In today's digital age, having an appealing and functional website is crucial for large and small businesses and individuals alike. Wix is a popular website builder that empowers users to create stunning websites without requiring extensive coding knowledge. Whether you're a small business owner, freelancer, or someone looking to establish their online presence, this article will guide you through the process of harnessing the power of Wix to create a website that truly stands out.
I. Getting Started with Wix
A. Sign up and choose a template
Create a Wix account and explore the various templates available.
Consider the type of website you want to build and select a template that aligns with your goals.
B. Customising your website
Familiarise yourself with the Wix Editor and its interface.
Modify the template by changing colours, fonts, and layouts.
Upload your own images and media files to personalise the website.
II. Building a Functional Website
A. Adding and organising pages
Home Page: Create a compelling and engaging home page that provides an overview of your website's purpose, highlighting key features or services. Include a visually appealing design and concise introductory content.
About Page: Introduce your business, organisation, or yourself on the About page. Share relevant information such as your background, mission, values, and any unique selling points. Use this page to build trust and credibility with your audience.
Services Page: Detail the specific services or products you offer on this page. Provide clear descriptions, pricing information, and any additional details that can help visitors understand what you provide. Use engaging visuals and testimonials to showcase your expertise.
Contact Page: Create a dedicated Contact page where visitors can find your contact information and reach out to you easily. Include a contact form, your email address, phone number, and social media links if applicable. Make it convenient for users to get in touch with you.
Navigation Menu: Organise your pages in a logical hierarchy and create a clear navigation menu. Typically, the menu should be placed at the top of the website or in a prominent location. Include links to each of the essential pages mentioned above, ensuring easy access and smooth navigation.
Footer: Utilise the footer section to include additional navigation internal links, such as terms of service, privacy policy, FAQs, or any other relevant pages. This helps users quickly find important information and enhances website usability.
B. Utilising Wix Apps
Contact Forms: Install apps like Wix Forms, Wix Get Subscribers, or Wix Engage Visitors to create and customise contact forms for your website. These apps offer various form templates, validation options, and customisation features.
E-commerce Capabilities: Enhance your website with e-commerce functionality using apps like Wix Stores, Ecwid, or Shopify. These apps enable you to set up online stores, manage product listings, handle payments, and track orders effectively.
Blog Integration: If you wish to integrate a blog into your website, consider installing apps such as Wix Blog, WordPress Blog, or Medium. These apps offer blogging features like post creation, categories, tags, comments, and social sharing options.
Social Media Integration: Increase your social media presence by integrating apps like Wix Social Media Stream, Instagram Feed, or Facebook Like Box. These apps allow you to display your social media content directly on your website, boosting engagement.
SEO Optimisation: To improve your website's search engine visibility, consider apps like Wix SEO Wiz, Site Booster, or Google Analytics. These apps provide tools for optimising your website's SEO settings, generating sitemaps, and tracking visitor analytics.
Booking and Scheduling: If you offer services or appointments, explore apps like Wix Bookings, Wix Events, or SimplyBook.me. These apps allow clients to book appointments, manage schedules, and receive notifications, simplifying your booking process.
When selecting apps, consider factors such as user reviews, compatibility with your website design, and the specific features and functionality you require. Be mindful of the app's impact on website performance and ensure it aligns with your overall website goals.
C. Creating interactive elements
Incorporate interactive elements like image galleries, slideshows, and video backgrounds.
Implement animations and hover effects to enhance user experience.
III. Optimising for Search Engines
A. Setting up SEO
Optimise page titles, meta descriptions, and URLs for each page.
Use relevant keywords throughout your website content to improve search engine visibility.
B. Mobile optimisation
Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and responsive across different devices.
Utilise Wix's mobile editor to customise the mobile version of your site.
C. Connecting to Google Analytics and Google search Console
Integrate Google Analytics with your Wix website to track visitor data.
Gain insights into user behavior, traffic sources, and other valuable metrics.
Google search console, provides data on the search queries that drive organic traffic to your website.
IV. Enhancing User Experience
A. Website speed and performance
Optimise image sizes and file formats to reduce load times and increase websites loading speed.
Minimise the use of heavy animations and scripts that could slow down your site.
B. Creating engaging content
Craft compelling copy that resonates with your target audience.
Utilise visually appealing elements, such as infographics and interactive charts.
C. Implementing contact forms and CTAs
Include clear contact forms to encourage user inquiries.
Strategically place call-to-action buttons to guide visitors toward desired actions.
V. Launching and Promoting Your Website
A. Domain and hosting options
Choose a domain name that reflects your brand and is easy to remember.
Explore Wix's hosting options to ensure your website is accessible to visitors.
B. Implementing an SEO strategy
Regularly update your website with fresh content, utilising short and long tailed keywords relevant to your industry.
Engage in link-building activities to improve your website's search engine rankings.
Conclusion
With Wix, creating a stunning and functional website has never been easier. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can leverage the power of Wix to design an impressive online presence that captivates your audience. Remember to continuously update and optimise your website to stay ahead in the digital landscape. Unleash the power of Wix and unlock endless possibilities for your online success. If you would like to learn advanced SEO strategies on how to optimise the pages on your Wix website and blog, check out our Wix SEO Course and take your knowledge to a whole new level.