. If you use a font not supported by a particular browser or device, your site will show a segment of your audience default fonts like Roboto instead of the one you carefully chose for them. Secondly, system fonts tend to be better for website performance . That’s because the browser doesn’t have to spend time retrieving a custom font file from your server. Instead, it can quickly load system fonts onto the page and more quickly render your content for visitors to see. That being said, when you find a unique font that will amplify your brand’s message, you can always upload your font with Wix . When doing this, use web safe fonts that won’t impact your site’s performance, and be sure to use optimized formats and sizes. 4. Create harmonious font pairings Just as you want there to be balance and harmony within the entirety of your website, you also want there to be harmony in your font parings . However, that doesn’t mean you have to use matching fonts that give your design a homogenous look. As we learned from the examples above, harmonious fonts can come from totally different font families, styles and looks. Some of the best website typography examples use fun handwriting fonts paired with traditional serifs, and even transparent animated lettering with standard opaque fonts. There are many ways to choose and style different fonts and still make them go together nicely. You can use websites like Fontpair and Fontjoy for inspiration. Another trick is to find a font super family like Alegreya/Alegreya Sans/Alegreya Sans Small Caps. Between the three type systems, there are 42 font styles to choose from. These large font families tend to have dozens of different font types and styles within them. You could easily use a single font to design an entire website and still create a healthy contrast between the styles while doing so. 5. Pay attention to color contrast and font size The goal in choosing font colors is twofold: First, to use color themes that match with your brand's aesthetic identity; and second, to find ones that don’t interfere with readability, usability or website accessibility . To help ensure your website’s content can be read and accessed by all users, there are a couple of things to take into consideration when deciding on a color scheme for your text. The first is the color itself. There are certain colors that individuals with visual impairments like color blindness will have a hard time seeing. Especially when they are paired together without ample contrast. For example: Blue/grey Blue/purple Green/black Green/blue Green/brown Green/grey Green/red Green/yellow If you’re not sure how the typography or design colors you’ve chosen will look to visually impaired visuals, you can use a tool like Coblis or the Colorblind Web Page Filter to test your palette. Another thing to consider when it comes to color is contrast between the font and what’s behind it. The latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) suggest using a color contrast of 4.5:1 for smaller text and 3:1 for larger text. WebAIM’s Contrast Checker will let you know if your typography contrast is acceptable and tools like Wix’s Accessibility Wizard can do a full scan of your site to check for these issues. Website typography examples FAQ What are some famous website typography examples? Medium: Known for its clean and readable typography, enhancing the reading experience. Vogue: Exemplifies elegance through custom fonts, reflecting its fashion-forward brand. Apple: Utilizes a simple, sans-serif font for clarity and consistency across its product pages. What's the best typography for a website? The best typography for a website depends on your brand, design and specific content. You can use a legible font like Arial or Open Sans for body text, ensuring readability. Then pair it with a complementary font for headers and titles to add visual interest. When planning your website typography maintain consistency in font sizes and styles across the site for a cohesive look. Consider the overall design theme and audience preferences to choose website typography that aligns with the brand identity and enhances the user experience. How to improve the readability of digital text? To improve the readability of digital text, use clean, easy-to-read fonts like sans-serif and choose a font size that's large enough to be legible on all devices. Ensure there’s enough contrast between the text and background, such as black text on a white background, to avoid eye strain. Keep your text well-spaced with enough line height and margins to make it visually clear. Break up long content with headings, bullet points and shorter paragraphs for easier scanning.
- 10 outstanding website menus
Some websites leave us slightly disoriented, struggling to find the section we were looking for. Then there are those that feel like an effortless browse, as if one button intuitively leads us to the next. When deciding to create a website , the different elements of the page should come together in guiding visitors through your site seamlessly and with ease. One element that plays a decisive role in the user experience of your site and greatly affects navigation, is the menu. What are website menus? A website menu is a series of linked items that serve to foster website navigation between the different pages or sections of a site. There are several kinds of menus, depending on the website’s content and design. The main types of website menus are: Classic navigation menu: This most widespread kind of menu is placed in the website’s header, typically as a horizontal list with anchor links. Sticky menu: Also known as a fixed or floating menu, this menu stays put as visitors scroll down the site. These are ideal for long-scrolling pages. Hamburger menu: An icon made up of three horizontal stripes that opens up into a menu once clicked. This design convention is rooted in mobile navigation design, but is widely used on desktop as well. Dropdown menu : A menu in which a list of additional items opens up once visitors click on, or hover over, one of the menu items. This option is suitable for websites with a lot of content. Sidebar menu : A list of menu items that’s located on the left or right side of a webpage. Pro tip: On websites with abundant pages, a classic menu is often enhanced with breadcrumbs and breadcrumb navigation, helping visitors keep track of their location. A minimalistic option for sites with lengthy content is a status bar , which indicates to the user where they are when making their way through a specific page. 10 outstanding website menus Below are 10 examples of website menus, built with Wix. They represent versatile and creative uses of the menu in terms of both their website navigation and design. Here they are, for your inspiration: Yang's Place William LaChance I Love Dust Calvin Pausania SQUARE-Urban Legends Ruby Love Doris Liou Adva Santo Liron Eldar-Ashkenazi Roee Ben Yehuda 01. Yang’s Place : On-brand menu that’s easy to access Chinese restaurant Yang’s Place’s website is fully branded with its logo appearing on the first fold, on the website’s header, and again in its fullscreen menu. The logo on the header stays fixed throughout all of the different pages, leading visitors back to the homepage–a great practice for improving user experience. This menu is accessible from both in form of a hamburger menu (which opens into a fullscreen, and a geometrical website layout of photographs and text boxes on the homepage, created using the Wix Pro Gallery . 02. William LaChance : An animated long scroll menu While there is a classic sidebar menu on this artist’s portfolio, there’s also an additional one made up of images and video boxes that glide into view as we scroll down the page. This menu utilizes website animations and bright, vivid colors to grab visitors’ attention. This loud and colorful scroll complements the much simpler sidebar, allowing for an interactive browsing method alongside a more straightforward one. Unlike the animations, which are only on the homepage, the sidebar stays put on all of the website’s inner pages as well. 03. I Love Dust : A menu split up across all corners of the screen This graphic design agency’s website puts on quite the welcoming show, with a fast-paced, fullscreen video that’s a showreel of the studio’s work. In contrast, the website menu remains simple and static, with a different menu item in each corner of the screen. 04. Calvin Pausania : A full screen menu that makes a statement As an online portfolio , Calvin Pausania’s website launches into a dynamic, full screen video upon opening his site. After clicking the “Enter” button on the homepage, six menu items appear front and center in big white letters. The particular use of this type of typography as well as the website menu placement on the screen is bold and captivating. 05. SQUARE-Urban Legends: A floating menu without needing to scroll back to the top The products of this online sflotore stand out with their beautifully illustrated patterns, screen-printed by hand. The website’s bright and colorful design, paired with vector shapes and patterns complement the brand’s creative l ogo. SQUARE-Urban Legends’ website menu stays fixed on the webpage, acting as a floating menu . There’s also a “Shop now.” button placed strategically in the middle of the homepage which leads visitors back to the website’s product page. 06. Ruby Love : A dropdown menu for an eCommerce site While specializing in period protection apparel, Ruby Love is a business that offers a plethora of essential items, from underwear to sleepwear and swimsuits. As a result, Ruby Love’s eCommerce website requires a system that organizes and categorizes its many different items. Thus, the site’s is a perfect fit because it populates a dropdown menu for each option. Stay in the know - Subscribe to the Wix blog for a weekly dose of web design tips and trends. 07. Doris Liou : An illustrated menu with surprise animations This illustration portfolio is filled with hand-made drawings by California-based artist Doris Liou, making its illustrated header menu feel right at home. The menu icons are drawn in pencil, with a small newspaper for the “Illustration” page and a flower for “Social Media.” When the menu icons are hovered over, colorful animated gifs sneak in and bring them to life. Thanks to another hover effect over the illustrator’s name, we encounter a cheerful little character that’s floating around. That same friendly face also stars in the site’s favicon, tying it all together and adding to the portfolio’s branding and visibility. 08. Adva Santo : Interactive sidebar that’s on brand The website menu on this online design portfolio by Adva Santo is both unique and interactive. The orange, black and white menu colors align with the rest of the website color scheme. When clicking on the different menu items, a line appears on top of the button that creates a “crossed-off” look and allows for a playful and interactive experience. Other parts of the site also show scribbles and handwritten fonts that compliment the menu's “crossed-off” element. 09. Liron Eldar-Ashkenazi : A menu that’s small yet powerful Upon arrival, this website greets visitors with a bold one-liner across the menu bar: “I am Lirona and this is what I do best.” The quote remains at the top on all the pages, which creates consistency. Liron Eldar-Ashkenazi’s minimalist design website menu includes an “About Me” page and an online store entitled “Shop.” The designer has simplified the number of menu options, allowing the user to navigate the full site more easily. 10. Roee Ben Yehuda : A menu split into four corners letting the art take center stage Roee Ben Yehuda states that the goal of his work is to "merge tradition and contemporary design," and his website reflects just that. The site has a clean design with generous amounts of white space which lets his artwork shine. The website menu is split into each corner of the homepage, bringing the artistic objects to the forefront. The earth-tone colors complement the natural materials, and the uneven splits of his site images carefully blend together, resulting in a distinctive look. Website menu navigation best practices Website menu navigation plays a crucial role in user experience, guiding visitors through your website and ensuring they can easily find the information they seek. Effective menu navigation should be clear, consistent and user-friendly, making it effortless for visitors to explore your content and achieve their goals. Here are some key best practices for website menu navigation: Simplicity: Strive for a simple and intuitive menu structure that is easy to understand and navigate. Avoid complex hierarchies and excessive menu items, as this can overwhelm users and make it difficult to find the desired content. Consistency: Maintain consistency in menu placement, labeling and behavior across your website. Use familiar terminology and conventions that align with user expectations, making it intuitive for visitors to navigate regardless of the page they are on. Visual hierarchy: Employ visual cues to establish a clear hierarchy among menu items. Use different font weights, sizes and colors to differentiate between primary navigation categories, subcategories and individual links. This visual organization guides users' attention and facilitates easy scanning. Mobile optimization: Ensure your menu navigation is optimized for mobile devices. Use responsive design principles to adapt the menu layout and interaction to different screen sizes and touch-based input. Consider using expandable menus, hamburger menus or hamburger menu alternatives for smaller screens. Contextual navigation: Provide context-sensitive navigation options that are relevant to the current page or section of the website. This could include related content suggestions, breadcrumbs or quick links to frequently accessed pages. Accessibility: Make sure your menu navigation adheres to accessibility guidelines. Use proper color contrast, clear font styles and alternative text for menu items to ensure it is accessible to users with visual impairments. Regular evaluation: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your menu navigation through user testing and analytics. Gather feedback from users and monitor metrics such as click-through rates and bounce rates to identify areas for improvement. Seek inspiration: Stay updated with current trends and innovations in website navigation. Observe how other websites with similar goals and target audiences approach menu design and consider incorporating effective elements into your own navigation structure. Website menus FAQ What is the menu tab on a website called? The menu tab on a website is typically referred to as the "navigation bar" or "navigation menu." It is a horizontal or vertical bar located at the top or side of a website that displays links to the main sections or pages of the website. What makes a good website menu? A good website menu should be: Clear and easy to understand: The menu should be simple and intuitive to navigate, with clear labels and a consistent organization. Relevant to the content: The menu items should be relevant to the content of the website and should help users find the information they are looking for. User-friendly: The menu should be easy to use, with a consistent design and behavior across the website. Mobile-optimized: The menu should be optimized for mobile devices, with responsive design principles that adapt the layout and interaction to different screen sizes and touch-based input. What should be included in a website menu bar? The specific items included in a website menu bar will vary depending on the website's content and goals, but some common items include: Home: A link to the homepage of the website. About: A page that provides an overview of the website or organization. Products or Services: A page or section that lists the website's products or services. Blog: A page or section that lists the website's blog posts. Contact: A page that provides contact information for the website or organization. How should a website menu be organized? The organization of a website menu should be based on the website's content and structure. A common approach is to use a hierarchical structure, with primary navigation categories at the top level, subcategories in the middle level and individual links at the bottom level. Here are some additional tips for organizing a website menu: Keep the menu short: Aim for a menu that is no more than 7-9 items long. Use clear and concise labels: Make sure the labels for each menu item are clear and concise, and avoid using jargon or technical terms that users may not understand. Use visual cues to differentiate menu levels: Use different font weights, sizes or colors to differentiate between primary navigation categories, subcategories and individual links. Consider using a dropdown menu: Dropdown menus can be used to save space and avoid clutter when there are a large number of items in a subcategory. What is website navigation? Website navigation is the system that helps users move through a website and find what they’re looking for. It includes menus, links and other design elements that organize the site’s content. Good navigation is clear and intuitive, making it easier for visitors to explore pages, gather information or complete actions like purchases or sign-ups. What are the types of website navigation? Horizontal navigation : A bar across the top of the page displaying main categories. Vertical navigation : A list of menu items on the side of the page, useful for sites with many subcategories. Dropdown navigation : Submenus that appear when you hover over or click on a main menu item. Footer navigation : Links located at the bottom of the page for essential information. Hamburger menu : A compact icon that expands to show navigation options, commonly used on mobile devices.
- 53 website ideas to make a great site this year
Bring your inspiration to life with a Wix website → There’s nothing more exciting than coming up with an idea than building it into the next big thing. When you create a website , the possibilities are almost limitless. To help you decide the best site for you, we’ve put together a list of 53 website ideas that’ll put you on the road to success. To increase your chances of making a profit from your website, make sure you create high-quality content that people will be drawn to and promote it through social media, SEO and other channels. Use effective monetization strategies, from advertising and affiliate marketing to selling products and services that will help you pivot from creating a website to starting a business. Need inspiration for your website? With Wix, building a standout site is easier than ever. Choose from hundreds of customizable templates and use Wix’s easy drag-and-drop website builder tools to make your vision come to life. Turn your ideas into reality and see just how simple it is to create a unique, professional website. 9 profitable website ideas Whether your aim is to establish a professional online presence, display your portfolio or share your interests, these website ideas can help to inspire you and make you money. (See also some of the best AI website examples .) Blog eLearning website eCommerce website Portfolio website Resume website Nonprofit website Event website Business website Personal website 01. Blog A blog can be a valuable feature within most types of websites, but starting a blog website can open up a wealth of opportunities. People use blogs to connect with others, showcase their writing chops or share their expertise. Eventually, some even figure out how to monetize a blog and make writing their full-time job. These blog templates are helpful plug-and-play options, but you can also use them to spark your own website design ideas. "Running a successful blog is a marathon, not a sprint. Take time to build a solid foundation for your content strategy through audience research and competitor analysis. Understanding your niche will allow you to craft content that is equally valuable to readers and search engines." Judit Ruiz Ricart, Blogs Strategy Expert at Wix The most common way to turn your blog into a money-making venture is to advertise. Work with ad networks to display ads on your site so that when a visitor clicks on an ad, you earn a commission. You can also earn money from referring visitors to other websites in a strategy called affiliate marketing. Learn more: How to make money from a website At the same time use keyword research to plan blog posts that can get you ranking on search engines, generate traffic and increase your visibility to readers. 02. eLearning website If you’re an expert in a particular area, consider creating an eLearning website so that you can teach others about it. This type of website can include a series of videos on any topic of your choice. Draw in viewers by offering some videos for free, then charge for access to longer, more in-depth content. Creating these tutorials can be an effective way to make money online. You can start your eLearning site with one of these professional online education website templates . The most common way to make money from an eLearning website is by selling courses, either by creating your own or selling courses created by others. You can also charge a monthly or annual fee to access premium content or features on your website. Want to build on this? Develop courses that people can enjoy on the go from a mobile app. Learn more: What is the purpose of a website? Check out this online language school template . 03. eCommerce website Whether you want to sell your handmade items or you want to give dropshipping a try, an eCommerce website would be the best website for you. Starting an online store and your own online marketplace can be a relatively painless process if you have the right tools at your disposal. Wix has hundreds of online store themes for building an eCommerce website , each of which has all the necessary features to get people shopping with you—such as secure payment processing and multichannel selling capabilities—built right in so that you don’t need to do any of your own coding. → Browse all eCommerce website templates The most common way to make a profit on your eCommerce website is to sell products. You can either sell products you own or products that you dropship from other retailers, clothing is often a popular choice. Another popular electronic business idea is a subscription business - where customers sign up and pay to receive products on a monthly, or other time conditioned schedule. You can also earn a commission for referring visitors to other eCommerce websites. See Izzy Wheels for a great example of a profitable eCommerce website. 04. Portfolio website An online portfolio website is a great way to showcase your visual work, particularly if you’re an artist, photographer, writer, fashion model, photojournalist or interior designer . A beautiful online portfolio will help you gain professional opportunities ( architecture portfolios or fashion portfolios for example), and it can even help you develop a fan base. When you create an online portfolio, take inspiration from the best portfolio websites and consider linking from the site to your social media profiles and from your social media profiles to the site. The goal of a portfolio website is to offer your services, whether it’s in graphic design, photography or writing. You can also make money by offering relevant products on your website. If you are a photographer, you can feature mugs with your photos displayed on them, for example. Head to g1yoon for an impressive example of a portfolio website. 05. Resume website A CV or resume website serves a similar function as a portfolio website, as it allows you to put your experience and expertise on display. You can think of a resume website as an in-depth business card that tells the public who you are, what you do, and why they should pay attention to you when it comes to new recruitment and employment opportunities. This type of website is valuable for professionals in every field, as it boosts your credibility among potential clients, business partners and employers. If you’re wondering how to make a resume website that embodies your personality and profession, check out these resumes and CVs website templates for some smart website design ideas. If you are a freelancer or consultant, you can use your resume website to sell your services. You can also use it to showcase your work and attract potential clients. Try this creative CV template on for size. 06. Nonprofit website A nonprofit website can help you raise awareness about a cause, attract volunteers, and gather donations. Creating a nonprofit website is doable for any organization in the field, even those that lack a professional web designer. Check out this list of the best nonprofit website templates for some website design ideas. When it comes to making money for your nonprofit, the most important way is to rely on donations. After that, you can sell merchandise with your nonprofit's logo or branding. This is a good way to raise awareness for your cause and generate revenue. Check out Housing Hope to see an inspiring example of a nonprofit website. 07. Event website From company meetups and music festivals to neighborhood block parties and retirement celebrations, a promotional event website will help you provide guests with all the information they need. With Wix Events , you’ll be able to manage your event calendar, update event details and sell tickets. Browse these designer-made event website templates and select one that you think will excite your guests the most. If you are hosting an event, you can sell tickets to visitors. This is the most common way to make money from an event website. You can also sell sponsorships to businesses that want to be associated with your event and display ads. Get creative with this music festival template . 08. Business website Every business needs a strong business website , regardless of its industry or niche. If you’re a business owner, create a website for business with an online presence that mirrors the look and feel of your brand with relevant content and a coordinated visual style. Take a look at these business website templates for some profitable website ideas. Consulting websites are also a great fit for professionals looking to extend their reach online. Monetizing your business website depends on what you are trying to promote. This can range from selling products and services to affiliate marketing and sponsorships. Scroll through ADME | Social Media Agency for a buzzworthy example among the business websites out there. 09. Personal website Out of all the website ideas, this one is truly for anyone. No matter our hobbies, professions or goals, all of us can benefit from a personal website. Use your site to tell your personal story, showcase your latest projects or simply build your presence on the web. If you want to make money from your personal website, it will depend on your skills and audience. You can offer services based on your talents through your personal website. You can also create and sell digital products, such as eBooks, online courses, or templates. If you have a large and engaged audience, you can leverage that audience to make money through promoting affiliate products, getting sponsorships or charging for access to premium content, such as exclusive articles, videos, or webinars. Browse Simply Tabitha for a lovely example of a personal website. 44 good website topics that’ll spark some ideas Once you know what type of website you want to make, you need to decide what the focus is going to be. Here are 44 website ideas to inspire you. 01. Fashion website If you’ve got a passion for fashion, consider building your blog around it. A model portfolio, as seen in these model portfolio examples can showcase your professional work and help garner clients. If you’re more of a hobbyist, fashion blogging might be more up your alley. You can use a fashion blog to highlight your personal style and help readers curate their own closet. These customizable fashion and style website templates can help you get started. Get to know Lissa Brandon to get some style points for a fashion website. Learn how to make a fashion website . 02. Beauty website If your friends are always asking you about your skincare routine or how you drew your siren eyeliner so perfectly, consider creating a beauty website. You can create tutorials using Wix’s video maker or upload videos you’ve already made. This selection of makeup and cosmetics website templates offers an array of stylish website design ideas to fuel your inspiration. You can also use your website as a review site for beauty products and techniques. Give your website a makeover with this beauty salon template . 03. Finance website When it comes to websites that make money, websites that teach budgeting techniques and economical lifestyle tips are hugely popular these days. If you’re a personal finance guru, create a content-rich website with blog posts, video tutorials and eBooks to teach followers your strategies. To share a fresh perspective and create a buzz in a crowded field, offer finance management advice to specific audiences, such as college students or entrepreneurs. Try out this financial coach template . 04. Fitness website If you’re a fitness professional, a fitness website can help you reach customers, grow your business and make money. The best fitness websites often include video tutorials, a blog that is chock-full of expert tips and an online booking system for classes or personal training. At the end of the day, effective business websites should help you manage your bookings and schedule, communicate with clients, handle payments and, of course, inspire your clients to be their best selves. Run through The Fighters Club , which sets a powerful example for other fitness websites and personal trainers. 05. Counseling website If you’re a counselor or therapist, you can create a website that both highlights your expertise and makes it easier for prospective clients to find you. Include a bookings feature to make it simple for clients to set up appointments online and easy for you to manage your schedule. Since counseling is a highly sensitive experience and prospective clients will approach it carefully, it’s also a good idea to include testimonials that establish your credibility. Sift through Neighbors Counseling to get ideas for a counseling website. 06. Self-help website Self-help websites can help people build confidence, nurture relationships, develop healthy coping skills or achieve their goals. A key feature of this type of website is a blog with recommendations and suggestions. If writing isn’t your forte, you can set up online bookings for personal consultations, create informative videos and point people to useful resources. See Kidz Can Cope , which is a great example of a self-help website. 07. Health website If you have a medical background, consider creating a health website. Your website can include a blog that provides evidence-based explainers, lifestyle tips, or nutritious recipes. For added value, you can even incorporate a podcast or vlog that guides your audience along their health journey. Check out City Dietitians for a helpful example of a health website. 08. Music website Creating a music website can help musicians promote their music, keep fans engaged and serve as a portfolio for those looking for gigs. There are plenty of music website templates available to get you started and provide you with website design ideas. To give people access to your songs, consider setting up Wix Music . Head to Ross McReynolds to see an exciting example of a music website. 09. Photography website When you’re just starting out as a photographer, it’s crucial that you create a photography portfolio that best showcases your work. Your site will need to feature high-resolution images that load quickly and are fun to scroll through. Your work should be the star, so flashy graphic design isn’t necessary and might even be distracting. These photography portfolio templates will give you an idea of what works well. A photography site where you also offer images for sale, can be a great way to generate passive income from photos you've already taken. View facunruiz for a beautiful example of a photography website. 10. Wedding website The first thing people want to do when they get engaged is to tell their loved ones. A wedding website can help you share the exciting news and keep guests informed of your upcoming celebrations. It can serve as a useful platform for sending invites, managing your wedding calendar, sharing your gift registry, and collecting RSVPs. After the big day, the site can serve as an online photo album for your guests can enjoy. If you’re looking for website design ideas, check out these gorgeous wedding website examples and wedding website templates . Meet Emily and Ari for a stunning example of how to make a wedding website . 11. Artist website Portfolio websites are a great way to showcase your artwork. Feeling intimidated? These illustration portfolio websites show how simple it is to share art with the world. Experiment with website design to create one that resonates with your style. Gaze at Soupie Studios for a gorgeous example of an artist website. 12. Poetry website Artists who prefer the written word can use a website to attract readers and show off their favorite poems. Consider coupling your work with interesting illustrations or images to add visual appeal. Read Jimmy Santiago Baca for a solid example of a poetry website. 13. Law firm website A law firm website is essential for reaching clients and establishing the firm’s credibility. Using a law website template , any firm can create an impressively designed professional site within a relatively short amount of time. Like what you see? Try out this law firm template . 14. Restaurant website For a restaurateur, a restaurant website is just as essential as tasty food and a pleasant ambience. This type of website can help you attract customers by displaying your menu alongside mouthwatering food photography. Don’t forget to include your location and contact details so that customers can easily get in touch with you. Consider including the story of your business as well as reservation and online ordering systems. Browse Flatbush Counter for a delicious example of a restaurant website. 15. Food website Maybe you aren’t a restaurant owner or professional chef, but you love to cook at home. Or maybe you just love to eat and document your culinary excursions. Either way, you can create a website dedicated to food. Try creating a food blog to share recipes and delicious discoveries with your reader. Be sure to spice it up with gorgeous, mouthwatering food photography. Sample this chocolate shop template . 16. Meditation website Share your tips for achieving inner peace by creating a meditation website. This website could include a blog with important insights, advice and motivation. If you garner a large following, you can even try offering your own meditation classes. Putter around Haven Inspired , a positive example of a meditation website. Subscribe to the Wix blog for a weekly dose of fresh web design tips and trends. 17. Humor website While some website ideas are quite serious, others are just plain fun. Try creating a website dedicated to entertainment. You could compile a collection of funny GIFs, memes or tweets that you group by theme. Anyone who loves a good laugh can create this type of website, regardless of their area of expertise. 18. Quizzes website For a light, entertaining website, try putting together a quizzes website. Personality quizzes, in particular, are widely popular among young audiences. To build up your site’s content, you can encourage users to create and post quizzes of their own. 19. Statistics website Far from being monotonous, statistics websites can take advantage of a wide range of content formats. Focus on writing blog posts that contain infographics or charts. These websites can generate a high amount of traffic because the information is so valuable to writers and bloggers; just be sure to vet and cite your sources in order to maintain credibility. 20. Quotes website Create a website that compiles quotes from figures in history, literature, science and entertainment. A good website with quotes can be an excellent resource for bloggers, influencers and social media marketers. Try grouping your quotes by theme so that users can find those that are most relevant quickly and easily. 21. Freelancing website For those who work solo, a freelance website is essential for obtaining clients. Your site should include information about your services and a portfolio of your best work. Add a social bar to your website and share a link to your site on all your social media profiles. This works well regardless of the type of freelancing skills you offer, whether its as a virtual assistant, writer or babysitter or dog walker. Check out this UX designer site template . 22. Life hacks website Everyone loves to learn new ways of getting stuff done. Life hacks of all sorts—productivity hacks, cooking hacks, Instagram hacks, you name it—are popular and easily shareable on social media. Keep your content lighthearted and consider repurposing some of your blog content into videos. 23. Buying guide website These days, nearly every consumer researches and compares products online before buying. Create a buying guide website that provides recommendations with photographs of the products, their pros and cons and links to where you can buy them. 24. Design website Whether you specialize in branding, animation or another field within the realm of design, having a website serves as a valuable portfolio of your work and boosts your online presence. A website can also help you build brand awareness, particularly if you choose a web design that reflects the look and feel of your brand. If you’re not sure how to get started, browse these different templates for inspiration. Pop over to Bilge Nur Saltik for an exciting example of a design website. 25. Film website Are you a filmmaker or TV producer? If so, this website idea is for you. Create a website centered on your film content, and place a favorite clip on your homepage to capture the attention of your site visitors. To improve your video content, check out Wix’s online video editor and stay up-to-date with the latest video trends. View Matt Laroche for a glossy example of a film website. 26. Theater website If you manage a theater, you should definitely have a theater website. Not only is such a website important for attracting showgoers, but it also offers potential customers access to your calendar so that they know which shows are coming up. You can also use your website to take bookings and payments online, making it easier than ever for customers to purchase tickets. See this acting studio template up close. 27. Dance website Whether you manage a dance company or are a dancer yourself, consider creating a dance website. For dancers, this can act as a resume you can use to put your work on display and supplement your auditions. For dance companies, a website is a great place to display your performance calendar, sell tickets online and provide more details about your organization. Move through Studio 19 , an inspiring example of a dance website. 28. Memorial website Creating a memorial website can be a beautiful and meaningful way to honor someone’s memory. Such a website can serve as an online photo album where you can share pictures and touching anecdotes about your loved one. This will allow close friends and family members to pay their respects to your loved one from wherever they are in the world. 29. Community website For neighborhoods and small towns, having an online community website is a helpful way for residents to stay up-to-date with local happenings. Include features such as a forum where residents can post questions and comments. Add a blog and newsletter to share neighborhood stories and provide a more personal look at the community. Get started with a community website template that'll make everyone want to join. 30. Education website Whether it's a kindergarten, university, middle school or high school, having a school website is a good idea. It can play an important role in keeping students and their parents up-to-date with vacations, sports events, school dances, fundraisers and more. If you're an educator teaching online, consider creating a dedicated website for your class. Check out these education website templates for creative website design ideas. Test out this daycare site template . 31. Animals website Some website ideas are loved by everyone, irrespective of personality or age. A cute animals website is one such idea. Whether you opt for photos of dogs, cats, sloths or pandas, you’re sure to melt the hearts of users—and drive traffic to your website as a result. If you’d prefer to get a little more scientific, you can also create a wildlife website where you document and display photographs of local critters. Take a peek at this environmental NGO template . 32. Sports team website You don’t need to be in the NBA to have a website for your team. A sports website is an asset to any team, whether it’s a school team, a Little League team or a neighborhood sports club. Be sure to include a calendar with the time and location of your upcoming games. As a bonus, try incorporating some sports photography. 33. Tourism website If you’re a professional tour guide, you can’t go without a tourism website. This kind of website should include a calendar, bookings feature and a bit of information about your background as a guide. To draw in even more customers, sync your site with your Instagram feed to show users just how much fun people have on your tours. To start yours, check out these designer-made tourism website templates . Visit CharacTours for a playful example of a tourism website. 34. Travel website Turn your past vacations into a productive—and even profitable—endeavor by creating a travel website. Including travel photography and blog posts about your travels is a great way to document your favorite moments and share them with family and friends. If your travel website is successful, you can even become a digital nomad, harnessing your travel expertise to make money from your site. Get a closeup of this travel photographer template . 35. Real estate website For real estate agents, having a website is a must. To get started creating a real estate website , choose one of these real estate website templates and customize it according to your needs. Be sure to pair your listings with impactful photographs to attract new customers. Take a tour of this real estate firm template . 36. How-to website Create a website with detailed how-to posts that delve deeply into a specific subject area. Choose a theme that many readers will benefit from in order to increase the number of visitors to your site. Play around with different formats, such as how-to videos, infographics, eBooks and blog posts. This can be a creative way to make money, too. Read Dream Green , a lovely example of a how-to website. 37. Influencer website If you’re a social media influencer, your social media pages aren’t enough to solidify your online presence; you also need your own website. Your website can serve as the bridge between your various profiles, allowing users to navigate seamlessly between your Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Twitter. It should also be a one-stop shop for businesses and brands that want to hire you for some influencer marketing. Your media kit, contact information and a collection of your greatest hits should all be easy to access. Follow Dani DMC for a cool example of an influencer website.x 38. Reviews website Learn how to make a website dedicated to reviewing certain items or products. You can critique tech gadgets, movies, pet toys or anything else that interests you. You can monetize the site by implementing affiliate marketing. 39. Digital marketing website Digital marketing blogs are hugely popular these days, so why not create one yourself? They’re a great platform discussing things like SEO, content marketing and social media marketing to help your readers boost their online presence. For added value, try creating a podcast, vlog or weekly email newsletter. 40. Entrepreneurship website Whether you’re a business owner, consultant or something in between, you can create an entrepreneurship website with a blog as its main feature. Just like digital marketing blogs, this type of blog can be a rich source of knowledge for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. You can write articles about how to become an entrepreneur, how to manage time and more. 41. Leadership website Entrepreneurship and leadership blogs are similar website ideas, but with one key difference. While the former caters specifically to business owners and entrepreneurs, leadership blogs speak to leaders in every field, from business to activism. If you’re creating a leadership blog, use an inspirational tone and provide clear, actionable advice. Potential blog topic ideas are team motivation tips and motivational podcasts. Get a good look at this motivational speaker template . 42. Startup website A startup website is essential for getting the word out about your new business. Use your homepage to represent your company’s forward thinking and make sure that you’re not overloading the site with too much copy. Explore V-labs , a clean example of startup websites. 43. Membership website If you’re ready to monetize your content, look into setting up a membership website . These types of websites host gated content so that only people who sign up can access it. Free memberships are useful for customer retention until they’re interested enough for a paid membership. Visit Word Tonic for a quintessential example of a community website. 44. LGBTQ website Create an LGBTQ website that serves as a valuable resource and a supportive platform for the queer community and their allies. Offer informative articles on topics like LGBTQ history, rights and activism, coming out stories and LGBTQ-friendly businesses and organizations. Maintain an inclusive and empowering tone, providing clear guidance and actionable advice. Additionally, consider featuring motivational podcasts and stories that highlight the experiences and achievements of LGBTQ individuals in different fields. By fostering a sense of community and offering valuable content, your LGBTQ website can become a go-to destination for individuals seeking information, support, and connection. Check out some of the best LGBTQ websites for inspiration. 45. DIY Crafts Website Websites that sell homemade goods open up a world of possibilities for those with a knack for creating handmade items. You can feature step-by-step tutorials, share innovative craft ideas, and offer unique DIY kits for purchase. With the growing interest in personalized and handmade products, a DIY crafts website can attract a wide audience of hobbyists, craft enthusiasts, and individuals seeking one-of-a-kind gifts or home decor items. By providing engaging content, inspiring projects, and offering quality craft supplies or kits through your website, you can monetize your passion for crafting and build a thriving online business. The DIY crafts niche offers various avenues for revenue generation. You can monetize your website through advertising partnerships with relevant brands or by participating in affiliate programs, earning a commission from sales made through your referral links. Another option is to sell your crafts online directly through your website, either as individual products or as part of craft kits. You can also explore collaborations with other crafters or artists, offering their creations on your platform and earning a percentage of the sales. By nurturing a community of craft enthusiasts through your website and actively engaging with your audience, you can establish yourself as an authority in the DIY crafts space and create a sustainable income stream while doing what you love. What kind of websites are in high demand? The demand for different types of websites varies depending on current market trends and user needs. However, some types of websites tend to be more popular and in demand than others. Here are some examples of website ideas that are currently in high demand: eCommerce websites ( between 2019 and 2013 the number of ecommerce sites in the world grew from 9.2 - 26.5 million. Dropshipping websites (out of an estimated 24 million live ecommerce sites globally, the vast majority are believed to be dropshipping websites) Print on demand websites (there are approx. 228,000 of these websites live in 2024) Business websites (around 71% of businesses have a website , making this type essential in most industries) Personal blogs (there are at least 600 million blogs live globally, out of 1.9 billion websites total) Portfolio websites Educational websites News websites (in the US in 2023 , up to 93% of adults got some news online, fueling huge demand for news sites) Health and wellness websites Social media websites (with around 5.16 billion active social media users globally in 2024 these are hugely popular sites) Gaming websites (these can take many forms - live streaming sites, gaming sites for playing or for selling game related merch) In addition to these specific types of websites, there is also a growing demand for websites that are: Mobile-friendly: Websites that are designed to look good and function properly on smartphones and other mobile devices are essential in today's mobile-first world. Accessible: Websites that are accessible to people with disabilities are becoming increasingly important as businesses and organizations strive to be more inclusive. "An accessible website benefits not only people with disabilities, but all people. Websites with good contrast for example are not only more welcoming and usable for people with low vision but also Improves the experience of a user using the smartphone while walking outside on a sunny day," says Nir Horesh, Head of at SEO & Accessibility at Wix.com Secure: Websites that protect user data and privacy are essential in today's online world. What beginners need to know about starting a website idea Starting a website can be a huge endeavor but you’ll love the journey if the website concerns your passions. First, think about what you hope to achieve with your website. Whether it's starting a side hustle, sharing your story or indulging in a hobby, your goal will determine what type of website you should start. Next, consider your skills, interests and expertise to determine your website’s content. Once you’ve come up with a website idea, it’s time to figure out which website builder best suits your needs. The builder you choose should not only give you the freedom to design the website to fit your branding, but it should also have the tools you need to establish your online presence. For example, Wix has tools for SEO, email marketing, selling products, booking services, and social media marketing, among others. Relying on one software provider for all your digital business needs will streamline your work and reduce expenses. Once you’ve gathered ideas and inspiration, it’s time to create your own professional website. To help you get started, browse through these designer-made website templates. They’re ready for you to adapt and customize, no matter which type of website you’re creating. Using a template will allow you to pay attention to the important details, such as choosing your domain name , selecting an appropriate website color scheme and creating a logo for your brand. What to consider before deciding on a website idea? When choosing a website idea its worth thinking about the following in the context of your new website to be: Target audience :Who are you building the website for? Identify their demographics, interests and needs to ensure your site provides value. This will be the strongest deciding factor driving your website idea. Market demand :Is there a real need for your idea? Research trends, competitors and user pain points to validate demand. Unique value proposition (UVP) :What makes your site different or better than others? Highlight what sets you apart to attract and retain users. Setting yourself apart will start with the idea you choose to make sure it does. Technical feasibility :Do you have the resources and skills to build and maintain the site? Consider development, design and hosting requirements. Different website ideas might require different levels of website functionality and design. Monetization potential :How will the site sustain itself financially? Explore ads, subscriptions, e-commerce or donations as revenue models. Some website ideas are naturally easier to monetize than others, others might happen faster or take longer. Scalability :Can the website grow as user traffic and content increase? Plan for future expansion. Website ideas FAQ What are the best website ideas for beginners? As a beginner, it's advisable to start with a website that aligns with your interests, skills, and goals. This can end up being your most profitable business option. Consider the following options: eCommerce website: Set up an online store to sell products directly to customers. Blog: Share your thoughts, experiences, or expertise on a specific topic through regular blog posts. This allows you to build a loyal audience and potentially earn money through advertisements, sponsored content or affiliate marketing. Portfolio website: Showcase your work and skills as a photographer, designer, writer, or any other creative profession. This type of website helps you establish an online presence and attract clients or employers. Affiliate website: Create a website focused on a specific niche or industry and monetize it through affiliate marketing. You can promote products or services related to your niche and earn a commission for every referral or sale generated through your website. What are some good website ideas for students? Study buddy matching: A platform where students can find compatible study partners based on their courses, interests, and schedules. It could include features like chat rooms, study group creation and virtual study sessions. Education resources swap : A website for students to exchange textbooks, notes, and study materials. Users can list items they no longer need and browse for items they require, fostering a sustainable and cost-effective way to access educational resources. Skill share hub : An online marketplace for students to offer and seek tutoring services in various subjects. It could include profiles with ratings and reviews, scheduling tools and video conferencing capabilities for virtual tutoring sessions. Campus events central : A centralized platform for students to discover and RSVP to campus events, including club meetings, guest lectures, workshops and social gatherings. Users could customize their preferences and receive personalized event recommendations. Student discount directory : A comprehensive database of discounts and deals specifically curated for students, covering everything from textbooks and software to entertainment and dining options. Users could search by location and category to find the best deals near them. What's some fun website ideas? Random adventure generator : A website that generates spontaneous and fun activity ideas based on user preferences and location. It could suggest things like local hidden gems, quirky challenges or themed scavenger hunts to inspire unique experiences. Virtual escape room hub : An online platform offering a variety of virtual escape room experiences for individuals or groups to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes. Users could choose from different themes and difficulty levels and compete against friends or strangers. DIY Creativity corner : A website dedicated to DIY projects and crafts, providing step-by-step tutorials, inspiration and a community forum for users to share their creations and ideas. It could cover various categories like home decor, fashion and upcycling. Online karaoke lounge : A virtual space where users can sing their hearts out to their favorite songs, either solo or in duets/groups. The website could offer a vast library of karaoke tracks, customizable avatars and features like live chat and competitions. Fantasy Sports Simulation : A website that allows users to create and manage their own fantasy sports leagues but with a twist—it simulates games and seasons based on statistical algorithms rather than real-life events. Users can draft players, make trades, and compete against friends or AI opponents. What are some super unique website ideas? Looking for some unique website ideas that no one ever could even dream of? We've got some to pique your interest. Dream-to-art converter : Users describe their dreams, and AI generates surreal artwork based on their descriptions. Time capsule emails : Users send emails to themselves or others to be delivered years later. Reverse marketplace : Buyers post what they want, and sellers bid to fulfill it. AI doppelgänger : Users train an AI chatbot to mimic their personality for future conversations. Mystery box auctions : Users bid on surprise boxes with hidden themed items that they open online.
- Website gradients are making a comeback, here’s why and how to use them
If you grew up in the 90s, you know them and love them: color gradients. Back then, we used them on everything from birthday invitations to school projects (even though they were mostly printed in black and white in our parents' offices). Whether or not you’re a millennial who gets nostalgic seeing gradients make a comeback—the trending gods have given us all another opportunity to embrace these sophisticated color stories. Gradients are back, and hitting new aesthetic heights as a website design feature. As a Creative Product Manager for WOW (Wix’s visual innovation team), I love exploring the web and hunting for the next big thing. I’m in the pursuit of championing good website design by making the expected surprising, the strange familiar and the accessible abundant. Website gradients are part of the hottest web design trends in 2022. And we at Wix have found a way to make this powerful aesthetic available to anyone making a website . In this article, we’ll show you why and how, going over the following topics: What are color gradients? Types of gradients Why add gradients to your web design? How to add gradients to your website Gradients in action: Examples you can do on your own What are color gradients? We’re going to show you some of the coolest tricks, effects and benefits of using gradients for your web design and for making a website . But first things first: let’s start by understanding what the term gradient implies. In short, gradients are color transitions, departing from one central color point and gradually blending into another. Gradients can blend together tones of the same color, for example navy blue to royal blue. But if your web design is in need of variety, gradients can also fuse together multiple colors—from red to purple to pink, or any flavor of the rainbow in between. Take a glimpse at the chart below—yes, it looks like the collection of marbles I always wish I had—and it’s a great representation of the varieties of gradients you can create on a Wix site. Types of gradients History is being revisited, but this time around with new aesthetic goals and technologies. Today’s gradients are overall richer and more complex, with more sophisticated possibilities than in the past. There are four types of gradients, and each of them creates a completely unique visual. Most website builders don’t offer live CSS gradients—but Wix does. Our gradients are currently available to set as a fullscreen website background within multiple components of the Wix Editor, such as strips, columns, box slideshow, repeater and more. Linear gradients: Traditional is not a bad word Linear gradients are prim, perfect and traditional—moving straight from one side of a composition to the other. Defined by an axis, or gradient line, Linear gradients are determined by two color-stop points (one starting, another ending), but can be amplified by optional color-stop points in between. Most website builders allow you to add only two colors to a linear gradient. With Wix, you can add up to eight individual hues for a truly amazing visual experience. The gradient's angle can also be changed, whether that’s vertical, horizontal or at an angle. Radial gradients: The one that will make your content shine As its name implies, a Radial gradient is defined by a center point. From there, multiple color-stop points can be added to define a surrounding shape. With the Wix Editor, you can add up to eight colors to any radial gradient while deciding for yourself where the focal point (the center of the radius) stands. Fluid Gradients: It’s cool, it’s unique—and it’s a major statement Imagine you have a canvas, and every point you add to this canvas has a specific color that blends together. That’s our Fluid gradient. We’ve seen this mesh-like around digital and print designs, and noticed it re-emerging on the web. The problem? Live CSS gradients were only available with custom coding or leading offline design software. Like every sought-after trend, we saw people imitate these gradients by uploading static images to their websites. But since we’re the WOW team, we had to bring the “wow factor,” and decided to bring the real thing to Wix. Now, our vision is a reality: Fluid gradients are now accessible to anyone using Wix. It’s intuitive with our Editor, which allows you to create a Fluid gradient with unlimited, customizable points of color. Conic gradients: Or as I call it, the peak of a mountain A Conic gradient is similar to a Radial gradient, with color transitions rotated around a center point. But in this case, the color stops are on the outer edge of the circle created. At Wix, we haven’t enabled this feature yet, and none of our competitors have either. But shhh—don’t tell anyone: we’re working on adding it as you read this. Why add gradients to your web design? Why not? Gradients look modern and advanced, and they’re a helpful design tool to have in your arsenal. Let’s look at the specific benefits of adding this unique element to your website: Eye-catching Full of attraction and movement, gradients naturally capture the attention of visitors. Even further, many gradients are built-in with a vanishing point that can lead your visitors’ eyes toward a specific area of the web design. Colorful Since they have the ability to flow through various hues, a gradient background incorporates even more into your website color scheme . Even if you stick to just one color, gradients allow you to enrich your design by blending a spectrum of rich tones together. Layered Gradients naturally add depth to an otherwise flat design by building layers of color. This quality can be enhanced even further by changing your gradient’s opacity, and placing them on top or behind an image, or even across your entire website background . How to add gradients to your Wix website Let’s start with the basics, and go through more detailed examples in the section below. Follow these steps to access gradients in the Wix Editor to begin using them on your site: Open the Wix Editor Add a strip Change strip background Choose your colors and design Our editor is pretty intuitive, but in case you need some technical help, use this step by step article . Gradients in action: Impressive examples you can do on your own Now comes the fun part. Once you’ve accessed gradient backgrounds in the Wix Editor, there are manifold ways to implement them and maximize your site’s design. I teamed up with Noam Noy—the greatest content designer in town—to show you what you can do with each of the gradients we offer. Below, we’ve provided five bespoke examples to show you (just some of) the possibilities in action. Basic strip with Fluid gradient Starting with the basics, this is a simple example of using Fluid gradients. Utilize the visual appeal of Fluid gradients to set your website's tone, or capture attention. This design works well as a background for texts (make sure to use a large font size) or a solid call-to-action button. How to get this gradient look: Click the Fluid gradient icon Add six dots within the color maker (as shown in the panel image above). Wherever you click on the preview, you create a new dot of color which you can adjust. Set the size to 30, and its blur to 0. Radial gradient in two columns, side-by-side with its negative This is a more complex design—but it’s just as easy to achieve, and especially benefits your site when two sections have the same level of hierarchy. For example, if you’re creating a one-page website, and want to leave your Contact and About Us sections side-by-side, this composition ensures these areas are distinct, while standing out together. How to get this gradient look: With the Wix Editor, add another column to your strip . Change the background color by clicking the gradient icon—this time, choose “Radial Gradient” from the dropdown menu. For the design above, we used three color points. These can be added by clicking on the slider bar. As you can see, the first and last color are the same, while the middle hue is different. To achieve the negative effect in the second column, simply put the same colors in the opposite locations. Linear gradient in three columns, each in a different direction (aka, the zigzag) This gradient design, split into three columns, is a great way to place multiple content side-by-side. For example, adding images to the two outer columns and text in the middle, or the other way around. Plus, the zig-zag that results appears to be a super sophisticated effect. How to get this gradient look: Add two more columns to the strip, so you have three all together. Change each column’s background by clicking the Gradient icon (since the default is linear, you can stay there.) Choose three colors and set the gradient’s angle for each column. In the design above we set the angles to 305°, 55° and 305°. Two-column strip with a gradient and image This two-column layout is a classic in web design, and is an excellent way to send a clear message to your visitors. For example, if you’re highlighting a product or service next to a text or call-to-action, a gradient will help it stand out even more. How to get this gradient look: Add a column to your strip so that you’re left with two. Change one column background by selecting the gradient you want (in the image above, we used a Linear gradient). For the second column, select imagery to fill your background. You can upload any image of your choice , or use one of the thousands available for free within the Wix Editor. Two fluid (transparent) dots on top of a visual Gradients and transparent effects work together to create a noticeably striking aesthetic. You can use this attractive web design idea to add a sense of depth, and make any section of your website stand out. As you can see in the example below, two colors is more than enough. Less is more in the case of this fold design, so it’s best to avoid including long texts or detailed images. How to get this gradient look: Add one strip on top of the other within the Wix Editor. The bottom strip should include a background image or video, and the top layer is where you’ll add gradients. From there, you’ll play with each gradient’s transparency. Pro tip: Once you’ve created a gradient design of your own, you can save it to your dashboard to customize again in the future. Learn how to make a website to get started.
- Website header best design practices and examples
Your website header shouldn't be taken for granted. Aside from serving as a primary navigation tool, it's the first thing that most visitors see when they land on your website. Therefore, it’s vital that you dedicate a good amount of time and effort to building it when you create a website . Because there’s so much pressure on this little piece of real estate, we’ve put together a list of website header best practices that’ll help you maximize its potential. Later on, we’ll go through a few standout examples of the web design element to demonstrate how to put those best practices into action when learning how to make a website . What is a website header? 8 types of website headers What should you include in a website header? 4 best practices for website header design 5 website header design examples What is a website header? A website header refers to the top section of a web page that appears consistently across all pages of a website. It typically appears above all other site content, and contains elements like the logo, website menu and other important information. Because this element is so prominent, it helps to set the visual tone and provide essential navigation for the entire website. 8 types of website headers Web designers have done quite a bit of experimenting with website headers over the years, so there are a lot of different approaches to website header design. While some types of website headers are useful for branding or aesthetic purposes, others prioritize usability. Let’s discuss a few of the most common types of headers so that you can decide which is best for your purposes as you start designing a website . 01. Sticky website header A sticky website header stays pinned to the top of every web page so that it’s always visible no matter which page your visitor is on or how far they scroll. This simple yet effective approach guarantees uninterrupted access to essential information. 02. Static website header Unlike a sticky website header, a static website header doesn’t move and disappears from view when visitors scroll. This choice prioritizes space and simplicity over navigational ease. If you make a static website header, consider adding a “back to top” button to make navigation easier for visitors. 03. Vertical website header In a vertical website header, the logo and other header elements are stacked vertically, allowing for a compact and streamlined presentation. Placing the header vertically can also draw attention and create a sense of visual interest. It can help differentiate your website from others that use more conventional horizontal headers. That said, you’ll want to make sure that your vertical header doesn't overpower the main content or hinder usability. Check that all of your header elements are visible and legible, especially on smaller screens. 04. Hidden website header A hidden website header is concealed and only becomes visible when a user clicks on a hamburger menu button. This technique helps to optimize screen space and create a more interactive navigation experience. It is crucial, however, to prioritize user experience when implementing this option. While some designers have explored alternatives to the hamburger menu, it's important to consider that deviating from the familiar icon may cause confusion if visitors do not recognize your icon as the navigation menu. 05. Full-screen website header A full-screen website header hides behind a menu icon and spans the entire width and height of a device screen when it opens. This bold, visually engaging type of website header is popular in modern website design and tends to create quite an impact. That said, it’s not for every website. A full-screen header is more complicated from a design perspective than others, especially in terms of optimizing it for performance and responsiveness. If you’re confident in your design skills, you can use Wix’s lightbox feature to easily incorporate a full-screen website header into your website. 06. Transparent website header If you like the usability of a sticky header but don’t love the look, consider making it transparent. A transparent header has no solid background, so it integrates seamlessly into the rest of the page. This type of header has a sleek appearance, and it’s useful for emphasizing the hero section of your web pages. When using the static version of this header style, make sure that the text doesn't blend into or clash with other sections of the page and that it's always legible. 07. Hero website header A hero header is a prominent and visually striking design element that occupies the entire section above the fold. The purpose of this header style is to engage users from the moment they land on your web page. It sets the tone, establishes your brand identity and communicates your website's main offering or value proposition. A hero header often includes interactive elements to encourage users to take certain actions, such as exploring your products or becoming customers. 08. Mega-menu website header When you hover your mouse over the header above this article, you’ll notice that dropdown menus appear under each of the navigation options. Mega-menu headers like this one use dropdown menus, sometimes with multiple columns, to provide extensive navigation options and subcategories. Keep in mind that this style can get overwhelming for visitors, so you should only use it if it’s absolutely necessary. What should you include in a website header? Deciding what you should include in your website header can be challenging since it’s such a small amount of space. Here, we’ll explore the elements that often appear in a website header to help you decide what to include in yours. Pro tip: You can use AI for help designing your website , including your website header. Logo The logo is a fundamental component of a website header, serving as a visual representation of your brand identity. Adding your logo to your website header can build brand recognition while establishing a visual anchor that fosters trust as your visitors browse through your site. According to a study from the Nielsen Norman Group, users are 89% more likely to remember a brand when its logo appears in the left corner of a website header than when it’s in the right corner. Once you’ve added a logo to your website header, it’s also a great practice to link it to the homepage. This way, visitors browsing various pages of your site can get back to the start in just one click. Tip: Need help creating a unique logo? Use Wix’s free logo maker for inspiration. Navigation menu As we’ve discussed, a navigation menu will be a primary element of your website header. When creating your navigation menu, it's essential to prioritize clarity and simplicity. Ordering the page links hierarchically and labeling them clearly will guarantee an intuitive user experience. Shopping cart A website header is often meant to guide the user towards where they need to be before they even start looking. If your site includes an online store , adding a shopping cart to the header will simplify and improve your shopper’s checkout process. The ubiquitous basket icon will be recognized as a checkout location as users continue to browse and add items. Most importantly, they won’t get distracted from their (and your) final goal: fulfilling their orders and paying with ease. Search bar If your website contains a substantial amount of text-based content, incorporating a search bar in your website header can significantly enhance navigability and improve the overall user experience. Users can easily search for specific information, articles or products without having to navigate through menus or scroll through lengthy pages. This is especially true for websites with a blog. A search bar allows readers to input keywords or topics of interest, and immediately find relevant blog posts or articles. Tip: With its corresponding Search report, the Wix Site Search feature offers valuable insights into user intent. The report reveals what visitors search for on your website, which gives you a deeper understanding of their interests and preferences. This information can help you to optimize your website’s structure and prioritize the information that resonates most with your visitors. Login When designing a membership website, it is essential to provide a seamless login experience for your users. Since the primary purpose of a membership site is to restrict access to exclusive content, you’ll need to create a designated area for users to log in and access members-only material. By incorporating a login link in the header, you create a user-friendly experience that allows members to easily access their accounts and enjoy the exclusive content your membership site offers. It streamlines the login process, enhances usability and reinforces the sense of exclusivity associated with the membership. Social media links Because website designers often place social bars in website footers , there’s no pressure to fit them into your header. That said, you might want to make room for one if social media is a significant aspect of your overall marketing strategy. Placing social media icons in the header ensures they are immediately visible to website visitors, making it easier for them to connect with your social media profiles. It signals to users that you have an active online presence and encourages them to engage with your brand on social platforms. Languages In today's interconnected world, expanding your organization's reach to a global audience is a strategic goal for many businesses. By incorporating a language menu in your website header, you can send a clear signal to foreign visitors that you value their business and are dedicated to providing a seamless user experience tailored to their language preferences. It shows that you recognize the importance of communication and are willing to accommodate their needs. The language menu in the website header serves as a user-friendly tool that allows visitors to easily switch between different language options. It enhances accessibility and enables individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds to easily navigate your website, fostering a sense of inclusivity and understanding. Call-to-action buttons CTA buttons are extraordinarily useful for guiding user behavior. By placing your primary CTA button in the website header, you can make it one of the first elements visitors see when they land on your website. This prominent placement increases the likelihood of capturing their attention and enticing them to take action. 5 best practices for website header design Designing an effective website header requires thoughtful consideration and clever strategies to optimize the limited space available. Following these best practices can help you make a website header that is captivating, user-friendly and aligned with your brand identity. 01. Use clear, readable fonts Since the header is the northern star of your site navigation, it’s essential that you strike a balance between representing your brand identity and maximizing readability. After all, the purpose of the text in your header is to guide your audience. If it's difficult to decipher, it can detract from the overall user experience. Therefore, opt for a font that is clearly legible in a variety of sizes. Color can also hinder readability, so make sure to choose high-contrast color schemes for the font and its background. 02. Assess the header’s design While there is no universal template for a perfect header design, it's important to maintain a sense of fluidity throughout your webpage. While it should never go unnoticed, try to make sure your header’s size doesn’t interfere with the rest of your page’s content Consistency is key when it comes to visual elements within the header. Make sure that the color scheme, imagery and font align with the overall design of your website. This cohesiveness enhances the user experience by providing a visually unified and familiar interface. 03. Include a clear call to action If it’s important for your business’s success, you’d be missing out if you didn’t include an effective call-to-action button on your header for everyone to see. For example, an eCommerce website can include a call-to-action button that reads “Shop Here” in its header. Or, in the case of a nonprofit website, the header is an excellent place to encourage visitors with a “Donate Now” button. Make sure your message is enticing, clear and can be summed up in one or two words. 04. Add animation Hover effects and trigger animations in website headers provide visual feedback, which is crucial for user experience. They can also help you capture the attention of visitors and encourage them to interact with the header. When implementing hover effects and trigger animations in your website headers, check that the effects are subtle, purposeful and consistent with the overall design of your website. They should enhance the user experience without causing distractions or slowing down your website's performance. 5 website header design examples Before diving into your website header design, get some inspiration from this collection of headers that Wix users have featured on their sites. These examples can provide insights into the elements and design choices that make a header both visually appealing and effective. 01. Generation She Generation She manages to fit a larger variety of elements in its header than normal without overwhelming visitors with a cluttered design. The header features the nonprofit’s modern logo , a well-structured navigation menu and a compelling CTA. This thoughtful arrangement ensures easy access to important information and encourages user engagement from the outset. One notable aspect of Generation She's website header is the incorporation of social media links, which are presented as eye-catching buttons in a trendy neon-pastel color scheme. This adds a touch of visual appeal while effectively connecting visitors to the organization's social media presence. 02. Dopple Press As Dopple Press demonstrates, a hero website header is a great way to make a strong visual impact. The header design cleverly incorporates the printer's natural paper stock as the background, instantly establishing a connection to the brand's core product. The printer's logo is front and center in the header, showing off the brand’s personality. To the right, a colorful cartoon mascot adds a playful element to the overall design, capturing the attention of visitors. On the left side of the header, a unique menu icon with a spinning hover effect stands out. This interactive element adds an element of excitement and invites visitors to explore further. When clicked, the icon reveals a full-screen navigation menu, which incorporates three soy ink colors used by Dopple Press in their printing processes. The decision to hide the navigation menu creates a sense of spaciousness and allows the branding elements to take center stage. The abundance of white space surrounding the logo, mascot and menu icon enhances the overall aesthetic and allows the sophisticated branding elements to shine. 03. Festela The website header design prioritizes legibility without sacrificing aesthetics. The static bar makes navigation easy for visitors, regardless of where they are on the site. By utilizing an electric blue hue for both the navigation buttons and the logo, the designer gives the header a clean, seamless appearance that prioritizes legibility. The Barcelona-based store has two language options in the right corner of the header: English and Catalan. This thoughtful inclusion caters to international customers while demonstrating the retailer’s pride in its Catalan roots. 04. Aurelio de Anda Adding text to your website’s header is a great way to give your viewers a personal or professional message from the start. In this example, the message appears as a ticker banner at the very top. The designer’s name spans the page width in a large, monolinear font. To its right, a music player adds to the browsing experience and the two most important links appear as brightly colored buttons. Finally, underlined anchors to different parts of the homepage appear beneath the designer’s name in a fine serif font. 05. Wendy Ju As a product designer, Wendy Ju uses her online portfolio to showcase her knack for creating a good user experience . With a short vertical menu on the right and her personal logo on the left, the site is well-balanced and easy to navigate. Both the menu and logo float out of view when viewers move past the above-the-fold section, but they reappear with an upward scroll.
- Website footer design: 12 examples and best practices to create yours
Sometimes, it’s the smallest details that make the biggest difference. When it comes to choosing how to make a website , designing your site’s footer probably won’t be at the top of your to-do list. While you may have plenty of things to think about, bear in mind that this often overlooked piece of content can be make-or-break for certain visitors. With some thought and strategic planning, a well-designed footer can help you accomplish your business goals. This guide will cover everything from what to include in your website footer design to how to create your own. Plus, you’ll find a selection of 12 website footer examples for your inspiration: What is a website footer? A website footer is the strip of content located at the very bottom of a webpage, and is often repeated on every page of a website. It's considered an essential part of your website. Your website’s header, on the other hand, is the section that appears on the top fold of a website. While your homepage design is often what provides visitors with a first impression of your site, your footer is likely to be the last thing people see. With the right content and design, it can craft a positive and lasting impression, while helping you achieve your website’s main objectives. This strategic spot is the ideal place to add a final CTA (call-to-action), encouraging site visitors to get in touch or subscribe to your mailing list. Your footer can serve as a secondary website menu, making sure that visitors haven’t missed out on any crucial information and guiding them to your various pages with clear navigation. In addition, you can choose to highlight certain elements, such as awards you’ve won, testimonials or your social accounts. Lastly, your footer provides you with an organized place in which to include basic information like terms and conditions, privacy policy and other legal issues. With all these formalities placed in one location, you’ll be able to dedicate the rest of your site to creating an engaging user experience and attracting new customers. 12 outstanding website footer examples Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to delve into some web design inspiration . Whether you’re learning how to build your website from scratch or using a website template , these footer examples created by Wix users will provide you with plenty of ideas for designing your own. House Number 3 Lola Pate Willowbrook Farm Letsone J é rome Studio Useless Treasures Seven Grams Caffe Avec Clyde Harasat Becca Slack Triptyc London Holly Oddly 01. House Number 3 This restaurant website has provided all the essential info in their website footer design. They are easily contactable, with a Google Maps and live chat widget. These small details indicate that they’ve considered the needs of their customers and are open to getting in touch. Although there’s no sitemap in the footer, the website’s main menu is fixed to the top of the screen, which means that visitors can easily navigate through their pages. Lastly, there’s a distinct website color scheme that continues in the footer, helping it merge seamlessly into the design. 02. Lola Pate As a lifestyle brand with a strong emphasis on visuals, Lola Pate has decided to add their Instagram feed to their footer design. This not only strengthens their brand identity, but also entices site visitors to click and view their product images in a larger format. The brand has also utilized this spot to include a final CTA, inviting visitors to “join our tribe.” This strategic move, paired with fun microcopy, is sure to get people subscribing to their mailing list. And just in case their customers missed it, the shipping and returns page is linked to here, a good practice when you create your own online store . 03. Willowbrook Farm This website footer example includes all the information a site visitor would expect to see. There’s an organized menu leading to all the website’s pages, a tempting offer to subscribe and a way for getting in touch. Thanks to the use of color contrast, the “Subscribe” button stands out, making it all the more inviting. The website footer design is in line with the rest of the farm’s small business website, making for a harmonious overall look. The color palette evokes a sense of nature, as does the illustration - a nice touch that helps give the footer a friendlier look. 04. letsone This chic website footer by letsone perfectly captures the essence of their brand, while providing visitors with all the information they may require. By using the same recognizable background as in their header, they’ve created a cohesive look. They’ve also included their logo in the footer, again strengthening their branding efforts. All of the elements are arranged in a highly organized manner, with lists and headers. The hierarchy is very clear, with the CTA placed at the top of the footer, written in a large font. To make sure that visitors don’t miss the live chat option, they’ve made it stand out with a bright, contrasting shade of pink. 05. Jérome Studio This sustainable accessories brand shows that good design needn’t be complex. With just two neutral colors, their website footer does an excellent job of conveying all the right information and maintaining an appealing design. Jérome Studio has created an organized layout with a clear sense of hierarchy. The footer design complements the rest of the design, perfectly merging with the other crisp aesthetics and forming an elegant look. The use of both a serif and sans-serif font adds a subtle design touch that helps differentiates between the headers and the rest of the text. The same font pairing is used throughout the website, ensuring a unified design. 06. Useless Treasures This online art store ’s website footer design merges a contemporary look with a nostalgic font that’s reminiscent of a typewriter. Combined with unconventional text, inviting visitors to “talk to us with flowers,” it’s clear that Useless Treasures has a well thought-out and unique brand identity. This is also seen through the gif they’ve included in the website footer, adding a tongue-in-cheek vibe that makes you want to take a second look. As a business that sells art online, Useless Treasures has made sure to include the most important details in their footer design: shipping info, returns policy and logos to represent their payment methods. There’s also a link to their designer Instagram account and their website, which is one of the best portfolio websites in the field. 07. Seven Grams Caffe Nothing says coffee like earthy tones and a steaming coffee machine. Seven Grams Caffe evokes coffee vibes throughout their website, with a warm color scheme and mouth-watering close-ups of baked goods. Their website footer is the ideal ending to this journey, setting the scene with an atmospheric blurred photo of a cafe. In addition, they've managed to convey all the necessary footer design details in the small space of the footer, including their opening times and phone numbers. They've also made sure to highlight their three New York locations, linking to Google Maps so that it's extra easy for their customers to find them. 08. Avec Clyde Ethical clothing brand, Avec Clyde, has gone for a simple website footer design that complements their online store’s clean branding. It’s subtle and unobtrusive, letting visitors focus on the rest of the website, while still serving as a useful source of information. While the fixed menu at the top of the screen serves as the website’s main navigation method, the footer lets customers view other important details that they’re likely to be looking for. For example, they have a link to their sizing page - a nice touch for a fashion brand, plus a link to their FAQ page. The microcopy saying “let’s be friends” is especially inviting, helping to emphasize their easy-going approach. 09. Harasat High quality food supplier, Harasat, has crafted a professional, no-frills website footer. Everything is perfectly aligned, forming an aesthetic, grid-like layout. Using just three colors - dark gray for the background, light gray and white - Harasat has included all the necessary information. By clearly laying out the website’s content, visitors can easily understand what it is that this brand does and keep on browsing through the site. Each website footer design detail has been well thought out, from the hover effect on the text that changes color when your cursor is on it, to the three different locations listed. Instead of showing the address and phone number of each location all at once, visitors are invited to click on the locations to see each one’s contact details. This subtle touch is what helps form this clean, professional look, and keep the footer from feeling cluttered. 10. Becca Slack This personal website by content creator, writer and comedian Becca Slack features an elegant and spacious footer. design Placed at the bottom of her one-page website, it’s the ideal ending to her showcase of works and videos. By emphasizing her contact details and providing a contact form, Becca encourages potential collaborators or employers to reach out to her. On top of the traditional ways of getting in touch, Becca has also included a live chat option and social icons, linking to her preferred social media channels. All of this is packaged in a neat web footer design that utilizes just three colors, and a subtle font pairing that echoes the design on the rest of her website. The white-on-blue submit button stands out, inviting visitors to get in touch. 11. Triptyc London This fashion brand keeps it clean and simple, with a two-tone website footer that neatly wraps up all the essentials. The overall design is chic, perfectly fitting with their website design, as well as with their product - high quality shirts for women. They’ve incorporated a dedicated menu in their web footer design to answer all the questions and queries their customers may have, whether it be terms and conditions, their use of cookies or which payment methods they accept. On top of that, Triptyc has used this last chance to invite visitors to subscribe to their mailing list. A to-the-point “Subscribe Now” button stands out against the dark background, encouraging visitors to take action. 12. Holly Oddly This self-proclaimed “peculiar paper and weird wares” brand has included a nice addition to their footer design. Unlike the other website footer examples here, Holly Oddly has chosen to incorporate a short description of herself and the brand in this section. To read more, you can easily head to the ‘About’ page. This piece of content helps inject a personal touch, making site visitors feel at home and reinforcing her personal brand. She has also stuck to the same color palette as the rest of the website, by adding a hover effect that makes the text appear pink when hovered over. With a successful Instagram account, Holly Oddly has made sure to focus visitors’ attention to the Instagram icon in the footer, helping grow her number of followers. What to include in a website footer A website footer is prime real estate that can serve multiple purposes. It's design should be informative, functional and engaging, while remaining visually appealing. Here are some key elements to consider including in your website footer design: Contact information: Make it easy for visitors to reach you by providing your email address, phone number and physical address (if applicable). You can also include a contact form or link to a dedicated contact page. Navigation: Include links to your main website pages, especially those that aren't readily accessible from the main menu. This could include your About Us page, Contact page, Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Copyright notice: Display the current year and a copyright notice to protect your website content. Call to action (CTA): Encourage visitors to take a specific action, such as subscribing to your newsletter, signing up for a free trial or following you on social media. Social media icons: Make it easy for visitors to connect with you on social media by displaying icons for the platforms you're active on. Legal information: Include links to your Privacy Policy, Terms of Service and any other legal documents required by your industry or location. Sitemap: Provide a link to your sitemap to help visitors find specific pages easily. Testimonials: Showcase positive feedback from customers or clients to build trust and credibility. Awards and recognition: Highlight any awards or recognition your business has received to demonstrate your expertise and success. Logo: Include your logo in the footer for branding consistency. Best practices for website footer design As you’ll see in the website footer examples below, footers do vary in size. However, most of them are fairly small and only contain the most pertinent information. Anyone who’s designed a mobile website before will tell you that a small piece of real estate doesn’t necessarily mean a simpler design process. Limited space means that you have to carefully consider the importance of each element you’re including, in order to utilize the space in the best way possible. Here are the most important points to consider when designing your website’s footer: Include the essentials There are a few basic bits of information that visitors will expect to see in your website footer. And as it’s repeated on every page of your website, these details will always be within reach for your site visitors, and you’ll only have to deal with it once. Stick to design conventions and include your privacy policy and terms of use. This will also help you appear professional and trustworthy. Other than that, it’s common to add a navigation menu and contact details, such as your business email , phone number, address and social media channels. You can also create a short online form for getting in touch. Last but not least, make sure to add the year and copyright symbol. This will help protect you against anyone trying to plagiarise your website. Provide clear navigation Even if your site visitors have reached the bottom of your page, it doesn’t mean that it’s time for them to leave. On the contrary - whether they’re feeling lost, disinterested or hungry for more, you can encourage them to keep browsing by adding a clear website navigation menu in your footer. List the various sections of your site and link to them, providing visitors with an overall understanding of the content you offer. In addition, adding a search bar will help any frustrated visitors quickly find the info they’re looking for. Express your personality Every piece of content on your website is a chance to reflect your unique personality and brand identity . The same goes for your footer. It should be cohesive with the rest of your web design , to offer a smooth browsing experience. Stick to your brand colors and voice. This is also a great spot to add a touch of quirky microcopy that will grab your visitors’ attention. Whether you’re inviting them to sign up to your blog or check out your social channels, try to reflect your tone and personality in your choice of words. After all, “let’s be friends” or “we’d love to hear from you” can be much more enticing than a simple “subscribe here.” Looking to start a blog? Get started with our blog creator. Make it aesthetic Just because it appears at the very bottom of your website, it doesn’t mean that your footer should be any less appealing than the rest of your site. In fact, it could be the last thing your visitors see. Make sure you’re dedicating just as much thought into its design as you are with the rest of your content. Keep your design clean and simple, so that visitors can easily consume these final, crucial bits of information. Take into account the basic principles of design , considering hierarchy and layout. Decide which information you want to emphasize by relating back to your business goals. Do you want visitors to head to your online store, sign up to your upcoming webinar, or get in touch? Whatever it is, make this element stand out through the use of size, color or whitespace. Need a little more inspo? Check out the latest web design trends and see how website footers are being used. Website footer design FAQ Should a footer be on every page of a website? Including a footer on every page of a website is generally considered good practice for several reasons. These include: Consistency Accessibility Navigation Credibility and trust Legal requirements User expectations and experience How big should a website footer be? A website footer should be large enough to include essential information like contact details, social media links, legal notices and navigation links - yet small enough to avoid overwhelming the user. Typically, a footer height between 50-200 pixels works well, depending on the content.
- Why website gamification is the key to improved site engagement
Welcome to the world of website gamification, where web design transforms ordinary experiences into interactive journeys. Designers have learned, when designing websites , that gamification can boost engagement, foster loyalty and drive conversions. So whether you want to make a big aesthetic impression with your site, increase conversions or encourage repeat visits, gamification can turn casual browsers into enthusiastic participants. Consider this your complete guide to website gamification, including examples, benefits and best practices for making a website . Let the games begin. New to building websites? Learn how to make a website quickly with our guide. What is gamification? Gamification introduces game-like elements to non-gaming settings to positively influence audiences. Most of us have encountered gamification in school, work events and online. In marketing strategies , gamification became a go-to tactic in the ‘90’s, when big brands incorporated gaming mechanics into their advertising strategies. McDonald’s, for example, introduced their now-famous version of Monopoly. Pepsi introduced a similar type of loyalty program to its customers called Pepsi Stuff. The campaign increased sales by giving consumers the chance to collect points with each bottle of Pepsi, which could be redeemed for prizes in the “Pepsi Stuff Catalog.” Today, gamification continues to influence marketing as a powerful tool for building customer loyalty and retention. But the concept takes on new digital forms. Interactive social posts on social media have become prevalent among businesses and influencers to boost engagement and create memorable experiences. In digital design , gamification aims to improve user experiences, as seen for example in the growing gamification of fitness apps . Safe to say, website gamification has become an ongoing web design trend . The benefits of gamification in web design today Incorporating gamified elements into website design offers many advantages to enhance user experience, engagement and brand loyalty. By adding a playful and interactive dimension to websites, gamification makes them more enjoyable and captivating for visitors. Functionally, gamified elements serve various purposes, such as drawing attention to information or helping visitors complete actions. Gamification can also be pure fun, with many brands leveraging it to transcend the boundaries of mere functionality to create memorable experiences for their customers. With elements that stimulate users' natural desire for play, competition and reward, gamification plays a significant role in driving engagement and can directly influence a website’s success. It can foster customer loyalty, increase conversion rates and enhance brand identity by amplifying the way a user interacts with your website design. 7 website gamification examples 01. Rap Syndrome This Wix Studio Rap Syndrome website is a prime example of gamification in web design. Exploring hip-hop culture through web design, the site puts visitors into the role of creator, enabling them to make music with different categories of sound samples. The site's straightforward and intuitive interface enables users to collaborate and add layers of visuals and sound effects to create a dynamic and engaging experience. Beyond its entertainment value, the designers aimed to showcase the capabilities of Wix Studio website development and demonstrate the versatility and potential of its CMS and other tools. 02. Mouse Parallax Goes to Wonderland Wix’s WOW team is made up of visual innovators who specialize in cutting-edge no-code features for the Wix Editor and Wix Studio products. The team’s showroom site, Mouse Parallax Goes to Wonderland was created as a way to showcase their abilities and celebrate their latest no-code design feature: Mouse Effects. These effects put the user in control of interactions for a game-like element that embraces scrollytelling . The site was awarded "Site of the Day" by Awwwards . 03. Pacman Play Bringing 1980s Pacman to life using 2020s technology, this Pacman Play website revitalizes the classic game. Powered by Wix Studio and Velo, the site features a multiplayer game with live updates, ticket tracking, chat functions and alerts. You’ll want to share this one with a few colleagues and see for yourself. 04. Ikea Coworker In June 2024, IKEA launched its interactive game, " The Co-Worker, " to provide visitors with a captivating experience simulating work at their stores. This virtual online store aimed to attract a new generation of workers and showcase IKEA's innovative approach to career paths. Here, players immerse themselves in a digital IKEA work environment, creating characters and utilizing their skills in the showroom or renowned Swedish Bistro, with the potential for career advancement. 05. Gucci Gucci is an unexpected winner in the world of website gamification. Whether it's their immersive landing pages that serve as captivating showcases for new products—like Gucci Mascara , Gucci Flora, or their ongoing Gucci Vault project—these sites offer visitors a captivating journey through the famous fashion house’s years of visual and cultural inspiration. Through rich interactive gaming elements that draw inspiration from unexpected influences, these sites not only captivate with stunning visuals and game-like interactions, but also maintain the premium essence of Gucci as a fashion powerhouse. 06. Enigma Enigma , an annual coding challenge, invites global contestants between 11 and 18 years old to showcase their digital skills. To attract young participants and communicate the organization’s vision, the site incorporates gaming qualities that pay homage to the early days of gaming. With tech fonts, neon colors paired with a black and white color scheme, and a wealth of pixelated animations—browsing this site feels like jumping behind the scenes of a ‘90s Nintendo game. 07. Bastien Gervasoni Bastien Gervasoni , a renowned music producer and DJ, crafts captivating music for videos and performs vibrant DJ sets in extraordinary locations. His website features a playful tone, achieved through the integration of interactive elements, while maintaining a balance with sophisticated design and user-friendly functionality. Reminiscent of a video game experience, this site both showcases his beats and actively engages the user. Best practices for gamifying a website Whether it's for your own online portfolio or a project for one of your clients, keep these tips in mind when gamifying your next website. 01. Use the right tools For every idea, there are practical tools that bring it to fruition. If you want to design a website with gamified elements, you can either use low-code no-code website builders like Wix or Wix Studio, or rely on coding if you're comfortable and experienced with it. “You don’t need to use code and sophisticated elements to make a website more gamey—this is the beautiful thing about a software like Wix Studio,” says Miriam Binyamines, Wix’s technical designer who designed the Rap Syndrome website above. “One of the biggest advantages of using Wix’s CMS is that it's dynamic and easy to use. And you can add out-of-the box features to make interactive experiences.” On designing the Rap Syndrome site: “We realized code was the best way to do this website, so we used Velo alongside Wix Studio CMS to upload the images,” she says. “Now, we can always change it or add things.” Here’s an overview of approaches and tools commonly used to gamify websites today: Low-code no-code: These tools allow you to add gamified elements without needing to write code, making them ideal for beginners or those focused on design. These include drag-and-drop website builders like Wix or Wix Studio, gamification platforms and plugins. Code : If you have some coding knowledge, using code can give you more control and customization options for building gamified websites. JavaScript is the dominant coding language for adding gamified elements, powering dynamic features like points tracking, leaderboards and real-time interactions. Alongside this, HTML and CSS are helpful for styling the site. Content management systems: CMSs are designed to make building and managing websites easier, often without needing to write code. The primary reason to use a CMS is to make the web design and site maintenance processes easier and more efficient. Many web designers use a hybrid approach, leveraging the easy functionality of a CMS while using code to modify their design to enhance the website. (Related: What is a CMS in web design? ) Analytics and tracking tools: Tools like Google Analytics or Wix Analytics help you track user progress, set up goals and monitor engagement metrics with your gamified site. 02. Gain an understanding of game mechanics and how to apply them Gamification needs to be valuable to both the website owner and the website user. To start, it can only be effective when you have an understanding of the basics of gaming mechanics. For example, concepts like rewards, progress tracking, challenges, feedback, interactive elements and customization options. “If a designer really wants to give a world of gaming experience, they should try to push the boundaries of functionality,” says Yarin Ben Hamo, web designer at Wix. “Sometimes, it’s more about interaction rather than the functional transaction.” He’s right. One of the benefits of gaming is the aspect of pure fun, which gives us the ability to design outside of the box. “It doesn’t have to be an entire website but designers and brands can think about gaming elements to provide a fun interaction. It’s about putting the user in control,” he adds. Once you’ve grasped the foundations, consider how gamification can help your website achieve its goals by forging a connection between the site and the visitor. Define what you want users to do (e.g. engage with content, share your website, make a purchase, participate in a challenge) and how you can use gamification to guide them. Always keep in mind that different users have unique engagement preferences, so you’ll want to understand your target audience before you decide what are the actual elements that can engage them. 03. Use game-like elements that serve your clients As you can see from the examples above, there’s flexibility when it comes to website gamification. You can go into full-on gaming mode, transforming a website into a completely immersive game experience. But you can also incorporate gaming mechanics into websites with more classic functionality. Do this with… Animations and interactions: Use animation and interaction options to make buttons, images and text interactive. For example, you can add hover effects, trigger animations when a user completes a specific action, or celebrate achievements with visual effects. You can also give the user more control of the website design, using effects like Mouse Parallax to create an immediate interaction between the visitors and the website. Dynamic pages : Create personalized experiences by using dynamic pages that show user-specific content based on their actions or progress on your website. Gamified apps: Many third party apps offer gamified functionality. For example, interactive quiz apps like Quizel l, and spin the wheel apps such Spin to Win engage users with challenges and rewards. Pop ups for feedback: Use internal pop up features or an app like Popup Games to notify users when they complete a task, earn points or unlock a reward. Progress bar: A progress bar can be used to visually show users how close they are to completing a task. For example, a sleek, dynamic bar that changes color as users advance. Add music: Whether background tunes or sounds triggered upon specific actions, music can take your website to a new and more interactive space. “Music is a gamifying aspect because it's not a typical website experience,” Ben Hamo says. Visual design elements: Consider using avatars, badges, playful color schemes and pixelated fonts to convey a playful atmosphere without complex gamification. 04. Balance fun with a good user experience Every web designer needs to prioritize user experience. While the point of gamification is often to push beyond the boundaries of foundational website functionality, it should still serve a purpose. Paying attention to user experience is important for keeping audiences engaged and motivated, ensuring your gamified elements enhance the user experience and create a seamless user journey, rather than a distracting one. Good UX ensures that gamified elements, like challenges and rewards, are intuitive and don’t overwhelm users. It balances fun with functionality, making navigation easy while providing satisfying feedback through progress indicators and rewards. A strong focus on UX prevents user frustration, encouraging accessibility and quality website performance to support goals such as driving conversions, positive engagement, repeat visits and gaining new visitors through word-of-mouth. That being said, gamifying a website is an opportunity to dive in, break the boundaries and have fun. “It's not something you do everyday, and you can surprise yourself when you see the results,” says Ben Hamo. “Designers love boundaries—we get a brief and we like to stick to it—but gamification pushes the boundaries of website design to give the user an unusual experience.” Sign up for Wix Studio and start designing more engaging sites today.
- I want to buy a domain, where do I start?
If you're building a website , buying a domain name is a must. So where do you go if you want to buy a domain name and how do you go about doing it? I want to buy a domain, what first? 01. Choose a domain registrar Choosing a domain registrar should be your first step in buying a domain. To choose the right domain registrar you need to consider its reputation, pricing and any included features. Learn more: What is a domain registrar (and why do you need one) You must select a well-established, ICANN-accredited domain registrar like Wix. Compare prices not just for the initial domain registration but also for renewals and domain transfers. Look also for value-added services such as WHOIS lookup , privacy protection (free with Wix) DNS management and email forwarding. Learn more: Best domain name registrars You'll want to make sure your registrar offers an intuitive dashboard for managing domains and supports your desired top-level domain TLD , like .com,.org and .net. Depending on your type of brand and business you might also want to check your registrar offers a variety of TLD's. Not sure if you've got the right domain registrar? You can read online reviews to assess how good their customer support it. Make sure to check for hidden fees, especially around renewals. If you’re planning to bundle with hosting or email, choose a registrar that offers reliable integration with these services — with Wix, for example, web hosting comes with every website you create. Learn more: Does Wix have email too? 02. Choose your available domain name Want to know how to buy a domain name ? You'll first want to choose the right one for your business. A few basic tips for doing this: Your name should be simple and memorable Make sure it can reflect your brand long term It should be short, where possible Remember to avoid cultural sensitivities When choosing a domain, prioritize one that aligns with your brand and is easy for customers to remember. A domain should reflect your business and make it simple for people to find you online. Einat Shafir, product manager at Wix You can also learn more in our guide to how to choose a domain name . It's crucial that you check your domain name's availability. For this you'll need a domain name search tool. 03. Register your domain name Once you find an available domain with your chosen domain registrar, add it to your cart. During the checkout process, you’ll be prompted to enter your contact information, which is needed for WHOIS registration. Learn more: How to register a domain name Choose your registration term, the standard is usually one year, though multi-year options are available and you should consider turning on auto-renewal to avoid accidental expiration of your domain. Submit your payment securely and confirm your registration. If you have a paid Wix account, your domain name will be free and there's no payment necessary. After purchasing, you’ll receive an email confirmation and you may need to verify your contact email. Once verified, the domain is yours and can be connected to your website or reserved for future use. If you build a website with Wix connection to your website is automatic once your domain name is registered. How do I buy a domain name from Wix? To buy a domain name from Wix, follow these steps: Go to Domains in your Wix account, or start here Click on 'Get a New Domain' Enter your chosen domain name and extension in the search field, then click 'Search' If the domain is available, confirm you want it Select your registration period (1-3 years) Enter your contact information If necessary, choose your privacy and security options Select your payment method and submit your purchase. If you have a paid Wix account, your domain name will be free.
- How to register a domain name for your website
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain → What’s in a name? For some businesses, everything. What if your domain name could bring you more traffic, build trust with visitors and increase your visibility—all before you even launch your website? A strong domain name does more than point people to your homepage. It shapes first impressions, reinforces your brand and can even become a long-term asset as your business grows. Paired with a reliable website builder , registering the right domain name is one of the most important steps in establishing your website. With domain registrations climbing by 6.1 million this year alone , it’s clear that more people and businesses recognize the value of claiming their spot online. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to register a domain name, so you can set yourself up for success from the very start. Whether you’re learning how to make a website from scratch or using an AI website builder to speed things up, it all starts with choosing and registering the right domain name. Ready to get a website domain name ? Get started with Wix today. What is a domain name? What is a domain name , exactly? This term describes the address that you type into a browser to arrive at a website. It is essentially a website’s home, so every domain is unique. An example is www.wix.com. Domain names were created so people could more easily access a website’s Internet Protocol (IP ), a string of numbers representing individual websites. Every URL has an IP address, and unless you are a computer, a domain is much simpler to remember than a string of numbers. For example, take the IP address 185.230.63.164 : to most, this is just a complicated string of numbers. Its domain name, wix.com , is not only easy to remember, but it also conveys a distinct brand that numbers cannot. How to register a domain name in 6 steps Select a domain registrar Choose the best domain name Check the availability of your domain name Select your domain extension Enter your details Purchase your domain 01. Select a domain registrar Before you can start choosing a domain name, you need to first know where to buy a domain name . A domain registrar is a company that reserves and manages domain names. While the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) manages all domains worldwide, a registrar deals with ICANN on your behalf. When choosing among the best domain registrars , keep in mind: Customer support: Check if the registrar offers 24/7 support, accessible via phone, live chat or email. Reliable customer support can be crucial if you encounter technical issues or need help managing your domain. Range of domain extensions: Consider the variety of domain extensions (TLDs) available, especially if you're interested in less common or niche extensions, such as .tech, .ai or country-specific domains. Additional offerings: Look for value-added services such as web hosting, email hosting, SSL certificates and website builders, which can simplify managing your online presence in one. Reputation: Research the registrar’s reputation by reading customer reviews and checking industry ratings. A trustworthy registrar with a good track record is less likely to experience outages or take unexpected actions like domain locking or price hikes. Security: Consider the infrastructure the registrar has in place to ensure your domain is secure. Attacks specifically targeting domains include domain hijacking, DNS spoofing , DDoS attacks , typosquatting, domain squatting and malware distribution, so make sure you understand how to secure your domain. Privacy: Look for a registrar that offers domain privacy protection to keep your personal information safe from public Whois searches. With Wix you can opt for domain privacy for no extra fee, when you register your domain. ICANN accreditation: Choose a registrar accredited by ICANN to ensure they follow industry standards and operate legitimately. Renewal fees: Pay attention to the renewal costs of your domain. While initial prices are often low, you’ll need to renew periodically, so understanding ongoing fees is important to avoid surprises. Tip: Wix.com is a registrar and also a web-hosting service (web hosting is a type of internet hosting service ), meaning you can not only purchase a unique domain, but also create your site on the same platform. With the purchase of a premium plan , you get a voucher for a free domain name for a year. Wix also applies SSL and TLS protocols to all of its sites. Learn more: Domain lifecycle , What is a domain registrar? 02. Choose the best domain name You must consider many factors when choosing a domain name for your site. First, select a name that reflects your brand’s tone and messaging. Stick to a name that is short and catchy, so that people can easily remember it, such as nbc.com. To improve your SEO efforts, you can incorporate an associated keyword into your brand’s domain name, too. When selecting a domain name, it’s important to follow these basic rules to ensure it’s functional, professional and compliant with domain standards: No spaces : Keep your domain as one continuous string of characters. Stick to letters, numbers and hyphens : Special characters like @ or % aren’t allowed. Use hyphens wisely : Avoid placing them at the beginning or end and don’t use multiple hyphens in a row. Stay within the character limit : Each section of your domain can be 3–63 characters with a total length of up to 253 characters. Case doesn’t matter : Your domain works the same in uppercase or lowercase. Beyond the rules, there are best practices to make your domain name stand out: Keep it short and simple : Choose a name under 20 characters so it’s easy to remember and type. The average length of the top 250 most popular websites is just 6.4 characters . Align it with your brand : Your domain should reflect your business name or purpose to strengthen your identity. Avoid tricky combinations : Watch how words flow together to prevent accidental or confusing meanings. Stick to standard spellings : Creative spellings can be fun but might make it harder for people to find you. Try not to overcomplicate things either, as Lindsay Sutula, founder and CEO of Top Fox Marketing , says as she prioritized three key factors: simplicity, memorability and alignment with their brand identity. According to Lindsay: "I wanted a name that was easy to spell and remember, especially in an age where a strong online presence is critical. The domain had to resonate with our audience and reflect the essence of what we do-helping businesses navigate the complexities of digital marketing with clarity and strategy." Tip : Try using a website name generator to brainstorm ideas to include in your domain name. Also, consider these tips for future-proofing your domain or the best .com alternatives (according to other business owners). 03. Check the availability of your domain name Existing companies may already own your preferred domain names which is why it's important to check for availability. Try out an unlimited number of options for free on a domain name search platform. If your desired name is unavailable, the tool will come up with additional ideas. You can also play around with alternatives with a domain name generator until you find the perfect one. Once you've chosen your name and completed the process of registering it, your details including your name, email and phone number, will be submitted to the WHOIS database. This is a global resource which is publicly accessible and can be queried through the WHOIS protocol (this just means sending a request to the WHOIS server to deliver all of the stored information for a specific domain name) or through an online tool which can send the query. This information can be useful when pursuing intellectual property rights, and cybersecurity threats arising from domain name abuse or hacking. In order to run a WHOIS search, simply use Wix's Whois Lookup tool. You can block access to your information being public accessible via the WHOIS privacy protocol. This involves paying an extra fee to replace your contact information as the domain owner with a third party service. This service will then handle any messages or requests made to you via WHOIS. However this is generally not recommended for public service websites or businesses required to provide contact information. 04. Select your domain extension Also known as top-level domains (TLD), domain extensions quickly identify certain website elements such as purpose, owner or geographic location. There are five official types of TLDs, with generic top-level domains (gTLD) accounting for the majority of the 366 million registered domains worldwide. The most popular gTLD choices are .org, .com and .net , making them the easiest to recall. Other specific and significant domain types besides the classic .com , .co , or .net are some of the most popular domain extensions. Other options include .edu and .gov. Country domain extensions, also often known as country code top level domains (ccTLDs), are a popular choice as well, such as . co.uk (United Kingdom) or .de (Germany). You can check out ICANN’s complete list of domain extensions here , or check out these domain extensions: .co .biz .store .me .blog .digital .info .xyz .tv .company .tech .net .world .yoga .studio .ninja .nl (Netherlands) .mx (Mexico) .ch (Switzerland) .ca (Canada) .be (Belgium) .fr (France) . co.uk (UK) . com.br (Brazil) .in (India) .guru .party .fun .gifts .group .wiki .tv .directory .expert .fit .life .live .design .today .london .top .shop .email .coach Generally the name you place before your extension, is referred to as the second level domain. So for example, in www.wix.com the second-level domain is "wix." Our domain name "wix.com" is registered with the ".com" top-level domain extension, which is managed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and is one of the most commonly used top-level domain extensions for commercial websites. If your domain name is already taken, try it out with a different extension—you may find an available option. However, keep in mind that an extension like .org is better used for nonprofit organizations, while .com usually represents for-profit companies. Learn more with our guide to domain extensions , what .com is and what .net is . Domain extension Typical use Starting price for 1 year Availability .com Commercial businesses, personal brands $19.35 Highly popular, often limited .org Nonprofits, charities, open communities $14.95 Moderately available .net Tech companies, networking services $14.95 More available than .com .co Startups, entrepreneurs, modern brands $30.95 Good availability .co.uk UK-based businesses or audiences $14.95 Widely used in the UK .de Germany-based businesses or audiences $14.95 Widely used in Germany .shop eCommerce stores, retail businesses $45.95 Generally good availability .online General online presence, portfolios, blogs $36.00 Generally good availability .biz Businesses and commercial use $15.95 Alternative to .com for businesses .info Informational sites, resources $16.95 Good for informational content .tech Technology startups, projects $40.00 Trending with tech-focused businesses The information presented in this table is true as of May 18th, 2025 unless mentioned otherwise. 05. Enter your details Once you’ve selected a domain name for your site, claim it before someone else does. Start by entering accurate contact details—your name, address, email and phone number. This information is essential for managing your domain and staying compliant with ICANN regulations. Double-check everything to avoid issues with renewals or updates later. Next, add your billing details to complete the registration. Make sure your payment info is current to avoid any delays. Many registrars offer an auto-renewal option, which is a great way to ensure your domain stays active without interruptions. With your details submitted, you’re ready to finalize your purchase and officially own your domain. 06. Purchase your domain Here’s how to register a domain name with Wix: Head over to the domain registrar. Type in your preferred domain name and click Search . If your name is available, click Get It to proceed. If not, browse the additional ideas or type another option into the search bar. Once you’ve found a domain name that suits your site’s needs, click Get It . Next, decide whether you’d like to register for one, two or three years. The longer your registration period, the more money you save each year. Once you’ve chosen, click Continue and continue to checkout. Connect the domain name to your site and share it with your desired audience, be it friends and family or an internet niche. Learn more about smart domain name management strategies to keep your online presence strong. Types of domains Top-level domains (TLDs) are the highest level of the Domain Name System (DNS) hierarchy, and they are the last part of a domain name. TLDs are divided into two categories: generic top-level domains (gTLDs) and country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs). Generic top-level domains (gTLDs) gTLDs are non-geographic TLDs that are intended for general use. There are currently over 1,500 gTLDs, including some of the most common TLDs, such as .com, .net and .org. Here are some of the most common gTLDs: .com: Commercial organizations .net: Network organizations .org: Non-profit organizations .edu: Educational institutions .gov: Government agencies .mil: Military organizations .info: Informational websites .biz: Businesses .name: Personal websites Country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) ccTLDs are geographic TLDs that are intended for use by countries or territories. There are currently over 300 ccTLDs, including .uk for the United Kingdom, .ca for Canada and .au for Australia. Here are some of the most common ccTLDs: .uk: United Kingdom .ca: Canada .au: Australia .us: United States .de: Germany .fr: France .jp: Japan .cn: China .in: India In addition to gTLDs and ccTLDs, there are also a few other types of TLDs, such as internationalized top-level domains (IDN TLDs) and test TLDs. IDN TLDs IDN TLDs are TLDs that can be registered in non-Latin scripts, such as Arabic, Chinese or Cyrillic. IDN TLDs were created to make the internet more accessible to people who do not speak Latin script languages. Test TLDs Test TLDs are used for testing new TLDs before they are released to the public. Test TLDs are not intended for general use. How to buy a domain name Free domain name registration Here are a couple of ways to get a free domain name: Register a free subdomain . A subdomain is a prefix on a domain name that connects independently functioning sites. Certain hosting platforms and site builders offer users a fully-functioning website for free with a customized subdomain. For example, when you learn how to make a website with Wix, you can publish it for free under the following URL structure: username.wixsite.com/siteaddress. Take advantage of free web hosting . Several hosting sites offer free customized domain registration with purchase, giving you a professional online presence without the cost. How much does a domain cost? While you can get a domain for free, you may want to purchase one instead. A free domain will contain a designated prefix of the registrar, which is best if you’re establishing an online presence or only temporarily need a website. If you want your website to professionally stand out and grow with your brand, however, then invest in a domain name. With Wix, the cost of a domain name depends on several factors, including: The plan you purchase Domain extension Local currency Local VAT laws However, all Wix premium plans come with a domain for one year, which otherwise cost between $14 and $39 a month. After a year, you can renew your domain for pricing plans anywhere between $13.95 and $15.95 a year. You can read more about domain name costs in detail, to understand what’s right for you and your business. In general, some other factors to consider that can impact the cost of a domain include auto-renew costs, privacy and protection costs and transferring domains. For example, you can also purchase a domain that already exists from another person or business. This is why having a desirable domain name can be good for your bottom line—if you ever want to sell it, you can make significant money. For example, in 2010, CarInsurance.com was sold for $49.7 million as one of the ten most expensive domain names in the world . Domain name and email hosting Registering a domain name and email hosting are two separate services, but they are often offered together by domain name registrars and web hosting providers. Email hosting involves setting up email accounts and an email address that are associated with your domain name, such as info@yourdomain.com or support@yourdomain.com. It may also offer other features and services such as webmail access, spam filtering, virus protection and email forwarding. Many domain name registrars and web hosting providers offer bundled services that include domain name registration and email hosting, which can simplify the process. With a website builder like Wix you can easily connect your domain and business email for a professional business website and streamlined brand building experience. Learn more: Does Wix have email for my business? How to register a domain name FAQ Can I register a domain name for free? Some domain services provide free domain name registration. However you'll then have limited control over ownership of the name, and you may have to accept advertising and other conditions in exchange for a free name. How much does domain name registration cost? It varies between providers. Wix premium plans come with a domain for one year, which otherwise cost between $14 and $39 a month. After a year, you can renew your domain for pricing plans anywhere between $13.95 and $15.95 a year. How to register my domain name? Choose a domain registrar, the purchase and pricing plan you want, then choose your name. Can I register and own a domain name for forever? Generally, no. Registering a domain name does't constitute ownership of that name, it generally means you're renting it for an agreed period and it will need renewing every set number of years, according to the contract between you and your domain registrar or website builder. How to register a domain name for free? With Wix you can register a domain name for free with a paid plan, or use another free domain registrar. How to register a domain name online? To register a domain name online, you'll need to use an online domain registrar, like Wix and then follow the steps provided for registration. Can I permanently buy a domain name? No, it's not possible to permanently buy and own a domain name. They work on a leasing arrangement. They longest they can be registered for at a time is ten years and most are renewable every 1-2 years. ICANN sets the ten year limit to prevent individuals or businesses buying and hoarding domain names. It's common to ask can I buy a domain name permanently? We explain why that isn't an option and how to use a domain long term. How long do you own a domain name for? No one ever owns a domain name. They can be registered, aka leased. The maximum they can be leased for at one time is ten years. What makes a domain name valid? To be valid a domain name must meet naming protocols and be unregistered. For example, it can contain letters (English) and numbers but not special characters. It should include a recognized domain extension. Should I register my domain with an eCommerce hosting solution? If you’re planning to start an online store, consider registering your domain with an eCommerce hosting solution . This can streamline the setup process, ensuring compatibility with tools like inventory management and payment processing, while also offering a unified solution for your business. What's the easiest way to register a domain? The easiest way to register a domain, is to do it while you're building your website. If you're creating a site with a website builder you can do a domain name search, pick your name and domain extension and register it in minutes.