Welcome to the Beginner’s Guide to Wix Design
Are you planning to creating your website on Wix but don’t know where to start, don’t worry you’re not alone! Whether you want a professional website, an online store, or a blog, Wix makes the process simple, even for beginners. This blog will guide you through the entire process, from selecting a template to customizing your site and optimizing it for success. Let’s jump in and make website building easy and fun for everyone!
1. Beginner’s guide to Wix design: Why choose Wix?
Wix is one of the most popular website-building platforms, especially for beginners. Here’s why:
- Ease of use: Wix’s drag-and-drop editor allows you to move elements like text, images, and buttons anywhere on the page. You don’t need coding knowledge to design a website.
- Flexible templates: With over 800 designer-made templates, Wix has something for everyone, from artists to businesses.
- Affordable plans: Wix offers free options and affordable paid plans, making it accessible for everyone.
- All-in-One solution: You get hosting, SEO tools, e-commerce capabilities, and more—all in one platform.
Example:
If you’re a local bakery looking to showcase your menu and let customers order online, Wix’s "Restaurant" template has everything you need. Simply customize the images and text to suit your brand.
Version Info:
Wix launched in 2006, but its powerful drag-and-drop editor debuted in 2008, revolutionizing website building.
2. Customizing Wix templates: Selecting the right one for your needs
Choosing the right template is the first step toward creating a stunning website. Wix offers templates for:
- Online stores
- Personal blogs
- Portfolios
- Business websites
Tips for selecting templates:
- Consider your goals: Think about what you want to achieve with your website. For example, an online store template works best if you’re selling products.
- Preview first: Always preview the template to see how it looks on desktop and mobile.
- Look for simplicity: Avoid overly complex designs; clean templates load faster and are easier to navigate.
Example:
A wedding photographer might choose the “Photography Portfolio” template. You can easily swap the sample images for your own.
3. How to design a Wix website: Step-by-Step guide
Once you’ve picked your template, it’s time to customize it. Follow these steps to design your site:
Step 1: Create an account
- Sign up on Wix.com and choose a plan that suits your needs.
Step 2: Edit your template
- Use the drag-and-drop editor to change text, images, and layouts.
- Use the "Add" button to include new elements like buttons, videos, and galleries.
Step 3: Add your branding
- Upload your logo and use your brand colors.
- Choose fonts that match your brand’s personality.
Step 4: Optimize for Mobile
- Use Wix’s mobile editor to ensure your site looks great on phones.
Step 5: Publish
- Click "Publish" to make your website live. Don’t forget to share the link with friends!
Example:
If you’re creating a personal blog, replace the placeholder text with your own stories and add an "About Me" section.
Code Example:
To embed custom HTML (e.g., for a booking widget), use the following steps:
- Click Add > Embed > HTML iframe.
- Paste the code snippet provided by the external tool. For example:
<iframe src="https://bookingwidget.com" width="100%" height="400" frameborder="0"></iframe>
- Resize the widget as needed using the drag handles.
4. Customizing Wix templates: Making your website unique
Advanced customization options:
- Animations: Add animations to make text and images fade in or slide onto the page.
- Custom fonts: Upload your own fonts if Wix’s library doesn’t have what you need.
- Color schemes: Use Wix’s color picker to match your brand colors.
Example:
For a fashion website, you can add a parallax scrolling effect to your homepage banner for a modern touch.
Version Info:
Wix introduced advanced customization features like animations in 2015, giving users more creative control.
5. Wix Website design and development tips for better user experience
A good design isn’t just about looks—it’s also about functionality. Here are some tips:
- Keep it simple: Avoid clutter; less is more.
- Focus on navigation: Use clear menus and links.
- Optimize for speed: Resize images to ensure fast loading times.
- Add Call-to-Actions (CTAs): Buttons like "Contact Us" or "Buy Now" guide users toward actions.
6. How to design a Wix website for SEO
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your site rank higher on Google. Wix provides built-in tools like:
- SEO wiz: A step-by-step guide for optimizing your site.
- Meta tags: Add keywords to your page titles and descriptions.
- Alt text: Describe images for better accessibility and SEO.
Example:
If you’re a yoga instructor in Mumbai, include keywords like "Yoga classes in Mumbai" in your text and meta descriptions.
Code Example:
To add meta tags in Wix:
- Open your page settings.
- Add a title like:
<title>Yoga Classes in Mumbai | Best Yoga Studio</title>
- Write a description:
<meta name="description" content="Join the best yoga classes in Mumbai and improve your health today!">
- Save and publish.
Version Info:
Wix SEO Wiz launched in 2016, simplifying SEO for beginners.
7. Customizing Wix templates for E-Commerce
Want to sell products online? Wix’s e-commerce tools make it easy:
- Product pages: Add images, descriptions, and prices.
- Payment integration: Accept payments via PayPal, credit cards, or UPI.
- Coupons: Offer discounts to attract customers.
Example:
A small jewelry business can create product categories like “Rings” and “Necklaces” to make shopping easier.
Version Info:
Wix eCommerce features were enhanced in 2017 with support for more payment gateways.
8. Beginner’s guide to Wix design for blogging
Wix isn’t just for businesses—it’s great for bloggers too! Features include:
- Categories and Tags: Organize your posts for easy navigation.
- Social Sharing: Let readers share posts on Facebook or Instagram.
- RSS Feeds: Allow users to subscribe to your blog.
Code Example:
To embed a social sharing widget, add the following code in the HTML iframe section:
<div class="social-share">
<a href="https://facebook.com/sharer.php?u=YOUR_URL" target="_blank">Share on Facebook</a>
<a href="https://twitter.com/share?url=YOUR_URL" target="_blank">Share on Twitter</a>
</div>
9. Wix Website tips for growing your audience
Once your website is live, focus on promotion:
- Social Media Integration: Add Instagram and Facebook feeds to your site.
- Email Marketing: Use Wix Email Marketing to send newsletters.
- Google Analytics: Track your traffic and adjust your strategy.
Version Info:
Wix added seamless Google Analytics integration in 2018, helping users measure success.
Conclusion: From Zero to Hero in Wix Design and Development
Congratulations, you now know how to design a Wix website from scratch! With these tips, you can create a professional site that not only looks great but also attracts visitors. Remember, practice makes perfect. Start small, experiment with features, and watch your website grow.